Farah Abu Halima (Update)

February 22, 2010
At 6:30 am Michel, Amal & Farah drove to Riverside,Ca to see Dr. Mohammad Fielt, a pediatric dentist. Dr. Michael Mashni, an Anesthesiologist, started the IV sedation of Farah at 8 am.

Dr. Mohammad Fielat took an X-ray of Farah’s teeth and found that she has eight cavities, including three teeth needing root canal.

Dr. Mohammad fixed all eight teeth in an hour and the procedure went very well without any complications. Dr. Fielat recommended using an antiseptic rinse solution for four weeks.

The two Doctors usually do not work on Saturday. Dr. Fielat opened his clinic and had two of his dental hygienists assist him at no cost.

February 6, 2010
Amal & Rania were with Farah for a follow-up appointment at Dr. Batra’s office to bring Farah for check up to remove the drainer. Farah is recovering very well. She is on medication & no need for pain relief since Tuesday 6pm. Dr. Batra evaluated Farah’s condition and would like to see her in three weeks, then in six weeks to follow with an operation and implant a new skin extender on her back and final touch on her abdominal wall. In the meantime, I can take care of her six cavities. The final case will be on her right leg and removing the extender.

February 5, 2010
Farah’s is recovering very well. She sleeps well at night and naps. Her walking and activity is almost normal. The drainage of fluid from her back on Wednesday was 110 CC, today only 30 CC. No fever or pain.

Today at 11:30 am Dr. Betray did a check-up on Farah’s back. (She had 3 CC Valium).
Next visit will be on Saturday at 10:am to remove the Hem-vac drainer. (She need a 3 Cc Valium). Dr. Betray evaluated her condition and he prefers to give her six weeks of rest then operate on her abdominal wall and her Rt.leg. He may use a new extender.

Farah did talked to her dad and step mom. She was happy to hear them.

Februrary 2, 2010

Dr. Batra operate on Farah at Palomar Hospital at around 3:30PM today. He plans to remove the tissue expander due to the presence of an infection. It is unclear how long she will be in the hospital.

January 31, 2010

Farah had high fever at night and didn’t sleep well. She was taken to Dr. Batra’s clinic in Temecula in the early morning and the he informed us that there is an infection in her back where the tissue expander is located, so asked Amal to take her to the hospital. Dr. Batra is going to operate on her and drain the infection, and we’re not sure if he will remove the tissue expander, as he’ll decide on that when he operates on her tonight. This means that her treatment will be delayed.

January 30, 2010

On Wednesday, Farah had her first visit to Dr. Esam Abou Nahlah (Dentist). He will treat for Farah for six cavities that she has. We will starting the treatment under anesthesia (by mask) next week and Dr. Essam volunteered his services at no cost.

Every 2-3 days, Farah gets an opportunity to talk to her dad and step-mom, which she enjoys.

Yesterday, Farah Had her appointment to see Dr. Batra. She was running a fever the last 3 days up to 101 F, so he provided her with some antibiotic.

January 22, 2010

We finally removed the rest of Farah’s dressing. She continues to have exercise therapy for her right foot and left thumb. Next week more skin extension to follow. The doctor need to get more than 400 CC and so far she have 200 CC in, so she’s half way there. She is a pleasant, happy, and enjoyable child. She’s hasn’t need any pain medication for the last three days.

January 20, 2010

Today Farah had an appointment at Dr. Halls’ office. The doctor removed the dressing on Farah’s left thumb and  checked the process on her back. Dr. Hall ask me to us to keep using skin cream and to keep massaging her right foot, leg and her left hand more often. Next week, she has a visit with Dr. Batra to expand the extender on Farah’s back …. so far we are about 200 cc in and they need more than a 400 cc. Farah spent her day happily walking with no help.

January 21, 2010

Farah had an appointment at Dr. Hall’s office in La Mesa on Tuesday afternoon. It was a short visit and a long way to drive for Amal in the pouring rain, but she didn’t seem to 
mind in the least. Dr Hall removed the dressings from Farah’s hand and abdomen and 
examined her back. He said she will need another injection of fluid into 
her back ( tissue expansion) from Dr Batra in the next week or so. Amal 
will follow-up with Dr Batra. I liked Dr. Hall and his staff. They were 
very kind and patient with Farah, since she was crying and scared as soon as 
we entered the exam room.

Overall her condition is improving and there are no signs of infection 
or other post-operative complications. Farah was able to walk with some 
difficulty and Amal still carries her a lot. Amal has worked with burn 
patients and seems very knowledgeable about treatment and follow-up 
care. I think we are very fortunate to have Farah with Amal. Amal is in 
contact with Farah’s family ( her father) a few times a week by phone. 
Amal buys the special phone cards. I told her we could reimburse her for 
them but she said it was her contribution.

January 17, 2010

Farah next doctor’s appointment will be on Tuesday Jan 19 at 3:50pm with Dr. Hall. Today Farah walked with support (32 steps).  Tomorrow, she will take her first bath and I be removing her dressing from  her legs, chest and abdomen’s wounds.

January 9, 2010

Farah will be discharged today at 4 pm, San Diego time. Amal visited her today and she is much better and is talking and eating.

January 7, 2010

We will take more pictures after the surgery. She is doing really well and we are trying to prepare her mentally for the upcoming surgery. Her surgery still scheduled for Friday at 1:30 PM.

We have Fox news, NBC and ABC coming to get Farah’s story, so hopefully it will broadcast on the evening news.

January