Brendan did not get extubated today, the respiratory therapist believed that there was still too much inflammation and swelling from the procedure. If he ran in to trouble, it would make it very difficult to re-intubate.
He was pretty good today, but he had some significant tantrums too.
The bronchoscopy showed that Brendan does have a floppy airway in the left mainstem bronchus, it closes up like a slit when he breathes quickly. The right side is wide open. His left lung is in good condition, but his right lung was the one that was fully collapsed when he was born and still has issues. So when he cries, he loses access to his good lung and that is why his sats drop so quickly.
The doctors have some difficult decisions to make about what to do next, we are waiting for them to deliberate what will be the most effective course of action with the least amount of risk.
Brendan was pretending to sleep until you stopped watching him, then he could work on getting his hands free to pull on his breathing tube. If you looked at him doing it, he would quickly close his eyes.
Keeping his arms wrapped and next to his body without bundling him up so he stays cool
He really loves his rainforest thing with frog sounds.
Trevor had a special fun day today. We ordered him a new outer space play gym extravaganza supreme. He even had to dress up in his outer space jammies in order to try it out the first time.
Super tired baby was worn out from playing in space
Good Morning from the East Coast!! You would think it was AZ here this winter. Should be close to 70 today! I so miss snow men and Snow Angels!! Then, of course, there’s next year, perhaps we will see snow!! You sure have a lot of information to digest! The real plus is that Brendan’s heart is a real trooper! The MD’s will soon figure a solution to that pesky left bronchus, and Brendan can then move forward in his treatment. Cannot believe that the boys are 4 1/2 months already!! And the fact that you and Bill are still walking and talking is just amazing. You are so special! Just loved the outer space experience!! Trevor is adorable! Always in our minds, always in our hearts!! Prayers, Love, and Hugs!! 🙂
Well, yeah. Have YOU ever tried playing in space? It’s exhausting!
Really glad that you’re starting to get some answers about Brendan, and hopefully this will lead to more decisive treatment. This kid’s gonna have the best stories to tell on the playground.
” The bronchoscopy showed that Brendan does have a floppy airway in the left mainstem bronchus, it closes up like a slit when he breathes quickly. ”
I would guess ( and guess is really all I can do ) that this would be the first thing to fix. They use stents to open arteries, can the same thing be done for the airways ?? Maybe, with the breathing being easier, a lot of the other “symptoms”, like “agitation”, would subside. There is also the possibility that it’s the discomfort, combined with the natural reaction to feeling like he was suffocating, that brings on the reflux.
Maybe, in reasonable time, the “tubes” could be removed, and Brendan could be a bit more comfortable. On the other hand, though, he would then have to find a “new game to play”———-like catching up to his brother ! 🙂 🙂
My hopes are now higher. Prayers, and love,
Dad
You know that Brendan will make it through. Any baby who can survive what he has so far and still have the nerve to try and extubate himself..that’s a personality to be reckoned with! We keep our thoughts on everyone. Love Trevor’s new space fun!