Friday Dec 6 / Sat Dec 7th

Friday the bowel started to wake up.  We had the awesome nurse Heather again.  When she came in to do the initial check (listen to lungs, pulse, etc) she looked at his bag (which had air) and she said "you're passing gas, YEA!"  It was too funny!  I'm not embarrassing him here, anyone who has had surgery knows this is one of the first things they look for.  Right?

Friday afternoon the stupid bag leaked again so Heather got the job of changing it again.  At least she was experienced!   He sat in the chair for a short time but only took one walk on Friday.   Everyone keeps telling him it's going to take him getting up and walking to get things moving.  He is totally wiped out when he walks......I am sure that is normal.  And considering he's not really had anything to eat since Monday, one can see why so weak.  :)


He still had a lot of pain Friday but wouldn't always hit the button.   Stubborn man!!!!  Said it made him sleepy.  Yep, it does do that.  Pain finally tapered some Friday night and by Saturday early am he hadn't used it.  Dr Treptow came in this morning (Saturday) which was a surprise.  One of his colleagues was supposed to make rounds this morning but he said she was in surgery.  Said he was shopping at Cabellas (his favorite store - just like my man!)   He said they could remove the pain pump if Doug wanted and give him iv pain meds or pill.   So that is off now and Doug just took a vicadan (sp) and hopefully will rest now.  They turned his fluids down to 75% and he can start clear liquids.  He had a little jello, a drink of apple juice and a drink of cranberry juice and some water.  Hopefully that will all stay down!   We have a super CNA (aide) today and she's already been in and he walked 1/2 of the hallway and back.  We're making progress.  :)

So that is it from the Mercy Health "Spa" as of right now.  I am going to go home and check on my son who has scooped the driveway and bring him back up here to hopefully lift his dad's spirits.  (He doesn't want visitors yet.)

Prayers for motivation to get up and walk would be appreciated.  I read before we came in here that depression is a very real thing for surgery patients.  I can see why, it's easy to get discouraged when you can't even get out of bed by yourself.   Also for continued pain control and overall healing!

Thanks soooooo very much for your support and continued prayers.

Jan