Friday, July 10, 2009

Late Night/ Can't Sleep!!

Sorry I have not been posting much lately....sometimes I just can't think anymore when I get back here to the hotel......

So here's what has been going on:

Yesterday (Wednesday) Dave got in his wheelchair for the 1st time since the flap surgery, he scooted from his bed to the chair all by himself! This is BIG, before it took 4 people to move him! Then we went down to the MATC and he was given the sleeve that he will wear under his prosthetic leg, to get used to wearing it. THEN while we where down there he had to go to the bathroom (this might be TMI, but it is also a HUGE step for us) He got onto a toilet!! I had to hold the ex fix leg but he did it!! Keep in mind that he is missing 1/2 of his abdominal muscles too! And has a huge scar that is pretty painful. So an hour later, he is worn out so we call it a day and head back up to the room. But first we stopped by another ward to see an injured EOD guy that Dave knew from the schoolhouse to drop off well wishes and a Tshirt.

This morning I went to Bolling AFB to sort out my monthly financials, so Dave was left to fend for himself, he got down to the MATC all on his own! They took a mold of his nub to make the prosthetic. It should be ready tomorrow for (insert drumroll here) when he will stand up on his leg!! Things are really moving along for us now, it is very exciting!

As for medicine, he has discontinued his PCA and is no longer hooked up to the Dilaudid drip, his epidural was pulled out this afternoon, and he is using much less Oxy. Since the epidural was taken out they will be able to remove his catheter tomorrow morning too.

Tuesday he will have another surgery to remove the ex fix and put on a halo. This will give him a little more freedom, as it is not so heavy and will be below his knee. They are also going to put skin grafts over the flap.

Side note:
Since Dave has an iphone he is able to read the blog and REALLY enjoys reading comments people leave, so please leave a message for him. I know more people read than are leaving comments, so don't be shy, talk to us, it really makes him feel good!

Hopefully I can get some really good pictures tomorrow!

18 comments:

Susie Q said...

WOW! That is some amazing progress. I am so impressed. And to cut down on the meds like that also is astonishing and miraculous. My middle son has an incredible pain threshold due to a cardiac defect since birth. And after watching what he has gone through on occasion, I just marvel at what Dave does. Funny thing, my middle son is a David also. Men after God's own heart.

Anonymous said...

Dave! Hows it going buddy. So happy to hear you'll be fitted for your leg soon! Hope u got the picture i sent. We r just trying to pass the time here at KAF. So stinkin hot! write me at eodlilly@gmail.com

Paula@SweetPea said...

It's great to read about the amazing progress that David has made this week. To think that he might me standing before too long is something else.

Far From Perfect said...

Good Morning Dave from your Blog stalker in Nebraska!!! I have to let you know- I work in a courthouse small town USA, I showed two of our Judges your story. They ask about you almost daily..as does most of the staff. Your a total "Rock Star" here. Sounds like your making steps towards getting your bionic body part.

Tons of prayers & warm vibs from us to you!!!

Jenny said...

Hey guys! Love the songs on here. I'm a fellow blogger and I'm so glad to hear that things are coming along so well. Thank you both so much for your service to our country.

Unknown said...

Liz-thank you so much for keeping everyone posted on Dave. We are praying for you and Dave and your families.

Dave-you know RJ and I would be there if we could. Take good care of yourself and hang in there. You are making great progress.

Jodi Ladner said...

Hi Dave and Liz. I want to send my deepest condolences to you both. Dave, I admire your strength to keep pushing on. Something very tragic happened in your life, but you didn't let it slow you down. Liz, you are being a wonderful wife to him; not leaving his side. I admire both of your strengths. Hopefully soon, your lives will be back to normal. We are all praying for you guys back home.

Jamie Flowers said...

Hey! I can't wait to see you both! We will be there in 3 days! Yay! Love you!

Unknown said...

Hey buddy!! We just found out you moved a day or two ago, and haven't been able to reach you on landline yet, but I'll keep trying. It's great to hear the stump is coming along well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the flap....just wanted ya'll to know I'm thinking of you every day brother, you'll be the first pitstop I make when I come back stateside. Take care...

Your boy,
Geno

Sandra said...

Oh my gosh!! Such great news! I mean capital P for Praise the Lord and Progress!!! You know I feel like I know you two!

Dave, My uncle is a retired military man, and my aunt is reading your blog! You'll never know how much they admire and appreciate you! She probably won't comment.

Keep up the progress! You are like Superman!! Just how much do you love your iPhone?? ;-)

xoxo

joyce said...

Howdy from Texas! I am so glad you are doing well. That is great. We admire you so much and are so grateful for your service. I have a son in the Air Force, and a son in the Army. Do you hear the music from your site on your phone thingy, too?

Good songs!

Danielle Atkinson said...

David, it sounds like you're making such great progress! We think about you every day. Our church service on July 5th was surrounded by men in dress whites and flags everywhere. I thought of what a testiment you are to the military and what type of men and women it takes to do what you do every day. We love you and can't wait to hear about the next milestones.

PS...did you ever get the card we made for you? Does Liz get our e-mails? We've just never heard back, so I wondered if we have the correct address?

Long-time RN said...

Hey Dave and Liz-greetings from Wisconsin! Wonderful reading of your progress. So glad the healing process is headed in the right direction and best to you with the prosthetic trial tomorrow. You're both in our thoughts and prayers.

kce98 said...

I don't know you personally, but my brother-in-law was one of Dave's HHS classmates. I've been following the blog regularly ever since he emailed me a link to it and have been truly touched by your story. My eyes welled with joy as I read today's post. I'm so happy to hear all of the good news. I and many others continue to think of Dave and pray for his recovery daily. All the best!

Mitzi said...

I found your blog through reading your Mom's. I immediately knew that I would be following your progress. Both of you are and inspiration to all of us. We will continue to read of your progress and know that life has many good things ahead for you. God bless you both.

Unknown said...

Liz & Dave,
I was talking to Brian a few minutes ago and he was telling me all about Dave's progress. WOW! I was so impressed, I got right on to read about it. I've been reading the Blog, and have passed it along to some family members. We feel like you're both part of our family because of your connection to Brian. All the things he's done for you have made us so proud. We're glad he's been there for you both. So glad you're doing so well. Dave you have such a strong soul! We'll keep reading! Hey, I like the music, at first I couldn't figure out where it was coming from.

Unknown said...

This is amazing and Melissa & I are so glad you are making progress. Next time someone asks me who my hero is, I will say Dave M'Fing Flowers! (that is your new middle name). Take care man. We love you and are praying for you and your totally awesome wife.

Unknown said...

I am so glad that you are doing so well Dave!

Prayers still flowing for you guys and every other military person.