Hi, Mark!  Recently you wrote in a message to Ardith Hinton:   
      
   MH>  The choice to wait was in hopes of a less invasive   
   MH>  surgery and with more long term success.   
      
      
              Makes sense to me....  :-)   
      
      
      
   MH>  Basically, if we can get the effected area of the bowel   
   MH>  down in size by ensuring that he going to the bathroom   
   MH>  very regularly - less will have to be removed.  Only   
   MH>  about 6 or 7 inches MUST be removed due to the condition   
   MH>  - but there is working bowel before that area that is   
   MH>  veru distended.  If we can get it down in size, it has   
   MH>  been kept and used.   
      
      
              Yes....   
      
      
      
   MH>  We have been trying to do this for some time, but are   
   MH>  going to a more "aggressive" approach to managing it.   
      
      
              He may have difficulty with toileting before the call of nature is   
   urgent, though... particularly in view of his age.  The low muscle tone which   
   often accompanies DS can be a contributing factor as can various medications.   
      
              We used a stool softener whilst Nora was in treatment for leukemia   
   & again after her stroke.  On both occasions the doctor recommended something   
   which is technically an OTC item but which one must ask the pharmacist for by   
   name... I think because the professionals want to make sure their clients are   
   receiving proper guidance WRT such items.  I also tend to "push" raw fruits &   
   veggies whenever I have reason to suspect Nora may be a bit constipated.  ;-)   
      
      
      
   MH>  The thought is, we will see what progress was made in the   
   MH>  next month or so and re-evaluate.  At this point in time,   
   MH>  I'm figuring it will be in the spring.   
      
      
              A month or so has already gone by, and I'm 'way behind in answering   
   my mail.  But please be assured we haven't forgotten you....  :-)   
      
      
      
      
   --- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+   
    * Origin: Wits' End, Vancouver CANADA (1:153/716)