Because the ventilator cannot be a long term solution, he will have surgery on Thursday. The surgery will involve three procedures. First, they will do a tracheostomy. This entails putting a tube in the neck to create a stable airway. We will need to keep this clear of secretions, but it should solve the obstructions until his jaw develops. He will be unable to make any vocalizations for the time being. Secondly, they will perform a gastrostomy. This entails putting a GI tube into his stomach for feedings. He is still having trouble swallowing. Finally, they are going to perform a Nissen Fundoplication. This is a method to solve his reflux problem. They will wrap part of his stomach around the esophagus to prevent food from going in the wrong direction.
He will have an upper GI on Wednesday to further investigate his needs.
Hopefully all these procedures will go well and solve his problems. There is a chance he will grow out of these needs eventually.
We are relieved to finally have some solutions in sight. They are still concerned that this might not be all he needs. We will have to see how his recovery goes.
Please continue to pray for us!
