Hi, my name is Noah Abner Clark. During my 20-week ultrasound, I was diagnosed with a severe right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Essentially, my diaphragm failed to fully form, and thus, many of my abdominal organs (namely my liver), herniated into my chest which in turn inhibited the growth of my emergent lungs. The average survival-rate for babies specifically like me is around 50%--a proverbial coin toss. My mom and dad thought that perhaps in-utero surgery would be best, but they ultimately decided that for my case, surgery after my birth would give me even a better chance to survive.

In order to find the finest care, my parents consulted with or actually visited many far-away places, including San Francisco, Houston, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Denver, Baltimore, and Seattle. Ultimately, however, we decided to travel 3500 miles from home so that I could be born and live at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in sunny St. Petersburg FL. My doctor is Dr. David Kays and my nurse is Joy Perkins. You should pray for them.

My road will be long, one potentially wrought with many setbacks and "close-calls." I'll do my best, but I would appreciate some much-needed help. So if you would, pray for me. And if I don't make it, still know that it is "well with my soul."


Sincerely, your pal,
Noah

P.S. You can learn more about what I'll be experiencing if you watch "Adam's Story"--a video my folks found while surfing the web. Right-click HERE.
P.S.S. Check back regularly to see my blog updates.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

OCT 29, 2016--RELAXING IN THE FLORIDA SUN

Good Morning to all of my friends yet again! We have made it to the 9th day! Although I am far from being ready to leave the hospital, I am beginning to relax a little bit. I tried to get dressed, but the nurses said the most that I could wear was my diaper and sunglasses. I kinda like the free-spirit vibe here in Florida. In fact, if you head to the beach, most everyone else is wearing just underwear and sunglasses too. We all know how the expression goes--"When in Rome..."

Aside from my wardrobe adjustments, I also weaned from my Nitric Oxide. I must confess to you all: that stuff is like catnip for the lungs, but its a good step in the right direction to get off of it. Weaning from my ventilator and O2 is going to take quite a bit longer. Right now, the ventilator gives me about 38 breaths a minute. If I feel like it, which isn't often, I'll breathe some on my own . If I don't feel like it, which is most of the time, then I just take a nap.

Well my friends, it has been a wild ride thus far. Although, it may look like it, I am not letting my guard down. We've gotta a ways to go with some stressful days ahead. But even so, we babies like to yuck it up with the nurses whenever we can. Please keep in touch. Your Pal, Noah.

P.S. Its the 9th day, and we've had 10,000 hits on the site! I love all of my friends. Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement thus far.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

You and your family are loved beyond words sweet Noah!!!

Debi Vinnedge said...

Soooo glad I got to meet you in person today Noah! You weren't wearing the sunglasses but that was a good thing because I got to see your eyes when you opened them for a moment. Keep fighting tiger...and we will keep praying and loving! :-)

Unknown said...

Keep up the good fight Noah. We are still thinking of you up here in B.C!!

Anonymous said...

From Donna... Enjoy Florida and your recovery! You are doing so well. Go you!!! Thank your Mum and Dad for keeping us all posted on how you are doing. D x

Anonymous said...

I am from Fl. And go to Suncoast Community Church. We are all praying for you. I just found your wonderful blog and I will keep reading and praying for you. Keep up the good work and keep your blog going, I love being able to hear from you . God Bless

Anonymous said...

Even though I don't know you and may never meet you on this earth, my family is praying for you many times each day, dear Noah! God is faithful, and He has provided wonderfully skilled doctors and nurses to care for you, and a loving family to nurture you. Know that you are loved by many, Noah!

Unknown said...

Those sunglasses look like they may have been loaned to you by your awesome big brother, Lincoln. They become you! Glad you are relaxing in the Florida sun - we are all praying for you!

Unknown said...

Oh Noah...your personality is already coming out. ;o) Tell mom and dad to spring for some sunglasses that fit better... ;o) Love you sooo much and continuing to say prayers for you and all your care givers. Love you champ!

Jenn Ryan said...

Way to go Noah!!!! Keep up the good work. Stay strong little buddy. We are praying for you up here at NCCTK! Love you guys!