No food for the weary

Day one of Missy's clear liquid diet went by surprisingly well. She wanted her normal cheerio breakfast but when I gave her the 3 options of broth, jello or a Popsicle, she was pretty excited to have a Popsicle in the morning. Woo hoo first meal down. At lunch she wanted mac and cheese but I told her that the doctor said she could only have broth, jello or a Popsicle. She then asked “and what else?” I said “that is it.” To my surprise no argument, she said she wanted broth and Popsicle. I tried to give her jello but she didn't like it. I think it's the texture she doesn't like. Later on we were coloring and she said “mommy I want an apple.” I told her she couldn't have one and again gave her the options. She was a little upset with me and said with a whine, “All I want is one apple.” Poor little thing doesn't understand it at all but I gave her another Popsicle and she was fine. She had broth and a Popsicle for dinner no problem. Anyway, I am really proud of how well Missy did. It probably helps that I am eating the same thing a she is, although I think I'm having a harder time then she is. Jesse had to work today. He cooked a whole hog for Lowe's, (the lucky duck). He said it was really good too. So jealous! Oh well, hopefully day two will go just as smooth as day one. My mom is flying in on Sunday so it gives Missy something to look forward to. We will enjoy her company.

An Update on Missy's Surgeries

Since the prior letter was written, Missy has undergone two separate surgeries, first to remove her adenoids and place tubes in her ears, the other to try and fix the valves (ureters) that are letting fluid back to the kidneys. Missy continues to have a hard time recovering from the anesthesia. We now plan to stay one or two days at the hospital for out patient surgeries to monitor and give care as she needs.

The second surgery mentioned to repair the valve (ureters replantation) was only partially successful. The last year with a battery tests, and medications we have found little choice but to proceed with a bladder augmentation.

Bladder augmentation, also known as augmentation cystoplasty, is reconstructive surgery to increase the reservoir capacity of the bladder. The procedure is very common and involves tissue grafts (anatomises) from a section of the small intestine (ileum), stomach, or other substitutes that are attached to the urinary bladder by sewing or stapling. Whether due to chronic obstructive bladder damage, birth defects that resulted in small reservoir capacity, or dysfunction due to nerve innervation of the bladder muscle (sphincter), surgery is chosen only after a thorough medical work-up that involves assessment of the lower urinary tract, functional physiological evaluation, and anatomic assessment. Some laparoscopic methods (surgery with a fiber-optic instrument inserted through the abdomen) of bladder augmentation have been tried, but reports indicate that these are technically arduous and may not have the long-lasting effects of open surgery.

Purpose

Bladder dysfunction and incontinence may be due to problems with the reservoir capacity of the bladder or with the "gatekeeping" muscle (the sphincter), which, instructed by the brain, allows urine to build up or to be released. Bladder augmentation is used to treat serious and irreversible forms of incontinence and to protect the upper urinary tract (kidney function) from reflexia (urine back up to the kidneys). Many candidates for the surgery are highly compromised individuals with other serious conditions like spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis, as well as patients likely to undergo kidney transplantation. Patients who undergo bladder augmentation must be free of bowel and urethral disease and be able to perform self-catheterization (able to place a urinary tube into their urethra).

Description

Standard augmentation involves segments of the bowel used to create a pouch or wider wall for the bladder in order to enhance its reservoir capacity. Often this reconstruction surgery is accompanied by procedures that tighten the neck of the bladder, as well.

http://www.answers.com/topic/bladder-augmentation

Preparations for this procedure include clear liquids for three days prior. Missy will be admitted the day before surgery on May 31, to run tests and ensure she is ready. We understand the process takes 4 – 5 hours in the operating room, and a full week in Primary's for initial recovery and observation. We hope to bring Missy home for the remaining three weeks to continue her healing.

We cannot thank our family and friends enough for the support and prayers on behalf of our family. The concerns and sacrifices you all provided us will never be forgotten. We understand there are trying times, and feel very fortunate to have such tremendous support during ours.

We can never thank you enough.

______________________________________
Jesse, Cindy, and sweet Melissa Cowley
"Every good and perfect gift is from above. . . " James 1:17