Our little Ethan is heading to the Op room today at 5:30 for two quick procedures. He is getting a tracheostomy to help him breath better until the movement comes back in his vocal chords (they are paralyzed in the semi-closed position and it may take months for full movement to recover). He is also getting a G-tube. I will be feeding him directly into his belly. You cannot bottle feed a baby with paralyzed vocal chords. If he were to get milk down the "wrong pipe" then he would not be able to close his chords to protect the milk from getting into his lungs. And lung infection is not what a little heart baby needs!
As you can guess it has been hard to accept these setbacks, but the docs are expecting a full recovery from these side effects. And we will continue to pray for that. These procedures will allow us to take Ethan home in between surgeries. Otherwise we would be stuck here on breathing machines until his chords recover. And as mentioned, that could be a few months. Although I am terrified at the thought of balancing Ethan's care and three other children, it will be so much better to be home as a family! And the Lord has blessed us with an amazing support system!
Much Love-
Greg and Heidi
2 comments:
We're praying that this operation is simple and successful. I hope that you are able to get a home health nurse to help you out when he is discharged. We didn't qualify for much due to income, but I'd start apply for AZLTC (Arizona Long Term Care) now. We didn't know about it until now and I wish I'd known sooner.
Let us know how the surgeries go today!
Heidi,
I would love to help you in any way that I can. I do a considerable amount of trach care at the hospital, if you do get a home care nurse, and/or want any assistance I can offer, Let me Help, I would be honored! :)
It will be so much better to get him home! Not ideal to need these little "helpers," but I know you and he will do fantastic. Seriously, let me know if I can take playmates, or help in any way! :)
Lot's of love and prayers for speedy recovery from the procedures. Wendy
Post a Comment