Have you ever seen the movie, "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray? You know, where it's Feb. 2, and he keeps waking up to the same alarm and starting the day all over again? It's one of Brent's favorite movies. He has decided to live it.

We were packed and ready to get into the car this afternoon to head to St. George to be with family for New Years. Brent had a CT scan this morning, and our wonderful, awesome nurse, whom we love dearly, Becky, called to give us the results and to tell us that Dr. Hemmert wanted Brent to see Dr. Price ASAP. Apparently he has multiple abscesses . . . again. We knew something was wrong, just not sure what. He has been running fevers and had some slight pain. The CT was administered because blood work yesterday was crazy . . . again.

Soooo, I guess Dr. Hemmert was sure that Dr. Price would admit him to the hospital. Luckily, that is not the case. He goes in tomorrow to have two drains inserted . . . again. He also starts more IV antibiotics. They were just delivered due to the stormy conditions on the freeway, so we won't start them until tomorrow.

We are not sure why these stupid abscesses keep returning in the same place, as they do not communicate with the intestine. Hopefully we can get some answers soon.

We appreciate your prayers and good thoughts. Thanks . . . again.

lisa

Huh?

I feel the need to dispel some rumors flying around Brent's workplace the last couple of days. Rumor has it that he is deathly ill and may need more surgery. Huh? Where did that come from? Anyway, the truth of the matter is, yes, Brent is quite sick, and yes he visited with our surgeon, but only to have a sore spot checked out. Yes, he is running fevers, and no, we have no clue why. We have a feeling that a lot of what is going on is due to a bunch of medication changes in the last three days, dropping some, adding others. We really don't think the Crohn's is acting up, but we don't know why the bloodwork is so screwy and why he is having fevers. Soooo, how's that for answering a lot of questions with more questions? Hopefully he will feel better tomorrow and we can enjoy Christmas. And, hopefully all of you will have a great Christmas too.
Lisa

Crohn's/Colitis Walk

So, I'm not going to bug you yet, but I just wanted to give everyone a heads up. We have already organized a team for the 2010 CCFA walk in Salt Lake City, on May 15. Last year was our first year to participate in the walk and we had so much fun. This next year we are toying with the idea of having a huge yard sale/bake sale to raise funds for our team. Sooo, I just thought I would get you all thinking of things you might want to get rid of after the first of the year. If you think of things, let us know, and we can pick it up and store it here until the sale.

If you want to join our team, it is No Guts Moore Glory. you can find us
here

More info will come later. Thanks!

Some people get a little antsy if I don't post very often. The way I figure it is no news is good news. :) And, that happens to be the case. Brent is still doing well. The last of the abscess holes is almost healed. Yay. Wound care is not one of my most favorite things to do.

He is still eating pretty much anything he wants as long as it is low in fat content. He is now down to doing TPN only four nights a week. Another YAY! We doubt he will ever be able to totally go without TPN, as he doesn't have the intestine to absorb all of the nutrients he needs to survive. I think four nights is the lowest we have ever gotten. Sometimes the large intestine will start to mimic the small intestine and take on the job of absorbing the nutrients. We'll see what happens.

Anyway, here's hoping for a nice quiet Christmas. Well, as quiet as it gets with all the kids home.

~lisa

Yay!

So, the final word from the Radiologist and surgeon is that there is NO FISTULA! Brent had another CT scan this morning to check the progress of the abscess. The radiologist that we have been working with at Utah Valley said that the abscess has fully resolved and that there was no evidence of a fistula. Nothing was communicating with the intestine. If you don't understand any of that, just know that it is good news. :) The radiologist pulled the drain also! Yay! That is the main source of his pain. Brent will remain on the IV antibiotics for quite awhile this time just to be certain that all of the bacteria is gone.

He went into work yesterday for a couple of hours. I spent the day cleaning furniture in the living room and washing curtains. I totally need a job. ;)

Tis the season to recognize all that is good, and we recognize you. Thanks for all that you have done for us, whether it be through prayers, good thoughts, phone calls, or just listening. Know that we acknowledge all of the blessings that have come our way. Some people believe we have been cursed with many bad events in our lives, but there are always the blessings to follow. Thanks.
~Lisa