Surgery Update

We are happy to report that Braden's surgery went very well today!  It took a little longer than expected but he did great and the Drs. were very pleased with the surgery. The surgery started about an hour late and took almost 6 hours.  We were also surprised to find out that they decided to do the surgery where they left Braden's trach in.  This will allow him to recover without putting so much stress on his body and he will only be in the hospital approximately 1 week for this first step - not the month we had mentally prepared for! I think the Dr's. expected us to be upset the trach wasn't coming out but we were more than fine with it - whatever they feel best for Braden was fine with us. We also feel like this way won't be near as difficult on Braden.  Braden is resting well in the PCCU tonight.  He just looks like he is asleep - not much swelling at all. He will be sedated and on the ventilator tonight and kept somewhat sedated for the next few days.

They harvested part of Braden's rib and used it to reconstruct his airway.  They did have to widen both the front and the back of his throat but were able to get it to a size they were very pleased with.   They will do a trach change on Saturday and if all goes well, Braden will be discharged next Monday.  Right now there is a tube in his airway holding the area they fixed today in place.  It will be left in place for approx. 3 weeks then they will remove the tube through his mouth.  At that point the throat will swell and begin to do its final healing.  He will go back every week or 2 for follow-up procedures and to see how the throat is healing.  There will likely be some removal of scar tissue (which he has had before) for 2-3 visits until the doctors feel everything is in place.  At that point they will do the final procedure to take out his trach tube and stitch up the opening - he will be in the hospital overnight for that procedure just to make sure everything goes well.

We are extremely lucky to have the Dr's. we do for Braden.  Dr. Wootten and Dr. Goudy have been excellent the entire time.  Alot of the time at the beginning of the surgery today was just planning so they had a plan before they even did the actual incision.  They walked us through everything they were planning and gave us complete confidence in preparing for his surgery.  

Grayson did very well having to be at the hospital all day today - he loves people so he was constantly entertained.  We can't thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers today.  You don't know how much we appreciate it.  We have such a great group of friends and family to support us through these difficult times.  Please continue to keep Braden in your prayers - like the Dr's. said tonight - now it is up to Braden's body to heal properly.  

Stephanie did get a room on the PCCU floor so she is hoping to get a good nights sleep tonight.  Since Braden is on the vent and sedated she felt comfortable leaving him alone knowing she is just around the corner.  Sorry if the post was a little scattered - I'm tired tonight! We will keep you all updated through Facebook and the blog.  I plan on updating on Braden's progress again tomorrow. 

Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers.