What a week

What a week we had in Cincinnati. So much so that I need a week to recoup. Well as I had mentioned, Sophia was going to Cincinnati to have some diagnostic testing done for the A-team. We started the week with a trip to the OR. She was being put to sleep to have all three doctors evaluate her airway. In their words, they've learned that each doctor sees differently and each knows their field particularly. Also, while under they were going to possibly dilate her nasal passage and put a camera up through her nose and into the stomach. This was to be left for 24hrs under hosptial observation. Well, once in the OR and the doctors started to look around they realized that one, the dialation would not be beneficial for Sophia because her airway in her nose had reduced so much they couldn't pass anything of the left side and the right side was tight. Big problem. Dilating simply wouldn't do. Secondly, They also deduced her tonsils and adnoid tissue was so large that on a scale of 1-4, they rated it a 5! This extra tissue as well as the nasal passage prevented the doctors from being able to pass the camera for observation. The only perk meant we didn't need to stay over night in the hospital. The down fall.. Two more surgeries. Can we ever catch a break? On the whole, the doctors felt that from trachea down her airway looked good and promising. The problem is all upper airway. The next morning we were back at it at 7am for another round of evaluations and test. This time it was a video study in which they put a small camera up Sophia's nose and down into the back of her throat. Not pleasant for most people as I'm  sure you can imagine. Sophia was a trooper to say the least. However, again this procedure was cut short due to a copious amount of secretions blocking visibility as well as the tightness of her airway made  camera angels difficult. The doctors were beyond impressed with Sophia's patience and tenacity. The only perk of these appointments being cut short was we were able to take Sophia to the aquarium. She totally deserved it. The best part was Sophia was selected to be the penguin grand Marshall! She led the penguin parade and got to go with daddy to met the penguins on her own. Totally precious! I will adore that memory forever! The next day we were back again for a couple of swallow study appts. These appts went as predicted. Still aspiration. Still no food by mouth. The next day we had the afternoon before Sophia's overnight sleep study, so treat number two- the zoo! It's sad when a week at the hospital is kinda like vacation. A little hospital, a little fun. It's needed. One would be bitter without a little laughter and fun mixed into all the medical jargon and procedures. Overall, I am still pleasantly pleased and hopeful with cinci. I think we've made the right decision in switching our care to a hospital that has a focus and speciality in Sophia's needs. We just now have to put our faith in their knowledge and decisions to help Sophia continue to grow and strive. As on now, we are in the waiting process before we schedule the next surgery. Until then, my big girl is starting preschool. I know it seems like an off time to start, but we and Sophia live by our own agenda :)