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.