GI Problems

We are still experiencing GI problems, will keep everyone informed if we see any improvements.

Home again

We are back. That was a nice and short stop at Loma Linda (well, short anyways.) What a messy ordeal that was, it ended up that Billy Boy's colon was filled with s***, well stuff. They gave him something called "Go Lightly", which didn't come out so lightly. Billy (Dad) dealt with the worse part. Hopefully this week he will tolerate the feedings and we can go back to Hyperbarics next week. At least we caught it before it became a huge problem. We didn't get much sleep this weekend since Billy Boy was going every half hour, but slowly, that will decrease... I hope!

Hospital

At the request of his GI specialist, Billy Boy will be admitted to the Hospital today due to the vomiting issues.

There is a Rootbeer Float Fundraiser for Billy Boy at Albertson's (corner of Lincoln and Van Buren.) If you would like to join, help out or donate, it would be much appreciated!!!!

Will keep you informed if we hear any news. Pray for his health!

When it rains, it pours...

We had a few set backs this week. Billy Boy threw up, again, he has been grumbly, again. He has been constipated, has reflux and is gagging. His stomach has been so gassy and has no way to release it, so I sit and vent his line all day long (which takes forever!) Wednesday we took him in for an abdominal x-ray. Of course, he had a huge BM stuck there, so we gave him an enema today and cleared him out. We also started him on a stool softener. We are hoping that this helps keep him regular, but we also hope it helps the gas in his stomach, the reflux, and the gagging. We'll see what happens.

We only went to the Hyperbaric Chamber once this week, so we could take care of his health.

Work has had a few set backs as well. Right now we are feeling like "Life Sucks" and it's hard to stay positive. It's hard to enjoy the fact that he is still alive, when you are constantly worried that this could be his last breath. It's one of those physically and emotionally draining weeks and it's not over, pray that the next few days are better.

First week of treatments

Well, we finished our first week of treatments. We are down to 20 feet of pressure. Billy Boy seems to be moving his feet more. He also is looking towards the sound of our voices more. Unfortunately, Thursday he threw up and aspirated on a little of it, from then on he had a rattle in his lungs. We didn't take him to the Hyperbaric Center that day so that we could keep an eye on him. Friday, we had a long day with Hyperbarics then a visit to the Oncologist for blood work. We were out from 8:00 to 2:00, by the time we came back, Billy sounded horrible and was running a fever of 101.2. Needless to say we had to put him on Oxygen that night and skip Hyperbarics again. Thank God for the Percussion Vest, we were able to up the treatments and start suctioning some of that gunk out of his lungs. He was able to cough and sneeze a few times and sounds better already.

We believe God brought us to that Hyperbaric place. Last Friday as Billy was getting in the tech (owner), Susan, asked if we could all pray prior to starting. She asked God to deliver the oxygen to the right places to help heal Billy, because we all know it is only God that can heal Billy. How awesome was that? If he can lead us to it, he can lead us through it!

Billy and I look forward to reading all the comments in the blog, and although we can't answer back, please know that we are greatful to see that everyone is enjoying it.

Also, Thanks once again to our church East Hills for your continued support.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers

We started treatments!!! What a crazy week. We have been under so much stress. The whole process last about three hours (driving, preperation, treatment.) Treatments are five times a week, the first session will be for 40 treatments (around two months.) This takes up so much time and energy, but if we see any improvement, it will definetly be worth it. Although we both have been taught what to do in the chamber, Billy (Dad) has volunteered to assist Billy Boy. It's kinda trippy, the whole thing, but the walls are filled with different success stories that give us hope. God brought us through this journey for a reason.

The Hyperbaric Chamber simulates underwater diving pressure, while the patient receives 40 litters of 100% oxygen over a 60 minute period. This allows oxygen to penetrate were it normally wouldn't in a normal atmospheric pressure. It can promote the development of new capillaries, the tiny blood vessels that connect arteries to veins. It also helps the body build new connective tissue.

Billy had barely started moving his feet a few weeks ago, in the HBOT, his feet are moving constantly. It shows us the oxygen is getting to those parts that it hadn't reached before. He is breathing much better now and the spasticity in his arms seems to be improving. Since it affects everyone different, we don't know how many treatments he will need in all, but we are excited to see what God has in store for us.

A Day in the sun

We went out for a few minutes, but once his new wheelchair is ready, we plan on taking him on some walks. A little sunshine will do him some good.

Quick tip: I just found out that if you click on the photos, they enlarge. (Use the arrow to go back.)

Splints

We finally received all of Billy's splints. There are ones for the feet, wrists, and elbows. He is wearing at least one set at some point throughout the day and night. The problem with all these splints is we have to take them off and on everytime we change his diaper. They also started leaving little marks and we had to take them in to have them readjusted. I think they should work now.

We are starting Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments. We meet with them this week, so the next two months we will be very busy. We have to go there 5 times a week. We'll do our best to schedule that around Monet, work, school, doctors appointments, and what ever else pops up along the way. Please pray that this is the door God wants opened for Billy Boy.

As for us, we are holding up. Some days are tough, some days are better. We miss talking and playing with our son... plain and simple.