Allergies?

That's what Dr. P thinks is causing the squeak. We are hopeful this is the case.

Dr. P used the flexible scope on Marissa today and showed us that there is some redness, irritation, and swelling in her upper airway. She thought the sudden onset of the squeak pointed to the fact that Marissa is dealing with a cold or allergies, the latter being more likely with the lack of other symptoms. We have noticed that Rissa has been dealing with a slightly stuffy nose in the last week. Dr. P prescribed her a 10 day course of steroids and we are hoping and praying this will do the trick.

In related news, the scope showed that her airway is much more open around the vocal chord area and the vocal chords themselves are moving much better. So, overall, the surgery was a success! Praise God!

So the plan from here is for Rissa to be on steroids to clear up the inflammation in her airway. We are to let Dr. P know by next Tuesday if we do not hear any improvement in the squeak. If that is the case, Rissa will need to be scoped in the OR. If the squeak has improved, we will just see Dr. P in her office next Thursday and hopefully move forward with a plan to get that pesky tube out of Rissa's neck. Let's pray for that!

Thanks, friends.