We just got back from our long-awaited ENT appointment and we are thrilled to share that Gracie is doing very, very well. So well, in fact, that they are ordering a cap for us to place over her trach during the day time. This means that Gracie is going to start practicing breathing totally through her mouth and nose- yahoo!! We will use our pulse-oximeter a few times a day to check her O2 levels and heart rate and just watch for any distress obviously, but that's it! We will continue to leave the trach uncapped at night. This process will strengthen her lungs and get her used to her natural airway while still having the safety of the trach in place. Then in October the doc wants to have another look at her airway. Yes, this is the same bronchoscopy (see 2-1-12 post) that was done this past January. I wish she didn't have to go through it again, but it is necessary. Then if all looks good, they may just schedule a sleep study and if that goes well, she can get her trach out. So there are still some steps to this process, but we feel pretty darn excited! The doc doesn't like to take trachs out in the winter (cold/flu/RSV) so it really depends on Gracie. If she is ready in October then great, but if not it will probably come out next spring. So either way we finally have some idea of a timeline. And all we really have to do is follow her lead! She is a pretty awesome little chick :)
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AuthorLauren, a Yoga Teacher, Choreographer, Director.....and new Mom!! I hope to add "tube slayer" to my list of credits. Archives
March 2014
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