Henry’s Updates

Surgery is done and we are home, praise the Lord. In the midst of all the action, I only had time to update over one medium. So, I was emailing family and throwing the occasional photo on Facebook. For those interested, and for my own records, I am posting all the emails I wrote here now. Some of them I wrote in a rush as we were either talking with doctors or trying to keep Henry comfortable, and the perfectionist in me wants to go back and edit them, but in the interest of being transparent, I am going to leave them as they are. Update 3 is my favorite – the one with the most errors. I wrote it so quickly because Henry was in pain and I just needed prayers. Within 20 mins of me writing that email, Henry had improved significantly and I fully believe that the Lord answered your prayers for my boy. It is something that I will never forget.

Update 1: May 5th – Surgery Day!
They took Henry back about a half an hour ago. He did great this morning…so tired, but still very charming. I’ll update in a few hours when he’s all done. Unless you hear from me in the meantime, assume all is well. Thank you do much for your prayers. God is good.

Update 2: About 3 hours later
He’s done! Dr said everything went perfectly. We’ll see him in a bit.

Update 3: Wednesday early evening
Hi, all. Don’t have a lot of time to write.
We thought we were going to get discharged early today, but when they took out Henry’s catheter,  he started having a lot pain and he hasn’t peed yet. Dr. Says it can happen with a surgery like Henry’s…there’s more details, but I don’t have time now.
Please pray that Henry would get comfortable soon and be able to pee. Please aldo pray we can get som test tonight.
Hopefully tomorrow I’ll ipdate you from home.
Gotta go.
Love, Dana

Update 4: Thursday morning
Good morning, Everyone.
Thanks for your prayers…he finally peed!
He peed last night for the first time…all over his bed. So it wasn’t his best work, but he peeing like a pro now in his diaper, so we’re all good on that front.
He’s still having bladder spasms, which the doctor warned us about. They will hopefully lessen, but until the stent in his bladder/ureter comes out, it’s probably going to be a thing.
So, last night was rough pain wise, so I’m actually glad we didn’t get discharged so they could manage pain here.
He’s doing a bit better this morning. Doctor came in and we are good to go home. Phil is coming after he drops Adam off at school. I think Henry will love being back home with his brother and sister to entertain him!
Thanks for your prayers, l could really feel them last night.
Please continue to pray for Henry’s comfort at home.
Love, D

Update 5: Home!
We are at home now, Praise the Lord!
Henry has meds to help him with the bladder spasms and he’s asleep upstairs right now. Hopefully he gets some good rest tonight.
He pretty much just wanted to cuddle today (adorable). He was so glad to be back with big brother and sister.
Your prayers and God’s sovereign hand were over us yesterday and last night. I’m so glad we stayed in the hospital last night. As uncomfortable as it was for me, it was reassuring to have the doctors nearby to manage Henry’s pain.
His stent will come out in about 10 days. I can’t wait because then his bladder spasms should stop, I can give him a real bath, and diaper changes will be much easier. Then he’ll have an ultrasound in about a month and follow up with Dr. Peters and hopefully get the all clear.
Thanks, everyone for all your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without you.
Love, Dana

So, there you have it. Just trying to keep him comfortable at home. Today I found out that his stent will come out on May 18th, so we are counting down the days until that happens. I think after that, he will be a much happier camper. We are also praying that when he has his ultrasound in a month that it will show everything as it should be in there and we can close the books on this one.

God continues to show his greatness in so many ways through all of this. I am humbled and in awe.

Henry’s Turn for Surgery

Hello out there!!! Yep, you read that right…that’s Henry’s name in the title of this post. I think he felt left out that Adam and Clara have both had surgery, so he wanted a turn 🙂 Many have been asking me what Henry’s situation is, so I figured I’d put it up here. Here are the two emails that I recently sent out to family:

Email #1:

Hello, Family and Friends.  I want to update you on Henry’s situation. We found out just today that his surgery will be on May 5! We are pleased that it will be soon, but a little surprised at HOW soon.

In case you need the back story…

When Henry was still inside my tummy, an ultrasound revealed that he had a kidney that was really big. We were hoping it would correct itself as he got bigger, but after close monitoring and numerous tests, it has not. His doctors believe that he has a kink at the base of his ureter right near where it enters his bladder, which is backing up all the urine. So, his surgeon (Dr. Peters) will go in, detach his ureter from his bladder, repair the ureter, and then reattach it to his bladder. That’s the short story.

The surgery will be at Children’s and he will be in the hospital for two nights post-op.

I’m not sure what time the surgery will be yet, but I will update you when I find out.

So, here we go again! Please pray for a smooth surgery and recovery, and that Henry would have no problems or reactions to the anesthesia. Also, please pray for all the logistics for the older kids that they wouldn’t feel too disrupted or anxious during the next week.

Thanks, so much, everyone! Your prayers and support are so treasured by our family.

Love to all,
Dana

Email #2:

Hello, again. Thank you all for your encouraging notes and prayers. We are again so thankful for all of you and the way that you care for us.

Henry’s surgery is scheduled for 7:30 AM on Tuesday, May 5. That means that we need to be at Children’s in DC at 5:30 AM! Due to our very early departure on Tuesday and thanks to some amazing friends, Adam and Clara will both be having their first sleepover ever on Monday night 🙂

That’s about it, for now. I will update on the day of surgery. The procedure lasts about 3-4 hours, so if you don’t hear anything for a while, don’t be worried.

Thank you for your prayers for our boy – keep them coming! I am more nervous than I thought I would be, but I know he is in good hands.

Love you all!