One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Tomorrow would have marked the two week point of being out of the hospital, but today I cut that achievement short. These past couple of days have been rather challenging. I have dealt with my abdomen being very swollen and distended, painful, and uncomfortable. Yesterday it measured out to 93 centimeters. After multiple images were done yesterday, we realized my intestines just are not working. My colon is not performing its jobs like it should. Today we called my doctors again and they came to the conclusion that this decline can no longer be handled at home. So I was admitted to P5 around 2:45 today. I heard the news and put on some makeup and curled my hair, it was my way of pulling on my “big girl undies” and gearing up.

While it made me feel crushed and numb, I was quickly surrounded by a bubble of love. Everyone on the floor here welcomed me with smiles and hugs. It made me realize what a wonderful place this can truly be. It is the fleck of sunlight you see at the bottom of a dark ocean. My team of doctors are also amazing. My spectacular GI doctor, whom we refer to as Doctor Socks, is not on service so we are working with his colleague. He has the most gentle disposition and is so kind. They are all working so hard to figure this out. I truly trust that they are trying everything in their power to help me.

I have begun a vigorous and aggressive treatment to help my gut. I just had the first one done, so I am currently savoring my Zofran and Naproxen. My heat pack is running and I have the softest blanket laying upon me. The most relaxing part of my treatment so far has been the Healing Touch ladies. They are two wonderful ladies who come in and hover their hands above you as they transfer positive energy. As weird as it sounds, I felt so much peace. I felt their warm energy run up and down my body, easing my nerves and transporting my mind to a tranquil place. I was finally able to escape from the hum of machines and doctors hurrying to find answers. I rested in serenity as my beautiful cross lay besides me.

What these upcoming days hold is unknown to me. Lately everything has been full of the unknown. We do know however that my appointment at Milwaukees Children Hospital for a colonic manometry could not come soon enough. It is not even scheduled yet, and this would be to only meet with a doctor. We are planning on calling Nationwide and trying to get me in as soon as possible. We need answers. We really need to see what the motility of my colon is doing, and find answers to this rapid decline. While my future is unknown, I know that everything will be okay. I will continue to fight, pray, hope, laugh, and be joyous.

Tonight my Mom and I will pray for answers and relief from my pain. We lay our issues upon God, and pray He will guide us down this windy path.

Love and Hugs,

Isabelle

UPDATE: I just felt my spirits soar high and felt my belly fill with laughter as I watched the sweetest videos from the amazing choir at my school. I feel so much love and appreciation for all of them. For those in on it, I am singing my thanks back!