Hospital Update

Hi everyone,

Just a short hospital update to let you know that everything went well.  The operation was succesfull, and the doctor has succeeded in removing the blockage in Noah's throat, whilst also saving his vocal cords. 

The doctor was pleased with how the operation proceeded.  He saw that the vocal cords were fused, so he seperated them.  The chords are not in a great condition which could mean that he will not have a good voice, but it all depends on how he heals.  He has surprised the doctors before! :) At the very least he will be able to make sound.

The blockage was indeed composed of cartillage that had grown into a disc instead of a ring. The doctor managed to open this up, and create what he described as "a decent size airway". The doctor cut away the blockage, leaving behind a 'U' shaped piece of cartilage, so he didn't need to use a piece of Noah's rib in order to strengthen his airway - the less incisions made the better!

A stent was put in the opening, to make sure no scar tissue will grow over the opening. This stent will be permenantly removed at the end of the healing process, which could take a long time; a minimum of 4 months.  It's difficult to be precise because this depends on how quickly Noah heals, (which is different for each child), and how quickly his mucous membrane grows over the wound.  This membrane is important for a healthy airway.

At the moment Noah is getting a lot of pain medication, and he is quite sleepy after his big day.  He was awake this afternoon for a little while.  It cheered us up enormously that his first order of business was searching for doekie la doek, and then to lift his leg up and pull his sock off! Business as usual for Noah :)

He came awake quite unstressed and not at all upset, and gradually drifted back off to sleep.  Thijs describes him as being quite happily stoned!

The doctor goes on holiday after the 9th of July,  so he wants to perform the first change of the stent himself, it's possible that Noah is again in theatre on his birthday - but this will mean that he can come home earlier, of course depending on his recovery. It's quite probable that Noah will have his ear pierced during this operation.  This is because the stent is anchored via a chord to his canule at the bottom, and with sticking plaster over the chord at the top. However, sticking plaster can come loose so the safest way is to tie this chord to an ear-ring.  So our little man will get an ear-ring for his birthday from the hospital! 

Thijs and I are feeling completly drained.  It's been a very intense time.  We're so grateful that it's gone as well as it has.  Thank you for all your sms's, positive thoughts and prayers.

We're off out this evening to enjoy a meal with perhaps a glass of wine or two and looking forward to a relaxing night sleep :) 

xx Thijs & Louise