Recent Pictures

Michigan Trip

Bob will be flying in to Philadelphia for meetings and our Monday night game on December 12th. Tye, my mom and I will be headed for Michigan on December 13th. We will be lying low to help Tye finish recuperating. Here are a couple ways for family to help....

There will be two huge dangers for Tye after his surgery. The first is the chance of Tye getting sick. After the surgery Tye will not be able to vomit so if he were to get the flu he would end up in the hospital. Bob, Tye and I were required to get a flu shot by the surgeon to help lower the possibilities of Tye getting sick. Since we will be spending a lot of time with the family it would be great if you haven't gotten yours and usually do..... go get it! Tye will not be able to be around any one who is sick. We won't be able to take any chances this trip.

The other way you all can help is to help us keep an eye on Tye. While Tye is recovering his esophagus will be swollen and very tight. This is why he will be on a pureed diet. Tye could choke on the tiniest piece of food. We will have to be careful about food dropping on the floor or on a low table where he could reach. Please help us to make sure Tye doesn't eat anything he shouldn't.

Thanks you! I know with our supportive families we will get through this very difficult time.

pH probe results

The pediatric G.I. called me on the Wednesday after the procedure with the results to the pH probe. Tye refluxed 47 times in the 24 hours during the study. The majority of them were while he was eating and after eating which would explain why he doesn't enjoy eating too much. From 12 to 1 a.m. he pretty much refluxed the whole hour. Then again in the morning he had an hour when he refluxed 10 times. The results were clear that Tye is suffering and will benefit greatly from the fundoplication surgery. The surgery is scheduled for December 4th. It will be a difficult time with the holidays but Bob and I believe we can not let Tye suffer any more by waiting. The surgeon informed me that Tye will be in the hospital 2-3 days. My mom will be coming on the 3rd to give us any support that we need. Tye will be on a strict pureed diet for at least 4 weeks until after his 2nd check up with the surgeon. We will see her the week after the surgery and then when we return to Idaho after Christmas.

Hospital Stay

24 hours in the hospital is no fun! Bob got in late Sunday night after being delayed all day. Monday morning we were up and to the hospital before 8:30. After checking in and settling in to Tye's room we had quite a bit of waiting. It was not until 10:30 when they gave Tye his sedative and 11:30 when they placed the tube. Bob stayed with Tye as I was already nauseaus. As soon as the tube was placed Tye pulled it out so it had to be put in again. Hand splints were put on so that Tye would not pull the tube out again. An x-ray was done right in his room to make sure the probe was in the right place. Luckily, it did not have to be adjusted. An hour or so later Tye did get used to the probe and the little backpack he had to wear, carrying the machine that recorded the information. We had to press a button on the machine when Tye was laying down and then again when he was upright and also when he was eating. We recorded what and when he ate in a diary. He had been off of his medicine since the Friday before so he did not eat very much. We spent time walking around the hospital in a wagon that they have to transport "little" patients and in the play room on the pediatric floor. It was a tough night. The room only accomadated one other person so I started off sleeping in the crib with Tye and Bob on the couch/bed. We had to switch rooms at 2:30 a.m. because the heat would not turn off. Bob then spent time in the crib with Tye and I on the couch. Bob had to leave first thing in the morning to catch his flight to Michigan for cross checks. The tube came out about 11 which was quite easy compared to how it went in.

The secret is out...

Yes, we are expecting! I am 11 weeks and due June 11th. Morning sickness has kept me close to home the last couple of months, although over the last week it has let up a little which feels great! I'm starting to feel like a person again rather than a nauseous zombie. I know it is early but I am starting to have a little baby belly. Maternity clothes are still too big so I have been practically living in sweats. Bob and I are very excited to add to our family and give Tye a little playmate!

Zoo

We visited the zoo this past week to see the new African addition. Bob's parents are in town to spend time with Tye! He has enjoyed his time with Grampie & Grandma.

pH Probe

November 10th Tye will have one more test called a pH probe that the surgeon requested. He will be admitted to the hospital for 24 hours.

This is pasted in from the internet to describe a pH probe study.

A pH probe study is a test done to find out if acid from the stomach is coming up into the esophagus (food tube).
In this test, a thin, flexible tube is passed through the nose, down the back of the throat, and into the esophagus. The tube is carefully taped in place. The end of the tube is attached to a small recording machine. This recorder has a belt that may be buckled around your child's waist or carried over a shoulder.
A pH probe study takes 18 to 24 hours. The tube is left in place for this time. You will be asked to keep a diary of your child's activity during the study. The doctor will use the diary to compare the computer reading with your child's activity.

I am still not convinced that this will tell us any more information than what we have. I will be calling the GI tomorrow to get a little more information. It's my understanding that Tye needs the surgery because he is aspirating. This test will measure how many times he is refluxing but has nothing to do with the lungs and how ofter he aspirates:(

Tye's surgery is tentatively scheduled for either December 4th or December 11th.