Update - 6/16/07

This has been a rough week for Matthew. On Monday his stitches from the surgery to replace the catheter to the baclofin pump were removed. Unfortunately things didn't go as smoothly as expected. Soon after this he began to have discharge from the incision area and puss was gathering. Matthew also had a fever. He was taken to the emergency room, sent home and then went to the hospital in Columbia the next day. He was taken home again and during the night the discharge increased dramatically and the incision opened so much that his parents could see through to the baclofin pump inside Matthew.

Matthew was admitted to University Hospital in Columbia and they began weaning Matthew off the medicine administered through the baclofin pump in preparation for removing the pump altogether. This was very rough for Matthew. The spasms and pain began throughout all his muscles. The surgery was Friday morning and he came through the surgery fine. The tough part is the withdrawal symptoms from the baclofin medicine. Matthew is on pain medication, but he is still very uncomfortable.

The doctors are estimating that they can put the baclofin pump back in Matthew's body in two weeks or so. The question will be where to put it. Matthew doesn't have much body fat so they had to insert the pump in muscle tissue previously. Please keep Matthew in your prayers as he recovers from surgery and has to deal with muscles spasms and tone that causes pain for Matthew. Also keep Matthew's parents in your prayers as they stay by his side and care for him - comforting him through the pain and discomfort.

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother