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Ricky Update

Ricky was admitted to the hospital on Monday.

On Tuesday afternoon, they took him into surgery to put a tube in his ear to help drain fluid from the mastoid bone. From how I understand it, the mastoid bone has a lot of air pockets in it. When there is an infection, the air pockets are filled with fluid which can easily spread to other areas, potentially causing meningitis or other complications.

So, they took him into surgery and discovered that his ear canal was too swollen to even get a tube in. They decided to give him a couple of days on IV antibiotics, and they would look again to see what could be done.

This morning, they took him into the otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) clinic to clean his ear out and see if they would be able to get a tube in. Unfortunately, his ear canal is still too swollen.

We were hoping he would be released from the hospital today (Thursday), but they are going to keep him one more day for two reasons. The main reason is that they are still unable to drain the fluid from the mastoid bone, so they have to keep a close eye on him. The second reason is that he is switching from IV antibiotics to oral antibiotics in preparation for him being sent home. Oral antibiotics aren't as effective at attacking infections like this, so they want to be sure they are working and he doesn't have a relapse.

He should be scheduled for surgery next week to have tubes put in his ears. At the advice of doctors we know and trust, we are going to have tubes placed in both ears. The tubes will stay in for a couple of years. If he were to have another infection like this in either ear, we wouldn't have the complications we do now because doctors would be able to drain the infectious fluid and help him heal quicker.

So, cross your fingers for only one more day in the hospital for Ricky. Grandma and Grandpa Gudgel are coming into town on Saturday along with Grandpa Mergenthaler. We will be blessing the baby and baptizing Makayla on Sunday and it sure would be nice to not have the hospital factor to worry about as we make runs to and from the airport and prepare for Makayla's (and Sean's) special day.

Comments

The Nedrys said…
Oh, I feel so bad for Ricky. I hope he feels better soon and we will be praying that he comes home this weekend for the blessing and baptism. I don't know how you are handling it all with a newborn! You amaze me, Bonni!
February 11, 2010 at 1:06 PM
Anjee said…
Tried to call today but no one was home. Hope Ricky is feeling better. Congratulations Makayla! I Love you and am sending prayers and happy thoughts your way!
February 14, 2010 at 4:00 PM
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