Ahoy mates. Today we found out our son needs surgery number 16. The skin on his head where the shunt is located is thinning. So, before the skin opens up and exposes the shunt to infection, he needs to have the bad skin removed and replaced with good skin. We had a feeling this was coming, so it didn't come as a surprise. We just hope that his stay isn't too long.

Kenny

Hi Kenny,

I'm really sorry to hear that, I do hope that eveything will be alright.

Must be a worrying time, I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you all.

Good luck and may your God go with you.

Best Regards

Al

May God bless your son and your family.

No cool, I wish you, son and family all the best for better health, may blessings be on you
JB

Hi Kenny,

Sorry to hear that.

Please know that you, your son and family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Rudi

Ken, my Brother, my thoughts, hopes, and prayers are with your boy, as always. . .anything I can possibly do, just let me know, mate.
~Mark

Kenny,

I must have missed something ......

In any case, my thoughts and prayers are with you and and your family.

Wishing your boy all the best !

Later.....

Joe

Prayers for you and your family Ken.

Thank's for your prayers. Prayer is what got us through the last two years.

Joe, you didn't miss anything. Here's his story of the last 2 1/2 years.

Renee went in to labor with 3 months to go in the pregnancy. The doctors held the birth off for 2 weeks and only gave him a 30% chance to live. He stayed in the PICU for the first 112 days. While he was there, he never had to go on a ventilator, something unheard of for a premature baby. the little squirt managed to break his leg and get a bone infection. While treating that infection, he caught meningitis. Ian was the kid that, when the doctor said that "this rarely happens", it happened to him. After he went home, he developed hydrocephalus. Children with hydrocephalus are also called water head babies. The spinal fluid doesn't drain from around the brain properly. A shunt need to be put in to drain the fluid either in to the belly or the heart (that's where his is). After his first shunt was placed and then clogged, we were transfered to Childrens Hospital in New Orleans. From there he was in and out of the hospial for 13 shunt replacements. Scar tissue in his belly was keeping it from draining properly. He was awaiting surgery #14 in New Orleans when Katrina hit. He slept through the worst hurricane in history. They came home 3 days later. 2 weeks later he was in the hospial here where he had #14 as a temporary fix until we could get him to his doctor who was now in Monroe (north Louisiana). That process was sped up with the arrival of Hurricane Rita.He was evacuated by C-130 to Barksdale AFB and then to Monroe where his doctor was waiting. #15 placed the drain in his heart and he's been doing great ever since. He's walking, trying to talk and overall, just being a little boy. The skin over the shunt has thinned and we have been watching it for the last 6 months. Now, it's time to fix it - #16.

He's a walking, talking miracle and one tough lil' gator. He comes out of surgery with a smile on his face. Like his name says, he's a gift.

Kenny

Kenny,

I had no idea........DOUBLE PRAYERS from me for the little one !

The best to you all,

Joe

Kenny,
Hope all goes well.
We'll be praying for all of you.
Gary

Your son, yourself and your family are in my prayers. Walk strong brother....

G'day Kenny

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this very trying time.

You tell lil Gator to hang in there I know he's the bravest little guy around.

Regards

Sean

Thank you guys. I consider all of y'all my extended family.

Kenny

Hi Kenny

Late as usual, but after I read this, I can only say You and your family are in my prayers
Good luck
Rui (aka Skipper)

Well. It's scheduled for tomorrow morining. We had to step things up a bit because the dry heat from the heater is drying out the old skin. I should know somthing by at least noon.

Kenny

Kenny~
Yes I also had on idea!!!
Prayers and a God Bless to you and your family!!!!
Ron

Would have said something sooner but this is the first I noticed this.

I send you and your son my prayers.

Ahoy mates. Here's an update. The nurse jumped the gun. Ian is to be admitted today and surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. Geez. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. We had a snafu at the checkup Friday, then the fuel pump went out on the car yesterday evening (Renee took her sister's car), and now this foul up in communications.

Kenny

Hey Kenny

Hang in there buddy.

We have had the same "issues" with heathcare here in New Zealand.

Been through the same thing with my boys all three have been in hospital at some time and we are always at A & E.

Hey they know our names when we walk in.

I can understand your frustration and worry.

I am sure it will pan out all fine for lil Gator.

Keep us posted.

Regards

Sean

It's all said and done. Surgery lasted about an hour. The doc removed the old skin and then sewed up the skin. He's laying in recovery now holding court, talking to everyone and showing them all his sign language signs. 5 days of antibiotics and they should be home Tuesday.
Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts. We really appreciate it.

Kenny

Glad to hear everything went well.

Good news Kenny!
Safe recovery (from this side of the Ocean)

Rui (aka Skipper)

That's fantastic news, Gator. . .
Laissez les bon temps rouler, mate!

Hi Kenny,

Great news, a speedy recovery to the little one.

Cheers

Al