I have to go into surgery this Saturday July 4th so please keep me in your prayers, this is why:
Jejunal Atresia
Jejunal atresia is a genetic disorder in which people are born missing part of the fold of the stomach membrane that connects the small intestine to the back wall of the abdomen. As a result, one of the three portions of the small intestine (the jejunum) twists around one of the arteries of the colon called the marginal artery and causes a blockage (atresia). Jejunal atresia is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in the newborn.[1][2] The defect may occur alone (isolated) or with other birth defects. The symptoms and treatment vary from patient to patient.
Surgery update
My family and I wish to thank you all for your blessings and prayers. The surgery went well, I'm recovering from a small incision above my belly button and another on my side for the G tube (Gastronomy tube) The doctor's found that I was missing 3/4 of my colon and some of it had to be removed because it wasn't working. The rest was connected together, so my colon is alot smaller than the average baby.
In a week I will try to use my intestines to see if they're working properly. If I don't have a bowel movement, I will be given something to help me, but if I still can't then I will have to get another surgery. If that doesn't work or anything else I will have to get a transplant. So Please keep praying that I won't need one, cause it will take even longer for me to go home.
NEW UPDATE I had my first bowel movement but my doctor is giving me antibiotics because I had a fever yesterday so she thinks I may have an infection.
NEW UPDATE 7/14/09
Today my family finally met with my surgeon and my neonatal doctor. The 3/4 that I'm missing is the most important it's the ileocecal valve. That's what helps me digest my food properly. Although I'm having bowel movements, it's not all coming out so they have to help me get rid of the rest through a tube in my mouth and another in my stomach. I can't drink milk yet but I'm getting the vitamins I need through my I.V. because of this my liver is getting some damage to it, so I have to take some omega fish oil to help protect it. Doctor's said that should work out fine but I'll be staying in the hospital for several months they can't say how long exactly, just that it's gonna be a long road.
My intestines have to adapt to my body, and my body has to adapt to them to get them to work properly. In the mean time because of the tubes in me I'm very prone to infections. They said after I go home it could be about 2 years in total to a full recovery. So I hope that you guys don't stop praying for me because I totally believe in miracles, and the laws of attraction. So I plan on being home for Christmas. I need you guys to believe and pray for me to be completely well and with the best working colon on Earth!
NEW UPDATE 7/18/09
I had another surgery on Thursday 7/16/09 to have a PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) or (feeding tube) inserted into my chest. This is for the TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) Since I can't drink milk yet I have to get my vitamins some how. I had two small incisions one for the tube to go into and the other for the tube to come out through. So far everything is going good, there's not a lot of stuff coming out of the tubes in my mouth and stomach. That's a good thing, so thank you for all the praying my family and I are very grateful. XO
NEW UPDATE 7/27/09
I no longer need the tube in my mouth, cause there wasn't much coming out any more. My doctor said I'm anemic and I need blood.
I had an X-ray taken of my colon to see how it's looking so far and it's still dilated. My doctor said it's going to be a while for it to become a normal size.
NEW UPDATE 7/31/09
Great news for me today. I finally get to have some milk. Although, I won't be able to taste it. My stomach will be very happy to have some real food inside. Please pray that my colon accepts the milk with no problems.
NEW UPDATE 8/1/09
Thank you one and all for donating blood to me. My doctor said I have enough blood for now with plenty extra if needed.
NEW UPDATE 8/15/09
I had a blood transfusion on 8/10/09 because I was very pale and weak. It's still low because of the many analysis done to me, but I'm okay for now. My stomach is really big right now because my colon didn't accept the milk I was given, so I can't have any milk for now. Although I'm still going poopy my colon is just not working how it should. I got the tube put in my mouth again to help get my stomach back down to size. I'm back on antibiotics just for precaution. My mommy is spending the night with me, cause the doctor said I need lots of love and attention from my family. Please keep me in your prayers.
NEW UPDATE 8/29/09
My colon hasn't improved is still dilated, so it's just not working like it should. I'm not pooping as much anymore. So next thursday I will be going into my 3rd surgery. This time a specialist from Miami will be coming in to do the S.T.E.P.(serial tranverse enteroplasty) surgery on me. My doctor said this should make me all better. After I recuperate from this one, I'll finally be moved out of the NICU and into a
regular room.
9/25/09
On 9/11/09 I had another blood transfusion this time I was given a bit extra to prepare me for the surgery. I had a successful S.T.E.P. surgery on 9/14/09 and now my stomach looks a lot smaller, almost normal size. A few days later I began pooping. The doctors did not expect that to happen so soon. So they did some X-rays and checked my colon for any leaks with some liquid dye, there are no leaks everything looks great. On 9/24/09 I was fed some milk again through my feeding tube, just a few drops to start me off with. So far, so good I haven't vomited any of it. So I'll be getting more milk soon, yay!
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Especially my mommy whose been by my side day and night for the past month and a half XO
A Healing Prayer for Brooke
May the One who was a source of blessing for our ancestors, bring blessings of healing upon (Brooke Lynn Curcio), a healing of body and a healing of spirit. May those in whose care they are entrusted be gifted with wisdom and skill, and those who surround them be gifted with love and trust, openness and support in their care. And may they be healed along with all those who are in need. Blessed are You, Source of healing.
I send you all my love and lots of hugs and kisses. My family really appreciates all of the good wishes and prayers. Thank you so much and God bless you all!
