Out

This surgery was quite a bit more intense than her first one. She had a major infection going, the surgeon was amazed that she hadn't felt worse earlier. He felt that he was able to clean it all out pretty well. She has some significant short-term hurtles to get over in the form of swelling and possible reinfection, but we take it as a sign of her tenacity that the original infection didn'tknock her off her feet. He decided that she didn't need to spend the night in the ICU, so that also is a positive sign.

Mostly as a barometer of his outlook for her recovery, I asked when she might be able to return to work. If all goes well and comlications are limited, then he said she can be back in 6 to 8 weeks from today. That may seem like a long time, but it made me feel good to hear. We just need to get her well--nothing else matters before that.

Based on what he said, I think Jenny is going to be pretty uncomfortable for a little while. She will probably stay in hospital for 7 to 10 more days. My only goal will be to alleiviate her discomfort and keep her on a healing course.

Beyond the initial issues of swelling and infection, which her surgeon is pretty positive about regarding her capacities for fighting off, she has a great deal of healing to do in her intestines. There is a longish road ahead; please keep her in your hearts and minds (I know you will).