Landon Ellis

Recovering slowly

2009-08-12T22:23:00.000-07:00

Landon spent almost 3 weeks in the hospital. He is home, but still very weak and very thin. He is supposed to be on a high calorie diet, eating 6 small meals daily.
He gets sick when he eats, so he is not eating very much. Also, he is still in pain.
Please continue to pray that he will have complete healing. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and concern. It has been a year today that he started this uncharted journey.

Another dip in the roller coaster ride!!!!

2009-07-14T09:26:00.001-07:00

They took the n g tube out on Thursday and Friday he ate a little food and by Friday evening he was nauseous and Saturday he was throwing up. They did a test and no blockage. They have called in a G I doctor to help determine what is going on. He has not thrown up since Sunday night. He ate a little last night and was nauseous but kept it down. Today he ate cereal and part of a biscuit. So far he has kept it down.
Please pray that he will be able to retain food and it will digest properly.
He is weary with the process, but feeling better. He shaved yesterday and was more himself than he has been. Blessings to all of you for your continual prayers. We feel the strength. Pray for Ronna, his mother, also, as she has a heavy load with this and her job and the regular stresses of life.
They are running an xray today to see if everything still looks ok from the surgery.

YIPEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

They removed the N G tube this morning after 10 days. He will now be on a liquid diet. They are giving him protein by i v also. Please pray against any complications. This is time frame they have come in the other surgeries, but we are believing all is going to stay WELL. He is ready to get out of here.
Our thanks and love to all who have prayed for us during this journey.

10th Day after Fourth Surgery

2009-07-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

Landon, Nana, and Ronna at an April procedure

Landon and his mother in May at Arrow Luncheon

We are still in St. Lukes. The Drs are being very conservative with his care in light of all his complications in the past. He still has the n g tube. That is very uncomfortable and he is ready for it to come out. They are starting tpn...(liquid food)in his veins tonite. I think that will make him feel better since he has been NPO for 10 days...only a few ice chips here and there. He is walking several laps around the floor trying to get the stomach working. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. We are sooooo thankful there has been no infection or abcesses.
Blessings to you.

A long and winding road

2009-07-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Picture made in June before surgery 6/29/2009while he was with Pop and Nana at South Texas District Revival Conference in San Antonio.

Thankful

2009-06-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

We had a restless night last night. He was in lots of pain. They finally got his pain under control this afternoon and removed the catheter where he can now get up and go to the bathroom. He walked two times around the floor. His color is good. We are trusting that there will be no infection or fistulas. Help us pray to that end.
We are grateful.

It's been a long journey

2009-06-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

I have failed to update his blog of late there has been so much going on.
After having 4 procedures to close the fistula, he came to St. Luke's for a second opinion. The surgeon here gave it a few days to close, and then scheduled surgery for today. It took about 6 hours. The old mesh they had put in had grown into the small intestine. They re-sectioned the small intestine and the dr feels like everything will be okay barring any complications. Of course if you have been following our journey the past 101/2 months. you know that is what it has been about, complications; fistulas, abscesses, infections, etc.
We are believing all will be well. We are at the medical center. He is in room 1518.
God's blessing to you and yours. The dr said he should be here 7-10 days.

Procedure

2009-05-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

Landon had a rough day yesterday. He was in much pain when we arrived. We flew in from MS and he was already in recovery. They did not sedate him and it was an awful experience for him. He is to be very inactive for a few days. Please pray that this will take. They actually put in a plug and sewed it together this time.
He said he would do another surgery before going through that again.
He needs to start healing and recovering. Thanks for your concern and prayers.

Prayer again please

2009-05-21T12:51:00.001-07:00

It has been a while since I posted. The last post, the procedure did not take.
He had another one on the 16th and it came open in a day or two.
He thought the fistula was closing, but Sunday it was leaking profusely.
Landon honored us by being in church Sunday morning at our old church in Cypress.
We preached the Camarillo's anniversary service, then went to Livingston for evening service. He made both services with us, although he was very weak. We are always thrilled to have him with us. We had the church in Livingston have special prayer for him Sunday evening and he got a marvelous touch.

Tuesday they are going to do an experimental procedure to try again to close the fistula. Please pray that this will work. He wants to start recovering so he can work again, go to school, and get back to "normal". This has been a tough year for him. God is in control and we are thankful for His mercy.

Hoping for success

2009-05-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Landon got to home Friday evening. They did a procedure on him and inserted a "plug"
that will hopefully take care of the fistula. They can do that two more times and then if that doesn't work, they will have to do surgery again. He is on limited activity. Pray that he will not over extend himself and be able to completely recover. He is very weak and his immune system depleted. We appreciate your prayers and concern.

Recent pictures

2009-05-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

Standing with Nana in his mother's beautiful yard

Landon and Pop

Another hill to climb

2009-04-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

Landon is going back for another surgical procedure tomorrow. The last one did not work and the fistula came open the next week. He has been very weak and in a lot of pain. We came in from Southern California tonite and will take him tomorrow and stay with him. Hopefully he will get to go home. They are going to insert a plug and hopefully this will keep it closed.
We appreciate your prayers.

Still home, thank the good Lord.

2009-04-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Landon had another procedure on Friday before we left town. We spent most of the day with him at the hospital as an out patient. They let him go home for which we are thankful, but he has been in pain all weekend. Hope the procedure fixes the fistula but time will tell.
Thanks for your prayers.

Still riding the roller coaster

2009-04-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in the hospital cath lab awaiting Landon to return from another procedure. He was in Monday and is here again today. So far, they haven't re-admitted him for which he is thankful.
He can rest better at home. They are doing a fistula-gram...whatever that is. They insert tubes into small intestine or fistula to help close it up. Maybe I will know more when the radiologist comes to talk to us.
We leave tomorrow for almost two weeks so am hoping to have some good reports.
He is still in much pain and cannot stand up straight. His weight is still down and they are still contemplating feeding him again intravenously but don't know when.
Your prayers and concern are very much appreciated as we walk this journey. We are still believing for a COMPLETE recovery.
I took some pictures of him and us this week that I will post when I get home to the proper equipment.

The long road to recovery

2009-04-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Landon is still at home as of this writing The dr said if he does not gain this weekend, he will have to be admitted to the hospital and fed protien packs intravenously. He is weak and needs a healing touch. God bless all of you

Home again!!! again!!!!

2009-03-28T21:36:00.001-07:00

Landon came home once again today. He has developed another fistula and will have to have the wound care nurse to come twice weekly to take care of the open incision. Please keep him in your prayers and pray for complete recovery.

Another bump in the road

2009-03-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

We brought Landon to our house last Tuesday after he got out of the hospital. Even though he had abdominal drains and iv antibiotics, he seemed to be doing well until Friday. He was retaining food, etc. Friday his drains started filling up. We took him home and flew to Odessa on Sat. morning.
On Sat. evening he called and had talked to the dr. and they said there was leakage somewhere, and another fistula was there and his incision would open and he would have to go back to the hospital.
That is where we are today. He is in North Cypress Medical center and awaiting further news.
At this point we don't know if they will let it run its course, or if they will try to operate and repair it. We are strictly in the hands of God. We covet and appreciate your prayers. Ronna needs strength and wisdom and Landon needs patience and healing.

Home again!!!!

2009-03-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying some time with Landon since he left the hospital yesterday. The drs said the obstruction was gone and we know why. Thank you for all your prayers. He still has drains and iv's but is retaining small amounts of food. We are sooooo thankful for his progress. Please pray for complete recovery.

Just Waiting

2009-03-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

Landon is still in the hospital. His blood count was up a point today so still no transfusion.
He is walking and on pain meds. Still no ng tube for which he is thankful. We are still trusting the obstruction will take care of itself with the help of the Almighty.

Two steps forward, Three steps back

2009-03-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Landon's stay at home was short lived. He went to e r last night and was re-admitted to the hospital. His blood count is down to seven and he will possibly have to have a transfusion. They are saying he has an obstruction. We are praying there will not have to be another surgery.
Blessings to all who are supporting us in prayer.

He's Home!!!!!!

2009-03-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and concern. After 2 and one half weeks in the hospital this time, he got to go home today. The c t scan revealed an abscess in the abdomen, thus the temp, etc. They inserted another drain tube in his abdomen and put in a pic line for IV antibiotics.
He will have to be on them 6 to 8 weeks at home.
We are thankful he has no open wound this time and praying he will completely recover.
He is an awesome young man with so much talent.
Blessings to all who read this...

Thank God the N G tube is gone!!!

2009-03-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

Dr. Lava took the n g tube out on Tuesday. His warning to expect complications again this time has been more than true.
The c t scan showed fluid and they have put in drains to drain out the fluid and run cultures.
An abcess was found, thus the cause of the temperature. At least he can have liquids now and eat a soft diet.
They will insert a pic line tomorrow so that when his temp is gone, he can go home with i v antibiotics.
Thanks for all your prayers and support.

CT Scan today

2009-03-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

Landon spent a restless night last night and then they came to take him downstairs for c t at 6a.m.
The dr has been taking xrays everyday and his bowel is still distended so he ordered at c t scan today.
Landon is wanting the n g tube out so badly, but they cannot take it out until they find out what is going on.
They found fluid in his abdomen and pelvic area. We don't know if it is an abcess or what???? The doctor did not come back after he looked at the scan with the radiologist. The nurse came in and told him the what they had found and that he wanted to do a needle guided ultra sound tomorrow to drain the fluid. Hopefully, this will take care of the situation or give them direction on what to do.
He has not felt well at all, in lots of pain, and discouraged with his progress.
We appreciate your prayers and concern.
I have been with him since Sat. evening.

Believing!

2009-02-28T18:35:00.000-08:00

Since my last update, they found an obstruction in Landon's intestines. The n g tube was reinserted yesterday. It was a terrible ordeal. They tried 3 times before they were successful and it was very painful. His xrays showed a little improvement today and we are thankful. Please continue to pray that the obstruction will take care of itself and he does not have to have surgery again. I am staying with him this weekend. He still has a temp.
We really appreciate all who have prayed and are still praying for his complete recovery.
God bless you all.

Landon and Pop

2009-02-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken the last weekend in January. Landon went with us to Because of the Times in Alexandria, LA and then to Lake Charles for the weekend.

Keep the prayers coming, Please!

2009-02-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

This is the 8th day after Landon's 3rd surgery in 6 months. They took the n g tube out at the first of the week(probably too soon with all his past complications) and his stomach is very distended. They did xrays this morning and the dr says his stomach is "still sleeping". He was on liquids, but they've taken those away, even no ice chips.
Please pray that his intestines will "wake up" and that he can recuperate quickly.
He has a temp and his heart rate/blood pressure is very elevated.
We need a miracle.
God bless all who follow this blog.

Need prayer

2009-02-24T21:16:00.001-08:00

Landon is having complications. They took his tubes out and are giving him liquids but his stomach is swelling. Please pray that God will undertake and he will recuperate without any complications.

Please pray!!!

2009-02-21T18:38:00.000-08:00

Landon's temp is 102 and his heart rate is 139. He needs a touch of God on his life right now. He is also in a lot of pain. We appreciate your prayers and concern.

Answered prayers

2009-02-19T21:45:00.000-08:00

Landon came through the surgery fine. It was not nearly as difficult as the last surgery.
The dr repaired the hernia and some weak spots in his intestines that caused the fistula.

Hopefully and prayerfully, he will heal normally. God is a great God and certainly answered our prayers in His behalf.

Now we need to pray that there will be no infection or complications and that he will have a speedy recovery. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and continued support for Landon.

Hello again

2009-02-19T08:03:00.001-08:00

Landon is undergoing his 3rd abdominal surgery in 6 months today.
Please pray that all goes well and there will not be the complications that the doctors expect.
We will keep you updated on this blog as we get reports.
I am his grandmother and we are presently in Minnesota.
Thanks for all your prayers and concern.

Maintaining

2008-11-07T23:33:00.000-08:00

Landon is probably overdoing it. He is involved in church and working partime.
His wound is healing slowly and he has a hernia so will be facing another surgery in 6 months. He battles infection daily. Of course all of this is coming from his concerned grandmother. He has a cold because his immune system is so low. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. At least he is off of iv's and able to eat. Blessings to all of you who are praying for him..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANDON!!!

2008-10-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

This is probably not a real happy day for him today. Landon had to go to the emergency room last night with a temp of 102. The doctors were fearful he had another abscess or blockage. It would be dangerous to operate again and we were all very concerned. Thanks be to God that the cat scan showed no obstruction.
He was hospitalized and they are trying to find the cause of the temp. He is still on iv's, even at home and has an open incision. He has a long recovery in front of him. We need to pray for God's grace.
Thank you for your prayers, concern, and support.

Bored!!!!! and beyond...

2008-10-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Landon is recuperating very well. The wound is continuing to heal, praise God. He is still receiving daily nourishment through iv and having wound care nurses twice a week.
He is getting bored. There is only so much reading, or watching dvd's etc you can do.
He needs your phone calls or visits. He is also going to celebrate his 23rd birthday on Oct 3rd.
There is not a lot of celebrating he can do because of his condition. Also...his blood count is low and he may have to receive 2 units of blood as an outpatient. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
If you are not a regular blogger, you can leave him a comment by posting anonymously and then putting your name at the end of your comment.
God Bless all of you who have been so kind to the family during this time.

Doctor's Visit!!

2008-09-24T22:15:00.001-07:00

Landon saw his dr. today. He is doing as well as can be expected. He still has a long road ahead of him. They are trying to get the open wound to quit draining. His blood count is down to 7 and that is a concern. He may have to have 2 units of blood soon.
Please keep Landon in your prayers and leave him a message of encouragement.
God bless you all...

Landon is HOME!!

2008-09-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

Landon came home on Monday. He was so excited to be out of the hospital that he went to Walmart and rode an electric cart which was humiliating for him. Then he decided to go along while his mom and dad took Cameron out to eat for his birthday. We (his grandparents) flew into town that evening and drove to Landon's parents house to check on him and spend the night since we were still without electricity in our home. We arrived in time to go out to eat and celebrate with Cameron. He turned 17 on the 17th. The wait at the restaurant was an hour and Landon had to go to the car. Needless to say...he overdid it.
Thursday was a very painful day for him, but after resting and getting his pain under control, he was much better on Friday.

He is on TPN....iv food supplement and home health care comes daily and hooks him up with a new bag. The wound care nurse comes every other day. He still cannot eat as his intestines need a complete rest for several more weeks/months. They are talking about doing another surgery in a month to reverse the fistula and do something with the intestines. He still has a long road ahead. Pray that he will be encouraged in the Lord. This is very hard on him and very depressing at times, but we serve a God who will be with him through it all.
Blessings to all of you who have prayed for him. Thanks for all the cards and phone calls. We appreciate your concern.

Good News

2008-09-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

I am Landon's grandmother, and I am updating his blog until he is able to sit up and deal with the computer. Thanks for all your comments and your prayers.

In case you haven't read my blog.....www.guidroz.blogspot.com, we received a good report from the ct scan. NO BLOCKAGE...thank God!!!!

His fever did spike again last night. They are treating it aggressively with iv antibiotics.
Pray for his safety and all our families and friends safety during the hurricane.
The hospital is on a 72 hour lockdown and you cannot leave the hospital or cannot go to the hospital. Pray that he remains stable through this time.

God bless all of you...

Another bump in the road

2008-09-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Landon had a good day yesterday and the doctor said he had turned a corner. In the evening he got a horrendous headache and started running fever again...101.
Please pray that there is no serious infection and that he will continue to mend.

Landon's Journey to Healing

2008-09-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Landon was not feeling well and had symptoms of food poisoning. He went to urgent care and they thought he had appendicitis. They sent him to the ER and after tests, found his small intestine to be twisted. They did emergency surgery early the next morning and took out his small intestine to repair it, and they removed his appendix and cleaned out his large intestine. They found that Landon had a genetic condition called "Meckel's Diverticulum". They removed a portion of the small intestine and the Meckles diverticulum which was a trunk like piece growing in his intestines.

Twelve days after the first surgery, Landon had a second emergency surgery to clear another blockage and remove adhesions and scar tissue caused from the first surgery. Landon has had several complications and a very rough recovery thus far. He is walking out his healing day by day. Landon's intestines have to heal and part of this healing process demands Landon to be without solid food or liquids for up to six months. Landon is receiving his nutrition through IV's. Landon has spent the last five weeks in the hospital. He is hoping to go home soon and have home health care come in and take care of him for the remainder of his recovery.

Please keep Landon in your prayers daily. We know and serve a great big God and we are trusting him for a complete and total healing in Landon's body.

Landon's praise for today is that he was able to eat his first food since his surgery.....a strawberry Popsicle!!

Please feel free to leave Landon words of encouragement, scriptures, prayers and messages that will brighten his day.

Landon is a very special young man with many talents and a call of God on his life. Thank you for your prayers and concern.

May God bless you!
The Family of Landon Ellis