Thursday, August 03, 2006

One week down.

It's hard to believe that tomorrow will be one week since surgery. I knew this was a big surgery, but I never anticipated how difficult and slow the recovery was going to be for Jack. He has done remarkably well given all his underlying issues.

I have to admit that I was not at the hospital for a good part of the day today. My dear friend Peggy came by about 11am to stay with Jack. I went to lunch with a friend then to Peg's house to relax for awhile. I made it back to the hospital around 5pm. I missed much of Jack's day and he is now sleeping. I did find out that, for the next six months, he will have to wear his body jacket whenever he is out of bed. Because the jacket supports his right hip and goes down to his mid thigh - he will have to be in a reclined position the entire time. We have to get a different wheelchair before we leave. I'm a bit overwhelmed thinking about the next 6 months and Jack not being able to sit up at all for that long. I have no idea how we are supposed to transport him to doctors' appointments. I feel like we were not at all well informed of what to expect following this surgery. I could write a commentary about what transpired between the orthopedic surgeon and Peggy today when he came by to "discuss" some questions I had for him, but, I'd rather not focus on the negative today, it consumes too much energy. Let's just say I might need a particular someone to come to St. Louis and kick some butt! :-)

I've asked to stay here until Monday - which they said shouldn't be a problem. Jack's nurse, Kristi, flys in Monday from Phoenix to help us out next week before we head for home on Friday. I never thought I'd ask to stay in the hospital, but Jack's care is very involved and requires at least two people to manage him. He also really needs the support he gets from the respiratory therapists and the physical therapists for as long as possible -- all of whom have been wonderful.

Thanks for checking in.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

One very long week I know. I'm glad you were able to get some time away from the hospital today. Love you lots and I'll talk to you next week when I get home.

Anne

Anonymous said...

Oh Ann,

This has been one heck of a week! Jack deserves a purple star or something and you the bronze star for staying by his side. This is a journey, sometimes up Mount Everest.....

You've stayed strong and so has Jack. It will be good to put some time and space between you all and St. Louis shortly. I know I'm lucky to know such a lady as you, Ann and Jack is a lucky boy too, to have such a mother.

Anonymous said...

Our internet and e-mail was down today, so I wasn't able to check on you and Jack until now. I know your feelings about staying in the hospital--you want to get out with Jack but know you need help with him. You DO have to preserve your energy, Ann, so I am glad you were able to get away today and are able to stay there for a few more days. I wish I could offer some assistance, but unfortunately the only thing I can offer is my prayer support and some comic relief every once in a while. I know you're hurting so much for Jack, but I hope you're taking care of yourself too... Gloria

Anonymous said...

Hey Ann, keep hanging in there. I tried to call a few times the other day but couldn't get you so I thought I'd drop you a line to let you know I was thinking about you. Take care of yourself and hopefully I will get to see you both in Phoenix.

Love,
Maureen

Anonymous said...

Your silliness for today, brought to you by "My Sister's clean jokes"...


Three gentlemen are golfing one sunny day.

They come to a difficult par with a water trap just after the tee. The first golfer proceeds to hit his ball right into the water.

To retrieve it, he simply approaches the body of water and extends his golf club. The water parts, he takes his next shot and it lands on the green.

The second golfer hits his ball towards the water, but rather than sink, the ball floats on top of the water. The golfer nonchalantly walks across the water and hits the ball onto the green.

The third golfer hits his the ball directly into the water, where it quickly starts to sink. As the ball sinks, a fish grabs the ball in its mouth. At that very moment, a hawk plucks the fish out of the water and begins to carry it aloft. As the bird soars higher, a bolt of lightning startles the bird, which then drops the fish into a nearby tree. When the fish hits a branch of the tree, the ball pops out, rolls down the trunk of the tree,

across the green and right into the hole...

Moses turns to Jesus and says, "You know, I hate golfing with your Father."



Kar

Anonymous said...

Hi Ann,
Probably the longest week of your life. I'm so glad you took a break. One of my little friends back in NJ had this surgery 4 years ago, and it has made such a difference for him. He is in a similar brace and is wheelchair dependent. Last year they got a new chair which reclines (it can go almost flat), it also raises up so he can be more at eye level with people, it has been great for his comfort level. If you want any info about the chair, I would be happy to get it for you or put you in touch with his mom.
You guys are in my thoughts,
Love,
Kathy

Anonymous said...

Ann

This must have been the longest week of your life! So glad you were able to get away for a few hours yesterday. Continuing to pray for you all.

Lots of love flying across the pond.

Julie xxx

Anonymous said...

Ann, there is not much I can add except that I think of you and Jack a lot and pray for things to be uneventful from here on. I hope you can avoid any additional "surprises" and I hope you see that smile real soon. I am glad you were able to take a break. Much love, Whitney

Anonymous said...

Ann
I'm sorry I have missed the past two days, I just got home from Boston. I am happy to come out and kick some butt, you just give me the go ahead :) I'm sorry you were not well informed and that the next six months are going to be so stressful on all of you. That really just sucks!

I'm glad your week is now over and you can focus on what lies ahead. I hope you all have a smooth weekend.

Talk to you soon
Love ya
Carrie

Anonymous said...

I want to kick a butt too!!! I need to!!!
(leave it to the 2 'Jersey Girls' to offer the butt-kicking)

Ann, good to hear you had some time to relax out of the hospital room.
Please give Jack a sloppy, wett kiss on his forehead from me. Ok, better not make that sloppy & wet, that's not very sanitary.

Anonymous said...

Ann praying for Jack. He sounds like a very strong little boy. I think he gets it from his mommy. Give jack a hug from us.
mandi and Alissa

Anonymous said...

Ann,

What a week! I so admire your strength. Jack is a super kid. So glad someone was able to provide some relief for you. Many prayers are being offered up for his quick recovery.

Thanks for taking the time to update.

Hugs,
Jennie

Anonymous said...

Ann,

What a rough week! I'm so glad you have someone that can relieve you for a while, and you are obviously comfortable with them staying with Jack. I admire your strength. Jack is a super tough kid.

Continued prayers that Jack's recovery will go smoothly...

Hugs,
Jennie

Anonymous said...

Hi Ann -

Thought I would leave you with a few verses from my favorite book...

Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

And remember,
Philip 4:13 "YOU" can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you!

My prayer for you tonight is that you will have a sense of God's love and peace all over you...to the point where you can't explain it! And my prayer for Jack tonight is that he will sleep better tonight than he has all week and that God's healing hands will be all over him!

I love you guys! Hope to talk to you soon!

Holly

Anonymous said...

I think Jack paid the dr's to say he cant sit up for 6 months so I cant come beat up on him! : )
I hope the reclining wheelchair fits well in your van...yikes!!!! Im glad Christie is coming out there....she'll put a smile on Jack's face...she's really good at that! And You need a break!
Keep hanging in there...
Karen H