All,
Adam was moved to a regular room.
It is good news.
Last night he was pretty funny with his ice chips and orange juice.
We are trying to write down what he said, so we can tell him later.
Ross and I were belly laughing about his love of OJ.
As a mom, I have to admit it scares me.
He just went from one nurse to one patient ratio, to one nurse to four patient ratio.
The attention level is very different.
I know, they wouldn't do it if he wasn't ready...
This morning was a whirlwind.
They started taking off things about 8.30.
He had an arterial line, his schwann (sp?) line, several IV meds and his catheter taken off/out.
They got him up in a chair for an hour.
Then they came and got his dad and I to take him to his new room.
He walked to a wheelchair, we rolled down the hall a ways, then walked into his new room.
I looked at the clock and realized he'd only been out of surgery for 24 hours!
It's crazy!
At the same time, he is young and doing very well.
His vitals seem to be stable.
He is off the morphine drip and on oral pain pills.
He is nauseated.
We think that will get better as he gets more in his stomach.
He has asked one of us to stay in the room with him.
We are all just taking turns.
He isn't able to lift more than 10 lbs.
That means he can't use his arms to push himself up in bed.
It's just a slow process of learning to do everything differently.
We are starting to run out of gas here.
It's good to have these milestones, but hard to watch the pain.
It really helps to check the blog and read the comments.
It makes us feel less isolated from the rest of the world.
I can't wait for Adam to read them all!
The next goal is solid food and a 25 yard walk.
He's done them all so far.
I am sure he will get these milestones too.
Pray for strength, for patience and for pain relief.
I sure feel the support.
I think he does too.
Val
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Val,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updated information. I hope you were able to rest too. Onyx must have been so glad to see you. I am speechless for all that has gone on in the last few days. Adam sounds like he is ahead in the healing department, so much, in such a short time. So, continued prayer, but also praise for today. Your Sister, Beth
Val, just remember to take each day as it comes. Some up, some down...it's about the big picture. (a bit like the regular parenting thing eh?) :)
ReplyDeleteAdam -- BE PATIENT! Take up knitting, macramae, glass blowing, anything to stay focused on something productive while you allow your body to knit itself to health once again. Prayers and love are blowing your way...hear the wind? love, Nancy B
Val - you need to write a book - 'the cute things my son said at 18 months... & again at 29 years...' - compare/contrast - not much difference - it would be a best seller - Oprah's book club here you come! :-) It would be another way of winning the lottery.... our favorite retirement plan... :-)
ReplyDeleteAdam - woo-hoo! so glad to see you making so much progress! & I have no doubt you'll continue to hit all your milestones! Keep it up! Get lots of rest - you know what paybacks are going to be like when you have to take care of your mother in another 40 years?! or sooner if you keep worrying her! (don't worry - GNO will do our best to help her reduce her stress w/plenty of vino...& buy you as much time as possible...but you'll need all your strength...)
Both of you (& all the extended family & friends around you) - you are well loved & lots of prayers, good wishes & positive karma are being sent in your direction
All sounds really positive for Adams recovery. Adam just stay steady and keep the corse.
ReplyDeleteVal you are such a strong women. I know it's challenging to say the least but I know you are up for it. It's a "Mom" thing. It's what we do.
My thoughts are with you both.
Love
D
One step at a time...and it sounds like he is making excellent progress toward his goals (sound like a therapist, don't I?)
ReplyDeleteSounds like he is doing GREAT! Val - I hope you can rest...
We are thinking of you constantly - and continue to pray!!!
Love you
Mindy
Adam... I'm still thinking about those backflips...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your OJ!! Love you...
Val - I want to thank you for keeping us all updated on Adams progress. Everyone here at work reads the blog daily and will continue to pray for his quick recovery. On a more personal note... As you know Adam and I have been friends for years and we have become more like brothers. He is truly an exceptional person and I have been blessed to have him in my life. I have no doubt that he will be back on his feet in no time! Especially with all the wonderful support he has! Please let me know when he is up for one more visitor and thanks again for the constant updates. -- Brett
ReplyDeleteso glad to hear you are up and moving already:) baby steps!!! I am also so glad your mom is keeping this blog! I am thinking about you all the time and can't wait to hear your voice:) Miss ya tons!
ReplyDeleteLove ya!!
Alicia
Hey guys,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear about all of the progress, I like the idea of Val writing a book (can I be a guest contributor, might know a couple of good stories compare/contrast on our sweet boy) Adam, don't let your mom tease you too much about what you said under the influence cause I could tell you what she said "under the influence" (we aren't going to worry about me "under the influence") Love you guys, thinking and praying for you to have strength and patience and know that we are all here for you!!
love boo
Dearest Mom V:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update! Adam is right on course and behaving exactly as expected. The thirsty, dizzy, seepy, pain thing is all normal! He is progressing well. The second and third days after open heart surgery tend to be very painful but he'll improve and forget. But you won't! Excellent observation and rightful concern about the change in nurse to patient ratio but studies have shown this is a good thing too. The patient is forced to begin to do more for themselves out of the ICU and the nurses on the floor are very skilled at post open heart recovery. They will monitor for any signs of trouble and send him back if needed. The more Adam does for himself right now the better. Move, deep breath, cough, walk, and eat. That's the montra.
Love and Hugs from Tucson,
Cynthia
great news about Adam, Val. we are keeping you both in our thoughts throughout the days ahead. good luck to Adam, and kudos to you for keeping us all updated, Val.
ReplyDeleteSounds like he is progressing well. I would never imagine that he would be up and walking right at 24 hrs after surgery! Wow! You have all stayed so strong for him. Sending out good vibes and positive energy today for Adams recovery :)
ReplyDelete