Brianna Cleft palate Repair update

Hi there, Brianna had her surgery - there have been some bumps in the road with her airway. Surgery itself went well. It is her airway and secretion management that has resulted in ventilation for 2 nights.

Last night was overall good - she continues to be on the venilator. She continues to be sedated. As the sedation wares off, she moves her arms and legs and wants to pull at all her tubes, leads, etc.... so then they have to sedate her some more. This is a nice thing for us as it is great to see that she is still "in there". She also responds with an elevated heart rate to our voices and calms when we rub her hair - the exciting things that a parent can grip onto when your child is in this situation.

As for her medical status - we need your prayers. Tomorrow will be a big day for us. Mid-morning (time unknown exactly) she is scheduled to go back to the OR to be extubated. We have to pray that her airway is able to be maintained on her own and that she will not need to be re-intubated or be trach'd. We are waiting to see Brianna's primary ENT Dr., and see what he feels is going to be necessary. Right now he wants her to remain sedated and let the secretions from the procedure and the lungs decrease. On a second note, we have to pray for no pneumonia. Due to the fact that there were so many secretions and she had to be placed back on the ventilator - she may have aspirated some of the fluid and thus have aspiration pneumonia. They started her on some antibiotics to stay ahead of this but also have taken a culture to see if she is growing any bugs. As for today, the plan is to keep her sedated and wait for tomorrow. That means Ryan and I will get one more night of rest before the "big day". We hope the "big day" will not be a repeat of Tuesday night!

Please continue to pray for:
1. Brianna's medical team to have knowledge and the needed skill.
2. A successful extubation with Brianna's ability to maintain her own airway with no Trach needed.
3. Peace and patience for mom and dad.

What we are thankful for:
1. Brianna and her fighting spirit
2. A dedicated Medical staff focused on Brianna
3. Each other and all the support from family - friends - and the good lord


That is all for now - light your candles, say your prayers - keep your fingers and toes crossed - whatever you do tomorrow for Brianna's success!!!! Big hugs to all from the Barle's.

Love
Ryan, Bridget, and Brianna Barle