Post-op

This picture was Friday less than 24 hours post op. Daryl is getting better every hour of everyday, but there are still concerns, based on the extensive surgery.  All  the Dr’s  are  monitoring him very closely.  He has hourly checks on his graft,  with vital signs and lab work every  2- 4 hours. Recently, a low-grade fever and low hemoglobin which resulted another blood transfusion and an abdominal CT scan.  Dr. Mansield came in on Sunday and checked his graft with a doppler and said it sound great! A “swoosh” sound means that the blood supply is good to his grafts! Daryl has a good “swoosh”!

Nutrition:

They are working on the challenges of getting him nutrition. His bowels are is still not active from the surgery. We are hoping his bowels wake up so he can begin the tube feeds again. They are hoping not to have to put in a PIC line for TPN, to avoid infection risks. Meanwhile, I was sent to Islands restaurant to eat a cheeseburger and fries and have a glass of wine!  Needless to say my nutrition is good, if only I could transport my calories to Daryl!

Pain:

He is on a Fentayl drip to help with the pain  and they give him boluses(extra) at times. They do not want to give him too much, as pain medication can have an effect on his bowels.  The clinical pharmacist is doing a great job and giving some other options to help mange the pain and to try to get him some rest!

Octopus tubing :

They have removed some of the octopus of tubing that encompassed the ICU patient. he was able to get rid of his arterial line (monitors his blood pressure) and urine catheter. The picture below was  his first time up in the chair! The swelling in the below picture is expected after surgery, it will decrease  everyday as his body begin to  absorb the fluids.

Thankful:

We cannot begin to express the outpouring of love, prayers and support we have felt the last few days. We feel as each of you is giving  us a huge hug! When times like this happen, they always say true family and friends will be their for you. We have experienced the true meaning of those words on this battle and journey.  We are overwhelmed, and if you know Daryl, overwhelmed he thinks it is one of the most overused words. He says overwhelmed is what they “faced at the Alamo”.  Well the “Lu Alamo” is overwhelmed with love and support!  Personally, the support I have receive helps to lift me up everyday and to be there for Daryl.