The CT scan from yesterday showed a pocket of fluid just beneath the incision. One doctor believes this has been the cause of the unrelenting pain dad had been experiencing until recently. Basically, the fluid has built up and has not been able to escape through the healing incision. The infectious disease docs are cautious of infection, obviously, and the surgical group is concerned with draining the fluid. I will spare you the squeamish details, but an opening was made to allow for better drainage and heat will be applied throughout the evening to draw out the remaining fluid. The surgeon who performed dad's emergency surgery seems hopeful that he will be cleared for take off before the weekend. I guess the tricky part comes in getting all of the various doctors to agree on the conditions of his release. Blood work will be evaluated again in the morning to monitor changes in white blood cell counts and a sample of the fluid was sent to the lab to test for bacteria. These two results coupled with the success of the draining process (and the ability for all doctors to agree) are the final hurdles for dad to clear before coming home...we think.
Dad's progress in every other area has been steady and upward. He is getting stronger by the day and may just skip out of LGH when the time comes. He practically runs around the 8th floor when he goes for his "walks." As for mom, she continues to stand by her man 110%.
What a journey...
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I'm so glad his progress has been good otherwise and I hope this is under control now.
ReplyDeleteHaving a family member(all the better a wife) standing by you helps the healing process more than anyone can actually prove, but I know it to be true.
It is great to hear your doing better. We'll continue to pray for speedy release and also for Carl. Love you guys! Dicky & Kim
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