After enduring over 12 days with endotracheal intubation breathing assistance which required the insertion of tubes into Kevin's mouth and throat, the doctors performed a tracheostomy percutaneously through the skin in the lower part of his neck to allow less obstructed breathing and to clear the mouth and oral passage.  Dr. Wilson, our trauma doctor, described breathing through an endotracheal tube like being submerged in water and breathing through a straw. So not only is it uncomfortable in its placement through the mouth and throat requiring heavy sedation to alleviate suffering, it is also difficult to inhale and get copious amounts of oxygen needed for healing this way. Coupled with pneumonia that many patients battle in these situations as Kevin has, it can make extraction of the respiratory fluid difficult as well. While performing the tracheostomy the doctors were able to culture the lung excretions and match it to certain strain of infection that is now being treated more effectively with the precise antibiotic needed and were seeing some improvement in the control of the pneumonia and corresponding reduction in his white blood cell count.  The physicians want to eradicate the lung infection before moving onto the next step of placing a PEG (percutaneous, endoscopic, gastrostomy) feeding tube into his abdomen from the outside which they hope to accomplish perhaps as early as tomorrow. For now, we are grateful for the small step forward in being able to remove the endotracheal intubation apparatus and switch to the tracheostomy. This is still an assisted breathing device but eventually it should allow Kevin to be able to speak with a valve and allow for testing of natural breathing capacity and diaphragm function which is so vitally helpful to optimal recovery. Thank you to all who have prayed so earnestly for Kevin's recuperation, treatment and rehabilitation. Please continue to pray as the early stages of treatment and care are so important in recovering from any neurological or brain injury like this. Thank you :)   1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1-5)
 
 
<div> </div>

Kevin Heeley

Update: December 19, 2019 – by Keith Heeley