Friday, August 1, 2008

Day 2 at St. John’s

Mom, Dad and Cara were able to go back and see him around 5 p.m. He no longer has traction on the leg that just had surgery.
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A little after 3 p.m., the doctor came out and visited with Cara and J’s parents about the surgeries. The injury report has been updated to match his report.

For the knee, they removed approximately 60% that was crushed or too small to be repaired. He attached the tendon to the base of the kneecap and attached the muscle to the top of the knee. He explained that while it won’t be as strong, it will be a working knee.

Now for the femur, this was NOT the femur with the broken ball. The doctor shared x-rays and drew pictures to illustrate what had been done. A long plate was placed along the femur. Many screws were placed into the femur and some went up into the ball.

The surgeon seemed pleased overall with the two surgeries. He said that J is now scheduled for the next surgery on Monday for the second, much more complicated femur. However, the orthopedic also compared scheduling J for surgery is a lot like scheduling the shuttle for a launch. You may place the shuttle on the launch pad but there are many variables that may cause a delay.

At this time, they plan to leave J on the ventilator until after the next surgery.

The biggest concern for the next 24-48 hours will for his heart and lungs. Even with the filters in place, there is still the threat of clots breaking loose. This concern about the strength and stability of his heart and lungs is tied to the trauma of the crash and aorta repair and not related to the orthopedic surgery.
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At 1:30 p.m., there is a call from the operating room. They have completed the repair to the right femur and are moving to the left knee. Surgery actually started at 10:55 a.m. Everything has gone well. While several approaches to repair the femur were discussed before the surgery, we won’t know how they actually made the repair until later when both surgeries are complete.

On another note, it probably be Monday before they schedule another surgery.
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Already good news again! After that scary moment yesterday, J’s stats remain strong and his surgery has been moved up to earlier than originally scheduled at 11. He may be in surgery as early as 9:30.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stay strong - your entire family is in our thoughst and prayers

Mark and Sharon Waddell

Katie said...

Oh good news. Sending my prayers!
Katie

Anonymous said...

I'm not worried about Jerry. I know in my heart that he will come thru this quicker and better than any old doctor could imagine. He will have a tough road ahead, but he's got a good wife, great kids, and lots of caring friends. We still are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers....just in case. :)
Annette, Jim, & Jacob

Anonymous said...

Dear Cara,

I am thinking of Jerry, you and the boys. Please let me know if I can do something to help Jerry during this time (home # 865-8821). When it is right let Jerry know he has a whole krewe of friends here in Missouri who love and support him.

Much love, Todd

Anonymous said...

We will check back to hear more good news as we follow Jerry's progress here. Of course our thoughts are with you all. Our prayers extend to Jerry and the rest of your wonderful family.

Mike and Elizbeth Ball

Anonymous said...

Best Wishes.

Anonymous said...

I am glad to hear good news. Thanks for the updates, and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Angie

Unknown said...

We are so grateful for this blog so we can keep up with J's recovery and we are thankful for the good progress reports. We are praying for all of you and for the medical staff caring for J.

Sandy & Joe Barron

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the blog. I have no doubt that Jerry will bounce back from this faster than most. He's a fighter with a determined spirit.

Jerry, hang in there man! We'll be doing lunch at the Rib Crib again in no time!!

Marty, Lori, and Todd Martin

Anonymous said...

Great news you guys! Keep strong!!

love
Jennifer Denne

careywarner said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
careywarner said...

Cara, You and your family, particularly J, are in my thoughts right now. I am glad J is getting such good medical help and applaud your blogging this. One of the best things you can do is know how many people care about you so that you can be strong right now.

Much Love, Carey