After having the Glenn surgery on Wednesday last week Anas is doing almost perfect. When I visited him today he was sitting in his bed playing with his stuffed animals and as soon as he saw me he wanted to play with me. We spend some time together and everyone in the ICU was surprised to see him doing so well just days after this huge surgery. Later he even was able to go out if the ICU in a stroller with his mom what is very rare for children admitted to the primary ICU. It is so good to see him doing so well and being so playful.
Thank the Lord for the healing he gave to Anas and that he blessed him and his family with such a fast recovery. Pray for further improvement so he can go home to his siblings as soon as it is possible.
When I visited Anas this morning I was surprised to see how well he is doing after his big Glenn surgery at Sheba Hospital yesterday. While visiting him, I saw he opened his eyes when he heard his sister’s voice through the phone. It made him want to move which is really rare for a child not even 24 hours after such a big surgery.
I spent some time with him and was not planning to return when I suddenly saw all the doctors rushing into his room, so I went there again to see what had happened. To everyone’s surprise, Anas extubated himself and tried to climb out of his hospital bed. The doctors made sure he was fine but decided that he doesn’t have to be reintubated. Later he was moved into another bed because he eagerly tried to escape his hospital bed several times. He has to rest for a few more days but everyone was surprised at how good he is doing already.
Thank the Lord for his major improvement and that Anas is doing so well.
This afternoon at Sheba Hospital, one year old Anas had his Glenn surgery which is the second of three big heart surgeries common for his heart defect. Because of his underdeveloped left ventricle, the surgeons built a direct connection between the vessels and the pulmonary artery which brings the blood in the upper part of the body directly to the lungs instead of to the heart. This procedure should help in decreasing the pressure on the right ventricle which basically works alone.
Anas’s mother was very worried, but still we had a great time together and talked a lot. She showed me pictures of her family and of Anas, how he was playing this morning while waiting for his surgery. When she realised that I’m trying to learn Arabic, she offered me her help and so we learned together. It helped both of us as I could learn many new phrases and grammar while Anas’s mother was able to distract herself a little.
We enjoyed our time together and I didn’t even realise how fast the time went by. After four and a half hours in surgery, a nurse finally came and said they will be done soon.
Half an hour later he was back in his room and doctors and nurses stabilised him. Once we got the news that everything went well and that Anas was doing well, his mother felt much more relaxed and was finally able to breathe freely. It still took quite a while until we were allowed to go into his room and his mother could see her beloved son again.
The first day after surgery is very important in recovery. Please continue to pray for Anas and his mother.
Handsome little Anas and his mother made the trip from Gaza this morning for a long-awaited appointment at Sheba hospital. After some delays, it’s finally time for Anas’ next surgery, the Glenn operation. This is the second of three surgeries needed to reroute blood through his single-ventricle heart.
Anas is a cheerful little guy and was happy and content right up until his echo began. As soon as it was done, he was back to giggling and grinning– unless, of course, we were trying to get a picture.
Anas’ surgery is scheduled for Wednesday. Until then, the doctors will be finishing the last few tests he needs before the operation. Please pray for Anas and his mom as they get ready for the big surgery.
Anas had his MRI today. The process was blessed from beginning to end. Although I had never been to the MRI building before, we managed to find it in time, and we only had to wait a few minutes for Anas to go in–usually it takes hours! He fussed a bit while being prepped, but he was distracted by a skilled performance of the song “Baby Shark” by one of the present nurses.
The rest of the day consisted mostly of patient waiting, first to emerge from the MRI, which took an hour, and then for him to wake up from his anesthesia, which took several more. His mother and I talked some to pass the time, but mostly we just waited.
But finally Anas woke up, and his doctor told us that everything looked good from the MRI. Praise God! And then, after many hours of fasting from food and water, Anas joyfully ate and drank. What a pleasure to see! Now we wait until later this year for his return and next surgery. We pray for his preservation, well-being, and recovery until then!
Today our little Anas came from Gaza for his Nephrology appointment in Sheba Hospital. When we arrived there, checked him in and finally found the room, we could immediately start with the appointment. Since Anas had seven kidney stones last year, we wanted to make sure whether everything is okay now. After talking to Ahmed’s mother about how he is doing now and after a short examination, the doctor said everything is okay and Ahmed doesn’t have kidney stones anymore. Anas doesn’t even need a nephrology follow-up appointment. The mother and I were so happy about this good news and also Anas seemed to understand that something wonderful just happened, since he smiled all the time.
When the appointment was done, we went to the other Gaza families who were in the hospital today. There, Anas was spending time with the other mothers, sitting on their laps and watching the other children playing. As soon as all of them were done with their appointments too, we were taking them back to Gaza. We will see Anas again in the end of February for an MRI before his big heart surgery in March.
Let’s thank the Lord for the good news Anas got today! Please pray for the treatment he is getting soon. It is a big surgery that is coming at him, so please ask the Lord for his protection!
Sweet little Anas came to Ashdod today to spend some hours in our house until his appointment at Sheba Hospital. His mother immediately insisted on helping with cleaning because she likes to help us. This was really kind of her.
After a couple of hours, I brought Anas to the hospital for a kidney ultrasound. It all went well.
Shortly after that, we went back to the Gaza border. We were a little bit late, so the border was already closed. While we waited for someone to open the gate, a man took off his jacket to protect Anas from the cold, even though he was shaking himself.
We’ll see Anas and his mom again next week for another test. All these tests will give the doctors the information they need to prepare Anas for surgery at the end of this month. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for the doctors and please pray for our sweet Anas.
We didn’t expect this day to be so long when coworker Doro and I set off with Anas to the Sheba Medical Center this morning. A nephrology appointment was on the agenda.
To make sure Anas didn’t get kidney stones, the doctor had a whole series of blood and urine tests done. Unfortunately, we had to repeat the blood tests twice because the old tests were not meaningful enough. By now it was late and the offices where the blood tests normally take place was already closed. So coworker Doro went with Anas to the ER to have the remaining blood tests done there.
How nice that in the meantime, our former colleague Amelie called to say hello to Anas. This caused a bit of distraction. Earlier last year, when Anas had his complicated surgery, Amelie had met his grandmother and developed a good relationship with her. On the phone she expressed her delight at how big Anas had grown and how good his condition was. Praise the Lord!
Finally, after a long time, all the tests were done and the doctor was able to get a clear picture of the situation based on the results. Thank God there is no risk that Anas could have kidney stones. To be on the safe side, the doctor wanted Ana’s doctors in Gaza to continue urine testing. In principle, however, the doctor is not concerned and has also refrained from prescribing Anas medicine.
Anas had his ECHO at Sheba Hospital today. The ECHO went well but despite everything, his doctor informed me that Anas needed a second operation. This will take place in mid-February. Tomorrow he has his next important appointment, a nephrology appointment for his kidneys.
For this reason, Anas stays with us in Ashdod with his grandmother. Please pray for all upcoming appointments but especially for his second operation. Likewise for strength and courage for his family
Today, only one day after his cath, Anas was already cleared to go home. With the results from his cath the doctors will make a plan for his next surgery. For now he will wait in Gaza until he will come for an echo at the end of this year or the doctors decide anything else.
Sweet Anas had a diagnostic catheterization at Sheba Hospital today to see if he is ready for the Glenn surgery. The second surgery of the three he needs. It all went well, making the doctors free to discuss his case, soon to decide about the surgery.
Anas’s mother was very relieved when she saw her son. We ask for your prayer for Anas.
In the morning some of our coworkers collected Anas and his mom at the Gaza border and brought them to Sheba Medical Center for his admission. Because of his cath, he still needed an ECG and X-ray to check his heart, this to determine if everything’s okay for his cath tomorrow.
Even though he didn’t like the ECG at all, he was patiently waiting until everything was finished.
Once we were in his new room in the intermediate ICU, Anas was sleeping deep after a long day with a lot of waiting time. The nurse still had to do a Covid test for Anas, but she waited until he woke up by himself, so that he could get some rest. His mom was really thankful that her son could finally sleep a little, but was also a bit worried about what tests the nurses were doing with Anas and if everything was fine with him. Once I explained things to her, she looked really relieved. What really amazed me today is that only a few seconds after he woke up, Anas started smiling so brightly again. Also the whole day he looked so happy and was in such a good mood.
Let us pray for Anas’s cath tomorrow. Hopefully everything will go well and he will recover well. Pray for his mother, that she won’t be too discouraged tomorrow.
Today sweet chubby Anas from Gaza had a cardiology check-up and a gastroenterology appointment at Sheba Medical.
His grandmother was a bit worried about him, since a couple months ago in Gaza he was in the hospital for two weeks while he passed a kidney stone, and also had a bacterial infection. However, he’s doing much better now, and all the doctors were amazed at how much he’s grown.
His cardiologist had some good news – his heart is doing very well, and he is ready for his second surgery! God willing, he will have a catheterization within the next two months, and then he can have his next surgery. The doctor said that we just have to figure out what’s going on with his kidneys. He will hopefully have an abdominal ultrasound next time he comes to the hospital.
The doctor at his gastro appointment was very gracious, even though we were two hours late! She is very pleased with how much he has grown, and encouraged his grandmother to let him try out some new foods.
Please pray that there are no serious problems with his kidneys, and that God will bless him and his family as they prepare for his next steps.
Our little Anas is now four months old and had a dietary appointment today at Sheba Hospital. It was a pleasant reunion with this family when we collected them at the Erez Border Crossing.
The nutritionist asked a few questions at the beginning of their appointment, and then asked us to get Anas’s height and weight by ourselves. I was glad to see that another Gaza mother was in the same hospital area and was able to assist us as she knew how to work all the tools to get these measurements.
Anas had good results. He’s gaining weight without any supplements other than mother’s or powdered milk bottles. The nutritionist was so happy to see how much he has grown. Anas’s grandmother chimed in that she’d like to cook all kinds of traditional dishes for Anas. The nutritionist was pleased with this kind of family support and enthusiasm, but recommended they all wait until Anas turns at least six months of age.
We drove Anas, a beautiful baby from Gaza, to Sheba Hospital for a gastro follow-up. The doctor checked Anas and said he did not see edima any longer, which is good. Ana’s grandma and I weighed and measured him together to find that he was 4,750g and 55 cm. The doctor said Anas is at the bottom 3% on the growth chart but has been growing at his own pace well. The doctor ordered a blood test to see Anas’ liver enzyme level. This test was rather comprehensive with lots of tubes to fill. The nurse had to poke a needle on three different spots on both his arms. He of course cried, but survived well!
After one hour of waiting, the doctor said the blood test result was good. Liver enzyme is within the normal range, which is wonderful news; one less prescription drug for Anas.
After moving up and down through the hospital floors, we finally sat down to rest, and Anas’ grandma shared a nice sandwich with me that some other Gaza moms brought for her. I am also so thankful for coworker Moshe who did the translation for us over the phone in the doctor’s office. Without him, it would have been really chaotic.
Anas is coming back for a dietitian meeting, an ultrasound and another gastro follow-up in the next few months. Way to go, Anas! God be with you!
Today was a big day for cute little Anas and his lovely grandmother. He was finally discharged after nearly seven weeks at Sheba Medical Center after his urgent heart surgery.
In the middle of March he came to us as an emergency newborn. He didn’t look well at all. His eyes were really swollen and his tiny body was motionless in his big hospital bed. I can remember the moment he opened his eyes for the first time after his surgery, even only for a really short time, it was very special!
It was really nice to be a part of his journey and also to see how he improved step by step. He is looking now so much better and he likes to discover everything with his big eyes; he is now so lively. His smile is also very adorable to see.
In less then one month he has to return to Sheba for a gastro appointment. He is receiving baby calorie and some medicine, but he is doing well!
His grandmother was very happy to go now back to Gaza to her family and also Anas is finally reunited and back in the arms of his parents. We are very happy for them and look forward to seeing them again.
After everything was done, we brought them back to Gaza. Anas’s grandmother continually asked how much longer we needed in the car, because she couldn’t wait anymore to see her family again. Please pray for this precious boy, his family, and that everything goes well for them.
Yesterday at Sheba Hospital, Anas was moved to the pediatric ward. This is a big step forward!
Anas’s grandmother is still with him. Maybe if Anas improves quickly, and can be discharged, his grandmother will stay with him. Otherwise Anas’s mother is trying to come to relieve his grandmother from her hard work.
Please pray for Anas’ situation and for his grandmother who is very tired.
Today, I visited Anas and his grandmother, who was already waiting for me. She wanted to hear what the doctor said about Anas. Anas is doing okay so far, but has some issues with his liver.
The doctor pointed out that these problems are already improving a little and they are not so worried about him.
Still, let’s pray for Anas and his liver function. Also we are trying to exchange places between Anas’s grandmother and has mother, who really wants to be with her little darling son. So we can pray that this also works out.
Today, coworker Doro and I visited little Anas and his grandmother at Sheba Hospital. Anas is doing so well, that he has been moved to the Secondary Pediatric ICU. The doctor told me they are happy with his progress.
I also was very happy to see Anas looking at me with eyes open. He is such a beautiful boy. The Lord has done great things in Anas!
Anas needs to improve further and has to learn to eat, but for now it is so nice how well he is doing! Also Anas’s grandmother was very happy today and is already looking forward to returning to Gaza, hopefully soon.
Please keep praying for Anas, that he will improve further.
Today I visited Anas at Sheba Hospital. His grandmother was sitting next to him. She was very happy to tell me that he is totally off oxygen support and that he is eating more through the feeding tube.
So slowly he is improving. And when he gets stronger and better, the doctors will see what else needs to be done. Or maybe he can go home to grow for his next surgeries.
For now we praise the Lord that Anas is improving.
Today I visited cute little Anas at Sheba Medical Center. The doctor told me that he is very happy about Anas‘s condition. In the next days they want to increase the amount of food he gets and decrease his medications.
I am really happy to see how he’s improving. Also his grandmother is very happy about every step in his improvement. She is a very lovely woman and I like spending time with her.
Today I visited little Anas in the Pediatric ICU of Sheba Medical Center. I talked to the doctor and he told me that Anas is doing very well. They already took him off of some of his medication in the last days and also plan to remove his chest tube soon.
Anas and his lovely Grandmother are both very nice and I hope that he will continue getting better. Please keep praying for him.
Anas is not doing so well after his extubation at Sheba Hospital yesterday. The nurse was quite worried about it. They did a blood test to investigate further.
If the results are concerning, they have to intubate him again. Anas’s grandmother is very worried and tired. She just wants the very best for her grandson.
Please join us in prayer for little Anas, that God may restore his health and he will be able to breathe on his own.
Today, coworker Joanne and I went to Sheba Medical Center to visit little Anas and his grandmother. Right now he is doing well.
When we entered Anas’s room the first time today, we were happy that he opened his eyes and we were even happier when he was extubated the next time we entered his room. It is so nice to see how he’s improving. Anas’s grandmother, a very nice and lovely woman, was also very happy about his improvement today.
Thank the Lord for this little boy; we keep praying for his further treatment.
This afternoon, Anas’s grandmother met me and coworker Amelie in the pediatric ICU of Sheba Hospital, very eager to usher us into Anas’s room and show us how well he is. The nurse taking care of him said he is very well and is receiving very little medication. They will try to remove his oxygen tube later this afternoon.
“He’s waking up and also very cute,” she added with a grin.
Sure enough, Anas was opening his eyes and responding to his grandmother saying his name. She’s very excited and encouraged by this. Please pray that the extubation attempt goes well and Anas can breathe easily on his own.
When coworker Lilly and I visited Anas at Sheba Hospital today, the doctor was busy taking an echo image of the heart of Anas. He told me that Anas was stable and doing well.
They still give Anas a lot of medication, but that is normal after such a heavy heart surgery, the doctor explained. So we have, thanks to the Lord, good hope for Anas.
Anas is stable in the ICU of Sheba Medical Center. That is very good. One week ago he was in a very bad condition, and now the doctors were finally able to stabilize him and Anas is doing well.
He is still intubated, but the doctors already managed to lessen support for him. His grandmother is standing patiently by his side. Today, I also chatted on the phone with Anas’s mother and older sisters. They are all lovely and want to know how their little son/brother is doing.
We can keep praying for Anas, that he will remain stable and improve well.
Today, coworker Willem and I visited little Anas in Sheba Hospital. Anas is doing okay after his chest was closed yesterday. The doctor explained that every child is very weak after such a big surgery like he had last week. There are children who have to be one month in the ICU after this surgery. So, they are not more worried about him.
They still try to stabilize him completely and already lessened one medication to see how he would react to it. Furthermore, they reduced his oxygen and his own oxygen is very good.
During the time I sat with Anas grandmother, I was allowed to watch a nurse while she was working with Anas. She tried to give him more oxygen using a device and tried to show him how to breathe. He is still intubated and more time is needed to stabilize him.
The doctors are all very kind and they really do their best for these children. Let’s keep praying for little Anas, that God really heals him and restores his health soon.
Today, the doctors at Sheba Children’s Hospital, took little Anas again into surgery to close his chest. Everything went well. The nurse was very positive. They will monitor him carefully and try to decrease his medications. If everything is going well in the next days, they will try to extubate him.
Anas grandmother also asked about the Anas’s kidney problem. But it seems to get better. The doctors are not so worried about his kidney anymore.
Coworker Hanna and I had a nice ‘waiting’ time with Anas’s grandmother. She is a lovely women and comforts others who have loved ones in hospital.
Today I went to Sheba Medical Center and visited little Anas.
Right now he is stable and if he remains stable, on Sunday he will go back to the OR and the doctors will close his chest because they left it open after his surgery on Tuesday.
While I was in his hospital room, I prayed and felt that God was right in the room and will always be there for Anas and his grandmother. Please keep praying for little Anas and his grandmother.
Today I visited little Anas and his lovely grandmother in the Sheba Hospital Pediatric ICU. He was sleeping and I stood next to his bed.
I prayed for Anas and during my prayer, he opened his eyes for a short time. It was really special for me and his grandmother was also very glad about that.
When I visited Anas, he was finally stabilized just two hours before, but this I knew could change at any time. His grandmother is very concerned about him and she also cried. In such moments, it’s so good to know that God is in control and that he is holding this newborn in his hands.
Later, I ate lunch with Anas’s grandmother and we had a good time in-between her thoughts and concerns. Please pray for Anas’s stability and that everything is going to be well and for strength for his grandmother.
Anas had his first surgery at Sheba Hospital today to fix the problems associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The surgery went well without complications. The surgeons found a tear in his esophagus, which they also repaired.
Ayan’s grandmother was very strong during the surgery’s waiting period. She had nice conversations with another Gazan grandmother who was also there for her grandchild. It is nice to see that these ladies support each other during the difficult situations they have in common. We ask for your prayer for the next days for Anas.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Anas, a seven day old little boy from Gaza, will have his heart operated on tomorrow at Sheba Medical Center, if he is stable enough.
It is so good that we see how careful and lovely the nurses and doctors treat these children. Prayers go up for the medical staff and for little Anas himself tomorrow.
Tiny Anas is stable in the pediatric ICU at Sheba hospital a couple of days after his arrival. The doctor explained that they are having some trouble with his IV, so they will insert a central line today to ensure that all of his medication reaches his heart.
Once they see how he responds to the medications, they can decide when to proceed with his first surgery.
After having the Glenn surgery on Wednesday last week Anas is doing almost perfect. When I visited him today he was sitting in his bed playing with his stuffed animals and as soon as he saw me he wanted to play with me. We spend some time together and everyone in the ICU was surprised to see him doing so well just days after this huge surgery. Later he even was able to go out if the ICU in a stroller with his mom what is very rare for children admitted to the primary ICU. It is so good to see him doing so well and being so playful.
Thank the Lord for the healing he gave to Anas and that he blessed him and his family with such a fast recovery. Pray for further improvement so he can go home to his siblings as soon as it is possible.
