Exploring options/Preemptive prayers

We just found out Karl will have surgery on Monday to debride and wash the decubitus ulcer, take out the gauze that's stuck in there, check out the wound more thoroughly, and take deep tissue cultures to pinpoint the cause of the infection. He will likely be the second case of the day, which means surgery will begin late morning or early afternoon.

Dr. Winder, who is Dr. Yaszemski's resident this quarter, told us the surgery would take approximately two hours and would help them determine the type of antibiotics needed to defeat the infection as well as how to proceed with the hardware removal. Plastic surgeon Dr. Mardini (who worked on Karl in 2008) and Dr. Y will be present.

Karl was taken off his current antibiotics to allow cultures to grow and received a liter of fluid last night to bring his heart rate down, his blood pressure up and his creatinine levels more in line. His creatinine was just a bit high and they want to keep Karl as close to normal as possible so that surgery will go smoothly. He also got a new pair of Rooke vascular boots that will hopefully help the tissue on his heels to heal quickly.

His nurses and therapists keep filtering in to say hello as they get the news that he's back. They offer him words of encouragement, knowing that our prayer is that he can function without the need for hardware in his back. It would solve so many problems, we think. So, if you need something specific for which to pray, ask God that Karl's surgery on Monday reveal the information his doctors are seeking, that the wound be completely cleaned, and that everything goes smoothly. And then if you want, it probably wouldn't hurt to send up a prayer or two asking that Karl's next surgery go well, too, and that his body supports his weight without the need for hardware. Call it a preemptive prayer if you like, but every little prayer will help!

Have a wonderful weekend! I sure hope it's warmer where you are (the high tomorrow will be 4 degrees).

Blessings, Kerry