Karla Nygren (ifirgit@new.rr.com) is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday, July 30th, at the University of Chicago Hospital. Dr. Zachary, a reconstructive urologist, and his team of 8 surgeons will perform the first of a series of three sugeries that will be necessary to restore Karla's health.
Monday's surgery is the first phase,Dr. Zachary, a reconstructive urologist, and a team of 8 surgeons will be performing the first phase of this surgery at the University of Chicago Medical Center. The surgeons will be placing tissue expanders in her abdomen; and this tissue will be used to make a new abdominal wall for Karla.
Karla said: "Since 1991 I have had 26 abdominal surgeries; and at this time I am in desperate need of yet another one. This is not a surgery that I can avoid. It is not a surgery to lyse my adhesions. It is a surgery to try and restore some sort of abdominal wall.....since I have none."
As a result of having had too many invasive (laparotomy) procedures, Karla has had problematic hernias. The goal of this surgery is to begin the process necessary to reconstruct Karla's abdominal muscles and to repair her multiple hernias and urostomy.
Karla was initially told that she would have to remain in Chicago for up to 6 weeks; but Karla posted a message saying that she may have to only stay there for up to 2 weeks -- depending how her recovery goes.
>From what Bev shared with me: "After the first phase of the three phases
that Karla will need, she will have a two month reprieve before she will
return to Chicago for the actual reconstruction of her abdomen.
Now that I have given you some idea as to what is in store for Karla on Monday, please remember Karla in your prayers. She is going to need all the love and support that we can give her.
With the skill and experience of Karla's surgeons, all of our prayers and God's presence, Karla will have the best chance for a much better life!!
My best wishes to you Karla for much success with your upcoming surgery!!
Love, Helen
* A prayer for Karla *
Almighty God, you know my inmost being, the secrets of my body and soul.
Fill my heart with trust, even as I fear, and bless the surgeons and nurses and all who work to help me with gifts of healing and care.
Be near, gently sustaining me, and supporting them in their skills. Amen.