Last Surgery

The day has finally arrived.  We knew this surgery was coming and with courage and determination Aly met this next obstacle with a positive attitude and high hopes that this is the final step to the fullest recovery possible under the circumstances.  We have seen so many little tender mercies as Aly has gone through this "experience".  Dr. Tarlow is one of those blessings as he has been attentive and very conscious of every decision made for a recovery that Aly can live with.  This surgery was originally planned to attach both the ACL and PCL.  Dr. Tarlow was optimistic and hopeful that the ACL would adhere on its own, but needed to open up the knee to know exactly.  He had pre-drilled holes during the September surgery in anticipation of this surgery making this experience quick and less evasive.  He was right.  Only the PCL needed to be replaced, the surgery was a success and within 6 hours, we were headed home with Aly on crutches and feelling well enough to watch a movie at night. Little miracles today!

 

 

 

 

 

Jacque's Surgery....take 2

January 16th marked the day that Jacque had surgery to correct her jaw alignment.  She was pretty upbeat about the surgery and was excited (can you be excited about this??) to get this next step out of the way.  After 5 months of braces, her jaw was to be broken, and her mouth wired shut for 5 weeks.  Following this will be 4-5 more months of braces.

See her jaw?

We headed to Desert Banner early in the morning and after a few hours of waiting and prep, we were talking to the surgeon and anesthesiologist.  I think that is when the surgery "hit" Jacque.  While the surgeon was talking to Brad, the anesthesiologist started explaining all the medical procedures that would take place in the operating room to Jacque.  Words such as "Arterial lines, central lines through an IJ, intubation through the nose, nipride, propofol, pressures of 70/30, and 16 gauge IVs" (in Jacque's words) went right over my little bit of knowledge - but by watching the expression of Jacque's face change from positive-upbeat to
"Hey...wait a minute...WHAT??" -
I knew things were going to be a little rough.

According to the surgeon, the surgery went well and Jacque did great.  I don't think I was prepared to see her coming out of the recovery room....but in reality...what mom is??

The first night in the hospital was rough.  I stayed with her and jumped almost every time she moved.  What is it about a Mom and instincts...whether you are concerned over a new-born or a grown young lady...your heart aches for them and you do anything to help them be comfortable.  The next day, the bandages came off.  We were able to keep Jacque hydrated by squirting water and juice with a syringe down the inside of her mouth.  Savannah brought some yummy strained apple juice that Jacque enjoyed and she started the long journey to recovery.  Aly came down and gave me a break so that I could go home, sleep for a few hours and head back for the evening.  She ended up staying for most of the day!

24 hours later

The surgeon decided that she needed another night in the hospital, and I didn't want Jacque alone if her second night was another "rough" one, so this time I slept on a cot (it was a real comfy one!!)  Since the next day was my first day back to school, I left from the hospital for CGCC and Brad came down to help Jacque as she was discharged from the hospital.  She came back to our home so that we could take care of her.  Aaron had taken the day off to help and pampered her better than I would have!  He has a knack of knowing how to tenderly care for those who need special care and Jacque was in the best of hands.

Coming home!

Trying to get nutrition down Jacque was quite a challenge. Since her mouth was still very tender, she couldn't even use a straw. With yummy juices from Savannah, thinned down Jamba juice, and Ensure - Jacque slowly began to get her strength back. 

Looks like the doctors/nurses took a few "tries" at her arterial line

Jacque - 6 days later

Today marks three weeks since surgery and she is counting down the next 14 days until she has her wires cut.  With her mouth wired shut, communicating is quite difficult and painful.  Liquid Advil is her new best friend!  She started back to work only 2 weeks after her surgery.
Looking back, we know that Dr. Michael Elliott was the best doctor for Jacque.  He is kind and always has time for all her questions.  It was a tender mercy to have him as part of her surgical team.  Jacque was also blessed with attentive nurses that first night at the hospital.  She gave them quite a scare, but they took great care of her. 
Then there is our family.  With prayers in Jacque's behalf, we have felt that our Heavenly Father is watching over her.  It hasn't been easy and even today, her mouth and jaw are sore and she is very tired of liquid food.  (You can read her thoughts about it HERE)
We had friends and family praying for her, wonderful meals brought in, and thoughtful notes and visits from those we love. Our shoulders have been strengthened and Jacque's recovery is right on track.  We are grateful for so many blessings!!
With a little down time....we managed to finish Jacque's "surgery" puzzle!