Dr. Gearhart successfully removed the urethral stint from Jacob today. In addition, we have started plugging the SP tube (catheter) during the day and will check the output from it every couple of hours. At night, we reattach the urine bag. We will be reporting our "results" to Dr. G's nurse every day. This is certainly a critical time because the ultimate goal here is to have the majority of the urine drain from down below and only end up with a little in the SP tube (except at night). Please pray that everything will flow where it is supposed to and that he will be able to have the SP tube removed within a few days. Dr. G did indicate that we may not need to have the scope done at this time as long he is satisfied with the results from this week.
Jacob still has a pretty bad cough, but thankfully no fever at this time. Please continue to pray that he will recover from this soon as it definitely affects his ability to get good sleep and will certainly be a concern should he need any procedures involving anesthesia.
There were a couple of really cool moments today. Jacob fell asleep shortly after we returned from his appointment, but when he woke up, we were able to pick him up and actually hold him for the first time in four weeks. Mommy carried him downstairs to dinner (pizza, salad and brownies from a wonderful local restaurant owner here in Baltimore) and he got the biggest grin on his face. Once downstairs, he was able to actually sit up on the sofa and not be confined to the wagon.
Once we received the e-mail from Dr. Sponseller advising that it was OK for Jacob to put weight on his legs, we immediately asked Jacob if he wanted to walk. He, of course, said that he would like to walk. So, we helped him take a few steps and he did pretty well. He is a little wobbly from being off his feet for this long, but by God's grace, he'll be back up to speed in no time. He and Daddy played for quite awhile in the recreation area here at the Children's House. Jacob absolutely loved being able to sit-up and move around. It certainly brought Mommy and Daddy a ton of joy to see him this happy.
With the possibility of another sizable snow event this week, we're not totally sure when the next appointment will take place. Our best guess at this point is probably Thursday. We will update everyone then. In the meantime, please continue to hold up the items mentioned above, but also take a moment to thank the Lord for progress Jacob has made up to this point.
Standing on His promises, with His strength, because of His mercy and grace.
Mommy and Daddy
Monday, February 8, 2010
Quick Update - prayer and praise
Daddy BA made it here safely last night at around 9 pm. He was just in time to catch the tail end of a surprising Super Bowl finish and enjoy some great food, donated by one a local restaurant owner. Praise the Lord for his safe arrival, despite a few trick spots near Harper's Ferry and in downtown Baltimore.
Because of the snow, Jacob's doctor appointment has actually been moved up to around 1 pm today (how often does that happen). The plan today is to remove the stint and cap off the SP tube (catheter). They and we will then monitor him for a few day.
We certainly ask that you pray for today's appointment - pray that the outcome will be as expected and that he might be one step closer to having no tubes in him. In addition, however, we ask that you also pray for Jacob as he has developed a pretty persistent cough. Other than the cough and a bit of congestion, he seems to be OK, but the cough may delay the final follow-up planned for later this week.
Dr. Gearhart will likely try to scope Jacob's urethra and bladder in a few days, once we've had a chance to make sure that the majority of his pee is coming out down below. But this does require that he be put to sleep for a little while. It is unlikely that they will put him to sleep with any sort of respiratory issues. Please pray that all will go according to plan (His plan, not ours).
We will look to provide everyone with another update this evening, after today's appointment.
With much love, given to us by the God of all Love,
The Arringtons
Because of the snow, Jacob's doctor appointment has actually been moved up to around 1 pm today (how often does that happen). The plan today is to remove the stint and cap off the SP tube (catheter). They and we will then monitor him for a few day.
We certainly ask that you pray for today's appointment - pray that the outcome will be as expected and that he might be one step closer to having no tubes in him. In addition, however, we ask that you also pray for Jacob as he has developed a pretty persistent cough. Other than the cough and a bit of congestion, he seems to be OK, but the cough may delay the final follow-up planned for later this week.
Dr. Gearhart will likely try to scope Jacob's urethra and bladder in a few days, once we've had a chance to make sure that the majority of his pee is coming out down below. But this does require that he be put to sleep for a little while. It is unlikely that they will put him to sleep with any sort of respiratory issues. Please pray that all will go according to plan (His plan, not ours).
We will look to provide everyone with another update this evening, after today's appointment.
With much love, given to us by the God of all Love,
The Arringtons
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