Post op, no complications jo is resting

​Jo's surgery was a success and he will be sedated and resting for the next 24-48 hours.  Thank you all for the prayers and positive thoughts, Jo is strong and proved it yet again.

Jo's last setback, the complications with his respiratory system, can be attributed to a couple of key elements:

• Jo was given a mild relaxant/sedative for muscle tightness during his PT/OT sessions as well as for support with his storming episodes I discussed in prior posts.  He wore a patch on his shoulder that released the drug as needed.  Jo's storming had stopped, and he was doing well, so the decision was made to discontinue.  The relaxant probably should have been tapered.  It appears as though his vocal chords spasmed and slammed shut, cutting his airflow.  Jo could overcome it, but only through very deep and labored breathing.
• Ultimately, after 48 hours of difficult breathing, Jo was not stable enough to support his own breathing, hence the intubation.   It is possible, perhaps likely, that it was combination of the spasms and inability of the brain to regulate efficiently that caused the need for the ventilator.  As we said in the silver lining post, we could have been discharged not knowing about this issue, so we were lucky to find it before then.

The trach will allow us to operate below such a blockage in the future.  This made the final call on trach an easy one.  When we are at home, we need every advantage to addressing any issues with Jo as he heals.  The trach does not have to be permanent, and as Jo recovers we can reverse it.  One miracle at a time Jo.
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• Jo's heart is very strong, no issues there.
• His feeding is back on schedule
• He is uncomfortable at the trach incision site, to be expected, some pain meds helping there
• Tomorrow they will see how he responds to reducing O2 support, and he may be weened completely.
• He will not have the skull flap replacement surgery in the next 7 days.
• He is resting and finally looks comfortable again

No big plans for the weekend for Jo, rest and healing, trach replacement isn't until 5-7 days by the surgeon.  After that mom and dad learn how to do it.

Jojobinks, rest and heal, you did great today.  We both know you would have hated the idea of the trach, but God knew it was what you needed, and didn't let us leave without it.  We know you are uncomfortable now but it will pass, you are a quick healer and will be back to feeling good soon.  You don't have that tube in your mouth anymore, we can see you're beautiful face so clearly now.  Since the operation you seem much more comfortable overall, and definitely more responsive.   Mommy and daddy are here, we are so proud of you!  We love you to the moon and back sweet angel, you've got this.