Mike got out of surgery this morning about 10:30 and was back in his room by 11:30. He is still at WHC but all the paperwork is in to get him moved accross the street to NRH. I spoke to the social workers on both sides and he is just waiting on a room now. They want to give him his own room, so it may take a day. I also updated all of his therapists too. Everytime they see me over there they chase me down for updates. Some are bummed because they won't see him again until he goes back to outpatient, but Kendra, both Katie's and John are looking forward to getting their hands on him again for inpatient. Some of the SCI patients he has made freinds with, Like Darnell and Sharron are waiting for him too.
The surgery this morning removed a piece of his tailbone which was infected. That piece will be sent for a biopsy to determine what type infection it is and the best antibiotic for it will be identified. He has a PICC line in his arm that goes up his arm and into his chest area. That will stay for 6 weeks and be used for the antibiotic, so he won't have to drag around an IV pole.
They also removed all of the damaged tissue in and around the wound to promote healing. They are not going to close it or do plastic surgery. They want to let it try to heal itself while he is monitored by the clincal nurses at NRH. Meanwhile he can get back to therapy in a few days. He will most likely stay at NRH for as long as he shows an infection, so that could be 6 weeks, but we will keep our fingers crossed it is shorter. Mike isn't too troubled by the thought of a long stay. We both think it is best for the wound since we don't have the knowledge or equipement to keep ahead of it. He also wants to try to get his colostomy while he is there since the location of the wound and going to the bathroom are not a good combination when trying to keep a wound clean and infection free.
Mike is in good spirits and is already talking about his nurses and therapy, looking to the future and putting all of these health issues behind him so he can concentrate on his therapy and getting involved in other activities.
As soon as he has a room at NRH we will post it. He is looking forward to seeing he friends too!
BIGRED
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2 comments:
I posted in my own blog that it amazes me how strong and positive Mike has stayed, everyday I am more and more inspired by him.
I'm glad the surgery went well and that there is a plan moving forward. I'm sure all of the nurses at NRH are excited to have Mike back, his laugh is contagious and he has to be one of the most uplifting patients ever!
I pray the stay for Mike is shorter than 6 weeks, but however long it is, I hope he gets the care and treatment he deserves!
Best Wishes,
Shannon
Jeff - thanks for explaining both the surgery and the game plan for the coming weeks for Mike. This latest surgery accomplished a lot in getting Mike healthy. He continues to make all of us proud with his fight, his courage, and his incredible attitude in the face of so many hurdles. He is certainly getting the care he deserves. While we all hope that his stay at NRH is shorter than 6 weeks - it is a comfort to know that Mike is okay with that prospect and that he will be back amongst the many friends he has made with both staff and patients. His family and friends have always known just how special Mike is. We'll be in touch with Mike once he settles back in at NRH so that the healing and inpatient therapy can begin. We will be planning another visit very soon as well. Love to Mike and the family - Aunt Nancy
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