"Aggressive"
Today's word for the day is aggressive.
I was fortunate to meet another big chief this morning, I think the Chief of Medicine, which sounds to me like he's chief of chiefs. Anyway, he was VERY pleased with Amacker's condition. He explained that she is on minimal settings on the respirator, minimal sedation, minimal antibiotics -- to keep infection out of her wounds, as her staph infection is gone, and moderate pain medication.
Tomorrow they will fix her arm. I saw the X-Ray, and it is a clean break, but not at all lined up because of the way she is resting in bed. They'll attach a plate with some screws to make sure that bone grows straight back together. I am told that she doesn't have to have that plate forever, but that there is usually no reason to remove it. It's completely internal, and not near a joint, so it should cause no discomfort.
So why aggressive? Because the big chief says that after her arm surgery Monday they will start getting aggressive about her rehabilitation. She has had two weeks of doctors, machines, and her general good health before the accident healing her, but starting Tuesday it's time for her to start doing it on her own. They will begin Tuesday the process of weaning her from the breathing apperatus, the sedatives, the feeding tube, and soon after the antibiotics and everything else. She'll obviously have to continue her pain medication, but she'll have input into how much and when. Physical therapists will start coming to help her figure out how to re-strenghen.
For now the neurosurgeon has perscribed that Amacker wear only the collar for 12 weeks from the date of surgery. That might change if she is not careful with things, meaning they might have to use something that limits her movement more, but he is pleased with the way things look and thinks a collar should be enough.
I should also say that Amacker remains unresponsive when asked to squeeze hands or blink or do anything to let us or the doctors know she's hearing us. The big chief says that it's not uncommon, because she was on quite a bit of medication that will take a while to clear out of her system.
In other words, they have no reason to believe Amacker won't be running the show very soon.
I was fortunate to meet another big chief this morning, I think the Chief of Medicine, which sounds to me like he's chief of chiefs. Anyway, he was VERY pleased with Amacker's condition. He explained that she is on minimal settings on the respirator, minimal sedation, minimal antibiotics -- to keep infection out of her wounds, as her staph infection is gone, and moderate pain medication.
Tomorrow they will fix her arm. I saw the X-Ray, and it is a clean break, but not at all lined up because of the way she is resting in bed. They'll attach a plate with some screws to make sure that bone grows straight back together. I am told that she doesn't have to have that plate forever, but that there is usually no reason to remove it. It's completely internal, and not near a joint, so it should cause no discomfort.
So why aggressive? Because the big chief says that after her arm surgery Monday they will start getting aggressive about her rehabilitation. She has had two weeks of doctors, machines, and her general good health before the accident healing her, but starting Tuesday it's time for her to start doing it on her own. They will begin Tuesday the process of weaning her from the breathing apperatus, the sedatives, the feeding tube, and soon after the antibiotics and everything else. She'll obviously have to continue her pain medication, but she'll have input into how much and when. Physical therapists will start coming to help her figure out how to re-strenghen.
For now the neurosurgeon has perscribed that Amacker wear only the collar for 12 weeks from the date of surgery. That might change if she is not careful with things, meaning they might have to use something that limits her movement more, but he is pleased with the way things look and thinks a collar should be enough.
I should also say that Amacker remains unresponsive when asked to squeeze hands or blink or do anything to let us or the doctors know she's hearing us. The big chief says that it's not uncommon, because she was on quite a bit of medication that will take a while to clear out of her system.
In other words, they have no reason to believe Amacker won't be running the show very soon.
The picture comes from Angie Taylor who took the picture in April during a visit to California this year. Angie lives in Brighton, UK. Thanks Angie!
3 Comments:
New arm tomorrow! That's great! (Maybe they can fix the RSI while they're in there?)
Two weeks seems like so little time considering the extent of her injuries. I can't believe how fast she is progressing! And now her care will be even more "aggressive"! Wow!
Amacker, you go girl! Can't wait to sit and laugh with you again!
Sara
Richard,
My thoughts are with you and your family.
I'm touched to have read these thoughtful posts, and am sure Amacker's circle of loved ones appreciate your updates and positive vibes. You are a good brother.
Be well (all),
Leah
oh i'm so glad! she sounds like things are going really really really well - man, i want to have that aries fighting spirit !!!
thankfully and happily,
ina (dour capricorn)
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