Home Again (The Encore Presentation)
Emma was finally discharged this evening (Yay!!!)
Today’s study showed that Emma did not aspirate when she feeds (Double Yay!!!) although on two occasions (after she had been drinking for a while and was getting tired), some fluid almost entered her larynx. The occupational therapist therefore suggested that Emma could benefit from thickened feeds, so we will now add a special powder to her milk in order to make it the consistency of nectar or tomato juice. This should allow her to swallow it more easily and reduce the risk of aspiration. It will also help with the reflux. Once her NG tube was removed and she had successfully taken a thickened feed (a test Emma passed with flying colours), we were allowed to leave (Emma also hadn’t needed any oxygen since Monday morning, so the 24-hour-without-O2 criterion was also met). We have to go back next week for the second swallow test to assess the reflux situation, but at least that can be done on an out-patient basis.
So, for your viewing pleasure, here are a couple of pics of Emma expressing her happiness at being home again



February 1st, 2006 at 12:13 pm
Oh, those are gorgeous pictures! Who can blame Emma for her excitement at being home. I bet her parents are pretty happy too. Glad the first test had good news.
Heather L.
February 1st, 2006 at 1:13 pm
Wonderful!!!!!
February 1st, 2006 at 3:55 pm
I have goose bumps looking at those smiles!! Great news on the first test.
Oh my – just looked at those pics again, so great.
February 1st, 2006 at 6:38 pm
OMG laurie
I love those pictures and I’m soo glad she passed with flying colours. You made me weepy with that smile.
She is too beautiful for words
Love
Sharon
February 2nd, 2006 at 3:01 am
I’m definitely doing a happy dance here, great news!
And those pictures totally brightened my day
hugs
February 2nd, 2006 at 3:32 am
Yippeeeee!! So happy to hear this news. May I also say how much of you (Laurie), I see in Emma in that first picture. All in the eyes. Just beautiful.
February 2nd, 2006 at 11:32 am
Great news! Emma looks overjoyed to be home. Good to hear that her tests all came back in the clear.
Anna
February 3rd, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Emma you certainly look happy to be home, not to mention how the parents feel. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Thelma
February 6th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
Oh, she is exquisite!! And obviously very happy to be home. I’m glad she is doing better.