Tuesday, October 6, 2009

4th Time's Not a Charm

I am at a loss for words. Unfortunately, the doctors were not able to connect James' esophagus yesterday. I will try to explain... The half-centimeter distance turned out to be more like 2 centimeters once they got inside. This is the first time the doctors have actually gone inside with a scope and the previous xrays were a little misleading since they can only take two-dimensional pictures. Turns out that his upper and lower esophagus are not directly lined up which makes the distance farther. The doctors said that it would have put too much strain on his esophagus to fix it yesterday, which means too great of a risk that it would split before it could heal. So the doctors attached metal clips to each end of his esophagus and a string-like wire. These wires were then put through two incisions through his back and a clamp was placed on the end of them to hold them in place. Each day for the next week the doctors are going to pull on the wires and tighten the clamps to help lengthen his esophagus. The clips on each end of his esophagus will allow them to take xrays to see the progress made each day. (The doctors lined up his esophagus in surgery so that the xrays would be more accurate). They are hoping that this process will stretch the esophagus enough that it will be able to be fixed next week.

James is hanging in there. He can't be on his back or right side because of the clamps holding the wires in place. He also can't be on his stomach for now because of the IV and IV brace in his arm. He gets pain killers every 3 hours, but he still isn't allowed to eat and we can't hold him yet. He is off the ventilator.

Dave and I are hanging in there with James. We're looking at another 3 weeks here at least. It feels like every time we start to see a light at the end of the tunnel someone turns it off or moves it farther away. We are trying to focus on the positive things. Some days are harder than others, but we will make it.

Thank you for all of the continued prayers. I will let you know more when we do.

6 comments:

  1. Poor little guy. Prayers are coming your way. Love you!

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  2. I'm sorry that you had this set back today. Will continue sending prayers your way!

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  3. We have been wondering and praying!!!!! Love you guys, tons! Maybe he is just on Jamaican time (where everything is WAY later than you expect it to be!)

    Our hearts break for James and both of you--this is so tough. You guys are so strong, and we are so proud of you! Can't wait until next week until they can hopefully really repair things.

    Love, love, love you guys...and sending prayers your way.

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  4. I wish there was something I could say to make things better, but I know I cannot even begin to relate to what you are going through. Just know that Bill and I are thinking about you guys all the time!

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  5. Wally and I just read the update and are praying that all will take a smooth turn for the better soon. Poor baby and poor mom and dad. We are reading along and crossing our fingers for you. Hang in there.
    -Megan

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  6. The three of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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