Monday, August 08, 2005

So Ira's surgeon walks in. We think he's come to tell us about inserting a G-tube - a feeding tube that goes directly into the stomach. So it was a surprise to us when he said that Ira has a "recurrent diaphragmatic hernia."

Turns out that 15% of CDH babies that had ECMO support experience a recurrent hernia. You might remember that they built a diaphragm for Ira out of goretex. Ira's goretex diaphragm pulled away from the skin and the stomach, intestines, and possibly more started inching their way up again.

I asked the surgeon if this could explain Ira's inability to make strides with his breathing. The surgeon wasn't sure but did say it could explain Ira's pissy mood.

So Ira will go in for his sixth surgery sometime this week. It will be a difficult surgery that will take about three hours. Ira will be re-intubated which means he'll go back on the ventilator.

All this is a significant step back.

22 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear this, Joe. I have no words of encouragement beyond that our thoughts and prayers here in Nashville are with you.

Phil

7:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laura/Joe,
Not at all what I was expecting to read here tonight. I am so very sorry for what you are facing this week and will be in constant prayer for sweet Ira's next battle. Praying, too, that God will hold you up, comfort you and give you the energy you will need in coming days.

much love,
cousin jen

7:28 PM  
Blogger The Root said...

That's rough. Ira and you guys will be in our prayers, brutha.

8:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laura & Joe,
You are all in our prayers, with a special one for Ira.
Love you,
David, Brenda Matt & Tyler

8:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We're still praying here in New Braunfels, Texas.

Love, Erik and Jennie Hughes

9:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We will continue to lift Ira up as we did through the first five surgeries. He has such a sweet face, and I hope this surgery is able to help him feel better very soon. We wish we could be with you.

Love you all,
Kaley and Karl and Gabe

9:47 PM  
Blogger J-Wild said...

That is absolutely devestating. I am so sorry. My heart breaks with you guys.

10:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kelley and Leigh Hays

10:15 PM  
Blogger kenny said...

We love you Ira. We know how much of a trooper you are. You and your family are in our family's prayers each night - now more than ever.

11:27 PM  
Blogger Hoots Musings said...

Praying in West Texas for sweet Ira.

11:55 PM  
Blogger Jana said...

ARGH!!! How completely frustrating. We continue in our prayers for Ira and his family. Love to you all.

9:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We will join with the others in praying for Ira.

In Him,
Beverly
Abilene

10:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hate this for you. You have been through SO much already. I pray that the doctors can repair little Ira's hernia; and from that Ira can get back on track to getting better.

We will be praying hard in Alabama! For you and for little Ira. I hope you can find God's peace in all of this.
Lisa G.

10:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

While it may feel like a setback, this could be why he had stopped progressing. If one more surgery will result in a more complete healing it is worth it. You're in all our prayers.

10:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a journey you all are on. Still praying.
Rebecca Leggett

11:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We are praying for you in Louisiana. May God grant Ira complete healing. Please Father God. Give Laura and Joe the peace that passes understanding.
lisa c

2:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Joe and Laura,
We read your posts every day and want you to know we are praying for you.
Leroy and Kari

2:06 PM  
Blogger Gaynor Lubojasky said...

Joe & Laura:
I wanted to share one Bible verse with you that I read today and thought about you. It's from 2 Chronicles 20: 12 when Jehoshaphat, King of Judah,cried out in anguish and uncertainty:
"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you [Lord]. Since I cannot even find adequate words to express my sadness, the best I can do is share the comforting Word of God!
In His love,
Gaynor Lubojasky
Sugar Land, TX

2:07 PM  
Blogger Byron said...

May God bless the Joe Hays family. Hear the prayers of your servants God, and be faithful once again.

3:48 PM  
Blogger Jonathan said...

We don't know you, but our friends Jay & Caroline have a link to your blog from theirs. We check on Ira all the time and keep praying for him.

Amy (Jonathan's mom)

7:13 PM  
Blogger Kevin said...

we're still praying...

kevin and charity

8:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know that this seems like a step backward...but it could be a step forward in God's eyes. This delayed time in the hospital with Ira may be just enough time for you to touch the lives of a family who will be brought in with their CDH baby sometime soon...you never know. Just keep your trust in God like I know you will...He knows what He's doing, Just be ready to seek it out. Praying for you always.

10:26 AM  

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