Hello everyone.
I just wanted to let all of you know that alex's surgery was a success. He had it on June 22 and it went great. Recovery, on the other hand, has been a challenge. I spent so much time preparing and investigating the surgery that I overlooked how intense the recovery would be. In my opinion, it is the worst part of the deal.
His surgery was anterior and lasted about 3.5 hours. One of the assistants in the ICU showed me the x-rays that were taken in the Operating Room after his surgery and his curve is no longer a curve! It is a beautiful thing!
His first two days in ICU were very difficult. Oxygen levels were an issue due to all the medication slowing his system down; then getting all his systems running again was an issue, again due to all the medication; not to mention the side effects of all the medication. He was given diluden (sp?) which made him nauseous. However, today seemed to be the turnaround day. They had gradually been lowering his pain meds and they finally got the nausea under control. He was moved to a regular room today and finally was up and walking around the unit with assistance from the nurse and his dad.
I think he gained some height, although they haven't measured him so I don't know for sure and I'm sure he's lost weight as he hasn't eaten since Tuesday. He is on clear liquids now and they plan to advance his diet tommorow.
I knew my child was a strong kid (mentally and physically) but I am so impressed by his strength in getting through this recovery. He does everything he is asked to do, no matter what the pain (and sometimes it literally takes his breath right away) but he powers through it. Totally amazing.
I know that each day will bring improvement and I'm looking forward to him being home.
Those of you who have been through this surgery, you have my deepest respect. Those of you who are waiting for it - it is hard, there's just no other way to say it - but you will get through it. Each stage is a phase that passes you along to the next one on your way to total recovery. It takes time, but you will get there.
Good luck to everyone, Carol
I just wanted to let all of you know that alex's surgery was a success. He had it on June 22 and it went great. Recovery, on the other hand, has been a challenge. I spent so much time preparing and investigating the surgery that I overlooked how intense the recovery would be. In my opinion, it is the worst part of the deal.
His surgery was anterior and lasted about 3.5 hours. One of the assistants in the ICU showed me the x-rays that were taken in the Operating Room after his surgery and his curve is no longer a curve! It is a beautiful thing!
His first two days in ICU were very difficult. Oxygen levels were an issue due to all the medication slowing his system down; then getting all his systems running again was an issue, again due to all the medication; not to mention the side effects of all the medication. He was given diluden (sp?) which made him nauseous. However, today seemed to be the turnaround day. They had gradually been lowering his pain meds and they finally got the nausea under control. He was moved to a regular room today and finally was up and walking around the unit with assistance from the nurse and his dad.
I think he gained some height, although they haven't measured him so I don't know for sure and I'm sure he's lost weight as he hasn't eaten since Tuesday. He is on clear liquids now and they plan to advance his diet tommorow.
I knew my child was a strong kid (mentally and physically) but I am so impressed by his strength in getting through this recovery. He does everything he is asked to do, no matter what the pain (and sometimes it literally takes his breath right away) but he powers through it. Totally amazing.
I know that each day will bring improvement and I'm looking forward to him being home.
Those of you who have been through this surgery, you have my deepest respect. Those of you who are waiting for it - it is hard, there's just no other way to say it - but you will get through it. Each stage is a phase that passes you along to the next one on your way to total recovery. It takes time, but you will get there.
Good luck to everyone, Carol
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