Just a little update on Ivey.

Ivey is still in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Scottish Rite. It is still estimated to be a two week stay. Ivey does have a trach and is currently on the respirator. She is still on a paralytic, which paralyses her body. This is to prevent her from pulling on her new trach. She will be weaned from the respirator sometime within the next two weeks. Also, she is still heavily sedated; therefore, no pain.

This trach business is all new to me also. I have had 24 hours to read a little; here is a short overview. A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the trachea (windpipe). This procedure forms a temporary or sometimes permanent opening in the trachea. A tube is inserted through the opening to allow for air and the removal of secretions. Basically, Ivey will breathe through the tracheostomy tube rather than her nose.

I would love to try and explain the problem that the surgeons found in her trachea; however, a diagram would work much better. It is hard to explain. Without the tracheostomy, the ENT (ear, nose and throat physician) explained that Ivey would probably not survive another common cold. The opening in her windpipe was too restricted. This explains the events of Ivey's last hospital stay. No explanation could be found to explain why she had such a very high respiratory rate and a plummeting heart rate. Now we know why. In hind sight, Matt and I are grateful that we did not know how close we have been to loosing Ivey.

Thank you all for your love and prayers. Matt and I have needed the extra hugs. This was a very sudden and unexpected turn of events. I was so excited for Ivey to be freed of her mouth appliance; never did I imagine she would come home with such a drastic new gadget. Ivey is stable; however, this has been a shock to her tiny 10 pound body. It is hard to see our sweet baby attached to so many machines. She is still very swollen from her surgery. Right now she does have leads and IV’s in each of her arms and feet, not to mention the tubes connecting her to the respirator. She is also under a heat lamp to help maintain her body temperature. Please keep her in your thoughts through out the days to come.

Matt and I have been very comforted by the emails and comments on the blog. Being away from home is hard and the encouragement and support has been much needed. It truly makes a difference to know so many people love and care for us. We just ask that you all just pray for Ivey and her brothers. Your encouragement has meant the world to us.

Much Love +
Gwen