No posts because there's nothing new. He's getting around better on crutches, but hasn't been out a whole lot. But then, who's around to take him out?? We go out for dinner and he goes with us now. He's been to church the last two Sundays.
We're all going to Charleston this coming weekend to pack it up and move it out. Friends are loaning us a van and we're hoping that between the van and my cr-v we can get it all out. But if not, we have one more weekend. Hmmmm.... maybe we can't get it all!!
Next doctor visit is Thursday, October 30, for another cast change.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Thursday night
Not much to tell. Went to the orthopedic today and got a new cast. Incision looks good. New cast is just a few degrees closer to flex than the other; and it's royal blue (so it won't look so dirty). Next appointment in four weeks.
He's now free to sit with his leg down for periods of time. If it gets tight, put it up for a few hours. An aspirin a day to combat possible blood clots. He can ride in the back seat of the car for a couple of hours at a time, with leg up mostly.
Oh, and the hives are substantial. Not outrageous, but lots of them on torso and arms.
He's now free to sit with his leg down for periods of time. If it gets tight, put it up for a few hours. An aspirin a day to combat possible blood clots. He can ride in the back seat of the car for a couple of hours at a time, with leg up mostly.
Oh, and the hives are substantial. Not outrageous, but lots of them on torso and arms.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday night
You wouldn't believe today ...
Farb took JIII to the allergist this morning. They left the house about 9:30. I waited and waited to hear from them and finally called Farb's cell about 1:30. They were on the way home! Ok, the appointment was in Cary, so that's a long way. But apparently there was a very long wait, then a reasonably long visit with the nurse, then PA, then doctor. Then a long ride back home and they stopped for some (takeout) lunch. The allergist looked over everything and decided that re-testing would not be necessary and that the Rx he'd had was still the best course of action. So he got a new Rx with 2 refills. ALL THAT for THAT??!!! Well, really we're just glad he didn't have to go through testing again and that the doctor agreed with the known best remedy and gave him a refillable Rx. Whew!
His throat is improving, but still hurts and he will only eat soft foods until it's much better. I brought him red beans and rice from Justin's Deli for dinner -- and some of their wonderful gingerbread muffins.
Next event will be the orthopedic for cast change on Thursday. We'd really like to hear that JIII can travel in the car so he can go to Charleston with me for the weekend and supervise packing.
Farb took JIII to the allergist this morning. They left the house about 9:30. I waited and waited to hear from them and finally called Farb's cell about 1:30. They were on the way home! Ok, the appointment was in Cary, so that's a long way. But apparently there was a very long wait, then a reasonably long visit with the nurse, then PA, then doctor. Then a long ride back home and they stopped for some (takeout) lunch. The allergist looked over everything and decided that re-testing would not be necessary and that the Rx he'd had was still the best course of action. So he got a new Rx with 2 refills. ALL THAT for THAT??!!! Well, really we're just glad he didn't have to go through testing again and that the doctor agreed with the known best remedy and gave him a refillable Rx. Whew!
His throat is improving, but still hurts and he will only eat soft foods until it's much better. I brought him red beans and rice from Justin's Deli for dinner -- and some of their wonderful gingerbread muffins.
Next event will be the orthopedic for cast change on Thursday. We'd really like to hear that JIII can travel in the car so he can go to Charleston with me for the weekend and supervise packing.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday evening
Again, no breakfast today. Late lunch, once he was so hungry he had to ignore the throat pain, of scrambled eggs and pancakes again.
For dinner we went on an outing! It was nice to get out. Meat loaf and mashed potatoes for dinner so as not to irritate his throat. Still no fun swallowing, but the food was good. The outing was a little longer than it should have been since he was sitting up for nearly 2 hours, so by the time we got home not only was his throat hurting, his leg was throbbing, too.
Tommorrow morning is the big outing to go to the allergist to see about getting refills of the Rx that works best at keeping the hives at bay. (The Rx he got before surgery runs out tomorrow!) Unfortunately, only the Cary office had an opening, so it will be a long outing. Maybe he'll lie down on the examing table once he gets in there.
For dinner we went on an outing! It was nice to get out. Meat loaf and mashed potatoes for dinner so as not to irritate his throat. Still no fun swallowing, but the food was good. The outing was a little longer than it should have been since he was sitting up for nearly 2 hours, so by the time we got home not only was his throat hurting, his leg was throbbing, too.
Tommorrow morning is the big outing to go to the allergist to see about getting refills of the Rx that works best at keeping the hives at bay. (The Rx he got before surgery runs out tomorrow!) Unfortunately, only the Cary office had an opening, so it will be a long outing. Maybe he'll lie down on the examing table once he gets in there.
Follow-up to Friday afternoon
I don't know what happened to the follow-up I wrote Saturday morning about Friday afternoon, but here's the shortened version:
We had to call the orthopedic again to call the anesthesiologist again because it got later and later and the anesthesiologist had still not called. The second call did the trick and they called Friday evening. Without seeing him, they can't be sure ... but unless he spikes a high fever, we are to assume the position he was in during surgery ("the doctor requried him to be on his stomach" -- well, no duh! -- did they think he could do surgery on the back of the leg with him face up and the leg up in the air??) caused more than typcial injury to the vulva. Just numb it with Chlorasceptic, he says! So, Friday night he had a shake and did not enjoy it.
Saturday
He didn't care to eat anything Saturday morning, even though he was hungry. He wouldn't even have ice cream or frozen limeade treats because he'd have to swallow. Finally, early afternoon, he agreed to scrambled eggs and pancakes. Even though it hurt to swallow, he enjoyed them. For a late-night dinner, he had a burrito. Same issues still.
Saturday was his first shower! Thanks to Becky for the shower seat and to Susan for the shower stool. Both were used for the big event. We got the cast and knee all wrapped up good with garbage bags, rubber bands and velcro strips. Then he sat on the chair and put his leg on the stool (Dr. gave him shower and bathroom priveleges, but he still should keep his leg up as much as possible), so he was able to take a nice long shower. This worked much better than the shower before surgery when we had a tall stool in there and he had to hold his foot up off the ground and balance on the stool.
Thanks to Daniel and Alyssa for the visit. It was nice to see him talking and laughing. :)
We had to call the orthopedic again to call the anesthesiologist again because it got later and later and the anesthesiologist had still not called. The second call did the trick and they called Friday evening. Without seeing him, they can't be sure ... but unless he spikes a high fever, we are to assume the position he was in during surgery ("the doctor requried him to be on his stomach" -- well, no duh! -- did they think he could do surgery on the back of the leg with him face up and the leg up in the air??) caused more than typcial injury to the vulva. Just numb it with Chlorasceptic, he says! So, Friday night he had a shake and did not enjoy it.
Saturday
He didn't care to eat anything Saturday morning, even though he was hungry. He wouldn't even have ice cream or frozen limeade treats because he'd have to swallow. Finally, early afternoon, he agreed to scrambled eggs and pancakes. Even though it hurt to swallow, he enjoyed them. For a late-night dinner, he had a burrito. Same issues still.
Saturday was his first shower! Thanks to Becky for the shower seat and to Susan for the shower stool. Both were used for the big event. We got the cast and knee all wrapped up good with garbage bags, rubber bands and velcro strips. Then he sat on the chair and put his leg on the stool (Dr. gave him shower and bathroom priveleges, but he still should keep his leg up as much as possible), so he was able to take a nice long shower. This worked much better than the shower before surgery when we had a tall stool in there and he had to hold his foot up off the ground and balance on the stool.
Thanks to Daniel and Alyssa for the visit. It was nice to see him talking and laughing. :)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday afternoon
JIII has had his ups and downs. Yesterday he had an appointment to go to the allergist because his "temporary" hives medicine he got before surgery runs out on Monday. However, when it was time to go he didn't think it was such a good idea. Nice Dr. Judge's office was able to reschedule for Monday.
Sometimes he's happy and eating; sometimes not. Last night he enjoyed chicken pie and sweet tea from Angie and pineapple cake from Zest with great gusto.
This afternoon his sore throat from the tube during surgery became more than just a sore and scratchy throat and has caused minor alarm. The orthopedic's office is calling the anesthesiologist's office to see what to do or where to go. At 3:00 on a Friday, hmmm....
Sometimes he's happy and eating; sometimes not. Last night he enjoyed chicken pie and sweet tea from Angie and pineapple cake from Zest with great gusto.
This afternoon his sore throat from the tube during surgery became more than just a sore and scratchy throat and has caused minor alarm. The orthopedic's office is calling the anesthesiologist's office to see what to do or where to go. At 3:00 on a Friday, hmmm....
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wednesday morning
It was a long afternoon and night with hives and then a drop in blood pressure. This morning, though, all was looking really good and the doctor signed for him to be released. The nurse says that will happen around lunch time.
Now heavier pain is settling in (the kind that makes you toss and sweat) and it's a toss-up what to take. Narcotics can bring on hives again and since he hasn't eaten, probably nausea too. He's already had something non-narcotic that's stronger than Tylenol but it didn't help.
Now heavier pain is settling in (the kind that makes you toss and sweat) and it's a toss-up what to take. Narcotics can bring on hives again and since he hasn't eaten, probably nausea too. He's already had something non-narcotic that's stronger than Tylenol but it didn't help.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Post Surgery
Now in his room. Hives are back with a vengeance. Now they're working on figuring out best meds to control pain that won't make the hives worse. Problem is, it seems to be a crap shoot. At least he's in the best place!
Surgery is over
Surgery went well. Behind schedule, so it's nearly 3:00 now. He'll have be in room 6037 around 4:30. Expecting to be released mid-morning tomorrow.
He's in a white cast for now. Stitches are on the inside and the wound (wound?? I say cut! 3" worth.) is glued shut. That will keep out bacteria and such better than stitches or staples and if some water happened to get down in it from a shower, it would not be a big deal. Just dry the cast with a hair dryer!
He'll see Dr. F in 10 days and get a new cast.
In about 8 weeks he'll move to a walking boot and one crutch.
He's in a white cast for now. Stitches are on the inside and the wound (wound?? I say cut! 3" worth.) is glued shut. That will keep out bacteria and such better than stitches or staples and if some water happened to get down in it from a shower, it would not be a big deal. Just dry the cast with a hair dryer!
He'll see Dr. F in 10 days and get a new cast.
In about 8 weeks he'll move to a walking boot and one crutch.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
JIII's contemplations
"Some stories say Achilles' mother, the nymph known as Thetis, bathed him in the river Styx as a child and that the water of the river made him invulnerable on every part of his body except the heel by which his mother held him. There have been rumors that some of the bathtubs and kitchen sinks in which I was bathed as a child have had the same effect. However, while Achilles was hit in by an arrow from a rival warrior, I was attacked by a stealthier foe. Allow me to explain. Playing basketball at St. Francis Catholic Church on Wednesday night I was struck down, suffering what my Trinidadian-American doctor calls a traumatic rupture of the right Achilles tendon. At first I had believed that this was a mere coincidence. However, a young southern Baptist with a flare for the fanatic, convinced me to consider that this was yet another example of 'Catholic Thugs' trying to get back at the Protestants. So upon further reflection, I have come to the conclusion that my injury was not a mere accident but rather a harsh warning sent to the Anglican Communion for having dared to extend apostolic succession to a bunch of pesky Lutherans. It appears that for some unknown reason the Bishop Schori and the Srchbishop Williams have yet to take note of this harsh warning. I will keep everyone updated on my future musings and conspiracy theories, as well as my attempts to navigate the world as I approach surgery and consider post-surgery questions such as: How do I take a shower with a big cast covering my leg?, Can I get away with driving using my left foot?, What sort of Halloween costumes work well for a guy on crutches?, What jobs will an immobile anthropology major be eligible for?, If I can't drive with a cast, does this mean that I don't have to be a designated driver until Christmas?, etc."
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Saturday, Sept.20
Uneventful day. Showering was not easy, but successful. There's a stool in the shower now. Putting the temporary cast back on was not so easy.
Hives have been coming and going, but are not excessive and each individual break-out has not lasted the whole day.
Much of the day was spent moving old clothes and other things out of the closet and off the floor and hanging present wardrobe clothes. Same thing with dresser drawers. Still lots more work to be done to get the rest of his wardrobe and other things from his car into his room. If you have a need for dress shirts 15 1/2 x 35 or 17x33, let us know! (What an assortment of sizes!) Or if you want t-shirts, there are 3 bags heading to Goodwill tomorrow.
Moved a tv into his room and tried hooking up a digital converter box. What a disaster. It seems to be working fine until I change channels or press menu. Then it just goes to static and the power button goes on and off randomly and you can't turn the converter box off either by the button on the box nor by the remote control. Any suggestions, anybody?
We went out for a very late dinner. The PT's instructions on using crutches have helped a lot.
Hives have been coming and going, but are not excessive and each individual break-out has not lasted the whole day.
Much of the day was spent moving old clothes and other things out of the closet and off the floor and hanging present wardrobe clothes. Same thing with dresser drawers. Still lots more work to be done to get the rest of his wardrobe and other things from his car into his room. If you have a need for dress shirts 15 1/2 x 35 or 17x33, let us know! (What an assortment of sizes!) Or if you want t-shirts, there are 3 bags heading to Goodwill tomorrow.
Moved a tv into his room and tried hooking up a digital converter box. What a disaster. It seems to be working fine until I change channels or press menu. Then it just goes to static and the power button goes on and off randomly and you can't turn the converter box off either by the button on the box nor by the remote control. Any suggestions, anybody?
We went out for a very late dinner. The PT's instructions on using crutches have helped a lot.
Friday, Sept. 19
MRI in the afternoon for the doctor to know exactly where the rupture is located. New MRI machine ... JIII was sitting up and not enclosed! Nice. The back part didn't come up very far on such a tall person, so the hour + got a bit uncomfortable and trying on the back. Bad.
After the MRI we went to Farb's office and dug through old receipts and records and found the prescriptions that had historically worked best on his hives. Hurray! Called the GP who agreed to call those prescriptions in to pharmacy. Double Hurray!
Hives are looking better today, but it would be really good if they were under control before, during and after surgery. :)
After the MRI we went to Farb's office and dug through old receipts and records and found the prescriptions that had historically worked best on his hives. Hurray! Called the GP who agreed to call those prescriptions in to pharmacy. Double Hurray!
Hives are looking better today, but it would be really good if they were under control before, during and after surgery. :)
Thursday, Sept. 18
Farb and Genie spent most of the night pondering all the things ahead. (JIII did, too, when he wasn't in his drugged sleep!) At 9am, Genie called Dr. David Fajgenbaum's office and got an appointment for 3:00, be there at 2:45. Farb would stay on for conference in Asheville, waiting to hear if he needed to come home. Genie hit the road to get home in time for the process of getting drugged JIII into the car and to the appointment. Good friend Ellen got the x-rays from WakeMed North to Dr. F's office. Thank you so much, Ellen!
Nothing new ... ruptured achilles tendon in right leg, traumatic. MRI scheduled for Friday afternoon; surgery scheduled at Rex for noon Tuesday.
During the previous week, JIII has had a return of hives after a nice 2 years without them. He's been taking Benadryl and other over-the counter remedies, but now he needs to see his allergist. Problem is, it's been more than 5 years since we've seen him, the records are in storage and it will take a week to get them (to see what the last medications were that seemed to work the best after a few years of trial and error) and the doctor won't prescribe over the phone since it's been so long and besides, there are no appointments available Friday or Monday. So, on to the general practioner who gave him a shot and a prescription of prednisone to be completed before surgery.
Finally home about 7pm and exhausted, Farb called. He had gotten a ride home with a friend who was leaving the conference early (thanks, Peter!) because he wasn't getting anything out of it anyway and wanted to be home with us.
Nothing new ... ruptured achilles tendon in right leg, traumatic. MRI scheduled for Friday afternoon; surgery scheduled at Rex for noon Tuesday.
During the previous week, JIII has had a return of hives after a nice 2 years without them. He's been taking Benadryl and other over-the counter remedies, but now he needs to see his allergist. Problem is, it's been more than 5 years since we've seen him, the records are in storage and it will take a week to get them (to see what the last medications were that seemed to work the best after a few years of trial and error) and the doctor won't prescribe over the phone since it's been so long and besides, there are no appointments available Friday or Monday. So, on to the general practioner who gave him a shot and a prescription of prednisone to be completed before surgery.
Finally home about 7pm and exhausted, Farb called. He had gotten a ride home with a friend who was leaving the conference early (thanks, Peter!) because he wasn't getting anything out of it anyway and wanted to be home with us.
Wednesday, Sept 17
Parents, to be identified as Farb and Genie left for a conference in Asheville early in the morning. Son, to be identified as JIII came home to go to job interview and watch dogs.
JIII was encouraged to have some fun; go play ball with friends in the evening at local church pick-up games.
While having a nice dinner at The Fiddlin Pig and listenting to Blue grass music, Farb gets a call from JIII. "I'm on the way to the ER. I think I hurt my achilles tendon."
While playing ball, JIII caught a ball, took a turn and fell. POP! Another player says, "Aw, man, that's too bad. That was your achilles tendon." He got up. It didn't hurt so bad... One person helped him with the first step, then two with the next step, then he was being carried out. Nick, what a good friend, called his mom - a nurse - who gave them great advice. Nick took JIII to WakeMed North and they spent a few hours there playing around in a wheelchair and making jokes and such, trying to divert attention from the growing pain and limp foot. X-Rays revealed no problem with any bones. A firm grip on the calf confirmed no tendon connection to the foot. They sent him home with orders to call an orthopedic on Thursday.
JIII was encouraged to have some fun; go play ball with friends in the evening at local church pick-up games.
While having a nice dinner at The Fiddlin Pig and listenting to Blue grass music, Farb gets a call from JIII. "I'm on the way to the ER. I think I hurt my achilles tendon."
While playing ball, JIII caught a ball, took a turn and fell. POP! Another player says, "Aw, man, that's too bad. That was your achilles tendon." He got up. It didn't hurt so bad... One person helped him with the first step, then two with the next step, then he was being carried out. Nick, what a good friend, called his mom - a nurse - who gave them great advice. Nick took JIII to WakeMed North and they spent a few hours there playing around in a wheelchair and making jokes and such, trying to divert attention from the growing pain and limp foot. X-Rays revealed no problem with any bones. A firm grip on the calf confirmed no tendon connection to the foot. They sent him home with orders to call an orthopedic on Thursday.
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