The surgery went well, in that a tremendous amount of scar tissue in Marty's small bowel was removed, along with about 16 inches of intestine. Some scar tissue was adhered to his bladder, which required a small hole being made in his bladder. Dr. Froines said this would heal fairly easily as, as he put it, "the bladder is very forgiving". Marty will have a bladder catheter for about a week until the hole in his bladder heals. Psoas nerves were injured, which will result in numbness in his leg, probably permanently.
The surgery was over 3 hours in length. Once Marty was released to recovery, the medical folks had a very hard time controlling his pain levels, which were extremely high. I had waited for him in the surgery waiting room for 4 hours, and then in his hospital room for another 4 hours. At lastI was called to the recovery area to see him, as they were still struggling to reduce pain to "acceptable" levels. Marty was extremely pale, with a huge incision on his abdomen. He was astonishingly clear thinking, despite huge discomfort, and insisted I go home, as I couldn't stay in the recovery room with him. Thus, I reluctantly left him there, in very capable hands, with kindly and skilled nurses.
The length of his hospital stay will depend on how his bowel heals and begins to function again.
My deep thanks to all who sent emails and texts wishing him well for his surgery, and for texts to check up on me while I waited all the long hours. Huge thanks to Matt for his gracious ride to the hospital today. Thanks to Delia for cookies for the nurses, which were much appreciated.
Once I see him tomorrow, I will report further. I am weary to my bones, but also relieved that the issues of concern were addressed, and the scarred tissues removed successfully. No wonder his digestive system has been so very challenged, as the amount of scar tissue was enormous!
More to follow! Thanks again and love to all who have been so supportive on Marty's behalf!
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