The longest Day so far

Dearest friends!

Christopher and I started out January 7th with anticipation. He had been able to spend the night at home, and we were being sent to Groote Schuur Hospital for an early morning procedure. We arrived at the Radiology department early, and were the first patients to be seen. My heart sank as I noticed blood in Christopher's nephrostomy bag. There had been no trace of this for days, and this was therefore surely a sign that something was wrong.

The Radiologist seemed confident that they could proceed though, and attempted to insert a stent via his nephrostomy site. The unknown problem was that the nephrostomy had begun migrating out, and only the tip was remaining in tact. As soon as the dye was inserted, the liquid began spilling into his abdominal and peritoneal space. This meant instant pain for Christopher. I was in the waiting room reading, and suddenly heard screams of agony. I was hoping this would be temporary. The suffering continued however, at which point I 'came unglued' as well. Needless to say the procedure had to be stopped, which now meant he was without his nephrostomy, which allows the urine from the graft kidney to drain into the catheter bag.

Christopher was sent via ambulance back to Red Cross Children's Hospital, and I drove there. He was considered an emergency case now, and the Doctors attempted to book Theater time. At this point it was Noon. Christopher was beginning to get very bloated, as the urine still had no place but the abdominal cavity to go! The discomfort grew by the hour. He could not lie down or sit, and remained standing upright.

By 8 p.m., he was finally admitted into the Operating Theater, to firstly drain the fluid from his abdominal cavity and also for a scope to try and insert the much needed stent to relieve the blockage. These two procedures were successful and there was instant relief.

In the meantime, Andrea was due to fly back to Arizona that evening. So good friends of ours stepped in and helped us with the airport arrangements as well as staying with Christopher. By the time I saw him again it was midnight, and he was in a good deal of pain. He needed to be catheterized immediately, which provided much needed relief again. By 1 am I fell into bed, grateful that Andrea was safely on the plane headed for the US, and that Christopher was under control in the Hospital.

As it was the last day of the Summit Course, the rest of the family was still at the Camp site. I assured Peter that we were fine, and was very grateful to our good friends for their helping hand.

God is the Healer and we rest in Him. Christopher is once again on the mend and we hope to have him home in the next few days. He will need to return for a permanent removal of the stent in a few weeks time. Thank you for your prayers, that no infection would take place during this time.

My next challenge is starting the school year! I feel quite unprepared, and am trusting the Lord for some tutorial help for several subjects. I would appreciate your prayers.

We love you, and are so grateful to be able to share our ups as well as our downs with you.

Lots of love,

Lenora and family