Earp's on the fritz...impending surgery..

[Wyatt Earp]

I've been away from the forum for awhile and just wanted to let you guys know that I am going to be having major surgery on July 5th. Today is the second day of liquids only in preparation for the event. I will be on liquids for 15 days....5 days prior to surgery and 10 days after.

The lower esophageal sphincter which is supposed to open to allow food to pass from the esophagus into the stomach does not function in my case and i have had a battery of tests to confirm that. I have a huge diverticulum (the size of a softball) projecting from my esophagus that must be surgically removed.

Basically....here's what the're going to do:

Suction any debris from my lungs that may have gathered from the frequent aspiration.

cut me from the bottom of my ribs, up under my arm all the way to just under my shoulder blade....and remove the diverticulum...and stitch up my esophagus.

Make a 6 inch incision down the center of my belly, below the diaphram, through which they can cut the sphincter muscle to weaken it. They will take part of my stomach and rebuild the valve within the sphincter.

I'll wake up with 2 drains and a feeding tube, which I'll keep for a couple weeks. One drain is for my chest cavity....while the other is for my stomach, so the j-tube will be inserted directly into my small intestine rtaher than into the stomach which is more typical.

It's quite invasive, and the hospital stay will be from 7-10 days. I will be out of commission for at least a month.

Just starting my second day of liquids only..and already have the skitters. The folks at charmin are gonna make a mint off of me for the next few weeks.

On a bright note.....I have managed to get out a few times this spring...and have put 5 more silver coins in my pouch. Looks like I won't be able to bend real good until fall though, so it looks like I'll hang the detector up for awhile.

Hey Greg....my grass is finally starting to grow...

See you girls in the funny papers if they don't kill me.

Wyatt

[warsawdaddy]

Hey,Wyatt.You've really got a mess to go thru there,but hang in there and everything will be so much better when it's over and done with.If you're like me,the stay in the hospital is worse than the at home recovery time.I have included you in some prayers and asked that pain be small and recovery quick and full.God Bless and looking forward to you getting back with us.

[JohnWPA]

Wyatt....So sorry to hear this but I'm glad you still in good humor...my prayers are with you.....you'll be back healthy and MDing!

John

[Wyatt Earp]

Thanks guys......

I'm not looking forward to it much, but there's very little to be gained by being in a foul mood on top of everything else, so I'll maintain my dignity at least until the morphine drip starts. No telling what'll happen after that. ...

The hospital stay is gonna be a drag.....and the thought of a week or better with nothing but cable TV was more than I could bear....so I'm taking a portable DVD player with me. Actually the wife will be bringing it on about the 3rd day or so....cuz I'll be too doped up to use it before that.

Wyatt

[Wyatt Earp]

TJ was so freaked out at the news that he went and hid......

Wyatt

[Gregory]

Here's to a fast speedy recovery Let me know what your phone number will be and I'll give ya a call. ...........................Hey, send me a picture of that green grass

[julieburger]

I will be praying for you.

[INDY]

Hey Wyatt, I'll be thinking of you and praying for a speedy recovery. Here's a smilie that I hope will make you laugh alitle bit :

[creekrat]

hope you have a speedy recovery from all this rebuild.keep the faith and everthing will fall in place for you,before you know it you will be pickin and grinin..keep us posted on your recovery ....creekrat

[Joe PA]

Just letting you know that we are wishing the best for you and will keep you in our prayers - We enjoy your posts and appreciate the info you always have to offer.