Garrett's Recovery!

It's almost been a month since Garrett's surgery and we just wanted to post an update:

Garrett's time in the hospital was filled with ups and downs as we walked through the first five days of recovery. After his first 48 hours, he was pretty much in the clear for any possible blood clots in his arm, although they left the doppler monitor attached for the remainder of his stay. His arm had minimal pain (mostly due to the fact that he can't feel his arm anyway... which turned out to be a blessing!), but his leg had quite a bit, especially after being given the okay to start walking around. Garrett also struggled with headaches through his stay in the hospital. Overall, things went well and we were encouraged by his quick progress.

Large incision site on Garrett's arm

First time getting to sit in a chair (and walking)

Walking the halls of the hospital

Garrett was released from the hospital on Tuesday morning, 5 days after his surgery. This was sooner than expected and we were so encouraged by his early release! We changed our tickets and flew out that afternoon, so eager to see Isaiah and Noelle.

So happy to snuggle!

We spent the next 8 days in Washington with family. Garrett's first three days were pretty rough. He went off the 'big' medication as the pain was completely controlled with tylenol, but almost immediately experienced 'detox' from the pain meds. Although difficult, it was pretty short lived and he was able to get out and about (in small amounts) within days. Our time was quiet and pretty relaxed in Washington, which was much needed for recovery. 

We returned to MT on the18th. Although its been lots of work being home, we have had lots of support from our church and YWAM family. People bringing food, watching the kids (while we go to multiple doctor appointments) and simply coming over to hang out and encourage us. In the midst of feeling overwhelmed and weary at times, we also feel extremely blessed. Garrett has had really great progress, with a few setbacks. Here are some praises and prayer requests for the upcoming weeks:

• Garrett still has a JP drain in his leg and its still draining quite a bit. Please pray that it will slow down so that he can get it removed. 
• Its almost been a month since the surgery and Garrett gets to remove his immobilizer on Thursday! 
• Garrett's leg is still recovering, and its a bit difficult to walk... so prayer for healing in his leg/muscle.
• As we watch Garrett recovering from a long anticipated surgery, we are also switching our focus to the newest Morrison, due to arrive in about four weeks! Please pray for the pregnancy and for energy to get everything done!

Again, thank you for your prayers and encouragement throughout this month! We feel so loved and supported by you all!

Blessings,

Sarah (for Garrett, Isaiah, Noelle, and Newest Morrison)

Day Two: Post-Surgery Update....

Garrett had a really rough night last night. Between the pain and the nurses coming in every hour to check the doppler monitoring the blood flow in his arm, he only got about an hour sleep total. When I came in to see him this morning, he couldn't keep his eyes open because of a headache that had come on during the night. They have been giving him a steady dose of tylenol through his IV today to help with the headache, and Garrett says that it kills the pain more than the morphine drip he is on. The doctors were right to say that the pain would be worse today for sure!

The doctors had restricted all foods and liquids today because of the chance that Garrett would have to go back into surgery if the blood flow in his arm declined at all. There is a great risk of blood clots with a surgery like this. However, this evening, one of the doctors came in and gave Garrett the go ahead to start with some juice and jello! Oh, how happy he was!

"I can eat!"

Then, just as he thought it couldn't get better... THIS came for him!

Chicken broth, more jello, and italian ice cherry sorbet!

Most of today was spent trying to rest... and honestly, just get through the day!  Garrett was able to talk to to number of friends and family on the phone, and I think that lifted his spirits a lot. (Especially talking to Isaiah and Noelle) :)

We were able to see some of his incision sites tonight. He has three on his leg and two really long ones on his arm (one of which starts on the back of his arm and wraps around to his collar bone). 

Dr. Hogden (one of Dr. Tung's associates) checking Garrett's incisions/stitches.

Prayer Requests: 

- Sleep! Garrett needs a some good sleep in spite of the hourly checks.

- Relief from pain and headaches

- Strength for tomorrow as they will probably have him try to get up and walk a little! 

Thank you again for your prayers! Praise God for His presence in all our lives... we feel this greatly today and are so thankful!

Blessings,

Sarah

Surgery Day!

Garrett went into surgery at 7:40 this morning. I was able to stay with him up until they wheeled him into the OR and we met 8 of the surgical staff that will be working on him today. 

Waiting to go into surgery...

Garrett will be in the OR for 10-11 hours, and in recovery for 2 hours before I can see him. The wonderful doctors and nurses have been giving me updates on him every two hours, and everything is going well. As I write this, they are doing the vascular work on his arm.

The doctors told us today, that tomorrow (Friday) will be the hardest day for Garrett. Today, he sleeps through everything, but tomorrow the pain will set in. Please pray for Garrett as he begins the recovery process this week. They are planning on him being in the hospital for 5-7 days, depending on how his recovery goes. 

Garrett's pre-op appointments on Wednesday went well, and faster than expected, so we were able to enjoy an evening out together last night. We went to the Gateway Arch and out to dinner. St. Louis has lots of history and we really enjoyed 'discovering the gateway to the west'. :) More than anything, it was a great time to relax and spend time together. 

I will continue to write updates throughout the week. Thank you so much for your prayers and support as we walk through another surgery and recovery. Your e-mails, calls and texts have reminded me that although we are away from all of you, we are not alone... and that is priceless. Thank you for your friendship and constant encouragement.

Much love, 

Sarah