Joshua is stable today. They are concerned about this for the next few days. It's all just waiting now. Waiting to see which way it goes. He looks so fragile, even more so than before. Because of where the perforations are, they are not quite sure what they are going to do for feedings. I wish I could show you all the diagram that we got from the surgeon, but the first one is right after the duodenum, which is where all of the gastric juices are, and the very beginning of the intestinal tract. This poses a problem because the duodenum can't be moved to do surgery the way the rest of the bowel can. It is going to be tough to repair later. Besides that, in order to do a feeding through his belly, the feeding would dump right out into the stoma (the portion of the bowel that is now outside Joshua's body) and not go anywhere. They are thinking that if they do a feed through the second stoma (just past the other area) that it will allow the food to go through the rest of the bowel and out the other stoma. This forces the gallbladder to do it's thing. This is one of the plans for later. If they just keep him on intravenous feedings, there is going to be liver damage. They say this damage, if it happens, will eventually reverse itself after everything is reattached. My stress here is that they are not going to be able to reattach the portion that is supposed to be attached to the duodenum. I guess I am worried about the long-term affects that this may have on him. I am also trying not to stress over the cost of this all. Most insurance companies have a lifetime CAP. Ours is a million dollars which seems like a lot until you have a long term illness. I remember when my friend Arden was hospitalized for cancer, she reached her CAP. It could happen and then besides the bills, he would lose his insurance for the rest of his life. Yeah, I know, should I be stressing over this now? Probably not, but these are the things that I think about. I worry that he is going to have a colostomy bag for the rest of his life, if he makes it through this. And, I worry that he isn't going to make it. Every hour and every day is a good thing and we just pray that he makes it through.
So there you have it for today. Tomorrow is another day.
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9 comments:
i have been thinking about you guys all day. i was glad to see the beautiful picture of you holding joshua. He's a fighter and we are praying for gods mercy and healing power. i have asked many to put him thier prayers also. if there is anything else you need please just say so.
penny and brian
Medicine is advancing every day Dianna. First steps first but I'm sure in the future and as Joshua grows older there are specialists throughout the country that can be consulted on his intestines.
He's a determined little Harrington guy! Never underestimate them..they are stubborn! (or atleast Uncle Paul is!)
Joshua is tough and he has a world of prayers and love behind him every minute of every day. So many people love him and haven't even met him yet.
Michele
I am writing to send you all our love and prayers.And to let you know that Aunt Liz is having a prayer go out at church tomorrow..He is a fighter and he is tough. We all love you..Penny,Alicia Zack,Ma
And Cousin Mary sends her love and Prayers..And Hopes Everyone makes it though all of this..Penny
The things we need always have a way of showing up just when they are needed. Keep the faith, Dianna, insurance and other financial things will work out somehow. Just concentrate on being there with your family right now.
Hang in there. We're all thinking of you at the 35+ board, and sending wishes for better days in your near future. (((Hugs)))
I asked God to dispatch His angels all around Joshua, You, Dave and Arran. My heart is so touched by your story. I will continue to pray for all of you. Missy in Cali...
We are saying a special prayer for Joshua that intestines will heal just fine and he'll make it throught the next few days- and that everything in the future will work itself out.
We wish you all the strength and love in the world to get through this.
My thoughts and prayers are for you and Joshua to someday soon look back on these hard times with a healthy child and a happy family. Kim
You all our in my thoughts everyday. I wish the best for all of you.
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