11 Day Mark

I am now less medicated, ready to write, and less likely to write gibberish to you all. Jen has kindly kept the updates flowing while we've been out of commission. The kindness pours in, yet again, in its various forms. We are filled with family and friends who have come together as our faithful "first responders."



Tomorrow we hit the 11 day marker and the "care pumps" come off my legs (helping with blood circulation) and we will continue to extend my range of motion through the CPM (continuous passive motion) device. We are icing like crazy and beginning basic PT exercises on my back. I am less sedated than before and feel altogether as though this is a different (more energized) recovery process. The intention of the CPM device is to help my range of motion increase and strengthen as I sit still for the next month. We did not have this option in my prior surgery and believe this has made a significant impact in my healing process. The device was on my leg three hours after my surgery ended last Monday.

We had a superb experience at Barnes Jewish Hospital, from the greeters to the anesthesiologists to the nursing staff and then of course, Dr. Clohisy and his first-rate team. We spent Sunday-Thursday night in St. Louis and made the return home sooner than we had planned. The Dr. was happy with my progress and believes I am only prone to more infection the longer I stay at the hospital. Dad and Nate created the best cushion possible for a very painful drive home. We have been home since late Thursday night monitoring pain, attempting to sleep, and learning how to get to the restroom and back with one semi-healed hip and another broken hip/pelvis. I am tired and experiencing different pains each day, but I'm hopeful this surgery will be successful this time around. Time will tell.



Your prayers, your notes of encouragement, bright spring flowers, and loving meals have served us accurately and cared for us in this extended time of need. Bless you.

In the Thick of It

Talked to Nate this afternoon and Megan is in the thick of hard recovery. Yesterday Nate was able to rig a spot for her on the porch to sit for a bit and enjoy the sunshine. (We hope more sunny days are ahead to cheer her spirit as she looks out the window from the couch!) Overall though she is struggling - with back (and overall) pain, the restrictions of being sedentary and knowing what hard work the short term future will require.

Pray that Megan's hope would be renewed - that God would refresh her spirit with new peace and perseverance. Pray for reminders and heart assurance that this suffering will be for a season and that she would know health and movement will soon come again. Your prayers are powerful friends!

Welcome Home!

Megan and Nate made it home last night from St. Louis about 11:00 pm. The ride home was hard and physically overwhelming for Megan, but she was able to get some sleep. Megan is currently setup with a bed in the dining room, which seems to be working well. She had a night with much pain, but she and Nate were able to eventually get it under control with her meds. Having some of the previously mentioned therapies which can be performed in bed is proving helpful too. Keep praying as Megan works through these hard first days. And pray perseverance for Nate as he continues to care for her so well.

Post-Surgery Recovery - Day 3 - Homeward Bound!

I spoke to Nate late this afternoon. Megan had continued nausea today, but overall is doing well. She had several "successful" PT sessions and the doctors felt that she was in a good place to head home - what a great surprise! Megan and Nate are probably nearing (or hopefully) nearing the end of their drive as I write. They need prayers for safety, for a smooth ride that wouldn't jostle Meg or exacerbate her pain.

The care received this week continues to be wonderful. Meg and Nate were sent home with the supplies - ankle pumps to prevent clots and the CMP for her leg, mentioned earlier. Thank God for well planned surgery and care.

I'm sure Megan and Nate will emerge to share from their own voices in the next few days. Till then keep praying support for them across the city and the miles.

Post-Surgery Recovery - Day 2

Hello all - I received a summary of Day 2 from Nate last night. Megan had more nausea and some persistent itching yesterday, but the itching was improved from Day 1. She got out of bed several times yesterday and seems to be ahead of her recovery schedule from the first surgery. The doctors are encouraged by her progress so far and she will likely be discharged on Friday. Megan is of course starting to get antsy at the hospital, but is grateful to be receiving the care she has. Thanks for your persistent prayers!

Post-Surgery Recovery - Day 1

I just received an update from Nate on Megan. Yesterday was a long night of fitful rest for Nate, but Megan was able to sleep through most of it, aside from repeated disruption due to ongoing IV access issues. Needless to say this was irksome, but eventually after many attempts a new IV was started successfully. Nate and Megan's mother, Marsha, switched posts this am, and Nate caught a few hours of much needed sleep this morning. (He also later determined that the bed he was sleeping on that night was programmed to move periodically, as for traction, and this probably didn't help his sleep!)

From the start, this surgery has been a contrast from Megan's first. Unlike her initial surgery, PT started immediately today, on day 1 of post-surgery recovery. Megan was visited by her PT twice, am and afternoon, and stood up twice! She is also using a CPM (continuous passive motion) machine, which is gradually moving her leg from a bent 45 degrees. The hope is she will reach 60 degrees of knee flexion sometime tomorrow. This machine also helps prevent the build-up of scar tissue, another plus!

Megan's has had only mild nausea, but is currently suffering the common itching side effect from her pain meds. Her meds are going to be changed, in an attempt to curb or stop the itching. If you've ever suffered this side effect or had an allergic reaction to a medication, you know how miserable this can feel!

Another contrast to Megan's previous surgery is that she no longer has to undergo anticoagulation injections to prevent blood clots. Her new surgeon instead prescribes a daily aspirin regimen - much cheaper and much more pleasant!

As you intercess on behalf of Meg, please pray a change in meds stops her itching and for continued pain management. Thanks for your support of Meg!

Out of Surgery!

Hello all! This is Jen...I will be making updates to Megan's blog while she and Nate work through their first days of recovery in St. Louis.

I spoke to Nate a little bit ago and Megan is out of surgery and in recovery. Her physician said the surgery went very well (praise God)! Nate says this surgery experience is different than the first in Indy - a larger, more bustling hospital, and a few different care procedures.

If you are one of those keeping vigil for Meg by prayer, please pray for her pain levels over the next few days and that she would not experience nausea this time around. Pray strength and perseverance as she makes her first post-surgery movements and steps as the week goes on.

I will post again when I have more information. Thanks again for your care of Meg!