Monday, April 28, 2014

Update on Dad

Hi. Just wanted to give a quick update on Dad. He had his 25 metal staples removed from the 6 inch incision last week, which had to help that area be less uncomfortable, but overall, he is still in a lot of pain, especially in the afternoons. The physical therapist says he is doing well, and that this is just a long recovery. My Dad is not accustomed to resting, and neither parent is used to being house bound, so this is hard. Please pray for wisdom not to overdo, for better pain management, and encouragement. Thanks!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Update on Dad

A week ago today was Dad's surgery. Today the physical "terrorist" (therapist) that comes to the house said he is doing very well. He walks several times a day around the house inside, and now he has some exercises to do.

Monday there was an unexpected trip to the doctor's office to check the 6" incision because he was concerned it was infected (it's OK). Unfortunately the car ride was very painful for him.

Today he was able to go outside and check on his roses and I know that made him happy. He is still in quite a bit of pain, but overall doing great for just being one week out.

The recovery for this surgery is long and slow, so please keep the prayers coming. Thanks!

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Dad is home!

I am so thankful to report we are home! It's a great 45th wedding anniversary for my parents today.

Yes, I drove down to be here to help any way I could, a decision I made yesterday morning before the possibility of Dad being discharged to home health care was even an option. I'm so thankful for my friend Mary who helped me follow my gut and decide this (not in Dallas studying) is where I need to be. I am called to honor my parents, and this is a time for that.

Dad is doing remarkably well getting around in the walker, considering he has a 6" incision in his low back, and it's not hardly four full days after surgery. There are a lot of throw rugs in this house that are making mom and I nervous, but he is insistent that they stay where they are.

The home health care agency is supposed to call Monday.

 I went to pick up his Rx at Walmart only to find it closed at 7:00pm. What in the world? They live in a nice area. This is not like the CVS near my house that has legit reasons for closing early. We are hoping Dad will be ok without this med tonight. He hasn't had it the past three nights, but we wanted him to have it as an option just in case.

Please continue to pray for pain management, for good rest, and for grace when crankiness sets in. :)

Thank you so much for your prayers! To God be the glory!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Dad: post-op day 3

Dad had a good day. More visits from his friends the physical "terrorists", the drain from the incision removed and a shower. There is a slight possibility that he may be released to home health care tomorrow! Of course he might also fall into the weekend holding pattern. And he might end up at rehab, but we would love the home health option. We are so thankful that he continues to head in the right direction. Please continue to pray for pain management, good rest, and wisdom about next steps. Thanks for your prayers. To God be the glory!

Dad: post-op day 2

Dad did pretty well yesterday. He had two sessions with the people he now refers to as the physical "terrorists" (therapists). He is slowly (much slower than he would like) making progress. This was a major surgery and the recovery is far from easy for anyone, let alone a 74 yr old with other health issues. No timeline has been set for his release; the word "rehab" was used as in he may go there before going home. It all depends on how he progresses. Please pray for endurance and grace and wisdom for the medical staff, and that they would be willing to see outside their protocol that Dad does not fit into! He has been able to sleep fairly well so far, as has Mom. We have much to be thankful for. Thanks for praying with us!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Dad update: post-op day 1

Thank you for your prayers. After an "ok" night, Dad was moved to a step-down unit today and the focus and challenge has been pain management. While Dad is still in pain, he has been comfortable enough to sleep most of the afternoon, for which we are thankful. 

The PT folks came and got Dad up and walking. The lactic acid in the muscles adds to the pain factor. He is back on a little oxygen after his little walk, but the medical staff says that he is doing well and everything like the incision and the drain there looks good. 

Mom has often said the second day (24-48 hours) after surgery is the hardest, and at least for us, that has usually been the case. Lord-willing, Dad will be able to sleep through more of this difficult period. We are very thankful that he is heading in the right direction, and appreciate everyone's prayers. Please continue to pray for good pain management, and rest for both Mom and Dad.

Thanks!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Dad's Surgery

Dad is now getting settled in his ICU room. The surgeon said the surgery went well. Apparently there was a lot of instability in Dad's back before the fusion, and Dr. S was able to fix that with the rods. Currently, Dad is in considerable pain, but the medical staff is working on that. Please pray for a measure of pain relief for Dad and rest for both he and Mom tonight. We are thankful the surgery went well and that Dad came out of anesthesia OK. Thanks!

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Please pray for Dad and his surgery

Hi. Sorry I've been absent so long from here. Studying/working 50-65 hours/week for three months straight has occupied all my time.

First, let me back up and share a huge answer to prayer. The low back surgery my Dad really needs to try to get some relief from the constant pain he lives with was denied coverage by insurance when they ran the pre-approval. Then it was also denied when the first round of appeal went through. We had lots of people praying that The Lord would lead and provide wisdom (even if that meant not having surgery and exploring other long term pain management options). This past Tuesday, only a couple weeks after the initial claim was filed, the insurance approved the surgery! We are so thankful and are taking this reversal and quick processing as an indication that The Lord would have Dad continue forward with surgery.

So this Tuesday, the 8th, he will have two discs fused, the two lowest ones in the back. After surgery he will not be able to sit for more than 20 minutes at a time, and other various restrictions, but that is the biggest one. Please pray that The Lord would guide the surgeon, Dr. S's hands, that Dad would come thru the surgery with no unintended side effects and, if the Lord wills, that this would provide Dad some pain relief. Low back surgeries are somewhat controversial in the medical field due to their mediocre success rate, but Dad's surgeon (who did Dads neck fusion last year) thinks he can give Dad relief.

Thanks for praying with us!