Update on Rhyer

Today the doctors found that Rhyer does have NEC

Necrotizing Entercolitis:
The damage & death of cells
in the small & large intestine
from inflammation.


How did this happen? Not certain but several theories exist. It's thought that intestinal tissues are weakened by too little oxygen or blood flow, and when feedings are started the added stress of food moving through the intestine allow bacteria that are normally found in the intestine to invade and damage the wall of the intestinal tissue. This can cause a hole to develop in the intestine, and can lead to severe infection of the abdomen. The disease can progress very quickly so the treatment is serious to try and avoid abdominal surgery.

Currently Rhyer is on 3 antibiotics and is not allowed to eat for 7 days. The antibiotics are to kill the pathogens causing the infection. As for not feeding it cuts back on his bowel movements thus halting the bacteria from moving along his intestines and isolating the bacteria from spreading.

So GUYS please pray for little Rhyer, this kid has been up and down that roller coaster of life way too soon.

We are praying that Rhyer:

-Will not have a perforation in his intestine (hole) This can lead to the spread of the infection.
-That he has no scarring or narrowing of the intestine
-He has NO problems with food absorption
-NO INFECTION
-And that GOD feeds him and gives him comfort during this trial

Thank you on behalf of Bill, Courtney, Emerson and Rhyer (Pictured below)