Meet Our Patients
Ireland:
Danger of Infection | Safety of Home
Major surgery, massive infection
What doctors thought were breathing difficulties at birth turned out to be far more dire: Ireland's esophagus wasn't connected to the rest of her digestive tract, and when her first reconstructive surgery ripped apart, resulting in a massive infection, her parents almost lost her.
Standing up to challenges of everyday environments
Ireland spent six months in the hospital, and PHS was right there in the neonatal intensive care unit, showing her parents how to use the feeding tube and otherwise care for a medically-complex child. It wasn't something they thought they could do, but they've done well with help from PHS.
Ireland has had multiple surgeries, she has a trach-tube to help her breathe, and she requires heated humidity with oxygen for support — all of which can intensify the risk of infection. And in her case, common infections could lead to hospitalization.
PHS respiratory therapists, dietitians, and other specialists work one-on-one with Ireland's family to ensure she has the equipment, supplies, and everything she needs to minimize these risks and maintain a happy, healthy childhood at home.
"I told PHS that they're the one company I've never had any problems with," said Shanna, Ireland's mother.
Keeping the family together
Ireland's family hopes that soon doctors will be able to connect her esophagus and remove the trach, but for now, they're thrilled that she's thriving at home, where she belongs.
"There were a lot of times Ireland wouldn't have been able to be at home if it weren't for PHS," added Carol, Ireland's grandmother. "It's been wonderful. It's kept the family together."
Born:
2007
Diagnosis:
Long-Gap Congenital Esophageal Atresia which means her esophagus was not connected at birth.
Challenge:
Ireland's first reconstructive surgery failed, causing a massive infection; avoiding other infections while maintaining proper development have been the primary efforts.
Solution:
PHS respiratory therapists provided heated humidity and oxygen support, as well as a feeding pump, trach-tube and nutrition supplies. PHS pharmacy provided antibiotics on a regular basis to get and keep Ireland infection free at home.
Result:
Ireland is thriving and is happy to be at home.
