There has not been any excitement in a while and we are not complaining about that fact either. However, today brought a little excitement to us with a short visit to MUSC. I must start off by saying that this was the smoothest ER visiting at MUSC ever. Â And we have had our share of ER visits to MUSC. Â I did call ahead to peds surgery so they knew that we were coming and why. It was the middle of a weekday and most of the rooms were empty so I am sure that helped make things go smooth too.
Okay, I will cut to the chase. Caden accidentally pulled the g-tube port (mini button) out of the hole in his stomach during gym class today. Sherry said he seemed more upset about missing gym class than loosing the button. Oh, I guess I have not been keeping you updated like I should. Riley and Caden are in gym classes at Rolly Pollies of Summerville. 
The membership was a Christmas present from their Grandpa and Grandma. The idea of doing this came from Caden’s physical therapist. She is reaching a limit to what she can do with him in our home since he is getting so advanced. Yeah!!! The Rolly Pollies thing is really fun for both boys. Sherry and I are amazed at how much it is really helps Riley and Caden. Riley is getting some much needed confidence building with heights especially among other things. Caden is getting some much needed upper body strengthening and balance. The programs at Rolly Pollies are structured and very professional. The owner took time out of her evening to call and check on Caden. He may go back later this week to make up the class he missed today since the fedding tube thing happened in the first few minutes.
As for the incident of today, Caden was doing his thing during class when he rubbed his belly against an exercise pad and caused the button to come out. Sherry saw him reach down for his belly and immediately knew what happened. The button has been handing out a little and showing signs of wear. This button has been in for nearly ten months if my memory servers me right. Sherry and I both have changed the button before, but Sherry was not able to get the button back in this time. We have been told by doctors that the hole can close up within hours so she immediately started working her way to MUSC. She got Aunt Addie to watch Riley and Josiah. Thanks Aunt Addie!!! I left work and met her at the ER not knowing if this even would lead to a surgical procedure. There Sherry’s trouble with replacing the button was reiterated by the ER staff who could not get the button in either. The part that goes in the belly is a bit flexible and it just would not go in. The trick one nurse showed us all is to put a piece of cue tip stick down in the tube to help keep it stiff. That worked like a champ. We were out of there in under two hours and had Caden on his way home with a tummy full of refreshments by way of the new tube. Oh yeah, on a side note, the ER doc confirmed that Caden has lost an ear tube.
In other news, I forgot to tell you that Caden took a pretty hard fall back before Christmas. He tumbled about half way down the stairs a the morning after I returned from my first trip to DC. He got a busted lip and a pretty nasty rug rash on his chin. Other than that, he was fine. Sherry and I both got a little excited as you might imagine.
As I get ready to close this post I will leave you with a little fun. This picture (click it for larger view) was taken on Saturday afternoon as we were leaving the place where Josiah got his first hair cut. Caden loves to make us laugh and he asked to wear these funny sunglasses. And yes, we did get our 5 month old’s hair cut. He looks so much better without the all natural mo hawk thing. As for Caden, well he is becoming such a funny little boy as he matures and he knows it. He is copying EVERYTHING Riley does. It is sort of cute right up until the point that I realize they are both repeating one of my bad habits. 😳
Prayer Request
Please keep Caden in your prayers by asking God for healing of:
- Swallowing
- Aortic Valve
- Back and Spine
- Speech
- Pinkie Finger
Caden has a few more medical battles as you can see. We still face diagnosises of scoliosis, heart (pacemaker and aortic valve), speech delay, and lack of swallowing functionality. We have taken a break from trying so hard to get things fixed. We have continued to see closed doors with regards to medical solutions for the swallowing issues in particular. Sherry and I strongly feel that these closed doors are telling us that it is time to step back and let God do what man has not been able to do for Caden in the area of swallowing. Please join us in asking God to take charge of Caden’s health.