Spleenless in Hong Kong

It's over. Zane is now resting as he recovers from his spleenectomy. The surgery was smooth, lasting about 2.5 hours. He bled more than expected, the surgeon told us, but other than that, all is well. He did not require a blood transfusion, at least not yet. He has four small holes in his tummy where they did the surgery laproscopically. He'll have about an inch scar around his belly button, with 3 other much smaller scars. Belly scars are the least of our worries.

He will be in the hospital for at least 2 nights. Shannon will stay with him tonight, and I will relieve her tomorrow night. He's quite content right now, watching the DVD player and telling each nurse/doctor "thanks" every time they take his blood pressure. What a guy.

The medical staff have been fabulous, and we feel very blessed to have such good quality care that is also so affordable. I'm not sure how much a spleenectomy would cost in the U.S., but I'm pretty sure we couldn't afford it. And given it is due to a pre-existing condition, insurance wouldn't cover it. So....we are blessed, and so is he.

We will know in a week or so the effect of the surgery. Prayerfully, his platelet count will begin increasing shortly, a sign that the surgery is having the desired results. Please join us in praying for this very thing.