John is doing well. He's been up in a chair several times. Walking about in the room.
He had four drains placed in surgery and two of those were removed yesterday afternoon. (no..he did not like that, BUT he does like the idea that they are no longer a trouble for him to carry around).
Every doctor and nurse who has cared for him has been impressed by how little swelling he's hard. Granted, there's definitely been some swelling. Apparently others having the same type of surgery usually swell MUCH MORE.
His hemaglobin dropped a little bit yesterday- not surprising. His IV fluids diluted his blood count, making his count a little low. However he was given some packed cells to boost the count up a bit.
I've been very happy at his care from the team of doctors. Not only the ENT (ear nose and thoat) but the internal medicine doctors. They all watch these patients VERY CLOSELY and securely. It may seem overly protective from them. But they like to keep every aspect of the body at its peak for a quick and heathy recovery. I respect that.
Sleep and comfort are still sacred. When they are found in John's day (or night) he holds them both close like treasures full of gold.
The pain he had prior to surgery was different. And I think I can say the pain now is more tolerable. He still gets rebound headaches. Sometimes he struggles with it...but it doesn't last through the night like it did prior to surgery.
Most of his discomfort is from tight neck muscles from guarding his jaw in a position prior to the surgery and now he has to hold it in the same position due to the incisions. (Warning--if someone places his or her hand on John's back or shoulder, he is liable to point to his neck and make rubbing sign as if to say, "Hey, while you are there, rub my neck please." )
Sleep. That is the one we treasure the most now. I'm confident it will find its blessed way soon.
His doctors came in this morning. John wrote on his writing board : "When can the trach tube be pulled and I can go home?" Six to 10 days from the surgery date was the response.
EACH DAY: As bad as he feels sometimes, I ask him if he feels worse today than yesterday. He always gives me a definite shake of the head NO. Each day is better...he just has to be reminded the next day.
I will write you again on Monday most likely. I'm to work some hours over the weekend, and John likes me to be up there during the evening until he can find that seductress of sleep.
I know this is a very choppy note, please again accept my apologies. I've already printed your blog, Jeanne, for John to see. And also the comments. Keep them coming as I know he feels a bit disconnected to his own online support group.
Many thanks,
debbie
See also:
I hope that John is out of the hospital and home soon. He will be in my prayers. Sending warm wishes his way.
Posted by: meg wolff | October 20, 2008 at 05:39 AM