Posted by Jodie on June 16, 2009, 12:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Gibbons update: Removing Hand from abdominal on June 15"
Message modified by board administrator June 16, 2009, 12:33 pm
Hi and thanks so much for sticking in there with us. It has been a long 2 weeks but today (6/15) surgery # 7 took place and we think it went well. Jason is SO happy to have his hand free! The doctor said it looked OK, tomorrow we hope for a GREAT! You never know, maybe OK means GREAT in doctor terms.
We must wait 2 to 4 days and rest easy. The stomach will need a bit more time and then they will decide if another surgery, meaning another graft, is needed. By 3 pm, the PTs were in with him working his left arm. The wrist cannot be moved but the arm must be worked to strengthen the shoulder muscles in preparation for the prosthesis on the right arm.
The left shoulder is very important to the use of the right prosthesis. Jason was in good spirits today thanks to Kathy and her influence. She is wonderful with him, so supportive, so gentle at times and so kick in the pants other times. I don't know where she gets her strength but we are grateful to have her. We don't know when he will be moved to in-patient physical therapy, then out-patient, then home. Jason says it will be tomorrow, we say soon, Kathy says whenever. She's probably right! He just wants to get on with the rehab, but these next few days are so important.
He thinks the right arm prosthesis will be the end of this week, the legs in 3 weeks. We take one day at a time. We continue to thank all of you for all the wonderful things you are always doing for us. The days are long, but we see a light at the end of the tunnel. We know more rollercoaster rides are in store for us but we're prepared. A wheelchair has been ordered, we have asked that NO wheelies be tried at least until the Joes leave town. We have alerted all our neighbors for a runaway wheelchair (on purpose).
The flowers on the front deck, the phone calls, the cherry picking, the emails, the gifts, the food, the etc.etc.etc.etc.etc. Are so appreciated! We can't do this without all of you. We have heard from loved ones we haven't heard from in years. You have no idea how nice it is to reconnect. Thank you and we send our love to each of you.
Jason needs a few more days to regroup before he has visitors as he tires easily. I know, Jason's tiring is unheard of but believe it or not, until he gets some muscle and some endurance back, he tires and fades. Let us know if you are going to be in the area, it just may be a good day and he can see you as I know he would love to do, but since we go day to day, a phone call is best. We send our love, the joes
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