Hospital Stay Update

Big picture: Sarah is doing well and recovery is progressing nicely.

As I begin to write this, I realize it has only been two days since Sarah’s surgery, it all seems like just one big chunk of time. Much has happened.

Day 1 Post Surgery – Wednesday morning’s 5:30 am sheet change and sponge bath was a painful experience for Sarah. Self regulated pain medication/monitors/anti nausea meds/checks of vitals/arterial IV/catheters/surgical drain discharge/the beeps and hums of ICU. From morning sips of clear liquids to being allowed solid foods, her tastes ranged from ginger ale to soup & crackers to fruit salad and chicken to cute doctors over the course of the day. She ate sparingly, she drank like a fish. Physical activity progressed from bed and positioning adjustments to being assisted to a chair (Dr.’s orders) to being transferred to a non-ICU room in early evening. No TV, lots of Pandora ambient radio. Through it all she has been amazing.

Day 2 Post Surgery – Amelia (home from college, thanks for taking such good care of your Mom) reports that she had a restful night. Doctors pleased with progress, IV and urinary catheter removed. PT visit and required walk down the hall as well as two visits to the bathroom. All are hard work and exhausting for her. Sarah is in great spirits. Don’t know what she had for breakfast or lunch today but am sure she is craving the ramen I make. I am amazed by how far Sarah has come since Tuesday’s surgery. All that she does is tiring for her right now and I know she needs her rest. Some family will visit today, but perhaps give it another day before she begins entertaining guests. Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers. Blessings.