Michele had an arthroscopic debridement of osteochondral talar defect, left ankle, 0730 on 28 July. She already had a good idea going in of which veins she thought appropriate (she is her mother’s child), was pleased to find the RN in pre-op chose the same vein she preferred.

Pre-op was the introduction to better living through modern chemistry with versed: pretty potent relaxer. Missy was expecting a formal explanation of surgical procedures by staff, but the versed worked so well, it was the last thing she remembers before waking up in recovery (she thought she hadn’t had the operation yet, didn’t understand why she was disoriented, extremely nauseated, and in so much pain). After reorienting her, and directing her nurse to check the orders for the anti-emetic that I had requested the anesthesiologist order during our pre-op discussion (duh-uh), the nausea was chemically lessened and the pain situation addressed.

We moved her to pediatrics (what a kick – but it was a semi-private room with no second occupant), and Michele’s bladder wanted to respond to the IV fluids. Bedpan? She thought not; mom scarfed a set of crutches from ER (great to be connected), Missy hobbled happily to the privy.

Visiting hours are limited to those who are not connected; Ron from ER gave up his lunch hour to see her, One west PM Manager Cindy came by after her shift ended at 2345. Miss Ora from MN 1 west watched her sleep at 0200 (didn’t have the heart to wake her, wasn’t going to take anyone’s word that she was ok).

Next fly in the ointment of the apothecary was an inability to attain pain control through oral Tylenol #3’s (codeine). Anyone who has ever seen an orthopedic procedure will attest to the fact that they are rough, post op quite painful. Missy discovered Morphine, in large dosages. Since there was no ICU type monitoring equipment at the bedside (they hadn’t anticipated large dose Morphine administration in assigning her bed), mom became the respiratory monitor (kept my hand on her belly to watch for respiratory depression secondary to morphine administration). What a worrier. But she made it through the night, switched to IM torradol and oral vicodin in late morning (rough transition), and eventually came to a level of tolerable pain. She even wowed ‘em in pt with her grace and agility on crutches.

Long story longer, we came home and crashed after turning the living room into a temporary recovery area with a complex medication schedule. Mom crashed (five days, 17 hours of sleep) on the floor next to Missy . (Who needs a bed? I still have to be there when she needs me … it will be annoying to her when she hits thirty) Her leg is propped on four pillows, the little pudgy (fluid filled, not fat) toes are warm and pink, and she’s resting somewhat comfortably. Follow up and casting (only bulky bandage and ace wrap now) will be Friday, then 6-8 glorious weeks of non-weight bearing and crutches.

And you wouldn’t believe what I promised her in recovery to make her smile (gonna have to take out a loan J ).

Just wanted to update – thanks for your interest and positive thoughts, I know they make a difference in our lives and her recovery.

Missy’s Mama