G Button Baby!

Yesterday Stella was admitted back at Children's Hospital and underwent minor surgery to have a G tube placed in her stomach. The procedure was a success and she now has a button on her tummy where we will be inserting her feeds. This means no more NG tube in her nose and down her throat, and no more tape on her face holding the tube in place. No more stressing about Stella ripping the tube out 4 times a week. And no more worrying every time I replace the tube that it goes her lungs instead of her stomach. Basically - WOOHOO. 

All that being said, I think we were all so excited to get the G tube we didn't realize how big the button on her stomach actually is. I'll spare you the pictures, but the reality is she still has a hole cut thru her skin, muscles and stomach to have the device sewn in place. Ironically the button is called a "mic-key" ... It's not quite that cute. Here's hoping we adjust to her new tools quickly and she tolerates this new form of feeding. 

After surgery Stella had to wait 24 hours before using the tube, so we were finally able to resume feeding her this morning, thank goodness. Imagine the last time you had to go 30 hours without eating - girl was hangry. We are slowly working her back up to full feeds and are hoping to get discharged tomorrow. Stella will begin aggressively working with speech therapy to try taking foods by mouth and fingers crossed now that the tube is out of her throat she will be more comfortable and open to eating. 

All in all things are looking up! We are so proud of our warrior for handling another hospital visit like a champ! Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement. And here's to hoping tonight is our last night in the hospital for a VERY LONG TIME! 

Ready to roll in pre-op!

First feed with no NG tube! I