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A letter to JHC about Eric
Dear JHC,
Eric Thompson was born a few weeks premature on August 21, 2002 with complex congenital heart disease known as "Tetrology of Fallot". Eric had heart surgery to repair his heart defect on September 5, 2002. Eric was also born with a "Cleft Lip and Palate", and a repair of his lip is scheduled for November 14, 2002. His palate repair will be in April 2003 or later. He is currently scheduled to be evaluated in the Plastic Surgery Clinic at Duke Hospital on April 23, 2003. In the meantime, Eric faces the challenge of weaning from his ventilator. Because of left diaphragmatic paralysis after his heart surgery, Eric has been unable to breath on his own and had to have a tracheostomy placed on October 11, 2002 to support him on a ventilator. In order for Eric breath without the ventilator, his care team at Duke Children's Hospital has been managing his recovery, including giving medications for hos heart and for "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease". Because eric needs specialized chronic ventilator management, his Duke tean has referred him to a long-term care facility for children. At this facility, Eric will gradually be weaned from his ventilator, with the goal of going home as soon as possible.
Eric will need long term care for at least several months, guring which time his mother can receive training in his tracheostomy care. Eric's Mom has been very involved since his birth, and should ultimately be able to take him home with the help of 'home-health' nurses. She will also need to have her home equipped to suport the use of a 'suction machine' and various other equipment that he may need. Eric has come a long way, but he still has a long way to go. He is a precious and adorable baby, and we are all looking forward to seeing him well. Hi may be able to have his tracheostomy site closed next year, as well as his palate repair. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Sincerely,
Robin L. Wilson, RN
Dr. Plato Alexander, PICU
