Jenelle gets her G-Tube!

Jenelle’s G-Tube placement went well this morning. After we were admitted, they started right away to hook up an IV. After 7 attempts, they finally got one started in her foot. I was beginning to worry that this was a bad sign. Regardless of the problems with the IV, the “procedure” was quick and they said Jenelle woke up laughing! They took a biopsy of her esophagus, and felt the cells were undamaged. We were scheduled for a PH study; however, the doctor felt it was not necessary after seeing the inside.

We were in our room less than an hour after the surgery, and Jenelle cried a bit at first, but has been doing well ever since. I think the crying was most likely her coming off the anesthesia. She has had some seizures, but that is to be expected, and none have been very long.

Her “tube” is placed about an inch under her sternum – higher than I originally thought it would be. Seeing this “foreign object” protruding from my beautiful baby’s belly was difficult at first, but I’m starting to get used to looking at it. The “tube” will be exposed for two months allowing the site time to heal. After two months, Jenelle will receive a “Mickey” button, that will seal off the site and be flush with her skin (and of course, barely noticeable.) This whole process reminds me of that cow at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. You may have heard of it - the one with a hole in its stomach that they use to show visiting school kids how a cow’s four stomachs digest food? That cow is most likely no longer alive as I recall hearing about it when I was in elementary school. Anyway, like that cow, we now have a direct rout to Jenelle’s tummy, and we’ll never cry again at meal time – we hope!

If all continues to go well, we should be home tomorrow. Tomorrow should be full of “instructions” for us to learn how to feed Jenelle. Who knew nutrition could be so scientific! Our roommate tonight is absolutely wonderful – a sweet 13 year old girl doing a PH study. They said they are “frequent fliers at CHOC” like we are.

Thanks for the continued prayers – I’ll keep you posted!