After beginning to settle into being NICU parents, including constant visits from various doctors, long periods of waiting, and the incessant beeping and alarms ringing in the beds around us, our surgeon, Dr. Downey, pronounced his hypothetical diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease. This disease is a congenital condition which involves a blockage of the large intestine due to improper muscle moment in the bowel. Usually, 2 surgeries are required to correct condition. The first surgery is placement of a Stoma, or colostomy bag, to ensure the patient's digestive system can function. The second surgery is the actual repair of the section of the bowel that does not work. During the second surgery, the ineffective area is removed and everything is connected again and the Stoma is removed. Dr. Downey predicts that Etta will have the Stoma placed any day, and will require a return surgery when she is about 6 months old.
So, for those of you who know how patient Jessica can be, this waiting game has become super annoying and frustrating. The most frustrating part is the necessary involvement from the Pathology department. In order to proceed with surgery, the pathology report for gangelion nerve cells has to be 100% correct. Pathology at our hospital did not agree with the 100%, so Dr. Downey transferred the biopsies to Primary Children's Medical Center for a second opinion. After receiving confirmation, surgery was scheduled for 12/13.
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