We have been overwhelmed with the love and support we have received in the last few days as we have been preparing for Smith's Ravitch Procedure (
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/ravitch-procedure.html). So many friends and loved ones have expressed concern and have asked to be updated along the way. Because our top priority during the next few weeks is caring for Smith physically, emotionally, and spiritually we decided that it would be easiest for us to use this site to keep you all updated in one place. We appreciate your love, support , and prayers!
Smith developed pectus excavatum (inverted sternum) in the fall of 2017 when his cartilage grew more quickly than the rest of his chest cavity. The rapid growth of the cartilage causes it to become arthritic. As he has continued to grow it has worsened to the point that it causes him chest pain and shortness of breath due to the over crowding in his chest caused from his sternum "caving in." He is having chest reconstruction surgery to remove all of the arthritic cartilage in this chest cavity and to break and reshape his sternum. We will be in the hospital between 7-10 days, with at least the first day being ICU. The full recovery period is 3-4 months. We are trusting the Lord, but definitely covet your prayers during that entire time! Surgery is set for Wednesday, June 5th at UMC- tentatively set to start at 11:00, and will last until around 2:00.
The first several days are going to be incredibly difficult pain wise. Because of that, it has been recommend that we have no visitors until Saturday. However, we would love to see any of you who want to come after that! Once Smith is able to have visitors...if you do decide to visit, please check with us before you come to ensure that we get to see you and aren't scheduled to be at PT during that time.
We will be updating this page at some point each day. No news is good news.
Thank you again for your love, prayers, and support-
Josh and Haley
"Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
