Bronchoscopy results

Well, today was a long day.  The ENT's didn't show up to do their portion of the scope test.  The Pulmonologist that performed the procedure was a very nice, kind, compassionate man.  We did find out that most children's hospitals around the world do somewhere between 50 and 150 of the Bronchoscopy's on children each year.  At Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 2 Pulmonologists do around 1000 each year, plus their are some ENT doctor's that together do another 400 to 500 per year, totalling 1400 to 1500 Bronchoscopy's per year.  FYI - Cincy Children's is the #1 Pulmonary children's hospital in the world!  Wow, thank God for this wonderful place! 

So, the findings:  Ellie has a "kink" in her airway.  If you were to take a garden hose and bend it, the flow would reduce, same scenario.  When Ellie gets upset and takes a deep breath, her airway shuts off completely.  This is one reason behind her being so very upset this week and being very agitated.The Pulmonologist estimates that Ellie only has around 25% lung capacity.  In addition, the doctor said that Ellie's airway and voice box is irritated and is recommending that she get a Tracheostomy.  The doctor is going to consult with Ellie surgeon and the ENT doctor before proceeding.  This should be completed in the next week or 2. In the mean time, ENT is going to do their Mircoscopic Laryngoscopy Brochoscopy tomorrow.  They are going to take Ellie to the O.R. because she has to be sedated.  Please pray for positive results from this procedure.

Please pray for God's peace and strength for April, she is having a tough day today.  Please continue to pray for Ellie.  Please pray that our Lord will continue to bless Ellie and that He would use Ellie for his glory. 

Please continue to pray for all the sick children at Children's and all over the world.  Thank you for checking in!

Matt (Ellie's daddy)