Wow! It seems like forever since I've been able to blog. So I thought I would take a moment tonight and let you know what was going on over here. I've missed blogging. I've missed hearing from you. I'm sorry if this gets a little long....there's a lot going on right now. lol
Part 1
I have recently gone to a new ENT specialist. He is actually a pediatric specialist and all he deals with is teeny tiny airways. He is very confident that with more surgery he can give me about 30% more airway. That's the good news. The surgery that he recommends is taking a portion of my rib and placing it in the back of my throat to force it open. It's a long surgery and has significant risk involved.
A couple of the risk factors being:
1. Loss of voice. Probably just a little breathy sounding, but possibly full loss. Although total loss is unlikely. A permanent trach is a risk none the less.
2. Aspirations. According to him I might have slight aspirations that would go away after a few months....but possibly never. The swallowing system in our bodies is a complex one that involves 4 lines of defense so that food and liquid doesn't get down into our lungs. I would lose one of those defenses, but still have 3 intact. So I might choke every time I drink water, but not so bad that I get pneumonia all the time.
Some other things to be prayerful about, things that I'm struggling with:
I will be fully intubated for approx 1 week following surgery. Not sure whether that would be nasal intubation or oral. I will have to have restraints on my arms, holding me in bed, to prevent me from ripping my tubes out. Doesn't THAT sound like fun?!?! lol Obviously, I will be unable to talk, move, eat or breathe on my own for 1 week. To be completely honest, it terrifies me. I am constantly taking control of my thoughts and keeping myself busy! God has been good to me and I have had no trouble falling asleep. I am believing God that His presence will fill my room and that I will not be afraid, panicky, and anxious when I wake up. Not here at home, and not in the hospital after surgery!
I've been told that the rib "injury" could be pretty painful. I'm believing for supernatural healing there. I will have lifting restrictions, so I don't know when I will be able to do daycare again.
Part 2
Since all of that has been scheduled I have also decided to get a second opinion. The country's foremost experts in "Adult Airway Reconstruction" are in Cincinnati. My brother and I have been on the phone with them and they have agreed to see me and give me a full evaluation.
Right now we're just waiting. I have given them all my insurance information and they are handling that part of it from their end. They see patients from all over the world, so they know what they're doing. Once it's approved, I'll get a call from their office setting up the appt. It will be a 4 day visit with lots of testing. But we'll get their evaluation right away on that 4th day.
I've been reading about the children of Israel throughout the old testament. How they are speaking to me! How many times did God tell Joshua to be strong and of good courage?!?! He wouldn't have needed to tell him that if what he was facing wasn't scary! So bottom line.....I know that my God is GOOD! He has never let me down, and I have no reason to start doubting Him now. I will not be like the children of Israel who doubted, whined, cried, and turned from God when things got tough or they didn't understand. He is faithful and His Grace is sufficient FOR ME!
Thank you for your prayers and support. I really appreciate it!
8 comments:
I'm glad that you are able to post today. Great to hear from you. Though there's a lot you have to deal with. But in God's perfect timing and His intervention, you will overcome. Praying for the Lord to bring you to the right doctor who can give you better options. May the Lord provide, protect, heal, comfort and strengthen you, and your girls. Will keep praying for you and if it's okay, I copied your profile pic and will put in in my blog so I can request prayers for you. Take care and God bless.
I'm glad you posted about this...I was hoping you would, just to get it "out" so to speak! We are constantly praying here as well. I'm so proud of you for taking "captive your thoughts" and trusting the Lord during this scary time. There are so many details to work out it makes my head spin, but God's got it all figured out doesn't He?!
Hugs to you today! CB
Visiting you from R-CUBES! I've been thinking about the children of Israel lately and have been splitting my time between whining and crying and asking for His strength - though not for anything as challenging as what you're going through. We moved our family back home after 18 years.
I understand your thoughts about being "restrited." The idea of being pinned down? I would definitely have to take that to God. And if that's what He wanted me to do, He would make it O.K. somehow.
I'll be praying for your trip to Cincinnati. Throughout my health experience and my children's, it's amazing how God places a specialist in your path with a solution that definitely separates the "men from the boys" in terms of gifted physicians on loan from God. I pray that your visit in Cincinnati will be one of those visits.
Wow, Laura, and I was scared to get a tonsillectmy! I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. I will be praying for you, my friend!
Hello new friend!;)
I will certainly be praying for you as you move ahead in this...err, challenge. I am sure the Lord has something wonderful in store for you- in fact many wonderful things in store for you both at the end and all along the way of this particular trial. Psalm 119 has become so precious to me over the years; in particular these verses: It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver or gold. (I think those are verses 70, 71, but I may be mistaken *blush*)
Thanks for stopping by my blog, and thanks for the follow too. I'll be following you from now on too!
May the Lord bless your home♥
Hi! I'm an "Avid" follower of Tomato Soup Cake and I saw your comment on her blog and had to meet you! I had been a single parent for several years and I want to encourage you! I am remarried to Mr. Wonderful and work part time to provide us with health insurance.
I really like what you have written and when I get more time, I'd love to read more. But for now, let me tell you that I prayed for you and your girlies...who are adorable, by the way! Have a lovely day!
Hi Laura,
I had no idea you have been going through all these challenges!
You are in our prayers today!! No weapon formed against you shall prosper.
I do not know if you heard that my hubby ended up w/ an ulcer from yrs on pain pills from his 2 injuries. We were doing the natural stuff too.
Anyway, it has led us to a group of Christian chiropractors who at MACHE had me totally understanding that proper alignment is the key to all health. We go to Dr. Pete in North Branch but their is another one in this group that is in Blaine. Anyway they are incredibly homeschool friendly, all born again Christians, and want to make this work out for families to obtain optimal health. They do a computer based test and based on those results decide if xrays are necessary. (18 xrays for the 8 of us=45$!!! Where do you find that kind of help) After one day of adjustments and being on their machines, my hubby has full range of motion in his neck,my children are energized and motivated and learning has been quicker and easier-especially for my challenged learners!
I am soooo looking forward to seeing what the Lord will do for us here. Would proper alignment give you a better airway?
Having asthma symptoms most of my life-I totally understand what you are going through. Hugs my friend and Lord bless you!!
Wow! I've never heard of a procedure like that. Sounds intensive. Glad you are following up with another opinion to see all options. Will you have help with your daughters? Praying for you!
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