24 Hour Post Surgery Update

Sam is doing great.  His surgery started about two hours behind schedule but only ran about 2.5 hours, when it could have taken 4 hours.  He had a rough night last night.  He nurse had to check him, do vitals, and a neuro exam every hour all night long.  He didn't get to more than catnap at best.  Even with heavy duty drugs for pain he didn't sleep much. 
 
His spirits are a bit low right now.  He had a couple of tubes and his arterial line taken out early this morning that cause each alone would have been minor pain but all three done in the a.m. hurt, especially the drain tube that was put in to drain fluids from his 48 stitch incision on his head.  The tube was over three inches long and he could feel it was it was pulled out.  I wish I could have taken away that pain.  Then it had to be stitched.  The morphine he was given for pain didn't hit until about 15 minutes after they were done.  Then this afternoon his IV line quit drawing and a new one had to be placed but after three attempts and failures by the nurses to get a new line in IV therapy was called.  She was great.  She put warm packs on his arm to draw out the veins, and used all her expertise to get his veins to take the needle.  They like to put the IV in hands and not the arm because its easier to get to for the IV and you don't have to worry about the bending of the arm.  Well, she had to go the arm as she couldn't get Sam's vein to stay in place for the very small needle she was using.
 
So my friends, Sam started out this venture excited about getting the bone panel in, getting through surgery, to saying he wished he had waited which of course was not an option.  He gave me a big smile when I left tonight and I know he will get a good nights sleep.  His Aunt Dart is there giving him TLC, all tubes and lines are out except the one, and he got a new Ducks jacket from his brother and I tonight that is kind of silky on the inside. 
 
I know this is brief, I started to write more but want to keep some to ourselves.  Ultimately Sam will be glad this is over and again God is giving him love and strength to get through this day. 
 
More later, I think I'll go to sleep.
 
Sam sends his love and thanks to everyone.  Our family truly appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
 
God bless,
 
Stephanie/Mom