The Results

Grace did really well with the bronchoscopy...except for the waking up and trying to rip her IV out ;)  The procedure took a bit longer than expected because Dr. Wootten found a cyst that he didn't expect.  The cyst was on Grace's trachea, and most likely cause by the ventilator tubes from when she was a baby, and has been growing since.  He was able to remove the cyst today and feels that we are going to see a big difference in her breathing!  Her vocal cords were very red and inflamed, but that could be due to her having a cold right now.  He prescribed a steroid that should reduce the swelling.  He thinks that we may even hear a difference in her voice now!  Dr. Wootten feels that he still doesn't have a definitive reason for her vocal cords not opening all the way, and wants to see Grace back in the OR in 3 weeks :(  He needs to make sure the cyst doesn't grow back, and to be able to look at her cords without her being sick.  He did say that her left vocal cord isn't moving as much as it should, but it's not enough for surgery at this point.  So-we're VERY happy that a major cause of the restricted airway appears ot have just been a cyst!  Once again, a doctor was surprised by what he found in Grace :)  We're not done yet, but I think we're definitely on a good track.  Next will be to get another bronchoscopy in 3 weeks, then possibly allergy testing to see if that's causing the inflammation also, and Grace may end up getting seen by a whole team of doctors that specialize in airway issues.

Grace did great, and drove a little car around the hospital before going back with the nurse...she was so fascinated by the stethoscope, she didn't even look back at us!  She's pretty dopey still, but happily watching Curious George now.  Thank you for all prayers and support this morning...will now need prayers that the cyst doesn't grow back, and that Grace IS NOT sick for the next bronchoscopy!