Daniel has moved into the next stage of his recovery. He is clearly out of the ICU stage where the concern was keeping him stable and significant immediate needs surgery. He is now in a routine of surgery every other day and a recovery day in between.
Surgery days include surgery (usually in the mornings), recovery, and rest. On these days Daniel spends much time coming out of the haze of sedation and pain medications. He does well and is more alert later in the afternoon and evening. He will continue surgery on his legs, hand, etc. for quite a while.
The non-surgery days are a roller coaster ride of feeling quite alert and talkative to the low valleys of pain management. The day after surgery is a battle against surgical and phantom limb pain. Daniel describes the peaks of his phantom pain in his limbs as the feeling of someone placing hot coals on his feet and knees.
He did have the joy of his first Chipotle meal (one of his favourites) since August and his Doppio Expresso Machietto.
He, and we all, still struggle with the parade of visitors that Daniel doesn't know. He gets overwhelmed sometime with all the medical staff, friends, and family visiting. Family is giving him as much space as possible. But, there are a bunch of people from all kinds of agencies who want to stop by and see him. Very well meaning and caring people and organisations. It is just hard for Daniel to take it all in. I have been able to manage most of them - just hard to know when they are coming in and the timing of the visit.
Sad day today as well - Julia, Tristan, and Aaron had to return to Colorado. Julia has surgery on her torn achilles tendon tomorrow. Her mother (Jean/Nana) is coming in today to Colorado to help out at home. They were all excited to see her.
Dad
Neil,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the newsy letters. I want to be connected and know how Daniel is doing, and this blog is a fabulous way to do it. I cannot imagine what Daniel, you, and the rest of the family are going through. Thank goodness that God is a big part of your lives and that God will be a big part of Daniel's healing. May God bless Daniel, and you all, in the challenging times ahead.
My prayers continue daily. I can only imagine the roller coaster of haze and alertness as well as the pain, both phantom and real, though pain is pain regardless.
ReplyDeleteI was not aware of Julia's torn achilles - My prayers are with her as well. Grace and peace to you all.
Colin
Holy Toledo - I didn't realize Julia was hurt too... sheesh....in some ways its probably nice to have a physical ailment to attach so much emotional pain to! Ugh! You all remain in my prayers! So thankful Daniel's out of imminent danger, but understand those surgical recovery and neuropathy issues... either of those alone is too much to bear, let alone both in addition to the mental/emotional challenge of processing all of this!
ReplyDeleteThank you again, Daniel, for your service and your sacrifice! When I shared your story with my dad, an old Vietnam Vet, he teared up and got that wistful look in his eye, as I've only ever seen Vets get, when hearing of these tragedies. He sends his thanks as well.
Trusting that God will turn your mourning into rejoicing! Bless you all!
P.S. Neil - please let me know if there is anything I can do to help Julia back here at home!
The recent photos posted are great. Daniel looks fantastic, given all that’s happened in such a short period of time.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the phantom pain problems, please refer to the e-mail that I sent to you on Jan 2nd. I myself am an amputee. Although I’m congenital (born an amputee), I have never experienced phantom pain. I worked as a prosthetic advisor and amputee consultant back in Vancouver and what we advised new amputees of is a fabric called Farabloc. Quoted from their website it says: Farabloc consists of a series of ultra thin steel fibres woven into a nylon fabric, which is custom made into wraps or garments, such as socks, gloves, jackets, blankets and limb covers for the amputated area. These garments are then placed over the painful area. Irritating high frequency radiation is blocked, allowing soothing low frequency waves to pass through.
Every client we provided it to had their phantom pain diminish significantly.
Please let Daniel know that there’s a fellow amputee who wishes to be of any help & support to him during this very difficult time & process.
My thoughts are with you all.
Marnie Payne