We are now in the surgery recovery phase. We aren't exactly sure how this phase will go. To some extent, that is true with any surgery. But had the full surgery been possible, we would have been in a situation quite similar to November 2016, so we knew what sorts of benchmarks and timeline to anticipate. Given the way the surgery went, there are more unknowns.
For now we'll follow our usual mantra: focus on the next thing to do.
All of the external things (primarily the incision site) are looking good this morning. The nurses tried to get Penny up in the night, but that wasn't possible. So the main goal for today is better pain management so they can try getting her up again. She now has an IV pain med and can get a small dose on demand by pushing a button. It's the same med that she was able to request on demand before, but it should be easier to stay on top of things without the delay between requesting and receiving the med.
She's also on nausea meds and trying to stay on top of that. But we have lots of experience with nausea meds over the last six years, so she's pretty good at knowing whether she's on top of things and which meds work for her.
Mostly Penny tries to sleep, since that's the best medication for both pain and nausea. When she's awake, her only other task is to use the little "breathy thing" to ward off pneumonia. While deep breaths are not the most comfortable, this seems to be going pretty well.
We don't anticipate much in the way of "news" today. If there are no complications, we'll focus on breathing, sleeping, and pain management (including during another attempt to get up).
Comments
Teri Warners: Randy, thank you for your updates. They are so helpful. Our hearts go out to both of you and your family during this very difficult time. Praying that Penny can get up and around a bit today and that the pain and nausea can be managed.
Pamela Plantinga: Thanks so much for the updates, Randy. Penny and your family are in our thoughts and prayers many times each day. We're praying today for no complications, for much sleep, and for recovery.
Mike Bolt: Thanks for the updates, Randy. The surgery and recovery seem so demanding. We pray for strength and healing throughout the day.
Dave and Liz Sherry: Thank you Randy, for your thoughtful updates! Yes, praying for peace and comfort in Penny's body, soul, and mind!! And peace in your heart, along with your kids, to know that our God is the great comforter and is still in the business of miracle!!!
Chriss Pruim: thank you for taking the time to update randy. even tho there isn’t much news you guys are on my mind constantly so it is good to know how things are going. we will keep praying you through each next step.
Laura DeHaan: All of us in the Provost's office got together at noon today to pray for Penny. We prayed for healing, for pain relief, good rest, and that Penny and her family would feel the presence and love of Christ today and always. We all miss having her with us. Thank you for taking the time to make these updates. They are appreciated by so many.
Mary Hulst: Praying with you and all these good people for more rest and less pain.