Thursday, April 28, 2005

We have good news! Ira is doing extremely well, and for the first time his doctor is being positive and optimistic about his recovery.

After the surgery all of his numbers looked great, except he was still needing to rely on the ECMO more than they wanted. Since everything else was perfect they decided to give the little guy 24 hours to rest before they started aggressively backing him off the ECMO. Well it appears this is exactly what he he needed. Earlier today they had his ECMO level down to about 160 (that's down from a high of 320 yesterday morning). Currently his level is closer to 200 but he is definitely on the road to being removed from this machine!

Katie overheard Ira's surgeon giving a tour of the NICU to another doctor. The doctors were standing near Ira having a discussion about his case. Of course Katie positioned herself to where she could overhear their conversation. Dr. Stolar said that this particular baby (Ira) was doing really well and he was very hopeful about his progress. He then turned to Katie, winked and told her that she could go and tell the family that. This is the most positive thing to come out of Dr. Stolar's mouth since Ira has been born.

As you can imagine Joe, Laura, and the rest of the family are feeling good right now. There is still a long way to go, but Ira has battled through each one of the challenges that he has faced in his young life. He appears to be living up to his name already. Again, thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray that God's glory will be shown in the healing of this wonderful child.

Point of clarification. Ira is on both the ECMO and a Ventillator simultaneosly. When the ECMO is turned down, the ventillator is turned up, and vice versa. The goal is to get him off the ECMO and onto the ventillator as soon as they can. On the ventilator it will be his tiny lungs that will be oxygenating his blood rather than the machine. They will not be putting him on the Oscillator.

Jason

35 Comments:

Blogger Jana said...

All I can say is...thank you Lord. I think I'll go have myself a little cry now...

12:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I second my wife's sentiment, and we continue to be in prayer for this little guy and his family.

12:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD, PRAISE GOD, PRAISE GOD and still PRAYING...dm and Christ Covenant--Beaumont, TX

12:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank God, We have been in continuous prayer and will continue to pray for Ira. Our boys will be excited to hear how God is working.

Mike, Pennie, Andrew and Benjamin Gilliland

12:53 PM  
Blogger Chad said...

Great news!

12:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great news! Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Blessings on Ira...

1:02 PM  
Blogger holly said...

Way to go, Ira! What a blessing!

1:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tobin and I rejoice with you guys at this wonderful news. Shalom!

1:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"...and when the winds blow, He is my shelter. When I'm lost and alone, He rescues me. And when the lion comes, He is my victory. He is constantly watching over me."
Praise God praise God praise God! Joe and Laura, you have our continued prayers and total belief in the power of our faithful God.
Love from Fort Worth,
Stacy Kocur (Fortress)

1:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is SO GOOD to hear this!!! Thank you, Lord. Miracles in progress. Joe and Laura, you must be so proud of both your kids. Sophia for hanging in there through all the changes in her routine, and Ira for being such a little trooper and fighting so hard! Be proud of yourselves, too. Hour by hour, day by day, you are moving through this incredibly intense season. We'll pray that Ira continues to improve and is able to get off the ECMO. We'll pray for continued strength and peace and rest for you all. WE LOVE YOU! The Northwest contingency will persevere in prayer!
Keith and Jen and Leah Johnson

1:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you, Father, for answering prayers! It sounds like my newest little cousin is definitely living up to his name, and will be a strong little man, just like his great-granddaddy! I want to thank you for the blessing of family, both by birth and through your name!
Grace and peace, Julie Gay

1:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is no holding back the tears of joy in hearing about baby Ira...We praise you God. I believe that it is You who couldn't hold the doctor back from sharing with us the good news of Ira. I can just imagine you giving us a wink from up above. Thank you Father...We love you Joe, Laura, Sophia and baby Ira. the Roy's

1:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Family,

I consider all the good news about Ira such an answer to prayer! I will continue to pray for all of you. I can only imagine how hard this is and will still be, but KNOW that God is with you and I love you too. Yes, I can just see Katie listening and the wink from the doctor to spread the good news! And don't we love and appreciate those qualified, loving, and caring doctors and nurses that become a part of our life. Thank God so much for them too. Love you, Love you!

1:30 PM  
Blogger The Root said...

HalleluYAH! Praise God for this wonderful hope that He has blessed the Hays and those that love them with! :)

1:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great is your faithfulness, Mighty God!! Thank you for your healing power on baby Ira. Words can't express how thankful we are for your protecting hand on Ira. All we know to say is praise your Holy Name! May You and You alone be glorified. In Jesus' precious and Holy Name I pray, AMEN!

1:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank God! We are tearfully rejoicing with you. Our hearts overflow through our eyes, and we would not stop praising God,even if we could. We love you, baby Ira. You are such a fighter. You are lifted again and again.
Love,
Karise, David, Keely & Kinlie

1:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise His name.....we have been waiting in Tahoka for news all morning. Faith is not believing God can...it is knowning He will....be blessed.....

Diann Reynolds

2:04 PM  
Blogger Finally an Abrigg..... said...

wow! I get chills everyday when I come here! Lord, thank you for your faithfulness!
Still searching, still praying...
DAVID AND KARISE GILLILAND...IF YOU READ THIS! MOLLY CARRIGAN SAYS HI! I MISS YOU GUYS. 2 KIDS HOLY COW!!! email me sometime or click on my ridiuclous blog!

blessings,
Molly Carrigan (Dallas, former Abilenian)

2:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God is good. God is GREAT! We echo all that's been said, and we truly and humbly say "Thank you, Lord Jesus", the GREAT PHYSICIAN!

All your kinfolk in Abilene say "We love you guys!"

Stan

2:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you, God, for teaching us once again to just BELIEVE in your Almighty hand.

Sweet Ira, we hope you feel the warmth of the Spirit that is over you. We are so proud of you. Keep fighting.

We love you all,
M,D,C & P

2:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise God! I am so thankful!!!!

Jason, thank you for keeping us updated!
Kaley Ihfe

2:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good news, good news, good news! Keep on fighting Ira! Thanks for keeping us updated. We will continue praying!

2:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

praise God for his faithfulness in answering prayers. may he continue to be faithful to Ira, Joe, Laura and Sophia as they have been faithful in serving Him...
still praying for you guys--take hope, share it, and be blessed

cody b

2:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you God! What a blessing to hear some good news for a change! We'll keep praying. Dolores

3:18 PM  
Blogger Larry said...

Every piece of good news is another stone in the living monument to God's faithfulness that Ira has become to all of us who know you and Him. And another step towards our sons wearing Yankee caps and playing catch together in the backyard. Spirit, keep breathing in Ira!

All our love & prayers,
The Mudds

3:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow....He is blessing Ira with much amazing strength that none of us can imagine. The prayers will continue to come for all of you.~Debbie & Josue

3:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Joe & Laura:

Aaron and I have been keeping up with Ira's condition and praying for him and your family constantly. I can't begin to tell you what a blessing reading about Ira and the outpouring of prayers and love for him and your family has been to us. You are continuously in our thoughts and prayers.

Aaron and Melissa McCleskey

4:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THANK YOU GOD!! Praises to our Lord, who loves us and hears our prayers. My faith is being increased by the way Ira is being healed and this body of believers are being faithful in prayer! Our God's love IS extravagant!!! Holy, holy, holy is the Lord!!
Joe and Laura, I can't wait to see the next picture where instead seeing the weight of the world in your eyes, I get to see the glimmer of happiness and hope. You are a strong and amazing couple. We love you!

Cara and Michael

4:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord. May He continue to sustain Ira and bring you peace. His Hands are at work, both holding you and healing you.
Kevin and Becky Clinton

4:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise God for bringing Ira this far! I pray that He will continue to bless your family and that you will feel His loving arms around you.
Angela

4:21 PM  
Blogger sirEller said...

Good job my new friend, Ira. Keep fightin' and holding on to the hand of Jesus. It is such a blessing to see the prayers being answered ... for physical and spiritual healing. Your Houston family is staying at the Throne of God on your behalf. Fight little man, fight!!
-ellers

4:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Joe, Laura and Sophie, and entire family,
I pray for continued healing miracles through God and that verse that echoes in my thoughts is, "Be Still and Know That I Am God"! I am so thankful! May God hold baby Ira tight, along with all of you and continue to love and strengthen each of you to endure each moment.

Prayers,
Pat Williams-Tahoka

5:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There are no words to express our feelings. Thank you God for watching over Ira. Our tears of pain have turned to tears of joy for you, Joe and Laura. God just loves to knock our socks off - He is a miracle-worker! We love you guys and are still praying daily for Ira.

5:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a huge step forward Ira, so many hurdles your little body has overcome already, you are amazing and a blessing from above.

Joe and Laura, prayers continue your way, for you, Sophie, and especially Ira for his continued fight to be all he can be in your lives. May your continue to feel the community of love and support lift you as you are there every moment for Ira. God's holding you tight!
Lori

6:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! - let the heavens adore Him! His is so Good and His love never fails. You are in our hearts and in our prayers. We love you. Kaki

10:18 PM  

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