Nate Goes to School and Dances!

Great news!!!! Nate is starting school today. He will be attending the last 2 periods of the day and will do that for maybe a week or so, depending on how he is doing...strength wise, etc. We are so grateful for the progress he has made. He still is having some problems, and we are hoping that the Drs. can figure it out, but for the most part, we are seeing some great improvement, and know that through the faith, prayers and love of our Heavenly Father, Nate is doing so well, and for that we are so grateful. He has gained 5 lbs. and is trying new foods, some work with his body, and others aren't so good, but he is eating.

This picture is a small depiction of how well Nate is doing. He was listening to a new song he discovered and one of his nieces said she knew a dance to it. So he stood up (oh, can you tell he attended church, as he is in his Sunday clothes...that are falling down!!!) and started to try and mimic her moves. We almost started to cry, it was so great to see him doing "normal" things again.

A visit from 3 members of BHS student government...Kara, Lindsey, and Ryan

Getting better and gaining weight!

For all of our friends and family...a BIG thanks. Nate is doing so much better this past week. He has gained 4 pounds, and is feeling pretty good. He is moving on his own, except for getting in and out of bed. He is getting more of an appetite, and is enjoying food. He can't wait until he can eat lettuce and veggies, and is trying new things every day. He meets with the Drs. on Wednesday, and will see what they feel he can do with school. Keep your fingers crossed.

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.