Day after the Frame was added - X-Rays and Wound Change

Good day to you Friends and Family near and far, 

I arrived this morning just after 7:00 am.   I like to arrive early so I don't miss any of the doctor action. I sort of woke Mike but then again he isn't really sleeping much.  His pain level hit the all time high of a strong "8" this morning.  Yesterday when they installed the ILIZAROV Frame apparently they had to manipulate Mike's knee during the procedure.  You'll see from the x-rays below that his knee suffered a lot of trauma as well and due to all of the multiple surgeries Mike has been far too weak to do much Rehab.  Not like he did in Utah with the rehab workouts. It's been 5 weeks since he tried to really bend it much.   Mike was also stronger and healthier then.  His butt has been kicked a few times and there is "no poop in the tank" as he would put it.  His strength will return, but a few more surgeries in the near future will delay that process.  Dr. Hodges came in a couple of times and helped MC get more pain meds. He is with Gelman's Team and he said all looks great with the frame.

 

Mike had a really tough time getting his pain under control.  The frame is heavy and awkward as well as invasive.  You'll see what I mean as you scroll down. 

X-Rays were ordered and it was a blessing that Maria the Tech was able to do all of the x-rays from the bed.  There were several challenges, but with determination and an extra shot of dilaudid, MC made it through.  Maria was kind enough to let me take photos of her shots as she got them.  The foot can be picked up by the top of the frame.  It's as if it is the perfect handle for the caregiver to assist. 

This is the foot looking down at it.  You can see the 3 wires running through the top of his foot / bones.  There are tension bars and what looks like hydraulics.  Everything can be tightened and loosened by adjusting the various pieces of hardware. 

MC's Knee and top of the Ilizarov.  It attaches directly to his tibia. 

Here is a view of his foot looking at it from the side.  The bones are healing.  It's been 8 weeks since the accident.  The Doctors like the placement and the hardware will now do it's job to bring the foot back to the proper place so Mike can walk on his foot someday.  2-3 weeks from now Dr. Gelman will add wires to the heel bone and also install a walking device to the bottom.  

Here's Dr. Dustin.  He is an Intern on Dr. Frome's Team and we have seen him several times.  What a wonderful guy - very through and kind as well.  He has been a part of all of Mike's surgeries.  In fact he is the one who did most of the application of the cadaver skin yesterday.  He noted that the foot bleed a lot during the surgery and quite a bit in the night, but the bleeding looked like it had stopped. Even the extra oozing was very slight.  He has a "Happy Flap".  This is great news!!! 

Here's my view of Mike as he gets his first look at the frame without the ace bandages wrapped around it.  He is feeling all sorts of pressure, aches and pains, so it helped him to see where everything was mounted.  This is quite an impressive device. 

Here Dr. Dustin has all the old bandages off and the new ones are ready to go on.  The little white sponges will periodically be replaced with new ones. 

Can you say "OUCH" ?

A quick glance from Mike.  He was not so happy about his morning and the level of pain he is up against.  The Nurse gave him his PCA back. ( that's the device that allows him to give himself punch through dilaudid when needed.  But controlled so you can overdose.  Just an FYI.  He hardly uses it and really what it means is that he is reconnected to his IV and saline and an oxygen monitor attached to his finger.  MORE wires.  Thing #1 and Thing #2 are still hanging around with MC as well.  They continue to do their job with the back as they drain away unwanted fluids that keep collecting.  They should be removed within the week as well as the stitched. (staples from his butt crack to his pit)

Final touches and Mike is asking more questions about what to expect in the near future.  

MC is not looking all that happy.  You can see he has lost a lot of weight - the hard way.  When he lays in bed you can actually see that his belly is below his ribs.  

Love all of you for sending goodies, but I will say that MC is eating so well.  No sweets or caffeine for weeks now.  His system is pretty pure and something off the path may not make his tummy feel too good.  But he'll be saving his treats for later.   Mike got a super sweet treat and b-day card from his friends in Bend as well as from his brother, sister in-law and the Martins.  So many beautiful cards, thoughts and wishes have come his way.  People are amazing and I thank each of you for asking me how I am doing.  Doing just fine and today I took a little break and... 

I took Mike's 89 year old Daddy, Jim out to lunch at the Raccoon Lodge in Portland.  Jim had some beef stew and a good old fashioned chocolate malt.  When you're 89 you get malts anytime you want. 

Love to all of you - this goes without saying...

SB and MC out for the afternoon.  

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