FedEx security guard undergoes 18th surgery

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Christopher Sparkman, the security guard injured in the shooting at the FedEx facility in April, is undergoing his 18^th surgery Monday, according to his website.

Sparkman’s wife, Jamie Lynn, posted an update Sunday about his progress. It has been four days since Sparkman’s last operation.

According to his wife, the surgeons believe Sparkman will be able to have a reconstructive surgery on his small bowel and abdominal region sooner than expected; however, it most likely will not take place until after Christmas. His wife says that means Sparkman will have to continue his diet of “IV food, ice chips, sips of water, and the occasional popsicle” until his small bowel heals. She says, “Christopher is heartbroken because of his love of all things edible, but he understands and is willing to do what it takes to help make a full recovery possible.”

The update says in the short term they are hoping a stint is healing the tube between his bladder and kidney so Sparkman can keep his kidney. Jamie Lynn says his wound is healing, but it will take time for the surgeons to close it safely.

She says the doctors are constantly praising his drive to get up, to walk and to keep his body moving. They expect to spend another month or so in the hospital before Sparkman can return home, according to the update.

Sparkman, who recently turned 29, was shot in the stomach at close range by Geddy Kramer at a Kennesaw FedEx facility on April 29.

WSBTV