Surgery number four

Elijah was taken for surgery on Thursday afternoon to insert a central line (Broviac catheter...feel free to Google that for more details). For the first time in his nearly three week stint in the hospital, we had a consult with his GI doctor who said he needs to stop eating for at least a week to let his tummy and intestines heal from the virus that caused serious damage. That damage is keeping him from absorbing his nutrition properly, which caused Eli constant discomfort and dehydration. He has lost more weight – down to 11 pounds 4 ounces, a major step back for us as he was nearly a strong 13 pounds a month ago.

Since his Broviac placement, he is on TPN, which is nutrition via vein. He seems to be doing better, but he still has a pretty long haul ahead in the hospital. Please pray for Sophia, this has really taken a toll on her. David and I are just plain tired and heart sick from watching Elijah endure so much pain. It just isn’t right!

Elijah seems so fragile. Please pray he gains back his weight and that his tummy and intestines heal quickly so that when we do try to feed him again he will tolerate it without any problems.

Elijah is a fighter and I’ve known that from about day 2 of his life, but in this last three weeks I’ve seen it even more clearly. Before this week, Elijah would shun anything being put in his mouth except his trusty pacifier. During this ordeal, I noticed Elijah was sucking down Tylenol the nurse was giving him by mouth. I found that very odd. So, I started giving him Pedialyte in a syringe by mouth and he was sucking it down like a thirsty kitten. Ding, ding, ding, Elijah was dehydrated and his natural instincts told him to drink. Makes my heart weep.

Thank you for all of your help and prayers.

With love and appreciation,
Melissa Ramirez

Comments

Stacie said…
I think of you all frequently and pray for little Elijah's qick recovery. I can't believe they took so long to consult with the GI doc. That's shocking to me! Looks like he might be on the right track now. Love you all!
Emily said…
Oh Melissa, I can't believe that! Bless your heart! I hope things start to look up and that he gets better soon. And little Miss Sophia...it's got to so rough on her and so hard on the two of you to stay strong.. I'll be thinking of all of you and praying for each one. Hang in there and take care! It's just got to get better from here.
Anonymous said…
Thanks for the update. It is very promising about him taking the liquid:) Hang in there!
Janet said…
Please know that Riley and I are thinking of you all daily and you are all always in our prayers. Elijah is a FIGHTER and is a very strong young man, he has it in him to FIGHT this. How amazing it is at such a young age the amount of courage and strong will he has. I am so blessed he is part of my family. Please let me know if their is anything I can do. I love you ALL!!! Stephanie

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