MIC-KEY

I know what you're thinking and it's not Mickey, as in the mouse. A Mic-Key button is actually a type of feeding tube that is placed through the abdomen to deliver nutrition directly into the stomach. In case you missed the previous posts, feeding tubes provide an alternative way to eat and are used by people whose digestive system "work" but who can't get enough, or any, nourishment by mouth. Although Jacob's eating has gotten significantly better, his occasional post-meal vomiting is still an issue. Despite our best efforts and sometimes battle session feedings, the small amounts of table food that Jake consumes, combined with his Pediasure bottle feedings are simply not an adequate amount of nutrition for our little man. A Mic-Key button would allow us to continue feeding Jake by mouth, but offer us a back-up option to give him the proper nutrition he needs to grow.


Snuggled up to his Ele after a long day of tests. He loves to snuggle!



We met with a surgeon at Children's Hospital last week to discuss having the Mic-Key button placed for Jacob. We've already done our background research and hear he is a great surgeon. Jacob also had another diagnostic imaging study done to show how his stomach was emptying. It was a tough one for the little man and he cried for nearly an entire hour while they completed the study. The results of the test came back on Thursday and there was a slight delay with his stomach's ability to empty, but it was within normal limits. Josh and I have had a very difficult time making the decision to pursue a feeding tube for Jacob. It has been such a tough recovery from his last hospitalization and we have concerns as to whether or not a surgery will set him back further, but in our hearts we know that he needs a feeding tube in order to get proper nutrition and hopefully regain more of his strength. After multiple discussions with Jacob's doctors, we decided that it is time for the Mic-Key button. Jacob's surgery is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th.  

Surgery aside...we're happy to report that Jacob has been doing a lot better these last two weeks. This is part of the reason we've struggled so much with the feeding tube decision. The iron supplement is definitely helping him regain some of his strength and energy. In fact, we received the results from his recent blood work to find that his iron level had already improved and his liver enzymes had improved as well! Yay!!! We're also seeing a lot more smiles and more engagement in activities that he loves (e.g. peek-a-boo, banging on his xylophone, and tickles). These are all good signs and we're hoping that the Mic-Key button is the "key" to bringing back the belly laughs and happy leg kicking that we miss oh so much!!!

Uncle Mike hopped by on Sunday to deliver a very soft and special bunny for Jacob. He loved it!!