Delayed update

I haven't updated beause there really hasn't been anything to report since both Dr. Shires & Arslanlar were not here over the weekend.

But it's Monday and everyone is back in full force. Ron was seen by Dr. Shires, Dr. Arslanlar and his Physician's Assistant, Janelle, along with many other doctor's and nurses who just dropped by to visit with us once they heard he was back.

No clear answer as to cause of problem that brought him in. But it does seem his small intestines are not functioning normally, especially for someone who has short bowel. To be graphic, people who have had such a large section of small intestine removed will struggle with chronic diarrhea and/or typically have 3-6 bowel movements a day. But...we don't do normal; normal is just a setting on the dryer, right? We do know his small intestine was "full" and seems to get that way often. Dr. Shires says it is very unusual for this to happen; typically back up will occur in colon; not small intestine; but then again, he doesn't do anything typical. The back up could be contributing to the severe reflux (what goes down must continue to go down...or come up, right?) Any who...

So now, they are tweaking his melds: reducing the steroid, continuing the Nexis and Regal an (both to deal with nausea, reflux, heartburn, vomiting) and beginning him on something that will basically flush him out (daily) without stimulating the bowels because if they use a stimulant and it puts pressure on the area that is tethered or if there were to be a kink, that could be really bad news! They have also been using IV morphine instead of lollipops for pain and we are going to switch to Tylenol with codeine when we get home; no more weaning process.

He started on clear liquids yesterday afternoon and progressed up to solid food this evening. They decided if he could handle food, he could go home Tuesday. Unfortunately, he didn't do too well this evening. His "solids" dinner caused alto of bloating and nausea and came back up around 11PM. He had also had some vomiting Sunday night but he felt it was brought on by a coughing episode; tonight's was unprovoked. We're anxious to hear what they have to say after tonight's little episode.

Please pray whatever is going on will be revealed. Everyone seems to be stumped as to why he continues to have this problem.

Will update you when I know more!

Love, Christie

Stand firmly in the place where the Lord has put you and do your best there. God sends us trials or tests, and places life before us...It is through the pounding of a serious conflict that He expects us to grow strong...character is grown through hardship.
from Streams in the Desert