Detailed Update

Okay, sorry about the brief update last night. We were so exhausted and didn't have the energy to write a book at the time. So here we go...

After an hour delay on the surgery time, Max went back to the OR. We were told they would call out when they got started with the first procedure. An hour later we finally got that call. It took them a very long time to get his two IVs, arterial line and intubation tube started. So, about two hours later we got word that the vesticostomy procedure went well. Dr. Sheldon is confident that he did the right thing rather than reconstruct the bladder. He said that if we had to do the transplant now, that the kidney would not have fit if he had reconstructed. Although it's not the way you want to transplant we are happy that he went with his guy feeling. I also asked him if Max continues to do with with dialysis, whether it be PD or hemo, would he consider doing this the right way and go ahead with the reconstruction and then the transplant a few months later and his said absolutely. He doesn't want to transplant into a vesticostomy if Max is big enough to go through the reconstruction before hand. He wants to do this the right way if he can.

3 hours later we finally got the word that Dr. Lim was finished and ready to go over the diaphragmatic hernia repair. He met us in the little conference room and told us that everything went well. Dr. Lim was trying to do the procedure laprascopically (I have no idea how to spell that), but Max wasn't handling it well, so he ended up having to do it open. So the incision is a lot bigger than what it would have been, but you gotta do what you gotta do. He also informed us that this hernia WAS indeed caused by his nissen. That is relieving to know that it wasn't something that he was born with. All I can say is that that nissen has been NOTHING but trouble for him.

Max was able to be extubated, which everyone was VERY happy about. I though for sure, since they had to collapse his lung, that he would come back intubated. He is on the nasal cannula, but that's to be expected considering the trauma he just went through. He is on a continuous dose of Fentanyl which is helping him stay comfortable. He has had several pretty high fevers, so they went ahead and cultured everything just to make sure that he doesn't have any infections. They already have him on an antibiotic to treat anything that may be brewing. He has a chest tube, which just looks flat out uncomfortable. We all think that once he gets that out he will feel a lot better. We can't hold him while he has it which makes this so much harder on Tim and I. He is somewhat awake watching cartoons, but starts fussing as soon as anyone walks into his room and looks at him. He even kind of fusses when I go to talk to him. He just wants to be left alone right now, so we are granting him his wish.

Max got a visit from several of his RCNIC nurses last night. Max was miserable so it wasn't much of a visit for him, but it was so nice to see them.

Ummmm.... I feel like I am missing a lot of information. If I think of anything else I will let you all know. I want to also thank everyone that is planning on coming to Max's benefit this Saturday. Tim and I are overwhelmed by all of the donations and presale tickets that have already been sold. It's wonderful to see how many people will come out and support a little guy that most have never met. We feel so blessed to live in such a wonderful community that is willing to help one of their own. Thank you to all of you for your support and generosity.

Also, we have no idea how we are going to thank these following people for all of their hard work and planning for this big event. They have done a fantastic job with it. Thank you SO, SO, SO, SO much to the following:

Jessica, Chris, Tony, Debbie, Larry, Judy, Lori, Scott, Rick, Allie, TJ and Dominique

You all are WONDERFUL!!!!

Enjoy the rest of your week everyone!