Oops! I forgot to update you on IRP. She had an infection with resulting fluid build-up in her abdomen. She was in the hospital for about four days while being given IV antibiotics. The doctor put a stent in to drain the fluid and she went home with it. A week later, IRP went in to have the stent removed. The doctor hopes to operate for the last time in April to reconnect the temporary ileostomy.~~tsg
Archive for the 'Family' Category
02
Mar
14
forgot the update
09
Feb
14
well, here we are again
At about nine this morning, IRP called to tell me that she had a fever, was nauseous and had pain where the re-connection of her bowel was done. So, we are in the emergency room of the hospital waiting for tests to tell us what is up. The staff seems to think she may have an infection and a blockage. I certainly hope not, but it does seem likely given that these are the same symptoms she had the last time that happened. I am beginning to despair of ever getting IRP’s problem totally fixed. I am sure she is much more frustrated than I am, though. All prayers, good thoughts, etc. gratefully received.~~TSG
26
Jan
14
school tomorrow
Well, IRP is feeling pretty good. She will be starting the Spring 2014 semester tomorrow in the college’s “late start” classes. One of her two classes is on-line, so she won’t be wearing herself out.~~TSG
20
Jan
14
rough night
Yesterday, they began weaning IRP off the pain and anti-spasm meds. Unfortunately, she was not ready for this step. At about seven o’clock, she began having horrible stomach spasms. Tears were streaming down her face and she was trying hard not to yell. She was mostly losing the latter battle. TBF had been going to go home to get some studying done, but he would not leave while IRP was in pain. We did not get things sorted out until after ten. IRP is back on all the medications and we will speak to the doctor this morning about what we can do to control her pain better.
We got a little sleep, but I anticipate that IRP will spend most of the day resting. She wants to go walking now while she feels relatively well. We will do that as soon as she is given her antibiotic and the anti-coagulate.~TSG
19
Jan
14
rapid progress
This morning, the doctor took the bandage off the mid-line incision in IRP’s stomach. He had used the incision line that was already there and just had to lengthen it a bit. We appreciate very much that Dr.B has tried, wherever possible, to use existing scars to place incisions instead of making new ones. Since IRP is young (22), she is very worried about such things. Fortunately, TBF (the boyfriend) does not care about such things and has spent a lot of time up at the hospital helping IRP in any way he can.
IRP is also being allowed to eat soft foods. Considering the amount of time it took us to get to this stage after the last operation, this is really rapid progress. IRP has been up walking already this morning. The pain is also subsiding. This is really good since she has almost reached the end of the amount of Demoral (the pain medication that works best for her) that the hospital can give her. After six tonight, she will not be able to have anymore. Hopefully, the on-demand button and the anti-inflammatory will be able to keep her pain under control after that.
Thanks to everyone for their concern.~TSG
19
Jan
14
recovering
IRP is feeling much better. She has been walking several times today and has progressed to clear liquids. The doctor’s assistant was in and said things had gone so well that the ileostomy might be reversible in as little as eight weeks. As you might imagine, this cheered IRP up considerably. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and good thoughts.~TSG
So, today IRP had yet another surgery. This was to reconnect her rectum to her large intestine after last year’s “blow-out”. It appears that the doctor who corrected her Hirschprung’s failed to get all of the affected area out. As a result, IRP suffered a ruptured bowel and spent three weeks in the hospital recovering from that and the resulting massive infection. A colostomy also had to be performed at the same time to give her time to recover so that we could decide what would need to be done next. I did not post about this and other events at the time they occurred because I was just so shocked and angry. We almost lost her!
The surgery today went well, but IRP has another temporary ileostomy. The doctor who reconnected her said that he had tested the repair and the reversal of the colostomy and no air came through either. He probably could have not done the ileostomy. However, due to what happened last time, he was not willing to risk a recurrence. He would rather take the conservative approach since another rupture might mean that IRP would have to have a permanent colostomy. Although many people live with this, we do not want IRP to have to do so if it can be avoided. Any prayers or good thoughts you care to send our way will be greatly appreciated.~TSG
28
Dec
13
Best Gift of the Year
I usually don’t have a “best” or “favorite” gift, but you will soon see why I have one this year. My sister and her family gave me a bag filled with small things that will make my life easier and more fun. Among them was a clear plastic glass printed with a paisley pattern and with a blue lid. This is my best gift this year. Let me tell you why.
My sister took my 11-year-old niece, K, with her shopping. K asked what I did at work. When informed that I evaluate transcripts for a college, K insisted that I needed a cup so that I would have plenty of water to drink. Working at a desk, according to K, is a very thirsty job. She stuck to the cup even though her mother made several other suggestions. The reason this cup is my best gift is that K spent time and thought in choosing it. She is really beginning to grow up. I am proud of her for thinking about my needs and then making a decision based on them. In fact, even if I had not really liked the cup, it would have been my favorite gift because of the effort that went into it. That is what gift-giving is about to me; considering others’ wants and needs and then trying to meet them.
Thank you, K! You did great!!
16
Nov
13
time to party
Tonight, my parents, siblings and a few friends are joining my family at Babbin’s, a local seafood restaurant. There will be fun, fellowship and alligator appetizers for the adventurous among us. No, it does not “taste just like chicken”. Afterwards, we will be going to my parent’s house for cake. The only ones missing will be RTA and MFA, who live too far away to come (insert frowny face here). I told FMP that this all sounded a bit expensive and he asked me if I intended to turn 50 again. Since I don’t, I had to concede his point. On with the festivities!!
16
Nov
13
i made it, so there!
Despite my upper original equipment’s trying to kill me at 39 and my lower original equipment’s trying to kill me at 47, I have reached the auspicious age of 50. My beautiful, belovéd cousin, Kelly, was taken by a form of the first disease that tried to make off with me before she could reach this milestone. In thankfulness to God and in memory of her, I intend to have a very good year for my 50th. This will not bring her back, but I hope God will let her know that I remember her with love.~TSK
In the Ensuing Panic 
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