A sudden call to take a little Iraqi boy to Wolfson Hospital today resulted in a swopping of schedules: such that we visited the Gaza children in hospital today (Thursday) and we will visit Kurdish children in Sheba Hospital tomorrow (Friday).
We only had three children from Gaza in Wolfson today, and this is their progress:
Mohammed:
Mohammed is in ICU and doing well after his surgery to address the transposition of his great arteries. It is expected that he will remain in ICU for a few more days.
Wonderfully, I was permitted to take a photo from a distance, and if you look carefully, you might catch a small glimpse of part of him.
Seba:
Seba was in surgery whilst we were at the hospital, and we do not yet have any news about her. We left before she emerged from the OR, and therefore do not have a photo of her either.
Her grandmother, who accompanied her to the hospital, had mixed feelings of desperate concern for her little grand-daughter, and relief that her surgery was at last under way.
Tala:
Lovely little Tala has had her catheterization, and will be returning to Gaza today in a separate transport. Sadly, we were not able to transport her, as our car was full up. But I do have a picture taken of her just prior to her departure.
A lot has happened since the last full blog which was written last Tuesday. It is unfortunate, and sad for me, that due to unavailable transport, we were unable to visit Wolfson Hospital and the Gaza mums and children again last week. Our first visit in the present week was on Sunday, then a quick visit on Monday, and longer time on Tuesday. Here are the updates:
Dina:
We had the great joy of being able to take little Dina back to the Gaza border on Sunday.
Maziona:
We also took sweet little Maziona to the border on Sunday, but their crossing was delayed due to a pass which mum was not able to find. However, thanks to the help of a young Israeli lady official at the border, their access to the border was secured within 20 minutes.
Seba:
We visited Seba on Monday and today, and her future surgery, which had been in some doubt, now seems to be a possibility for the near future. The fever which she had has abated.
Samir:
Samir went home on Thursday, and I am sorry we were not there to take a photo.
Mohammed:
Mohammed is a little baby of only a few weeks old who was rushed by emergency ambulance to Wolfson Hospital on Monday. I went in to ICU to see him on two occasions, but was refused permission to take photos. He was surrounded by medical personnel and is clearly in a serious position. We discovered that he was in surgery today whilst we were at the hospital. Although I asked for news, there was none at that time. This precious little boy really does need our heartfelt prayers.
Tala:
Tala is a lovely two year old girl with pulmonary valve stenosis who was admitted today for cath. This condition is a narrowing around the pulmonary valve, which inhibits blood flow.
Eiman:
Eiman is a sweet and lovely little girl, who doesn't really like her photo being taken! She has featured on our website before, and we can report that following today’s follow-up appointment, she is doing well, is not receiving medicines, and will attend another follow-up appointment in six months.
Salma:
Salma and her mum were taken home on Thursday February 9th, and we have heard that she is doing very well. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of her taken on her day of release.
Hayat:
Hyat also went home on Thursday, and we don't have a picture on his release, as we were not there to witness the event.
It is with much sadness that I have to report that little Adam lost his fight to live on Friday the 10th of February.
Please do pray for his mum and family, who must be grieving for him and missing him so very much.
As was expected, today was a busy and thrilling day when we travelled from Jerusalem to Wolfson Hospital in the Tel Aviv suburbs to meet many children from Gaza Strip and their mums who are in Israel for life-saving heart treatment.
Salma:
On Sunday the 5th, little Salma was prepared for surgery at 12:30 in the afternoon, and by the evening she had emerged from surgery, was in ICU and doing well. When we returned today, she was in the children's ward and a little subdued in temper, with some pain and a little bloating. But, for all this, her quick progress has been remarkable, and I would expect to hear of her going home in the near future. Her tired dad returned home today, and her mum came to take his place. Wonderfully, I was able to capture a picture of all three of them together in the hospital ward.
Mohammad:
Mohammad was one of three children who were sent home on Sunday the 5th of February.
Dema:
On Sunday the 5th, Dema was downgraded from ICU to the regular children’s ward. Such was her progress there that she was returned home to Gaza Strip today.
Harzem:
It was touch and go as to whether Harzem would be able to go home on Sunday the 5th, as her blood was described by medical staff as “not perfect.” However, in the end she was released and joyfully taken home.
Gazal:
Gazal and her mum were excited to be going home on Sunday the 5th as well.
Hayat:
When we saw Hayat on Sunday he was in ICU, but he has since been extubated and sent to the children's ward. We are told that he has a small quantity of fluid remaining on his heart; notwithstanding, there is a possibility he may be able to go home on Thursday.
Dina:
Dina had her heart surgery today, is in ICU and doing well. The above picture is pre-operation, the below picture is post-operation.
Monsour:
As I arrived at the hospital today, little Monsour and his grandma were being taken home to Gaza Strip. Do please keep praying for this dear little boy, who now has to brave rather harsh conditions at home.
Monsour has a miraculous life-story already. You may read about the several months he spent in Israel as a newborn here, and about his recent stay in Israel here.
Maziona:
When we brought Maziona to the hospital on Sunday the 5th, she was admitted with four defects in her heart. Her open heart surgery was today, as doctors successfully repaired these four defects. She is now in ICU, where medical staff are looking after her recovery.
The thoracic trauma of open heart surgery prompts the body to concentrate additional fluid to the thorax for the purpose of healing. The amount of this fluid is often higher than necessary. So for Maziona, a drainage tube has been inserted into her thoracic cavity to drain off the excess. When this process is complete, she will be transferred from ICU to the less intensive children’s ward.
Adam:
We established today that Adam was not sent to the Gastrointestinal Department for the insertion of a stomach tube, as expected. However, he will be sent tomorrow, when a catheter will be inserted, presumably so that doctors can have a close look at his innards before inserting any larger equipment.
Seba:
Seba was brought to Wolfson Hospital today with four heart defects, including small pulmonary arteries; she was admitted for catheterization and surgery.
Samir:
Samir was also brought to the hospital today with several heart defects, including partial AV canal and a cleft anterior mitral valve. He was admitted for catheterization.
There was a lot to fit in today. First, we travelled to Sheba hospital in Tel Aviv to visit an older boy who is in a delicate and serious condition since his recent surgery. Then we made our way across Tel Aviv to Wolfson Hospital, where we visited a little boy from Iraq who has been in hospital for a long time, together with another 10 children from Gaza. But it was such a delight to meet them all with their mums, grandmas or dads, who so kindly blessed us with delicious cups of sweet tasting and very hot Arabic tea.
Adam:
Dear little Adam is still in ICU, in critical condition. Do please keep praying for Father to raise up this precious little boy, and to fill his very patient mum with hope and peace.
Hayat:
Following his surgery yesterday, little Hayat is in ICU and the nurses tell us he is doing ok.
Mohammed:
We found Mohammed in the children's ward, and we were told he is also good. His mum is hoping he will be released to go home on Sunday.
Dema:
Dema was in the secondary ICU following her surgery on Monday. She has a slight fever and a little fluid on his heart, but she might be able to go home on Sunday.
Harzem:
Harzem was in the children's ward; we are told he is good, and he might be able to go home on Sunday.
Gazal:
Gazal was described as a little feverish today, but she still may be able to go home on Sunday.
Salma:
Precious little smiling Salma was sound asleep when we entered the ward, but soon awoke at the sound of our voices. She didn't disappoint us: there were many smiles. My heart goes out to her loving and devoted parents who have each spent about a week in the hospital at her bedside, yet still no surgery. Now, it is planned for Sunday.
Bian:
I was blessed to be able to take Bian home from Wolfson Hospital to the Gaza Crossing yesterday in company with a dear friend of Shevet, Carol, who often visits the children here in Jerusalem with her glove puppet Rudi (who is a raccoon). Yesterday was Rudi's first visit to Wolfson Hospital and the Gaza Crossing point, and his excitement was evident to all the children to whom he gave many little waves.
Dina:
Dina remains in the children’s ward, and is awaiting her heart surgery scheduled for next week.
Today we found little Monsour in ICU. His tracheoctomy tube has been removed, and a new stomach tube has been inserted so the doctors can try to build up his weight. His devoted grandma is much more settled and more content, now that the hospital is doing things which will help her precious little grandson.
We do need to pray for this little boy, that in the time he is in hospital his physical condition will be so strengthened that he will be able not only to hold his own, but to grow in healing and stature, despite the very challenging conditions which are awaiting him when he returns to Gaza.
On our Friday visit to Wolfson Hospital, I was blessed to be able to spend a little time with Dr. Houri in ICU to ask questions about Adam.
I had been concerned for Adam. When I spoke to Dr. Houri yesterday (Thursday), he told me that Adam had progressed after his second surgery, but had now become stuck.
So when I spoke to Dr Houri today, I asked him what could be done for Adam. He explained that Adam’s kidneys were not functioning fully, which the doctors are addressing; they are also addressing his right lung, which has become problematic. He added that tomorrow they will be sending Adam to the G.I. Lab to have a duodenal feeding tube inserted in his abdomen, as he has a lazy stomach.
It seems the doctors are doing all they can for little Adam, and we can assist them by continuing to pray.
We could pray for his devoted mum as well, who has waited a very long time without actually seeing much (if any) progress in his condition.
Tuesdays are exciting days at Wolfson Hospital, when many children from Gaza Strip visit for various heart checkups: some result in admissions, some in surgeries planned for the future, some children are scheduled for further follow-up appointments, and others return home to Gaza. Tuesday is a joyfully happy day when we meet so many Gaza mums and children both in the echo department, and in the children's ward. This Tuesday was no exception:
Adam:
When we arrived at Wolfson today, one of the first things I did was to ask nurses in ICU about Adam. They tell us there is no change. He is still in a precarious position and needs our prayers.
Hayat:
The latest news for Hayat’s very patient mother is that little Hayat's surgery may be scheduled for Wednesday.
Suhaib:
Suhaib’s father met me in the hospital yesterday and told me he was going home to Gaza. When I approached the nurses, they did not agree! But today Suhaib’s father did indeed go home to Gaza with his lovely little son, after patiently waiting for many hours. I think there will be rejoicing in their home.
Anas:
Anas received his paperwork to be released from the hospital, and we took him and his grandma to the Gaza Crossing point on Sunday 29th January. Anas was securely wrapped up in thick blankets on one of the warmest days for a while. Grandma was relieved to be going home and managed to wrap a second very thick blanket over him before leaving our minibus to brave the warm weather outside.
Mohammed:
The doctor in ICU told us on Sunday that Mohammed is doing very well. They attempted to extubate him (removing the artificial ventilator from his lungs), but this failed. His mum was very concerned about him, but after translating this for her, she seemed a little relieved.
The nurses in ICU explained on Monday that he was extubated after all yesterday, and it went well for him. Tuesday we found Mohammed again in the ward and he was looking good.
Dema:
Dema was operated on on Monday, and the plan was to extubate her on Tuesday. She is in ICU. Her small body is within all those blankets.
Hazem and Gazal:
You will probably remember little Harzem and Gazal, who were admitted a little time ago but returned home to Gaza until their situation permitted further surgery. Well, it was such a delight to meet these two little children and their mums again as we brought them to Wolfson Hospital for re-admission on Sunday. They were very quickly allocated a bed each and seemed to be settling down well. Here are reports on each…
Harzem:
Harzem was in surgery when we arrived at Wolfson Hospital Tuesday morning, and didn't emerge until 5pm, when he was wheeled by us so fast that my attempt to photograph him only produced a blur. His mum was so relieved that it was hard for her to keep her composure. Bless her.
Gazal:
Gazal’s mother seems to be so patient and gentle, despite her disappointment and long wait for her precious daughter's open heart surgery, which is now planned for Thursday.
Salma:
We brought dear little Salma to Wolfson on Monday the 30th of January for re-admission for surgery. She was with her dad, who is very friendly and speaks English well, which is a blessing. But Salma looked just a little tired this time and didn't smile much, just every so often!
But Tuesday was a new day, and little Salma is the sweetest little girl, always smiling (again), with her loving dad tending to her every need. Her surgery is planned for Tuesday afternoon. This could only be changed if the morning surgery, for another child heart patient, requires extra time.
So we can pray for all the surgeries to go well, which will have the effect of Salma’s surgery being on time. She and her loving dad could soon therefore return to their family in Gaza, who are missing them so much, and whom they are missing.
Bian:
Bian was brought to the hospital on Tuesday and admitted for catheterization after an echo. His pulmonary arteries are switched.
Dina:
Dina has a hole in her heart and was brought to Wolfson Hospital today for evaluation. It was decided that she should admitted, and her mum was given a choice: she could be admitted today but wait a week for her surgery; or, she could return home today and be admitted in a week's time. Dina’s mother accepted admission today, and they were taken to the children's ward.
Salma (another Salma, not the Salma mentioned above):
At the end of a long day at Wolfson Hospital, I had the joy of taking this Salma’s mother from echo department to the children's ward for admission. On the way, I discovered that this mother speaks many languages, incluiding English, and she told me this was the first time she had been away from home on her own. I responded by saying that she would soon find many mums and children from Gaza in the children's ward, and she soon spotted one in the distance.
Then, not far from the ward, we were met by the father of the other Salma, who was leaving the ward for some fresh air. The mother’s face lit up. It so transpired that both these parents once worked together and know each other well. An amazing God coincidence it was, to have a friend provided for someone who was feeling a little lonely and perhaps vulnerable.
This second Salma (accompanied by her mum) has been sent to Wolfson by another sponsor, but it was still the greatest joy to meet them both and to be of some help; and to see Jesus at work in their lives.
We were blessed to be able to speak today with the doctor in ICU about Adam. He said that Adam might not be alive tomorrow: which I interpret not that he will die tomorrow, but that his situation is still very much dependent upon our Heavenly Father's mercy and love for Adam. He is still desperately in need of our prayers.
Our delightful Friday visit to Wolfson Hospital on the 27th of January gave us wonderful time with the Gaza children and their mums, and some progress reports:
Adam:
Adam is in ICU following his recent second surgery, and although we were able to enter the ICU, we were not permitted to get close to his bed. We took a photograph from afar. We spoke with a nurse about his condition, and her very brief reply could be translated as: “Still critical; no change; he is still on ventilation.” His mum has taken this opportunity, before he is brought to consciousness, to return home to the love and needs of the rest of her family. Adam still desperately needs our prayers. It looks as though his condition is still precarious.
Hayat:
Good news for little Hayat who is looking so good at last: it is hoped that she may receive heart operation on Monday!
Seba:
Our last report about Seba indicated that she may be able to return home to Gaza, and soon. This indication has now come to pass. The paperwork for border-crossing was prepared in-time, and Shevet driver Suhail was met with smiles by Seba and her grandmother, as he took them to the checkpoint at the north end of the Gaza Strip. Their family back home will, no doubt, be overjoyed to have them both back with them, and to see little Seba healthy and well.
Suhaib:
As I entered Suhaib's room, his devoted dad was taking his temperature. He tells us Suhaib is progressing well since his surgery.
Anas:
Anas was brought to Wolfson by his grandma as an emergency, and following his recent surgery, his grandma is pleased with his very good progress.
Mohammed:
We tracked Mohammed down in ICU following his recent surgery, but we were not able to get close to his bed. How wonderful to have zoom lenses! The nurse told us he has been extubated and he is better. Wonderful progress.
Dema:
Dema looked so good today, and her mum was delighted to tell us that it is hoped she may have her surgery on Sunday.
Several volunteers from Shevet Achim went to Wolfson Hospital today to support Adam and his mum through Adam’s open heart surgery. We spent a lot of time in prayer, and Jesus was with us; but more importantly, we were convinced that He was with Adam and his mum as well.
After some hours Dr Alona emerged from surgery and spoke to Adam’s mother and Muna, from which we understand that his heart valve has been successfully repaired, and there is still more work to do. I understand from Lina, our Gaza co-ordinator, that the work done today was to enlarge an artery to improve blood flow following the previous valve repair to Adam’s heart. Doctor Alona expressed delight and surprise that Adam's surgery went far better than normal, or than expected: we see that as Father God's hand on this precious little boy.
Anyway, Adam was brought to ICU about 1pm, having been in surgery for 4.5 hours. His mum was so delighted to see him again, and to hear the good report: in fact, she was transformed from concern, tiredness, and possibly despair, into joy and happiness. We give praise to our Father God!
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