Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Chrissie Update 4/20, 12:40AM

Chrissie is alive.  She's now in PICU on life support machines in a medically induced coma.  We got to see her and visit with her cardiac surgeon and cardiologist.  The entire medical care team has stayed by Chrissie's side for over 14 hours, and they've prayed continuously over our precious baby girl.

We were told that Chrisse was dead for 20 minutes.  May God receive ALL of the glory for bringing her back to life.  She's currently being kept alive by machines.  They don't know what (if any) damage to her brain and organs occurred when she was dead for 20 minutes.  They are keeping her body temp at 92 degrees to help decrease brain activity since she was dead for a while.  The team of doctors and nurses are the very best, and they love Chrissie so much.

Chrissie is intubated and there's a machine doing her breathing and another keeping her heart working.  They do believe that Chrissie's heart has the ability to work on its own, but her left lung (which is her only "good" lung) is completely filled with fluid, which won't allow any blood to enter to be oxygenated or remove carbon dioxide.  Her CO2 levels were 3 times what they should have been, which is toxic. 

I asked Dr. Porisch to tell me what to ask you all to pray for.  She said to ask The Great Physician to clear out her lungs to enable blood to flow to them and for Him to allow everything to function properly.  Right now the problem seems to be the lungs more than the heart.

Chrissie is very sick.  She died today and was gone for 20 minutes.  God brought her back.  Nothing can be predicted right now.  Dr. Porisch is staying overnight with Chrissie.  Matt and I are sleeping on the floor in the PICU waiting room.  God surrounded us with sweet friends to pray with us and comfort us.  We are in the Best Hands possible, as is Chrissie.

We were told that it's likely she will decline over the next 6-12 hours, so please continue to pray wholeheartedly during the next 12 hours.  They've left her chest open for the night, and probably over the next few days.  She is bleeding more than she was after her first surgery.  They have her chest packed with guaze to absord the blood, plus she has 3 tubes to drain everything.  She is very sick.  They are having a really hard time getting another IV started; don't know if they've accomplished that yet.  (Her cold body temp couple with her hard to stick body is making it extra difficult to get a new IV started.) 

I am remembering God's rainbow He gave me and clinging to my belief of His Healing Hand on Chrissie's heart and lungs and body.  He is our Jehovah Rapha, our Healing God.  We love Him dearly and trust His sovereignty wholeheartedly. 

I took a few photos of Chrissie tonight because I'm clinging to the hope that she'll walk out of her a living testimony to God's miracles that are alive and active today.  The photos are hard to look at, but I pray that when our King of Kings restores Chrissie's health, she will dance her way out of this hospital.





39 comments:

Patrice said...

Stopped by from the Rigg's family blog and praying so hard for Chrissie & for your family. I have seen the miracles God provides & I am praying for one for you! Best wishes.

Anonymous said...

Prayers to Chrissie and your family! I pray He gives Chrissie strength to fight this battle and I pray for Him to give you and your family strength.

Allie Garcia said...

Praying for Chrissie and her heart! Knowing that God will work in her heart and life in a mighty way.

Jim Rutherford said...

Praying! Believing!
Jim Rutherford
4Winds Ministries
www.4wingsministries.com
Tulsa, OK

Unknown said...

Hi. I don't know you but I wanted to tell you that I'm holding you and your dear daughter in the Light. May all be well . . .

Meredith said...

Praying desperately for your sweet girl....

No words can describe the anguish I feel for you and the anguish you must feel.

But there is a world full of believers out here praying and pulling for a miracle for sweet Chrissie.

ProjectHope7 said...

Brent Riggs, Abbys dad, posted about your daughter. So glad he did. Please know, as I read you really do, that you are not alone. Not only is there an army of beleivers around the world praying for Chrissie and all of you, but there is , for sure, an army of His ministering Angels at your sides, and in the room with Chrissie and the medical staff. Do not walk by sight or sound over the coming hours and days. His plan is perfect, even when we do not understand it. He has given you a great gift in allowing you to share your love with her, for whatever the length of His journey. I know it sounds a bit strong in the midst of all you are going through, but when troubles seem to mount up higher than we ever thought possible, I am reminded of this... Sing praises to His Name, the Name above all Names... why? because the Bible assures us... HE inhabits the praises of His people!
For the 4th time in my life, almost 4 yrs ago, I received the devastating news I had maybe a month left to live,..this time due to inoperable spinal tumors. As you can read, I am still here,(not healed...still with the tumors and in great pain... but still here and thanking Him for life daily) many of my doctors are still baffled...... because His plan is greater than ours. As you have learned well, each day is a gift from above... truly a gift...my prayers are with you and your family each step of the way. I will also share your prayers for Chrissie and the rest of the family requests with others. God be with you and prepare you for the days ahead and all they hold. wait on His whispers...they will guide you...
In Christ,
Cathy B
projecthope7 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

1:47am - All I can pray is for God's breathe of life to clear out Chrissie's lung. All I can seem to say to God right now is "help". In response, for almost the past hour, all He has reminded me of is His power and His presence. God says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." He is with you right now, Lorraine and Matt and He is holding Chrissie close to his heart. We love your family and will continue to lift you up in prayer. Hang on. - Julie

Sweet Joni said...

Hello, my name is Joni. It is an honor to come to your blog from Riggs Family blog who've been a great blessing to teach me more than I'd ever imagined...

While reading your TU 4.20.2010, 12:40AM blog - God answered many of my own prayers which I'd like to share with you "someday"...

But, enough about me :) You'd mentioned that Chrissie's incision was left open with guaze... I went through a procedure last fall after cancer surgery - incision was left open with guaze pack for a time to allow infection OUT. So, I'm grateful to read that Chrissie's surgeon has decided to leave it open for now.

His Mighty Hands are at work to Heal His Precious Child.

Much Love & Respect,
~Joni Lee

Emily's Blog said...

I have added you to prayer list. I am praying for a miracle. Praying for the Dr.'s and nurses, your familiy. I too died on the table 6 different times, but God brought me back each time. Chrissie is in God's hands and He knows what HE is doing.
I noticed you live in the TX Hill Country, as do I and if you are at a local Children's hospital (Dell's), I wouldn't mind bringing lunch or snack food for your family.
I know that I'm a stranger, but I'd like to send Chrissie a get well soon card, if you feel comfy with that you can send your address to my email :
emizzy99@gmail.com (Please don't share my address with others).

Stephanie said...

I heard about your daughter through Abby's website. Many prayers for your sweetie. Prayers for wisdom, courage, and strength for you and your family.

Much love from NC,
Stephanie

Heather, Rick, and Tendai! said...

I cant even imagine the pain you must be going thru... I am praying for you all the way from Africa! May God touch her tiny body, and the doctors hands, may he bless your family as you wait and pray and hope, may He surround you with loving, caring, thoughtful people who will be a comfort to you all. And above all, May God's name be glorified in all of this, Amen!

Megan said...

Praying for you this morning. Praying for miraculous healing for Chrissie. Praying for a sweet and sovereign comfort for you and Matt. Praying for each of your children today.

Serena's prayer last night was that you would continue to trust God during all of this. That Serena would pray this is a miracle of it's own.

Praying for you all throughout the day.

Anonymous said...

Praying for your sweet little girl.

amyl4 said...

I a praying for Chrissie, she is a miracle child already. God bless you and keep you strong! Please dear God, give the doctors and nurses who love Chrissie so, the strength and the guidance that only you can give. Bless this sweet child as she is loved by so many all over the world. She is truly a gift!
Amy

Beth said...

I pray you will continue to feel His hands, His peace, His comfort, His love, His rest. Praying for you and your precious little girl.

Becca Harley said...

We have been praying for Abby, and Chrissie and for all of you during this. As a PICU nurse and a mom of three who have all been sick - my heart hurts for you. Father God - place this family in Your arms of grace this moment, healing Chrissie as only you can do.
Hugs and prayers, Becca Harley
ourjourneyto6.blogspot.com

Rob and Amy said...

Sweet sweet baby girl. Praying for wisdom, Faith, hope and progress this morning for ALL of you, especially sweet Chrissie. To God be the Glory, and if God chooses to heal Chrissie here on Earth, God is still God and he is good. Should he need to call her back home, God is still God and he is good. Praying for you guys today!

Anonymous said...

Psalm 25, Psalm 91, Psalm 94, Psalm 116, Psalm 117

Remember, O Lord, thy compassion and thy lovingkindness, for they have been from of old.

I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" For it is He who delivers.

The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord has clothed and girded himself with strength; indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

To Thee I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

-Andrea 5-6am Tues., April 20, 2010

Alyssa said...

Praying for your precious daughter...

Unknown said...

Dear Lorraine,

I have been sharing this verse with my dear friends this week because it is what God wants me to remember as well as He heals my heart of hurts when I was Chrissy's age.

Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."

Praying this over Chrissy and your family now!

Love and blessings!
Jill

The Fab 5 said...

Tears filling my eyes for you. Praying.............

Unknown said...

Oh I am praying that God has a miracle lined up for your precious Chrissie!

Amy said...

Precious Patterson family, please know we are praying like we have never prayed before.I woke up repeatedly throughout the night begging God to save Chrissie's life. We love you ALL so much. Trusting in His ultimate plan. ((HUGS)) Amy

free_to_dream said...

I am a reader of the Riggs' blog. I hardly know what to say here, but...best of luck? I'm trying.

Sarah

wordgardener said...

Lorraine,I am soo sorry that this is the place you and your family and Chrissie are on this planet right now. I have stood at the foot of that same sort of view and my prayers are with you for strength and faith and hope and love to wrap their entire meaning around all of you. And that that Jehovah Rapha heals Chrissie and that the Lion of Judah guards your hearts and fiercely watches over you all. Know that you do not walk alone through this. There are so many of us that lift you and take Chrissie's name to the doorstep of heaven, over and over again. It is the mightiest act we have, to pray for another person. You are loved, Cathy Bachman, adopting Marina

Rod and Amy said...

I wanted to tell you our story. we had a foster baby that had two surgeries for Transposition of the great vessels, at 2 months of age. (unheard of, since most babies with this require emergency surgery right after birth...Lindsay had a couple of holes in her heart that masked the problem) She also died on the OR table...3 times...and was revived. We spend weeks praying over her sweet, deathly sick body! It is only by GOD's love and grace that Lindsay survived, and is taking driver's ed., cheering,and VERY normal!! There is ALWAYS hope! No matter what the outcome for your beloved daughter, GOD can be trusted. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Amy Sharp

Kat said...

Continuing to pray and cry and petition God for Chrissie...May God's peace be upon you.

Blogging Friend said...

if my comment went through twice please just ignore it.

Love,
Sheila

THE CAMPBELL FAMILY said...

Praying here most of the night.. Please God heal Chrissie.

Sending hugs to you all~

Blogging Friend said...

Oh Lorraine! I am so very sorry that Chrissie is going through this. I have been and will continue to pray for all of you guys.
20 minutes is a long time to be gone but she did come back and miracles happen every day. It was a miracle that they were able to save Chrissie today. She can still pull out of this.
I hope that the next update is one saying things are stable. Stable is good in a time like this!

Love,
Sheila

Kelly said...

No words... Just prayer!!

The Spicer Family said...

Praying without ceaing for your precious daughter. I was up in the middle of the night praying for her and checking for updates. God is giving you His amazing grace through the process, but please know that soooo many of us are lifting up your arms.

In Christ,

Jill Spicer

Anonymous said...

You dont know me, but I am shedding tears as I read the post of your dear daughter. I am a follower of Abbi Riggs and have learned of your blog. Know that I just got finished praying for your daughter and pouring out my heart to Our Great Physician. May he totally heal your little girl, heart, lungs, brain, totally so that she may one day be a living miracle, testifying to God's great power and might. Praying also for you her parents that God may wrap his arms around you and give you peace as you go through this trial. Praying.... Love, Judy

Deciduous Heather said...

Praying for your sweet Chrissie this morning in NC!
Heather

Kritter Krit said...

Stopped by from the Rigg's blog. My five year-old daughter, Sophie, and I just bowed our heads to pray for Chrissie. We will visit your blog frequently for updates, as we continue to pray that God will work in a mighty and miraculous way to heal Chrissie completely!

Love from Arkansas,
Kristy and Sophie

Chris said...

Praying for your precious daughter!!!!

Sherri said...

Hi it's my first time visiting your blog and i'm so sorry to hear about your sweet little girl. I will be Praying for Chrissie's lung and heart...I will continue praying. God will work with her and keep her safe.

God Bless you and your family.

Hugs,
Sherri

Anna said...

I have been praying for your little girl faithfully today. I dreamt about her last night and my earnest wish is for her to survive. I´l continue to pray for you.

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