OT My friend could use some good thoughts
Hi all! Hope all is doing well - I've been "lurking" on the boards, just haven't had as much time to post as normal.
But anyway - a good friend of mine at my "jersey job" delivered her baby boy (Tyler) about 1 1/2 weeks ago. She is a nurse, as is her husband. During the first 24 hours in the hospital, both of his parents kept saying "something isn't right with him" He was "fussy" considering how young he is and they felt his abdomen was swollen.
Then, it was noted that he didn't have a bowel movement as expected.
He has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease. It's a disease in which a portion of the large intestine does not develop nerve endings which in turn, does not allow the intestines to "squeeze and relax" like they are supposed to in order to move food through the intestinal system.
He was shortly there after transferred to CHOP where I believe mid last week he was having a colostomy placed (they are removing the section of diseased bowel, and he will have bowel movements into a bag which is attatched to his stomach. There will be a surgical hole created soley for that purpose)
The good news is studies show the earlier detection of the disease, the better the outcome. Normally it is diagnosed within the first months of life, but his was caught within the first 48 hours I believe. From what I understand, he was not allowed to be fed from birth and is being given IV nutrients. That was as of Thursday. Once his good bowel recovers from the surgery and he has a bowel movement through the colostomy, they will allow him to be fed.
Early time estimates figure that he will have the colostomy for "only" 6 mos and then hopefully everything will be functioning the proper way, and they can reattach the intestines where they had removed the diseased portion (bringing the two "good ends" back together) and close the hole in the abdominal area.
In any case, obviously this is a very stressful time for the whole family. They have a little girl who is two who of course doesn't understand why mommy had the baby and he's not home and why mommy and daddy aren't home most of the time right now, although they are taking shifts at home when they can.
Figured the more prayers and positive thoughts the better. I won't be back at jersey for another week and half, but when I get updates, I will let you know!
Thanks!
Pam
But anyway - a good friend of mine at my "jersey job" delivered her baby boy (Tyler) about 1 1/2 weeks ago. She is a nurse, as is her husband. During the first 24 hours in the hospital, both of his parents kept saying "something isn't right with him" He was "fussy" considering how young he is and they felt his abdomen was swollen.
Then, it was noted that he didn't have a bowel movement as expected.
He has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease. It's a disease in which a portion of the large intestine does not develop nerve endings which in turn, does not allow the intestines to "squeeze and relax" like they are supposed to in order to move food through the intestinal system.
He was shortly there after transferred to CHOP where I believe mid last week he was having a colostomy placed (they are removing the section of diseased bowel, and he will have bowel movements into a bag which is attatched to his stomach. There will be a surgical hole created soley for that purpose)
The good news is studies show the earlier detection of the disease, the better the outcome. Normally it is diagnosed within the first months of life, but his was caught within the first 48 hours I believe. From what I understand, he was not allowed to be fed from birth and is being given IV nutrients. That was as of Thursday. Once his good bowel recovers from the surgery and he has a bowel movement through the colostomy, they will allow him to be fed.
Early time estimates figure that he will have the colostomy for "only" 6 mos and then hopefully everything will be functioning the proper way, and they can reattach the intestines where they had removed the diseased portion (bringing the two "good ends" back together) and close the hole in the abdominal area.
In any case, obviously this is a very stressful time for the whole family. They have a little girl who is two who of course doesn't understand why mommy had the baby and he's not home and why mommy and daddy aren't home most of the time right now, although they are taking shifts at home when they can.
Figured the more prayers and positive thoughts the better. I won't be back at jersey for another week and half, but when I get updates, I will let you know!
Thanks!
Pam
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. 
As a father of two it breaks my heart anytime I hear of a young one, especially a newborn, to have to go through anything like this. I was watching TV the other day and saw a baby that was born with its intestines developed on the OUTSIDE of its body. It was so sad. Luckily, the baby had emergency surgery and was able to survive.
My prayers are out to the Tyler and his family. Please keep us informed.
My prayers are out to the Tyler and his family. Please keep us informed.
"No matter how hard life may get, no matter how many curveballs you are thrown, keep in mind, if you want to succeed - QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION"!!!
Thank God for alert parents, sometimes you wonder what the hospital staff is doing instead of really checking out the newborns for symptomatic related issues.
Those first 48 hours are so critical to the future. Please send my hopes, prayers and well wishes along to the family.
Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
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