Mile 71

Shortly after Lucy was born, it was discovered that she was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital condition where her rectum does not connect to her anus. The result of this condition is that stool is prevented from passing out of the baby’s rectum.  Lucy was immediately transported to Manning Family Children’s, so she could be evaluated by the hospital’s pediatric surgery team.

Pediatric surgeon, Fabienne Gray, MD, explained to the LouVierres, that repairing Lucy’s anorectal malformation would involve at least two surgeries, the first of which is called a colostomy. On November 26, 2018, three-day-old Lucy underwent her colostomy surgery. During the surgery, Dr. Gray connected Lucy’s large intestine to her abdominal wall allowing stool to drain into a colostomy bag.  Lucy stayed in the Manning Family Children’s NICU for two weeks, recovering from the first surgery and giving parents Macy and Marc the opportunity to learn how to take care of Lucy’s colostomy, and provide her with proper nutrition since she was not able to eat at this time. Doctors wanted her to gain weight before performing the next stage of the procedure.

As Lucy grew over the next year, doctors were able to schedule the second surgery to repair her anorectal malformation in July 2020. During the second surgery, Dr. Gray successfully connected Lucy’s rectum to her anus. In September of that year, the colostomy was taken down.  After Lucy’s colorectal surgery, she was finally able to get into a normal eating routine. She started with cereal and grew to love everything. Now 7 years old, Lucy enjoys eating. She loves pizza and all Italian food, chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and all fruits. She is an amazing kid, who loves playing with Barbies, playing outside, riding her bike, and going to the park. She also loves the zoo and playing with friends.