Our good friend Hamza returned from Gaza today for a check up with his cardiologist at Sheba Hospital. He had an echo and a check up in the pacemaker clinic, and we’re glad to see that he’s doing well. His doctor wants to continue seeing him every six months, but for now he can go home to life as usual.
Hamza is an outgoing and friendly guy, and he had a good time hanging out with coworker Sophia all day. At the end of the day, we said goodbye to him and his grandma at the Gaza border, and we’ll be glad to see them again in six months.
Today at Sheba Hospital, Hamza from Gaza received an echocardiogram, a pacemaker check, and an EKG test.
About three months ago, Hamza’s heart beat was totally ‘out of order.’ Human heart ventricles should obey the timely order of the atrium’s electrical signal to beat properly. But in Hamza’s case, known as CAVB, his ventricles did not obey the commands of the atrium inside his heart. His signal was blocked completely, known as an un-synchronized state.
So doctors decided to place a pacemaker to mimic the electrical signal of the atrium to send it to the ventricles. His pacemaker placement was three months ago and today’s result was very stable, synchronized.
Hamza’s grandmother worried about whether Hamza will ever ride a bicycle or play with other children. The doctor said Hamza is completely okay now and he does not need any medication. He should still be careful however not to be hit directly on his pacemaker box.
Hamza will come back to hospital for a follow-up echo and pacemaker check-up after four months.
Today coworker Craig and I were able to have a lot of fun-time with little Hamza from Gaza for his first pacemaker follow-up after his surgery at Sheba Hospital. Unfortunately we arrived at the hospital very late so Hamza could just keep the pacemaker appointment, which came out to be really good.
The nurse was so kind and afterwards told us that everything is okay. But when we arrived in the pediatric cardiac station for his echo, they were just closing everything and the secretary told us that they won’t do any echoes today anymore. Right after I talked to her, Hamza’s doctor showed up and told us that he can have a quick look at Hamza. The result is that for now, everything is fine and Hamza just has to come back in two months to have another pacemaker follow-up and an echo.
Please join our prayers and thank the Lord for the hospital staff. Everyone was so kind to us and although the day was long, we could have so much fun together. Thank you God for the wonderful results for Hamza.
Our cheerful Hamza was discharged to Gaza today! He and his grandmother were very happy to go home. We’re going to miss him though, as will the doctors and nurses in the sixth floor ICU of Sheba Hospital.
His happy smile and ringing laugh were always a welcome sight. He has recovered very well from his pacemaker implantation surgery, and he will only have to come back for a check-up in six week’s time.
Today, a team of us went to Sheba Hospital to visit Hamza and his grandmother. He was sitting up in his bed and gave us a great smile as we came in. He got even happier when he saw the present we brought with us – a bottle of cold and fresh orange juice that he had been asking for since yesterday!
We also got a good report that Hamza is doing really well, better than yesterday even, and will very soon be able to go back home! We thank God for his faithfulness and rejoice together with the family!
Today Hamza finally had his big surgery day at Sheba Hospital to place a pacemaker. We waited during the day together with Hamza’s grandmother. She understandably felt worried and couldn’t help but to stand up and pace the floor off and on! The team members who accompanied her did their best to support her while waiting. It’s hard to imagine what a close relative must feel when their beloved child is undergoing heart surgery.
Finally in early evening, the surgery team rolled out Hamza to take him to the Pediatric ICU department. We soon found out that the surgery had been successful and we could rejoice with grandmother. God is great and faithful. We will continue to pray for his recovery.
Our fun Hamza was supposed to have a pacemaker implantation surgery today at Sheba Hospital. He waited patiently – and hungrily, since he wasn’t allowed to eat before surgery all day.
However, at about 3:30pm, the doctors decided to postpone Hamza’s surgery till tomorrow. Hamza was very glad to be allowed to eat again!
His time of waiting today was not a waste, however, as we played together for a long time, and Hamza learned how to cross his eyes.
We also played a game where I would try to take a picture of him fast enough to catch him sticking out his tongue – I never quite managed it. Praise God for this happy boy!
Today was a very nice day in Sheba Hospital with Hamza. He was so good at playing with another little boy and made us all laugh now and then, including the little boy.
We brought Hamza to the hospital for his admission to the cardiac ICU because he will have a surgery tomorrow morning. He is supposed to have a pacemaker placed. Most children are afraid of the doctors or the tests they have to take before they can be admitted, but Hamza always has a smile on his face.
Join us in prayer for Hamza’s surgery tomorrow. We pray for strength for him and his family.
Today we welcomed a new boy named Hamza from Gaza as he had his first echo in Israel today. While waiting for his appointment and later on waiting for the doctor, I had a lot of fun with him and he often laughed. It was so great to see such a joyful child. He really lightened my day with laughing at every little thing and I am looking forward to the next months with him.
Afterwards the doctor said that they will decide on a surgery date after they have seen the results of the holter test. In his future surgery, Hamza will get a pacemaker as he has an electrical problem with his heart. He will stay with us in Ashdod together with his grandmother for the time being.
Join us in prayer for Hamza as well as for his doctors. We hope that his treatment can begin soon so that he can recover well.
Our good friend Hamza returned from Gaza today for a check up with his cardiologist at Sheba Hospital. He had an echo and a check up in the pacemaker clinic, and we’re glad to see that he’s doing well. His doctor wants to continue seeing him every six months, but for now he can go home to life as usual.
