Hip Surgery

I've been neglecting the blog lately, but wanted to sign in and give a quick update.

Brock had his hip surgery, Tuesday Nov. 29th. He made it through the 3+ hours of surgery pretty well. We spent 11:45am, until 4:30pm in the PACU (recovery) because PIC (pediatric intermediate care) floor was full! Talk about a long day (after being up since 3am)!!!

After surgery, Brock was denied Valium because I apparently freaked everyone out with the reminder of last year's code blue.... I wish they would have given it because Brock struggled getting on top of his pain and was having many muscle spasms. It was the anesthesiologists decision while we were in PACU, and he kept saying NO. However, the ortho surgeon ordered valium once were had a bed in PIC. Ironically, the hospital had no VALIUM! Sometimes you just have to laugh.....

Morphine and Lortab are the 2 drugs that are managing Brock's pain. Today, Thursday, is a little better. Ever since Brock was out of surgery, his heart rate has been elevated. The first thought was pain, then perhaps dehydration. He was given extra fluids and of course pain meds around the clock. Still, heart rates were hanging out in the 150-160 range and often setting of alarms at 180. There was talk of a blood transfusion if Brock's hemoglobin was low, but the first labs had his hemoglobin level at 8.9. However, repeated labs showed a drop, down to 7.5. So, as I type, Brock is receiving a unit of blood. He will receive a unit of blood over a 4 hour period, and hopefully he responds well.

We don't have any discharge plan in mind yet. He has to have his pain under control, as he can't go home on Morphine and he has to be off the iv fluids. Brock tolerated a partial feed this morning and will work up to his regular diet soon. So far it is quite impressive that he has been satting 95-100 on room air! No oxygen to wean at least.

The casts are predicted to be on 4-6 weeks. Brock will have an appointment in 4 weeks after discharge, and the Dr. can make the decision. He is casted from upper thigh, down to his toes--2 full-leg, blue casts with TWO bars between. I am already intimidated. Last hip surgery he "only" had one bar. This time the upper bar is very high between the legs. Diapering is going to be a nightmare..........

I will do my best to get the blog updated. I still am negligent with posting "Avery Day Observed" pictures.

Until next time......