A few minutes ago I spoke to the doctor. Penny is out of surgery and in the PACU (post anesthesia care unit). I'll probably see her within an hour or so.
He was able to place the GJ tube. He had to navigate through some narrow spots (partial blockages), but it sounds like he is happy with the placement. He noted, however, that peristalsis (the waves of contractions the intestines use to move things along) is not functioning very well. This isn't surprising given her recent symptoms (pain, nausea, lots of gurgling and general gut discomfort). He couldn't tell from the imaging used during the procedure if this is due to a blockage farther downstream or due to something else.
He is quite confident that the G-part (stomach) will work well to relieve pressure and reduce nausea. We won't know how well she will tolerate using the J-part (intestines) until we try it.
As a "bonus", while she was under anesthesia anyway, he was able to perform a procedure on her port, which has been pretty finicky lately -- including this morning. Over time, a sheath of tissue can build up around the end of the tube going from the port into the vein, and from Penny's description of the issues she has been having, he was pretty sure that was the cause. Turns out it was a combination of that and being adhered to the wall of the vein. But he was able to get it detached from the vein wall and strip away the sheath. The port seems to be working well. Given how often we use the port (for hydration and other infusions, blood draws, IV meds, etc.), it will be good to have it working more reliably. Likely this means she won't have to have an IV in her arm while we are in the hospital -- unless they placed one for surgery and decide to leave it in for now.
In short: Things went as well as they could have.
Penny will be in the hospital at least overnight. It sounds like the biggest determining factor regarding discharge will be how well she tolerates using the tube(s).
Comments
Marie VanderLinde : Very grateful for so many good things today!
Tony Holmes Curran: So happy to hear this!!!
Andrea Turner: What a huge milestone to have this particular tube placed. As you say, it will probably take a bit for Penny's body to get used to having something new. I hope you both can enjoy relief from having completed the initial part of this process!
Scott Vander Linde: Very thankful to hear this! Praying for post-op strength!
Pamela Plantinga: Thanks so much for letting us know. I am thankful that surgery went so well!!
Herm De Vries: An answer to prayer! Thank you for the update.
Susan Langeland: Iām giving God thanks for your good news!
Barbara Bjelland: Dear Penny is in our thoughts and prayers, as are you Randy. You both are so full of love.
John Witvliet: We are grateful!
Jeffrey Schra: Giving thanks with you for this good report--including the bonus procedure on the port! Praying for a good recovery from the surgery and that Penny will be able to use both the G and J tubes.
Susan Norman: So thankful for a good report!
George Monsma, Jr.: Giving thanks to God for the successful surgery, and praying for a good recovery and use of the tubes and port.
Alisa Tigchelaar: Praying for all these things now, Randy, for dearest Penny. š And for the family. Grateful for "things went as well as they could have." Thank you for these updates.
Patricia Boer Fischer : Soooooo Thankful 4 A Good Report, Prayin š Penny Will Have Some Comfortable Day's Ahead šš!! Thankin God 4the Sucessful Surgery..Amen!! Sendin Ya's Hugg's, Love ā¤ļø & Prayers š Ur Waaaaay!! Love ā¤ļø 2Ya's Patricia Boer Fischer & Mike
Sara Vander Bie: What good news! Thanks for sharing, Randy. Continuing to pray for you all.
Teri Warners: So glad things went well. Thanks for the update.
Jim Ludema: Glad to hear things went well. Love to Penny.