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