Collecting Specialists: Surgery for Isaac

Just when you thought things might be settling down over here. 

Right around the time Isaac turned full-term, we noticed his breathing was high pitched from time to time. He had a pediatric well-visit scheduled anyway, so I made sure to ask about it.

His (awesome) pediatrician didn't seem too alarmed. He referred us to a pediatric ENT and said it was probably laryngomalacia, which can be common in preemies, and as long as they're gaining weight just means it'll be slightly annoying how wheezy his breathing sounds until he outgrows it at around a year. 

The ENT books up fast and we were looking at an appointment 3 weeks out, but mercifully, they had a cancellation this afternoon. Based on his symptoms, both  the PA and the doctor were pretty sure this was in fact laryngomalacia, and all that was left to do was to scope Isaac's throat to see if the case was mild or severe. Well turns out, it's not laryngomalacia. 

If you google an image of a healthy larynx, you'll see a nice black spot in the middle which indicates a clear path to the wind pipe. Isaac doesn't have a black space. His is blocked by some subglottic cysts. It's suspected the cysts are from that short time he was intubated in the NICU. And so the surgery, that is urgent enough to be tomorrow, but not so urgent as to require a trip to the ER tonight, should take care of it. He'll have the same procedure in 6-8 weeks to make sure the problem is all cleared up. 

Needless to say, we're asking for prayers. Since the surgery is being scheduled so last minute, it won't be until the late afternoon tomorrow. I'm not looking forward off  to cutting off giving him breast milk at noon, and if Isaac knew about it, I don't think he would be either. He'll have an overnight stay of 1-2 days, and his breathing should improve immediately following the procedure. We are all looking forward to that.