Well, we are looking back now on almost 4 months since Josiah's accident. He is almost fully restored it seems...not without scars of course. The scab on his heel is almost completely off...for the last month we have been "triming" the scab every day or every other day as the dead skin sloughs off. That's what it is supposed to do...he will be left with smooth skin, though red and tender. The heel is misshapen slightly and it affects how his shoes feel - not sure how this will play out long term...but we'll take that problem! I rejoice over his life every day! God has been merciful.
Clay is also doing fine...the dr. said his vertebrae fracture was 3/4 of the way back to normal and the rest should come back on its own. He no longer needs to wear the brace.
Korrin's toe still bothers her a bit...but it will probably take a long time to heal since she has to keep using it. She still wears the boot at times to ease the discomfort. She is doing well at college (Ohio Christian University). She has jumped in and gotten busy with chorale and possibly a music ensemble in addition to her class load and is loving it. Plus they gave her a job taking pictures for the Admissions office - how cool is that!
Everyone else is doing fine. We are blessed and content with God's provision.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
More Trials and Josiah's Report!
What a day! It's Clays' turn - he has a compressed fracture of the T8 vertebrae on the non-spinal cord side, which means he isn't paralyzed or anything. This fracture is common in people with osteoporosis...she said Clay has a growth p...late right at the site of the injury and with all the growth he has done this summer (2-3 inches), he is "weaker" at the site of the fracture.
Everything I am reading says it will heal on its own...she says no jumping, running, any kind of impact. Keeping it in a brace, which forces his shoulders back into excellent posture will give it the "healing" position, 4-6 weeks.
This was also Josiah's day...he saw the doctor who loves how his skin is coming along...he said no more walking boot! And we are down to a very light dressing. We will still go weekly for maybe two more weeks, and pictures before he decides if we are going to leave it open to the air to heal like a normal scab-type wound.
The tendon is "stiff" acting still, meaning Josiah can't roll his foot. The doctor said this should come back on it's own, but maybe months down the road. So, however he can get around now is fine, even if it looks funny. He is wearing crocs since he can't have anything touching back there for discomfort. He gave us the green light for swimming without a cover!
Steve also injured his back...he will heal. It's just the Millers' Summer I guess. Trying hard to figure out what God wants us to learn. The passage I memorized earlier comes to mind... because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us..., because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Romans 5:3-5). Amen.
Everything I am reading says it will heal on its own...she says no jumping, running, any kind of impact. Keeping it in a brace, which forces his shoulders back into excellent posture will give it the "healing" position, 4-6 weeks.
This was also Josiah's day...he saw the doctor who loves how his skin is coming along...he said no more walking boot! And we are down to a very light dressing. We will still go weekly for maybe two more weeks, and pictures before he decides if we are going to leave it open to the air to heal like a normal scab-type wound.
The tendon is "stiff" acting still, meaning Josiah can't roll his foot. The doctor said this should come back on it's own, but maybe months down the road. So, however he can get around now is fine, even if it looks funny. He is wearing crocs since he can't have anything touching back there for discomfort. He gave us the green light for swimming without a cover!
Steve also injured his back...he will heal. It's just the Millers' Summer I guess. Trying hard to figure out what God wants us to learn. The passage I memorized earlier comes to mind... because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us..., because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Romans 5:3-5). Amen.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Dressing Change #3
The dressing changes are definitely getting easier...much less painful. They are saying there is a thin "film" over the wound now, which is the beginnings of skin I guess. Yea!! So that was good news. They did tell me that he may always have a sensitivity there though, but there was just no way to tell. One of the nurses threw out 6 months before he would be wearing regular shoes without discomfort, so I'm not sure what to make of it all. They don't know, we don't know. Only the Father knows. And all he asks is that we trust, so I am. Trying to imagine what shoe he can wear this winter...maybe crocs?
When we got home, he wanted to run through the sprinkler (first time all summer). It was a big deal as we have to compeltely seal the wound with plastic. He cried as it was going on b/c it reminds him so much of the wound vac dressing (in fact it was the same stuff), but he was so desperate to get wet, that he did it. And it wasn't bad coming off as it was only on his heel and not on the leg where his little hairs get pulled out.
Anyway, as he was running, Steve and I noticed a "funny" way that he walked. When he was done playing, we had him stand with us and try to roll his foot from the heel to the ball, like you would for a normal push off. He couldn't do it. He runs with his heel, kind of like he's flat footed I guess, no roll. We will discuss that with the doctor when we go next Monday to see what our long term prognosis is there. I trust that can be restored with therapy...trying not to borrow trouble right now, but it does concern me :)
Otherwise, if you didn't know it or pay close attention, he looks like most other little boys now...running, jumping, playing. I hugged him hard yesterday and told him how grateful I was that he was here with us. He answered "me too." He smiled and hugged me back and when I asked him if he minded me hugging him, he said "it's okay, mom" and gave me a big smile.
"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." Lam. 3:22-23
When we got home, he wanted to run through the sprinkler (first time all summer). It was a big deal as we have to compeltely seal the wound with plastic. He cried as it was going on b/c it reminds him so much of the wound vac dressing (in fact it was the same stuff), but he was so desperate to get wet, that he did it. And it wasn't bad coming off as it was only on his heel and not on the leg where his little hairs get pulled out.
Anyway, as he was running, Steve and I noticed a "funny" way that he walked. When he was done playing, we had him stand with us and try to roll his foot from the heel to the ball, like you would for a normal push off. He couldn't do it. He runs with his heel, kind of like he's flat footed I guess, no roll. We will discuss that with the doctor when we go next Monday to see what our long term prognosis is there. I trust that can be restored with therapy...trying not to borrow trouble right now, but it does concern me :)
Otherwise, if you didn't know it or pay close attention, he looks like most other little boys now...running, jumping, playing. I hugged him hard yesterday and told him how grateful I was that he was here with us. He answered "me too." He smiled and hugged me back and when I asked him if he minded me hugging him, he said "it's okay, mom" and gave me a big smile.
"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." Lam. 3:22-23
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Dressing Change #2
Josiah went to the dressing change on Monday - I actually feel like wound closure is finally in our sights! I wanted to write down the measurements but didn't...Anyway, it's made a huge improvement over a week ago. One very small place has skin over all of it. At the way it is going, I'd say it might be two weeks or... less before the skin might be covering it.
The other piece of good news is that I called the doc the next day to ask if he could at least put his foot down without the boot when getting dressed or going to the bathroom - amazingly Josiah has been VERY disciplined about this. He said not only yes, but around the house, he could walk on the foot!
When I first told him he could, he said it hurt too much...but it wasn't 15 minutes later that he walked up to me without the boot! The wound care nurse also gave me some dressing to put over the sponge if we wanted to dry swimming! But, Josiah thinks it looks too much like the wound vac plastic and he is too fearful, so maybe that will have to wait for complete healing of the skin.
This was a good visit..I am so grateful.
The other piece of good news is that I called the doc the next day to ask if he could at least put his foot down without the boot when getting dressed or going to the bathroom - amazingly Josiah has been VERY disciplined about this. He said not only yes, but around the house, he could walk on the foot!
When I first told him he could, he said it hurt too much...but it wasn't 15 minutes later that he walked up to me without the boot! The wound care nurse also gave me some dressing to put over the sponge if we wanted to dry swimming! But, Josiah thinks it looks too much like the wound vac plastic and he is too fearful, so maybe that will have to wait for complete healing of the skin.
This was a good visit..I am so grateful.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Weekly Dressing Change Report
We had Josiah's weekly dressing change Monday. It was uneventful I guess. The removed the mephalax grey sponge, cleaned and measured the wound, then put it back on plus all the other layers. It is still largely an open wound...I didn't catch how wide it was, but at least 5-6 inches at the widest point I'd say.
This is a slow process with lots of waiting. But, the walking boot allows him to be very mobile and that is nice for everyone. He had a hard time at a family get-together this week not being able to swim in the back yard pool, but otherwise he is handling things pretty well, adjusting easily to his restrictions.
He has occasional pain after walking or being on the leg too long and we are still doing daily dressing changes at home, down to the sponge but not removing it.
Life feels more normal than it has in a while...we are all settling into our routines of living life with "our" (Josiah's) restrictions. Steve is in a very busy phase with the part time job he has, so we have all been kind of scattered. Korrin is down to just a little over a month until she leaves for college 39 days to be exact, but who's counting :)_
Thanks for praying.
This is a slow process with lots of waiting. But, the walking boot allows him to be very mobile and that is nice for everyone. He had a hard time at a family get-together this week not being able to swim in the back yard pool, but otherwise he is handling things pretty well, adjusting easily to his restrictions.
He has occasional pain after walking or being on the leg too long and we are still doing daily dressing changes at home, down to the sponge but not removing it.
Life feels more normal than it has in a while...we are all settling into our routines of living life with "our" (Josiah's) restrictions. Steve is in a very busy phase with the part time job he has, so we have all been kind of scattered. Korrin is down to just a little over a month until she leaves for college 39 days to be exact, but who's counting :)_
Thanks for praying.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
NO MORE WOUND VAC!!!
Josiah is free! Wahoo! No wound vac, no cords. He has a mephalax sponge (which they use for burns) on his heel, then white dressing, a white wrap, an ace bandage and finally a walking boot, with 6 velcro sponges.
The doc said he was hoping the wound was more closed than it is. And we are looking at 6-8 weeks of weekly changes and pictures which will be forwarded to the him. Still no getting it wet and all his walking has to be with the boot. But, it is GREAT progress.
The boot is to keep his foot from flexing for the sake of the healing skin. The white dressing has to be examined and changed maybe every other day (by me), then we will go weekly to the local wound care center to have the mephalax changed and photographed.
We went miniature golfing last night (something he REALLY has wanted to do) and down to the Sandusky River which flows right near our house so he could throw rocks! It was a big moment, more for me than him, I think...feeling like he was doing "normal" kid stuff, for the first time in months. It certainly gives me a lot of empathy for those who have permanent injuries or handicaps that they will never heal from. That could have been us, except for God's mercy.
I am so grateful, even looking at the lengthy road we still must travel.
The doc said he was hoping the wound was more closed than it is. And we are looking at 6-8 weeks of weekly changes and pictures which will be forwarded to the him. Still no getting it wet and all his walking has to be with the boot. But, it is GREAT progress.
The boot is to keep his foot from flexing for the sake of the healing skin. The white dressing has to be examined and changed maybe every other day (by me), then we will go weekly to the local wound care center to have the mephalax changed and photographed.
We went miniature golfing last night (something he REALLY has wanted to do) and down to the Sandusky River which flows right near our house so he could throw rocks! It was a big moment, more for me than him, I think...feeling like he was doing "normal" kid stuff, for the first time in months. It certainly gives me a lot of empathy for those who have permanent injuries or handicaps that they will never heal from. That could have been us, except for God's mercy.
I am so grateful, even looking at the lengthy road we still must travel.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday Dressing Change
Josiah had his dressing change on Tuesday this week...it didn't go quite as well as last time, as he spit out some of the medicine they tried to give. But Steve was with me and we got through it together, both of us hand-holding and trying to comfort him. His biggest issue is still anxiety I think. You can still see the tendon, but only a very tiny place. Everyone seems pleased with the way the wound looks...me, I don't know. It still has no skin covering it. Great patience and trust in the Lord's process is all we can exercise at this point. He has made an amazing body in all of us...and it's given me new appreciation for what a unique Designer He is.
We see the doctor on Monday where I will be asking questions about what our goal is with the wound...as in are we preparing it for a graft, or will it grow new skin over top of what's there. The nurses tell me it's forming granulation tissue, but it is still a pretty large wound. The doctor has never said the words "graft" to me...so maybe it's still a wait and see game. I know many of the decisions depend on how Josiah's body responds.
He was given the go to put weight on the foot, so he has been walk-hopping a little bit. He seems pleased to be in charge of his own movement some. The cast on the back of the leg keeps him from bending the foot, so he can't hurt the healing skin. He carrys the wound vac around with him - it's amazing how well he has adapted to all of the restraints they've put him under.
A great praise - while they had his dressing off, he bent his foot completely up and down, which means the tendon is working and he shouldn't have any problem with movement!!!
Another praise, my eldest daughter, Korrin turned 18 yesterday! We had a nice time buying her clothes for college, eating out at a nice restaurant and eating strawberry pie (one of her favorites). Children are indeed a blessing from the Lord - at ALL stages.
We see the doctor on Monday where I will be asking questions about what our goal is with the wound...as in are we preparing it for a graft, or will it grow new skin over top of what's there. The nurses tell me it's forming granulation tissue, but it is still a pretty large wound. The doctor has never said the words "graft" to me...so maybe it's still a wait and see game. I know many of the decisions depend on how Josiah's body responds.
He was given the go to put weight on the foot, so he has been walk-hopping a little bit. He seems pleased to be in charge of his own movement some. The cast on the back of the leg keeps him from bending the foot, so he can't hurt the healing skin. He carrys the wound vac around with him - it's amazing how well he has adapted to all of the restraints they've put him under.
A great praise - while they had his dressing off, he bent his foot completely up and down, which means the tendon is working and he shouldn't have any problem with movement!!!
Another praise, my eldest daughter, Korrin turned 18 yesterday! We had a nice time buying her clothes for college, eating out at a nice restaurant and eating strawberry pie (one of her favorites). Children are indeed a blessing from the Lord - at ALL stages.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Long term thoughts
Well, it's been good since the last dressing change...sleeping good, etc. He still doesn't have much appetite overall, probably pretty normal for a 5 year old. I've noticed lately that he seems very uncomfortable sitting on the left side of his bottom. It's very uneven and his skin is very tight there.
This is concerning to me as this was the surgeon who did the very first stitching's concern. She felt this would be a long term issue for him and thus he would need plastic surgery to even him out. The surgeon who took over after she left the country for a visit somewhere, felt it wasn't a long term concern that the body would redeposit fat. I can't imagine him depositing enough fat there to make him comfortable. So, maybe we have to look into some kind of customized "donut" for him to sit on... He also doesn't like to sit up for a long periods of time...I'm sure for the same reasons. He said yesterday it feels "strange".
This is concerning to me as this was the surgeon who did the very first stitching's concern. She felt this would be a long term issue for him and thus he would need plastic surgery to even him out. The surgeon who took over after she left the country for a visit somewhere, felt it wasn't a long term concern that the body would redeposit fat. I can't imagine him depositing enough fat there to make him comfortable. So, maybe we have to look into some kind of customized "donut" for him to sit on... He also doesn't like to sit up for a long periods of time...I'm sure for the same reasons. He said yesterday it feels "strange".
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Best Dressing Change yet...
This dressing change was MUCH MUCH better - like night and day from the last change. No crying, no stress, just a loopy boy (after the meds) who handled the dressing change super! The nurses were great, as non-invasive as possible...it felt like all of the doctors involved with him were in sync - very nice. One of the nurses taking us back said something like "the whole town is pulling for him". Funny, to think so many people are concerned about our little boy.
One area of the heal is already looking very good...the largest area remains and they only measure the wound once a week, so since we don't go back until Tuesday, we won't have a number to measure the success. You can still see the tendon.
We had a little mishap Wednesday afternoon where the drainage tube from the wound vac pulled loose from the wound. We went to the wound care center and the decision was made to leave it off for the afternoon, since we were coming back the next day to do the whole change thing. That was nice for him to have the afternoon off from the tube...
Another piece of good news is that the doctor said he can bear half his weight on the broken leg, which amounts to being able to put his toes down - but hey we'll take anything! We had a couple of days with my brother and my nieces and nephews - Josiah played and was outside doing a version of "chariot racing"!
One area of the heal is already looking very good...the largest area remains and they only measure the wound once a week, so since we don't go back until Tuesday, we won't have a number to measure the success. You can still see the tendon.
We had a little mishap Wednesday afternoon where the drainage tube from the wound vac pulled loose from the wound. We went to the wound care center and the decision was made to leave it off for the afternoon, since we were coming back the next day to do the whole change thing. That was nice for him to have the afternoon off from the tube...
Another piece of good news is that the doctor said he can bear half his weight on the broken leg, which amounts to being able to put his toes down - but hey we'll take anything! We had a couple of days with my brother and my nieces and nephews - Josiah played and was outside doing a version of "chariot racing"!
Monday, June 28, 2010
First Wound Vac Change on the Heal
Well, we made it through the wound vac change but boy, it was rough! A good 45 min. of very anxious screaming, in spite of the meds. Some of it was anxiety and another part was real pain I know. The nurses did the best they could. And I already had a call from one of them this afternoon to see if we can get a better game plan for Thursday's change.
They were just getting their first introduction to his wound, so they are now able to brainstorm how to better approach it and make the actual process goes faster (there's lots of tape and sponge cutting, etc.). Plus we may try a stronger medicine. I sure hope we can find some ways to improve it...this was one of the most difficult procedures he's had including the 7 surgeries! Believe it or not, one of the worst aspects is all the tape stuck to the little hairs on his leg. They didn't put this one up as high, so it will be a little less big tape to remove next time.
He has complained a little bit about it hurting more and of course the wrap is different and the place the drainage tube comes out is different, so those are some little adjustments he has to make. But the good news his anxiety and pain didn't last too long and after we got home and had some comfort food, he has been fine. He did ask me how long until Thursday.... :(
They tell me the wound looks "good" - not sure how they came to that conclusion as we were all looking at the same thing and it didn't look "good" to me. His tendon is still exposed and there is still blood and an open wound with no skin on it. But I suppose they mean it's healing...which is our goal of course. The pics from today will be faxed, as well as the measurements they took, to Dr. Klingele who will note how it's going and maybe we'll get some feedback.
I asked Dr. King (the trauma doc) today how many stitches he removed...his administrative sec. says 20, but I counted 20 myself in just one location, so I'm sure that isn't right. He sounded like he was "guessing". I'll have to count myself next time we do a bath. I'm sure there are AT LEAST 30 just on the buttocks area (maybe more).
They were just getting their first introduction to his wound, so they are now able to brainstorm how to better approach it and make the actual process goes faster (there's lots of tape and sponge cutting, etc.). Plus we may try a stronger medicine. I sure hope we can find some ways to improve it...this was one of the most difficult procedures he's had including the 7 surgeries! Believe it or not, one of the worst aspects is all the tape stuck to the little hairs on his leg. They didn't put this one up as high, so it will be a little less big tape to remove next time.
He has complained a little bit about it hurting more and of course the wrap is different and the place the drainage tube comes out is different, so those are some little adjustments he has to make. But the good news his anxiety and pain didn't last too long and after we got home and had some comfort food, he has been fine. He did ask me how long until Thursday.... :(
They tell me the wound looks "good" - not sure how they came to that conclusion as we were all looking at the same thing and it didn't look "good" to me. His tendon is still exposed and there is still blood and an open wound with no skin on it. But I suppose they mean it's healing...which is our goal of course. The pics from today will be faxed, as well as the measurements they took, to Dr. Klingele who will note how it's going and maybe we'll get some feedback.
I asked Dr. King (the trauma doc) today how many stitches he removed...his administrative sec. says 20, but I counted 20 myself in just one location, so I'm sure that isn't right. He sounded like he was "guessing". I'll have to count myself next time we do a bath. I'm sure there are AT LEAST 30 just on the buttocks area (maybe more).
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The weekend and Monday's procedure
We had a pretty uneventful weekend so far, except learning to live with "the machine". It has "much power" (ha, that's what we say about it...like toy story, "the claw is in control"), only has so much battery life and has various hic-ups which shut it off. The restart is always uncomfortable for him because it has a vacuum seal and the pressure kicks in when it is on. He gets used to it fairly quickly, but the start up bothers him.
He is still pretty immobile, but he hasn't had any real pain or problem with itching, so that is a great praise. We had Vacation Bible School this week and he actually attended every day. His class helpers were wonderful at getting his wheelchair up and down the steps to and from his class. They had to do it often...Josiah laughed at being called a king! The pictures of him are kind of sad...he is expressionless most of the time, kind of his feelings about his life right now.
My friend Ann's kids came to VBS for a few days and stayed with us. They have been some of Josiah's best buddies. Them being here was a great encouragement and a boost. He is frustrated, of course, that he can't jump and run like everyone else. They did play "mother may I one" day, wheelchair style!
I hope we are on the count down to him being able to walk some...maybe another 5 or 6days (the ortho doc told me two weeks on the 17th, so that would be July 1st). If it were just the bones involved, they would be letting him walk already, but the skin is the bigger issue now and they were concerned about pushing off on the tendon also. He may need therapy to help him learn how to reuse the tendon anyway...
The docs are saying tomorrow's wound vac change could be the most painful. We are giving him a strong pain med before we go. Pray that he will tolerate it well and that the wound is actually making good progress, even better than they anticipate.
He is still pretty immobile, but he hasn't had any real pain or problem with itching, so that is a great praise. We had Vacation Bible School this week and he actually attended every day. His class helpers were wonderful at getting his wheelchair up and down the steps to and from his class. They had to do it often...Josiah laughed at being called a king! The pictures of him are kind of sad...he is expressionless most of the time, kind of his feelings about his life right now.
My friend Ann's kids came to VBS for a few days and stayed with us. They have been some of Josiah's best buddies. Them being here was a great encouragement and a boost. He is frustrated, of course, that he can't jump and run like everyone else. They did play "mother may I one" day, wheelchair style!
I hope we are on the count down to him being able to walk some...maybe another 5 or 6days (the ortho doc told me two weeks on the 17th, so that would be July 1st). If it were just the bones involved, they would be letting him walk already, but the skin is the bigger issue now and they were concerned about pushing off on the tendon also. He may need therapy to help him learn how to reuse the tendon anyway...
The docs are saying tomorrow's wound vac change could be the most painful. We are giving him a strong pain med before we go. Pray that he will tolerate it well and that the wound is actually making good progress, even better than they anticipate.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
What is a Wound Vac?
The wound vac has a clear tube running out from his cast that is attached to a sponge on his heel, which is vacuum sealed, preventing infection and keeping the wound dry. It promotes faster healing at the same time. It runs constantly...sounds like someone has gas all the time - ha! It is housed in a portable bag with a strap that you can sling over your shoulder. It's as unobtrusive as it can be I guess.
We actually have the weekend "off" from appointments. Monday is our next one and it is local, at the wound care center at the local hospital. They gave us a very strong pain med for him to take BEFORE the wound vac change (this is when then pull the sponge off and attach a new one). He has been asleep for all the other changes which were in the hospital on his bottom.
We are on a Mon-Thurs rotation for changing the sponge. The doc tells me it will get less painful as the wound heals.
He is back to wanting to not being seen with his new apparatus...and he is not interested in moving himself around at this point. Pray for his mental comfort with all that is going on. At least stitches are no longer giving us any problems!
We actually have the weekend "off" from appointments. Monday is our next one and it is local, at the wound care center at the local hospital. They gave us a very strong pain med for him to take BEFORE the wound vac change (this is when then pull the sponge off and attach a new one). He has been asleep for all the other changes which were in the hospital on his bottom.
We are on a Mon-Thurs rotation for changing the sponge. The doc tells me it will get less painful as the wound heals.
He is back to wanting to not being seen with his new apparatus...and he is not interested in moving himself around at this point. Pray for his mental comfort with all that is going on. At least stitches are no longer giving us any problems!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
After surgery
He's out...the bottom looks great. We don't need to see that doctor again - wha hoo!
The heel needs 3-4 weeks of wound vac treatment...meaning we take a vac home with us and get changes every 3-5 days. Part of the tendon died, meaning it isn't as thick as it should be. It also separated...they want it to heal where it is. It will heal completely. It may permanently affect the strength of him pushing off, etc...but time will tell for sure. In maybe 2 weeks, he will let him walk on the leg...
They are sending us home with lots of equipment and training...and we will be able to do some of the changes locally before we have to come back to Columbus...so that's good. There is a wound care center at our local hospital just five min. away. We aren't supposed to be here too long today.
Steve is doing much better today.
The heel needs 3-4 weeks of wound vac treatment...meaning we take a vac home with us and get changes every 3-5 days. Part of the tendon died, meaning it isn't as thick as it should be. It also separated...they want it to heal where it is. It will heal completely. It may permanently affect the strength of him pushing off, etc...but time will tell for sure. In maybe 2 weeks, he will let him walk on the leg...
They are sending us home with lots of equipment and training...and we will be able to do some of the changes locally before we have to come back to Columbus...so that's good. There is a wound care center at our local hospital just five min. away. We aren't supposed to be here too long today.
Steve is doing much better today.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Night Before Surgery
Steve is doing some better today - not 100%, but making improvements - they called it cellulitis and gave him an antibiotic shot plus follow up pills. Praise God we were able to treat it when we did.
We have to be at Children's Hospital at 6:30 AM!! so it will be an early beginning. He has been complaining about his stitches a lot, so we trust the stitch removal will be a relief to him. We don't know how long the surgery will last or anything at this point...but since both surgery teams will be in, I would expect at least 2 hours plus an hour of recovery. I will post from the waiting room as I am able. THanks for praying for us.
We have to be at Children's Hospital at 6:30 AM!! so it will be an early beginning. He has been complaining about his stitches a lot, so we trust the stitch removal will be a relief to him. We don't know how long the surgery will last or anything at this point...but since both surgery teams will be in, I would expect at least 2 hours plus an hour of recovery. I will post from the waiting room as I am able. THanks for praying for us.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Today
Josiah had a pretty uneventful weekend...did pretty good getting around in the walker, doesn't have much pain to speak of.
However, Steve is taking his place for the day :) He has had an "annoying" place on his finger of his left hand for several days, it has had some draining pus, etc... and last night there was a lot of pain running up his arm, today he notices a red line from the finger to his elbow. So, we are going to the Er (our doc can't see til much later). We are assuming some kind of infection that can be treated with antibiotics...hopefully this won't mean an admission or anything. Sigh...God is in control.
In addition, tonight is the first night of our Vacation Bible School 6:30-8:30 and Steve is the main teacher.... We'd apprecitate the prayer.
However, Steve is taking his place for the day :) He has had an "annoying" place on his finger of his left hand for several days, it has had some draining pus, etc... and last night there was a lot of pain running up his arm, today he notices a red line from the finger to his elbow. So, we are going to the Er (our doc can't see til much later). We are assuming some kind of infection that can be treated with antibiotics...hopefully this won't mean an admission or anything. Sigh...God is in control.
In addition, tonight is the first night of our Vacation Bible School 6:30-8:30 and Steve is the main teacher.... We'd apprecitate the prayer.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
This week...
We received a call on Friday this past week that they are going to move his surgery to Wednesday for stitch removal so the orthopaedic team can also be there to do remove dead skin on his heel and attach a wound vac. This is good to combine the two, so we only have one more time of being under anesthesia. However, it means a few more uncomfortable days with the stitches in.
He is getting along pretty good...something I said about making his arms strong must have motivated him to want to try the walker more, because he has been trying to get along more with it. And today he told me of ways he can "move himself" from place to place, including crawling and hanging on to furniture. This is good in that it shows he has some motivation to get going again, which he has been kind of lacking of late. We aren't as worried about a fall now because his stitches on the bottom are past popping open being a concern and the doctor said his foot bones are healing really well.
We celebrated Korrin's high school graduation yesterday, which was a great day. It was hard for him to be an observer and not a participant like usual...but he did find some alternative activities, like coloring. And he did go outside several times and seemed to enjoy at least watching.
He is getting along pretty good...something I said about making his arms strong must have motivated him to want to try the walker more, because he has been trying to get along more with it. And today he told me of ways he can "move himself" from place to place, including crawling and hanging on to furniture. This is good in that it shows he has some motivation to get going again, which he has been kind of lacking of late. We aren't as worried about a fall now because his stitches on the bottom are past popping open being a concern and the doctor said his foot bones are healing really well.
We celebrated Korrin's high school graduation yesterday, which was a great day. It was hard for him to be an observer and not a participant like usual...but he did find some alternative activities, like coloring. And he did go outside several times and seemed to enjoy at least watching.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Doctor Visit
Back from the orthopaedic doctor. All they did today was change the dressing on his foot and look at the skin on his heel. The good news is the bones look good and are healing nicely. The bad news is the skin will require more help to heal, meaning they will apply a wound vac to the skin on the heel for the next few days to a week, to promote healing.
So on Monday when he is having his stitches on the bottom removed, they will also have a team in to remove the dead skin (which is kind of like a large scab) on the foot, remove all the stitches and apply the wound vac. I'm not sure how the "portable" wound vac works...at the hospital, you had to be "plugged in" to e...lectricity for the vacuum part of the wound care to work.
Maybe portable ones are battery operated... We will find out. At any rate, it's a few more trips to Columbus next week. I am grateful all the painful parts will be under anesthetic.
We were in the parking lot and had someone come by and notice J's foot. He asked him how he injured it...when I told him it was being run over by a lawn mower, he shared with me that a friend of his was run over and only lived 3 months. It's a blessing to know our little guy WILL be well and WILL have a full recovery. God has been so merciful. Josiah is happy in spite of it all and adapting well to his limitations.
We are busy getting ready for Korrin's graduation party Saturday. It will be a fun day for us all knowing the progress Josiah has made and that we will ALL be here to celebrate. Come by and join us anytime in the afternoon!
So on Monday when he is having his stitches on the bottom removed, they will also have a team in to remove the dead skin (which is kind of like a large scab) on the foot, remove all the stitches and apply the wound vac. I'm not sure how the "portable" wound vac works...at the hospital, you had to be "plugged in" to e...lectricity for the vacuum part of the wound care to work.
Maybe portable ones are battery operated... We will find out. At any rate, it's a few more trips to Columbus next week. I am grateful all the painful parts will be under anesthetic.
We were in the parking lot and had someone come by and notice J's foot. He asked him how he injured it...when I told him it was being run over by a lawn mower, he shared with me that a friend of his was run over and only lived 3 months. It's a blessing to know our little guy WILL be well and WILL have a full recovery. God has been so merciful. Josiah is happy in spite of it all and adapting well to his limitations.
We are busy getting ready for Korrin's graduation party Saturday. It will be a fun day for us all knowing the progress Josiah has made and that we will ALL be here to celebrate. Come by and join us anytime in the afternoon!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday, June 15...18 days.
A good last few days...we're in a bit of a routine, though carrying him up and down the stairs and to the bathroom is anything but. His stitches don't seem to pain him and when I asked the dr. about some of them "growing over" with skin, he isn't concerned, b/c they will be removed under anesthesia.
Also, he reassured me the mephalex (sp?) sponge on his burn on his leg will be changed on Thursday and not to be concerned. So, that is good news. He told me today that he liked his wheelchair (isn't that a switch) and that he didn't remember asking me in the hospital when he would be a "normal boy". Praise God for short term memory loss.
Though his dad and I and others will carry memories for a long, long time, God has blessed him to not remember a lot. We have continued to receive the blessings of caring friends' visits, food and cards. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received.
Also, he reassured me the mephalex (sp?) sponge on his burn on his leg will be changed on Thursday and not to be concerned. So, that is good news. He told me today that he liked his wheelchair (isn't that a switch) and that he didn't remember asking me in the hospital when he would be a "normal boy". Praise God for short term memory loss.
Though his dad and I and others will carry memories for a long, long time, God has blessed him to not remember a lot. We have continued to receive the blessings of caring friends' visits, food and cards. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday
Josiah attended church today! We carried him from the van to the nursery and then back out...he sat in a chair on a pillow. He got more comfortable with the wheelchair by the end of the day. A friend up the road came and brought a ramp for our steps, so getting him in and out is much easier.
We are all sleeping better in our own beds. He has more appetite today and enjoyed some cinnamon toast crunch, and canteloupe, gifts from friends (he ate other good food too)! He seems more like himself today. Going to church was a "hump" we got over I think...like now that he's been out, going out other places will be easier.
It's wonderful to see him relax and be at ease...I think he doesn't know how to handle so much attention that he gets sometimes when people are inquiring after him. Maybe he is a little TOO relaxed :) but I am still grateful everyday, for his life and increased strength and mobility.
We do have the appointment on Thursday in Columbus, but we are also planning for Korrin's re-scheduled graduation party on Saturday the 19th from 12-5 p.m. I have several friends helping out and Steve's mom will be here, so we should be able to get it all together. I am glad we waited so we can all enjoy her day.
We are all sleeping better in our own beds. He has more appetite today and enjoyed some cinnamon toast crunch, and canteloupe, gifts from friends (he ate other good food too)! He seems more like himself today. Going to church was a "hump" we got over I think...like now that he's been out, going out other places will be easier.
It's wonderful to see him relax and be at ease...I think he doesn't know how to handle so much attention that he gets sometimes when people are inquiring after him. Maybe he is a little TOO relaxed :) but I am still grateful everyday, for his life and increased strength and mobility.
We do have the appointment on Thursday in Columbus, but we are also planning for Korrin's re-scheduled graduation party on Saturday the 19th from 12-5 p.m. I have several friends helping out and Steve's mom will be here, so we should be able to get it all together. I am glad we waited so we can all enjoy her day.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
4th day Home
The wheelchair did arrive, so we now have the two options of transporting Joisah around: the walker, which he is still a bit unstable with and the wheelchair. He didn't like the idea of the wheelchair AT ALL the first day an had to be kind of pushed in to it (not literally of course :) ). Now, he has caught on to the benefits of being able to self propel. It is a very smooth and easy to maneuver chair. He has been sleeping in his own bed the last few nights and that has been better for him and me to get better rest. Last night, he slept all the way through and didn't wake up at all.
He doesn't complain too much of pain, but moving him still requires very careful and precise movements. His stitches bother him a lot, mostly itching. Moist heat seems to help. I have to carry him a lot of places still and moving him in and out of the wheelchair is needed, which is definitely strengthening my upper body.
Can't remember if I wrote this already, but the orthopaedic appointment is the 17th to change the dressing on the foot and look at the skin on his heel. They will tell us then what the next move is. He is also scheduled on the 21st to have the sutures taken out. He will be under anesthesia for this and will likely have a lot of pain and discomfort after since they are staying in so long. They decided to leave them in longer b/c as the surgeon told me, his skin wants to go back where it was, so if we take them out any sooner, it could "pop back open" but some of the skin looks like it has already grown over the stitches....
He has a lot of fear of being "seen" by anyone for some reason. He usually covers his head...he did this a lot in the hospital, so I don't know if we will be outside much ...maybe after the stitches are out he will get more comfortable. Because of that anxiety, I'm not sure he's up to much company. He and Micah play a lot, which is a huge blessing. He loves Micah unconditionally and wholeheartedly.
Steve is still struggling with his own thoughts and all that he went through in the rescue process. Pray for him, for peace and restful nights. He is carrying a heavy load that I'm not sure he's been able to let go of for too long.
I am feeling more rested every day and have had some wonderful help from my mother and mother -in-law, friends and neighbors bringing food and gifts for Josiah to help entertain him. We have felt supported in prayer by so many of you - thank you.
He doesn't complain too much of pain, but moving him still requires very careful and precise movements. His stitches bother him a lot, mostly itching. Moist heat seems to help. I have to carry him a lot of places still and moving him in and out of the wheelchair is needed, which is definitely strengthening my upper body.
Can't remember if I wrote this already, but the orthopaedic appointment is the 17th to change the dressing on the foot and look at the skin on his heel. They will tell us then what the next move is. He is also scheduled on the 21st to have the sutures taken out. He will be under anesthesia for this and will likely have a lot of pain and discomfort after since they are staying in so long. They decided to leave them in longer b/c as the surgeon told me, his skin wants to go back where it was, so if we take them out any sooner, it could "pop back open" but some of the skin looks like it has already grown over the stitches....
He has a lot of fear of being "seen" by anyone for some reason. He usually covers his head...he did this a lot in the hospital, so I don't know if we will be outside much ...maybe after the stitches are out he will get more comfortable. Because of that anxiety, I'm not sure he's up to much company. He and Micah play a lot, which is a huge blessing. He loves Micah unconditionally and wholeheartedly.
Steve is still struggling with his own thoughts and all that he went through in the rescue process. Pray for him, for peace and restful nights. He is carrying a heavy load that I'm not sure he's been able to let go of for too long.
I am feeling more rested every day and have had some wonderful help from my mother and mother -in-law, friends and neighbors bringing food and gifts for Josiah to help entertain him. We have felt supported in prayer by so many of you - thank you.
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