After Surgery

Yesterday went much better than expected. Ian rocked the surgery. He lost less then 300cc of blood, did not need a transfusion, and as you can tell from the photos below gained some inches.  

His night was good. He is still sedated with pain medicine. His blood pressure dipped so they have started him on medicine for that, in addition to pushing some extra fluids. We have been assured this is all normal for a day post-op. They seem to have it all under control. 

Rounds were good this morning. His carbon dioxide level was elevated to 58 but has since come down to 47. They like this to be between 35-45 but will continue to monitor and change his vent settings to adjust. The hope is that he will get back to his normal vent settings. In addition, this will improve as they begin some of his pulmonary toileting. The plan is to start IPV every 4 hours as he will not be able to handle his normal toileting. 

As for his pain, that is under control. They will decrease his fentanyl pump today in order for him to be more awake today. It was up last night in order for him to sleep and to stay pretty much sedated. He was just up for a few minutes and the first thing he asked for was TV and his glasses. 

The physical therapists came in this morning and did some range of motion on him. She discussed having someone come in and modify the wheelchair tomorrow, or at least begin the process.

Looking forward to a calm and easy day for Ian.

Before                    After