ANSWERED PRAYERS

Today Jazmyn participated in the Primary Program at church. It was very powerful to see her stand with the rest of the children and sing. The most moving moment was when she stood at the podium to say her part. Written and said in her own words... " I am a spirit child of Heavenly Father. He hears and answers my prayers". Many prayers have been answered in the course of her illness, including her own. Frequently throughout the trying moments I whispered in her ear, "don't forget to pray" or "it's time to say a little prayer". I would remind her that though she could not talk, Heavenly Father could hear her silent prayers. To witness a child's testimony develop so strongly at such a young age is humbling. She has been such an amazing example to me and I am so grateful for her sweet spirit. Often times now, she reminds me... "don't forget to pray".

LIFE AT HOME

Jazzy is loving life at home. There have been more giggles, more smiles, and WAY more FUN!!! Jaz and Kamran still love running (a bit slower for now) throughout the house and laughing all the way. She is sleeping in her own room, and enjoys snuggling up with a different stuffed animal from her collection every night. Her toy of choice during the day is of course... Barbies!! She is still full of one liners, the latest..."Surrender? NEVER!!". Her schedule is crazy, as usual, with therapy and home school consuming most of the day. She is still a little energizer bunny with a "bring it on" attitude. Even after being worked hard at physical therapy she still wants to stick around for more! Though there is still a long road of therapy ahead of her, she has the spunk to do it!!

A WELCOME HOME TO REMEMBER

Elizabeth and her daughter Ashley have been there for us through thick and thin. They are very rare and unique examples of true friendship. Jaz and I love them dearly and cannot express our gratitude to them enough. The open house their family prepared was incredibly thoughtful. We were surrounded by so many loved ones and moved by their support. It is very difficult to describe the emotions of that day. Jazmyn is quite simply a miracle and to see her at this point in her recovery is breathtaking. While it felt so good to have her home and celebrate this with so many loved ones, it was difficult to fight back the tears. The emotions from this experience are still very tender. The open house was held on Jazmyn's birthday... and you couldn't have picked a better day to welcome her home!!
THANK YOU Elizabeth & Ashley, from the bottom of our hearts!!! With love, Laura & Jaz

ROCKIN' PARTY!!!!

Jaz was discharged just in time for her 6 birthday. Just 3 days after returning home we celebrated Jazmyn's birthday ROCK STAR style! About 20 little friends joined her to rock out to her favorite jams. One of Jazmyn's requests was to have Ashley (her dance instructor and BFF) perform the Hoedown Throw Down, by Hannah Montana. Ashley and two of her friends put on a great show - after which they taught all the little rockers some dance moves as well. It was AMAZING to see Jaz dancing and singing with her friends!!! Happy Birthday Girl!!!!

WELCOME HOME OPEN HOUSE

After 15 weeks of hospitalization

JAZMYN IS GOING HOME!!!

Please join us to celebrate...

WELCOME HOME OPEN HOUSE

October 11th, 2009
3pm to 4:30pm

Geringer Residence

4819 Corte Olivas, Camarillo

"THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!"

"Thank you for everything. I love you. I'm going home!" - Jazmyn

Jazmyn wanted to share her gratitude to everyone for all the loving support. I am so teary eyed I can barely see what I'm typing. She is very aware of the thoughtful prayers and countless acts of service done to support her. Thank you... thank you!!!!

We get to go home next week!!! We are counting down the days. Jaz is going to be home in time for her birthday on the 11th... what a wonderful blessing!!! I asked her what she wanted for her birthday. Expecting to hear a long list of toys, I was surprised when she said..." Nothing. I just want kisses and to be home!" On that note, I am toooo emotional to say any more!!! LOVE HER!!!!

I'M OUTTA HERE!!

My apologies for this clip being sideways - I wasn't aware this camera couldn't capture "vertical" video! And I call myself a photographer!! Until I can get a better shot, enjoy watching her WALK!!!

SWEET MOVES AND NEW SKILLS!!!

So much has happened since I last posted a blog... where do I begin!!! Jaz is nearly free from the g-tube. She is talking up a storm, and even singing a bit. She is walking all over the place with little to no assistance. She busts out a ballet move every now and then and shows off her skills = ) At times her therapy looks more like she's in training for an athletic competition - with maneuvering through obstacle courses; aiming for targets while swinging; and then bouncing on a ball while hitting and kicking a balloon around the room. Yesterday she walked to the top of a flight of stairs about 15 steps high with little assistance. It was an amazing achievement for someone who just took their first solo steps just 6 days earlier!!! WOW!!! It's hard to keep up with posting her improvements, its all happening so quickly now. There is no doubt we will be home very soon! WHAT A BLESSING!!!

FIRST STEPS!!!!!!

Grateful beyond words... and simply speechless!!!

CLIMBING MOUNTAINS

Jazmyn conquered the stairs today by taking about 3 steps up and two big steps down!!! She repeated her trek a few times before moving on to other therapy.

Her speech now includes using two syllable words, and putting sentences together. She just glows whenever you understand what she is try to tell you.

Get ready to mark your calendars for Jazmyn's big comeback dance because this girl will be back on stage before you know it!! This girl has been dancing in her bed, dancing in her wheel chair, and dancing while standing up!!

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Jazy's rehabilitation has been amazing to witness. The rate of her progress has been quite rapid. Each day there are new achievements. The other night before I tucked her into bed I said the usual... "I love you" to her. To my surprise she repeated the words to me! To see her put so much effort and care into these three words was incredible. She lit up when I understood her. What a MOMENT!!! Her speech is still broken but getting better. It will not be long until her words are clear. She puts everything she's got into all she does, and it's paying off in miraculous ways. The PT therapist gave her a small walker to try walking across the room. Jazmyn walked across the room, out the door, down the hall, and made multiple rounds through the halls! She didn't want to stop! She wore herself out and passed out for a nice long nap.

READY TO ROLL

There are a few small bikes set out for play in the backyard here at the hospital. Jaz had her eye on this one, and once she got on it there was no getting her off! Hosein and I were so excited to see her take to it so quickly and require so little assistance. Hosein is going to bring her own bike down with him on the next visit. Health Bridge is going to need to instate speed limits on the premises, because once Jaz gets her bike she is going to be ready to roll!

TIME WITH THE BOYS

Daddy and Kamran are here visiting us at Health Bridge! It feels great to be together again. Daddy has been dancing around the room with Jazzy in his arms, while Kamran has been running around the room - well... running just about everywhere! Then there's Mommy, who has been chasing everyone trying to take a few pictures. We've enjoyed playing in the backyard and simply being outside. What a blessing it is to have a family. It's a crazy juggle act at times, but the love and friendship we share is priceless.

SOARING HIGH

Jazzy's rehab is swinging into high gear! She's a busy girl with a steady schedule. She has been working on standing, sitting, and reaching - to name just a few. Its hard work, but her therapists make it fun. Jaz LOVES the swing - the faster and higher the better!! Her fine motor skills are improving as well. The latest and greatest is her writing..."MOM", "DAD" and more!!! Everyday she finds a new way to amaze me. I LOVE THIS GIRL!!! GO JAZ!!!

DR. JAZ

Dr. Jaz has now opened her own private practice specializing in teddy bear care. She is an excellent physician with exceptional bedside manor. Success with relieving tummy troubles and headaches has given her an outstanding reputation within the medical community. Dr. Jaz completed her residency at Kaiser LA and is temporarily practicing in the OC area. Dr. Jaz will be moving her practice to Camarillo in the near future.

TOOTHLESS BEAUTY

Jaz has been anticipating the loss of her first tooth for about 6 months. On the 4th of September, she lost her first TWO teeth while at the hospital. She could not have been more excited. Jaz wiggle those two teeth for hours until one was pulled by the Doc and the other by mommy (while she giggled). Over the weekend Daddy came to visit. She also received a visit from the tooth fairy!! She and Daddy didn't waste anytime and logged onto toysrus.com. Jaz picked out a Barbie to buy with her newly acquired tooth fairy cash.

STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES

We finally made it to Health Bridge on day 76 of this unbelievable experience. After multiple attempts to get here I had a hard time believing it was really happening. Jaz was so excited to go that she quickly used up all her energy giggling and fell asleep in the car (probably felt a sweet sense of relief as well). Health Bridge is a nice change. Shortly after arriving the PT had Jaz up on her feet and taking her first steps across the room - they don't waste any time here! It was amazing to see!!! The facility is designed as a villa - which makes it feel a little more like home instead of a hospital. We can go outside and walk around in the gardens (a little bit of FREEDOM!!!). Jaz was thrilled to touch the beautiful roses. It was magical watching her feel the petals and delight in their beauty. I've come to understand that it's when we appreciation the little things, we experience the biggest difference in our lives. Jaz nearly lost every ability to function and it was devastating. To see her return to us little by little has instilled a sense of gratitude beyond measure. I cannot stress enough the importance of gratitude - especially for the little things. When was the last time you stopped to smell the roses?

STAY TUNED!!

Look out Health Bridge here we come! We're packed and ready to roll! Jaz is so excited about going that she woke up at 5am this morning and said "GO"! I feel the same way Jaz "let's GO"! We'll keep posting her progress on the blog from Health Bridge, so stay tuned!!!

COULD IT BE TRUE!!!

Jaz is looking great and feeling great which could only mean one thing... it's time to GO!! She is tolerating the g-tube feedings well, and if she continues to do so through the weekend she will be transferred. We've made arrangements with Health Bridge (rehab hospital) and plan on going there Tuesday.

We are so proud of Jazmyn. She has braved sooo much during this whole ordeal. She still has quite a bit more rehab ahead of her, but if anybody can do it... it's Jaz. She is an amazing young lady. We love you Jazzy girl!!

SPELLING BEE

Jaz sat in a little chair and spelled her name with letter blocks! She then went on to spell other words and sit up all pretty and stuff = ) Jaz spelled "MOM" and then said it as she turned to me! This girl really knows how to make her mommy melt!

BUTTON...BUTTON...WHO'S GOT A BUTTON

Yesterday Jaz had her g-tube switched to a MIC-KEY, or otherwise known as a Button. Normally it's a quick bedside switch. Unfortunately she had to go the the OR to have it changed out due to a few complications. Today her button is working well for feedings and she is looking good. Monday she will be able start eating by mouth in addition to this. When she no longer needs the supplemental nutrition the g-tube will be removed. Hang in there a few more days Jaz and we'll have a chocolate pudding party on Monday!!

CHOCOLATE! NOW WE'RE TALKN!!!

Jazzy was given another swallow test and...(drum roll)... she PASSED!! And yes, she is STILL a picky eater = ) The speech therapist offered juices, jello, and apple sauce... she wasn't going for it. She did however eat a little pears and peaches. In the end the thing that really got her attention was the chocolate pudding. When that was suggested she practically crawled out of her bed to get it. As Jaz would say "Now we're TALKN!". These first bites were exactly 10 weeks to the day that Jaz first became ill and wasn't able to swallow or eat food anymore. As one could image the girl is hungry! It was so exciting to not only see her eat, but even hold her own spoon! Adding to the fun the pudding did get a little messy. It was very cute to watch her try and coordinate her tongue to lick the chocolate off her lips = )

THE LATEST SCOOP

- CT results are in....
There is no more evidence of pneumatosis and Jaz has restarted feedings!!! What a BLESSING!

- Transfer to Health Bridge....
Date is yet to be determined - will happen as soon as she is stable on her feedings.

- Weeks hospitalized thus far...
This Friday will be her 10th week at Kaiser.

- Cabin fever status...
Jaz... all giggles, as usual = )
Mommy ran out of jokes about 3 weeks ago and needs new material - for Jazmyn's sake.

CHANGE IN PLANS

Thursday's CT scan has been changed to Tuesday. We hope to have the results, and a new game plan by tomorrow evening - Wednesday at the latest. Stay tuned!!!

STANDING TALL

Jaz is slowly regaining her strength, and has been practicing standing. Today during her rehab session she stood up for one whole second all by herself!!! That one second required more strength and courage than I could possibly describe. Standing leads to walking, walking leads to running, running leads to jumping, and jumping leads to dancing.... look out Broadway Jaz is back in business!!

COUNT DOWN

Jazmyn's next CT scan is scheduled for this Thursday, September 3rd. The scan will determine if the pneumatosis is gone and if it is o.k. to start feedings. All of this would put us at Health Bridge in about 2 weeks from today. Counting down the days!!

Thank you for all of the prayers - they are working!!! Jaz looks great and is improving every day!!!

GREAT NEW MOVES

Jazmyn's achievements during this last week have been amazing!

If you hold her hand she will use her own strength to sit up!!! She has been sitting up for periods of about 30 mins repeatedly throughout the day. Jaz can identify colors, shapes, and numbers by pointing to them. She picks up her toy's and loves to play. There are about six words she can say, including "dad" and "mom"!!! She shook her head "no", and signed "thank you" for the first time yesterday!!

Best of all... is when she reaches out to hold my hand, or to give the sweetest little hug you could ever imagine!!! Ohh... I just melt!

JAZMYN'S REFLECTION

Jazmyn loves to sing ALL the time. Shortly before she became ill I recorded her with our video camera singing... in the bathroom (we ALL know you can't beat the acoustics in there!). She had no idea I was standing outside the door while she belted out a song from the movie Mulan. The girl has got lungs!! It's not only impressive but quite funny as well. I've shared it with a few of the hospital staff that have come to know her well. It's been fun for them to hear what her voice actually sounds like. When I came across this video clip the other day the words struck me as so suitable for her current situation - "When will my reflection show who I am inside". The girl within this beautiful little body is slowly emerging little by little everyday. The Jazzy we all know and love IS in there. We delight in every little movement and smile. And we can't wait for the day that she will sing and dance again!!

I've also explained to Jaz that this bit of footage WILL be shown at her wedding = )

CRAZY SOCKS AND GREAT DOCS

In the 9 weeks Jaz has been in the hospital she has had many doctors. The majority have been good with the exception of a few that are GREAT. The few that stand out are those that have a passion for what they are doing. One in particular truly understands that bedside manor is as important as the meds you are giving the patient. Jaz likes to wear fun and funky socks. One day we challenged this Doc to wear funky socks as well (should be dress code for PEDS). He came through when he was happy to wear purple socks with hearts all over them. This is an EXCEPTIONAL Doc! He has been so good with Jazmyn. We are very grateful for this Doc and the others who have made our time here easier to endure. THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!

WORKN HARD

Jazzy is making WONDERFUL improvements!!! She can sit up on her own for about 5-10 minutes! Her neck strength is better and she is able to turn her head while sitting up! Jaz is getting much more verbal. She says "yah" when she agrees! Her fine motor and cognitive skills are awakening. She can reach out and pick what she wants! Jaz has physical, occupational, and speech therapy everyday. We are so proud of her hard work! YOU GO GIRL!!!

WHAT REALLY MATTERS

After about 60 days in the hospital with Jaz I went home for a quick visit to see Kamran. I miss him TONS!! It was great to run around the house and play with him. He is sooo cute and lots of fun!!! The time flew by and I am missing him again already. While it was wonderful to see the little guy, our home felt empty without Jaz and Hosein. Our home felt like... just a house, and our belongings... just stuff. NOTHING seemed to matter except family and being together. All I wanted (and still do) is to have a happy healthy family. Of all the experiences I've ever had in my life nothing has so clearly defined what our priorities should be. These are: Family and our relationship with the Lord. Seems simple enough, however in this day we are easily kept busy with things that seem to be important, but are actually distractions from what REALLY matters. Make each day count... it can change in an instant!!

DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL

Jazzy is Daddy's girl. They always have a great time together. A few weeks ago while Jaz was in the PICU I had walking pneumonia and needed to take a short nap. When I woke up there were blue hospital gloves blown up like balloons everywhere. Some had faces drawn on them and two were stuffed up Hosein's sleeves like muscles. This weekend I made a quick trip home to see Kamran and they got to hang out together. When I returned Jaz was doing high-five's and saying "dad" (WOW!). There's never a dull moment when Daddy is around!

A HAND TO HOLD

Throughout the first few weeks Jazmyn lost nearly all of her motor skills. However there was one thing she was miraculously able to do even during the most trying of moments... hold my hand. At times it was the only connection we had. I cannot express what significance this held for for me as well as Hosein. What a blessing!

Today Jazmyn is making wonderful improvement with her movements. Yesterday she pulled her glasses off her face by herself. She is also getting better at blocking mommy's tickle attacks. Game on!!

IN THE LORDS TIME

CT scan results: pneumatosis has improved - Great!
Treatment: 2 more weeks TPN, NPO, gut rest, antibiotics, and CT scan (same as these last 2 weeks)

It's very good news to find this improvement, it means the treatment is working and it should resolve. I will be honest though... it was also a bit of a punch in the gut to have 3 weeks added to our stay. I was so looking forward (for the fourth time) to being past the acute stage, moving her on to rehab, and bringing our family together. Health Bridge (rehab hospital) would allow our family to be together more often. My thoughts keep reflecting on "the Lords time". When your child is ill or suffering in any way, one minute can feel like an eternity. I have however found peace in putting this trial into the Lords hands. Doing this as well as counting our blessings has given me the strength to endure the unimaginable throughout this experience. I believe there is a time and place for everything... and for now this is where we need to be.
The Lord DOES carry us in our time of need.

FEELN THE LOVE

I can't sleep in anticipation of the CT results. Tooo much on my mind. So to find a bit of comfort I've been reading your comments and emails through out the night. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Your thoughts are very uplifting and provide much needed strength. As I was reading I could hear your voices and feel the love in your words. - that or the cabin fever is really getting to me and the voices are concerning = )
-Laura

IN MY DAUGHTERS EYES

When Jazmyn was a baby we imediatley felt a connection to this song. Little did we know these lyrics would hold an even greater meaning in the future. Today, Jazmyn's trial could not have been captured more perfetly in these words.


In my daughter's eyes I am a hero, I am strong and wise and I know no fear, but the truth is plain to see she was sent to rescue me I see who I wanna be...
In my daughter's eyes.
In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal, darkness turns to light and the world is at peace, this miracle God gave to me gives me strength when I am weak, I find reason to believe...
In my daughter's eyes.
And when she wraps her hand around my finger oh it puts a smile in my heart, everything becomes a little clearer, I realize what life is all about, it's hangin' on when your heart has had enough , it's giving more when you feel like giving up, I've seen the light...
It's in my daughter's eyes.
In my daughter's eyes I can see the future, a reflection of who I am and what will be, though she'll grow and someday leave, maybe raise a family, when I'm gone I hope you see how happy she made me, for I'll be there...
In my daughter's eyes.

song by MARTINA MCBRIDE

UNTIL TOMORROW

Due to unexpected delays Jazzy's CT scan was done late in the afternoon and the results will not be available until tomorrow (Friday). AHHH! I have been telling myself all day "patience is a virtue". Jaz is fine and the delays were due to CT preparations.

WRAPPED UP IN LOVE

A few weeks ago a dear friend of ours made Jazmyn a quilt when she heard she was ill. Up until that point Jaz had been unable to sleep without some form of sedation or medication. The day the quilt was delivered I gave Jaz a bed bath, dressed and changed her linens, and then wrapped her up in this beautiful pink quilt. She immediately fell asleep on her OWN! This was the first time during her hospital stay. It was very touching. The quilt was so symbolic of the love that family and friends have for her. Being wrapped up in love she was able to get the sleep she desperately needed. It was a moment when we most certainly felt the prayers.

Thank you Lael = )

-Laura

MOVED TO TEARS

I sent about 50 emails out notifying family and friends that this blog had just been posted. Within 5 hours there were over 160 hits viewing the blog and many wonderful comments and emails received. I am moved to tears. What a blessing to have so many care about Jazmyn and our family. I am so grateful!
Tonight just happened to be a particularly trying night for Hosein and myself. I am experiencing major cabin fever and miss the boys (Hosein & Kamran) desperately. Hosein is also carrying a very heavy load and missing his girls (myself & Jaz). Tears were shed over the phone as we expressed the heart ache and desire to be together as a family. We are now in the middle of week 8 at the hospital. Jazzy's prognosis for the pneumotosis is uncertain. She is having a CT scan on Thursday to see if it has healed. If so we can begin g-tube feedings and (if tolerated well) transition to HealthBridge (rehab hospital) next week. If the pneumotosis is still there... many things can happen that would most definitely add weeks to our stay here. Please keep her in your prayers.

TIP OF HER TONGUE

Listen up world miss Jazmyn has some thing to say!!! She is alert and trying sooo hard to speak. I am on the edge of my my seat just dying to hear whats on her mind!!!! THE SUSPENSE!!! Can you image a 5 year old girl who is normally quite a talker not being able to speak! She is incredibly patience and is handling this frustraiting experience very well. In fact her great sense of humor shows. She will get a very serious and concerning look on her face, then just has I lean in to comfort her she giggles as though to say... just kidding! WHAT A STINKER!! = )
We decided Ursula the seawitch has stolen her voice (just like the little mermaid) and has hidden it in the most beautiful seashell you've ever seen. If anyone happens to come accross it would you mind returning it to Jaz. = )
I decided early on in this whole ordeal that the emotions would be left at the door and her hospital room would be as cheerful as possible. We as a family have gone to great lengths to make this happen. Laughter is the best medicine and she's getting an unlimited dose!

TRIALS OF OPPORTUNITY

Adversity is a blessing. It allows us to exercise our faith and grow in ways we cannot comprehend. Though not readily welcomed, trials ARE opportunities. I feel grateful to understand this - however this knowledge has come at a price.
I am no stranger to prolonged hospital stays and trying bouts of personal illness. These experiences were opportunities that I am truly grateful for. In the case of my two very difficult pregnancies my testimony of FAITH PRECEDES THE MIRACLE was established. The long suffering resulted in the greatest blessing one could ever image, two beautiful miracles... Jazmyn & Kamran. Later my faith was tested further with a severe case of Pneumonia - again another hospital stay and long recovery. This time my testimony of FAITH IS OUR FOUNDATION was learned. When our faith is well established it creates a foundation that gives us firm ground to stand on. This enables us to weather the storms that trials bring.
Trials are opportunities because they also prepare us for the unforeseen. My experiences prepared me in countless ways for today. With great heartbreak I never imagined it would be to care for my own daughter!! There is purpose in all things, both joyful and the greatest of sorrow. I have been able to care for and advocate for Jazmyn in ways I never would have been able to with out these prior experiences. My strengthened faith has enabled me to cope with and endure the unimaginable with her. Though I feel I was prepared for this time, in many ways I am yet again experiencing FAITH growing pains. I also recognized that Jazmyn's trial is preparing her for the unforeseen in her life as well. With that, I feel humbled at the opportunity to be at her side.
It is through FAITH that I am able to believe Jazmyn WILL recover and faith will yet again precede another miracle.
-Laura

BETTER DAYS

Yesterday she was able to try standing up with assistance and feel a bit of weight on her feet. This was the first time... sooo exciting! It's bitter sweet. She looked great being out of that bed! Honestly it was heartbreaking as well to see just how frail her little body has become. We are extremely proud of her strong spirit and patience with this unbelievable trail!

Jaz achieved her full calorie goal for the TPN today. She is clearly feeling the effects of the sugar! There have been many more smiles and giggles than usual!! LOVE IT!!

DIDN'T SEE IT COMING

Jazmyn has been a beautiful, healthy, and very active little lady. She is bright and loves books. She began reading at the age of three and had been enjoying reading chapter books for about a year. Jaz just completed kindergarten and was looking forward to starting 1st grade. She loves dance and gymnastics. These activities often totaled about 7 hrs a week and even then she frequently asked for more! Recently she performed in 3 dances at her dance recital, including her first solo. She looked at home on the stage and performed beautifully that night. Jazmyn has never had any health issues prior to what was about to happen. It's amazing how everything can change so suddenly. It is also a sobering reminder that things of this nature can happen to anyone. What are your priorities today?

HOW IT ALL BEGAN - FIRST 7 WEEKS

June 23
-Our 8th Wedding Anniversary Dinner - Wood Ranch in Camarillo.
-Kids ate chicken tenders and carrot sticks (pretty harmless... right?)

June 24
-Jazmyn (age 5) and Kamran (age 2) woke early and were both violently ill all day - house was like a war zone trying to keep up with the nonstop vomiting
-Doctor visit: most probable diagnosis... food poisoning

June 25
-Doctor visit: Kamran looked lethargic and was almost admitted to hospital
-After a rather hefty bm Kamran had a stunning recovery
-Jazmyn proceeded to get worse: lethargic and couldn't keep anything down

June 26
-Doctor visit: Jaz had x ray, lab work, and medicine to help her with bm
-At home: Jaz had about a 20 min nap... she woke up hallucinating, vomiting, and seizing
-Called 911 - ambulance to ER
-ER visit: Jaz seizing every 3-4 minutes, in and out of consciousness... SCARY!!
-ER Doctor didn't have any idea what was happening
-Transferred to Kaiser LA on Sunset

SUMMARY OF TIME AT KAISER LA HOSPITAL

-Pattern: seizure, daze, drift off into unconsciousness and then snap back into consciousness. State of consciousness and coherency lessened each time until she was no longer able to respond. Details to difficult emotionally to explain further.
-Multiple MRI's, spinal taps, CT's, and countless other procedures and tests done.
-Diagnosed with viral encephalitis: Appears to be post infectious. Probably a dormant virus (triggered by the food poisoning) got into her blood stream and went to her brain. Entire cerebellum swollen, refered to also as a brain injury. The specific type of virus may never be known.
-Severe cerebellitis. Loss of all fine and gross motor skills unable to talk, walk, sit up, and control nearly all movement including her eyes.
-Approximate recovery time 6 months to a year. Full recovery possible. We believe she WILL recover.
-Treatment: Viruses run their coarse. Can only treat symptoms. She was given a wide range of antibiotics, steroids, and IVIG. Extensive rehab required.
-Bedside care: Manage like an infant, talk to her as a 5 year old.
-Wide range of neuro affects that changed daily - to much and to difficult to explain.
-EEG: to determine if the posturing is really a seizure or sudo seizure (due to inflammation in the cerebellum). 22 electrodes attached to her scalp and video capture for 24 hrs.
-Medically induced coma and intibated for a few days (she had repeatedly stopped breathing - terrible night!!).
-EEG results: Not seizures and no evidence of epilepsy. Great news!
-GI issues: trouble with NG tube feedings (possibly due to neuro condition affecting her GI's ablity to function)
-After about 12 day's in PICU - moved to PEDS for a quieter room.
-Requested G-tube to make feedings more comfortable and possibly more successful. Also required for rehab eligibility. Upper GI done in preparation for g-tube.
-Jaz started to make positive improvements: responsive, and weak but better movements.
-GI issues gave cause for concern: possible need for surgery (Nissan and or Pyloralplasty).
-Just when we thought we couldn't bare anymore heartache we were blessed with unexpected... SMILES and GIGGLES from Jaz!!
-Making good but very slow progress with rehab.
-To determine if the GI surgeries were needed: Stomach emptying test (results good), endoscopy (looked good as well). Moving forward with G-tube was given the OK and the additional surgeries were avoided. Prayers answered.
-G-tube surgery: Placed a button g-tube for feeding (common procedure with rare complications... usually) Post surgery Jaz was very depressed and uncomfortable. Many symptoms lead up to upper GI and x rays. Unfortunately the tube was placed wrong and all fluids put into the tube (meds, flushes, and formula) emptied in her abdominal cavity rather than her stomach. MORE thoughts regarding this than can be expressed!!!
-Emergency surgery. Misplaced g-tube required a very invasive 3 hr surgery to clean out and correct -HORRIBLE!!! A new g-tube was also placed. High alert for infection (back in PICU). Mega antibiotics. VERY difficult week.
-Healing and eager to get back to a quiet room - moved to PEDS.
-New g-tube appeared to be working fine, tolerating slow start on feedings Jaz seemed to be happier and pulling through. Started to prepare for transition to rehab hospital again.
-Discovered pneumotosis (maybe due to treatments ). Feeds cut off and CT done. CT confirmed diagnosis. Very serious and can be fatal if left untreated. Put on PPN until PICC can be placed. Thankfully does not require surgery at this stage.
- Treatment for pneumotosis: NPO, antibiotics, gut rest, and TPN. CT scan after 2 weeks to determine next coarse of treatment.
-Kamran came to visit for Mommy's birthday(best gift ever!!) . It had been 6 very long weeks apart. Words cannot express the emotions involved in that visit!! Jaz loved seeing her little brother. Kamran loved pushing the buttons on big sister's bed... what fun!!!
-PICC line procedure generally takes about an hour including the sedation required. Jazzy's took 2 1/2hrs. Attempts were made on the right arm with no success. Finally the PICC was placed on the left arm.
-Treating the pneumotosis, and waiting for it to heal. Uncertain how many more weeks in the hospital.
-Keeping rehab going until Jaz can be transitioned to HealthBridge (rehab hospital in Orange).

At this point it is six and a half weeks at the hospital and seven since this all began.