Under the Knife: Part II...(with updates)
Today is the day that my wife goes in to have her right arm fixed. For those who follow this blog, you know that about a month ago, she fell on her arm and shattered it at the wrist. At the time of the accident, she had an external fixator surgically attached to her arm to hold the "puzzle" back in place. Unfortunately, the major wrist bone was not put back in the exact position it needs to be in, resulting in a 90% chance of developing severe arthritis later in life.
At around noon, the surgeon will go in, position the bone correctly and insert a metal plate to hold everything still. Sounds fun, doesn't it? As we'll be in the hospital overnight, I may not be able to give an update or do any additional posting for another day or so, though I will if I can get to a hotspot.
The cool thing (I guess) is that the surgeon will be taking digital photographs throughout the procedure (!!) and will share those with us after the operation. I didn't ask him why for two reasons: 1. I figured that it was for teaching purposes as he will have two interns assisting him (and it is a doctor with Kleinert, Kutz & Associates, the premiere hand specialists in the world--they pioneered the hand transplant--so I'm sure there are plenty of teaching opportunities) 2. The doctor is Asian and barely speaks English so I doubt I would have understood his explanation anyway. Of course, my friend Peter Glover in England thinks I barely speak English, so I shouldn't say anything (nor should you, Peter). All that to say that I should have some pretty interesting pictures to share with you later if you are interested (don't worry...for you squeamish types, they would be in the form of links). I haven't run that idea by my wife yet, but I'm sure it will be copacetic with her.
This, as with the first surgery, promises to be a long couple of days. I would appreciate it if you would keep us in your prayers. Fortunately, this time the surgery is here in Louisville and my mother-in-law is here to help with my son and basic household maintenance. Thanks to all of you who have posted comments or emailed notes of support. This is a pretty long and difficult process, but God's faithfulness abounds.
UPDATE I: It is 3:48 PM on Friday and Karen is currently in surgery. She was scheduled for 12:30 and they were about two hours behind. Of course, that meant that she was in that bed for three hours prior to going in...not good! The wildest part was when one of the doctors and a nurse came into the pre-op room, started messing with Karen's fixator (the support on her arm--see picture in above link), and proceeded to begin unscrewing it from her arm! With no explanation or fore-warning. Talk about freaking out a little. Seriously, Dr. Dude just whips out this little hand-cranked drill and starts removing the screws. I wish I had a picture of K's face when they started. Now, it wasn't pain since they had given her a block, serving to completely deaden her arm...just schock. Mine was probably pretty interesting looking, too.
So, K is in surgery and I am sitting at a downtown coffee shop a short walk from the hospital sipping latte while my wife is under the knife. Something just not right about that.
Thanks so much for those of you who have left well-wishes...it means a great deal and I look forward to sharing them with Karen. If I get a chance, I will update again soon.
At around noon, the surgeon will go in, position the bone correctly and insert a metal plate to hold everything still. Sounds fun, doesn't it? As we'll be in the hospital overnight, I may not be able to give an update or do any additional posting for another day or so, though I will if I can get to a hotspot.
The cool thing (I guess) is that the surgeon will be taking digital photographs throughout the procedure (!!) and will share those with us after the operation. I didn't ask him why for two reasons: 1. I figured that it was for teaching purposes as he will have two interns assisting him (and it is a doctor with Kleinert, Kutz & Associates, the premiere hand specialists in the world--they pioneered the hand transplant--so I'm sure there are plenty of teaching opportunities) 2. The doctor is Asian and barely speaks English so I doubt I would have understood his explanation anyway. Of course, my friend Peter Glover in England thinks I barely speak English, so I shouldn't say anything (nor should you, Peter). All that to say that I should have some pretty interesting pictures to share with you later if you are interested (don't worry...for you squeamish types, they would be in the form of links). I haven't run that idea by my wife yet, but I'm sure it will be copacetic with her.
This, as with the first surgery, promises to be a long couple of days. I would appreciate it if you would keep us in your prayers. Fortunately, this time the surgery is here in Louisville and my mother-in-law is here to help with my son and basic household maintenance. Thanks to all of you who have posted comments or emailed notes of support. This is a pretty long and difficult process, but God's faithfulness abounds.
UPDATE I: It is 3:48 PM on Friday and Karen is currently in surgery. She was scheduled for 12:30 and they were about two hours behind. Of course, that meant that she was in that bed for three hours prior to going in...not good! The wildest part was when one of the doctors and a nurse came into the pre-op room, started messing with Karen's fixator (the support on her arm--see picture in above link), and proceeded to begin unscrewing it from her arm! With no explanation or fore-warning. Talk about freaking out a little. Seriously, Dr. Dude just whips out this little hand-cranked drill and starts removing the screws. I wish I had a picture of K's face when they started. Now, it wasn't pain since they had given her a block, serving to completely deaden her arm...just schock. Mine was probably pretty interesting looking, too.
So, K is in surgery and I am sitting at a downtown coffee shop a short walk from the hospital sipping latte while my wife is under the knife. Something just not right about that.
Thanks so much for those of you who have left well-wishes...it means a great deal and I look forward to sharing them with Karen. If I get a chance, I will update again soon.
UPDATE II:
Labels: David C. Price
posted by DAVID C. PRICE at 10/28/2005 06:10:00 AM
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6 Comments:
I am lifting you all up in prayer. He is able and He is good.
Praise the Lord for good surgeons and a helpful mother-in-law. Our prayers go out for your wife.
Ooh - I broke my wrist almost two years ago and had to have pins surgically put in.. NOT FUN. I think one of the most difficult things about the whole thing is getting used to being dependent on people for EVERYTHING - I couldn't even wash my hair, make food, or change my clothes on my own for the first few days.
I pray that the surgery goes well and that you have a solid community to help out in this time.
David:
The Martin family will be praying for you and your wife.
John M. Martin
Martin's Musings
I am praying for your wife's speedy recovery, my brother! Is the surgery in Louisville????
Thanks to all of you for your kind show of support. To answer your question, PB, Louisville it is (though based on my most recent post--"The Morning After"--, I should probably not mention where it was performed).
Peace.
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