Saturday, March 17, 2007

March 17, 2007







"He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength…Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:29-31
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Kyle had a quiet day today and slept more than usual. No doubt a result of his surgery yesterday and the pain medication he is on still. More than usual, the staff at the hospital is trying not to disturb him and only touch or move him when absolutely necessary. Kyle still has his chest tube in for now. Tomorrow the plan is to leave the tube inserted but to turn off the suction. If air or fluid does not accumulate, they will then take out his chest tube on Monday. The above pictures are of Kyle post surgery so you can get an idea of the incision. The chest tube I am referring to begins by the safety pin in the picture, and ends below Kyle's arm (under the white bandage).
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Another chest X-ray was done on Kyle today and as a result, the doctors have discovered that Kyle has a condition called Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia involves abnormal development of lung tissue and is it is characterized by inflammation and scarring in the lungs. Kyle was not born with BPD, it is something that has instead developed as a consequence of him being on the mechanical ventilator for so long.
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Mechanical ventilators do the breathing for babies whose lungs are too immature to allow them to breathe on their own. The ventilators also supply necessary oxygen to the lungs of these premature infants. Oxygen is delivered through a tube that has been inserted into Kyle's trachea (windpipe) and is given under pressure from the machine to properly move air into his stiff, underdeveloped lungs. Sometimes, for these babies to survive, the amount of oxygen given must be higher than the oxygen concentration in the air we commonly breathe. Although mechanical ventilation is essential to their survival, over time the pressure from the ventilation and excess oxygen intake can injure a newborn's delicate lungs. The ventilator really is a double-edged sword, it’s necessary, and without the ventilation Kyle couldn't survive. On the other hand, we are doing something that is damaging his lungs over time.
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There isn't a treatment necessarily for BPD, but it is important that we get him off the ventilator to reduce the amount of damage done to his lungs. It should gradually correct itself as Kyle grows, lungs continue to grow for the first 5-7 years of life. Many babies diagnosed with BPD will recover close to normal lung function, but it takes time. Scarred, stiffened lung tissue will always have poor function. However, as infants with BPD grow, new healthy lung tissue can form and grow, and will eventually take over much of the work of breathing for diseased lung tissue.
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The doctors are going to give Kyle about a week to recover from his surgery, then they plan on trying him on CPAP again. Please pray this week that Kyle's body will be strong enough to support his breathing without the ventilator!
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We are so thankful for all of you that continue to pray for Kyle and for all involved in this situation. It is because of your united prayers that we are full of joy because of the hope found in Jesus Christ...that we are patient in this recovery road with Kyle...and our prayers combined with yours help us to remain faithful.
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In Christ Alone,
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Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jennifer:

I pray that Kyle will continue to heal and thrive from his surgery and that God will help Kyle sustain his breathing on his own without ventilators. May God give you and Joe the comfort and Peace the you need and this time while you are apart from each other.

Anonymous said...

Jennifer and Joe,

Hang in there, I know it's been one hurdle after another. Our family is praying for you daily.
Praise the Lord the surgery was uneventful. Now that the PDA has been corrected and Kyle's blood is being pumped to the right place hopefully they can begin weaning him off the ventilator. This is his next big hurdle and we'll be praying that it'll happen soon to prevent any more lung damage.
I'm praying for the day the NICU starts to call Kyle a "feeder-grower". This is when Kyle's only job is to eat and grow!
It will happen!!
Furlong family

Anonymous said...

Dear Kyle,
I cannot imagine what goes through your sweet, little mind regarding all the procedures you have had to endure. It is my hope that you are totally aware of and immersed in the love that is poured out on your behalf every minute of every day by our Lord, by your family, by friends, by the staff surrounding you and attending to your care and by those of us who have been committed to praying for your healing. I pray that this demonstration of love will give you assurance superceding any discomfort you may experience. I pray that you continue to have the courage and stamina to overcome any distress that you face. And, when you are too weak...may we have the courage and stamina to stand in the gap for you. You are precious in God's sight and in ours. You are beautiful. With love, Mrs. Austin

Anonymous said...

Jennifer and Kyle,

I pray the Lord heals both of you in his time, I also pray the Lord does it quickly in our time. For Kyle to heal and recover from his surgery and to breathe on his own as soon as the Lord will grant it. For you Jennifer to give you strength and grant you some much needed rest but mostly to comfort you knowing how much you want to protect and hold your beautiful son. Remember God loves Kyle even more than we do, he holds him in His hands and is guiding us all through him, with him.
Christians are calling Kyles' name out to the Lord hundreds of times a day, surely our beautiful, innocent Kyle will grow and heal from all the love and prayers poured out for him.
I am so proud of you for the strength and grace you have knowing it is coming from your faith in God.
I miss you and Kyle. Please give him a warm cuddle and a soft kiss from me and tell him how much I love him.
Love Mom

Anonymous said...

Dear Jennifer and Joe,
I am glad Kyle did well during surgery. It is so important for him to rest right now. I hope that he will be strong enough to do well on CPAP. Continue to rely on your faith for strength. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you throughout each day.
Love,
Aunt Kathie