I’ve been back and forth to the hospital pretty much 2x/day for the past three days… I think. Its all kind of blurry after awhile. I’m home with the kids this morning while Dan’s parents are there with him. Dan’s dad (Frank) got to the hospital at 5:30 this morning so he could speak with the trauma dr. before he left. (He’s a middle-aged Indian dr., who completely blew me off yesterday. He spoke with Frank, though, this morning, for a while, so he must not like me/women/young people… ??) Anyway, below is an update from Frank that came in a few mins. ago. I want to go get a shower and clean up before I leave for the hospital later, plus I want to spend time with the kids, so I don’t want to be on here long! (The email pasted below is long and detailed, so feel free to skip/skim. )
Wanted to give an update on Daniel, he had surgery last night (on his jaw) and I met with the critical care physician this morning:
First, re: the sx last night:
The oral surgeon said Dan had 2 fxs in his jaw – one on each side. The left was the worse of the two, the fx site had telescoped (imagine closing a telescope and that’s what the bones did). D now has a titanium plate (wonder how much money it’s worth) that will be a permanent fixture. Can’t see it. Oral sxeon also said:
has full mouth brace/wires, will stay in place 4-6 weeks / nerve to front of face (lips and teeth) was stretched but not torn. Dr. said he checked it out thoroughly. Dan is numb there now but should recover feeling over time / his bite following recovery should be good – may need or want some orthodontic work to improve bite, depends on how he looks after wires/brace removed / he will lose 10-15% body weight due to injuries (and calories to recover) and having his jaws wired shut. Mouth wiring will be in place 4-6 weeks.
Dan tolerated the sx well, breathed on own quickly as anesthesia was discontinued. That’s good.
The trauma doc (Dr. Shaikh) came in this morning. We actually had a friendly chat at Dan’s bedside. He must be about my age – gray hair does come in handy once in awhile. (He blew Sarah off yest.) He said the following:
Kak/Duke told me to ask for a pulmonologist consult – the docs says he is “triple certified” in crit care and that a pulmonologist was not necessary. He said that the tube in Dan’s chest would remain for a couple more days, depending on how much fluid it continues to remove (200 CC yesterday alone). Once the tube is out, doc says he will improve rapidly as it sticks into his chest about 12 inches, but is necessary now to remove fluid from the fractures/collapsed lung (now reinflated)/ broken ribs.
Dan will make a full recovery, will need to take 6-8 weeks off work.
Will be in a lot of pain for awhile (That’s pretty obvious). Goal is to limit pain so he can breathe and recover energy, but if give enough meds to totally relieve pain, Dan would be semi-conscious and recovery would be slower.
He will need to be on Ensure-type stuff, will need lots of calories as his body heals from the injuries (Jeanie, get your blender out!) He needs 4-6,000 calories/day. Recommends Ensure-type products, putting straw into mouth along side of back teeth and sucking that way. Needs to be puree’d stuff or store-bought high-calorie products.
Duke/Kak told me to ask about TPN (nutrition through veins) while in the hospital. Dr. said no, oral was better, as soon as orthopedist sees D (today) and decides whether/not to operate on his shoulder, then Dan can begin to have food.
Let’s take a “Bone Break” (get it? I made that up myself!):
Jaws repaired – see above;
Both scapulae broken (shoulder blades). Takes time to heal
6 ribs broken – time to heal
there is a chip out of the humerus (not funny, but that’s the name of the upper arm bone), that may need pinning. Other than that, Dr. Shaikh (crit care doc) didn’t see any need for further surgery. Dr. Thomas, the ortho, will decide on that, will be in today.
Dan’s mental status – he’s alert this morning, actually irritating me and the nurse and being typical D, also very grateful I am here (hasn’t told me to leave yet today, that’ll happen later on )
Dan told Sarah last night “I’m glad you still love me” . She is so good with him.
In a lot of pain – from back, front, left side, jaw, right shoulder. That’s about it.
He seems more alert and engaging in conversation this morning. I don’t think he’s in critical condition anymore, I’ll ask later.
That about summarizes it for now. Glad we’re here during this time. Having a great time with the g’kids and Sarah, brief and good visits with Jeanie, Bill and several of their kids so far. More later.
Keep praying for Dan – we had a good time of prayer together this morning.
Love,
Dad/Frank/Pop, etc.