Improvement

Ben turned a corner today. He was breathing better this morning! During the past week, Ben has been looking better in the afternoons but relapsing in the early morning. Today he didn't have his morning tightness and hard breathing. We are thankful! The next step is to start weaning him of his medicines. He still in on a lot of meds to try to keep his airways open. He has been at Lurie Children's for a week now. Its been a lot on the whole family. We want our Benny home! 

Grandpa stayed with Ben tonight and they had quiet the dinner- Lawry's steak!!

Hospital Stay

Ben was admitted on Friday, Aug 8th then got worse Sat and Sunday. He showed a little improvement on Monday which we were excited about but then he has remained the same the past couple days. He was out of respiratory distress but is still laboring to breath and his airways are really tight.  He is on a lot of medicine to keep him stable. He has asthmatic symptoms so they are treating that as well as treating him for a CF exacerbation. He is on oral & IV antibiotics, Prednisone, Xopenex, Atrovent, etc….

 Ty and Grandpa came for a visit

 Trying to keep Ben from losing too much weight.

 Megan and Grandpa playing Uno with Ben. 

 Ben has been building a lot of Legos

 They have been missing each other-brothers got to visit Ben for a little bit.

Megan and Steve spent the afternoon with Ben and played the game Sorry!

Respiratory Distress

Ben started having troubles breathing Wednesday (Aug 6) night and just got worse through the week. He had an appointment with his CF doctor on Friday (Aug 8) and she sent him right to the hospital. He was admitted and was treated for an allergy induced asthmatic reaction. He was in respiratory distress and was really struggling to breath.  

Another update

Ben has had a good year and Cystic Fibrosis continues to be a big part of his life. 

Some highlights include: birth of a new brother, enjoying homeschooling and being in 2nd grade, attending Greenhouse (a homeschool co-op), playing on a soccer & basketball team, playing hockey & skiing, and getting a dog and lizard. 

 Dad coached Ben's Kopion soccer team. 

 James was born on April 29th. Now Ben has 4 brothers!

 Skiing at Caberfae Ski Resort in Michigan

 Playing hockey in our backyard.

Getting "Spike" a bearded dragon for Christmas.