October 17-18

October 18, 2013

To get caught back up with the whole event...Wednesday night, the evening after the emergency surgery, we met with the doctors and we were told things went well.  1/3 of the large intestine was removed and about 10 cm of small intestine was removed.  It was apparent the E. Coli attacked the intestines as well as the kidneys.  This is very rare and only seen in less than 1% of patients with HUS.  Most of the time, the patients with failing intestine bleed heavily from the anus, see the intestine lining remove itself from the vessel wall and discharge out the anus, and get very angry with their upset bowels and they become aggressive.  Rokus had none of these symptoms so the doctors did not check for it.  During the surgery, the surgeon found the colon to have burst, releasing bacteria into the abdomen and the body cavity.  Many spots of bacteria infection were found on the small intestine which concerned the doctors.  However, for the time being, the doctors saved Rokie's life.  The radiologist reading the CT scan noticed a problem with the bowels.  Because of him, Rokus is still alive.

Rokie still has bacteria in the bowels, vomit in the lungs, and the still-failing kidneys.  Although E. Coli responds negatively to antibiotic treatments, the doctors felt it was critically important to address the bowel infection with antibiotics.  They had to weight the risks.  It turned out the E. Coli had already been fought long enough that when antibiotics were introduced, the toxin levels did not increase.  This was very good news.  After the surgery, the doctors decided to use an adult kidney machine, put Rokus on a ventilator, add antibiotics, and administer various medications to treat the low blood pressure as well as stabilize his vitals.

October 17, 2013

Today is the day after the first day of Hell.  Rokus had emergency surgery for his E. Coli induced HUS and other complications.  Yesterday we were told he might not survive the surgery.  After the surgery, we were told it was successful.  Today we were told he has made improvements which are extremely welcomed.