Dearest Dr. Chait,

     Jared is doing better than we could have ever imagined. This was the first Christmas that he wasn't either sick or recovering. It was certainly very special for us.

     After looking through your website, I have nothing but accolades to say. The information was all very informative and well laid out. I do like the letters from the other children. They were very open and honest - I'm sure they'll help other children relate. As Jared is only 6, I'll have to tell his story for him.

     As you well know, Jared was born in 1993 with VATER Syndrome. He had a high imperforate anus that left him with a colostomy for two years. At that point they did the "pull-through" here at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa. For the last four years, we have been trying a number of routines for regular bowel movements, with very limited success:

     Jared throughout was a very nervous boy. He would (understandably) have terrible fits when he had to go to the hospital, which was quite often for other areas of his health care beyond the bowel. It was quite stressful for him and for Dad & I.

     Throughout the past four years we've battled with both ends of the spectrum: chronic constipation & excessive diarrhea. It left him with frequent soiling, limited activities and embarrassment when he started school last year. (I highly recommend that the procedure is done before school age).

     When our surgeon, Dr. Steven Rubin approached us with this new procedure in August, we were very interested. At that time we had some difficulty finding information on the procedure. Our decision to go ahead with it was with guarded optimism. I can greatly appreciate the effort that has gone into the website cecostomy.com since its launch in November. You can certainly count on us for referrals to any other parent that has concerns or questions.

     So how has it been since we had the procedure done in October? A world of difference. The actual procedure was incredibly quick and non-invasive. Coming into Toronto from out-of-town was a little intimidating, but the staff were a great help, and the family residence was a reasonable place to stay.

     He recovered so quickly. He was pleased to be able to finally help with the ongoing care and maintenance himself. It gave him a sense of control that he'd never had before.

     The only small side effect Jared encounter was some growth of granulation tissue at the entry site that our doctor here removed with Silver Nitrate. It was a five minute appointment.

     We do flushings every two days, and it takes less that 1/2 hour. Jared is helping with the process and the results are fantastic. We are off all laxatives and there are no soilings, no enemas, no diapers and a lot more self-confidence.

     Dr. Chait, thank you once again for all your care. Jared is certainly much healthier and more importantly, much happier. If anyone wishes to contact us for a reference, they may reach us at:

lorenac@impathnetworks.com.