Alex spent Monday and Tuesday at 7 different doctors. Just getting him dressed and out the door is a major accomplishment and task. He is very tired each day but getting around pretty well. We found out yesterday that Alex has Eustachian Tube Disfunction and significant hearing loss in his left ear- He will have an VNG test done next week.
Eustachian Tube Problems At A Glance The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear space to the back of the nose. Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed. Partial or complete blockage of the Eustachian tube can cause sensations of popping, clicking, and ear fullness. The Eustachian tube can become blocked from common colds or allergies (I AM GOING TO ADD BEING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING TO THIS-LOL). Altitude changes can cause symptoms in persons with Eustachian tube problems. Several maneuvers can be done to improve Eustachian tube function.
http://www.medicinenet.com
Alex's skin grafts have healed well but he is starting to get Keloid Scaring -
What is a keloid? Keloids can be considered to be "scars that don't know when to stop." A keloid, sometimes referred to as a keloid scar, is a tough heaped-up scar that rises quite abruptly above the rest of the skin. It usually has a smooth top and a pink or purple color. Keloids are irregularly shaped and tend to enlarge progressively. Unlike scars, keloids do not subside over time. http://www.medicinenet.com
Alex will be fitted for Compression Shirts tomorrow to help control the keloids from growing. He will see his burn doctor at the end of the month.
I'm grateful he's doing better but its still an uphill battle. ~ Kaleen aka Alex's mom
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Alex on Wednesday, Oct.6
Dane Thursday Oct 7th
Before Life Support was removed
Alex's Room
Thanks for all the love
I also develope keloid scars on any surgery that I may have. I have one that is pretty noticable right under my neck on my chest, and also have hearing loss in both ears. It is tough sometimes when I have to keep asking people to repeat themselves. But I have gotten really good at either pretending I know what they say or reading their lips, haha. As for the scar it is not two big and has somewhat settled down in the last 10 years but is still red and very noticable. I get comments all the time about it. I even had one guy ask me if it was a hicky!!I hope that will bring some humor to the situation. Please just stay positive. I know I am sure everything seems really overwhelming but one day as with most things you will look back at this experience and see how far you have come, see how much stronger as individuals you are and as a family and be amazed. Know that your heavenly father loves you and is with you always. Keep up the hard work. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAlex seems to have gotten the worst of the strike, even though Dane got hit in the head! Our theory here at school is that there was nothing up there to conduct the electricity, so it continued out of Dane and into Alex!!! (just kidding Dane)Anyway, we are all so glad you both made it! It just wouldn't be the same without you guys! Much Love
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting how we learn so much by experience! Those of you who have been struck seem to have an amazing amount of information that you have learned as a result of your experience. I think it's great that so many of you are willing to share your story to help others get through it! It's certainly an interesting lesson. It's also amazing how similar the experience is for everyone, yet different.
ReplyDeleteMy mother was telling me over the thanksgiving break that her mother was struck by lightning when she was young. I am amazed that she was able to survive given we didn't have near the knowledge we do now. She believes that she could no longer memorize music for her performances. Listening to her story there are so many similarities!
Thanks so much for keeping us posted on the boys' progress. My thoughts are with all of you and impressed at your patience and perseverance! It is certainly a difficult time!
Lots of love,
s
Keloids are Kool!! .... NOT. I have them, too. However, only where the lightning directly struck me. The rest of my burn "scars" are just discolored, thin skin. I hope those compression shirts work to keep those stinkin' scars to a minimum. Someone told me to try SCARprin. ?? It's a topical treatment. Since my scars are so minimal I didn't follow up on it or ask my doctor if he knew anything about it. Besides, having a cell phone shaped keloid in my pocket at all times is kinda groovy! :)
ReplyDeleteThat hearing loss of yours will come in handy next winter. When your mom asks you to shovel the sidewalk or take out the trash or be nice to your siblings........... your response can be, "What??!!" :)
I hope the tests go well and that whatever they find is fixable. Lots of hugs for you all.
Good luck with recovery!
ReplyDeleteSteroid injections together with silicone sheeting or silicone gel are the best option for keloid prevention. Compression garments should also help.
“The consensus view from the literature and the authors is that first-line therapy for most minor keloids is a combination of silicone gel sheeting and intralesional corticosteroids.”
Source: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002 Aug;110(2):560-71. International clinical recommendations on scar management, Mustoe TA, Cooter RD, Gold MH, Hobbs FD, Ramelet AA, Shakespeare PG, Stella M, Téot L, Wood FM, Ziegler UE; International Advisory Panel on Scar Management.