Jimm Update June 10th

Our friend remains in surgical critical care in the Gudelsky Building at University. The level of care that Jimm is receiving is phenomenal. First, I'll mention that he has been stable today and is resting quietly. He was able to slightly wiggle his toes for his nurse Karin.. but this was all he would do. Too far into la-la-land I guess. His nurse has him as her only patient for a 12 hour shift. She tends to only him and his every need, one on one. I have come to understand that this hospital, with this excellent team in attendance, is one of the best centers in the country at treating pancreatic problems. Jimm could not be receiving better care.

In the last post I referred to an operative procedure which is called a wash out. Jimm received his first on Thursday morning. At this time a large abdominal incision was made to facilitate checking the pancreas and other areas for damage, to clean out tissue that is compromised due to sepsis, and to relieve pressure of excess fluids that had built up. Before he was moved back to the room, tubes were inserted for drainage and the incision was covered and protected carefully.. but will remain open for easy access. A second round was completed Friday in the AM. During this one they found a small portion of Jimm's pancreas that is in pretty bad shape. When they go in again Tuesday they will decide whether to remove this or not. The pancreas is still very fragile and inflamed, and distressingly, still doing damage to itself pumping out digestive enzymes that are not going where they should. The doctors are hoping this will stop soon. Due to the surgeries Jimm has had about 7 units of blood replaced so far. As mentioned earlier, it is thought that numerous wash outs will have to be performed.

Due to the advanced stage of Jimm's ailment, and the fact that the procedures I have just described will make for very slow healing of the wound site and possibly call for skin grafts, recovery will be long-term. Current estimates seem to fall into the area of 3 months in the hospital.. and an additional 3 months in a combination of skilled nursing care facilities, rehab and home. A long trek.

On a good note, Dr. Johnson(see last post)says he is not too worried that Jimm's kidneys are just putting out a minimal amount.. at least it's something. The kidneys seem to stick their heads in the sand and shut down during trauma, but often restore themselves when it passes.. we'll see.

More soon.

aw