The bronchoscopy showed that David's lower airways are floppy and the stent isn't in the best position. The plan now is to take him back to the OR on Monday or Tuesday (hopefully Monday) and replace the first stent with a shorter stent and then insert a second stent as well. They will also do a tracheostomy at the same time.
A tracheostomy is when they put a tube through his throat into his trachea. The tube can be connected to the ventilator so that he no longer needs the tube in his mouth. The advantages of a trach. is that David will not need to work as hard to breathe and will not experience the gagging sensation. He can also be easily connected and disconnected from the ventilator as he readjusts to breathing on his own.
They are decreasing the paralytic medication today, but will keep David sedated until after the next procedure(s). The pulmonologist is expecting him to need some time at a rehab. hospital after he leaves here.
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I would be willing to offer any any help I can to aid in DaVid's speedy recovery during the time he is adapting to his trach I am sure with his natural drive that this will indeed be short.
ReplyDeletePraise be to God in all things,,,Amen
Jeff