Look Ma---no tubes!
Today Joseph had his nasal tubes removed!
We left the house at 5:40AM to take Joseph in for his sixth surgery and hopefully the last one for a few years. He sailed through pre-op (they all seem to know him now) and went into surgery at 7:30. 50 minutes later doctor Geller came in to talk to us and asked that we go to one of the consult rooms---uh oh---that is not a good sign. He always talks to us in the waiting room. Our fears were soon replaced with joy, as he explained how well the procedure went to remove the tubes and more importantly how great his nasal passageways looked. The passageways should stay open based on how they look now. Never before have open nasal passageways been the cause for so much celebration! That was the great news we wanted to hear.
My blood pressure returned to normal and a few minutes later we went up to the recovery room. He looked very peaceful and noticeably different without the plastic tubes protruding from his nostrils. He woke up and immediately wanted his mom. He ate and was happy right from the start. He did so well that they released him an hour later.
We had enough time to go and visit a few of the nurses in the ICU. Michelle, his first nurse in ICU and Dana, the nurse who cared for him on the day before his heart surgery, were there and they got to hold the child that was almost three times larger than when he left the ICU. Joseph also got to see Denise the nurse manager and Al his Respiratory Therapist. It was a great reunion.
It is a day of thankful prayers. It is hard to look back and remember all the small miracles and amazing team that helped get Joseph to this point. Our family will be thankful for the rest of our lives for all you have given us.
Thank you and Thank You God!
In Gratitude,
Kenny
Joseph and his sister Megan
Joseph is 22 pounds and turns 10 months old on June 12!
