The surgery went well. We waited over 4 hrs before talking with the surgeon performing the procedure, but she was very nice and patient, and answered all of our questions. So after giving our consent, they took him to the OR about 5pm. We waited in the Ronald McDonald room with Mom and Dad, where they had volunteers from Sprint who served us dinner. One of the volunteers turned out to be an old friend from Clinton. It was nice to see a familiar face. There were several other families in the waiting room. Sometimes, when I'm able to step away from my own life for a moment and listen to other families situations, it helps to put things in perspective. It's interesting to see how different everyone acts. You can tell some people are scared and sad, some are bitter and angry, and some look happy and relieved. We've for sure been each of those at some point the last 6 weeks! So anyway, the doctor comes and finds us about 6pm and tells us everything went well, there were no complications and they did not see any other abnormalities when they scoped his lower airway. His nasal passage was too small to pass the scope (camera) thru his nose.
They took him back up to the ICU. He's hooked up to the ventilator b/c he's sedated and can't breathe on his own yet. So he looked pretty out of it. It was tough seeing him for the first time, and seeing the tubes and trach. Hopefully they'll be able to wean him off the vent over the next day or two. We can't hold him for the next several days b/c we have to allow the opening where the trach is to heal and can't risk the trach falling out b/c the opening in his neck would close back up quickly. It's going to be hard not being able to hold him. That's usually the highlight of my day!
The next biggie is his feeding ability. Now that he doesn't have to rely on breathing through his mouth, he can hopefully bottle or breast feed if he can coordinate sucking and swallowing. If he cannot do these things, he'll have to have a G-tube (gastric tube), which is a tube in his belly through which he'd get fed.
So all things considered, it was a good day and we got through it. We know there were lots of prayers going out, and we could feel it!
12 comments:
Katie & Chris,
We are so happy to hear the surgery went well. You are all in our prayers. Chase is a little champ, that is for sure! Thanks so much for blogging, it is hard to be so far away from you guys. Just remember we are thinking of you and we are part of Chase's cheering section in Michigan!
Love,
Monica, Matt and Maddie K.
We're so glad Chase made it through surgery - and y'all too. What an enormous day. Our hearts are broken for you ... thanks for letting us pray for the daily struggles you face. We'll be praying that Chase can eat on his own soon!
lots of love
sb & jon
Katie & Chris,
I'm so glad to see Chase is doing well post surgery. The last picture he looks very relaxed and like he's finally breathing fully. We're excited to see him. Love, Lizzi & Paul
Katie
Glad to hear things went well and Chase is back to resting up. We were thinking about you yesterday and will continue to daily. Hang in there.
Chris and Ally
Dear Katie, Chris & Chase,
Actually, Chase, I thought you looked very good after surgery!! We are so proud of your parents for their insight and concern for others while they were so worried about you- you are one lucky fella to have them- now let"s EAT & Swallow!!!! Love, Jim & Vic
Katie and Chris,
Thank you for sharing your life and your courage. As a highschool friend or your parents, Katie, I am very interested but don't want to "bug" them all the time for updates. My prayers are with you all, especially Chase. I've only heard good things about Children's Mercy.
Sending you all a hug!
Jerri Campbell
This blog was passed on to me and I wanted to let you all know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Katie, you have a beautiful family and I am praying for the happy, healthy future you will have with Chris and Chase!
~Lauren (Abernathy) Cody
Katie & Chris,
Glad to hear the surgery went well, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family. Thanks again for blogging all the updates. You have a beautiful family! Chase looks very peaceful after the surgery.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help out.
Love,
Nathan, Denise, Nicholas, and Kaleb
Katie,
I am soo glad the surgery went well! I was thinking about you guys all day yesteday. I will be praying for Chase to eat on his own soon. Chase is lucky to have such amazing, strong parents.
Love,
Anne (Hendricks) Rogers
hi katie and chris.
i'm friends with annie (hendricks) rogers. she told me about your blog. i'm so glad the surgery went well. chase will be in my thoughts and prayers. congratulations on your beautiful baby boy.
suzanne mccullough
Katie & Chris - I am go glad Chase's surgery went well, he is a real trooper! I submitted a prayer request at my church so you have a lot of prayer warriors on your side here in St. Louis!
Much Love,
Kristy (Ammons) Kelley
Katie & Chris,
We are so glad the surgery went well. You are all in our prayers and we think of you often. Thank you for doing the blog so we can keep up to date on his progess. You have such a positive outlook!! Shari has kept us up to date. He's a cute little boy!!
Sending our love and prayers,
Kim, Jan, Kelly and family
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