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Dear friends and family,

Daniel was in surgery from 7:30 a.m. until 8:45 p.m. yesterday. There were no complications from surgery (i.e. bleeding or other things) so we are grateful for that. The surgery was very difficult. The bladder wall is normally 1-2 mm and Daniel's in some places was 2 cm, which is a major difference. The bladder did not want to return to its normal shape when Dr. Sheldon put it back in the stomach nor did it want to fit. Dr. Sheldon is very concerned that the bladder might not work. He said if it does not that they might have to do another surgery (besides the ones we discussed). He told me that this is the one thing that we need lots of prayers on. The second problem was that Daniel had 2 major hernias (that is where the intestines come through the muscle wall). This took hours to repair the muscular wall and try to fit the intestines back into the stomach.

The pelvis, I would say, is about ½ of the original size, so that caused a lot of difficulty getting everything to fit. The pelvis was open and not closed into its normal position, which allowed the bladder to go outside the body. The pelvis was broken in two places to put into proper placement. This will cause a lot of pain when they allow him out of sedation. They do have him on a pain drip that should help control the pain. To keep the pelvis in proper from they have him in traction. It will be very hard on Daniel when he wakes up not to be able to move. Daniel's little stomach is so tightly stuffed with the bladder and intestines that we need to pray that skin/muscle wall remains closed. Dr. Sheldon did an excellent job and did everything he could to repair the problems and see to it that they remained repaired.

Prayer requests:

1. That the bladder would function problem and stay within the abdominal cavity.

2. The stomach would remain closed, healthy, and heal keeping everything in their proper places.

3. The pain would be controlled.

4. Daniel would not be frustrated or angry when he wakes up and finds out he cannot move or walk.

5. I would know how to keep him entertained. I am not talented with children so I will need a lot of prayers for strength and endurance since he will be mad and angry when he wakes up and until he is out of traction.

We thank you for your prayers and ask you to continue you praying. Dr. Sheldon says that prayers are still very needed especially for the bladder. I will try to keep you informed. I am home right now since the staff sent me home to sleep so I would have energy when he wakes up. I had been at the hospital since he was admitted. Thank you again for your prayers.

Sincerely,