5 Jan 10

5 Jan 10

I am still not sure and bothered as to how to take care of Charlene and whether I am able to. Also unsure if my parents in law are able to. The feeding tube is one issue but what is worse is the choking incident. Am I able to revive Charlene at home?

After talking to Dr Tan, I am still unsure of whether to send Charlene for the operation. One thing I learnt is even if I have faith that God will save Charlene each time, each of those choking incident is itself an insult to Charlene’s brain.

  

And it’s not just me who is unsure. The doctors are unsure initially too. Cos of her poor prognosis, they initially didn’t want to suggest the op as they thought that Charlene would go soon and want her to be comfortable. However, again and again, Charlene exceeded the doctors’ expectations (Praise the Lord!) and they have since revised their treatment perspective of Charlene into a long term outlook which is why they are now suggesting the operation (good for Charlene’s long term progress and our management of her).

The “Button” operation would make managing Charlene easier and safer.

§         Don’t have to worry about insertion of tube and whether tube is in stomach (very important cos if tube is not in stomach, can cause aspiration).

§         Would greatly reduce the choking incidents and reduce extent of reflux

§         Removal of feeding tube would allow Charlene to resume her oral exercises (e.g. learning how to suck and swallow) which is crucial for normal feeding in long run

Thus it seems like Charlene should go for the op.