Dr. S visit

We had a long visit with Dr. S today and it's always an exhausting day so I'll report as much as I can remember and if I think of anything else over the next couple of days, I'll update then.

Consensus is Ron has acquired motility disorder (which means his intestines aren't functioning properly!) There is no clear cut reason as to why, but many issues factor in: multiple traumatic surgeries causing scarring and adhesions; tethering due to adhesions; neurogenic (nerve dysfunction). And in Ron's case, this is a widespread issue...lack of motility is evident in many segments; not just one.

Scar tissue from any surgery typically takes about 2 years to mature. And often times adhesions will soften and motility be restored as time goes on. This is what we are hoping for.

At this point in time surgery is NOT an option. Since it has only been since April 18, 2008; Dr. S says he is "not too depressed" about the situation but if it were already 2 years out, then he would be depressed. The only reason Dr. S would perform surgery is if there were an emergency due to blockage and there was a defined segment of bowel that needed to be removed. He also reminded us to keep in mind that Ron barely survived but he IS here!

Dr S also recommends Ron continue on TPN, and that it is very important that he continue with the protein drinks. The intestines only get fed directly by what passes through (whereas the rest of the body can receive nutrition through the bloodstream). He is severely deconditioned but as he receives better nutrition the hope is he will be able to increase physical therapy and build muscle mass.

If Ron continues to have vomiting several times a week, we made need to look at having a stomach tube put in. This would relieve the vomiting by allowing the stomach to be vented when stuff gets backed up. Vomiting this often is not good for anyone and can lead to many problems such as: malnutrition, aspiration, eroding esophagus, and ruining of tooth enamel.

Bottom line is: this is the way things are and we need to deal with it! Two years down the line we may visit again and rethink surgery option with quality of life being the driving force.

As we were leaving the office, we were once again reminded of how blessed we are by having such caring and compassionate doctors. Dr. S told his office staff not to charge us, we've been through so much together we're family!

Thanks for your prayers. We are doing well as we walk this path God has laid out for us knowing He promises to never leave or forsake us!

Much love, Christie