Thursday, March 22, 2012

Update: Post-Surgery 3/22/12

Forest had a successful surgery this morning. He is still in recovery and is slowly waking up (as has sometimes happened to him previously). The surgeon seemed very pleased with the prosthetic application and his general condition. The prosthetic replacing the front part of the skull this time is made of titanium which is a nonferrous or non-iron containing metal. It is extremely hard and should be very resistant to infection. Because it is nonferrous it should not interfere with x-rays, CTs, or MRIs. Next, after his drainage tubes in the skin area have been removed, he will go to ICU and likely stay there on IVs and antibiotics until he is transferred to the step down unit. After he is stable at the step down unit he will hopefully go to NRH to reenter therapy for a period of time. After that, back to his Brightwood rehab room and the farm.
Team 44 is watching him closely for any of the complications that can be associated with this major surgery. We thank everyone who helped us and worked so hard to get him in great shape for this surgical procedure. We are hopeful this will make a major change in his ability to get back to successful physical therapy and start making strides to move forward. Thanks again for everyone who helped him, prayed for him, and thought positive Team 44 thoughts. We will try to update the blog every other day and keep everyone posted as to what is going on.

Thanks again,
Dad
Team 44

14 comments:

  1. Wonderful, wonderful news! Thank you for posting--i've been checking all afternoon, watching for news of this great outcome. Forrest you are a rock star--you are in so many people's hearts and prayers. Sleep tight, you are Brightwood bound where you will soon be doing awesome work--so rest now, the world is in front of you.... anne

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is FANTASTIC news! It sounds as if the surgery went very smoothly. May this wonderful process continue.

    Thank you for keeping us informed. We are so grateful.

    And will continue our prayers for a smooth, infection free, uncomplicated move forward.

    On this gorgeous spring evening in Virginia, you've given us much for which to be grateful.

    On a high! Praise God for this awesome news.

    Love Shannon and the Davis crew xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is great news. My prayers, as always, are with you all.

    ReplyDelete
  4. So relieved!!! Thank you for posting! Love to you all! XXOO Gang from Rabbit Hill

    ReplyDelete
  5. Been checking in all day for an update! Thanks for posting. Sending lots of love and prayers for continued positive progress. Thank God for his continued hand on Forrest and all of team 44. Bless you!

    Donna, Owen, Lilli, Chloe and the rest of the crew!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Forrest and Team 44, You've got lots of prayers coming from Missouri, Kansas and Arizona. We're all praying for a speedy recovery from this surgery. GOD BE WITH ALL OF YOU!

    Love and Prayers,

    Joyce and Wilbur Ellis

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wonderful news! A pleased surgeon is a very good thing! Thinking of all of you - and cheering for you Forrest - glad you are taking your time and emerging slowly...there is much ahead - rest up and feel well. We are sending as much positive energy as we can your way. Thank you so much for the news. And thank God for his love and care. Our love to you, the Shermans

    ReplyDelete
  8. What awesome news! Sending you all our thoughts and prayers.
    Love,
    The Selfes

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such great news on such a beautiful Spring day. A new beginning for Forrest is blossoming with all the flowers of Spring. We have had you in our thoughts all day and will continue to send prayers for healing your way. Love and hugs from the Rafferty Family!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nothing like getting over the first jump! Kick on Team Forrest!

    ReplyDelete
  11. So glad you're through the surgery!!! We are so proud of you for all your hard work and know you will soon be back to being the rehab star, and soon will be back at Brightwood!

    Hugs, prayers and love to all of you
    from Carina, Caroline and all the Elgins

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good morning Forrest. It's a new day. Spring is popping up here in Portland. I bet it is gorgeous in Virginia. You are getting some more time to rest, then it is time to push on and get to NRH. They are awaiting your arrival with open arms. And soon they will help you stand again, and you will find your smile and gain more strength. And then back to Brightwood. We are so proud of your determination and strength.

    I see you walking tall again. I see it so clearly. Walking from the house down to the garden, with your Mom, Dad, Austin and of course Sundance trotting beside you. Just another day, to walk down to the garden and lean on the fence and watch the horses graze and flick their tails. Then I hear the soft whinny as they lumber up to you searching for a treat. That is what I see. Stay strong. Love Aunt Tricia

    ReplyDelete
  13. What wonderful news. Thank you so much for posting. Having gotten through this last step, it will be great to be able to (just!) concentrate on rehab now. Team 44's determination, hope, and love and Forrest's tenacity will take him far. Stay strong, and please keep posting.

    With much love, Jim and Gail

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dear Forrest,

    As you geared up for surgery, went through the procedure, and are now recovering, you have been in our thoughts constantly as we've both been traveling far and near. We are so glad that you gained much strength during your time at Brightwood. It will do you in good stead in the weeks ahead. We love seeing the pictures of your bright smile, and we believe that full recovery will go more smoothly this time. You are strong, resiliant, and whole, Forrest, and we are surrounding you with loving thoughts and encouragement through the tough times. We hope most of those are now behind you. We look forward to many more of your brilliant smiles.
    Love,
    Diane and Jay

    ReplyDelete