Big Exhale

Good news…We met with Matthew’s surgeon today and the situation isn’t as dire as the radiologist made it seem. Matthew does have malrotated intestines that do need to be fixed, but since he is asymptomatic and the upper GI showed no blockages, it isn’t an immediate concern. We are to be on the lookout for symptoms of a blockage and then would go immediately to the ER and into surgery but that risk is small. So, we are scheduled for surgery on July 27—Matthew’s 5 month birthday.

We learned a few things talking with the surgeon.

1. The reason why there is a higher risk of blockages and twisting in a malrotated intestine is not because the intestine is on the wrong side but because the connective tissue is often too close together to prevent twists and turns.

2. The surgeon will go in laproscopically and examine the connective tissue.

a. If the connections are far enough apart, he will just close him up.

b. If the connections are too close, he’ll make new connections.

c. If there is blockage or twists, he’ll have to make repairs and probably open him up.

3. Matthew’s appendix will come out because it is on the left side and there is concern of appendicitis misdiagnosis.

4. As with every surgery, there is risk but this is a common surgery.

5. This probably isn't the cause of feeding problems.

6. If all goes as planned, we expect Matthew will be in the hospital 24 hours and not be able to lift weights at the gym for 2-3 weeks after. (His bodybuilding days will have to wait.)

Now we can finally take a deep breath. Since the radiologist told us on Tuesday “He has a malrotation, which could cause his intestines to twist, which can lead to him having to be on an IV the rest of his life or die” and reading “In infants, the mortality rate ranges from 2-24%” I’ve been freaking out thinking I would lose my sweet baby Matthew. Most thankfully, from what the surgeon explained today, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Thank God! And thank you for keeping Matthew and our family in your thoughts & prayers!