UVA Update: waiting in the PICU

Shaun with his "school teacher" in the PICU: she reads stories, teaches sign language, and stimulates his learning. 

After meeting with Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Doctor (and all the other doctors), Shaun has shown that he is unable to protect his airway or elicit a good cough reflex.  Therefore, it has been decided that it would be best for Shaun to get a tracheostomy.  When the ENT performs this procedure, the Doctor will also close off his glottis so that he won't have secretions come down into his airway and cause infections.  While the closure will keep him from aspirating, it could also allow him to possibly start to take food orally again.  Hopefully, this will protect Shaun from these pneumonias and keep them out of the hospital!

Please pray for the procedure to be done without complications, for Dr. Early performing procedure, and for a quick recovery time for Shaun.  Pray also for Denise, Peter, and any other care-givers to quickly learn and adjust to the management of the tracheostomy - and for Stephen and Scottie to adjust well to the change in appearance that their brother will have.

Shaun and Denise have really appreciated and enjoyed several visitors -- especially Daddy -- coming to visit.  Shaun has been doing better, and while he is a candidate to move back to the peds floor - they are going to keep them settled in the PICU over the weekend in anticipation of the need to return after Shaun gets the trach on Monday.  Denise has her cell phone, so you can call, text, e-mail, or Facebook her!

Sleeping sweetly