Day 1 of 2014

So we are in day 2 of post surgery and day 1 of  2014.....and David is doing well. The doctors keep cautioning me that it is not real though and not to develop a false sense of security on the ease of his recovery. He is still rocking the epidural which seems to be keeping him very comfortable. However, the second that it is pulled....we maybe dealing with a whole new ballgame. For now though, I am basking in the delight of a semi normal heart rate (120ish), good blood pressure, good coloring and a fairly pleasant disposition.

David has an amazing tolerance for pain and being non-verbal, it is often difficult to tell if he is hurting. We have been going by heart rate elevation as to whether we think he is uncomfortable or not. Last night they came in and moved him (every four hours we change his position to prevent bed sores) and he ended up on his side with one leg in the air. He seemed to be sleeping fine but I watched his heart rate gradually climb into the low 170's. Of course I alerted the nurse. They came in and returned him to flat on his back and his heart rate was back to post surgery normal within just a few minutes. There is no full on pain right now, but there is obviously discomfort. :(

He also developed a low grade fever during the night. It was barely above 100 and not unexpected after a surgery such as his, but my mom senses tensed up for a bit. I know it was the whole "other shoe dropping" thing. It went down on its own though and there has been no fever since.

This experience has been somewhat different this time as opposed to last time. Davids charts have not only been read but committed to memory by his surgical and post care team and they are doing things a little differently to avoid any issues or extended stays. The epidural has been an amazing addition. With Davids everyday issues it has helped to control not only his pain but the need for other pain meds. The side effects have been cut to almost non-existent and he is comfortable. They will start weening him today on his epidural meds and by this time tomorrow we should be getting a pretty clear picture of his true pain.

Another difference this time is the cast. It is actually a game changer in many ways. His physical therapist was less than pleased after his last surgery when he came home without the cast we were expecting. This time he is cast from his hips to his ankles in bright neon orange. I will have no trouble finding him in the dark! The cast comes equipped with a leg spacing bar which keeps his legs in position. The guy in charge of orthotics came out and talked to me yesterday after David was cast and told me that they had also taken a casting of Davids legs so that removable orthotics resembling his current cast can be used after the cast is removed in 3 weeks or so. I am sure this is what is going to help keep his feet and legs from crossing over each other. The cast is as light as they could get and yet still heavy for a kid who has never been cast before. I see this being a bit of an issue or should I say more of a irritation as he begins the recuperation process. The good thing is....other than not pulling on the bar at all, they have told us that there is almost nothing we can do to hurt his hip alignment with these cast. That is a very good thing. I only have one logistical or physical problem with these cast and that is mobility. I borrowed a wheelchair with leg extensions as that is all I needed last time. It took me about two seconds after surgery to realize that the borrowed wheelchair will not work in his current situation. I am going to have to get a wide chair with a reclining back and leg extensions. They told me that the hospital should be able to help me obtain this and they are also trying to get me a special chair that he can sit in at home. Sigh! Not to worry though....these are just tiny speed bumps and nothing more in the big scheme of things!

The final difference in this surgery is that they put drains in both sides of his hips. This was to prevent any chance of infection. I have a fairly strong stomach, but these things are truly testing its strength. The out put is already lessened a great deal so they are talking about likely taking them out tomorrow. Thank goodness!

All in all, he seems to be progressing very nicely towards a possible Friday dismissal. For now we are enjoying our "private room" (a story for another day), our beautiful hospital room view and a positive and exciting start to the new year. Please keep the prayers coming that the next few days hold no setbacks and that I can get David back to Kansas comfortably. Now go forth and enjoy day 1 of 2014 and thanks for reading!