Irv Update - January 2011 #3

Dear Family and Friends (F&F);

Dr. Kowalski called today. He has talked to Dr. Koteen and they have agreed there is little or nothing medically that can be done for Irv. But, Dr. Kowalski is going to consult with other gastroenterologists in the Bend Memorial Clinic where he has his office. Just in case there is an option no one has thought of yet.

If nothing comes up, Irv will have surgery on Wed. Jan 19. Somehow they will bypass the obstruction with another section of bowel. I'm not exactly sure what happens to the existing area except that it isn't involved in the digestive system anymore. Nor do I know what happens to those ducts that empty into the bowel in this area. I have a lot of trust in Dr. Kowalski and know that he DOES know! I wish we didn't have to wait until then. If there is a good reason I don't know what it is.

Meanwhile, Irv is on Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast, chicken broth, PowerAde, Jello, and Jello puddings, but NO chocolate flavors. Obviously he can drink milk.

So far he isn't throwing up much at all, but still feels quite full of fluid all the time, but something must be working its way thru the obstruction. His blood work showed an elevated white count and so far his nutrition status is low, but acceptable. A few parameters were elevated on his liver function tests, but nothing to worry about right now. That is a relief.

Travis and Casey will be here next week until Thursday Jan. 20 and I am so relieved. Having my sons here when Irv has surgery will help my stress level quite a bit.

That's all for now.

Penny