update from rick #2

On Wednesday, the day after my surgery, I received several pleasant surprises, first a morning call, a visit, a very beautiful flower arrangement, another visitor who brought a great flower arrangement he made himself. Both arrangements are still going strong. It must be a God thing, He knows I love flowers. They helped me to know that I am loved and kept my spirits up. My room was filled with intoxicating floral scents, along with bright and vibrant colors.

I received my first solid food that morning for breakfast, although I had to eat while lying down. At that time, I was restricted to “sitting” in bed at no more than a 30 degree angle. Trust me when I say it is a challenge to eat while lying down. After breakfast, I met Roy, a physical therapist; he measured me for my brace, a rigid contraption that I have to wear whenever I am out of bed for the next month and a half. After being fitted with my brace, I was instructed the keys to my physical recovery, BLT, no Bending, no Lifting and no Twisting. I was taught how to get in and out of bed, how to put on my brace, how to stand up, how to sit down and get up out of a chair. I then went for my first walk.

I felt a little disoriented for a number of reasons. First, this was the first time I was able to sit up after surgery in over 24 hours. Second, my roommate kept me up the entire night before with an extremely irregular breathing pattern, nurses came in throughout the night asking him if he was alright, they felt sorry for me and told me to ask for another room the next day; I got maybe two hours of intermittent sleep. Third, I tried to put my contacts in while lying down, but was only able to get my left contact in.

Due to my disorientation, we tried my initial trip down the hall with a walker. It was a slow and cautious journey; I made it down the hall and back. After lunch, another meal eaten while lying down, I took my second walk. While standing up, I was able to get my right contact in. Using precaution, my physical therapist wanted me to use the walker again, so off we went. This time, I was able to navigate two laps around the tower, a first according to my physical therapist. Jeanie and my mom were amazed that I was able to walk so soon and do so without pain. I consider my overall success due to all the prayers that you have made on my behalf. Thank you so very much for all of your care, support, encouragement, and blessing.

Unfortunately, that evening my stomach began to give me problems; I wasn’t sure if it was due to all the exercise, a reaction to all the medication, eating while lying down, or lack of sleep. All I knew was that I didn’t feel well. I wasn’t able to eat anything for dinner. End of day two.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for my continued healing. Each day since returning “home” from the hospital I have experienced extreme episodes of sharp shooting pain. My wound continues to be very tender. I am still unable to sleep while lying on my back. Pray that I will heal without infection. Pray that my pain will subside over time. I have significant bruising on my back just above my wound, and new bruising on my buttocks. This evening has been tough, a lot more pain, maybe a bit of a set back. All things considered, I can’t believe that it has been less than a week since my surgery.

Pray for my full and complete healing. Continue to pray for Jeanie, my primary care giver. Pray for strength and rest for both of us.

Blessings,
Rick

Note: Just got another email that Rick has been experiencing increased pain, bruising, difficulty sleeping today. Please pray for relief from the pain and for rest. He has a doctor's appointment tomorrow and we pray for answers to why he is bruising and what he can do to alleviate some of the pain.