June 22, 2011

Epiglottis

Today they did the fees test on Garren. They put a little camera through his nose so that they could take a look at his swallow, and determine exactly what's going with his throat. Here is what they found:
  • The epiglottis (the little flap that covers your airway when you swallow) is not moving at all
  • The left vocal chord is not moving at all
  • The right vocal chord is weak, but it does move some
Garren cannot swallow unless the epiglottis can move. Garren cannot remove his trach or eat until he can swallow. We are being told at this point that there is nothing we can do but wait and see if it starts moving. Obviously, this is a big disappointment for Garren. Garren told Nancy yesterday that he can deal with being in a wheelchair, but that not being able to eat is nearly unbearable.

God has brought Garren so far, and though it seems slow, we have continued to see amazing progress. Pray that God will touch Garren's throat, that the epiglottis will begin moving, that Garren will regain the ability to swallow...soon.

11 comments:

Linda gaddy said...

Praying that a mightly God will do this for Garren and soon! Linda

Chris Hogan said...

Praying for these specifics and God's mighty hand to continually heal Garren. Also for Garren's peace in these challenges he is facing. Praying continually for all of you. The Hogans

Anonymous said...

You got it.

Anonymous said...

Lord, You created every part of Garren and you know exactly how it all works. You even created this little flap with a big name so that we could do the simple act of swallowing. Lord, Garren is a young man with a strong heart and love for you who has gone through so much. We are asking that You free this flap to move so that Garren can swallow and enjoy eating and talking again. Lord, they say that there is nothing anyone can do. Well as prayer warriors we know different!
Carol Taylor xx

Anonymous said...

Praying, but I want to share something that will bring a smile to your lives...Our granddaughters met you Garren, at VBS...now, their little figurines that used to go by the names of Esmeralda, Demetri, and another Disney Character, are Garren, Kelsey and Kara...they pray for you constantly, and love you so much...how much more our Father? Be encouraged....love, Sandy & Russ

The Mowerys said...

It is amazing how quickly things change! All these wonderful strides that Garren has made are just incredible! We are praying for you Garren everyday. We will pray for continued healing! You continue to amaze us! We love you!

Anonymous said...

Continuously praying for Garren! Through Christ ALL things are possible!

wendypoovey said...

First, we are happy you are safely home. Second, the kids were so excited to see Garren at VBS. They weren't able to officially meet him, (I was at the food table); but they were very happy to see him there and talked about it for 3 days. Third, we continue to pray for Garren and his continued healing. We pray for swallowing. The kids still ask to check your blog to see how Garren is doing. They are so concerned about him not being able to eat or drink anything. Tabor was very happy to see Garren's long blond hair at VBS. She thought he looked quite handsome. Brayden was thrilled to see Garren moving his head around and hands. He kept saying that is really good isn't it mommy?

Anonymous said...

Good morning family! Man, it is hot outside!! In Maine we had this heat for about a day, in July, the hottest month in the year...I hope you are much cooler where you are....where to begin? We want you to know, especially today, how much God has your ability to swallow or not to swallow a part of His plan for you right now...and try to remember that if this is His plan, than it is a good plan, even though you might not really like it right now...keep trying to do all that you are able to do, and then relax about the rest...God has your back!!! Love & prayers, Sandy & Russ

Anonymous said...

We are friends of Dave & Bethany Kush, which is how we "know" Garren and your family. We have continued to pray for him on a regular basis...and will not stop. Thank you for keeping us posted on how we can pray so specifically! We are believing w/you and trusting God completely that He will cause Garren's epiglottis to begin moving, even today!

Much love & prayers,
The Gregory Family

Kitty @ Four Toms and a Mom said...

We keep praying about every little muscle... every little flap that needs to move. So grateful of how far he's come. No obstacle will discourage, but encourage us to pray, now with even more conviction.