We’re starting the New Year off with a first ever trach stoma infection! Thankfully we caught it early but it still looks uncomfortable. Two doctor visits yesterday and a couple of antibioic doses later and he’s doing fine but it has been a long weekend. The first couple of days, we watched the stoma closely but it was hard to determine if the area was red because Rudy kept messing with his trach or if he was messing with his trach because the area was irritated.
‘Just when his care starts to feel routine, something happens to humble us. A stoma infection involves much more suctioning than usual and multiple cleanings throughout the day to keep the area as clean and dry as possible…we were managing it great until Sunday night when Rudy had a rough night sleep. Because he was restless and had some irregular breathing patterns because of congestion, I had gotten up to check on him a few times and he was fine. At one point, though, we heard the familiar vibration of the stoma that happens when the trach is out! Rolf and I shot out of bed, sanitized our hands and pulled what we needed right away to reinsert the trach…trach in…tie secured…no problem. We’re back in bed and Rudy is settled and about an hour later I asked Rolf “Does Rudy’s breathing seem heavy to you?” to which Rolf sleepily replied “No different than the past few days”. At 6am I heard Max come into our room and check on Rudy and then he started to mess with him. Irritated, I told Max not to wake him up (“we’ve been up all night!!”). “But Mom, his oxygen mask isn’t on!” Oh, good grief, Rolf and I walked away from him without securing his oxygen…no wonder he was breathing heavy! Arrrrrrgh! Thankfully he was sat-ing within his normal range yesterday and he was fine but STILL!!!!
This week’s “episode”, thankfully, didn’t turn into a BIG deal but it was a reminder to us to stay alert…Rudy’s care isn’t hard work but it is constant…no room for slacking or sleep deprivation! Ha Ha We’re praying for Rudy’s quick recovery and renewed strength ’cause we have a very special wedding to go to this weekend! We’ll post more about that later! 🙂
Rudy's Beat 
Sorry to hear about Rudy’s infection. I have to confess, I thought this post would have cute pics of Rudy’s First Cardinal victory in a bowl game in 14 years, or First Cardinal ‘ol fashioned can of whoop …. on a competitor in a bowl game, or First pic of Rudy holding an orange. You get my drift–hope the Geylings got to watch some of the game in the midst of trach care.
love you and praying for a quick healing and a good nights sleep for you.
You are the best caretakers, I always marvel at your skill and thoroughness.
and tender love. Bussi O + O
Sending up prayers for you–all of you!
Praying for a quick recovery. Hugs to all and hope we’ll see you sometime this year!
Hoping the infection battle is over and Rudy is feeling better!
Oh my- never a dull moment. There have been many times in my own life of late when I have WISHED for a little dullness here and there. And I wish it doubly for all of you. Here’s to a very routine, normal-for-Rudy, year ahead. Oh yeah, be a great thing to say: ‘life’s a little boring just now!!!”
Oh my! That infection looks awful!! I’ll pray for some good sleeps ahead…..and an absence of episodes for a while…
But boy do you have some awesome kids. LOVE how Max was caring for his little brother…
oh you guys, so sorry to hear about the tough weekend, but happy to hear our Rudy is doing better. we love seeing all the wonderful posts lately. what a great big brother max is!
know we are here praying for all of you,
love,
the nelsons
Praying for the antibiotics to do their thing and praying for some sleep for you two. 🙂 Love you all and Happy New Year!
Few dull moments in your household. I am standing by whenever you need me…Rudy looks good in this picture in spite of the rough days he had–amazing little guy. Love to all!
You all are constantly on my heart and in my prayers. I’m an insomniac so often wake and pray through the night…guess I didn’t wake long enough the other night to cover your duties. Love and hugs to you, Trish.