My brain is fried so please excuse the cryptic post, but I want to give an update on the latest developments.
Today the Occupational Therapist came by and fashioned a breast plate of sorts for Ryan. This is in anticipation of needing temporary protection if the surgeons decide to wait months before addressing the omphalocele and heart. While it is exciting to think Ryan could come home by using the shield, the attending doctor for the CICU is not willing to approve its use until our cardiologist and surgeons look at it.
Here’s why: Ryan is not yet out of the woods on his breathing. His diaphragm is compromised and so is his structure. He is definitely high risk for tiring out – even in the next week or so. The attending does not want to have anything going on that could cause him to fail. The breast plate is kept in place by a strap of velcro around his back and this puts pressure on his ribs. She wants to make sure this added pressure isn’t a stressor for Ryan.
Hopefully in the next day or two we will hear from The Team as to their thoughts… until then, here are some pics.
(BTW, the nurse and OT are calling the shield a chest protector. I am calling it a breast plate in honor of our little warrior king. It sounds more ‘boy’ than chest protector. 🙂 )
If any of you are thinking this looks similar to a certain piece of male sports equipment, you’re not the only one!
The breast plate in action.
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (9)
Wow! Scary! Exciting, maybe! A lot to think about and pray about. We will continue to pray for Ryan and the drs’ wisdom.
That’s really cool, just the thought that he might get to come home!!
(I will say, I’m with you on what the breast plate looks like:)
So much for you guys to process, praying your brains and hearts can withstand it all in God’s perfect time.
Love your name “breastplate”— so fitting!
YAY! Occupational Therapist!!! Thats what I’m studying to be!
I hope it works out because I can imagine how amazing it would be to have him home!
To think of the possibility of bringing Ryan home…wow, how awesome! Praying for continued wisdom for the medical team.
Checking in on my little man over here….. sounds like a lot going on and making some possible steps forward. Praying that he doesnt take any backwards.
Hugs
Go Ryan! Go Ryan! Go, go Ryan, GO!
Hey there,
Wow, unbelievable!
How are you guys feeling about bringing him home? Scared? Relieved?
Thinking about you.
Love,
Evelien
Well, seeing those pictures, I am not so sure about this place . . . they leave his feet bare and put socks on his hands . . . .
Just kidding. He looks like a strong little guy who is being well cared for.