Elissa Has Changed Rooms
 

She is no longer in the ICU and is now in a regular room. Elissa has had 7 chest tubes removed and will have the remaining 2 removed in a few days. One of her big complaints was the pain associated with all of the tubes. No infection and no rejection. They expect 3-4 more weeks in the hospital. She is no longer being tube feed and is on a regular diet. We were told her chest staples will remain in for 6 weeks. She walks several times daily and is showing good improvement in her general health and being listed as stable condition.
We really wish we could visit her but there is no hospital in America that allows visitors. Some say she is out of the woods but we know this still could turn south.
The transplant surgeon said even though the lungs are undersized for her they are maintaining her now and will only get better in the next few months to come.
As a parent this is a Bad Mo Fo for anyone to go through and watch your child have to live a life like this. We are the recipient of a wonderful gift and we are hoping the donor family who lost their 8 year old can find some healing with their life saving gift to Elissa.
When Sharon and I are out in public and see a small child we both wonder if they are an 8 year old....Kinda sad how our minds question every child we see.
Please become a donor if you haven't all ready done so.

Great news, will keep prayers coming.

Well done to you all!

This is some of the best news I've heard since the last update that you posted!

I hope and pray for nothing but continued improvement for Elissa in the days, weeks and years to come!

A couple of years ago I opened your threads with trepidation.

Now I don't :)...

Thank you Gary!

Thanks for keeping us posted on the great progress in Elissa's recovery.
Wonderful to hear!

Condolences on the timing leading to your not being able to visit with her in the hospital throughout this time, that tough for all of you I'm sure.

We will all be happy to see the time come when Elissa is back home with you.

Cheers Richard

Great news. I was hoping things were going well having not seen a FB post in a couple days.

Great news!

You might be encouraged to know there are hospitals accepting visitors. I’ve been able to visit my wife any day of the week at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Visitor hours have been 12 - 8pm.

Hopefully, you will soon get the opportunity to be with Elissa.

You guys are winning. Yay. It's looking great.


All the best, Bill.

You're making me cry dude. I expect that there are angels involved, and a lot of them are doctors and nurses.

Great news! Elissa just keeps getting better!

Great update.
Keep them coming.

Excellent news !

Words can not describe the feelings that I get when I read about Elissa. She is awesome and a fighter like no other.

Dave

Great news and keep it coming . Hopefully there will be no major setbacks . She is one heck of a fighter !!! What a day it will be when she is allowed to come home .

rock on Elissa..
real soon...
no more leashes...

Rika

Thanks for the update- we’re still pulling for this amazing young lady every day.

Outstanding update!

I can only imagine the first time you get to visit her. That first embrace is going to be something really special.

Continued prayers.

That's AWESOME. I hope you guys get to see her in person soon. And I know you'll feel an affinity for Duke for evermore, just like my family does.