This adventure has lasted 30 days. I can't believe how long it has gone on. And it isn't even over yet. We go back to see the surgeon on the 26th. This means that we will probably have the wound vac till then. At least it is just the size of a small purse. . .
I am tired. Jarrad is tired. The only ones who aren't are the kids. Of course!
I wish that I could say that this is it for us but we have to do the other hip in the spring. Jarrad is sitting up straighter and looks so much better. He says he isn't in as much pain and if his face and eyes are anything to go by, I believe him. I think that we will be more cautious next time. We will plan more for things to go wrong as opposed to going perfectly. We will also know more. I think that we may insist on a transfusion next time. And really force the issue of home health visits.
As for Jarrad, physically, he has a huge hole in his thigh. It is about 1/4 inch deep and as round as a quarter. The wound vac is supposed to keep it dry by sucking any seeping blood out. Somehow, the vacuum also speeds up healing. We just have to make sure he gets lots of protein. Then we have to make sure we massage the area to reduce scar tissue. He also needs to get a lot of iron. When we left, his HGB (hemoglobin) was at 9. He did lose some blood when he was in surgery. Still, 9 was higher than we left with the first time we came home. Emotionally, he is just glad to be home. He knew he needed to go and he knew he needed to stay but he was ready to leave on Saturday. Mentally, he is ok. He is on short term disability for the rest of the year and he plans on working hard with OT and PT to recover his lost strength from being in the hospital. Did you know that for every day you spend in bed, it takes 2 to recover?
The kids have their programs this week so he needs to save some strength for attending those. They should be a lot of fun!
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