Success!

Jon had his gall bladder surgery today and we are pleased that everything went so well! The surgeon was able to do it laproscopically (sp?) but had to leave a small portion behind that was hiding behind an artery. The surgeon said he must have had a problem with his gall bladder for some time as it was quite enlarged.

We were hesitant about a general anesthetic but the docs were very positive about it and foresaw no problems and we are thankful that they were right. After surgery he was sent to ICU where he could be closely monitored in case something went wrong….especially important since he can't feel anything below the mid-chest line. 

Jon was a changed man in ICU! His eyes were bright again, he appreciated jokes and he wanted to celebrate with a steak dinner from Applebees. We had to explain to him how he would have to be careful of his fat intake for a while and especially the first two weeks after surgery so he was convinced it would be better to wait a while to celebrate. 

He will be in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) overnight and into the day tomorrow. Not too sure how long he will stay in the hospital but it is comforting to see that they are taking extra measures to be sure he is okay. Thanks for all your prayers and concerns.

Not better but not worse either

Had a chance to talk with Jon's surgeon today. The CT scan today showed that the pancreas is no worse but is not any better either. His vital signs, however, are all stable so that's good. If he remains stable and the pancreas "cools down" she would like to operate on Friday and will keep him in the hospital until then. The one big indicator of problems with the pancreas is pain--extreme pain-- and since he can't feel pain it would be difficult to know if and when the pancreas could flare up so there is hesitation about sending him back to Waterville until after surgery. Another reason for removing the gall bladder is because the gall bladder could again produce stones and irritate the pancreas. It is interesting that the gall stones in this case are more like gritty sand than what we think of when we hear "stones." 

There are some other factors that present problems for the surgeon. She would like to use the smallest incision possible. The feeding tube going into his stomach may block the view which would mean a full incision. Being a spinal cord injury patient ups the risk factor as does the fact that he already has so many blood clots. 

We discussed anesthesia somewhat and the need for general anesthesia. We asked about a spinal block which she thought was a possibility but Jon wants to be completely unaware of what is going on. The pulmonologist at Heartland says that if Jon has a trach put in during surgery she won't recommend ever taking it out which adds another infection risk down the road. The talk about a spinal block also led to a discussion on having a neurologist do a pre-op assessment to determine pain levels so we need to double check the location of the break in his spine.

In the meantime, they have put him on liquids which includes jello and his tube feedings are being restarted. The colon seems to be operating normally. If I have not already mentioned it in a previous post he does not have a mega-colon which is a relief.

One of the gals that used to work at Heartland is now connected with St. Luke's and she popped in for a few minutes while we were there. It sounded like she might stop by again after work. It's good that he can see a familiar face once in a while. We are due for still another bout with snow starting tomorrow afternoon so it may be toward the end of the week before we get back up there.

The hospital's address is:
St. Luke’s Hospital

5901 Monclova Rd., Maumee, OH, 43537-1899

Jon is in room 378 Phone number for the hospital is 419 897 9386. He can't answer the phone in his room.

That's it for now…keep up the prayers and thanks for tuning in.

Gall Stones!

The CT scan of the pancreas also showed the gall bladder and stones were found. The gall bladder is irritating the pancreas. The two enzyme levels go down after the initial flare up so I guess pancreatis is the diagnosis. There will be another scan tomorrow and then I gather they will decide how they are going to tackle things. It's a good thing he can't feel things like hunger since he hasn't had anything to eat in about 9 days. His nurses at Heartland were concerned about how much weight he's gained this year…at least 35 lbs…he'll be a lot lighter when this is over! Dave, Carol and I were thinking of going to see him but the roads are still not the greatest, Dave's hips are bothering him and my right knee is absolutely killing me. I couldn't possibly hike around  to get to his room! Will keep you posted as things come along.

Update

Jon's nurse practitioner was dismayed that he couldn't be scheduled for an appointment before Monday so she sent him to the E.R. at St Luke's. They admitted him last night. They are thinking pancreatis but Jon doesn't have the really high amylase and lipase levels that usually go along with that condition. (Aunt Eleanor will understand those levels…) Will keep you posted.

Complications have set in

Just a note to update you on Jon’s present condition. It started harmlessly enough with a cold and urinary tract infection combined. It has spiraled into a colon blockage and edema in his hands, feet and ankles. His poor tummy looks like he was expecting quadruplets anytime!

His blood tests results are all over the place. Many results are in the too high or too low zones. Test are being scheduled as we speak for a CT scan of the abdomen (abdominal series) and a doplar of the left arm which is cold as ice in addition to being swollen.

There is talk of his having developed a mega-colon which would require one of several things: either the removal of the enlarged section or having a colostomy. One of the nurses pulled out quite a bit of bile  and some air. Presently he is connected to some apparatus which operates on zero gravity to pull air and liquid out of his belly.

Due to the increased size of his belly he is not breathing properly and has been put back on oxygen at a level 4 (4 liters an hour???)

Needless to say his spirits are dampened considerably. One look at him and you know its just not Jon! His appetite has disappeared which may be fortunate since he’s not allowed to eat...and hasn’t been for almost a week.

We will be meeting with the respiratory specialist on Monday. He has all the staff quite concerned and puzzled. Anyone with a connection with the good Lord should feel free to dial him up now!

Will keep you informed as things unfold.