Hi All,

Bodi had his swallow study 2 weeks ago.  This test allows the doctors to view Bodi’s throat and airway as he eats and drinks.  It was amazing to watch.  We could definitely see where he would take a few normal swallows and then one “deep” swallow.  

  

He was a champ and the test took no time at all.  The doctors did see where Bodi is aspirating his liquids.  This is a concern because aspiration can cause pneumonia.  

 

 They gave us some feeding tips to help minimize the chances of aspiration.  He is not allowed to drink from a sippy cup, which he loves.  I have to spoon feed him water after every bite of food.  That has not been a problem because he loves it!  I also was told when feeding him a bottle to pull out the nipple after every suck!  That is just impossible and leads to one pissed off baby!  I have compromised with them to only allow half of the nipple to fill with liquid so there isn’t as much pressure when he sucks.  Not as bad.

After we left, the doctors reviewed his study on a high definition screen and found that Bodi was aspirating more than what they had originally thought. We were advised to see the speech pathologist at Children’s last week.  During his visit, Bodi proved that he has all of the skills that he needs.  It is confusing as to why he is aspirating and why he sounds extremely phlegmy after he eats.  If I’m around other children when the phlegmy sound is going on I always reassure the moms that he is not sick.

  
The Speech pathologist wants to run another swallow study herself.  I have asked her to scan down his body more to view where his tumor is to see if it is somehow causing his complications.  She agreed that would be a good idea.  So next week we go for his second swallow study.  Hopefully this will give us the answers we need and direct us to a better solution.

In the meantime, my little guy is learning and exploring so much!  He has learned to get to a sitting position from his back.  Which has led him to pull himself up, and he walks along couches, in his crib, coffee tables, whatever he can!  He can also crawl now.  He thinks he is hilarious and loves to show off!!  I myself think he is hilarious and the sweetest baby in the world!  He also knows how big he is which of course makes everyone laugh!