BACK TO THE OPERATING ROOM

Yesterday they attempted a "dilation" at the bedside while Max was sedated, and it appeared to have been successful. However, today's exam showed they still were too narrow. So Max will be heading back to the OR tomorrow (Thursday) to have his nasal passages reopened. They will laser the soft tissue and scarring and possibly drill more of the surrounding bone. We are hoping that stents do not have to be reinserted, but it may be necessary. He will have to have general anethesia and be reintubated (breathing tube). Both of these present complications...and quite simply are not fun. HOPEFULLY, he can be extabated soon after but if not, he will return to the ICU. Every time I have to "sign off" for surgery and be warned of all the risks...never easy to hear and agree to, but we don't really have a choice.

On another note, his cold really hit him hard for a few days, but I think he is on the road to recovery. With such a narrow airway, the congestion was REALLY impacting his breathing. He was breathing in the 100s...often in the 130s, which is just exhausting. Fortunately I was able to suction a lot of mucus out of his nose (he hates this, but it makes a BIG difference) throughout last night. After that I was able to reduce his oxygen slightly. Still isn't where he was as of Friday, but he is making improvements. A cold is never fun for any baby, but for a baby with such critical health issues as well as significant airway obstruction, it REALLY poses problems.

He seemed to feel much better today, and he enjoyed a lot of alert time with me, Elizabeth and Mom. He had some fun time in the swing and did really well with his sucking on my finger and binky...however, his oral aversion will take a hit tomorrow with being reintubated. Oh well, we will keep working on it! I was just so happy to see him not completely miserable! It just breaks your heart to see such a little guy struggling so hard to breathe.

PRAYER REQUEST
Please keep Maxwell in your prayers tomorrow as he returns to the OR. Let's pray for a very successful surgery and a speedy recovery. We appreciate your love and support.