Time for 'normal' fun

We are back home and I wanted to get a quick update done before we get busy on this holiday weekend. The trip was a quick one...we had a blast on the way up to Cincinnati & enjoyed the beautiful weather.

Beautiful weather + first time at a skate park = "the best day ever"

And then got the surgery out of the way Friday morning and buzzed right back home. Dr. Cotton was still pleased overall with the airway. The area of concern is ABOVE the voicebox (an area that has not been operated on yet)...although his airway 'sizes' nicely this area is floppy & seems to collapse  (which would explain the stridor & noisy breathing). This area of concern has been mentioned before, we were just hoping that the reconstructions would possibly help open it up also.

So, good news...there was no new granulation tissue in his airway and the portion of his airway that has been reconstructed looks good (which was one of my worst case scenarios I drummed up). Not so good news...there is a chance that another invasive surgery will be needed and we have to go back yet again in a month. Next scope (in a month -ish) will involve pulmonology, along with the ENT, to get a better idea of the dynamics of Carson's airway and the functionality (whether or not his airway is collapsing). Pulmonology can get a better feel for this because they use a flexible scope (instead of a rigid bronchoscope). I wish they could have just done this while we were there since they already knew about the stridor BUT they didn't...so we will return. I am praying that somehow we may not need another major surgery but also praying for sound decision making and peace of mind for Carson.

I hate all these surgeries back to back because it doesn't give Carson time to forget the more unpleasant pieces. He really doesn't like the gas that they put him to sleep with...when he knows that is coming up, he starts to get anxious, his belly hurts, etc. While this usually only happens RIGHT before anesthesia begins (in the induction room - because Cincinnati is AWESOME and they let the parents be with the child until they actually are asleep)...now, it starts happening a little sooner and the symptoms are a bit worse (throwing up & more notable unease) because he has had so many surgeries close together. We did try giving Versed prior to the induction room this time and that did seem to help some.

Thank you, thank you, for the many, many prayers! We feel them.

Have a wonderful Labor Day!