Shhhhhhh MC is sleeping

Good Friday evening all,   MC needed some peace and quiet so the Nurses created a special sign just for his door.  I think he's actually found some blocks of time that gave him as much as 30 -60 minutes of uninterrupted sleep.  The nights can be rough on him so the day time he tries to catch up a little. 

Clay and Serge came by today.  What a lively couple of guys.  They had lots of hugs and laughs to share.  you can see Mike got a BIG chuckle out of something that was said.  Seeing his friends is the best medicine possible.  Mike's next surgery is Monday at 7 am.  Come and see him this weekend! He's at Legacy Emanuel in NE Portland.  Park in Parking 1 and head to elevator A in the main building.  Room 3521 . 

 But call first to see if it's a good time. 503-778-0190 ;-)

I missed the Doctors visit this morning, but here's what I heard via MC.  Dr. Frome and Just Craig came in together - took a look at the flap, and where very happy with what they saw.  Everything is healing very well.  They are very optimistic with the outcome.  There is a long road in front of MC before he's walking and on a strong road to recovery.   Next surgery is Monday bright and early. During the procedure they will do a skin graft and place the final skin on the flap by harvesting Mike's skin this time.  (2 donor applications prior)   MC can expect quite a bit of discomfort for quite some time.  They are taking quite a bit of skin. They will remove all the staples in his back and disconnect Thing #1 and Thing #2.  Can't say that Mike will miss them, although he has been toting them around for more than 2 weeks.  

Gelman's Doctor Hodges came in as well and they couldn't be happier with the frame. 

PT came in this afternoon and cute little Betsy helped Mike stand and sit and walk a few steps then he actually was able to get into his recliner chair for 15 minutes or so.  MC has really been struggling with his energy level.  We hope that after the next couple of surgeries he will really be on his way to real healing!  More hurry up and wait... for the next procedure. 

So many blessings and so much to be thankful for.  Enjoy your weekend everyone... 

Much love and heart hugs from SB and MC.  

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT: (and Mike really wants you to) 

Click on the word comment below.  

Click on the drop-down and choose an option.  

Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.  

Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.  

Day 58 - it was a normal day for MC

Good evening all, 

Today was not the greatest of days for MC.  I would have to say Mikey had a little less pain, but his spirits are down.  I was saddened when I saw him this morning.  He's weak and tired and fed up with it all.  Yet he's strong and determined and filled with hope and gratitude. I don't say that so you feel bad, but the purpose of this blog is to "update" you and let you know how this guy is doing.   It was a tough day.   My heart breaks for this guy, but I DO KNOW he'll come through victorious. 

My son Brandon came by to see Mike today.  The two of them get along quite well.  Brandon has a friend who wanted to help MC out with a little extra $.  Bill Sanger a fellow rider of Brandon's is also an extremly talented custom motorcycle painter.  Bill is willing to do a custom paint job to the highest bidder.  The proceeds go to Mike.   What a gift.  We'll let you know how that goes.  Thanks Brandon and Bill for doing this.  We know it takes an army to make things happen. 

Dr. Dustin Larson came in to do the dressing change.  Not much bleeding or oozing.  That's great news.  Dr. Dustin was very happy with todays view. 

After the assessment and bandages off, it's time to put them all back on again.  The swelling is going down and MC's little piggers are all seperated and the skin is cracking.  Sounds weird, but it means the swelling is down. Even the top of his foot is more rounded. :-)

I like to include a view of MC if I can remember to get one.  He's wearing his gown today and usually you'll find him commando.  Gotta knock before you enter.  MC - is ready for some visitors, but do text him or call first just so you know it's a good time.  503-778-0190

SB AND MC Out for Tonight...  Love and Hugs!

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT: (and Mike really wants you to) 

Click on the word comment below.  

Click on the drop-down and choose an option.  

Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.  

Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.  

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.  

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT: (and Mike really wants you to) 

Click on the word comment below.  

Click on the drop-down and choose an option.  

Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.  

Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.  

Mike is out of Surgery # 10 and has managed to smile between ice chips and pain meds

Everyone wants to know...

"How is MC doing"?

MC is doing well. After a hurry up and wait  morning - he was finally rolled out of his room 90 minutes after his scheduled departure.  He had a few IV issues, one last pee, his meds and Elizabeth from Transport took him away wires and all. 

Here Dr. Brian Hodges is going over the Frame procedure with Mike just to be sure everything is clear.  This intern has helped Mike in the past and we like Brian a lot. After all the appropriate signatures and explanations, he was off and I was given a pager. 

I had to beg, but they let me into the PACU as he was recovering with his Nurse Kim.  I walked in and before I could see him I could hear his voice and his Nurse was laughing.  Dr. Gelman called me after the surgery to let me know things went well.  

Here is the first look at MC's new frame.  If you look close you can see 3 pins coming from his tibia. One in the middle and two closer together at the top.  He has a large plate at the bottom of his foot (leaving the free flap completely exposed of any hardware)  and a couple of rings around the calf.  This supports the foot and keep any part of it from resting on the skin itself.  Dr. G did not put a wire through the heel. That comes in 2-3 weeks during another surgery.  What he did do was put 3 wires through the upper part of his foot with what looks like wing nuts coming out each side of his outside toes.  

Dr. Hodges just came in and explained things a little clearer.  I'm feeling for MC and the pain he must be in due to all the new trauma on his bones and nerves.  

Here's MC in the Patient Acute Recovery Unit.  By the time I got there his pain was getting manageable and his eyes were sort of going in different directions.  I got lots of warm kisses and he seemed to be in good spirits.  It was so nice that they let me in to see him. 

The million $ smile.  Not sure  how he mustered this one, but out it came and I just had to share.  It could have been because he was given ice chips.  Oh the simple pleasures in life. 

Who would have thought. 

Mike is now resting back in TRACU only 2 doors away from where he was 4 days ago.  All the nurses were so happy to see him as he was rolled along the hallways. Back for some more of their lovin arms!  The foot is up, meds are down and everything seems to be getting settled in.  Vima is his Nurse this evening and what a pleasure she has been.  Hope we see her again.  No word just now on Mike's release date, but we do know that he is having his own skin grafted onto his free flap next Tuesday.  Not sure if he will be here till then. 

FUNNY BUT TRUE

(hope this brings the chuckle that is intended)

Yep - you guessed it - this is NOT apple juice. Last night during the wee hours, MC reportedly could not find his bedside pilot bottle.  He apparently fell asleep with it between his legs after doing his business.  

Now he knows where to look when it goes missing. 

As far as visitors - I would call him first or text to see if he is up for company.  We just can't tell right now where his pain level will be tomorrow.  We do know they wheel him out of here soon for x-rays.  I hope he's up for eating something.  This going 24 hours between meals is not healthy.  Thanks for all the love and prayers. 

SB & MC here in 3521 for at least a couple of days - over and out. 

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT: (and Mike really wants you to) 

Click on the word comment below.  

Click on the drop-down and choose an option.  

Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.  

Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.  

Is there such a thing as a " USUAL" day in ICU?

Hi to all of our Friends and Family,

MC was still in ICU today although not your typical patient.  :-) Mike is very alert, and actually quite lively with his Doctors and Nurses.  Always good for a little sarcasm.  Today was filled with his usual tasks at hand.  Meds, potty time, shave, teeth, PT, OT, Meds again, food, sit in my chair, meds again, Doctors and Nurses and more Doctors.  An occasional nap for 10 minutes if he can squeeze it in. 

Today's news:  Kidney function has continued to improve slightly.  Another blood transfusion again today.  Third day in a row.  This is in an effort to get his red blood count up.  Apparently the bone marrow is not doing it's job.  (this is what Mike said the Doctors said.  If I have some details wrong, forgive me. Just trying to pass along as much as I can)

Dr. Gelman is doing the Frame surgery tomorrow morning at 10:15 if you want to shout out a little prayer or some good light.   This surgery may take as long as 4-5 hours.  Dr. Frome will replace the skin on the flap with another set of donor skin.  A week from tomorrow Mike will donate his own skin for the permanent covering of his flap.  Dr. Gelman's Assistant came in today and spoke in detail about what Mike can expect after tomorrow's procedure.  However the Doctors reserve the right to change what they are doing and when at any given moment.  It's kind of funny but we've learned that things can always change. 

We never imagined that Mike would be 8 + weeks in the hospital, but we are just one day away from 8 weeks.  It will most likely be 8-10 more days before MC is ready to leave the hospital.  Tomorrow the 24th will not be a good day for any visitors, but after that I imagine MC will be out of ICU and ready for company.  The room temp will be tolerable and if you send him a text he'll most likely tell you if it's a good time to come on by. 

SB & MC out - sleep well everyone. 

PS - I'll have photos tomorrow so you can see MC's new look!  

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT: (and Mike really wants you to) 

Click on the word comment below.  

Click on the drop-down and choose an option.  

Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.  

Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.  

MC is doing better today and yes he LOVES the attention he gets in the ICU

Good Sunday afternoon F & F!  

I showed up in the ICU about 6:50 this morning.  It was already a busy morning for MC.  If you know me at all, you know I don't like it when I miss the Doctors coming by to give their report.  :-)  So I usually try to show up early enough not to miss the big Docs. 

Mike slept pretty well in ICU, but very intermittent.  When I arrived he was getting that ultrasound that he was promised. They did a scan of his arteries, veins and major organs.  According to the Tech (44 yrs. experience) she said everything was looking good.  Kidney function has improved.  Blood count low and a 2 unit transfusion will be needed.  All are concerned about the fainting that has been going on.  Cardiologist is going to come in today.  The Teams of Doctors need his take on MC's passing out as well.  

9:00 Dr. Frome and Just Craig came in.  Mike's foot is not really bleeding any longer.  An adjustment needed to be made to the temp frame his leg was sitting in.  Mike actually didn't use it last night.  Bleeding almost completely quit. 

Dr. F and JC really like the way MC's foot is looking.  I don't see it, but will embrace every word they are saying.  The swelling is going down, the muscle is pink and very happy.  These are all good things.  Some of the donor skin is dying, but that's ok.  The current donor skin is being replaced with a like mesh donor skin on Tues. when Dr. Gelman puts the frame on.  It will be the dog and pony show.  Frome's Team dives in right after Gelman.

This is a drawing Just Craig did on the dry erase board.  This explains sort of what MC's foot will look like after the surgery on Tuesday.   There may or may not be a walker on the bottom of the frame.   (you can see the other doc notes at top Zosyn 4-6 weeks) 

You can see the bands that will come around the front, connect into the shin and there will be an adjustable wire going through Mike's heel.  This device can be tightened and adjusted just like the braces you or your kids wore.  OUCH... We'll let Mike tell us if it hurts.

Dr. Frome was really happy and very optimistic about MC's future outcome.  She was off to ride horses and we really appreciated her coming by to see MC on a Sunday morning.   She thought that he would be sent back to the floor (TRACU) sometime later today.  As much as Mikey likes the ICU - it may be short lived.  :-)  No official word of him moving so who knows, perhaps he can stay there till Tuesday's surgery. 

Today Mike's  Dad and Sister Judy came by to visit with him.  Mike also had a chat with his daughter Madison.  Her BF Zach had to put his lab down today.   I'm so sorry for his loss.  It is never easy to lose a pet - they tend to become a part of US.  Thinking of you Zach. 

This update is a little earlier in the day, so if there are any big changes I will let you know.  Enjoy your Sunday - drive safe, watch out for others and know what your insurance limits are!  (gee have I said that before?)  I'll be saying it again and again. 

SB & MC out for now...

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT: (and Mike really wants you to) 

Click on the word comment below.  

Click on the drop-down and choose an option.  

Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.  

Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.