Graphic content warning:
The last photo shows her open incision with a wound vac. If you’d rather not see that, stop at the pretty Christmas tree in the family waiting area.

Where to even begin… Her hernia repair on 10/21/25 initially seemed successful. She was having more pain than we expected, but we chalked it up to her long medical history and figured she just needed more time to heal. Unfortunately, we learned that the mesh they placed to support her recovery wasn’t helping the way they hoped. It allowed her muscles to rest after the hernia repair, but at the very bottom of the mesh, her bowel had adhered to it—causing the bowel obstruction.

They weren’t able to close her incision last night. Instead, they placed a wound vac, which will stay on until tomorrow when they plan to go back in and close everything. Her surgeon felt confident about how things went, and the anesthesiologist who has been managing her pain has truly been a godsend. They placed an epidural that will stay in for a couple of days, and it has finally given her some relief and the ability to rest during this long, exhausting recovery.

Today is a day of rest. Tomorrow her surgeon returns, and the plan is to go back in and close the incision. We are so incredibly grateful for the love, prayers, and support surrounding us. We couldn’t have made it through any of this without you. Thank you—we feel your love, and we love you right back. ❤️