Oakley had his tracheostomy done today (that's what the actual hole, or stoma, is called) so he now has a tracheotomy (the bypassing of his trachea with a tube in his throat).
He had some granuloma around where his intubation tube was rubbing at his voice box, but they decided it would be best to go ahead with the trach, and give it time to heal as much as possible on its own. He also had some stenosis at his voice box, basically the cartilage ring has some collapse, making it oblong instead of round.
It's hard to say for sure what all this means, as it was all caused by being intubated for so long. It may mean that he will need the trach for several years, and that it will be very hard for him to come off ventilation support. Oakley doesn't seem to mind the trach so far...he is just thrilled to have full range of motion with his tongue again!
They're working out the kinks with Boise, and the countdown has begun! 9 more days til home!
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