Today was kind of crazy. Ryan and I both overslept this morning. He made it up to the hospital about 9:15; I didn't go until 11ish. The nephrologist threw us into a bit of a tailspin when he mentioned that there is always the option to transfer to another hospital, maybe a teaching hospital (like Baylor) that might have more experience with such a complicated case of pancreatitis such as Ron's. Internist (Dr. Chakraborty) was in later and when Ryan mentioned it to her, she said yes, that could be an option. Then Gastroenterologist (Dr. Firney) was in around 1 and said it could be an option but not sure he had an opinion as to whether or not this would be a good idea, it could very well be if we were to transfer; they would do nothing different. But he said he would discuss it with Ron's surgeon (Dr. Elieson) and let him know we would like to get his opinion. A couple of the Doctor's believe it could be necessary to go in surgically to remove infection. However, his surgeon feels that the only reason to open him up again would be if that was absoutely the only option. In other words he feels it is highly risky to go in again. If they were to go in now, they may fix one problem but create two more! And for now, they are able to manage all the drainage with the drainage tubes.
We feel very confident that Dr. Elieson has a good grasp on the situation. The problem is that this is way more than just pancreatitis...it's a very touchy surgical situation. This is a highly complicated case and no one knows Ron's insides better than Dr's Elieson and Pollard. To send Ron to someone someplace else, would basically be starting him over with someone who doesn't have the intimate knowledge, visual image, of what his belly looks like or what kind of condition his tissue, intestines, etc are really in. We've known all along that the further away from the previous surgeries we can go, without having to go back in, the much better the outcome will be.
Dr. Elieson came in this evening and it seems he thought WE were asking for a transfer; but we are not asking for a transfer! Once we got that straight, it was a very good conversation. We talked about the merits of seeking outside help and he has no problem (if we give him permission) to contact others in the area to see if there is any one reputable that would have different thoughts.
We believe Dr. Elieson is following the right path even though another specialist may see things differently, they have not experienced going into the hostile environment of Ron's belly. And seen firsthand what things look like as well as the fragile nature of the tissue.
Please pray for wisdom, discernment and unity for the doctors (as well as us). That we would have very clear, definitive answers to what is the best course of action.
And, as always, pray
- for white cell count to decrease
- leak to heal
- against infection
- blood pressure and heart rate (slightly up the last few days) to stabilize
- kidney function will remain stable (has been 1.4 last few days...very good for him)
- strength, esp. for Ron...obvisously he's very weak and tired
- *** COMPLETE HEALING....GOD IS ABLE...HE IS OUR GREAT PHYSICIAN ***
- that we would glorify God; that His light would shine brightly through us
Tomorrow, Ron will have an abcess-o-gram to see if the cavity (behind his kidney) where there was a pocket of fluid, has cleared up; if it has he may be able to get one of the drainage tubes out (the one that we think is causing him to have the groin pain).
God has reminded us constantly today that His word says "If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach, and he must ask in faith without any doubting..." James 1:5-6.
And God instructs us to "rejoice in hope, persevere in tribulation, and be devoted to prayer" Romans 12:12.
Thank you all for rejoicing with us over the small victories and for continuing to be devoted to prayer!! We know in this time of tribulation that God gives us strength enough to handle today! Tomorrow is a new day and no matter what happens, He'll give us the strength we need!
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