Alex started his TPN here at the hospital last night. They allowed us to use our home TPN the night before since the "TPN team" was gone by the time we got up to our room. Mayo separates the lipids from the rest of the TPN like Cleveland did. However, they added iron to it this time. So...it ends up looking a lot like tea (sweet, of course!) and milk rather than Gatorade and Crisco ;).
The colorectal surgeons and GI doctors were both in and out yesterday. The surgeons were in first to get history, past surgical reports/records and discuss potential surgical options. Then the GI doctor, Dr. Alexander (great name, huh?), was in to discuss the overall treatment plan. He was very nice and helpful, discussing "one step at a time" treatment options, which is much less overwhelming. Dr. Alexander said his role is really to address Alex's current needs of resolving the obstruction. He stated that Dr. Loftus has more experience with the long-term treatment options, so he will be determining the future treatment plan with us on an outpatient basis (as previously planned).
Dr. Loftus and Dr. Alexander went over Alex's case yesterday and came up with this plan together-Dr. Alexander will be doing an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy...you can see why they abbreviate!) this morning to assess how his stomach and duodenum look after they drained or "decompressed" with the NG tube and treated with several rounds of IV antacid medications. He will be assessing if the obstructed area is inflammation from the ulcer, a stricture or both. From there he can determine what we should do to correct it (meds, dilation, surgery or a combination). We really have no way of knowing how long Alex will be in the hospital until we know more from the endoscopy.
Again, thank you all for your prayers. I think Alex will feel better once there is a concrete plan in the works. Please continue to pray for the previous requests-Peace, calm and comfort for Alex and wisdom and guidance for the doctors. All of the doctors have been great about giving us time to ask questions and voice concerns about potential treatment plans. It is such a blessing to have providers who listen well and explain treatments thoroughly.
Love to you all...
1 comment:
Alex and Gina,
I'm new to the blog (found the link while going through old emails.)
Glad to hear your experience with the Mayo docotrs and staff has been positive.
I was impressed with their patient focused dedication and patience with all the questions while I was there with my sister Melissa after her pancreas transplant. I commented to more than one person that if I needed great medical care and answers it's the place I would want to be.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Dan and Lisa
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