(Nissen - explanation below)
(Picture of a G-Tube/Parker may need this in the future; The Doctor described this to us as a button on your stomach)Today we had a care conference with 6 people from the medical staff. Including: Dr. Crossman (Neonatalogist), Dr. Frischer (surgeon), Mellisa (Nurse Practitioner), Another Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Care Manager, Careen (Fellow). Overall I would say that the conference was productive. We discussed Parker's current state from our point of view as parents and we discussed what the next couple of weeks are going to possibly look like.
The first procedure Parker will have is a Plication. This will fix the diaphragm by folding it in an accordion fashion and tacking it down. The incision is through Parker's chest. This doesn't "fix" the paralyzed diaphragm it just gets it out of the way so the lung can start to rehabilitate. We learned that his lungs create more tissue up to age seven.
The next two surgery's may or may not be on the horizon based on Parker performance after the first procedure. The first is the G-Tube. This is a feeding tube that is more permanent than the one he has now. It will go directly into his stomach instead of the one he has currently that goes through his nose. This helps him to get more nutrition.
Explanation About Gastrostomy / G-Tubes
Your child has had a tube placed in his / her stomach called a gastrostomy tube or g-tube. This tube provides an alternate way to offer food and / or medicines. It also can be used to vent your child's stomach for air or drainage.
Your child has had a tube placed in his / her stomach called a gastrostomy tube or g-tube. This tube provides an alternate way to offer food and / or medicines. It also can be used to vent your child's stomach for air or drainage.
The third possible procedure is the Nissen fundoplication. This is a surgery that treats reflux by taking the stomach and wrapping it around the esophagus.
MRI and Plication
We are going to move forward this week by scheduling the plication and brain MRI. Parker will be having his MRI in the next couple of days and will have the surgery as soon as they can schedule the operating room. Lance and I asked what limitations Parker may have with this surgery and the surgeon said...the surgery itself. The surgery is very rough and painful. He said he may have to break a few of Parker's ribs just to get to his diaphragm. Once the surgery is over, Parker will need a few days to recover before we will know anything.
Every day we learn more and more. We will know more after his MRI and we will know more after Parker has this needed surgery.
My heart just breaks that little Parker has to endure so much! I hope and pray that all surgeries are successful and that the doctors and nurses take good care of Parker.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear about the plan. We'll pray for the procedures and for you. You are amazing. Parker is amazing.
ReplyDeleteYou both are awesome parents. I'm so sorry that your family has to go through this. I wish all of you the best through all of Parkers surgeries. I will pray for your family as well as the doctors that will be working on Parker. We will be thinking of you.
ReplyDeletePraying for strength and guidance for you and the doctors.
ReplyDeletePrayers Always,
Trisha
Spencer has a G-tube and a Nissen. Good luck with the upcomming surgery, we will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteJenny- If they decide that he does need the G-tube and Nissen...we will be giving you a call. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteFor what its worth, Jarom and Cynthia's little girl Madison, who is now 8, had all three of these procedures in the first month or so of her life. If you wanted to talk, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to. Just want you to know I read this every night before I go to bed. You guys are continually in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDelete