Post Surgery, day 2b

She has had a pretty good day today. They told her at the start of the day to taken 2 walks and she managed to take 3+. They did remove her catheter and she has now gone "number 1" twice which is a positive step. The pain in her side is still the only real pain which is good but she still has the epidural going. They increased the dosage of the epidural slightly hoping it might help the pain in her side, but that has not helped so far. I think they plan to try a lidocaine patch next to see if that might help.

So far the food going into the feeding tube is not causing any nausea or other problems so that is another good sign. We asked about the test for leakage, but the surgeon needs to make that call. She will be around all weekend, so we should get an answer tomorrow morning on that. It may not be until Monday, but could be tomorrow at the earliest. Of course she cannot start any fluids or anything else until that is done and it shows no leakage.

She was visited by both a PT and occupational therapy and both said how well she was doing and did not see any physical problems with going home once she heals enough and is strong enough. They will check back next week to make she is still doing well.

Her blood pressure continues to be a little low but seems to be coming up a little each day. When she takes walks, she feels a little light headed, but nothing significant and is not having trouble completing the walks.

Bottom line (my opinion) is that she is progressing at an average or better than average pace and is in less pain or discomfort than we were expecting although not feeling great.

Wayne