Chris' Latest Surgery

Hello friends and family,

I am writing this now from home, as I just returned from Chris' latest surgery at Shawnee Mission. Dr. Graham spent about 2 hours this evening repairing the prolapsed stoma and Chris is doing really well already. You can definitely tell this was not as intense as the two in June.

Prior to June's surgeries, you may remember me saying that Chris' small intestine was so enlarged due to the extra pressure from the stricture/blockage. Because of that, they had to make a pretty big opening for his original stoma. Well, since then the small intestine has shrunk down to a more normal size (which is great) but the larger hole allowed the small intestine to push through it. This is the "prolapse" and it needed to be repaired surgically.

Dr. Graham was able to go in through the original stoma site and actually relocate it to the other side of his stomach adding yet another war wound. So he made a new, smaller hole to accommodate the now smaller small intestine. (Apparently it is fairly common to have to "re-do" the ileostomy at various points in time after the original surgery.) He did not need to make any other incisions, which will really speed up his recovery time.

Paula, Kinley, and I were able to be with Chris in the recovery room for a while before he went up to his hospital room. He is doing great and thankfully did not have to have the tube down his nose/throat (very irritating) nor does he have any of the drains coming out of his abdomen. And he should be able to start clear liquids tomorrow with a hopeful homecoming by the end of the weekend.

Cailyn spent the evening playing nicely with Lia and Kinley was a champ during the entire time at the hospital. Thanks to Kelsey and Lola for the Winstead's dinner delivery and to all of you for your thoughts and prayers during this time! I will do my best to keep everyone updated. Off to bed I go!

Thanks,

Janelle