Day 43

Yes, I know, it's time for a blog again!

Well, today, it's been 6 weeks!  And today, was the first time Kim and I met with the doctors again, since then.  This morning we went by OPT from Shaver to the General first, to see the surgeons that fixed her arm and leg.  He was very pleased with the way things were healing.  Kim is now putting pressure on her leg and even walking for distances.  As for her arm, well, today Kim said taking the "rods"  out of her wrist, through her bones,  was the worst pain ever so far. She also got her cast of today, and then we finally got to see what they actually did. Kim's inner forearm was slit open for about 6 inches and a plate of about 4 inches was screwed in.  The 14 stitches covering this were also taken out today.  This will stay in her arm, as well as the rod, that was put down her leg.  That will stay in permanently, but in a few years time the plate in her forearm may have to come out if it bothers her, because that is just below her skin and she may feel that.  Right now, with no cast and pins to hold her arm in place, she is in a lot of pain, so her pain meds were high today, but with physio on that arm, it will only make it stronger for her to use.  I could already notice a difference tonight, compared to this afternoon when she had her cast taken off.

After that, we went to see the abdominal surgeon.  When he saw Kim, all he said was "Kim, how did my embroidery work turn out?"!!  Upon seeing it, he was quite pleased.

Kim also has a sack of fluid forming on her left side.  This is due to the fact of losing her left kidney.  It doesn't function any longer, so it does releases the fluids.  We noticed over the last week that it grew bigger and bigger, and we became quite concerned about it.  Kim felt she looked like she had this huge thigh. When we questioned the surgeon, he told us we had to options.  Either, let it run it's course, and in 2 to 3 months it would disappear, or he could release it with a needle, but then we take the chance of infection, which would then lead to surgery.  But then because Kim is on Warfarin, that option became unquestionable, for now anyways.

As for Rehab, Kim is doing very well in therapy.  She now gets 4 different kinds of therapy, suiting all her needs, for about an average of 3 to 4 hours of therapy a day.  Very tiring for her some days, others not so bad.  But when she is not in therapy she can relax, and even snooze if she pleases.  Some nights, like tonight, I left already at 6:30, because she was so tuckered out and could fall asleep anytime.  So after being there with her since 10 this morning, I take the chance and leave for home!

Once again, Kim was able to enjoy a weekend at home.  It was quite busy for her, and once again, she came down with a huge migraine on Saturday evening till Sunday morning.  I do think that all the company, may have something to do with it, so I do think we will have to cut visits a little shorter and not make it so busy for her, even though she loves the company and doesn't like to send any away.  But, we must remember, Kim has had a brain injury, and still needs her rest.

Well, that's all for now.  Tomorrow, we head back to the General to meet with the Trauma Team doctors, so I will give a brief update on that visit then too.

Please remember to keep Kim and us in your prayers, as much strength, patience and healing is still needed for her.  Thanks so much.