Decisions

Decisions
October 25, 2012

Jordan had a pretty good day today.  He was bright eyed and interactive.  He only had a few DeSats but without the decrease in his heart rate.  He also had all the leads taken off of his head from the EEG and we get the results from that test tomorrow.

Today we met with the main Neonatologist and the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor to discuss having a tracheotomy for Jordan to allow him to breathe easier since he has so many secretions.  They insert the tube just below the vocal chords.  From our discussion, it sounds like the best choice.  This way Jordan's 2 main issues are covered.  He has the GI tube to allow him to get the nutrition he needs and the Tracheotomy that will let him breathe without having so much obstruction.  This will give him the time he needs to hopefully let his body heal itself.   He has had miracles/progress with his eye being able to close, his right vocal cord starting to work, and starting to swallow some of his secretions.

I must say it was a pretty emotional day trying to get used to the idea of having a tracheotomy done on your newborn child.  I had a hard enough time getting used to the G Tube in his stomach.  But after listening to the doctors and learning more about it, my heart is at peace.  It allows the child to breathe without hurting his future ability to speak, eat, and develop.  It aids him in his breathing as long as he needs it. Then when he is done needing it, it is completely reversible with almost no scar.

The medical world is amazing!  Here is a child who has nerves that did not finish developing in the womb.  In earlier years he would have died.  Now he is given a fighting chance of survival.  I can't help but see the Lord's hand in all of this.  There have been so many little miracles that I know are a result of all the prayers that are being said on Jordan's behalf.  You can feel the strength of his little spirit and know that he is meant to be here no matter the length of his stay.  I am so grateful for the knowledge and the advancement of the medical world.  I have a whole new appreciation seeing it in practice and at work in behalf of someone you care about and love.

Once we give the ENT our consent, the tracheotomy will more than likely happen next week.  We will be transferred to Emanuel Hospital where the surgery will take place and live in their NICU for the remainder of Jordan's stay.  After the surgery he will be on a ventilator for 3 days and will be heavily sedated so he won't disrupt his tubes by his constant moving.  No one will be allowed to hold him for 5 to 7 days.   He then will be there at least another 7 days.  Then, as long as he is not DeSat-ing, he will have a chance to come home.