Thursday, October 7, 2010

PH Probe and G-tube surgery soon

So today we are taking in Conner for another PH probe test. They will put a tube down his nose (he will still have in the feeding tube in the opposite nose hole, so he will have a "tube mustache") and what this does is it will measure the amount of times he is refluxing during a 16 hr time period. They will feed him only apple juice (for some reason it has to be apple juice for the probe to be able to pick up the acid levels). When he had this done back when he was still in the NICU his results came back at 19% reflux. The normal person refluxes about 5% of the day, but a healthy esophagus will pretty much keep it down (reflux is similar to heart burn). The surgeon that will be doing the G-tube said that 19% is a pretty high number and actually one of the highest that he has seen. We are just hoping that this PH study will be the most accurate it can be, so we can make the best decision for Conner (if he needs a nissen). He is getting his G-tube placed next week. (A G-tube means that instead of a feeding tube going into his nose, the feeding 'port' will now be surgically placed in on his tummy). There are several benefits to having a G-tube. The biggest thing is that it *should* help him be more willing to learn how to eat, because he will no longer have a tube down his throat that activates his gag reflex when he swallows food. He won't have the tube taped to his face anymore, and that alone is supposed to help the whole feeding aversion going on. Another huge plus is that I will no longer find Conner with the tube wrapped around his throat twice when I get him from naps, or get him up in the mornings. Yes, it's quite disturbing to find him like that. (and I always check on him, but it still just happens! He is thinks he needs to roll a million times before finding his comfy spot). I will also no longer have to carry around his pump everywhere I go since he has been on continuous, 24 hr/day feedings. He will begin to get 'bolus' feedings, meaning I will pretty much 'feed' him like a normal baby- every few hours or so he will get milk put into his G-tube. All in all, it should be a very positive change for him, and for us. I'm still really nervous about having to learn and know how to take care of his G-tube, but I know in no time, it will be a piece of cake. Wish us luck!

13 comments:

Design Source said...

I love how you explain everything so we understand.

Let us know what happens with the test! Best wishes!

Design Source said...

Oops, this is Becky... I am logged into a work account. ha!

Heather English said...

Good Luck Conner! Can't wait to see him without a tube on his cute face.

Joni and John said...

Your little boy is just so adorable- I can't get over how cute he is! I hope everything goes well and he can get his g tube, you guys are such good parents to him :)

FitNotQuitJess said...

Great informative post. Thanks for the updates. Sounds like Conner's making progress which is great, moving in the right direction. Best of luck!

Stephanie Ellinger said...

You guys will love the g-tube. Ask for Dr. downey's nurses to teach you how to take care of it. They are really great to work with and I could call anytime I needed to to ask questions. You need to make sure that they "prescribe" mefix tape from your home health care company if you don't already have it coming to you. That way your insurance company should leave you with a very small copay for it.

Good luck! The g-tube surgery wasn't too bad to get through.

Juliana said...

Good luck with everything! He is such a strong kid and he will be just fine :)

April Paul said...

Hopefully everything goes well! You guys are such good examples of Christlike behavior, we look up to you so much. Love, the Paul's

Whit, Lindsey, Jonas, and Maggie said...

Oh I'm glad to see your blog! It was so nice to meet you and see your cute little boy. You are so right..before you know it, you will be a pro at the g-tube. Sorry he has to have one in the first place, but we do what we have to.
Hope everything is good!

Elaine said...

Your boy is SOOO cute. I'm so glad things are looking up. I worked at a pediatric motor disorders research program for a year and saw a lot of kids with similar problems but 90% of the time they were regressing.

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Jared and Laura said...

I love the updates on your adorable little guy. Hope the G-tube placement went well. I know on our adult patients they're really great. Keep us updated!

Alycia Grayce (Crowley Party) said...

You and your family are just so beautiful! Good luck and hope all goes well with the little one!

Metcalf Family said...

How are things going with the g-tube? I'm so happy for baby Connor!! When do you start trying to get him to eat orally? Are you working with an OT? Good luck and for sure keep us updated. I still want to take some pictures for you..