And, here we go again.

McGreeky came in around 7pm to let us know the results of the CT. It definitely showed a bowel obstruction in the distal small bowel. Fortunately, is a partial obstruction meaning some fluid is still getting past the blockage. However, it is a very small amount. The doctor could only give a well-educated guess about how long it would take to resolve and threw out the number 3-4 days (at least). Dan will have the NG tube at least 3 days, which he is thoroughly unhappy about. He will have an x-ray on Thursday to see if there is any change in the blockage. We will also be watching for warning signs indicating worsening of the situation: increase in white blood cell count (WBC), fever, low urine output, abdominal pain, no bowel sounds or movements in the next few days. If these things happen, this problem may need to be surgically fixed. McGreeky said he is dragging his heels to avoid another surgery, but it is still a possibility. Surgery carries many risks, especially when Dan is already sick.

Unfortunately, we are embarking upon another "wait and see" type of journey. There really is no way to tell how long this will take to resolve. It's quite a bummer for all of us, but especially Dan.

Dan will be getting a PICC tomorrow (hopefully) or the next day for TPN. We asked the doctor to start him off with lots of calories to make sure he gets some heavy duty nutrition after so many days of nothing. We're hoping this PICC is definitely not needed for too long, as Dan should be able to eat normally after this resolves. We don't really know if he'll go home with TPN again, but I won't mind mixing to keep him "fat and happy".

Our lives have been seemingly put on hold since January 8th, and we are so ready to move past this. Dan misses how he used to be and I do, too. We need a little "us" time that doesn't involve meds and tubes and nurses and doctors and fevers and hospitals. We'll get through this, but we are weary and in need of joy and encouragement and normalcy.

Please be in prayer that something McGreeky said will be accidentally prophetic: "You'll have that NG for at least 3 days and be here a while unless something miraculous happens and the bowel opens up very quickly." So, pray for something miraculous! Pray that Dan's bowel opens up and the obstruction resolves very quickly...bowel sounds appear, gas gets passed, etc. Let 3-4 days be more than enough time for Dan to heal. Wouldn't it be great to point out to McGreeky that something miraculous did happen due to the prayers of the saints?

Prayer Requests:
* Complete resolution of bowel obstruction without surgery
* Miraculous speed of healing...which can only be attributed to God's hand
* PICC placement tomorrow
* Bowel sounds, movements, etc. in the next day or two
* None of the "warning signs"
* Comfort and rest for Dan
* Wisdom for the doctors
* Ability for me to stay with Dan throughout his healing
* Encouraging and joyous news in the next couple days
* Ability for me to get all of my school work and clinical hours completed for graduation (it's getting pretty tight)