Good, Bad, Ugly

We’ve been here for the GOOD, the BAD, & the UGLY. We could have walked out as bad as it got, but we stuck it out because we will finish what we started! #WalkerStrong 💪🏼❤️ So today was our appointment with the Pediatric GI specialist. Walker was officially diagnosed with Type I Achalasia, which means his esophagus has limited contractibility. His procedure yesterday showed contractions only when he swallowed at the very top of his esophagus, but nothing the rest of the way down. His tests also confirmed that his last surgery, the Heller Myotomy, was incomplete and he is literally back to where we started prior to having surgery 5 months ago. This upsets me immensely.

The GOOD news is we now know what type he is, and our game plan. He will be having a POEM surgery. Last time he had laparoscopic surgery through his belly with 5 insicion sites. This time, they will go orally through his throat and down and will be hopefully less invasive. They will go in and repair the myotomy and hopefully get this boy living a more normal life for a longer length of time.

The BAD news is, the surgeon did not have an opening until October 23. So we booked our flights home tomorrow. We will be home for about a week and a half, then have to fly back out here on the 22nd to prepare for surgery.

It’s been a roller coaster of emotions. We were truly hoping to bring our boy home, WELL, and not have to fly back out, BUT we feel good about the plan, the team and trust the process! We know we will have many trips back for future appointments and checkups, but know for his rare disease, this is the place he needs to be. We truly appreciate all your messages, prayers, & donations. You all have been amazing! We can’t wait to get this boy well and hope he continues to be okay the next week at home without any issues. We love this kid immensely and so proud of how he tolerated everything this week! #WALKERSTRONG