After driving through lake effect snow, getting stuck in one parking lot, and making it up to Amherst with two cranky children, we have our answer:
"Good enough."
Even on the maximum dosage of Nexium (PPI drug) and Zantac (H2 blocker), Nolan still has some breakthrough acid reflux. The results, however, are "good enough" to proceed with the airway surgery (supraglottoplasty) on Tuesday.
It seems weird to say, "Yay, he gets to have surgery!" At least we get to take care of the breathing issue and we can slay the reflux dragon on another day. Hopefully the meds will keep him stable for a long, long time, because the alternative to medical therapy isn't very nice (an operation called a nissen fundoplication, that generally results in a G-tube). Unfortunately, with his level of GERD/LPR reflux, that surgery looms over our heads. We plan on doing everything we can to avoid it!
I've always been highly reluctant to give the kids medication. I never thought I'd say, "Drug him up!" to a doctor, but when the alternative is an irreversible surgery with some potentially nasty side effects, we'll take all the drugs he can handle.
5 comments:
I'm completely with you on the issue of meds for our kids. With my first, I hesitated every time - even with tylenol for teething. With Lauren, I`m just SO relieved her pain is managed that I'm committed to NEVER missing a dose. Others don't quite get it and a lot push me to try holistic options... Sorry. She's stable, she's sleeping, she's happy. I'm not messing with it! There are a lot of years ahead to wean her off whatever she's on once she and her body has grown enough to manage better. Fingers crossed for you and your little guy and not having to go for the fundo!
Sorry I've been so MIA... I'm following along in my google reader though! Glad the PH probe was successful, and I'm thinking about you as surgery approaches. I know how stressful it can be. I hope Nolan stays away from the operating room in 2011 too! Lucas still talks about Nolan all the time too... I ask him who he plays with at school, and 9 times out of 10, he responds "Nolan & Sam". Lasting impressions....
Three cheers for modern medicine!
and my prayers are with you for Tuesday,
Julie
In this case it sounds like the drugs are preferred. I'll be thinking of you as you guys deal with the surgery.
Ditto about the drugs (as you know) and excellent enough about the probe results. All the best on Tuesday. I will be thinking of you and hoping for the best possible outcome!
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