Also - I know trisa = % 11101101 makes the inputs and outputs - but what does your code indicate? (why 8?)
all pic TRIS registers are 8 bits wide, the port pins are mapped onto those bits one for one , bits that don't match a pin do nothing
i cannot be bothered to look at the data sheet to see how many pins PORTA has on that chip so i play it safe and allow for all 8.
why 8 why not


putting you email on a public forum is not a wise move , i suggest you delete it pronto
pm me here on the forum if you have to