Spartanburg Signature Chefs Auction presented by Brown Packing

Meet Josh, Ally, Logan, Parker, and Keaton Thrailkill. Ally was diagnosed with polyhydramnios, or excess amniotic fluid, at 33 weeks. She was induced at 39+6 and her water was broken in an attempt to avoid cord prolapse, one of the bigger risks when it comes to polyhydramnios. Unfortunately, a cervix check shortly after her water was broken showed the cord was coming out first anyway. She was immediately taken for an emergency c-section. Keaton was born within 6 minutes of being in the OR and everything was great for the first day. On day two of their hospital stay, Keaton had a lot of fluid coming out of his nose. They thought it was because of the polyhydramnios/ c-section combination so the NICU sent nurses to suction him out really well. But around 2:00 am the next morning, Ally's night nurse saw it was still happening and sent for the NICU again. They took him to down to check him out and put in an nasogastric tube for the meantime. A swallow study was done the next morning that showed an improper swallow with high risk for aspiration. 
The Thrailkills were told Keaton couldn’t eat anything orally and he was on a list to transfer to a different hospital for a camera study. They stayed in the Spartanburg Regional NICU for a week before that transfer. The camera study showed what was deemed a lack of sensation in his throat that causes him to not be able to manage liquids, even his own secretions. They bubble at the back of his throat, and because of this, stuff trickles down his trachea. The family still doesn't know why Keaton has a lack of sensation. An MRI of his brain was negative. They did genetic testing as well which all came back normal. A repeat camera study 5 days later showed no difference and he was put on the surgery list for a gastric tube. 

Keaton now has a g-tube for all of his feedings and is an incredibly happy baby. His two big sisters, Logan and Parker, are amazing helpers!