We decided to go ahead and get Evan a G-tube so we can supplement his diet and water. He had this surgery done two weeks ago today. A gastrostomy tube is a tube inserted through the abdomen that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach. Evan had the laparascopic technique which is done by making an incision near the belly button, inserting a tiny telescope so the surgeon can see the stomach and organs and then placing the G-tube a few inches above the belly button.
Evan can still eat pretty well by mouth, but has begun to lose some weight. We've also noticed some swallowing difficulties beginning to occur and wanted to get the tube inserted before he really struggles. The month or two before Eli got his placed were very difficult for him and he lost a bunch of weight in that short period of time. He was often crying at every meal. We didn't want Evan to have to go through that.
Evan was very sad that day and the day after. He was either crying or sleeping for the first two days. On the third day, he was better, but continued to cry frequently from the pain.
Brad, Laya, Jasmine and Eli all came to visit the evening of the surgery. Evan and I spent the night in the hospital one night and then went home the next day. We were excited to go home! We both didn't get much sleep the night before.
Evan is doing well now, two weeks later. The skin is still red and swollen around the site and it's not quite healed up yet, but it's almost there. We have some good supplies to keep it clean and hopefully speed up the healing process. Evan will see the doctor early next week to follow up. We are so grateful for this technology and the good surgeon who did the work. Eli has lived much longer than he would have because of it and I'm sure this will help Evan be stable and thrive these next few years as well.
Have a great day!
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