June 26 Surgery Day

Well after much anticipation, Donna had her surgery today.  Her arm was braced with two plates and associated screws (one plate on each bone) and a single long screw was placed in her pelvis to stabilize a fractured area. These surgeries went off efficiently and successfully.  Her surgeon Dr, Acher was excellent.  Donna came back to her room after recovery, breathing on her own and looked like she had gone a few rounds boxing someone.  She looked tired but I think she clearly won the bout.    Total time in surgery and recovery was about 5 hours.  It was awesome to know that her injuries have been addressed and there remains only one more hurdle (and it won’t involve a physical challenge) and that is waking up. 

We are well positioned to play and win the patience game.  We have our Medical center lodging sorted and will get into it this coming weekend.  That opens the door to great patience in supporting Donna’s recovery even if very slow.  John and I are hitting a rhythm staying with Donna and can see the timeframe soon when we will be in a position to accept the most graciously offered help of others.  We are already starting to plan a Sarah return plan, which she, and we, can’t wait for.

A few comments on the Ortho Trauma Unit where Donna is currently housed, it is located on the 6^th floor of the Jones pavilion in Memorial Hermann.   It is still a serious care unit with a bit less of the rigor of the ICU.  Donna will stay there till she fully recuperates from the surgeries.  Indications are that it may not take long and that she may be on the move again soon, all within the medical center. The primary concern we have is infection and we experienced a fatality the last night we were in the ICU due to just that.  As a result we have discussed it among the nursing staff and ourselves and decided to severely limit direct access to Donna with some additional protocols to avoid germ exposure.  This is hard with the many well-wishers but she is our only priority at this point.  6th floor Jones has a very large and quiet (relative to the ICU) waiting area just outside the elevators so we are visiting with people there when not attending to Donna.  Hopefully the risk of infection will reduce with time but the primary concern area is her trachioscopy. 

With her surgically enhanced right arm, we will need to explore the extensive new abilities Donna will possess.   Not known as an athlete, she may have to resort to popping me with it when I get out of line.  In the spirit of rock, paper, scissors, I have to believe that steel plate always wins.  I’ll have to take my small victory as the ability to get through a TSA security line faster than her.

I expect her to regain the glow of the last few days in the next few as she heals from surgery.  She still holds hands like there is no tomorrow and we tell her all about everything that happens.

Thanks so much for your support

Bob