AH>           Ah.  Is it possible the cell migration might continue, in some
AH> cases at least, outside the womb??  I'm curious re this detail because
AH> Nora
AH> was born with a couple of heart defects... perhaps caused by delayed
AH> development and/or by her appearing a little sooner than the doctors
AH> expected.  These were things many children outgrow by the age of three or
AH> four, as did she.  And as long as the symptoms are fairly minor surgery
AH> is
AH> not an option unless tincture of time has established that the problem
AH> won't
AH> go away without such intervention.  :-)

Sadly, the Ganglion cells are formed and migrate while in the very early
stages of development in the womb.  It would be nice if they would migrate
down that this point, but that isn't something that happens unfortunately.

They call the area with no Ganglion cells "non-functional bowel".  

AH> I see you're well informed about your son's condition & I heartily
AH> approve.  :-)

I have learned more about bowels than I ever thought I would ever need to know.

AH>           And the shorter the recovery period, I imagine....  :-)

Yes - but we are told the hospital stay is typically no longer than 5 days.

AH>           Whew!  That's a great relief AFAIC.  Years ago my mother had a
AH> chunk of bowel removed for a different reason.  I don't know how much was
AH> removed in her case because she & my father generally kept quiet about
AH> their
AH> ailments.  I knew the diagnosis because she asked me to look it up for
AH> her,
AH> but I concluded she'd had surgery when I noticed later... along with
AH> other
AH> factors... that she seemed reluctant to venture far from her usual
AH> stomping
AH> grounds *where she was acquainted with various washrooms she could get to
AH> on
AH> short notice*.

It seems to depend on what area of the bowel was removed.  The descending
colon is mainly for "storage".  It doesn't have much other
function.  Basically, you would have less storage and would have to go more
often, but the body normally adjusts to this from what I understand.  

We really don't have any other option, because enemas every 3 days isn't a
good option.

AH>           I am glad to hear such difficulties are unlikely in your son's
AH> case, since the affected area is 12" or less.  If I were in your shoes,
AH> however, I'd also want some margin for error and/or for caution on the
AH> surgeon's part.  ;-)

It is going to be stressful.  I have checked with every pediatric surgeon
in the state and a few surrounding states.  We have selected the most
recommended one around with lots of experience, so I just have to trust his
ability and knowledge.  

Our main challenge right now is getting in touch with him since he is very
busy.  It will certainly be incredible for our son not to have to deal with
the "work-around" that we have in place right now to keep him
well.

The plan right now is for the operation to take place this summer.

- Mark

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