Ron miraculously pulled through the surgery and the doctor was very pleased (and surprised) with how well things went. The main area of bleeding was in the tail of his pancreas, Dr. Elieson said it was "audibly bleeding"; meaing they could actually hear the blood pumping out of it! They were able to remove this portion and stop the bleeding in the other minor areas as well. The pancreas is necrotic (basically dead tissue) but they did not remove it due to the extra trauma this would cause. The pancreas handles digestive enzymes and insulin production therefore he will now be a fragile diabetic for the rest of his life and will also require medication to replace the enzymes his body will no longer produce. The concentration was on getting the small intestine in the best shape possible for now. They were able to put a tube in each end area that was cut away; one that will eventually drain bile, the other will eventually be used for feeding. The next 48-72 hours are critical....he still has a VERY long, rocky road ahead and is in no way "out of the woods" but still in a day by day situation; but it's wonderful to hear doctors talking about plans for the future (more surgeries to follow down the road) instead of no hope at all! The prognosis is that we are talking possibly months in critical care unit and up to a year for healing.
He is holding his own at this point. His blood pressure and heart rate are very good without assistance of any meds. His kidney function is good as well. He is being kept heavily sedated for the next 48 hours or so in order to allow his body to rest and heal. However, he has been coherent at times and communicating with us through the symbol/alphabet chart.
Things to pray for:
there is still the possibility he could once again begin to bleed internally and "bleed out" so we need the blood to continue to clot well
blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) will not dislodge prematurely (in left leg)
*** against pneumonia and infection ***
kidney function to remain stable
liver function to continue to do well
pray for his spirits to remain high so he can continue to fight!!!
Ryan, Aaron, Kristin and me (as well as our extended family)
Praise God:
for all the miracles He has already done and all He is going to do!
for the many doctors, nurses, techs, etc who have treated Ron with such compassion (many have told us they and their familes are praying for Ron)
for the priviliege of praying over Dr. Elieson right before he went in to perform surgery
FOR GRACIOUSLY SPARING RON'S LIFE!!!!!
Thank you, dear ones, for faithfully holding us up in prayer. I know we can count on you to continue to do so!!
Much love,
Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
"My grace is sufficient.....my power is made perfect in weakness"
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