Spring Break Fun!

Despite all of the medical stuff it's actually been a fun and productive Spring Break.  We've planted our spring vegetable seeds, raked in our first batch of home composted fertilizer, made playdough, done science experiments, caught bugs (I stayed out of that business, but apparently Evie is an expert spider catcher), caught lizards (again, not my territory!), made the front driveway into a chalk mural and did the famous Pinterest cookie sheet of baking soda and eye dropper of colored vinegar activity.

Of course on Monday we also had the great fun of a colonoscopy.  We had a very early hospital report time of 6am which meant Robbie was scheduled first, but unfortunately one of our surgeon's admitted patients was not doing well and he had to rush her to surgery.  Our earnest prayers were with him and that patient's family as we waited.  Of course we wanted to get out of there but were thankful that we were healthy, comfortable and well as we waited!

When Robbie did get seen it was discovered that he has a "very redundant colon" essentially meaning that his large intestine is longer than it needs to or would be in a "normal" person.  What this translates in to is that he sort of has a "poo rollercoaster" (as our friends the Leslie's so eloquently put it)!  The Doc explained that there are lots of twists and turns, ups and downs in Robbie's colon that most people don't necessarily have.  While this isn't necessarily considered problematic, these twists and ups make lots of places for gas and waste to get trapped and cause pressure or pain.  The doctor feels that this was probably a condition present prior to the hernia surgery in August that started this "adventure" we are currently on.  While this likely was pre-existing, the sedentary condition that Robbie has been in between the ongoing pain, hospitalizations and work load trying to catch up at school between medical appointments has likely exacerbated that difficulties that can be caused by a redundant colon.

Sooooo.....  It was off to the chiropractor yesterday.  Robbie had been being seen and receiving physical therapy for a congenital back deformity in the spring of last year.  It isn't anything serious, but after years of back pain it was finally discovered that his lowest vertebra is fused to his pelvis and he is missing the disk that would normally be between the two.  The chiro was astounded by everything Robbie has been through medically the past 6 months and noticed pretty extensive changes in both his strength and range of motion upon testing.  So, lots of walking...  Back to physical therapy...  And home exercises...  Periodic adjustments...  We feel confident that now that the adhesions are gone he will be able to get back to an active lifestyle and a routine that includes more exercise to help decrease these issues.

Tomorrow.  Tomorrow is the big day.  The day of the Lumbar Puncture.  We covet your prayers that this come back negative for meningitis.  If it doesn't we WILL conquer it.  But.  We are tired.  And are having faith that this is NOT what is next for Robbie.  Please join us there!  We continue to be thankful for the many people in our lives who continue to ask about and pray for our situation.  We are grateful!