I think you have a very heavy weight to carry and I will be on my knees praying ~ for you and all those involved in making this decision, for the little girl and her unborn baby. I will pray.
You do not know me, but I have heard much of you through Liz. I just wanted to send you a note after reading your heart-breaking post to let you know that I am praying for you as well as Liz and the rest of the staff and crew especially over the next few days. I find myself overwhelmed and yet encouraged by the stories I have heard from Liz and now you. I praise God that he is doing such a great work in and through each and every one of you. Thank you for your heart and for what you are doing with Mercy Ships!
Don't know what is involved in fixing this girls leg, but I would go for it. It seems that the right people are in the right place to give this girl two strong legs and the potential for a good life. This young girl needs two good legs for herself, this baby, if it is meant to be, and the ones that will come.
Maybe combined spinal and epidural analgesia along with a sedative to keep her calm would be enough to get the job done.
I am sure that you guys will be guided to the right choice.
Dear Ali, first of all thanks so much for your reply to our blog - and let me tell you: after reading your touching post, I can feel so much with that girl now! I have been very sick the last few days and we had to decide which medicine I could take and not harm the baby - but your decision is so much bigger! I will also pray!!! I will try to call you someday, I would love to talk to you, Mrs. assistant ward supervisor! Wow... but all with God´s help, right?Love, Andrea
Ali, what a quandary. What would the risks of an epidural to both your patient and her fetus be compared to a general anaesthetic? Can the surgery even be done with an epidural? Do you have the wherewithal to do an epidural? So many questions... so few choices. I have to agree that this girl deserves the chance to walk on a strong, straight leg and to have a chance at a better life that she may not attain if she doesn't have the surgery. But to perhaps condemn her fetus to either death or serious anomalies isn't right either. Maybe if the surgery can be done without inhalants the baby might be okay. I don't envy any of you this situation. May the Lord guide your hands... He already guides your hearts.
Please fix her leg. :*( I am so sorry you have to decide things like this; but I'm very glad that if these decisions are being made, they are being made by people like you and your team.