Day 6 - April 10, 2013 - Pack is removed

Wow - what a day.  Brian had his nose pack removed at 1:00 today.  I didn't watch - but Aunt Missy and Doug stood by his side.  Brian had wanted it video taped but that didn't work out - I am thankful =).  Missy said it really wasn't bad - as the gauze came out it expanded and looked like a Christmas tree.  There was no blood or anything.  It was uncomfortable - Brian had hoped it would be fast, but the doctor had to go slow to ensure minimal damage.

The most graphic part was that Brian needed to spit afterwards.  The doctor recommended he just swallow - but he said "No".  They got him a cup and he was able to spit.

After all of that Brian looked very pale.  The doctor told us 90% of men pass out after the pack is removed.  So as much as Brian wanted to jump out of the chair and get out of there - he had to sit for awhile.  Then I felt a little nauseous .... yeah, I don't do well with blood and stuff.  I was so thankful my wonderful sister and wonderful husband were there.  Brian did great and is so close to the finish line.

In 10 days we will go back and have the splint removed - but that should be relatively easy.  Brian is off work for 3 weeks - unless she clears him sooner (4/22).  We will see.

 

 

Day 5 after Deviated Septum Surgery

Day five went by quickly for me.  Brian said I should go to work - so I did, but spent much of my time thinking of him.  Brian is very excited about getting the pack out tomorrow.  He took a long nap this afternoon to help pass the time.

We did wash Brian's hair for the first time - which was a trick.  He laid down on the floor by my shower - we put a pillow on the edge - and I scrubbed while he kept water away from his nose.  It hurt his neck but we went fast.  I need to find another way next time =)  We just have to be careful not to get the nose splint wet.

Here are today's pictures:

Day 4 after Deviated Septum Surgery

Yesterday we went to my sister's house for dinner.  Shortly after we arrived, Brian went to lay down.  He slept until we left a couple of hours later.

Last night was probably my last night on the sofa with Brian - I was a bit sore today (Doug helped me get up lol).  Brian suggested I should go to work today, but instead I worked from home.  We can still see he is uncomfortable - while I cannot do anything about the nose pack, I can keep him company and make sure he eats.

Brian is calling these photos we are taking daily "glam shots" lol!  He is so funny.  Less than 48 hours before the pack comes out.  We are almost there.

Day 3 after Deviated Septum Surgery

Brian is doing great.  When we changed the gauze today, he was able to scrub most of his face with a warm washcloth - he said it felt amazing.  He also took a shower, but he cannot get his splint wet.  My shower has a handheld shower head.  I put a chair in the shower - in case he got light headed.  Clean clothes, brushed teeth - he felt great.  For his hair - I used a damp washcloth and scrubbed his scalp.  Lots of work but well worth is.

Today is family dinner at my sister's house.  Brian is looking forward to seeing the family.  I will post today in review later.  Below are today's pictures.

Day 2 in Review

Yesterday was a wonderful day for Brian.  He had 2 friends come over to see how he was doing.  Brian's spirits were up but as the day came to an end frustration seemed to creep in.  Brian is uncomfortable with the pack in - solid foods are not fun to eat because it feels like the food gets stuck in the back of his throat.  Yesterday he asked me to pick up some muscle milk for him.  This product was his primary source of nutrition after the jaw surgery.

We need to focus on keeping Brian hydrated and fed - it is easy for him to ignore those discomforts and I believe it impacts his state of mind.  He is doing great - only 4 more days and the pack will be removed.  Time will pass - I keep promising Brian that.

Nala checked on Brian many times last night.  We had other pictures to post, but Doug's phone crashed and we lost them. 

By the way, it is recommended that you use a bag of peas to help with the swelling.  Sounded good, but Brian's nose could not handle the weight of a bag of peas.  I wanted to let people know, there is another option - little cold compresses at the drug store.  I managed to find a DUCKIE and a FISHIE!  We froze them and they were PERFECT size, shape and weight.  Here's a picture:

More to come - Sunday we will tackle a shower and leaving the house for the first time.

Day 2 - After the Deviated Septum Surgery

Brian slept fairly well last night - waking up a few times between the nose pack and laying on his back, he was not very comfortable.

Today he is alert and keeping me company.  We are both thankful his jaw is not wired shut - this is easier than last year.  It has is tough points, and is not comfortable, but all and all it is a good day.  Brian's pain level is at a 1 or 2 - simply from the pack.  We took some pictures this morning.

Deviated Septum Surgery 4/5/13

Brian checked in for his surgery at 10:00 am. 

Everything went smoothly and before we knew it, it was 11:45 am and Brian would be heading in for a 2 hour surgery on his nose to correct his deviated septum.

It was easier this time, knowing I would take Brian home right after the surgery.  Brian was able to pick out a Beanie Baby Raccoon to take into the surgery.  Grandpa found a Beanie Baby puppy that looks like his new dog Fee Fi Foe Fum (Fee-Fee).  Grandpa read his book American the Beautiful (written by Dr. Benjamin Carson).

They called us back for the consult at 1:48 pm.  The surgeon arrived at about 2:20 pm.  She said she had to remove some of his anodes on the right side, but she was surprised to see that a bone spur and cartilage had grown together on Brian's left side - completely blocking that nasal passage way.  She straightened his nose and was pleased with the results.

We actually got to see Brian right around 2:30 pm.  He had not even opened his eyes yet.  This part was difficult - as I could see anxiety in Brian's eyes.  He was unable to speak initially, then managed to ask for Gatorade.  The nurse did not have Gatorade but brought him some apple juice.  He took a sip with help from the nurse, a little blood washed back into the glass.  The next words from Brian's mouth was "Pain Meds".  I asked Brian what his pain number was (this was a technic we used for the jaw surgery) and my heart broke when he held out 8 fingers.  He was hurting.

The nurse gave him a shot of Demerol. I figured he would go back to sleep for awhile, so I let Grandpa come in and I stepped out to the parking lot to send updates and call my Mom.  I wasn't out there long before my Dad called to say they were getting ready to release Brian at 3:30 pm.

The drive home was a little scary.  I could tell Brian was hurting and feeling nauseous. He was very quiet the entire ride.  I tried to talk to him as if he was there and 100% - but there was no response.

We made it home at 4:30 and he slept.  Grandpa stayed with us and Doug ordered pizza around 5:30 pm.  Brian leapt out of bed when the pizza came - turned out he knew the guy delivering the pizza, Mike.  Before I realized Brian knew him - I thought Brian had lost his mind - LOL.

 

The night was good - I was glad to have him home.  His pain was manageable and we slept on the sofa sleeper.  Let me add that Brian's pain level was down to a 2 by the time we got home from the surgery.  The days that followed were not painful - more uncomfortable because of the pack - but very little actual pain.

Deviated Septum Surgery is Tomorrow

Thought I would start posting again.  Much to our surprise, I received a call from Brian's surgeon's office stating our insurance had approved Brian for a Deviated Septum surgery.  We hadn't been in touch with the doctor in months.  Brian finished up his classes so he can graduate this year.  Earlier this month he had even landed his first job.  We just were not expecting this to come through.

Brian is excited to get the surgery done.  His work has even agreed to give Brian 3 weeks off to recover.  Most of the swelling should be gone before his graduation - so the timing was amazing.

The surgery is tomorrow at noon and takes about 2 hours.  After a couple hours in recovery, we should be able to bring him home,  I am very happy about that.  Brian will have a nose pack in for 5 days after the surgery and he will need to wear a nose splint (24 hrs a day) for two weeks.  After that he will wear the splint at night for 4 more weeks.

It should be easier than the jaw surgery.  I will post some updated pictures from this year and some pictures of his recovery after this next adventure.  We are both hopeful this will be much easier than the last one.

Day 17 (July 2, 2012) - Bottom Jaw Unwired

Brian had his bottom jaw unwired after 17 days.  The splint remained in place on the upper jaw - this will be removed Wednesday, July 18th.

When Brian's jaw was unwired, he was very sore.  The splint has a lip on it that prevents Brian from closing his mouth unless he pushes his bottom jaw forward about an inch.  His lower jaw was wired in this position, so this explains the soreness.

With the bottom jaw unwired, Brian has moved on to a soft diet - pasta, oatmeal and anything he can swallow whole.  The splint prevents chewing.

The swelling is almost completely gone and already Brian and I can see difference.  Even with the splint inside his mouth, one can see the back part of the roof of Brian's mouth and it is much wider.  Amazing!

Day 9 (Sunday) - Life returns to normal

Tomorrow I will return to work.  Doug will spend next week with Brian as needed.  I have been completely amazed how well all of this has gone.  Brian is doing so great.  The swelling is down and the pain level has remained low through the entire time.

Our biggest issue is how to keep Brian fed and watered =)  But even that has been less of a challenge than we initially anticipated.

I will probably not blog daily anymore.  Brian does have another surgery coming up in a few months - a deviated septum and possible cheek reconstruction. 

Brian has mentioned he will add a blog closer to the end of this - to recap the things I may have missed.  I am thankful to our friends and family for helping us through this.  More pictures to come.

Day 8 (Saturday) - Brian Goes Out

Brian's friend from middle school had a birthday party in Surprise.  I struggled letting him go, but he really wanted to be able to attend.  Remember, I haven't left Brian's side since the surgery (except for Saturday night, Doug stayed with Brian at the hospital).

Brian's recovery has been remarkably smooth.  There had been no problems.  The pain has been minimal.  Brian has fully adjusted to having his jaw wired shut - and manages his nutrition and hydration exceptionally.  All of this contributed to my decision to let Brian go - but Ronnie and I stayed on that side of town.  I couldn't be too far away.

Ronnie and I went to lunch - then shopping - and finally to see a movie.  Five and a half hours later, I was back to pick Brian up.  He had a blast with his friends - and everything was fine.

Day 7 (Friday) - One full week

It's hard for me to believe I will return to work on Monday.  Doug will be here with Brian next week.  Today I will take Booger to the groomer and things are very normal.

Brian is sketching and finding ways to pass the time.  Sunday dinner is at my parents' house - I think we will go over for a while.

Day 6 (Thursday) - Drinking from a Cup

Pain level remains at a 1.

Brian was thrilled to find he has enough feeling in his lips now to drink from a cup.  The sofa bed is put away - Brian has moved back into his room at night.  His spirit is up and recovery seems to be going extremely well for him.

He asked to go to a friend's house on Saturday.  I am hesitant because I still feel the need to be with him, but he appears up to the challenge.  Brian has been going with me to the store and to run errands.  I worry that people will stare at him, but Brian is just thankful to be out of the house.  He is an amazing son.  I love him! 

More pictures to follow.  Brian has the cutest smile ever - if I can catch it on camera.

Day 5 (Wednesday) - 1st Follow-Up Appt

Pain is still at a 1.

Brian had his first follow-up appointment today with the surgeon.  The surgeon was pleased with his progress so far.  Brian is down to 120 pounds - from 128 on surgery day.  It is to be expected, the surgeon said.  He just needs to try an maintain this weight.

Brian was cleared to use a waterpik - so I bought him one today.  Ron and Brian had a good time trying to figure out how to work the darn thing in the bathroom - small mess, but lots of laughs too.

We also went to a smoothie shop and spent $20 on 3 drinks - lol.  I think I will listen to Beth and just make them at home.  =)  I have that fancy Bullet blender - that has proven to be worth its weight in gold.

It was a good day for Brian - he smiled so much his cheeks are sore tonight.  Brian even put up the sofa bed - I think he wants to be done, but there is still recovery time to be had.  We will get there.

Day 4 (Tuesday) - Brushing Teeth

Brian rated his pain level a one today.  Grandpa brought over History of the World for us to watch - Brian, Jay, Grandpa and I.  Grandpa also brought over some drawing supplies from Grandma.  Brian sketched a little today.

It was a big day because I was determined to get Brian in the shower and then take him outside for a little walk down the block - just to see and feel the sunshine.  Brian was up to the challenge and even decided to take on the task of brushing his teeth.

We started with sponges on a stick for the inside of his cheeks, but then Brian busted out the toothbrush and managed to brush all of his teeth thru the bands.  It was amazing - a little scary because we just aren't sure where the incisions begin.  But when all was said and done, Brian felt like a new man.

Doug rented John Carter for us to watch tonight.  Tomorrow, Brian has his first follow-up appointment with the surgeon.  Things are going very smoothly.

Day 3 (Monday) - Home

Brian had a good day today.  His pain rating remains at a 2 and he is not taking any pain medication during the day. 

So, yesterday Doug and I learned that we need to make Brian smaller portions as he adjusts to his new diet.  I was so eager to let him have something other than clear liquids, that I made him a pretty big smoothie when he first got home yesterday.  He took 3 swallows and he was done.  Small portions - more frequent but small portions.

We noticed some bruising around his cheeks today, but his face is still pretty numb.  He chuckled at the fact that he cannot feel underneath one of his eyes still.  I will have Doug take a picture.

Day 2 (Sunday) - Going Home

Brian was moved out of ICU to a regular room on Saturday.  I have been amazed with Brian's reports on his pain levels.  Immediately following the surgery, Brian rated his pain level at a 4 on a scale from 1 to 10.  Saturday he rated his pain at a 3.  He reported his pain as low as a 2 on Sunday.

The challenge with this surgery is not pain, thankfully, but rather it's the harsh adjustment to having your jaw wired shut.  Brian had hoped there would be an opening somewhere that we could get food inside his mouth, but there is no opening.  Brian literally has to wait for the fluids to seep between his teeth - it only takes a few seconds but it is an exhausting process.

Brian was released from the hospital at 10:00 am on Sunday.  We pulled out the sofa sleeper for Brian and we watched movies together while getting use to Brian's new routines of hydration, nutrition and medication.  He also needs to irrigate his mouth with a special mouth wash 4 times a day.

I slept with Brian on the sofa Sunday night, but I think I kept him awake most of the night coughing.  He never complained - I swear he pretended to sleep right through it.  I think we were both just so thankful to be home.  I love you, Brian, you are doing GREAT!

Day 1 After Surgery

Brian woke up this morning still in ICU.  At 7:00 am they removed the second tube from Brian's nasal passage (this was in place to keep his stomach empty).  There is no way to prepare of this removal, but it is over quickly...10 seconds.  Brian was glad to have the tubes out of his nose.

He has become a master of the suction pick for his mouth and continuously made great strides in his recovery.  The nurses told him he would either go home today or would move to another room outside of ICU.  Brian started taking the steps he needed to to go home - stood up, began managing his own liquid intake (no iv) and stayed away from the oxygen mask (which had brought Brian a great deal of comfort right after surgery and the first night).

But after checking with the surgeon, they determined Brian needed to stay one more night just to be safe, but they did allow Brian to move out of ICU.

Personally, I was relieved Brian is staying one more night.  He looks so much better than yesterday, but still has strength to regain.  Pictures to follow soon.

The Surgery and ICU

Brian was in surgery for 3 hours.  There were no complications; however, the surgeon decided Brian should start his recovery in ICU.  It took another hour for me to be allowed to see him.  A long wait and it was difficult to see him the first time because the anxiety was clearly expressed in his eyes.

I do not believe Brian or I were fully prepared for what recovery would be.  I understand now that there are some things you cannot prepare for.  Brian's mood was irritated and scared, but his pain level remained at a 3 or 4 through surgery day.

Brian took his second dose of morphine at 5:00 pm, but because it made him feel nauseous, he did not take anything else for the pain until Saturday afternoon.  See, at 10:00 pm Friday night, Brian's and my greatest fear was realize - he vomited.  Normally, this would not be a big deal; however, his mouth was wired shut.  I will spare the gory details, and will just say Brian handled himself wonderfully and we got through it.

At 2:00 am, Brian woke with a bit of energy.  There was a cheerfulness to his eyes and he decided he wanted to chat, even joked a little.  He said he could feel the difference in the shape of his mouth and he seemed very impressed.

Sleep did not come easy to either of us that first night.  The average sleep interval was 10 minutes.

Surgery day

Surgery day. We made it here- grandma, grandpa, aunt Missy, Doug, Ron and I. Things were running a bit behind but Brian is in surgery now. The delays initially seemed to cause Brian some stress, but then they gave Brian some medicine to help him relax. About a minute after that medicine went in, the biggest smile I have ever seen slid of Brian's face. Magic, no more stress. I will update more once Brian is out of surgery.