Mark moved out of the ICU around 6:45 this evening and is now in a regular room. He is doing well. He is still having some pain, but it is much better today. He has the paravertebral block which numbs the abdomen and the IV narcotic medication that he can get every 8 minutes on demand. He has been able to back off of the 8 minutes and is getting the pain medicine a little less frequently now. He was starting to get a little dizzy today because of the narcotics.
He still has oxygen, a NG tube which sucks out the gastric acids from the stomach and IV lines, but everything else is out of him. They pulled his dressing off of his belly today and we got to see his incision. He has a huge "zipper" from his lower breast bone to his pelvis. The incision looks good. He is a lot less swollen today. The resident called Mark the "star patient". He walked 4 times and sat in the chair 4 times today. He is truly amazing.
We are all a little worn out, especially Eugenie who pulled a 24 hour shift yesterday and then didn't sleep a lot today. She retired to the Family House after dinner tonight and hopefully will get some rest. Either Matt or I will stay overnight with Mark tonight.
Mark got to speak with the kids a couple of times today. Calen and Colton both wanted to give him updates on their baseball tournaments. Calen played all weekend in Alabaster and Brent spent all weekend there with Calen. Kathy had both Emily and Colton by herself in Auburn and took Colton to his tournament today in Auburn. Their team took first place and Colton was thrilled. I know the grandparents are staying super busy with the kids. Hopefully the week will calm down some and allow them to rest.
We pulled up all the blog messages tonight and read them to Mark in the room from surgery to tonight. We really enjoyed the Ricky Bobby comment. So true!!! Mark appreciates all of the comments and support as do I.
God bless!!!!
5 comments:
Good to hear you are showing off for the nurses. Hope you keep that gown closed for the sake of... well, EVERYONE in the hospital!
Just kidding. Brian and I are thrilled you are doing so well.
We'd be happy to take the kids for an evening if the grandparents need a few hours rest. Please let us know - we'd love to help. Brian could always take the boys golfing.
Love- Colleen and Brian
Hi Mark and Ronda. I am so glad for this blog. Being so far away is hard.
You have all been in my prayers and thoughts from the get go.
I am so glad Louis told me about Mark.
I can not tell you how HAPPY I AM
FOR YOUR FAMILY.
GOD is no doubt GREAT! I am really glad you have him in your corner.
I well continue my prayes to the end. God Bless you all Sheila Phelps
Mark,
It has been great to follow your progress over the weekend, although we are not surprised at your determination. Stay strong and God bless you!
The Hines family
Glad you are getting up and moving about! Everyone is ready for you to be back here as soon as you can! We have a lot of students waiting for you to impart your vast knowledge of finance to them in the fall! And not insider trading like the finance prof charged last week in NYC! We are thrilled at the success of your surgery and know you'll be back soon. Anything you or the family need, just let us know.
Mark: Wonderful news about the success of your surgery. Your friends in Oklahoma continue to pray for you, Ronda and the kids.
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