Aidan's study was this afternoon. The speech therapist met us at the hospital so that she could get the results since we are going to be transitioning to a different therapy group next week. They gave Aidan little tastes of applesauce and a honey thickened liquid with barium added so they could see it on the x-rays.
Aidan is swallowing, but he is also aspirating small amounts and he's not coughing in response to the substance being in his trachea instead of the esophagus. He only coughs once the food gets past the trach tube.
This wasn't the news I was hoping for, but we'll continue to work on it. His swallow reflex is a little slow, but he is able to swallow his saliva and coughs well enough to handle his secretions. The speech therapist at the hospital suggested using a "vital stem". It is like a tens unit and delivers an electrical current to help strengthen the muscles that help Aidan swallow.
We've been looking at getting a biomodulator that other parents of near drowns are using. I was told that Medicaid would possibly pay for one, so we are going to look into that soon. Otherwise the unit is about $4000 and there is a weekend long workshop on how to use it, that I would have to go to (out of state). It's worth considering if it will help Aidan get better.
Well, I just wanted to let you all know how the study went. The bronchoscopy is Wednesday morning, so I'll definitely post after that.
Please pray that we get some good results back on Wednesday following the bronch. Pray that Aidan gets a stronger swallow and cough reflex. Thank you everyone!
~Erin
4 comments:
All beans are good for your heart, but none can boost your brain power like black beans. That’s because they’re full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily half-cup serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber, and is low in calories and free of saturated fat.
I came accross this accidently on
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/eatthis/6717/8-ultimate-flat-belly-summer-foods/
and I thought of aidan and how you are smashing foods and thought maybe you could add these too...
love, jen
We'll definitely keep those in mind :)
Erin, I am Briana's father and have been out of contact with her for several years now but we are very proud of what she is doing to help Aidan. We too are here to help with what we can. My wife is a potter and we plan on donanting you some items to use in raising money for Aidans cause. You can get in touch with us through her website www.owenclayworks.com . I know in time that you will win the battle adn Aidan will be himself again.
Today is Wednesday. Do you have any news to report?
Cindy.
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