Hip Surgery Day 4

6-11-07 Monday

Today was a day of visitors. The rest of Miles' therapists (ALL of them!) trooped over from the PRC for lunch today as well as his speech therapist who came in on her day off. After a shot of morphine, Miles was even the gracious host and full of smiles for everyone. He managed to stay awake for about an hour, then back to sleep. He was awake and happy several more times during the day. It is very nice to see the return of Miles' personality and he is even talking a little.

Since his epidural was removed, the IV morphine has been increased in dose and frequency to compensate. He is also taking Tylenol-3, so that could be why he's smiling so much... His catheter was also removed (yay!) and now has been outfitted with a diaper. He's sporting his new *red* outer cast and we have all the necessary equipment to go home. While he was having his cast adjusted to its final fit, Miles decided that he does not like the cast cutting saw. He will have one final confrontation with his new arch nemesis, but that will be in about four weeks. Stay tuned for "Saw II."

Speaking of going home, the plan is to have him released tomorrow or Wednesday. If he can go without IV morphine, home we go. We have made arrangements for a hospital bed and a lift for home use (in and out of bed), all we have to do is make the call and they will be delivered. We have the recline wheelchair (it's in the bathroom here at the hospital—there just isn't space for it anywhere else!). Unfortunately, Miles didn't get his outer cast in time to take a trip around the floor in his new wheels. This is something to work on for tomorrow. We also have his harness for car travel. Harness is really the correct word for this and getting him into it the first time should prove interesting.

Miles is also tolerating food pretty well and is almost back up to his pre-surgery volume. It is a little harder since we can't sit him up. We are confident that this won't keep him here. We are waiting for some action on the bowel front. Nothing yet but this should prove to be an interesting experience.

Annie

Eyes are open... barely.
The new red cast.

This is how the diaper works, for all of you that have been curious. We also have a strap to hold it in place. The strap is similar to the old school sanitary pad belts of old, but we don't think Miles will mind.