Dad Update

Hi! I've been wanting to give an update on my Dad forever but just haven't been up to it until now.

Thanks to all of you who've prayed for my dad and for those of you who sent notes/comments about it.

I've answered some, but honestly, I've answered maybe 10 emails since I've gotten back from hawaii, it's HORRIBLE!!  Please, if you read this and have emailed me, know that I'm reading your emails but haven't had  a sane moment to sit down and respond.

I can't believe it was just a week ago that I posted...it feels like it's been so much longer.  Since my Dad was admitted into the hospital on Tuesday May 9...about a week ago, my youngest daughter  started her period for the first time, my Lily (my dog) is spending the night at the vet tonight  after being spayed and having 5 teeth extracted...not to mention getting her shots up to date and having a microchip implanted.  I feel so sorry for her, but fortunately, my vet is very big on pain meds for pets.  They've got her pretty doped up and will be sending her home with pain pills and antibiotics in the morning. 

Now, about my dad...things were totally up in the air with him from the time he got into the hospital until Saturday.  The surgeon had him sign a paper giving permission for him to amputate the top half of his foot if needed.  He convinced Dad that he wouldn't do it in mid surgery...that if it looked like it would have to be done, he would wait, talk to him and my mom and go from there...my dad had this fear of going into surgery and waking up in recovery without his toes.

After the first surgery on Wednesday, things were very bleak.  The foot was full of sand (about a teaspoon full had been blasted into the foot), there was major infection.  The surgeon did his best to clean it out but did not feel positive about the outcome.  After that first surgery was when they wanted dad to sign the waver.  He had dad do an antibiotic foot whirlpool treatment the same day as that surgery.  The next morning, they repeated the surgery and the Dr. was so surprised...he said that the foot looked so much better than he had expected.  He did more cleaning and scheduled dad to have 2 of the antibiotic foot baths a day.  Things have continually gotten better....much to the amazement of the Drs.  He was finally released to go home today but is hooked up to an IV, has some kind of vacuum antibiotic pack thing on his foot.  Mom said that there were some medical personnel who were arriving soon after they got home to get everything set up for them.  He will have a nurse visit every three days for the next 6 weeks to treat it.  Mom will have to clean his wound, do the IV thing, etc.  They're both just exhausted but his foot is 99% out of the woods.  Mom told me today that it won't ever look the same, but he'll have all his toes.  The Dr. predicts a full recovery in 6 months. 

My dad said that he is certain that the outcome was positive because of all the people we've had praying for him.  I agree.

Thanks so much for your encouragement and support...I'm going to post this now and will post another thing right after.  oxox

Comments

[RJ Farley]

Thank you for your posting. I was cleaning with a pressure washer today and after 4 hours was getting tired and almost done when I changed hands and I missed my other hand and the power washer sliped and went across my foot full force. I was in pain like 1000's bees stinging. I stopped turned off the power, went into the house to take a look at my injury. I was horrified to see my foot sowllen up in less than 5 minutes. I was not cut like your Dad, but pain, ouch. It was already 7 pm and I didn't want to bother the docter, so was iced it,elevated it, and looked it up on line to find your posting. Thank God it was there. I was nausad and thought maybe I would go into shock. I was glad to read that this can be a very normal thing. This is 2010 now and I hope your Dad is 100% now. My only wish is that I can were sandels again/this summer. I never realized how danderous it is, and I will not be asking or letting my 13 year old do pressure washing. I am so glad you posted this, I will see my doctor in thr A.M. With deepest Thanks RJ

[turquoisecro]

Alleluia! Thank God! for prayers for your dad! I'm sooo glad to hear he is home now and on the mend! I told my husband to never fool around with a power washer at work or anyplace else! Now, I've got to tell my mom and dad too! They are always busy doing something inside and outside! xo, Cinda ps. (((Tracy)))

[Miz Carla]

Good Gawd Tracy your poor Daddy. Who KNEW Power washers were so dangerous? sheesh. I'm happy to hear that he is home and feeling better GOD love him. xoxs C

[Paulette]

Oh I'm so glad to hear your Dad is going to be okay. The power of prayer is pretty awesome! I never realized that power washers were that dangerous! Thank you so much for sharing this with us Tracy. Sounds like you've really had your hands full lately. As much as I'd love to hear from you, I totally understand dear. Just get in touch when you can. (((hugs))) ~ Paulette

[darlene]

I'm so happy to hear the news about your Dad. Prayers do work. I hope little Lily is doing well too. Take care, Darlene

[Heather]

Your Mom & Dad are so cute! Thanks for the update. I am sooo glad that your Dad is ok and will keep his foot. Thank goodness for that! I will keep sending positive thoughts for a full and speedy recovery. Hugs

[violetismycolor]

I am so glad to hear that your dad is okay and can probably save his foot. What a horrible accident and how in the world would anyone know how dangerous things like a power washer can be? I will continue praying for your dad and hope it helps...

[KIM]

WOW, YOU ARE ONE WORN OUT GIRL!! BUT SO SO HAPPY DAD IS DOING WONDERFUL, PRAYER IS A GOOD THING ALWAYS...TAKE CARE AND HAVE SOME TEA.... SPARKLE ON! KIM

[Amber]

I'm so glad your dad is going to be ok. I meant to drop you a comment on the entry you wrote on the pressure washer - I had no idea they were so dangerous! Thanks for the warning!

[Laura]

Thank God! I am so glad that he did not loose part of his foot. What a relief to you all...

[amy]

Tracy, that is such great news about your dad! The power of prayer and healing thoughts is really amazing isn't it. I hope his healing process is quick and as painless as possible. I hope Lily feels better soon too and that this new transition for your daughter is going okay. The only thing I remember about starting my period is that it was right before bedtime and my mom only had tampons and panty liners! The trauma.

[Lelainia]

Fantastic! I am so glad they were able to save his toes!! YAY!! (You never did get through telling me the outcome yesterday!) Anyway, thank god dad is okay and I am glad he will have home support for his recovery-beats the heck out of the hospital. I think your mum better turf that power washer while he is recovering so he can't do it again.

[Carrie]

Wow. What a lucky man! So glad to hear things are looking up after that horrifying accident. Best wishes for continued recovery for your dad (and pooch!).