Dear Family and Friends,
Other than the day I married my husband, today is the BEST day of my life! Everett went into surgery at 7:30am. After many hugs, kisses, and tears, we settled down into the chairs in the Surgical Waiting Room. Suddenly, a mere two hours into the surgery, the surgeons asked to speak with Zac and I. Walking up those stairs to the surgeon's consultation room were some of the heaviest steps I've ever taken. Hundreds of thoughts were swarming through my head...and we were expecting the worse. We waited 25 minutes for the surgeon to arrive; our hearts stopped each time we heard footsteps coming toward the room.
At last the surgeon walked into the room and said, "You have a very smart son." She then told us that Everett had healed EVERYTHING in his abdomen. A TRUE MIRACLE! There was no residual inflammation in his bowel, the bowel that was adhered to his liver has detached itself, and she only had to remove five additional centimeters of bowel. This, combined with the bowel that was removed in the previous surgery, puts Everett at a total loss of 23 centimeters of bowel...which is nothing compared to the feet and feet of bowel we all have. So we are happy to say he is not at any risk for Short Bowel Syndrome :-) He should be able to absorb nutrients and grow normally after he's healed.
His belly looks just slightly swollen with a five inch incision. His coloring looks healthy. He is already trying to get his hands back into his mouth. He is still ventilated but should come off by tomorrow at the latest. We also opted for a new pain treatment called a caudal block. This is where an epidural catheter is placed into the lowest part of Everett's spine (right above his buttocks) and provides continuous pain medication that numbs him from the waist down. One of the huge benefits is that he will not require systemic narcotics, which can slow his breathing and cause withdrawal symptoms when they are stopped. He will have this pain block for four days. Pretty amazing! He will start back on artificial nutrition tonight and will continue with "bowel rest" for at least a week, then they will start giving him breast milk again via feeding tube. After that, it is up to Everett on how fast he's going to grow and how quickly he's going to learn to eat.
As I write this, tears of joy are streaming down my face!!! My son is healthy and beautiful!!! For all of you who prayed for him this past week...THANK YOU! God answers prayers. Everett is living testament to that. We have so much gratitude for all of you who have walked each step of this long journey with us. It is because of your prayers and faith that we celebrate Everett's success today. Zac and I and our families are soaking up the moment of sheer happiness. We have a son who will come home...I am awestruck at the thought!!! We love all of you so much. Thank you for loving us!
With Beaming Smiles,
The Bollinger Family
Other than the day I married my husband, today is the BEST day of my life! Everett went into surgery at 7:30am. After many hugs, kisses, and tears, we settled down into the chairs in the Surgical Waiting Room. Suddenly, a mere two hours into the surgery, the surgeons asked to speak with Zac and I. Walking up those stairs to the surgeon's consultation room were some of the heaviest steps I've ever taken. Hundreds of thoughts were swarming through my head...and we were expecting the worse. We waited 25 minutes for the surgeon to arrive; our hearts stopped each time we heard footsteps coming toward the room.
At last the surgeon walked into the room and said, "You have a very smart son." She then told us that Everett had healed EVERYTHING in his abdomen. A TRUE MIRACLE! There was no residual inflammation in his bowel, the bowel that was adhered to his liver has detached itself, and she only had to remove five additional centimeters of bowel. This, combined with the bowel that was removed in the previous surgery, puts Everett at a total loss of 23 centimeters of bowel...which is nothing compared to the feet and feet of bowel we all have. So we are happy to say he is not at any risk for Short Bowel Syndrome :-) He should be able to absorb nutrients and grow normally after he's healed.
His belly looks just slightly swollen with a five inch incision. His coloring looks healthy. He is already trying to get his hands back into his mouth. He is still ventilated but should come off by tomorrow at the latest. We also opted for a new pain treatment called a caudal block. This is where an epidural catheter is placed into the lowest part of Everett's spine (right above his buttocks) and provides continuous pain medication that numbs him from the waist down. One of the huge benefits is that he will not require systemic narcotics, which can slow his breathing and cause withdrawal symptoms when they are stopped. He will have this pain block for four days. Pretty amazing! He will start back on artificial nutrition tonight and will continue with "bowel rest" for at least a week, then they will start giving him breast milk again via feeding tube. After that, it is up to Everett on how fast he's going to grow and how quickly he's going to learn to eat.
As I write this, tears of joy are streaming down my face!!! My son is healthy and beautiful!!! For all of you who prayed for him this past week...THANK YOU! God answers prayers. Everett is living testament to that. We have so much gratitude for all of you who have walked each step of this long journey with us. It is because of your prayers and faith that we celebrate Everett's success today. Zac and I and our families are soaking up the moment of sheer happiness. We have a son who will come home...I am awestruck at the thought!!! We love all of you so much. Thank you for loving us!
With Beaming Smiles,
The Bollinger Family
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