It's been a long day for Mr. Torsten. All of the anticipation and anxiety leading up to this day have been pretty miserable, but on a very positive note, we're on the bright side of the ordeal - the surgery is over. The big event that we've been stressing about for the past few months is actually over!
Even though we're past the main event, it seems like we have a way to go before we're back to normal. Torsten has had problems with pain throughout the day. We had his meds adjusted a few hours ago by the neurosurgeon on duty - they doubled the amount of hydrocodone that he's taking and increased the frequency. Things seem to be going better now and he was actually able to fall asleep a few minutes ago. The doctor also said to let the nurse know if he gets really worked up again and they can give him something to relax. The goal right now seems to just be to keep him calm, comfortable and still. Any stress or kicking around could damage his incision, which would be a huge setback. The hardest part of keeping this goal is not being able to hold him. He's getting upset about it and it's heartbreaking to have him reach out while crying and not be able to just sweep him up. Tomorrow is a new day and we're hoping we get the all clear to hold and snuggle him again. :)
We're thinking that this will probably be a long night. Our "in-room double bed" turns out to be a single and our munchkin has been reminding us fairly regularly that he needs pain medicine. However, the neurosurgeon should be coming by in the morning, and if everything looks okay with his back and his bladder, there's a chance that we could go home. From what we've heard from other parents that have been through this, the surgery is just the beginning and we should settle in for weeks of fairly intense rehabbing at home. We're hoping for a quick recovery, but are prepared to do whatever is needed.
Overall, it's been an amazing day. We may be spending our Friday night in the hospital, but our son's spinal cord is fixed, he doesn't seem to be in pain at the moment, we are watching March Madness from our room and the three of us are together. We have so much to be happy about and thankful for, including our amazing friends and family!
Even though we're past the main event, it seems like we have a way to go before we're back to normal. Torsten has had problems with pain throughout the day. We had his meds adjusted a few hours ago by the neurosurgeon on duty - they doubled the amount of hydrocodone that he's taking and increased the frequency. Things seem to be going better now and he was actually able to fall asleep a few minutes ago. The doctor also said to let the nurse know if he gets really worked up again and they can give him something to relax. The goal right now seems to just be to keep him calm, comfortable and still. Any stress or kicking around could damage his incision, which would be a huge setback. The hardest part of keeping this goal is not being able to hold him. He's getting upset about it and it's heartbreaking to have him reach out while crying and not be able to just sweep him up. Tomorrow is a new day and we're hoping we get the all clear to hold and snuggle him again. :)
We're thinking that this will probably be a long night. Our "in-room double bed" turns out to be a single and our munchkin has been reminding us fairly regularly that he needs pain medicine. However, the neurosurgeon should be coming by in the morning, and if everything looks okay with his back and his bladder, there's a chance that we could go home. From what we've heard from other parents that have been through this, the surgery is just the beginning and we should settle in for weeks of fairly intense rehabbing at home. We're hoping for a quick recovery, but are prepared to do whatever is needed.
Overall, it's been an amazing day. We may be spending our Friday night in the hospital, but our son's spinal cord is fixed, he doesn't seem to be in pain at the moment, we are watching March Madness from our room and the three of us are together. We have so much to be happy about and thankful for, including our amazing friends and family!
When the meds kicked in
When the meds REALLY kicked in
You are AMAZING. Love to all.
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