Damian: Great Joy!

Last Wednesday Damian (8 y/o), our eldest grandchild, was admitted to hospital with a painful abdomen. Previously an inflamed appendix (perforated) was diagnosed, and a subsequent appendectomy was performed. On Friday he was discharged.

Unfortunately very soon it became clear that all was not said and done, as was hoped. The wound had become red, swollen and puss was leaking from it.
He was re-admitted on Saturday to the same hospital where an unfortunate, or rather fortunate, clash of concerns caused his parents to have him discharged and re-admitted to another facility.

A new surgeon took over, and late on Sunday night, the wound was opened. An undesired scenario was found with the wound site being infected, but worse was what was found inside.
Blood tests also revealed that every thinkable type of bacteria were doing devastation work.

He was a very sick little boy, and needless to say how concerned everybody was.
Antibiotics were administered and the wait began.

By yesterday morning there was a significant change in the bacteria counts in the blood levels, and we were thankful when this very important hurdle was crossed.

Still feeling sick and feeble -he's been on intravenous feeding since Sunday night - the digestive system had to become active. Ensueing cramps caused much discomfort and pain, and subsequent vomiting told that the system was far from operational.

By this time he had lost more than 2 kgs in weight - quite a lot when considering that his body mass is just below 29kg.

Great joy when early this morning ALL systems became operational and there was enough reason to believe that he was definitely on the mend.

The image (mailed to me by his Dad) shows great joy on receiving the good news about no more needles and probes.

Damian will remain in the ICU till tomorrow, after which he will be transferred to a general ward for a day or two. Then: HOME!!

His words: Hi everybody, I feel great!! I am due for a bed wash and my hair will also be shampoo-ed!
My blood tests are fully normal, and by 5 o'clock am I produced evidence that all systems were back on track!
I have much less pain!

I am hungry, and am looking forward to a plate full of crumpets/flapjacks and syrup, and a big milkshake.
I am ready to go home, but the good doctor said that I still have to stay a while.

Apart from a few aspects not yet fully normal, the doctor seems satisfied with me!

Thank to everybody who has wished me well and prayed for me.

Damian.

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Damian is an avid little rugby player he plays bulletjie-rugby, for those who know, and his biggest concern was: will he be able to run as fast after the operation!
Well, having lost so much eight, I am sure that he will now be so fast that he will run a straight line through the opposition!

Thank you dear Blip friends for your concern and prayers! We are so relieved.