Puzzle Pieces?

Dr. S was in this morning and decided, despite the vomiting, we can still go home! Thank you, Lord!! There's really not much more they would do for him at this point that we can't do at home. Dr. S said "you've used up all your tickets with me". And, "I know what it's like in there...and don't want to go in there again!" (at least any time in the forseeable future unless a DIRE emergency...his "innards" are extremely fragile!)

Ron has been backed off to liquids for a few more days and will begin a couple of new meds but I think the best medicine for him right now is to be home! This stay has really taken a toll on him (us!) mentally and emotionally.

We had a very long visit with Dr. Arslanlar this morning, have I ever said how sweet he is??

We discussed where we've been, where we are and where we are going....with patience the continued key. As always, timeframes aren't even discussed. Everyone had hoped by this time we would be much further down the road to recovery when in reality as we look back to where we were this time last year; it's a miracle we are even this far in the process! I have to keep reminding myself that the prediction was 18+ months of recovery and even then we had no idea as to what "normal" would look like.

*** Disclaimer: the following is an attempt on the behalf of my pea brain to break down the plethora of medical jargon into layman's terms so we can all make sense of it! No real medical personnel wrote this! ***

We think we may have added another piece or two to the puzzle. As we were talking about all that's going on Dr. A mentioned in passing that some of the issues Ron has would normally be seen in someone who has had lung surgery which was not the case with him. I reminded him that Ron HAD had lung surgery back in 1992....which took him very much by surprise. Evidently, he came on board far enough along in the process and at such a traumatic point that he had not been informed of Ron's long-term past medical history.

The type of surgery he had in 1992 (which was to adhere his left lung to his chest cavity after he had had a couple of episodes of lung collapse) also keeps the esophagus/stomach juncture from closing completely. As you breathe in and out there should be a separation between the lung and chest wall; his does not function this way because the "chemical wash" that they do to cause the lung to scar to chest wall can also cause the esophagus and stomach to adhere to the lung which causes everything to pull open as he breathes in and out; thus causing pretty major reflux. This is all hypothetical at this point but makes sense and could definitely account for some of the issues he's been dealing with.

And, when you are on powerful pain meds for any length of time it suppresses the stomach and intestines causing them to be sleepy and not function properly. Hopefully, as he comes off the lollipops they will begin to slowly "wake up" and things will improve (from what I've read it could take several weeks for effects of long term narcotic use to completely wear off!).

The Nexxium should cut down on acid production and the Reglan acts to stimulate the stomach and intestines to work. He will then be on a once daily med for bowel maintenance and another taken before each meal to reduce possible bloating.

We did receive some good news...what pancreas he does have remaining is functioning very well! His blood sugars are great and he requires no glucose checks or insulin! Thank you, Father!!!

Basically, the things that shouldn't be working...are working great; and the things that should be working...aren't! And as I've stated before, theoretically, he has short bowel (due to the large amount of intestine removed) so should deal with short bowel syndrome (which includes diarrhea, problems handling electrolyte balance, malnutrition, etc) but not Ron; he has short bowel without the syndrome! Crazy!

AND, his labs continue to look great; kidney function, liver function, white blood count, albumin....all great! Typical Ron! Or should I say A-typical Ron?!

Please pray these medicines will kick in and work well for him. He's had a tough time of it and I'm sure he's getting anxious about the wedding being only 10 days away and things still being out of sorts. Our goal is for him to not just survive the wedding and all the related activities; but for it to be a wonderful time of memory making for ALL of us. At this point, it doesn't matter if he's able to partake of the food as long as he's able to be there feeling good for the all the events!

We appreciate your continued prayer on our bahalf!
Love, Christie

"We wait for the Lord; He is our help and shield." Psalm 33:20