Just got done with the 4pm wake up call. He took a little big longer this time to wake up but I was able to see his eyes open again and his toes wiggle. I spoke with the respiratory doctor who advised me they want to preform a trachetomoy. He said a surgeon should be in to talk to me about it more tomorrow, but being the impatient person I am, I went ahead and did my own research....
What is a tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening in the neck leading directly to the trachea (the breathing tube). It is maintained open with a hollow tube called a tracheostomy tube.
Why is a tracheostomy performed?
A tracheostomy is usually done for one of three reasons: (1) to bypass an obstructed upper airway (an object obstructing the upper airway will prevent oxygen from the mouth to reach the lungs); (2) to clean and remove secretions from the airway; and (3) to more easily, and usually more safely, deliver oxygen to the lungs.
The doctor did advise me that this will be more comfortable for Kevin while on the vent and since he is showing signs of phenomonia a trach will be easier for that to clear up because when a breathing tube is placed through the mouth its placed thru the vocal cords that can cause damage if left in place for more than a week. Today marks 1 week since this has happened so they don't want to leave it in much longer. The trach is placed thru the neck and underneath the vocal cords so they stay closed keeping all the germies out of his lungs that we don't want.
They did advise me not to expect him to be off the vent for a while. As always they say its different for each individual but he must be much more alert, follow commands on a normal basis and just generally more "awake" before the trach or vent would be removed. They gave me an estimate of 2 weeks to a month but if I know Kevin, he's gonna impress them much faster than that.
Thats all for now.. I'm gonna stay for another wake up call then head back to Tampa to get Maya.. will update more later tonight when I get little bit in bed.
Love Kim
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