This update will be short and sweet. My computer took a crap today, so I'm using the "public" computer in the PICU parent lounge. Tim went home today to see the Henry, Joe and Sam and to spend a little time at the office. Since it's just me and Tommy down here in Indy, I don't want to be away from him for very long if I can avoid it.
Anyway, this morning we discovered that Tom's hemoglobin was pretty low, so he received blood before surgery. He also got bumped further down the surgical schedule, so his 11am surgery didn't happen until around 3pm.
The procedure took about an hour and went very well. He has a "cuffed" trach tube - meaning it has an inflatable cuff at the bottom of the tube. This cuff can be inflated to hold the tube in place and to secure or close off the airway around the tube - keeping the important oxygen flowing in the direction it needs to be flowing. Right now, the cuff itself - in its deflated state - is enough to secure the airway and tighten up any air leaks.
His huge cheeks, multiple chins and lack of neck make it look a little uncomfortable, but he seems to handle it pretty well. He just has to turn his head to the side so his chin doesn't run into the tubing that attaches to the ventillator. When he gets feisty and starts moving around, the little bugger actually knocks the tube loose. Bells and whistles go off and people come running, but all it takes is a gentle push to put the tubing back together. We've run that drill twice already and the trach is only a few hours old. :) It could be a long night...
Thank you to everyone for all your prayers and positive vibes. They are certainly paying off so far. Tom asked me to send a special shout out to his brothers at home and to ask them to save a spot for him in the tubby time lineup. He also wants to say "hey" to his peeps at the Memorial NICU. Thanks for all you did to make him healthy and strong - he's tapping into those resources this week for sure.
Photos coming soon...stay tuned...
Lots of love,
Kristin, Tim and Tommy
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I worked with a baby once, that figured out that if he held his breathe or knocked something off his trach, people would come running. So he started doing it on purpose! I hope that Tommy doesn't figure it out that it is a way to get attention!!! Good luck.. Best wishes..
ReplyDeleteWe love you Tommy! Keep on fighting!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteYour little guy sure is a fighter. So glad things went well and the prognosis is good.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers, Dorothy & Roland
Tim and Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking and praying for you guys all day today. I'm so glad to here everything went well. Tommy will be home with his brothers in no time. If you need anything, please let me know.
Love and prayers for all of you,
Gretchen
Yay! So glad to hear it well today. Looking forward to Tommy pix.
ReplyDeleteLots of hugs -
Brooksie
I haven't been near a computer and recently and had to spend some time cathing up with everything that has been going on with your little guy. I'm so glad that he has your feisty attitude, Kris! He is so lucky to have such amazing parents and doctors. I will be thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers.
ReplyDeletemuch love-
Beth
So glad things went so well. I've been thinking of you guys all day. I'm sure Tim will see a big difference in the other 3. They will be so happy to see him too. Love to you all
ReplyDeleteHoney and Ken
I am so glad the surgery went well and is now over. Now he can heal and grow. Poor little guy had been through so much in his short life. The good news is that he won't remember all of this when he grows up. Although Tim has to work, I'm sure he will fit in some quality time with the boys. He needs them as much as they need him. Be sure to take care of yourselves too. Love, Molly
ReplyDeleteI have heard it said many times that, "Everything worthwhile takes sacrifice and effort." All that you are doing for your boys will be your greatest accomplishment that makes everything else pale in comparison. Truly my most significant achievements in life involve my family, specifically my husband and children.
ReplyDeleteHang in there and know that there are lots of us out here rooting you on. Go Kristin! Go Tim! Go Coleman Boys!
We are praying for all of you!
Much love,
The Shumways (Catherine, Blake & Co.)