Successful surgery

  

Garrett’s surgery was successful. His surgeon told us that from his perspective, Garrett’s condition would not have improved without the diverting ileostomy which made us feel sure it was the right decision. The problem the ileostomy is working to resolve was more mechanical than disease related, and now Garrett thinks it’s hilarious that he had what he’s calling a “poop plumbing” problem and can’t wait to tell his friends that.

 

The day and night following surgery were very difficult and Garrett did not fall asleep until 5am because of the pain he was in. And he only fell asleep because a super star nurse, one he’s had several times before, really advocated for improved pain management for him overnight and he was finally given a medication to help.  I requested the pain team see him on Friday to put a better pain management plan in place. The changes they made allowed for an improved day on Friday and some sleep Friday night. 

 

Today is better for him. He is still very weak, but he is showing some interest in eating and even nibbled on some Cheerios and a roll. He requested some rolls from DelBuonos and fairy floss from Sparrow’s be sent to CHOP which I take as great signs! 

 

He was able to sit up and read a book and play Roblox online with some friends and is now napping. 

 

As far as the ostomy, Garrett is fairly annoyed that he has one again, but has already started to show initiative in taking care of it himself. Today I also noticed he started to talk about when he might be discharged, another great sign. No one has given us any indication of a time frame, but Garrett is telling everyone his discharge is Wednesday! :)  Let’s hope he’s right! 

 

I am really proud of how he’s handling himself during this extended hospitalization and how brave, calm and kind he’s been despite his pain, boredom, loneliness, and frustration.    xoxo Jill

Reading his new custom comic book about a super hero named Garrett!