There are so many things to update you on, but the most urgent is about the upcoming surgery. Asher’s Hand Surgery is scheduled!!! We’ve been planning and waiting to have this surgery done since Asher was born. At 12 months his lil hands were too small and Dr. Patterson recommended waiting a few months. Then as we met with her again in the spring our sweet adventurer fell and broke his arm. So once again it was pushed back.
We are excited to have this special surgery completed because it will increase Asher’s quality of life and his ability to do things with his hands. Dr. Patterson of UNC will be moving Asher’s index finger to position it as a thumb, a procedure called “Index Pollicization.” Then he’ll have 3 fingers and a thumb that will be highly functional. Most people will not even notice that his hand is different. Here’s an example of what his hand will look like…
Although this is not a serious surgery like his heart and throat surgeries, we are still a little anxious about another hospital stay. Asher will also have another bronchoscopy done to check his trachea and esophagus. He has been having some trouble swallowing so we are trying to see if another fistula (hole) has formed.
The bronchoscopy will take about 30 minutes followed by the hand surgery that will take about 5 hours. It will be a rather long day of waiting, but we are confident the Lord is going to take good care of lil man. We are anticipating a one night stay at UNC.
Asher will leave with a cast from his shoulder down to his fingertips. He will have the cast for about a month. Once the cast is removed he will have regular occupational therapy to help him learn how to use his thumb.
Please pray for:
◘ Asher to be protected from sickness and injury this week leading up to the surgery.
◘ All the people involved with the bronchoscopy and hand surgery (anesthesia, pulmonology, orthopedics, scrub nurses, surgeons, techs, etc.) at UNC Hospital to be prepared and attentive.
◘ Wisdom for the doctors in finding a cause for Asher’s eating issues, pray that it is NOT something serious like a fistula.
◘ Dr. Patterson to have a steady hand in a very intricate procedure. That she would have confidence and perseverance during such a long surgery.
◘ The surgery to go smoothly without any complications or mistakes.
◘ Asher’s new thumb to heal quickly, for protection from infection, also that little Houdini does not remove this cast!
◘ Brennan to be a loving and understanding big brother thru this whole process. Pray that he does not “act out” as Asher gets special attention.
◘ Pray that the Lord would provide for us financially to help cover all the medical expenses. We are applying for grants and financial assistance. Please email us if you would like to help in some way.
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