So, people really DO read the blog! I finally figured out to put a counter on the blog. I can't tell who reads it, just the number of people who do. I was wondering if anyone still checked it. Huh. That's kind of fun. Guess I still have to keep it updated. There probably won't be much news until the 14th. Thanks for hanging in there with us.

Well, after visiting with Dr. Price on Tuesday, the decision was made. Brent is scheduled for surgery on November 14th. Tears were shed by all three of us as the realization hit. Here we go again. Dr. Price has booked almost the entire day for this surgery, which is good and bad. Bad, in that it will be extensive, good, in that he can take his time and not worry about other patients waiting.

The purpose of surgery is to remove the two fistulas and repair the intestine where the fistulas are attached. With a healthy, non-suppressed-immune-system patient, fistulas usually close up on their own. Brent is unable to take the medications that enhance that healing process, as they send him into anaphylactic reactions. We can sit and wait and wait and wait, but we all know that barring a huge miracle, the fistulas will not close. We chose to do it as soon as possible so that he is as healthy as he can be, and the surgery will not be an emergency situation like the last few. The next few weeks will be spent in preparation, physically, mentally and emotionally. The healthier he is going in to surgery, the better the recovery. Not sure we can ever be ready for it emotionally, but whatever.

So, here we go again. This will be Brent's 13th surgery, we think. It's hard to keep track anymore. The goal is to stay out of ICU. I hate that place. Hopefully our frequent flyer miles earn us the big corner room again. The one with the view.

Lisa

We finally busted out of the hospital. It seriously took all day to get discharged. Grrrr. BUT, on the bright side, Brent is finally home where he belongs. Here's hoping that things stay calm.

The CT scan showed the two fistulas, and they both are coming from the same spot in the small intestine. I have had several people ask for an explanation of what a fistula is. Here is a definition:

Fistula

A fistula is an abnormal connection between an organ, vessel, or intestine and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result of injury or surgery. It can also result from infection or inflammation.

Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, is an example of a disease that leads to fistulas between one loop of intestine and another. Injury can lead to fistulas between arteries and veins.



Hope that helps. Basically, he now has two tunnels that have formed from the same place in his small intestine, that lead out to the abdomen. One is draining into a drain that was inserted into the abscess, that is now a fistula, and the other drains out another hole in his belly. It's crazy.

He is now totally NPO, which means no food or fluids taken by mouth. I can't even imagine that, but he has to do it all of the time.

The hope is that by not putting anything down the intestines, and with the treatment of IV antibiotics, the fistulas will close off. That has never happened in the past. Because of his nonexistent immune system, he is not able to heal like a normal person does. We know that he will most likely end up in another surgery to remove the fistulas and fix the intestine. Dr. Price is not able to do surgery now while there is so much infection/inflammation going on. Hopefully we can just stay stable for awhile and let things heal.

We are just happy to be home. If you care to visit, please call first. And if you even have a hint of an illness, please just send an email or a phone call. Thanks.

Lisa

Well, a whole lot of waiting for a whole lot of nothing. We have been so frustrated with this hospitalization, and feel as though we have wasted four days. Brent was supposed to have had a CT scan today but due to lack of communication and lack of CT scanners, it never happened. We were ready to just pack up and leave. Its been crazy. Nobody really has taken charge. Supposedly the CT is set for tomorrow morning. Hopefully he can come home.

Brent is scheduled for yet another CT scan today. Hopefully some decisions will be made today. Sitting in the hospital with nothing happening for three days has been annoying. Thanks for your prayers.
Lisa

Not a whole lot going on. Brent is still cooling his jets at the hospital. No news, no decisions. Just giving him IV antibiotics, and watching the fevers. Both fistulas are now draining. If they don't close up on their own, we all know the next step. I guess we will just wait to see what Dr. Price says on Monday. His brother, Rob, is on call this weekend and he tends to turn and run away when he sees us. He's too chicken to deal with Brent's case. You can go visit if you want. Just let me know, so that if he is released you don't make the trip for nothing. 801-372-8467. Thanks for checking on us.
Lisa

Well, since I am posting on the blog, obviously I am not in Texas in 90 degree sunny weather. I am, in fact, sitting at Intermountain Medical in Murray, and it is about 40 degrees and rainy/snowy.

Brent ran high fevers all night long. The drain started putting out bile/bowel content yesterday, and the fistula that has remained silent for quite awhile is now draining the same stuff. So, off to another CT scan this morning. Apparently, according to Dr. Hemmert, it was a mess. There is quite a lot of infection going on and two fistulas for sure. the abscess where the drain is is now a fistula connecting to the small intestine. Yippee.

So they really arent doing anything. Just sitting here waiting. I asked the resident why we are here if everything they are doing is the same stuff we do at home. I'm pretty sure I caught him off guard with that question. He said basically because Dr. Hemmert insisted we needed to be here and so they can monitor the fevers. Whatever. Seems kind of dumb to hang out at the hospital when they aren't doing anything.

So, no real answers. No surgery scheduled yet. The girls are both headed home to help out. I love my kids.

More info as we get it.

Lisa