Day 3: Post-Op Update

Took a few steps back today... After Sam being up most of last night with the low grade fever and the issues with the chair he was worn out today. We fought with this chair most of today trying to get him comfortable. That on top of a nurse that doesn't seem to like her job really made things difficult around here.

Sam worked with the physical therapist today and did a couple stair case steps...they were sloooow steps but went ok. I told them not to worry as we have a ranch and the only real steps are to the basement and that is where I do the laundry...note the 'I'...so he will be fine on the main level :) He feels good after the stretches and went walking quiet a few times.

They had him kick up his spirometer game today and use it every hour and luckily the low grade fever has left (for now). They said that your lungs can help determine your bodies temperature and since he used it less yesterday his lungs need more exercise. The nurses and PA told him that unless he wants to get pneumonia and stay here longer to use it more often. Now we have check marks going on his dry erase board to track how many times he uses it.

After a bit of a battle with the nurses late this afternoon and calling in our surgeon's nurse I was able to get Sam a different chair in his room. They took a chair from the patients lounge on our floor and moved it into Sam's room. It doesn't recline but its much easier for him to get in and out of. He prefers to be in the chair rather the bed and has napped in it this evening so I think it will work out just fine.

This evening has been a bit better with the new chair and we have the same nurse (Erin) we had last night and she is really nice. His roommate was discharged today so he has the room to himself and finally some peace and quiet. I am going to take this opportunity to sleep in my room tonight and know I am leaving him in good hands :)

We are meeting with his surgeon in the morning and hopefully getting his drain tubes out - they say this causes the most pain right now in his chest.

stay tuned.