Happy New Year!!! 2017 is here and our little family is excited, nervous, optimistic and unsure. So many emotions as we get ready for January 25th. What is happening January 25th you ask?? Jarrett will undergo a surgery called the Mitrofonoff. Basically it is a bladder augmentation (making his bladder bigger) and having a tunnel (using his appendix tissue) placed inside his belly button that will connect to his bladder so he can self cath. Here is a link to explain it better: Mitrofonoff Procedure
Jarrett is fully aware of his procedure and what it is for. He made this decision on his own over the last year to have this surgery after many, many tests to ensure it would be perfect for our boys as well as many appointments with his urologist Dr. Zderic at CHOP to discuss. This procedure will give him even more independence and eliminate his risk of infections for UTI's which has been plaguing his little life lately. The biggest benefit will be to not have to wear diapers or pull-ups anymore. He is over the moon excited about that aspect. More than anything, he just wants to wear underwear like everyone else. That is truly the only aspect of Spina Bifida that bothers him.
Many keep asking us what we need during this time. Honestly, we do not know because this is new to us. What we do know is that Jarrett and myself (Kerri) will be in the hospital for a minimum of 7 days. His recovery after release from CHOP will be a minimum of 4 weeks and maximum (depending on how he heals) 8 weeks. Jason will be off from work and around to help with Tyler to keep his life as normal as possible while Jarrett is at the hospital. We plan to tag team back and forth to ensure I am able to get some rest because the recovery will be long and hard for Jarrett and myself and so I get to have some time with Tyler. Once we come home, it will be the boys and I alone as Jason has to go back to work.
What we really need is for prayers. Prayers for the surgeon Dr. Zderic so this procedure is perfect and has no complications as God guides his hands to help our son. Prayers for strength for our family and especially Jarrett. This surgery is 12 hours long and the recovery is hard. We need prayers of endurance and peace as well as the ability to find God's blessings through this next part of our SB journey.
When his trial is over and little man is all better, he will be wearing underwear!!! This will be a huge TTSB (take that Spina Bifida) life changing moment. I will do my best to capture many moments, good and bad, throughout the process. Not only for us, but for other families who choose to take this road for their little SB warrior. I made the choice when Jarrett was chosen by God to be my child that I would do all that I could to pay it forward by actions, advice and experience. What better way to show Gods glory than to share it.
I will post updates via this blog and Facebook throughout. Keep us in your prayers.
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