June 28,2009 update

Zach is still in the hospital and will be there for another couple of days. He is not showing any signs of infection which is what they have been concerned with.

I have been impressed with Zach. Yesterday was the first he was able to eat again since Monday 06/22/2009, and he has not complained (much)....... He has been through so much over the last six months much more than someone should at the age of 17.

Watching the other kids with him has been very impressive as well. Siblings don't always get along, but they hate being away from him as much as I do. They enjoy just sitting with him in the hospital.

As soon as he gets the okay to leave the hospital I will let everyone know.

Zach's latest surgery

Zach had his surgery on Tuesday. He went in at 8:30 and got out at 1:30. They did the ileostomy takedown surgery first. That one is considered a "dirty surgery" because it involves the bowels, then they cleaned him up completely and the re-prepped him for the hernia repair and the scar revision. Dr Granger, Zach's trauma surgeon and Dr Fryer, Zach's plastic surgeon came out and advised that he did well and the plastic surgeon said……"Dr Granger did all of the work….. I just made him pretty". Zach isn't sure how pretty the scar is. It's still a twelve inch scar, but we cheerfully point out to him that at least it no longer looks like he has a bum on his stomach.

He has not been able to eat since Monday and they won't allow him to until things start working their way out (he has to poop). We watched tv last night and Zach has become painfully aware of how many commercials are about food. We are crossing our fingers that today will be the day.

I will keep everyone aware of any changes and when he is expected to be released from the hospital. We are hopeful that this will be his last surgery for a while. He does have to meet with the orthopedic surgeon because his hip is causing him quite a bit of pain.