Thursday, December 18th

Lexi did very well on her EMG test today! The results showed that she does not have any permanent nerve damage on her face! This is again a big answer to prayer! The nerves that are towards the "surface" of her brainstem appear to be fine, which means the problem is deeper in the brainstem. I was also able to talk with Dr. Roach, the head of neurology, for about an hour today. His "best guess" is that Lexi suffered some cranial nerve damage during her heart surgery during a period when her blood pressure went very low. There are no more tests that can be run. If this is the case, this type of nerve damage typically repairs itself over time, but there are no guarantees. Dr. Roach said that in his experience with similar type damage, it usually takes "months." Nerves heal at about 1 millimeter a day, so it would depend on how much damage has happened, and there is no test to determine exactly how much damage there is.

We are continuing to discuss Lexi's G-tube. After speaking with the GI Attending Physican this evening, we have two different options- trying the less invasive approach and hope they will be able to do it or proceeding with the surgery. Jon and I will need to give this some additional thought and a great deal of prayer. I will be talking with the head of cardiac anesthesia tomorrow to weigh his opinion about again putting Lexi under anesthesia since she had such difficulty from her last surgery.

Specific Prayer Reqests:
Our biggest current issue Lexi's G-tube. Pray that we have wisdom in what decision to make for Lexi.

Pray for Lexi's nerve damage (if this is in fact what it is). Pray that there is minimal damage and these nerves will repair themselves at RAPID pace!)