Pages

Monday, October 20, 2014

Another Setback

I have a moment here to get in an update on Natalie. This morning, she started going into respiratory failure yet again. Her sats dipped low and she couldn't recover. That led to the doctor putting her on the high frequency ventilator. A regular ventilator mimics the normal action of the lungs with the in and out movement of breath. The high frequency ventilator uses small puffs of air to keep her airways open at all times. The hope is that this will help to heal the airways by creating less pressure on the parts that need to heal. I'm not sure if that makes any sense, because at this point, nothing is making sense to me.
Daddy napping next to Natalie and her high frequency ventilator
Right after being placed on the new ventilator, she had a little spell and acted like she didn't like it. Since then, she's maintained pretty good sats, and she's slowly trending down on her oxygen. I say this with caution, because every time we think she's doing really well, she goes back to the respiratory failure. 

Resting peacefully on the new ventilator
The terrifying thing right now is that we're quickly running out of options. We need her to start getting better fast, so we can get her off of the breathing tube. We spent a lot of time in prayer this morning. I don't believe now is Natalie's time to go, but we have to deal in reality that it is a possibility. Asking the Lord to give us the strength to be okay with whatever happens sometimes feels like we're giving up, but I don't believe we're giving up...and most of all, I don't believe Natalie is giving up.



I'm longing for the moment when she'll open her eyes and smile back at us. I want to take all of the cords and tubes away so I can squeeze her tight. Please pray that her lungs continue to heal.

"Heal me, Lord, that I may be healed;
save me, that I may be saved,
for you are my praise."
Jeremiah 17:14

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Hugs to you Melissa, to Perry, and to your precious little Natalie. I have no words for you, except that it is in God's hands, and He has a plan for you all. Continued prayers coming for you all; I have you all on our prayer chains here, and will continue praying.

Unknown said...

One of Steven's little picture books had a simple prayer that would make us smile...

Dear Father hear and bless, thy beasts and singing birds.

Guard with tenderness, small things who have no words.

You're in our hearts,
Barb and Steven

Unknown said...

Dear Olson Family,
We cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through during this most difficult time. We think about you often and we continue to pray that the Lord will give all of you strength. May you have faith in him always and the plan he has for you. God Bless sweet Natalie and all of you.

-Jason and Alison Steele & Family

heatherlyis said...

Praying for you all - that you may find peace and healing during this difficult time. God bless you!

Jeff, Heather, and Michael Ell

KeepingUpWithMomsHelpingOthers said...

Prayers for your entire family. Lord please bring healing to precious miss Natalie. Bring peace to this faithful family.

Unknown said...

Prayers to the entire Olson family and may God give Natalie the strength to heal.

jaimie brunner said...

Sending lots of love and prayers for Natalie and all of you tonight.

marlarae said...

Praying for Natalie and all who love her...for strength and understanding.

Thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Bill and Marla Uscensky

Unknown said...

Thinking and praying for all of you.

Peace be with you,

Natalie Mussell - Minot

Unknown said...

Letting go is not giving up. It is releasing her to her heavenly Father who gave her to you. Letting go is trusting God to care for Natalie because He loves her so much. Praying for your family as you walk this road to recovery. God is with you.

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Natalie!

Unknown said...

Our prayers are with you and your beautiful daughter. Our hearts ache to see her struggling like this. Your faith has brought her this far and will maintain her throughout this process.

Dean, Jackie and the Winczewski boys.

Jo and Neil Scharpe said...

Our prayers are with all of you for Natalie's healing strength. May your strong faith continue to carry you through these times and give you peace.

Jo and Neil Scharpe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

We continue to pray for Natalie & the whole family. Chari & David Waind

DD said...

Praying for all of your family!