These past few weeks have held both challenges and hopeful turns in Ollie’s recovery. Just before Thanksgiving, he was extubated again, and while we were encouraged by those initial steps, his lungs struggled to gain the strength they needed.
Further imaging revealed that one side of his diaphragm wasn’t moving effectively, making it incredibly hard for him to breathe on his own. After evaluating and conversing with his care team, we moved forward with a diaphragm plication, a short procedure that helps the weaker side stay in sync with the stronger one. It was a difficult decision—another surgery so soon after transplant—but we were hopeful it would give his body the support it needed for sustainable healing.
🦊 Today, Ollie is six days post-plication and two days post-extubation, and from a respiratory standpoint, he is looking sound and stable. Seeing him breathe on his own again brings a deep sense of relief, and each day he remains extubated feels like a step in the right direction.
We’re still navigating some challenges, especially around pain, which makes coughing and clearing secretions more difficult for him. This part of recovery can be uncomfortable, so our focus is on keeping him as comfortable and as supported as possible.
🧡 Today, his heart rate was a little higher than normal, so he’ll be receiving some blood. Otherwise, our days consist of keeping him comfortable, moving, and resting – the slow, steady rhythm of healing that has become familiar to us.
Even with the ups and downs, we continue to see a resilience in Ollie that humbles us. He is mending, slowly but surely, and we’re uplifted by every sign of progress, however small.
🌟We are also deeply thankful for the love, prayer, and encouragement surrounding our family. Your love matters profoundly—especially on the quieter days when progress is subtle and the journey feels long.
If you would like to continue praying with us, we would be grateful for:
❤️ Continued respiratory strength
❤️ Relief from pain and discomfort
❤️ Protection from infection as his body heals
❤️ Restful days and peaceful nights
❤️ Steady recovery for his whole body
Thank you for holding Ollie and our family in your hearts.
We are so grateful to have you alongside us on this journey.
With love,
The Paytons ❤️
