That tiny end of the catheter was inserted just below his collarbone. The ball itself was in a little black bag that Mike had to carry with him anytime he moved around. It's a pretty cool device. The anesthesiologist informed us that I'd be the one that needed to remove it the wire Sunday morning. He also gave us his cell and pager number, saying to call anytime. That really made us feel comfortable.
Next we had to wait for the surgeon's associate. Our surgeon went out of town, pretty much right after he checked in on Mike Friday evening. This "associate" was, um, different from Dr Desai. I'm really wondering if this guy walked in off the street from his hunting trip to consult with us. He was so weird. Just strange, I can't even express the situation here, but fortunately Dr Stevens had already answered all our questions, so we didn't really have to talk to this "associate" for very long.
Finally, he was ready to go home around 11ish. The trip home was uneventful. Both of our Moms and Alan were still at our house. They were so helpful. They went to get Mike's meds and even went grocery shopping for us. While they did all that, I was able to get Mike settled on the "Chase" lounge. It's a pretty sweet set up for him. The way the dining room is elevated a bit above the living room, he has the floor next to him on his right side and can keep everything in reach! The lounge's big pillow lets him be reclined a bit, but still sitting upright. He has three pillows and a blanket under his split/cast/bandage/massiveness. The Moms got him a lap desk thingy so he can play online.
Yesterday we had some trial and error learning about how and when to give the medicine. Apparently food decreases the effectiveness of pain killers, so he was hurting quite a bit yesterday. I think we've figured out the scheduling though. At some point in the day, the air conditioner stopped running. I changed the filter hoping that would help. It didn't. We cranked a huge fan on him and it wasn't so bad. He was able to rest for about six hours. It was almost the exact time frame as in the hospital.
I finally remembered at 6am that this air conditioning problem happened one time in Charlotte. I went to check the outside unit and I was right. The line had frozen because we turned the air down too far. I turned the air off for several hours to let it thaw. It's cranking again now, no problem.
The on-q ball deflated this morning. That meant it was time to take out the catheter. Ick. I was able to get the bandages off, but as soon as I saw the wire poking into his skin, I couldn't handle it. I'm such a wuss. Poor Holmes had to pull the thing out himself. Fortunately, he said it didn't hurt, that he actually couldn't feel it at all. Then he was able to take a shower, we just had to bag up his entire arm. Dr Stevens called to check on him this morning. I'm so impressed with that whole practice and hospital (exception: the "associate).
Other than the soreness and pain directly associated with the incision, he's really doing well. The meds aren't giving him any crazy side effects, he's eating well and resting enough. Although, I wish he would take a nap. He's a little bored though. So we've signed up for the Netflix free trial-two weeks, how convienent ;) And there is football on tonight! Not that we care about the Bills or the Titans, but the first quarter might be fun to watch.
I was supposed to work at Longwood three days this week, all day each time. I emailed them to let them know that just wouldn't be happening. I haven't heard back from them. I hope they understand. I just can't leave him this week.
Thanks again to everyone for all the prayers. Keep 'em coming!
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