Well, We're Glad That's Over

Mom was wheeled into the OR about 1240 today. The usual questions were asked and answered, forms signed and explanations offered. Earlier today Reverend Miller came by to visit and stayed with us until we were informed of the delay. Mom was glad to see him, appreciated his prayers and kind words. I was able to get out of the surgical area long enough to kill a few lung cells, grab something to eat and return to the waiting area and get settled in when Dr Ordano came out to get me at about 1:15.

He reports that the wound did go to the bone and they were able to clean away all the dead tissue as well as the wound area. They took a sliver of the bone and a sample of the tissue and sent them to pathology for evaluation. It should be some time in the middle of the week before the results are in and mom will remain in Beaumont until then.

While in the hospital, mom will continue to receive antibiotics to fight infections and since he has put no restrictions on her, should be able to get up and walk about as much as she can tolerate. He also said it would be okay to return to Heartland and resume physical therapy adding the staff there should be able to continue to treat the wound side.

Dr Ordano said the healing process will be slow for mom due to the soft tissue necrosis he mentioned earlier. He also said that since the dead tissue has been removed there may be some discomfort or pain returning to the area. He has written orders for inject-able pain medication should that be necessary.

We also discussed the hyperbaric oxygen treatment he mentioned earlier. She will need to be evaluated before it can begin, if it starts it will last for 6 weeks and is a 2 hour treatment Monday - Friday. Since medicare is paying for this, there are stringent governmental criteria that must be met. (I'll spare readers my comment about the chamber Michael Jackson had.)

She should be out of recovery and back in her room by now so I'm going to post this and go see how she is doing. Thanks for your patience.