Falasca, Joey

We currently have a 24 mo. child that was born with a diaphragmatic hernia and a large omphalacele. At day two of life, diaphragm was repaired with gortex graft, and Omphalacele was covered with silo. After three weeks on jet vent attempt was made to repair Omphalacele, however bowel adhesions prevented repair. He began to stabilize and was taken off jet vent and placed on bird vip vent. After two months while weaning from vent he extubated and was off mechanical vent for 24 hrs. at that time while struggling to breathe on his own, herniated a fistula in the upper portion of bowel that protruded through the skin tissue that had granulated over bowel. After four months of trying to maintain nutrition a decision was made and we elected for bowel adhesion and fistula repair. The surgery was successful!! Six weeks later a new obstacle arose, severe bronchospasms causing near death. A new diagnosis was made...bronchomalacia!!! In summary after a total of ten months of hospitalization, we took our son home! Joey is currently stable and doing remarkably well. The past year home only two involuntary hospital admits. Developmental delays are slowly improving. We are currently weaning vent settings, respiratory is improving as well. Omphalacele is still in need of repair, but when is the question. We would like to share our experience in hopes of helping others as well as our son! We would really appreciate to here from you! Comments and suggestions are welcome.



Written by Joey's dad, Steven Falasca (Florida)
1998