Ok…I promised an update on Russell as he underwent his hip
replacement surgery, and I have been just too busy until today to do so, but
here we go…
We arrived here in Jackson Hole on Monday afternoon, the 22nd,
and his surgery was last Wednesday, October 24th (Happy Birthday to
Josh), and the surgery itself went off without a hitch. The doctor warned
us to prepare for him to have to have a blood transfusion, since, apparently,
this surgery in particular is known for a lot of blood loss, but he lost hardly
any, so no extra blood was needed. He came out of anesthesia just great, and
they had him up and standing later Wednesday night…so, we thought we were in
the clear, but his body had other ideas…
By Thursday morning, every time he stood up, he basically
passed out...not so good…they took away all his pain meds, but one, since his pain
has been really well controlled (something we are extremely grateful for).
Finally, yesterday, they added a LOT more fluid through his IV and that did the
trick, but for a couple of days, it was not fun. But, RR is being the PERFECT patient (do
wonders never cease??). After all this, he wants to make sure that hip stays
where it should!!
We arrived home last night, and are settling into life
without all the nursing support. We have transformed the Patrick’s home into
what we need for his day to day getting around….and on that note….let me just
say…Bob and Kathleen have been THE BEST to open up their home to us (and they aren’t
even here), and in a freak-out moment for me day before yesterday (in just
thinking about having Russell here at the house by myself), Kathleen changed
her airline reservations and will be arriving on Tuesday to help be another set
of hands and ears. She’s also flying back as far as Atlanta with us when we fly
back to LR on Nov. 8th (barring any unforeseen problems, which we
don’t anticipate at all). To say that I am blessed and grateful for this best
friend doesn’t even begin to describe it!
RR starts his PT here at the house starting tomorrow…nice
that they will come here and I don’t have to get him out in the cold and snow.
Yes, it is snowing here, although today, it is a little warmer, so some melting
is occurring…typical for the valley this time of year.
We have been amazed at how many visitors he had during his
hospital stay. Old friends and God moments abounded. It helped me to realize
that Jackson really is still home, almost as much as Little Rock, if all our
family were here. The memories of time spent in the hospital all those times
with my kids, and driving past Wilson School, and thinking how blessed we were
by that school and the staff there…seeing familiar folks at Fed Ex and the
grocery store…it’s almost like we never left. It may be because I know I don’t
have to spend the next 7 months of winter here, but I’m sure thankful that he
made the decision to have his surgery here…I think it was a good choice for us!
Just wish Josh (and Kathi, Brit, Kelly and Cole) were here…it WOULD be like old
times! I know you can never go back, and all things happen for a reason, but I
am grateful for the life we had here for 21 years, and part-time since…growing
up here (with the simplicity of smaller town living) is much of what made our
kids who they are today…pretty awesome, if you ask this mom!
So…we are just hanging here and getting TCBITW stronger and
ready for the “back to LR flight” on Nov. 8th. We are so
appreciative of everyone for all the prayers, calls, emails and texts of
support and encouragement. Please continue the prayers for Russell…that he
continues to get stronger and heal as time goes on.
We have definitely had Baby Cole withdrawals…but Brit is
keeping us updated with lots of photos and videos…not the same as holding,
smelling and loving on him in person, but it sure beats nothing!! I included
just one updated photo of him – couldn’t help myself – one that Pop got the
morning of his surgery!!!
I probably won’t update again until after we get back to
Little Rock, but know that we appreciate, more than you know, your thoughts and
prayers…
Love and hugs to all!!!
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| Translation: "Pop, follow all the rules and hurry home so we can take naps and hang out together! Mommy, Daddy and I have been praying ALOT for you. We love love love you :-) PS: Don't walk around barefoot on the hospital floors (mommy says it's super icky)". |
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| A photo from a hike to the top of Cody Peak (with the Grand Teton in the background) a few summers ago when we were just a family of four.....can't wait to have Kelly, Cole and Kathi as part of a similar picture soon!! |
