Reherniation, again...

What a day.

We had an appointment today with our surgeon, Dr. Draus, to discuss what could be causing Clay's ongoing puking issues. Chest x-rays were taken first thing and then we learned exactly the issue:

Reherniation...again.

The patch that was constructed for his diaphragm in the previous two repair surgeries has given way right in the middle of his diaphragm, right below his sternum. The g-tube is serving as somewhat of an anchor for his stomach, so it's only partially up in his chest cavity, but we could very visibly see stomach in his chest while looking at the x-rays. That definitely explains his volume intolerance and his frequent pukies, poor lil bug. We weren't expecting that one.
On the way to Lexington, Eric & I mulled over different scenarios, pondering what triggers the pukes...could it be a food intolerance, could it be a motility issue, could it be that he needs a new reflux med...We discussed the possibilities of replacing the J-tube, going ahead with the Nissen surgery that we had previously cancelled, but we never even mentioned reherniation.

Although that is something that's always in the back of my mind, I figured another reherniation would mean another sick baby. I figured another reherniation would mean his breathing would be compromised. Thank God, that has not the case this time around. We don't even know how long it's been since it happened; his last x-ray was in May. But I haven't noticed any change in his breathing and he's still rockin' it 24/7 with no ventilator or oxygen, satting in low-to-mid 90's. Absolutely amazing, I'd say, considering his stomach has just unwantedly took-up house in his chest....just busted through the diaphragm, snuggled right up next to his heart & lungs. Not cool, stomach, not cool... How about you stay put next time?

We are in the books for repair surgery #3 for next Thursday, the 26th. Dr. Draus will be approaching this surgery through stomach and will use his original repair surgery site. He will have to pull the stomach back down where it's supposed to be and repatch the diaphragm. If it looks like the diaphragm tissue that is in place from the previous repair surgeries is strong enough to sew to, he will utilize that to place the new patch. But if the existing tissue is not sufficient, he will have to start from scratch. We are hoping for some good, strong tissue to sew to, that way another reherniation is less likely. Also, Dr. Draus will do the Nissen Fundoplication while he's in there. Might as well go ahead and knock it all out, I reckon.

Our expected hospital stay is 1 week. Oh, I dread it. I dread the surgery, I dread the recovery, I dread all of it! I don't want to see Clay have to go through this again. It sucks so bad.


Y'all keep us in your prayers. Clay will do wonderfully through this next hurdle, I have no doubt. He is my strong, strong, warrior and I am so proud of him.

And here's a few pics of him enjoying life, even with misplaced organs::

Looking at the sky...he loves to watch birds & airplanes!

Taking Pappy on a tractor ride.

These ankle braces are made for walking :)

lol, outfit courtesy of cousin Al :)

Holding hands with our friend Lyza..

Lots of things to talk about!

Gait trainer & ankle braces--just doing some PT!

What a big boy!

Yep, he's a trooper.

Thank you all, faithful followers of our journey. Your prayers and support lift us up when we need them the most. We love you so much! Xoxoxo!