9 Days And 4 Surgeries Later...

JEREMIAH 30:17
For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord.

On Tuesday September 9th,   Helton was admitted to Saint Francis Children's Hospital due to an apparent spider bite. This caused him to get an aggressive form of staph that spread rapidly throughout his left leg. They rushed him into surgery on Wednesday the 10th  and removed a significant chunk from his leg. They repeated the process the next day, Thursday the 11th, as it continued to spread. We were hopeful that they  got it all and he was scheduled for a 3rd surgery Monday the 15th. This won't be his last unfortunately. The surgeon felt  pretty sure at this point that they were able to save his leg. Helton is a very active little boy so this was great news as it was not always in his favor to be able to. He was in good spirits and even lead his nurses in prayer before the surgery. This is coming from a 5 year old. He is a hero to his mom and dad. Our close friends and family were amazing in helping with our daughter and everyone that has been so supportive we can't thank you enough. We thank God for the healing he has already started and pray for a continued progression of it.  They scheduled a 4th surgery for Wednesday the 17th, but i twas in a continued effort to put his leg back together. They were successful in closing up one of the incisions, but the larger one is still open and attached to a wound vac. On Thursday the 18th, after 9 long days in the hospital, Helton walked out!!  It is very comforting to know just how many people have prayed for our sons health and recovery. It has worked. It has taken 4 surgeries to eradicate the staph infection from his leg. His ability to withstand pain and fight this bacteria has been amazing to watch. He will be connected to a wound vac for at least 6 weeks and will require 2 outpatient surgeries a week during that time. He has a lot of anxiety about doctors and nurses due to this. He will also require a skin graft at some point to help heal the large section of flesh that was removed. This runs from just below his knee to just above his ankle. He will be out of school during this time due to the risk of infection. We owe many thanks and praises to countless medical staff  at St. Francis Children's Hospital and hope that you never have to learn how great they are. Our faith allows us to know that God has a special purpose for our boy and the strength he has given him has been amazing to watch. He has walked when all they expected was for him to stand. The doctors and nurses continue to be amazed by his healing rate.  God Bless everyone for your thoughts and prayers for our family. We can't thank you enough.