Word of the Day (Ileus) and Ethan Update

We are sitting at Ethan’s bedside on Day 5 of his most recent hospitalization. No news is good news, and we have not heard the “O.R.” words from his surgeon! This hospital stay has not been without its ups and downs, as we spent most of yesterday dealing with some pretty serious breathing issues. That has (thankfully) been resolved and he seems to be turning a corner, as it looks like this complete rest of his GI system is working to his favor; we are seeing signs of “movement” in this critical area to indicate that perhaps he is not suffering from a physical obstruction! His surgeon has explained there are other reasons why the body presents with a possible or partial obstruction, such as an ileus. Thanks to the Mayo Clinic website, “a Paralytic ileus can cause signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction, but doesn't involve a physical blockage. In paralytic ileus, muscle or nerve problems disrupt the normal coordinated muscle contractions of the intestines, slowing or stopping the movement of food and fluid through the digestive system.” One of the many causes of an ileus is infection or illness, and Ethan recently fought through an Upper Respiratory Infection, which may have caused the subsequent slowing of his gut. With the possible return of function, the plan is to slowly introduce feeds beginning today. We will go from there.

Feeling Thankful,

Alexia and Scott