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Well, Gary has had a couple of better days. He seems to be in a little less pain. The scare with his liver and gall bladder turned out to be complications with the TPN (IV feeding system) thank God. Today is the first day with no fever. They are going to feed him through a tube to supplement what he is eating on his own until he can consume more calories.
His wound is not healing as well as the wound docs would like so they have given us a new proposal. They want to use sterilized maggots to heal his abdominal wound. There are only 3 places in the world that breed the maggots and Dr. Sherman at UCI is the pioneer and that is where we would get them from.
Everyone is on board but Gary. The maggots would be in his wound for 2 days. They would clean out all of the necrotic tissue and give Gary a jump start on his healing.
The thought of the little disgusting things crawling around in Gary's wound gives him the heebee jeebies!
Most of us know that they have been using maggots for thousands of years for many medical purposes.
Last week I had an infestation of maggots in my trash can and the mere sight of them grosses me out. How ironic we are broaching this subject! Let's pray that if the maggot route is the way to go that Gary makes that decision and we move forward with that.
Gary is eating more and talking more and walking more. He can walk with the walker to the door and back with help and that is great for him right now!
So, we will hold on to these past couple of days and pray for more good days for Gary. When his pain does not control his life it makes a HUGE difference!
I am going to spend some time with the boys and take them to Disneyland with Jeff and Joyce (Aunt & Uncle). I am sure they will have a blast!
Kelli and Ed - There are no words to thank you for your kindness! You are both amazing and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Everyone else - The doctors and nurses at Hoag are continually overwhelmed by all of your cards and the stories we tell everyone! We constantly are amazed by all of your support and love and rest assured you have not only blessed our family but you bless everyone we share your acts of kindness with! There have been many tears shed at Hoag when we share our story with everyone! Thank you all so much again and again and again..........over and over and over!
I need to get the boys.
Love to you all,
L
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4 comments:
You would have to knock me unconscience to put maggots in me!!!!! EWWWWWWWW! I understand the purpose and all, but.......(skin crawling). If Gary can get his mind over this he is a superhero for sure! Boy will this give the kids something to talk about!
love you all, TW
I had no idea that this treatment was still in use. According to this article though it seems to make sense:
"The majority of patients do not complain of any major discomfort during the treatment. Psychological and esthetic considerations are obvious. Maggots can occasionally cause a tickling or itching sensation. Approximately 20 to 25% of the patients with superficial, painful wounds, complain of increased pain during treatment with maggots, and are treated with analgesics."
http://dermatology.adisonline.com/pt/re/ajcd/abstract.00128071-200102040-00003.htm;jsessionid=LHyTtsJ0hQgyhRpVg7h1f2QKvnVTpvWMFsycbML029tgxPjxg3R0!609209752!181195628!8091!-1
I'm like Carey, I didn't know this was still being used. Innovative? Make sure Gary isn't watching any "Fear Factor" reruns beforehand!
Lisa - If you are going to be at Joyous '08 on Saturday night, it would be nice to meet you. My girlfriend, who is Director of Children's Ministries at her church, will be at our event and believes she has met you before...Liz Roberts? We are both praying for Gary, you and your boys.
Scott
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