Monday, August 5, 2013

Lily's Intestinal Malrotation


Not only did God make Lily Grace beautiful on the outside, 
He made her unique and exquisite on the inside too!

Lily has complete situs inversus totalis, 
which means all of her organs are situated 
on the opposite side of her body.
 Lily's organs are arranged similar to the photo on the right.

For the past 9 months, Lily has complained of severe
belly pain, and has experienced bouts of intense retching.
An upper GI last week revealed that Lily has intestinal malrotation.
Obstruction caused by volvulus or Ladd's bands
 is a potentially life-threatening problem. 
The bowel can stop functioning and intestinal tissue can die,
from lack of blood supply if an obstruction
 isn't recognized and treated. 
Volvulus, especially, is an emergency situation, 
with the entire small intestine in jeopardy.

So tomorrow morning, at 11:30am Lily will have intestinal surgery.
Since Lily's anatomy is so unique, 
the surgery will begin as exploratory
while they figure out where all of her anatomy is exactly.
During the surgery, which is called a Ladd procedure
the intestine is straightened out, the Ladd's bands are divided,
the small intestine is folded into one side of the abdomen, 
and the colon is placed on the other side. 

Because the appendix is usually found on the left side 
of the abdomen when there is malrotation 
(normally, the appendix is found on the right), 
it is removed. Otherwise, should Lily ever develop appendicitis, 
it could complicate diagnosis and treatment. 


Lily and I have been hanging out in the hospital since Saturday.
Lily has been on IV Heparin from the evening we arrived
because we needed to stop her Coumadin 
several days before the surgery.

This surgery is considered high risk due to her heart,
and her clotting disorder.

Please be praying for a safe surgery,
and that the surgeons are able to fix her intestines
and bring her belly relief!

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. 
There we will receive his mercy, 
and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
Hebrews 4:16



9 comments:

  1. Intercessory prayer going up for Lily, from my heart to God's ear. Be blessed Rancourts.

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  2. Will be praying for Lily's surgery tomorrow and for the hands of the doctors who will be doing the procedure! Thinking of all of you :)

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  3. Prayers for complete success and complete healing!

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  4. Lord God....the mighty physician and creator of all things and all miracles...we ask in Jesus precious name for a successful surgery and complete healing without any complications for this precious child. You love her more than anyone as you made her "fearfully and wonderfully" please give her family grace and strength and all medical staff that deal with her divine wisdom. AMEN

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  5. Keeping Miss Lily in my prayers! And, she has definitely been in my thought and on my mind over the past couple of days. I'm being specific in asking Jesus to take away any desire to eat & drink while she can't and that she will Want to do both when she can! ; ) I've been following along on FB. Also praying for you, Mommy. Knowing the difficult moments when you want to do anything to make her comfortable, yet knowing that there are just times that you, as "Mama" can't. It is a wonderful thing that she is so loved by the nursing staff, because they will do pretty much anything they can to ease her pain and discomfort! (I'm a former Peds R.N., so I know the love and efforts that go into caring for a hurting child.)
    I hope that the rest of your sweet family has all that you need, as you are once again separated for awhile.
    Hugs to Lily and All of the R Family. ~ Jo Moseley

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  6. Sending prayers and best wishes from PEI Canada.

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  7. Hoping Lily is ok and I will keep her in our prayers!

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  8. What a beautiful little girl. Let us know how she is doing!

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  9. Hoping all is well with Miss Lily and her family!

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