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MReinhardt
05-29-2008, 08:29 PM
Well, I have had so many asking about Chell, that I thought that i would just write it out here for everyone. Read if you want.

Chell had surgery again May 7. The drs actually hospitalized her May 6 due to all the other medical issues, diabetes, possible seizures, gastroparesis, and the list can go on and on.

Surgery was only supose to be 3.5 hours long, it ended up being 7 hours, and I was on pins and needles. Drs worked actually the first 3.5 just removing all the scar tissue that was built up. They did state that she body produces scar tissue very well. So needless so say the next 3.5 hours was to repair the ACE/stoma that Chell requires in order for her to have a bowel movement.

Chell does have a tube thats in the ACE channel/stoma so we can give her an enema every evening so she can have that bowel movement. The tube normal is in place for 2-3 weeks, they want the tube in Chell for at least 6 weeks. After the 6 weeks the tube will be removed. Then she has special catheters that will be used so she can do the elimination routine every evening.

The day before surgery she was required to only have clear liquids. Nothing after midnight before surgery. After surgery she/we had to wait until her bowels opened up. Well, thats when it took her body forever. Drs stated that she should only be in the Hospital for 3-5 days after surgery, well she was in there for 15 days after surgery, as her bowels would not open. Every day they would weigh her and have lab come in for blood just to make sure she was not getting malnurished.

After the 7th day and the 5th IV. Drs deceided to put a PIC line in, and go ahead start her on TPN. (due to not allowed to eat or drink-bowels and stomach was closed, if she ate or drank anything, she would just throw it up) Plus Chell had the NG tube to suck out all the gastric juices from the stomach so she would not throw that up also.

Drs fair warned me that her blood sugars would be totally out of control with starting TPN, so I got a hold of the Diabetes Dr on call. We went over all the TPN, and insulin sensitivity and such. All the drs and Endo drs allowed me to do what ever I wanted with the diabetes, and call them if needed. For the most part her blood sugars were great, drs didnt complain at all.

During this time Chell had now lost another 10 lbs. GU Dr and Nurse said that Chell looks so thin on the operating table, and they are willing to help us/me out with what every they can with the gastroparisis issue. Chell was on TPN for 8 days and gained 4 of the 10 lbs back, which I am so thankfull.

Since being home, Chell is so insulin sensitive; I've had to adjust her basal, carb ratio so much its not even funny. I think I got the night time basal set, but its the day time basal that I am stuggling with. Its hard right now to actually do the day time basal check, as Chell needs to eat what she can eat to help her gain some weight back. Changing the basals when she was on TPN and now, oh my her body is going through so much.

Chells sensitivity for insulin was 50, I have slowly changed it to 80, she still dropped on me today when when we had to do a correction. Arrgggg, I hate this.

Chell has now lost a total of 27 lbs in a short amount of time. I am so glad that the GU dr is willing to help with what ever she needs. They are in the process of gathering all of her medical from the different departments GU, GI, and diabetes, so we can take all of the reports, labs, notes, and such to the new gastro dr in St. Louis the end of June.

Chells spirit in the mean time, has been ok. Not the best, but not the worst. My spirit, well....... I'm tired and exhausted. Like usual we take one day at a time and look for the bright days ahead. I am happy that we are home, and have our own beds to sleep in.

Thank You to all who contacted me with concerns about Chell, and Thank You all who prayed.

WestinsMom
05-29-2008, 08:38 PM
Michelle, you guys have sure been through a lot. I know I was climbing the walls with just hours in the hospital. 15 days! UGH!

Your daughter sure is a trooper.

Take care of yourself. I hope we are still able to see you in Indy in July.

Noel
05-29-2008, 08:39 PM
Michelle, Thinking of you and Chell here and praying...just wanted you to know...

MReinhardt
05-29-2008, 08:46 PM
I hope we are still able to see you in Indy in July.

Michelle, I am hoping so! I need a vacation really bad.

CC'sMom
05-29-2008, 09:01 PM
Wow Michelle! You both have been through so much!! Sending good thoughts and prayers ((HUGS)). Take care of yourself too!

hold48398
05-29-2008, 09:08 PM
Wow :eek:. I am so glad you posted this as I had no idea what you (and Chell) were going through. What a long, drawn-out and painful ordeal. I am so sorry for all your heartaches. I am sending lots of positive thoughts and healing wishes your way!! You both certainly deserve a BIG BIG break!!!!

OSUMom
05-29-2008, 09:20 PM
Oh Michelle, I'm so sorry. What a very difficult time you and Chell have had!!! Oh my!!!!!! Please give Chell our best from the board here. You both will be in my prayers and thoughts. Much love to you!!!!! I hope each day brings better health and new hope that brighter days are here! We lift you up as the fabulous mom that you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Huge hugs!!!

frizzyrazzy
05-29-2008, 09:29 PM
oh gosh, I had no idea! I'm so sorry for everything she's had to go through and you deserve the mom of the year award too!

lynn
05-29-2008, 09:42 PM
Oh, what a hard life. You and your daughter are my heroes. The love and loyalty you have for her is an inspiration to me.
I will pray for you and Chell. Also that you get your trip this summer.

Lynn

jendean
05-29-2008, 09:44 PM
Michelle,
SO thinking of you!!!!
I hope for the best!
JenDean

RosemaryCinNJ
05-29-2008, 09:52 PM
Oh my goodness...of course I will be sending good thoughts and a lot of prayers your way..you both have been through so much..how are you holding up mom?? Hugs to Chell, she sounds amazingly strong..like her mom!

GaPeach
05-29-2008, 10:24 PM
Wishing Chell a speedy recovery and weight gain.

Wishing you rest and relaxation!

Tresstonsmom
05-29-2008, 10:28 PM
Sorry to hear about all that is going on with you guys.....hope things take a turn for the better soon.
:cwds:

Lee
05-29-2008, 11:44 PM
I was wondering how it was going with her stomach issues - I am so glad that you updated us - thank you! I will definately add Chell to my prayer list!

hawkeyegirl
05-29-2008, 11:58 PM
I was just thinking about you the other day and wondering how you guys were doing, since I hadn't seen you around lately. I'm glad to hear that Chell is recovering, and I hope you can get some sleep! Take care, you two!

twodoor2
05-30-2008, 12:08 AM
Hi Michelle,
My thoughts are with you and Chell. I hope she recovers soon.:cwds:

Judy&Alli
05-30-2008, 12:10 AM
I was just ready to send out the Coast Guard. I hadn't seen you post and thought you were just in the throws of good weather and enjoying some time off the computer. I had NO IDEA! I'm sorry for you and Chell it broke my heart as I read what you had to go through! Gosh you two are troopers! Give Chell a big hug from me! Big, big hugs to you too Michelle! You need a break! Please God give this family a break! Lots and lots of prayers coming your way!
Judy:)

Christopher
05-30-2008, 01:49 AM
Michelle,
just know you and your Chell are in my prayers. You are both so very strong. Keep the Faith.:cwds:

Kaylee's Mommy
05-30-2008, 08:41 AM
Oh Michelle, I'm so glad that you posted.. so sorry that Chell has gone through all that, and continues to go through it.. I'm glad she's doing better, and is home.. WOW 15 days in the hospital... I wanted to get out of there after one night! Your daughter is such a trooper.. tell her we're all thinking and praying for her (and you!)..

StillMamamia
05-30-2008, 08:48 AM
Michelle,

Just wanted to add my HUGS to you and Chell, and wishing for a safe and healthy recovery for Chell.
I am so sorry for all you both have to handle, and admire you both for your strenght.

MReinhardt
05-30-2008, 11:37 AM
I called the new gastro dr in St. Louis this morning, just to verify that Chell's appointment is still standing for the end of June. And yes it is. At my requrest they are sending out all the paper work now, instead of waiting til the last moment.

Chell and I are on pins and needles waiting and hoping that there is some thing that can help her.

Anyway, thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers, they are very much needed.

Mama2H
05-30-2008, 11:43 AM
Oh NO :( poor Chelle is so thin she can't really stand to even lose 1 lb :( I really hope that the new Dr can help get things going right. Tell Chelle that Hailey and I will be thinking of her and praying for quick relief (((((hugs)))))

Tori's Mom
05-30-2008, 05:41 PM
((((BIG HUGS))))) headed your way. Hope the new gastro can give you guys some good news for a change!!! Sorry you both are having to go through this.

wendyc
05-30-2008, 06:13 PM
Sending hugs your way. I hope the new gastro works well for you.
I was getting concerned since I hadn't seen you post in a while.

dbz2988
05-30-2008, 10:54 PM
Good luck with the new gastro {{{HUGS********

lil'Man'sMom
05-30-2008, 11:16 PM
Michelle - The best of luck to you and your daughter. She sounds like a very courageous girl going through so much at such a young age.(((((Hugs)))))) and prayers are with the both of you.

Wanda

deafmack
05-31-2008, 03:45 AM
What a horrendous time you have been through. I will keep Chell and you in my thoughts and prayers. (((HUGS)))

Shannon's Mom
05-31-2008, 10:20 AM
Michelle - I really choked up reading all that you and your daughter have gone through. It's making me think of the days I have a pitty party for myself when I feel like I can't get Shannon's numbers right. You are an inspiration to me! Hang in there - I am praying for a break for you and Chell!

musicjunkie
05-31-2008, 10:37 AM
I'm so sorry to hear of what you guys are going through...lotsa prayers,hugs and well wishes for a quick recovery

MReinhardt
05-31-2008, 10:49 AM
On top of all that. I posted this on the O/T parents thread. Dealing with the water in my basement.

An emergency came up with Chell, a site change no less; she pulled in while we were at Walmart trying to find what we needed, then its time for a new sensor, and its been bleeding pretty bad for an hour. PLUS while we were at Walmart, Chell is telling me the area around her stoma is hard as a rock. When we get home, its red and swollon, the entire area around her stoma (surgery area) is infected, so I spent time with the Dr on call this last night at 10:45 pm. He is calling in a prescription for her, have to pick it up tomorrow. There is nothing around us open 24 hours. On top of that, Dr. stated that she might have to go to the emergency room, back to St. Louis so they can take a look.

Praying now that her stoma is not so infected that we have to make that trip back to St. Louis so soon.

Chell just came to me, the site where the sensor is, is bleeding so much that we have to pull it. Arrrgggg.

Julie
05-31-2008, 10:53 AM
I'm so sorry :( I didn't know you were going thru all this!! God bless and take care *hugs*