G-J Tube

Well... we have been busy the last few days. I can't believe Friday is tomorrow. Wyatt has had a busy week! We had an appointment with his pediatrician a few days ago and Wyatt received his Hep. B vaccine and had a CBC (Complete Blood Count). So far, he is all up- to -date on his shots now! We go back in another month for more. Dr. Goldstein said he looked great during the exam!... with one exception... we bought in to Dr. Goldstein about 35 ml of dark brown liquid that comes out of the tube when we vent Wyatt and his spit up. Dr. Goldstein was concerned that it was blood, so he sent it to the lab and yes, it was blood. So our awesome pediatrician talked to Wyatt's specialists at Hopkins. His GI doctor called us that evening and told us to re-start his carafate (medication to coat his stomach) and decrease his feeds back to 31 ml/hr from 35ml. After the change, Wyatt seemed like a happier baby, but today we had the same dark brown, mucus spit up/vent stuff. After we empty the brown blood, Wyatt instantly becomes a happier baby. Today I put Wyatt on pedilyte for 2 hours and he was so happy! When we started his formula back up again, we had an unhappy Wyatt and some more brown spit up. (it was also bedtime too!). So... today we received a call from the GI doctor and he said that he talked to Wyatt's surgeons, speech, and pulmonalogist and they all agreed that Wyatt needs a G-J tube. He believes that the blood is coming from his esophagus from irritation of reflux or it could be gastritis (irritation of the stomach lining). The G-J tube will allow his food to travel directly into his intestines and bypass the stomach, reducing the risk of aspiration and reflux from a full stomach. The medications will still continue to go to the stomach. There are some risks involved. J tubes clog easily, so it needs to be flushed with water every four hours and they have a risk of sliding back into the stomach. Wyatt will go back to Hopkins next Wednesday for outpatient surgery. He will be placed under anesthesia and the radiologist will place the tube in his intestine (jejunum)using the existing hole. No incisions needed (good news!). Did you know feeding tubes are named after where they go? So please pray that this will help Wyatt and make him more comfortable. His hemoglobin is normal, so bleeding is not a huge concern yet. We always fear that he may have re- herniated. Otherwise, he is a happy baby who enjoys life! It was a beautiful day today and a busy one too! Chloe had a play date with her friend Addy (our neighbor and they are only 15 days apart), she also played with our other neighbor Julia outside on her slide... and finally, this is exciting, so hold on to your mouse, we went for our first family walk!!!!! I have included a picture of our first walk with Chloe in August 2006 and now our first walk as a complete family! What a great feeling!! Too bad they both feel asleep at the end of the walk.

Link to more info on G-J tubes- http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/abdomen/home/

Also, the benefit tickets are here!! If you work at CCPS, you can get the tickets through Joe, myself, Cristina Gruss or at New Windsor Middle. If you work at McDaniel, you can get the tickets through Benji. If you live in Harford County or you are a family member, you can get the tickets through my mom. You can always mail payment to-Friends of Wyatt, 592 Jermor Lane #109, Westminser MD 21157, Checks should be made to "Friends of Wyatt".... and Joe will mail you the tickets. Items for the silent auction are needed. One of the most popular items is a hand-made quilt especially in honor of Wyatt. You are also welcome to bring food (appetizers/dessert) to share with your table. It's going to be a fun night, so get your tickets soon... they are going fast!!!!






First family walk- April 2007


Chloe's first walk- August 2006


Fun with Julia on the slide!


Play date with Addy!