The 48 Hour Update!

Dad has done well in the 48 hours following surgery.  

We cannot fathom how fast time has gone, but yet it has dragged on at times.   We are being sure to take care of Mom as I know that it is exhausting for her.  The Dr. has asked her a few times about what she is doing to take care of herself.  We hope that she is getting enough sleep.  We are supplying her with some non- hospital food, which we hope helps! :)

Day 1:  (exciting stuff!)

Mom met him at about 7 in the morning from her guest suite in the hospital.  She came early and was able to talk to the Surgeon and have some questions answered.  Dr mentioned that Dad is doing well and wanted him to try to sit up and then walk a few steps to the chair across the room.  An hour later with the help of my Mom, Dad followed the Dr's orders.  Dad made it to the chair and then started feeling really light headed.  Mom described that his eyes rolled back into his head and he went limp and passed out.  He started sweating profusely and was not doing well.  His heart rate dropped to about 40.  After a few minutes he came to.  Mom was really shaken up and scared.  The Drs (Surgeon and Anesthesiologist) came in and ordered an EKG and an Echo cardiogram as well as some other tests to determine how well his Epidural was working......They all came back with normal results and they feel like Dad had some kind of Vasovagal response.  After a few hours and more rest he was able to try moving to the chair with some success!  He has such a positive attitude and wants to be strong and fight to feel better!  They were able to remove his NG tube and get him off his oxygen.  It felt freeing to have all of those tubes off of his face.  

I was able to go visit with my 3 youngest children and Mom's sister Charlotte and her husband Lew came by as well.  We think he looks great!  

Day 2:

Dad slept well last night and again looked well this morning.  We were anxious to get the results of the pathology report, although we may have to wait until tomorrow.  The Surgeon mentioned that they will take as much time as they need and he feels comfortable not rushing them.  We want the results to be correct!  

Dad's epidural is still working and pain has not been an issue, although he keeps requesting Benadryl for itching.   He is a maniac at his little breathing machine, and is working hard at keeping his lungs strong. I am impressed!  (I hated that thing when I was in the hospital a year ago.)  We are also pleased as the Dr. was thinking of removing his JP drain tonight.  The drain was placed right where the reconnection site is....Dr. Traverso was positive and happy that the site looked great and was not leaking.  (A huge blessing as with the Whipple procedure, leakage and complications have a high rate!) We feel blessed that things have gone so well.  Mom sent us some pictures of him walking around the unit.  Dr wanted him to do 1 lap....he did 2!  He also felt good enough to brush his teeth and to have his hair combed, and is waiting to be transferred to a different floor and away from ICU!  

He is a trooper and has become a favorite of nurses in the ICU.  When he is not sleeping the nurses gather around to hear hiking stories and to pick his brain on the good places to go.  Mom and I cannot believe how well he can remember names of trail heads and lakes, let alone how long some of the hikes take!  I am sure he will be missed by a few when he is moved! :)

My brother Jonathan and his family arrived today from Washington for a visit.  I am sure it will boost his spirits to see them and their adorable little boys!

Addendum as of 8:00 tonight:
Dad will stay in the ICU tonight again, because there is not an available room for him on the medical floor.  So....he will continue to be neighbors with a few patients that we have lovingly labeled as Jailbait, Crazy and Flasher.
(My least favorite is Flasher....My eyes will never be the same!)