Tuesday, April 24, 2012

One week out

Dan is one week post-surgery today.  Still in a sling, but the bruises are healing, he is doing his exercises as he can, and we are very optimistic about his recovery.  His follow up is May 2.  He still has to sleep in the aft cabin (easier bed to get into) so we say goodnight and go our separate ways (!).  Funny.  Kind of Ozzie and Harriet. 

He has to wear his jacket over his sling so that is awkward for him but he is managing with my help and, with a bit of a struggle, on his own.  But you know this redheaded guy of mine.  He is determined as heck and so fiercely independent and that can only serve him well.

I'll post again soon with more detail!

Love,

Irene

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Home Sweet Home

We are, amazingly, home.  Dan had a nerve block plus a light general anesthetic.  As I write this he is barely groggy (if at all) and Dan is beginning to be able to move his fingers.

The team was incredible!  Everyone took their time talking to us and checking in with Dan's condition and feelings about what was about to happen.  It felt like we were among friends.  The atmosphere pre- and post-surgery was relaxed but clearly professional.  It was one of the best experiences I have had and could have hoped for.

The doctor is pleased with the outcome so far - feels that Dan will make a good recovery. It took a little over three hours and I had Sarah & Julia with me on and off the whole time.  Sarah came up on breaks from work and Julia popped in with things we forgot from home and then returned after an appointment to help us get home.  We are so lucky!

As the numbness wears off, Dan is beginning to feel the discomfort.  He just moved to the couch after eating and as he laid down said, "Oh.  There it is."  So we popped another oxy.  Or, rather, he did.  We'll keep that up.

It's been a long haul since August.  This is hopefully the last biggie.  We're now on the road to healing the shoulder.  Then we get back to focusing on brain injury, numb foot and leg, and residual rib pain.  We'll get there!

Love,

Irene

Repair of the Red Head

I am sitting in a cafe across the street where Dan is having his surgery.  He has about an hour to go.

Very impressed with the surgical team.  They spent a lot of time talking with us and weighing anesthesia options to minimize possible exacerbation of the brain injury and slow its healing. The surgeon (who is from NYC - lower eastside!) said a prayer before surgery with us, asking for smooth sailing and good results and continued healing from the accident.  It was amazing.  I felt that we were surrounded by good people who cared and were profoundly competent.  The anesthesiologist said, "I try to think about and treat my patients as family members - whom I like!"
~~~~~~~
Now I'm back in the waiting room with a full tummy and a cup of coffee.  I wasn't really hungry but, since I run support programs for caregivers, I have to practice what I preach and take care of myself.  Julia is here with me, Sarah works downstairs, Aileen is coming over later to check on us, Kevin has lots of advice and experiential wisdom...  We are well supported.

Dan will be groggy for a while and then on pain meds.  I expect that he will be sleeping a good deal of today and tomorrow as he recovers and as the anesthesia works its way out of his system.  It's a long walk down the dock which has me a bit worried but we'll figure it out.  Maybe that will help clear his head.

I plan to stay put for a day or two.  I have food cooked and the boat is clean and the bed is changed and ready for him. Dan will sleep in the aft cabin because it's easier to get into with his arm pinned to his chest where it will be for six weeks.  I thought about getting a baby monitor!  Anyone have a spare?

The doctor should be out momentarily.  I'm going to sign off but will continue to update the blog for a while now.

Love,

Irene

Monday, April 16, 2012

Surgery Tomorrow

By now you have probably stopped checking the blog...  but we are still living it every day!  However, "more of the same" does not make for exciting reading.  So I stopped posting.

Here is news, though.  Dan has shoulder surgery scheduled for tomorrow around noon. They will repair a tear to his rotator cuff and a problem with his right clavicle. It will be a day surgery but has a 6 month to one year recovery window.

6 weeks of inactivity followed by..
6 weeks of gentle stretching followed by...
3-9 months of physical therapy.

We've tried the conservative approach (PT) but his shoulder causes such discomfort that the decision was made to repair it surgically. 

Please keep us in your thoughts and, if you do so, prayers...  It'll be tricky.  They are giving Dan a  block rather than general anesthesia to minimize impact on his already injured brain.  What a brave, brave boy to agree to that.

I'll be in the waiting room and hoping to feel your good vibes!  Send 'em along!

Love,

Irene