as Gabe would say..."no more Boo Boo Hand"

Still hurts if I accidentally bump it- but its well on its way to being completely healed!

It's the thought that counts...right?

I am RETARDED. I just thought I would go ahead and come out of the closet right now. (LOL)

OK, here's the story- I had decided to start recycling again- I hadn't been doing a lot since the move because I was still figuring out our new system- what goes where- when they'll take it- IF they'll take it etc... anyway- so I was cutting the paper label off a can and was being so careful so as to not accidentally cut myself with the knife.... that I didn't even notice that I hadn't pushed the lid into the can. I sliced my finger open on the sharp edge of the can lid.

Anyway, I couldn't get it to stop bleeding, plus it was at a steep angle, and I could see the meat inside my finger....(and a lot of pressure from Jeremy) I was convinced it needed to be looked at...(I did this on a Saturday- of course- no doctors office open, no clinics open in my network- so off to emergency I go- embarrassed all the way!!!)

Just thought I'd share my story... 3 stitches and a tetanus shot- woooo hooooooo!! I am such a DORK!!!!

(hey, but I did decide to start up recycling again! ~LOL!!)see, it's not that bad, it's still a bit swollen- honestly, the shot (tetanus) and the splint are the worst part.

such violence from muppets I never did see...

Gabe (a little drugged up on pain medicine) has decided Bert deserves a butt whoppin' ala Ernie!

This was the first time Gabe expressed any interest in playing since his surgery- we were so excited to see him being silly- and I think it's hilarious how the medicine seems to have brought out a bit of a violent streak! : ) I appologize for laughing so much in the video- I couldn't help it, it was the perfect combination for me- it was so funny and I was so happy to see him having fun.

Enjoy!!

More CHOP pictures...

Gabe's room (Gabe is sleeping)

ok, here's the other direction, this was a very big and comfortable room.

He had his own TV and playstation

The floor he was on was decorated with colors and shapes

and tons of thank you "cards" from other patients


They had all kinds of ammenities:

Laundry room

Living room

Toy "parking lot"

Play room for smaller ones

Play room for bigger ones:

I'll post more later- I need to get some rest, I am so tired. Anyway, I'll leave you with one of the first smiles we saw...

He's just so cute!!

Pictures from CHOP

Here's some pictures from our stay at CHOP

Gabe getting a puppet show from Daddy...

In case you were wondering: abductor pillow and multi-podus boots

Daddy keeping an eye on his little guy...

Discharged and headed to the top of Paperwork Mountian!!

Well, the process has started- we'll be doing final medications, discharge instructions, transportation paperwork, etc.- the next time I post....WE WILL BE AT HOME!!!
Until then- Kari

Going home today!!

As I write that I hope I haven't jinxed us (sad that I sometimes believe in that kind of stuff!) But, with that said..it looks like we'll get discharged sometime today. When the Ortho guys did rounds this morning they were very happy with how everything looked. Gabe is getting much better about letting people look at all his wounds and the only time he even fussed or cried is when they removed the tape- which I am sure had to hurt.
I will post more info as I get it- and I have some really cute video and pictures to post of our stay when we get home. Thanks for all your well wishes and prayers- again I can not express how much they truly meant to us.
xoxo!
Kari

tonight or tomorrow...

He's doing really well- he's handling transitions much better. It still hurts of course- he had major surgery, but he is handling it very well and is really beginning to understand that it will hurt a bit during the move but it will be all better when we're done.
The medicine is completely under control now. He's on a good rotation, one that allows him some lucid time as well as plenty of rest. We are going to talk to his Physical Rehab doctor however about increasing his muscle relaxer as the spasms have returned but not with nearly the frequency or severity.
So, it really depends on how busy the Ortho team is with surgeries. They may release him tonight, or sometime early tomorrow.
I'll post another update later if I find out anything new- If they are releasing us tonight, I'll just update after we get home and settled in.
Love, Kari

bit by bit...

Doing good- transitions are still a little rough (bed to chair, changing the dressings, rolling over, etc) but as long as we time them with when the medicine is really working they are manageable. He's doing good over all- now we just need to incorporate the routine stuff like really eating good, going to the bathroom (between the epidural and anesthesia- well, enough of that talk- I'm sure for most of you that is TMI... (too much information) :)
Anyway, as I was saying- it's time to incorporate back in the normal daily things with all the regular med's and pain med's then they might actually let us leave this joint some day!!
Thanks for all your messages and well wishes- it does really mean a lot to us & really goes a long way to brighten our days in this place. (while very lovely and kid friendly-it is not home)
Until tomorrow!
Our Love- Jeremy, Kari & Gabe :)

Doing good...

Gabe is doing pretty good- he is as a matter of fact ASLEEP in his chair!
We were all over the place earlier and tired him out. He really likes exploring all the cool stuff they have for kids to look at and do in the hospital. We went down and explored most of it our first time out. We also went to the gift shop and got an Elmo balloon and he also picked out Bert & Ernie puppets. He's going to get a puppet show from Daddy when he wakes up.
It seems like we have the pain under control for right now- we just have to wait and see how he tolerates transitions and eventually small tasks.
All in All things are going well- I'll try to post one more time tonight, but if not- I'll be sure to post an update tomorrow after rounds.
Love ya!
Kari

Up and at 'em

Well, he had his "bath" and we got him into a reclining wheelchair and out and about. He is still a little out of it but he has re-discovered his love for mashed potatoes and is all about taking rides in the wheelchair. At this point I am pretty sure he wants to sleep in it so he can go immediately upon waking up! We're getting the pain meds figured out and all seems to be well- keep us in your thoughts and prayers! I'll update again later tonight- I have to go now it's time for dinner.
xoxo!! Kari

doing good! Looks like maybe Monday

He's doing good on the new pain medicines, he ate a bit and is now sleeping again. I have a feeling the combination of drugs is going to keep him pretty sleepy. I'm going to give him a little bath this afternoon and get him in a wheelchair for a little walk. It's looking like Monday he'll get to go home. Dr. Flynn isn't back until Monday and I don't think the Ortho Dr. who is covering his service this weekend wants to make the decision about Gabe's discharge. It's fine with me, I like the idea of having some time at the hospital on the new medicines- just in case Gabe has any weird side effects. But- as I said so far so good- He's just sleeping. I'll update again after his little bath and excursion.
xoxo!Kari

Bye Bye Epidural!!

So far so good- the epidural is gone (for about an hour now) but it takes a while to wear off so the next hour or so will be the real test if the oral medicines are going to be enough to keep him comfortable. He's still on Valium- they added Tylenol & Oxicodone- so he should be loopy and in no pain. We just need to make sure he can handle the medicine without getting sick, or having trouble breathing. (which so far he is doing just fine)
I will check back in later- I want to be with him in case the pain comes back- just wanted to let you all know the epidural is out- which is one of the first steps toward going home!
xoxo! Keep him in your thoughts as he transitions over the next day or two, we hope it will go smoothly!
Kari

pain in the butt- or in the hips rather...

Well, I will start by saying things are still going well- however, Gabe is having some pain issues, he was doing so well they were skipping a lot of the "as needed" medicines. He was sleeping like a baby (a good one that sleeps a lot :) Anyway, he woke up and the pain started and took quite a while to get all medicines on board to give him some relief. He's doing much better now, honestly he's completely drugged up and out of it- which is probably the best. Who wants to be awake figuring out if it hurts?? Not me and definitely not Gabe. Other than the pain management stuff today has gone by quickly and quietly- wait... it's only 4pm. Today I guess has not went by too quickly :) (Ortho came in at 6am to change bandages- so that's why it seems later I guess.) Anyway, I want to get back in there with little guy- I like to watch him sleep and make sure they haven't drugged him up TOO much :) It's a mommy thing- (except that I keep catching Daddy doing it too!)
Keep up the good work- the thoughts and prayers definitely help!!
-Kari

Epidural comes out tomorrow

The "Pain Team" was just by to see Gabe and has decided to wait until tomorrow to start to ween down and remove his epidural. That means most likely he will not be going home tomorrow- probably Sunday at the earliest. He is fairing well. Mostly sleeping right now, which is good- lets his body work on healing. He asked for breakfast so I better get back- I want to be there when the food gets there so he can eat right away. I'll update again later.
Kari

dreesing change went well

The Ortho team came in and changed Gabe's surgical dressings around 6am. He was a really good boy and everything looks really good. He's still on a lot of pain medication (and still has the epidural) but they seem to be working pretty well right now- not too many "boo-boo" complaints. The muscle spasm part is pretty much over, he may get some later on here and there but the typical "post-op spasm window" has basically passed.
I'm getting him some breakfast right now and just thought I'd let you know how things are going. Keep little guy up there in your thoughts & prayers, there's still a long road until it's time to go home.
Love, Kari

Doing well...

Gabe is doing pretty well- he's sleeping and has been drinking and eating "light and easy" foods- we will probably start "real" foods tomorrow. His spirits are picking up- he's starting to ask for things (eat, drink, and Sponge Bob...HA!) We are pretty encouraged by the fact that I caught him singing the "ohhhhhhh" in the Sponge Bob theme song just before I came out here to post! He's getting his personality back- and as sweet and adorable he is, that is a really good thing!! It would be a different story if it was my personality (Kari) HA!!!
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, and messages- ALL OF IT- is appreciated more than any of you could know- Kari & Jeremy

gradually getting better...sleep helps!

We are moving in the right direction that's for sure. He has been napping on and off all day. Has had two pretty long and restful naps- very good for him! I gave him a little "in the bed bath" and we changed all his bedding. He has just started eating again. 4oz apple sauce around an hour ago as well as a half a bottle of apple juice. We just ordered him dinner and when he wakes up he'll get to work on that. They'll be changing the dressings tomorrow when Ortho does rounds- so we'll learn more then. As for now he is sleeping soundly and so is his Dad! I just wanted to post a quick update. This are going well here, just keeping a close eye on him for infection, etc.. and so far so good!! I'll post again tomorrow after we hear from Ortho. Good night!!
xoxo! Kari

Finally REALLY sleeping

Just checking in really quick- Gabe is finally REALLY sleeping. For just about an hour now with no interruptions. The first time he fell asleep- no lie: phlebotomy came in to stick him for blood work!! Then he fell asleep and they came in to check his wounds etc!!! Well he's been asleep for a while now with no real interruptions. He still wines and whimpers some while he's asleep and cries at the slightest noise over the intercom or as the helicopter lands directly in our room (slight exaggeration, but life flight goes right out side his window before it lands!!)
Anyway- just wanted to update everyone really quick while we had a second- keep up the good work...(the thoughts and prayers seem to be working! :)
xoxo! Kari & Jeremy

morning...

Well, he finally got some real sleep (at least I think he did, because I fell asleep for almost an hour) He has kept down about an ounce of juice and this mornings Valium- so hopefully the muscle spasms will subside as the morning progresses.
He seems to be doing better, he's very interested in the fact that he has a catheter now- and his biggest suggestion is "off"
As far as things go, we seem to be coming around the corner of the worst of it, just hoping we can get him eating and drinking more, hopefully soon- I know that's the first step to getting rid of that horrible nauseous feeling. I will check my email a few times during the day if you need to reach us otherwise, cell is still best- or you can email/text me on my cell phone at:
kari.anderson@vtext.com or Jeremy on his at anderson.jeremy@vtext.com
Please only use this with small messages- it sends it as a text to our phones (thanks)
Thanks again for all the positive thoughts and prayers; Gabe can really use them- and we are truly grateful for each and every one.
Love,
Kari & Jeremy