Malcolm S. Forbes once said, “Failure is success if we learn from it.” Today Ryan failed his second try at extubation (removal of the breathing tube). I asked Dr. J (the cardiac surgeon not the basketball player) yesterday why we were considering extubation if Ryan failed before and he has such a large structural defect in his chest. He said it was the only way the team would know if the shunt was doing its job.
Ryan failed his first extubation pre-surgery due to cardiac issues. Dr. J wanted to know if he would fail this second extubation and if so, if it would be for the same reason. Ryan was extubated for about an hour today and failed due to respiratory reasons not cardiac reasons. This gives us confidence the shunt is in fact helping his heart get oxygenated blood to the body.
The team was able to determine through x-ray that Ryan was able to inflate his left lung, but unable to inflate his right lung. In fact, his right lung collapsed completely during the extubation and re-inflated immediately when he was intubated again. It appears he just isn’t capable of creating enough negative pressure to breath on his own. We will now wait to see what the team comes back to us with to move forward.
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (4)
Dear Baby Ryan, You wouldn’t believe how many people are praying for you & your family & how much you are loved. May the doctor’s minds be enlightened by God to determine which route to take. You are indeed our precious baby, our Little King. I will see you tomorrow. Love, Marmi
Still praying for you guys and that sweet baby!
Praying for strength as you endure these ups and downs with Ryan.
Baby Ryan, our entire family checks on you nightly and prays for you! And we also pray for your family to keep up their strength and spirits. You are surrounded by love little man, and I hope our prayers lift you and your family. To mom and dad: I love the new look! Hang in there and I hope your “fans” give you strength. I know you don’t personally know us, but your son’s story and your cute girls’ pigtails make us your fans and biggest cheering section. HANG IN THERE!