Tess is a champ. She slept for solid chunks last night, but woke up occasionally in obvious discomfort.
The focus today has turned to her distended belly. All signs point to an ileus in her bowels which is a fancy way of saying that part of her intestine is taking a break. It's common after anesthesia and Tess has had a lot of that lately. Our team of doctors, the general surgeon team, and the infectious disease doctors all think it'll work itself out. As one of the infectious disease doctors said, "We just need one bowel movement and she'll feel so much better."
As for now, she's on some pain meds and relaxing. Her NG tube is still sucking her stomach contents out (it's really only bile and gas) and she'll be receiving her nutrients and hydration through her PICC. We also have one more x-ray
Our team of doctors think the belly issues are probably something that traveled up to the abdomen from her abscess and hips.
She won't have any more blood pulled for testing today because the docs are worried about the amount they've already taken over the last 10 days. So Tess gets a little break from that.
Her hips are fixed in her brace and we're learning how to deal with diaper changes today. I'll ask Tess if she's ok with me posting a picture of the brace later.
Thanks so much for all the updates. I was so hoping you were home by now, I'm sure you do too! The Leidels are sending you extra big hugs and kisses. Love you guys so much! Being a parent so rewarding, but isn't it interesting that poop and the lack of it can take over every moment and every thought?
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