Sunday, August 10, 2008

Post-Op Day 1 -The Official Update, Auntie Jess' Version


I must for-warn those faint of heart and a wee bit squeamish. What I am about to write is not for you! ===========================================================

The surgeon found a fair bit of infection inside Shelby's leg and was able to clean it out. He was also able to insert his arm down Shelby's leg, through the laceration, from above the kneecap, downwards 9". This means that is how far the flesh had been pulled back and separated at the time of the accident. The good news is that he has not severed the ligaments or tendons, as speculated, just nicked them. This also explains the swelling in his foot. There really wasn't much to reconstruct, just mainly they removed the obvious infection and sewed him up properly at the point of the wound.

Shelby will be able to make a full recovery, however not for another 18 months, ouch!

At this point the question is whether or not there is infection in the joint, under his kneecap. The surgeon was hopeful that there is not, but the results from that test will not be in until tomorrow. If there is none, his recovery will be more swift and complete. If there is infection then Shelby will need a second surgery, likely on Tuesday and his prognosis will decline. That surgery is fairly involved, including drilling a hole in his kneecap and delaying his rehab quite a bit.

Shelby is, well, shall we say, enjoying his pain medication. Jen is, well, shall we say, enjoying just being with her husband. She sounded a little better tonight, than she has in a while. Although exhausted physically and emotionally, I think she is relieved, as we all are, that Shelby is getting proper medical care.

Just taking one day at a time,

Jess.

****Jen is able to view your comments, so she is encourage by them and appreciates the kind words and prayers.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wowser! And wonderful that there was not as much damage to his leg, as they initially thought! Wonderful!!!

--Adrienne

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that the surgery went well and that Shel is resting "peacefully".
Will still keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong Jen!!!

~Jenn

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that the surgery went well.
I will pray for him tonight that there is no further infection and hope everything else goes smoothly.
My prayers are with you and your family Jen, remember the the lord will take Of Shelby Jen as well as you.
Take of yourself Jen,
Danielle
X X X

Anonymous said...

Ouch! Let's go make hamburger out of the cow!

Glad he is getting the medical attention he needs

Keeping you guys in our thoughts!

Andy said...

Here's hoping for a healthy infection free knee cap that doesn't require drilling **shudder**

Andy

Anonymous said...

Jen - we're back from a weekend at the beach to read this and are very glad to hear Shelby's back on the road to recovery. Hoping very much that this is the end of infection! Healing energy coming from lovely PA.

Regina

Anonymous said...

Jen, good to hear they are taking care of Shels leg. YOU GET SOME REST! I know that is easier said than done. I hope they don't have to drill his kneecap. BTDT, 6 holes drilled in mine 20 years ago. NOT FUN! Sending prayers for you and yours,
Susan (eyejustam)

Anonymous said...

Jen and Shel...good vibes and hugs for continued good news...

Anonymous said...

just wanted to know i am thinking of you guys and hope it is a peaceful week for all
- mckenna

skirbo said...

I'm praying for you guys. Hope all is well today. I remember how much I enjoyed my pain meds after my surgery last December, so I'm sure he is, too. My mother said it was the best thing about taking care of me, I was so out of it and silly, that I was a lot of fun. Not that I remember any of it at all.

Hope that both of you are able to rest well in the hospital.

Hugs,
Sarah

Anonymous said...

Thanks for updating the blog - Jen keeping you Shel and the boys in my prayers daily!

If anyone can get through this with their sanity intact it's you!

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh, jen! i've been out of town, and came home to read all about this! I am glad that you all received some promising news with this surgery.

as others have said, make sure you are taking care of yourself, too.

my thoughts are with you and your entire family!

tina/celebratewewill

Anonymous said...

Yikes, Jen, I'm glad it's not as bad as it could be, but I'm awfully sorry you have to go through this. Hang in there, we're praying for Shel.
--Spay