As I mentioned in a previous post, there was a leak in Dad's esophagus which was repaired by a stent. It now turns out that the leak had formed a hole in the esophagus which caused the infection that was effecting his kidneys. So, the source of the infection has finally been found, which is a big relief. The doctors have detached his esophagus from his stomach and are draining it. They are confident that this takes care of the infection. However, they are still keeping him on dialysis, but they may slow that down and just put him on it for brief periods of time.
In addition to the detachment of his esophagus, the doctors performed a tracheotomy. So, he no longer has a breathing tube and he seems to be breathing easily on his own.
His esophagus will be detached for quite some time, but I don't want to reveal any certain amount of time until the doctors are absolutely sure.
This all sounds very serious and it is, but I want to assure you all that Dad really is getting much better. Now that his infection is solved and he's breathing more on his own, he is much more comfortable and able to rest more easily. He is also less heavily sedated, more awake and alert. Yesterday, he was even smiling and mouthing messages to us.
Alas, I am not a doctor. So, I cannot be as specific about all of this information as I would like to be. I hope you all feel well-informed, though and let me know if you have questions about anything.
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Glad to hear the good news that your Dad is alert and breathing on his own. Sure hope the esophagus can be reattached soon. Did they have to open him back up to detach the esophagus - how did they do that?
ReplyDeleteWe are praying fervently for your Dad's speedy recovery and homecoming. Please let him know that we love him and wish him well. Love, Joe and Mary Anne
Yes, they opened him back up, but not from the same area as his initial surgery. It was a smaller incision as well.
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