Friday, November 2, 2007

Love - Hate Relationship



Abby has a long standing relationship with tubes of all kinds. Endotracheal tubes, IV tubes, oral gastric and nasal gastric tubes. They have given breath to her lungs, medicine to her blood and food to her stomach. Once Abby's reflux battle kicked in full gear we turned to a gastrostomy to feed her.

Yesterday we were introduced to yet another tube... the Gastrojejunal tube. As much as we've been dragging our feet on this one, Abby has been suffering through every feeding. We have exhausted every medication and several, special formulas. We even tried an extra special diet of blenderized whole foods. Nothing brought the relief she needed.

Now we have a pump, feeding bags and IV pole following Abby every where. Soon I'm sure it will become second nature to pick up the pump and tubes along with our girl. In the mean time, we are trying really hard not to trip over or step on her tubes!

It's new for Abby too. It has made her tummy very upset. Something new; more changes. We only wish we knew what she was feeling so we could better anticipate her needs. She acts hungry, but we can't feed her the way we are used to.

Lord, please help Abby get used to this new tube more quickly than we do, so that her body can heal.

4 comments:

BusyLizzyMom said...

Too many tubes for a little one. She has had more tubes than someone will ever have in a lifetime. I hope the GJ will give Abby some relief.
Hugs.

James Lee Younger III said...

as always, we love you guys through our tears.

can't wait to be together again!

Christy Younger said...

Oh wow... words are failing me after watching that special video. I feel like it has given me a peephole to put my eye up to and understand in a tiny sense a little bit more about what this newest tube means for Abby and your sweet family... I can't imagine, but I will pray for Abby and you all. I love you so very much and miss you so much, it aches..

Anonymous said...

I finally figured out how to post! I think about you all often & lift you up in prayer. Even though we've only met on a few occasions I feel so very close to your family. I'm sure anyone that has kept up with your family does. I feel like you are family because I find myself hurting inside when you all are experiencing times like this. On the other hand I have great joy when I get to hear about your experiences & see how closely knit you all are to the Lord! It is so refreshing to see your perspective on things that I would crumble over. I can see your eyes are focused on HIM & it inspires me to keep my eyes focused on HIM as well during difficult times. All of you are SUCH a blessing & we LOVE you!