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“I’m not in tip-top shape, but I’ll get there.”

Garrett slept all night last night! He was thrilled that no one came in to check his vitals or examine him and when he woke up today, he said how happy he was to be in his own bed and at home. He also ate more food today than he has any day in months. 


As far as Garrett’s heath, he said it best, “I’m not in tip-top shape, but I’ll get there.” 


The surgery to remove his colon was successful, but he had quite a few setbacks during his 17 day hospitalization including recurring fevers, psoriasis, a blood clot and a very painful, inflammatory response on his skin that caused rashes and pustules that have made it difficult to walk. The clot will be treated with twice daily injections of a blood thinner and the skin will be treated, for now, with topicals three times a day. 


Garrett will start a new biologic medication within the next few weeks to protect the remaining 10% of his colon. The biologic will hopefully prevent a reoccurrence of his uveitis and help with the skin issues. 


Garrett will be evaluated in several months time to check on his progress. As healing continues, a longer term goal is to potentially surgically take down his stoma (remove the ostomy) and to reconnect the small intestine to the remainder of his colon.


Working to get the skin under control and regain muscle tone and strength is an immediate priority. Garrett will spend much of the summer rehabbing. He already started today- he was able to get in and out of bed himself and handled part of the steps without being carried- big progress for day one at home. 


Gibson said, "Garrett, I am so happy you are here! You really, really make me laugh!"
Gibson said, "Garrett, I am so happy you are here! You really, really make me laugh!"

Garrett’s hospitalizations are always stressful, but this one brought additional worry as the surgery he was having was so life changing. (Plus, we threw in moving to a new house...and a pandemic!)  But all the well wishes, encouragement, amazing food, and friendship sent our way (and continue to be sent), reduced that stress and have allowed us to focus on taking care of Gibson and helping Garrett heal.  Our family is so grateful for all of the kind people in our lives. And the four of us are grateful to all be together again under the same roof. Xoxo

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