Asthma

There are several fires burning in California right now and though none are close to us the air quality is still very bad.  Smokey air and severe asthma are a not a good mix. 
Junior's trach is definitely helping us deal with it and preventing the typical airway collapse episodes, plugs, and the all around scary stuff that often accompany his asthma.  He is still struggling and it is hard on  him but it makes a huge difference to not be in crisis and to have a secure airway.  Lots of coughing and secretions and he is needing some oxygen as well as extra vent/bipap time but he is stable. 

Today we headed to Sac for an appointment with Junior's GI.   She said he looks great and his weight is just right for his height.  We do have to keep a close eye on his weight now that he is trached.  With the trach he is no longer using so much of his energy to breath so may start to gain weight more quickly then he should.
She now doesn't want to see him until spring because of all the illnesses already starting.  They are already seeing flu, colds, and other things not typically seen until later in the season.
Here is Junior enjoying the fish tank while waiting to see the doctor.  He loves watching all the brightly colored fish.  The smoke was much worse in Sac so he needed his mask over his face as well as the HME on his trach with oxygen.

 Yesterday evening I put all his birthday cards up in his room.  He loves it and thinks it is wonderful to be able to lay in bed and see all his cards.  This way he can enjoy them for a long time.

Giggling at the Andy Griffith Show