Add to My Yahoo!:
Dad went into surgery approximately 9:30 AM this morning. The surgeon told us Dad's hip injuries were as bad as it gets, with major breaks on the front and back parts of the hip socket. There will be two major incisions, one each for the front and back repairs. The surgery will last a minimum of 5 hours and could go up to 12. We asked for an update at the halfway point (after the front or back is done), and will post details if we get it. One bit of good news is that Dad has the best ortho surgeon in Maine doing the surgery.
Last night, Dad called us back into his room when we were leaving. He asked us to put him at the top of the list for surgery. It turns out that his surgery was in fact the first of the day today. So this morning we told him we did as he asked and he laughed and laughed. He was in very good spirits this morning, talking with us and saying how great all the hospital help was. He gave Mom a kiss before we left.
Hooray! Mom was discharged today. She was thrilled to put on real clothing and go out to eat real food.
Dad's surgery is finally scheduled for tomorrow. He was less agitated and more peaceful today when we visited him. Both visits ended with him kissing Mom on the hand.
Dad was very agitated during our visit tonight, asking to take off his neck collar and get out of the bed. It was disheartening to see but we are remembering that he had a very good day. We really hope his pelvis surgery happens tomorrow and invite your prayers for the same. We'll find out tomorrow if he is going into surgery.
Mom is doing very well on her walks and was able to stand 10-15 minute phone call with her cousin Patsy.
We just spoke with Dad's eye surgeon. The eye surgery is scheduled for Friday (pelvis surgery still likely Tuesday). The surgeon has 10+ years of experience doing eye surgeries and will be assisted by a great plastic surgeon named Aurora (also Cassidy's middle name - a great sign!).
The surgery will start with a small incision below the left eye. Most of the damage is below the eye, including broken bones, and the repairs will be focused there. The bones around the nose will likely be left to heal on their own. Dad will wear a titanium contact lens to protect his eye during the surgery.
We had so many good visits today with Dad. He is making lots of friends among the nurses and is quickly becoming a favorite patient due to his optimism, friendliness, and demeanor. He was overjoyed to speak on the phone with Amy, Josh, and Cassidy this evening.
His eye surgery is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, approximately 1pm. He was very thankful for everyone's thoughts and prayers regarding his first surgery and would appreciate more of the same tomorrow.