Pulmonology appointment

Hi all,

I incorrectly said we had a gastroenterology appointment today; it was pulmonology instead. The report was fine; not great (keeping the meds and oxygen level the same), but definitely WAY better than we ever thought humanly possible at this point!

Seth's lungs sound clear but still "stiff" with scar tissue, and as a result he still tends to breathe faster and shallower rather than slowly and deeply. He "head bobs" visibly when he's worked up about something - exciting or upsetting. But the specialist did comment on how healthy he looks, just as pretty much everyone has since the beginning. He said to give it a year or so and he'll be fine, so that was encouraging. He said even his patients who are still on the ventilator at Seth's age are running around and fine by 18 months to 2 years of age, so we're grateful for Seth's already vent-free life and the hope of returning to PNG before too terribly long! Thanks to so many of you who have prayed us through this; thanks for continuing to do so.

Another huge continued need for prayer is his needing to learn to eat by mouth and not gag and vomit; also that his reflux will continue to improve. He's been tolerating the breast milk way better than he had previously in the hospital, so I am very encouraged! He's not at all able to take anything by bottle anymore, though, so that's a huge regression. The therapist is coming to work with him starting Thursday. She warns us she won't be his favorite person, but also said he'll do just fine. We sure hope and pray so!

Love to you all, with overwhelming gratitude for Seth's life and happiness,
Carrie