Saturday, December 26, 2020

Day 39: Report from Surgery #11

Prayer Request Now

December 26, 2020 at 3:10 p.m., written by Mama


Friends, Thomas began bleeding again almost one hour ago, during which one surgical drain has already output 370 mL. His blood pressure is falling and he is in pain (they gave him morphine). The team began moving into action very quickly. Prayers are appreciated.

Jesus, I trust in you, please take care of it all.


December 26, 2020: 5pm


Tom headed to CT Imaging and then emergency surgery likely to stop internal bleeding.

About 2.5 cups blood loss in 2 hours

He was given 3 units blood products. 

Stable enough for CT. Mom goin with him.

Then very likely surgery.

4 PRNs of morphine but Tom in great pain and scared.


Thomas Is in Surgery Now

December 26, 2020 at 7:15 p.m., written by Mama


The CT Angiogram showed Thomas bleeding internally, the bleeding out could be seen live on film. 

We went back to our room got him ready for surgery and then there was a quiet lull. The nurse offered that I could snuggle with Thomas, who was finally asleep after so much pain, writhing, crying, and fear of the last three hours. I crawled in bed with him and within one minute he began coughing. I called for the nurse and he began vomiting rich blood in my face. I then lifted his blanket and saw he was bleeding out of the other holes in his abdomen, too (J tube site, where drains come out, etc.).

The nurse got him cleaned up and ready for transport to the OR. Then she offered me time alone with Thomas, which also has never been offered. I lost it utterly. Now I think I understand what it might mean Biblically to cry to heaven. I fell to my knees by Thomas's bed. I could not stand. I kept my hand on his head and God was going to have to hear my heart because I could hardly breathe through the sobbing.

In my heart, I finally told God that I know Thomas is in a state of grace. He is baptized and confirmed. If God wants to take him, I know Thomas will go to Heaven and be a saint. If God is going to do that, then I accept God's will.

Attached are two photos. One was a rosary I prayed today. I had the idea for the first time to run the beads between mine and Thomas's clasped hands so he could feel the beads running through his hands.


The second photo was taken truly amidst the bleeding chaos, but before it got so painful that all Thomas could do was writhe and cry out "ow!" unceasingly. He was smiling gently at me and I could not believe he was smiling amidst everything, so I took a photo.


Thank you for your prayers. Our priest is here with us. The hospital asked if we wanted him to come in. 


Surgery Wrapping Up


We just learned that surgery has "been going well," they are concluding, and Thomas should be back in the room within 30 minutes. At least this means he is alive.


December 26, 10:40 p.m., written by Dad

Katherine will probably fill in more details but Thomas is out of emergency surgery and resting comfortably.   The surgeon found the source of bleeding (two vessels behind his pancreas) and closed it up (with two clips).  He did admit however that it is highly unusual for someone to bleed anew this many days (11+ days) after his previous surgery.   He also admitted that last surgery he thought all the bleeding was done so there are no guarantees. 

The surgeon also this time was able to closed up Tom's incision all the way and expects the breathing tube to come out tomorrow as far as he is concerned but the PICU attending physicians will ultimately make that call.

Thank you for all of your prayers.  

EDITED BY MAMA: The hospital invited our priest to come immediately and he was able to be here within about half an hour. We are so grateful for his help, spiritual comfort, and for his being able to give a priestly blessing to Thomas back from OR.

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