Saturday, February 28, 2009

WE'RE A MATCH!

The results are in.. Bentley and I have the same blood type. PRAISE THE LORD! So on May 20, 2009 I will be giving a little of my blood to my sweet baby girl. She will need a blood transfusion during her open heart surgery and I am THRILLED I am going to be able to do this for her. This puts a HUGE smile on my face. I would of course be thankful for any blood she would receive stranger or not.. We are not completely in the clear though.. I have tried to donate blood about 4 times in my life (shame on me, this WILL change), and I have only been able to do it twice because of my iron. I am usually low on iron.. so I am going to have to get it together and increase my iron intake and just pray my blood will pass the test. My iron will be the only setback. It's so frustrating not knowing. I am SOOO thankful for the opportunity to give my blood to Bentley but if I do not pass the test (3 days before surgery) then I will be so grateful for the blood donors out there because Bentley will be getting someone else's. I never realized how important it is to donate blood.. it definitely SAVES LIVES! I will be making this a normal routine in my life, as will Ryan.

Also, Bentley will have her first physical therapy appointment on Wednesday. They will evaluate her and then decide what steps we need to take from there. I will keep you posted!

Oh, and Bentley had her first fruit tonight.. bananas. She loved them! Thanks to all those who commented and emailed advice. I will be mixing the veggies in, as most of you said, as soon as we make sure she has no allergies to the fruits.

11 comments:

  1. Oh Crystal, hearing that just made my day!!!! Thank the Lord!!!! Like you said, stranger or not, it's ok either way, BUT having it YOUR blood would be so much better! I m praying that your iron is good, God is with ya'll!!!

    Love ya,
    Tiff

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  2. That's great news Crystal! I am so happy that you have this opportunity.I will definitely be praying that you will be able to keep up your iron intake! (time to take care of mommy!). Definitely keep us posted on Bentley. This is such great news all around. AND YAY FOR BANANAS!!!! Hee hee!

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  3. That's great news! If you don't already take a multivitamin, do that. And google "foods high in iron" and eat everything on that list as advised. This should get your blood all preped up in advance.

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  4. Hey sweet girl, I left you an award on my page! Keep up the positive attitude :) You are an inspiration to so many :) Love ya!

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  5. So happy you are a match! Thats great that you will be able to do something for your little one. I'm cruious why they said that she will need a blood transfusion. I swear Madi didn't need one because I asked if she needed blood and the surgeon said no.

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  6. The first surgeon we were going to go with never mentioned a blood transfusion so I assume they were not going to do one. Then when we went went to the newest surgeon (the one that will perform the surgery) he said some surgeons do it and some don't. He said he ALWAYS does it during any open heart surgery.. that it was the safest way to go. So we didn't ask questions. What all did they repair in your daughters heart? Bentley will have the hole closed, and he will have to do some work on her pulmunary valve and I PRAY that he can repair it and not have to remove it. They think they might be able to save it but he just can't say until he goes in. Where do you live? Sorry for all the questions.. you can email me if you rather not post it.

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  7. ... because the first surgeon never mentioned it, I too had no idea that would do that until the second surgeon told us. Each surgeon probably just has their own way of doing things.

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  8. I found your blog through a comment you left on a friends. My little boy was born almost 6 years ago with tetrology of fallot. He has done amazingly well. Much better than we ever expected!! He is now ready for a new pulmonary valve, but we are waiting until it is a must. He also has DiGeorge Syndrome or 22Q11. Has your daughter been tested for this yet? I know it is very common for children with CHD to have chromosomal abnormalities as well. I hope everything goes well for your daughter. You are in very good hands at Primary Children's.

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  9. I have to comment here because I can't get to your page..

    It is so good to hear from others that have gone through the same or similiar experiences. So thank you for commenting! I am SO glad your son has done and is doing so well. Have they said when they might be doing his next surgery?

    They did tell us children with CHD do commonly have other medical conditions. She was tested at her first cardiology appointment and she only has TOF. Did you go to Primary Children's? We are going to Texas Children's.

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  10. Yes,
    we really think alot of Dr.Fraser, he called us before he had met us, and talked to me on the phone, I know what you mean, it really does mean alot for the Chief surgeon to make a personal call. I think alot of him and his head nurse Elaine, really sweet and very helpful. Where are you guys staying at?? We havent decided were we are staying at yet. I am so relieved to meet another family that is using TCMC.
    Referring to the blog my husband will be able to donate his blood for Dylon's Surgery, I am a universal donor but they only allow exact matches. You have such a beautiful family. God is so good!!
    Prayers from Alabama!!

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  11. I did this for Dylan's surgery (we share the same blood type). When they actually took my blood, it was very emotional for me. It felt so good to be able to do SOMETHING to help my baby! So happy you can do the same for Benteley.

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