tracheostomy – AlohaGentry

Friday, 21 Jan 2005 ( 5 am ):

The past 24 hours for Gabriella have had both ups and downs. When she woke yesterday morning she immediately needed pain medication. However, Ella’s stomach ruled supreme. Her requirements for pain medication diminished as she began to feed more often and more vigorously.

Despite the nurses interruptions, GG slept well last night. This morning we learned about the down-side of Ella’s tracheostomy – it can and WILL become blocked by her secretions. When that happens her oxygen level drops and suction must be used immediately to clear the blockage and open her airway.

Naturally, Ella doesn’t like any aspect of having her airway blocked or cleared. It is truly heartbreaking to see her little grimace as she does her “silent cry” – her tracheostomy is below her vocal cords, as such she is unable to vocalize. All for now…

thank you for your prayers.

Wednesday, 19 Jan 2005:

The past few weeks have been difficult for Gabriella. On 02 January she had an episode where she turned purple for no apparent reason. Mom’s call to 9-1-1 brought the entire Kailua Fire Department to Kaluamoo street in less than 4 minutes…Ella the chameleon remained purple throughout the 30 minute episode while continuing to breathe. This really baffled the Paramedics, especially since they had her on oxygen. After the high speed ambulance ride to Tripler we learned GG was running a fairly high fever and that she had a urinary track infection.

About one week later, Ella’s nose was clogged (with what we thought was a cold) and she was having a hard time breathing as she had not yet transitioned to breathing through her mouth. After several visits to the Ear, Nose, Throat clinic, GG was admitted to the hospital on 14 Jan for observation of her respiratory system. 24 hours later she was discharged – we headed back to Kailua with a bag full of home monitoring equipment and some new antibiotics. Five days later (19 Jan) wee Ella’s condition had not improved, so Mom made the decision to head back to the hospital. As always, Mother knows best.

Ella underwent another surgery this afternoon. That inspection revealed her subglottic stenosis has returned. Rather than attempt the same repair technique, it was deemed best to establish a reliable airway by performing a tracheostomy. Gabriella tolerated that surgical procedure well and is now resting comfortably in the Pediatric ICU ward.

We know each of you share in our disappointment that the previous repair was unsuccessful. Although, the next few weeks and months will be trying for Gabriella and our family, our faith will sustain us. As always,

thank you for your prayers.