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Iron Man

Today was exciting and disappointing at the same time.

EXCITING:

1.  The specially fitted brace finally arrived. He got it put on around 11:00 a.m.

2.  Ricky's new nickname is Iron Man. We are considering using permanent marker to make his brace look even more like the actual iron Man suit. 

3.  Ricky can stand and walk and the X-rays taken with his brace on show that his back remains stable in the brace. 

4. Visitors. Ricky had a great day hanging with his buddies. They really helped keep his spirits up and helped him stay distracted. They also brought him some super thoughtful things. 

DISAPPOINTING:

1.  Although he got the brace at 11:00 a.m., he waited until 2:30 for physical therapists to help him out of bed and down the hall to get pictures.

2.  We waited and waited and waited for the neurosurgeon to look at the X-rays and say, "looks good."

3.  Finally, after 6 pm we got the report that "Yes, X-rays looked good, but Ricky still couldn't go home."  His oxygen levels  weren't consistently staying in a high enough range.

4.  He had mysterious and extreme pain in his neck and chest tonight and it took 45 minutes before help arrived. During this time, Rick made two calls to the main desk and I asked a third time for help as I walked in the unit after getting kids to bed. Finally, Angry Rick went out and demanded help when I arrived because he could walk away from Ricky with me there.  

So, overall it was kind of a roller coaster day.  We were excited about the fact that Ricky might be coming home, and frustrated that we were waiting so long. We were disappointed that he had to say another night, but we're glad we were there when he had extreme pain.  Although help was slow in coming, we weren't home with a screaming boy and the lack of medical expertise to help him feel better.  Still, though, three hours later he hasn't been seen by a doctor. The nurses just knocked him out with Valium. 

The pain continues to be a mystery, but we're hoping that he feels lots better in the morning.

On a sidenote, I want to say that the kids at home have been fantastic!  They have been on their own a lot, and have been extremely responsible.  Yesterday, Rick and the kids were able to put away the Christmas tree decorations and get the tree out on the curb. Today, Makayla finished putting away the Christmas decorations, and got out Valentine's Day decorations.



They have kept the house pretty clean, haven't gotten into much trouble and have taken care of a whiny baby who is kind of a mommy's girl. 

I am also extremely thankful for the people who have been bringing meals. It has been so nice to not have to worry about getting dinner on the table. It was especially helpful tonight as we thought that we would already be home from the hospital, but instead the kids were home alone while Rick and I were at the hospital awaiting his release.  When I finally got home, I found a cleanish decorated house full of happy, well-fed kids. All I had to to was eat and get the kids to bed before heading back to the hospital again to take some things to Rick for his fourth night sleeping on an uncomfortable hospital couch thing.

Tomorrow we bring Iron Man home .  .   . I hope. 

Comments

Kristy said…
Looking good, Iron Man! Being in a hospital can be so frustrating sometimes-- sorry it was that way for you yesterday. I hope you are home and back together as a family. Glad to hear you've had such great help from your girls and the ward!
January 4, 2014 at 4:26 PM
Kristy said…
Looking good, Iron Man! I am so glad the brace fits right and will be able to help him heal. Any idea how long he'll be in it? Being in a hospital can be so frustrating sometimes-- sorry it was that way for you yesterday. I hope you are home and back together as a family. Glad to hear you've had such great help from your girls and the ward!
January 4, 2014 at 4:27 PM
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