Pain

Scott has slept most of the day. He has been waking up more the last 2-3 hours and now we wish he could go back to sleep. Because now, that he is awake, he is having a lot of PAIN. He is getting IV pain medication and oral pain medication, but we're chasing his pain and trying hard to get on top of it again.

Please pray that the pain medications can work well for Scott, with minimal side effects. Please pray that he can be as comfortable as possible.

He did have a second blood transfusion today (2 more units) and 2 units of platelets.

He also had his art line removed after the surgery, but still has his central line in to get IV fluids/medications.

He has been drinking a lot of fluids today but has not had an appetite or felt well enough to eat any solid foods, yet.

Here is the afternoon lab report:

WBC 14.8-again elevated but this is likely to his surgery. Normal is less than 10.0.

His platlets are the best I have ever seen (thanks to a lot of blood/platelet infusions). Today they were 74, they have ranged anywhere from 50-60 while he has been here. Again, normal is above 150.

His potassium is in the normal range today at 4.2.

His new cultures (to see if there is any bacteria) remain negative-meaning that likely he is infection free and the antibiotics killed the enemy!

His vital signs are stable. His color looks good, the main obstacle we are having now, is getting his pain under control.

Scott's leg looks really good to me. He still has the vacuum coming out the bottom of the amputation and a small drain coming out the side of his thigh.

They have discussed possibly moving Scott to the medical floor tonight or tomorrow. There is no set plan with this move-just to wait and see how Scott is doing.

I have received SO many cards in the mail for Scott-Thank you. I have loved bringing them up and showing the m and reading them to Scott. They really make his day. He knows how many people love him and I know it helps him get through each day. I need to post a new picture because almost two walls are full of cards and pictures.

We are so relieved to have this day almost over with. Tomorrow is a new day....