Today was certainly a far cry over last Saturday. I returned yesterday and Mark was doing so much better. He had his cast removed and was getting ready to stand at the side of his bed with the three physical therapists. He was glad to see me. He had been sitting upright for about 20 minutes (with help) and they would stand him up for short periods of time. This is very difficult for him to do. His knees are not completely straight when they do this and he has to try to push off on his feet. Not easy, but he did it.
His pain has been under much better control. They switched him off long acting morphine, which had not been working very well at all to a Fentanyl patch. This is working remarkably well. It is for chronic, severe pain and is quite potent. However, it has not made him sleepy and sedation is a sign that the medication is too strong. Since this has not happened, it appears that he needed something different. I worry about the addiction aspect of these drugs, but the doctors assure me that although it could be a problem for someone with a prior addiction to drugs or alcohol, with Mark's background and his current chronic pain, it should not be an issue. It has also eliminated the need for any breakthrough medication so far. He needs to be able to tolerate the therapy in order for him progress and this looks like it might be the answer.
Today he was able to be up in a chair for a long period of time without being tired or agitated since he wasn't in pain. He was able to play with Nintendo for a while and chat with some of the other patients, which was good for him to do. Prior to this, he was so uncomfortable, that it wasn't possible.
We are anxious to go outside and enjoy the warm weather, but today it rained in the sunshine state. Tomorrow is supposed to be better, so we are planning an outside tour and a milkshake.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
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4 comments:
Hi Mark and Ann,
Nice to hear that your standing a little on your own, I know you can do it your a true fighter, Everyone here is always asking how your doing and they are praying for you and keeping you in our thoughts. I hope you get outside and enjoy the sunshine and a milkshake. Keep up the great work Mark your a wonderful person. Love Colleen and the Red Hackle PIpeband Family
Hey gorgeous Markie,
I have had so much fun choosing different cards for you! Ann told me you have them all up on the velcro wall.
I thought, now that you have access to the internet, I would send you messages through this.
I hope the card I send tomorrow gets to you before I do! I cannot wait to see you and give you a well deserved hug! Im so proud of you.
Not long now! See you soon,
Love you babe
Jess
Dear Mark and Ann,
I have been checking in on you everyday since the first day and am just learning how to google and blog. Whoever made up these names had a lot of time on their hands. My whole family prays for you daily as you know. Does Mark remember someone in Germany named Gail? She is a nurse who just happens to know Laurie and John and when we found out you were going to be transfered there before coming to the states, Laurie asked Gail to check in on you. She visited with you a couple of times and even watched the Cavs game on TV with you. She said she wanted to take Mark to a Browns game when able. I am sure she meant it! I know her husband won't mind sharing his season tickets with a fellow officer. Keep working hard as we know you already are, and Keep The Faith!
Love, Lynn Saris and Family
AMAZING NEWS YOUNG MAN! Won't be long and they will have to lock you room door to keep track of you. Gotta get up and move to work off those milkshakes I keep hearing about! Mom must be delighted to return and find you upright and trying to stand! Keep moving and the balance and everything will improve. Wishing you steps toward the future! love, Pustinatore
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