AWOL

Sorry we've been AWOL...busy times around here.

We've spent the last two weeks trekking back and forth to Dallas for numerous appointments, tests and procedures.

Tuesday, Dec 21, we were at UT Southwestern for annual CTA and appointment with neurosurgeon. I'm happy to report the brain aneurysm has had no change since last year, therefore, nothing to be done until this time next year. Yippee!

Wednesday, Dec 22 we were at Presbyterian for appointment with Dr A (gastroenterologist) to go over results from Esophageal Motility Study. Sad to report study shows Ron has NO motility past swallow; which means his esophagus is not functioning at all. The belief is this has been caused by all the damage from his excessive, prolonged yakking. We're at a point where his only option is to have a PEG tube placed. A PEG (percutaneous endoscope gastrostomy) tube rests in the stomach and exits through the skin of the abdomen.

This procedure will be performed Thursday, January 13 at Presbyterian. Dr. A will use an endoscope to go down Ron's throat to his stomach. When the correct spot in his stomach is reached; Dr. A will be able to see the spot due to a very bright light on the end of the scope which will show through the stomach. He will then make an incision in which to insert the tube through the skin and the stomach wall, directly into the stomach

Most of the time when you talk about having a PEG, it's for feeding purposes. Not so in Ron's case. He will continue on TPN and will also be able to take things orally. The PEG will allow him to "vent" the stomach in order to prevent yakking. He will attach the tube to a bag at night and can vent it at other times throughout the day as needed. This is not a permanent situation. The hope is, once the yakking stops, the esophagus will heal and eventually regain motility. Once this happens, he will eventually have the PEG removed.

He was really bummed about this at first. The only experiences he has had with a PEG were when he was unable to eat at all and previous to that was the awful fiasco with Aaron's feeding tube. So, in his mind; this was not a positive step. He was thinking he would no longer be able to take anything by mouth and would have to be fed through the PEG. After extensive talking with Dr. A and then having a couple of days to mull things over, he's feeling much better about it. We were told in the "typical" person; it takes about 8-12 weeks for the esophagus to heal; but would most likely be quite a bit longer for Ron considering the amount of damage in his esophagus. Dr. A will also be very cautious as to when to remove the PEG to ensure best outcome.

Wednesday, Dec 29 we received word Tuesday's labs showed a huge jump in his white count indicating infection. So we headed to Presby to be worked in to Interventional Radiology for PICC replacement. It wouldn't be Christmas without a "visit" to our friends, now would it? Thankfully, we were in and out in about 4 hours! And yes, it was good to visit with our friendly IR staff in their new digs...which I feel BCBS has probably financed on our behalf!

Speaking of which, we were thrilled to read in last weeks newspaper that Blue Cross Blue Shield had reached an agreement with Texas Health Resources! Now, if they would quickly reach an agreement with Digestive Health Associates of Texas; we'd really be happy campers.

Thursday, Dec 30 Ron had an appointment with his primary care physician to try to get some relief from these awful headaches. Unfortunately, though prescription was written, by the time pharmacy could get around to it, insurance company refused to fill until they could get more info from the doctor and their office was already closed and will be until Monday!

Poor guy, it was a really rough morning which also led into the afternoon. He finally ended up insisting on using a lollipop...which we save for emergency purposes. UGH!

In the midst of it all, we were able to get away and enjoy 4 days with the Nordell clan for our biennial Christmas reunion. This year we chose to stay local so we could spend as much time as possible with Grandma Nordell. Therefore, 31 out of our 41 family members descended upon the Embassy Suites Downtown Ft Worth. Though Ron was definitely not feeling his best, he was a real trooper. We always have a relaxing (though not necessarily restful!) time when we're together and this was no exception. Lots of family, food, game playing, swimming and just hanging out.

Ryan, Stacee and the girls made a last minute trip to Florida after receiving news that her grandpa was in the end stages of congestive heart failure. They were able to have a great Christmas with him. We're so thankful they made the decision to go. He passed away 2 days after Christmas and I know it was so meaningful to all of them to have this time together. Please keep Stacee, her mom (Diana) and all the Dimeglio family in your prayers. It's been a very difficult few months with Grandpa's death Monday, as well as the passing of Jack (Stacee's step-dad/Diana's husband) in October.

I think that's all the news from here. Please continue to pray for Ron, especially as he deals with these awful headaches and as we look toward Jan 13 and the next phase of this journey. I must confess, I'm a little anxious since our fabulous Dr. A is out of the country for the next 10 days...he's become our safety net that I'm sure we rely on way too much. This is also why his procedure will not take place until the 13th; we didn't want to do it right before he left and definitely wanted him to be the doctor to perform since he knows Ron's "guts" so well.

Though it may sound pretty gloom and doom; we're really doing fairly well. Yes, there are times, it seems overwhelming, yet when we purpose to keep our focus steady on Christ; we're renewed in knowing that whatever He calls us to, He'll provide the way.

We hope you have had a blessed Christmas and wish you a very Happy New Year!

Much love,
Christie & Ron

"Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess" Hebrews 4:14