Settled in the PICU

We just left the PICU about a half hour ago and have come back to the Children's House for the night. Jacob woke up briefly, asking to watch one of his video's, then was out again. The plan is to keep him sedated throughout the night. He may go to a regular room tomorrow. We will be trying to get a little rest tonight, while we can. We do want to pass along one particularly encouraging bit of news - Jacob has "pee peed down below" - just a little - but more than he did after the 2008 surgeries. This was probably the biggest thing we have been praying for prior to the suregery today. It has also served as a motivating tool that we have been using with Jacob in order to try and prepare him for what happened today. He has mentioned several times recently how he wanted to pee pee down below, just like his brother. Our prayer is that this is exactly what will continue to happen more and more over the next few days and weeks.

Jacob does have a wrap around his legs, presumably to help keep him from opening up the incision. He did not require traction, but will probably have a breathing tube in, at least until tomorrow. He also will continue to have an SP tube in for some time, until they doctors are confident that his urethra is sufficiently draining his bladder.

We can't thank you enough for all of your prayers today. We truly sensed them going up, like a sweet aroma to the Lord.

Good night for now and we'll look to provide another update in the morning.

Give thanks to the Holy One.

Daddy and Mommy

He just came out of the OR

The nurses just wheeled Jacob from the OR to the PICU. They are checking him in right now. We saw him briefly as he passed by (he is still asleep) and we should be able to go to his bedside in about 30 mins. The Pediatric Doctor who was with him when he came out said that he did great.

Thanks for your continued prayers.

Because of His Love.

Mommy and Daddy

Part III finished - waiting for him to come out

Dr. Lau came out about 10 minutes ago and advised that the stoma revision went well. He basically shortened his colon by removing the problem area, then created a new stoma. He kept everything in the same location and also tried to keep the stoma size the same. He feels confident that he has taken care of the stricture (tightness) and that we should no longer have to dilate. This, in and of itself, would be a huge answer to our prayers.

Jacob should be coming out of the OR in the next few minutes and be moved to the recovery area. He will likely stay in the PICU (Ped Intensive Care Unit) tonight for better pain management and may remain sedated as well.

We will update everyone again once Jacob is in the recovery room.

Rejoice in the Lord always - again I say, rejoice.

Mommy and Daddy

Parts I and II really finished this time

Dr. Gearhart just came out again and said that he had gotten Jacob closed up and everything seems good. Dr. Lau has just now begun the last phase of the surgery, the stoma revision.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

Mommy and Daddy

Part II of three complete - Ortho

Dr. Sponseller just came out and advised that the new "plate" (actually a bar) went in well. He brought us a copy of the x-ray that shows everything clearly. Very neat. Dr. Lau is currently working on the stoma revision and Dr. G is closing up the incision that Urology and Ortho used for Parts I and II.

May God be praised - above all names.

Mommy and Daddy

Part I of three complete - update from Urology

Dr. Gearhart, the primary doctor and Urologist, just came out to let us know that the urethra reconstruction is complete and he is confident that it went according to plan. Dr. Sponseller is replacing the plate (which Dr. G advised is actually now a bar) as we speak. Dr. Lau will go in shortly after that for the stoma revision. During our conversation with Dr. Gearhart, we let him know about this blog and also told him that many people are praying. He replied, "There is no doubt that we had help today, from above." In addition, Aunt RoRo called to let us know that the sunset this evening is beautiful, almost as if the Lord is smiling down on us.

Thanks again for your prayers.

The Lord is good, his love never fails.

Mommy and Daddy

Update and prayer request

As of 4:30 pm, the Urology team is still working on Jacob. The General Pediatric surgeon came out and spoke with us for a few minutes. He is the one who will be working on (revising) Jacob's stoma (his name is Dr. Lau). He advised that he is trying to decide between two different revision techniques, each with potential pros and cons. Please pray that the Lord will grant him wisdom in choosing the best one for Jacob.

May His Love shine down on us.

Mommy and Daddy

Second Update

One of the nurses who put the PIC line in Jacob (kind of like an IV, but can usually stay in longer) just came out and informed us that as of about 2 pm, the first doctor (surgeon) has begun his part. Placing the PIC line was a little bit of a challenge, but he does have two regular IV's in place (arm and foot) so all appears to be OK.

Mommy and Daddy

Surgery underway

As of about 1 pm today, Mommy and Daddy left Jacob in the Operating Room in the capable hands of the surgeons (and of course, the Lord). He slept very well last night and was generally in good spirits today. They estimate that the sugery will last four to five hours, so we will provide another update soon.

Thank you all for your prayers.

May the God of our salvation be exalted.

Mommy and Daddy