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Joshua, 7/21-22
The quilty portion of today’s blog is that I finally began the introduction (which often gets written after the rest of book, as in this case since most of it is in first or second draft) to my book on thread on the drive home from the hospital (it is 60 miles each way, and instead of pouring it was glorious summer in Maine) and it is coming clear in my mind! So when I can finally re-focus on work, I will have a bit of a head start. Believe it or not, the quotes I plan to use are from Twyla Tharp and Stephen King…how’s that for eclectic?
Joshua is making progress; as usual, it is several steps forward, one back, repeat process. Yesterday he ended up having to have the blood transfusion. His hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were SO low that he was in the critical range. We were talking to the nurse about it today and she said she’d think long and hard about giving her kid a transfusion, too, but with levels as low as Joshua’s had become, there wasn’t even a question. It was a “DO IT”. So that helps. He did improve quite a bit…not so pale or groggy. Here’s the poor kid at the end of the second unit of blood:
This morning he had his FOURTH surgery in six days! The first, Monday, was to stabilize the leg. The second, Wednesday, was to set everything. Friday and today were to change the dressins and clean the incisions (hope that last link in the previous post didn’t freak anyone out! even my normally unflappable hubby who has assisted in veterinary surgery said “oh that was gross!”). Today they were able to put a few sutures at the ends of the long incisions, and hope to be able to close them if the swelling goes down enough on Tuesday. I guess once that happens, he will get to stand up and try to get mobile. Plus, today they changed the pain meds (for those who know more than I, from Fentenol to Dilaudid, and that seems to have helped a ton….apparently he ate a LOT of supper…hoooray!). Maybe home over next weekend????
Then, Paul will reschedule his rotator cuff surgery!!!!!
July 22nd, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Sarah, I think, the pain control will be much better with the Dilaudid, since it is much longer acting than the Fentenol. Joshua will recover more quickly since the transfusion. An appetite is a wonderful sign that he is on the mend. I continue to pray for Joshua, you, and your entire family. Try to rest when you get a chance because you will need all the strength you can muster. I truly believe that you will all be fine after a lot of rehab. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.
July 22nd, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Sarah-
You are a woman of details! As a former science teacher I just had to see the faciotomy pics. I wish Andy had received a successful faciotomy after he put the axe into his shin! The article you linked said something about a “small bulge may be visible… not harmful… ” Andy has a goose-egg sized bulge in his shin muscle that always amazes people and prompts the whole retelling of the “axe-i-dent”. I pray Joshua’s faciotomy is a successful one.
Hey- I’ve donated platelets in Portland before… perhaps you can do the same. but hopefully he won’t need more blood transfusions.
Would you please tell him that all the Cutko’s (my in-laws too) are sending him the best.
Tell him I’m planning a letterbox to be hidden in Camden with a helmet carved on the stamp! He can write the clues and name it after himself.
Hugs.
July 23rd, 2007 at 12:51 am
Dear Sarah…
Just wanted to let you know that you are all in my prayers. Such a scare with our children is one of the worst tings we can go through emotionally. As a regular blood donor, I have been very impressed with the trouble the American Red Cross takes in testing, testing and retesting blood.
Liz
July 23rd, 2007 at 7:45 am
The Dilaudid should give him some relief. There’s not much stronger than that. Honestly, take a few minutes to be good to yourselves whenever possible. I’m often great in a crisis and then sick as a dog afterwards. It’s as emotionally draining as it is physically. My husband just got over the rotator cuff surgery. It’s good that you’re putting it off. I had my hands full helping him past the first week. Really full!! Thinking of you and praying for Joshua.
July 23rd, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Sarah, I’m glad Josh continues to do well. My prayers continue for his complete recovery, and for you and your husband. You will definitely have your plate full with two recuperating men in the house!