Surgery Day #15

Henry has had an exciting morning today! His bronchogram test went well this morning, but did detect some bronchomalacia. The test was a radiography test where they are able to detect abnormalities while looking at lung function. Afterwards, the providers reviewed the test results with us, and let us know they considered the bronchomalacia a mild version. When Henry inhales his lungs open great, but when he exhales the left side his bronchus (main branch) pinches/collapses causing him to retain CO2. We're unsure if Henry has had this all along? It is possible he has just been acclimating despite the condition, because if you've been around this guy before surgery you would know he has had no problems wearing his mommas out! The left side of the lungs have been cloudy since surgery both from the bleeding from the night of surgery and the infection. And, the paralyzed diaphragm also happens to be on that side... kind of a triple whammy. Good thing is the infection continues to get better (WBC down this morning!) and we're hoping to be able to take care of the diaphragm in order for Henry to struggle less on that side. The providers are cautiously optimistic about Henry's ability to acclimate to the condition. The Intensivist will recommend the procedure I mentioned earlier called "plication of the diaphragm" that essentially pins down the side of Henry's diaphragm that isn't working correctly due to nerve damage during surgery. No surgery is taken lightly and the final call about how the providers proceed with this (surgery vs no surgery) will ultimately lie with the heart surgeon.

Henry has had a pretty sedated day after the test. They had to take him off the breathing help during the test in order to see how his lungs functioned without assistance and make a diagnosis. He is back on breathing help and has been resting comfortably since then. We will see how the rest of the week settles out, and anticipate some decision making re: further surgery and/or future vent weaning soon. So stay tuned:)

-K&J