GOOD NEWS - Several of you have asked about the results of my heart tests. Good news - the additional tests all came out normal. I will of course monitor myself and if I have any other issues go for further testing. But for now all is well. It is a wake up call and I have been concentrating on better health for the future.
NOT SO GOOD NEWS - I mentioned that Brandon's g-tube site where we removed his Mr. Mic-Key (g-tube) is infected. It has been for months. It has continued to get worse everyday. Brandon has completed his 7th antibiotic and we are all concerned that he shouldn't have anymore antibiotic treatment for fear that he will become resistant to future treatments. Even after 7 rounds of treatment we are still seeing signs of a major infection. This weekend the site began bleeding and has continued to bleed. Because of this, how bad the site looks and the fact that no antibiotics are working, Brandon will have surgery next week to try and clean out the infection.
BAD NEWS - While meeting with Brandon's surgeon (Dr. Meynig) today, we went over possible surgery options that may happen while the surgeon is trying to clean up the site. It is possible the source of the infections is in the stomach or somewhere internal that may require repair. It is also possible that Brandon may have a fistula that has the stomach lining attached to the area of the gtube opening. In the event he has a fistula this will also require surgical repair and is a more extensive operation. AND we wont know the extent of the surgery until the surgeon can open up the area. We discussed the options and agreed we just need to try to repair the site as best possible, It is possible Brandon may require a second surgery if this does not correct his infection. Brandon is excited to have the surgery because I think he is in pain right now. I am glad we are finally taking a more aggressive approach to get this healed as I am getting more concerned about the infection. After the surgery Brandon will require wound care to help the site heal. He will need to stay in the hospital for a few days.
This was not something we had on the plan but if you have read my blogs the last few years changes happen frequently. Through all of this I cant say enough great things about Brandon. He has been so positive and has rarely complained. I am proud of him for hanging in there through everyone poking, cleaning, applying medication and my crazy "just found a new treatment" attempts. I want to thank all of my other "tubie" parents, nurse friends and doctor friends for your advice through all of this from all those lovely pictures Brandon let me take. We could not have made it this far without you.
I am thinking good thoughts for next week and praying for the best possible outcome. We will keep everyone updated.
More later.
Leah
