We had the scheduled visit with the surgeon on Tuesday. Yesterday, we were back at U of M for a pre-op consult with a nurse who works with the anesthesiologist. Today, it was back to the pediatrician for a recheck of the previously infected ear. (Yes, that problem at least is all cleared up.)
The surgeon felt that given the past month of positive weight gain and lack of pulmonary problems, we have a choice about whether or not to proceed with the surgery. Actually, there are three choices: continue as we are, have just a g-tube put in, or both a g-tube and fundoplication. I do not want to continue as we are because one of the drugs Toby has been taking (reglan) is not one he should be on long-term, if at all. The surgeon suggested I try taking him off it now and, with my pediatrician's agreement, I am weaning him off to see how he does now without it. Meanwhile, surgery (both g-tube and fundo) has been scheduled for Friday the 30th. This can be cancelled or postponed if Toby does unexpectedly well without the reglan.
The fundoplication is a treatment for his GERD (acid reflux disease). The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus to strengthen/create the valve that should be there to prevent stomach contents from moving back up. In theory, this prevents the reflux from occuring.
A g-tube is a port through the belly into the stomach- direct access, if you will. It is another way to give tube feedings. (Toby has been having his tube feedings through an ng tube. Ng means naso-gastric and is inserted through the nose and down into the stomach.) A g-tube can be used when tube feedings are need long term and would also be necessary with the fundo because the surgical site (stomach and esophagus) would be swollen for a time.
We continue to beg God for wisdom as we make decisions in the next few weeks.
The good news this week was that Toby began taking his bottle again. He has been refusing it the past few weeks except for an ounce or two every few days. I allowed him a short break from the ng tube to see what he could do. Evidently, he found hunger to be motivating. I think discomfort from the ng tube has also been a factor. When I put it back in today, he immediately became more fussy and less willing to eat. I did have to put it back, though, because he lost weight the last day or two without it.
We are thankful for all of you who are continuing to follow Toby's progress and for your prayers. It is a comfort to know that God's plans are good and cannot be thwarted even by "mistakes" his parents may make. It is a good time to remind ourselves both of God's goodness and his power.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment