Thursday, October 20, 2011

It's back...

The diaphragmatic hernia that is... The ct scan last night showed there is definitely a loop of bowel in his chest. There is no bowel obstruction anymore though so that is very good.

According to our surgeon the risk of a bowel obstruction goes way up for two years following any abdominal surgery. This was a partial block so food was getting by, but it was having a really hard time doing so and could very well have been causing Lalo's recent problems. Why did it go away? Sometimes they can treat a bowel obstruction by decompressing the stomach and giving the intestines rest. Essentially we were already decompressing his stomach bc we have been draining his gtube constantly so he can throw up out of that and be more comfortable. It just so happened to fix itself sometime during the morning yesterday. It's funny because the GI and surgeon went back and forth on admitting us the night before and I think both were really concerned that they should have. If they had, Lalo probably would have had surgery by the time it cleared itself. God has a way of timing things just right!

The ct scan last night showed he reherniated. We had seen this slightly in mid-September on xray, but it was questionable as to whether it was actually the hernia or the patch used to repair it. Well it is bigger now and clear that it is definitely the loop of bowel coming through where the patch ripped away. It is possible that the obstruction is related to the hernia, but also possible that they are completely unrelated. Despite the fact that it doesn't seem to be causing Lalo much distress (except maybe the vomiting), it needs to be repaired. The plan right now is to send us home today if Lalo can tolerate feeds and then we will come back for surgery Monday. Our surgeon is hopeful that it can all be done laparoscopically. The MRI will have to wait until after surgery because the anesthesiologists won't risk sedating him for it with the bowel in his chest. So hopefully that is all you will hear from us until Monday! We are hoping for a quiet weekend to get us through this past week and next week.

Sent from my iPhone

4 comments:

DC Lamonts said...

We're sorry that Little Lo has to go through this again! Sending you guys lots of good thoughts and prayers. Hope this weekend is relaxing and Monday is easy!

Judy said...

We will definitely be asking the Family Mass folks to pray for Lalito when we go to Mass Sunday. It was so wonderful to see you all. Lalito is an amazing little boy! And so are his parents and brother. Love, Aunt Judy

Kathy & Jonathan said...

So sorry Lalo has to have surgery again! Sending lots of prayers and good thoughts your way!

Melanie said...

Bummer! Poor little guy; he's been through so much in his short life. I hope you guys have a fantastic weekend together. I'll be thinking of you on Monday sending all my positive thoughts your way!