Things are getting better...

Yesterday Nate was able to go and have his stitches removed. The doctor felt like it was the first time that he could tell Nate that he actually looked like he had a little charisma to him. Nate continues to push forward everyday, looking forward to the day that he will feel 100% himself. He has been stuggling with some upset stomach and attributes not feeling that well to withdrawl from the medication that he was on for so long in the hospital.
Thanks to mom and dad he has someones attention 24/7 and believe me they have given him the time and energy they could to help him get through this, Nate is so thankful to all of those who have visited and dropped by or called to show how much they care!! Thanks a million times THANKS!

Who Dat!!

We are very pleased to announce that Nate was released from the hospital on Sunday afternoon. He arrived home in just enough time to be able to see the SuperBowl, (if he did, I don't know yet). He is still in some pain, and a bit uncomfortable, however he is hoping things can progress quickly and he can focus his energy on gaining strength and healing. He did spend his first night home, sick to his stomach. Mom and Dad and Nate are pretty sure that he got a flu bug of some sort along the way. They will be keeping in touch closely with the doctor as Nate continues to heal and things improve so as to make sure that everything is looking up!

What a GREAT update!

This afternoon, our surgeon came in and told Nate that he could have clear liquids until this evening. If he could tolerate those, then he could start a "normal" diet. Nate will start slowly, but is excited. Also, if all goes well, the NG tube will be taken out this evening. Nate is off almost all of his narcotics, and is feeling beter, except for the "pain". They are working on using some other things, so that his bowels will continue to improve and work. We are still hoping to be able to come home on Sunday morning...in enough time for the SUPER BOWL.
We want to again thank everyone for their faith and prayers in Nate's behalf, and for your love and friendship....You are all AWESOME.

Stomach Pumping

Nate had been throwing-up a lot, and they can't seem to figure out what the problem is. Finally by the end of the day they found that he has a partial blockage in his small intestines (this seems to happen to about 40% of people who have a J pouch and their colon removed). Now he has a NG tube to pump his stomache and they will leave it in until his stomach liquids are clear, and then they have to make sure he can eat and then they could look at being able to send him home.

New photo's of Nate

Just hanging with all the tubes, look like fun? It's not!

Display of artwork and letters sent in from nieces and nephews, for the one and only 'Uncle Nate'

Getting a visit from ward and neighbor friends.

Nate getting a visit from two of his great Seminary Teachers. What nice guys!

Nate working on walking, with a little help!

Some friends visiting Nate. Thanks for being so thoughtful.

This is Nate with his Brother Mike. Mike is delivering a gift from his (Mike's friend) Tammy. So sweet!

Wound Vac closed

He had his wound closed on Friday, and all went well. They did have to leave a portion about the size of a 50 cent piece open where the 2 incisions meet and he does have a wound vac in that section. They plan on changing it in his room on Monday, without sedation, and will see where things are at at that time. Nathan is going through a form of drug withdrawal, since he has had to be on such heavy doses of narcotics. He isn't feeling great at the moment, but we hope that the Drs. will be able to help him counter these feelings with something to help ease him back to "regular" health. He is still on narcotics, but not as much as he has been. He is fighting to get better, trying to get 4 walks in every day, and making a grand effort to try and eat. Food doesn't look or taste all that great but he knows if he wants to come home without the feeding tube he has to eat. We are still hoping for sometime this coming week, and pray that he will be able to come home.