28 December 2010

Out of PICU - Again
Yesterday Jereth had an upper GI Barium Swallow procedure (he didn't swallow the barium this time because of the aspiration risk - they used a tube to put it directly into his stomach) to see if he has problems with his stomach emptying into his intestines. That test came back normal which means he will continue with the NJ tube for feeding. The PICU doctors had discussed the possibility of putting a line directly into Jereth's intestines (a gastronomy) but the results of the upper GI don't support the need for one.

After the upper GI we went back to the PICU and Jereth was put back on the higher flow air. Once he was comfortable, he was moved out of PICU back to the pediatric floor. What was supposed to be 8 hours in PICU to stabilize Jereth on high flow ended up being closer to 48 hours, but at least we're out of intensive care.

This morning we had another parade of doctors: two residents and the supervising doctor from the pediatric floor, a doctor from ENT (ear, nose, and throat) and a pulmonary doctor. It looks like Jereth has finally made it clear that he needs the higher flow air so he is not using up too many calories just to breathe and can have some left over to grow.

When we go home (whenever that will be, but hopefully soon) Jereth will have the feeding tube as well as high flow air. It is unusual for a child to be sent home with high flow, but in Jereth's case it is needed for him to be stable, so the hospital discharge staff is working with providers in Idaho to be sure we will have the support there we need.