Thursday, August 26, 2010

FEES study

Today we had our last and final test.  The FEES which is a fiberoptic endoscopic swallowing study.  Henry was a little champ.  They  put a little camara down the nose and into the back of the throat and have him swallow different liquids that have a food coloring in them.  This allows them to watch his swallowing function and coordination and to see if he is aspirating at all.   They tried the thick feed I've been making and even tried thinner.  Basically, he did great.  He had a tiny bit of residual that was in his throat but with several more swallows it cleared and even with the thinner liquids he never aspirated.  This is really great news.  It helped to clarify some of what we saw in the first swallow study.   I thought he had some issues with swallowing when we did the first swallow study.  However, this study today showed that while sometimes there is a little bit of liquid that pools, he seems to control his swallow and protect his airway; which is the most important part.  The ENT doctor told us that he takes really big sips of liquid and that we simply need to try to slow him down.  This can be done by using a cup where I control how big of a sip he takes.  Also, we can use a spoon at first for the thinner liquids to help him sip slower.   Also, with thickening foods we should just start slowly and work up to more textured foods.  It was so reassuring to hear that he does not really have ANY swallowing disfunction, just "inexperience" as the ENT doctor put it.  We couldn't have had a better outcome.  Really, this to me is also a huge blessing from the Lord.  With all that Henry has been through, the speech therapist said he could have lots of other problems.  It is really great that he doesn't have any adversions to eating and that he is so coordinated and has not lost the ability to eat normally, which can happen when you have had the challenges that Henry has.  We are so happy! 
So, with that, we are going home in the morning, so I better take off!  I plan to continue to write about our progress for those who are interested and also will try to post some pictures when we get home.

Thank you for joining us on this journey and for all your prayers.  I know God has used Henry to encourage many of you in your prayer lives.  It would mean a lot to me if you want to comment and put your praises to Him here on this page.

8 Comments:

At Thu Aug 26, 11:10:00 PM MDT , Anonymous Anonymous said...

All hail the power of Jesus name!!! Praise the Lord for this incredible miracle. We rejoice with you in the great news. God is amazing!!!! Praying for your safe return tomorrow. The Dobbs family is continuing to pray for all of you!

 
At Fri Aug 27, 10:05:00 AM MDT , Anonymous Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD!!!! He is so good and faithful. That is wonderful news Kristina! I am so glad to hear the encouraging and positive update! :O) Have a very safe trip home and give lots of hugs to little Henry....what a true trooper he is! Love, Karen

 
At Fri Aug 27, 09:01:00 PM MDT , Anonymous J said...

Praying for your family!!!!

 
At Mon Aug 30, 02:20:00 PM MDT , Anonymous Anonymous said...

God is good all the time! Kristina this is great news. More great news- Ruth did not have meningitis and her dye test showed no bladder reflux! Thank you for your skill as a nurse and a mother- Jim and Jen Heath

 
At Mon Aug 30, 02:37:00 PM MDT , Blogger Jill said...

Praise God for His will in your lives. There are many miracles and stories your family will be able to share about Henry. It will bring glory to God.

 
At Tue Aug 31, 04:16:00 PM MDT , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kristina,
I was so amazed when I read that Henry did not need surgery. What an awesome testminent to God's healing power and your committment to making sure that your son received the best care possible. We love you and will pray for your safe return home.
Love,
Michelle

 
At Tue Sep 14, 07:06:00 PM MDT , Anonymous heidi said...

What a journey you have been through. I praise God with and for you for the victory you have seen thus far and pray for future healing as well.

 
At Tue Nov 15, 07:03:00 PM MST , Anonymous Tempe Junction Caulking said...

Great read, thanks

 

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