In His Eyes

For roughly 48 hours Caed was in a constant state of pain and discomfort. Not from the incision, but rather all the air found trapped in his gut, along with constipation. When I say it was constant....I literally mean NO RELIEF.....none. It was absolutely heart-wrenching to see, or rather hear. Caed has experienced MUCH pain over these last 4 years; however, most was back in 2008. There is one other time in which watching him suffer almost proved to be too much. Gallbladder attacks last summer......which oddly have lead us to our present suffering. We were quickly taken back to a place in which no parent should have to sit by helplessly and watch. We found ourselves in a catch 22. He desperately needed relief! But which do you address first? The cause or the effect? He was given just about everything possible at the hospital to help things "begin moving." It was awful. Absolutely awful. Severe cramping was then brought on from those drugs. So, then we moved to pain management. Anything....to help control the misery he was in. However, these drugs are known to "stop you up." Ahhhhh! We tried everything. Warm pack...walking.....specific foods (which he fought us hard on the last 2!) Caed was exhausted. Todd and I were exhausted. When you find yourself thrown back in this vicious life.....you do what you have to do. Survival mode kicks in, and tough (((tough))) love becomes your number 1 priority.

However....every story must have a happy ending, and this one is no different. Yesterday at lunch I came home from school to check in on Caed and Todd. I could see the back of his head sitting on the couch. But, as he turned around and we made eye contact, I knew.

Pain had indeed left the building!

Caed's eyes were back. His smile was back. His voice was back (had not heard him really talk in 4 days....only moans, cries, and screams). He stood up (yes, a little hunched) and walked toward me. DRASTIC CHANGE! He was so excited to tell me he had pooped 4 times! (remember in Short Gut World....your life revolves around this!)

Caed is back. He may walk slower....a little hunched back....and literally skin and bones, but none of that matters. To see his smile. To finally hear his contagious laugh. Is enough.

We will head back to see Dr. G tomorrow. Now that our plumbing issues have worked themselves out, we will turn our focus and PRAYERS on incision healing. ONCE and FOR ALL!

Thank you again for all the prayers voiced for our little warrior. I told you I would share an amazing (God) story from this weekend. I have not forgotten. Once we have caught up on our sleep and get unpacked from our latest hospital stay, I promise to share it with you. Just wanted to let you know your sweet prayers for Caed were heard and ANSWERED!! We love you all!

(Caed is still experiencing sporadic pain spells...nothing like before, but Lord willing, even those will be gone very SOON!)