Heather went in for surgery this morning. They closed up her abdomen about 2 inches on either side of her incision. They did not use the velcro option (It's called a Whitman Patch.), but instead sewed her up using an interrupted stitch (At least I think that's what he called it.). Basically, they sewed individual, disconnected stitches so as to avoid cutting off blood supply to the area of the cut. The surgeon said that in normal cases they would sew up the person using typical stitches in which they are all connected (i.e., one single thread), but with her post-septic state they want to maximize blood flow. He also said that they do not actually sew the skin together but the tough peritoneum, which is the membrane that surrounds and protects the abdomen. They let the skin heal itself from the inside out.
The surgeon said that she looks good, and there were no leaks in her bowel. They washed her out again, and plan to take her back into surgery tomorrow (10/12) and possibly Monday unless they are able to close her up completely tomorrow. He said that her blood is now similar to that of a regular, bad, ICU patient instead being the sickest in the ICU. Her breathing tube will likely come out towards the end of next week. Onward and upward!!!
P.S. She is down to 202 lbs. It's quite a weight loss program that can bring you down 18 pounds in one day!
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Hi Mark, Heather and your family have been in our prayers. Heather's progress sounds better. Thank you for your friendship and I know how much Aimee loves Heather and misses their visiting teaching. God be with you! Justin
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