Wednesday, July 20, 2011

A Typical Day

Seth's surgery has been postponed until Friday--really quite amazing after the intensity of last week and the early predictions of the surgeons. He is eating now--not quite enough calories yet for the feeding tube to be removed, but he's getting there.

Today was very busy. Here are some highlights:

  • visit from the trauma team
  • visit from the infectious disease team
  • visit from the Battle Buddy blood follow-up team*
  • visit from the chaplain
  • visit from the psychologist
  • visit from the hand surgeon
  • work with the physical therapist
  • work with the occupational therapist
  • arrival of his custom temporary wheelchair
  • arrival of his new bed and transfer to the new bed
  • arrival of a trapeze for above his bed
  • placement of a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) in his right arm
  • removal of his hand bandages; replaced with a plastic splint
It takes a village to rebuild a soldier.

Today Seth was pondering his options when he is fully recovered. When I told him he had the choice to remain in the Army, he said, "What can I do in the Army with only one leg?" I told him, "You will have two legs. One will just be different than the other."


*When Seth was injured, he received so much blood that he may not even have his own blood type currently running through his veins. He received several more transfusions between Kandahar and Walter Reed. He also received what is called Battle-Buddy blood, which is used when the regular blood supply is exhausted. Soldiers on site are asked to donate. This blood is screened, but not to FDA standards. Therefore, this team is assigned to follow up with all soldiers who receive it to make sure that there are no infectious diseases, etc. According to the woman we talked to, over 2000 soldiers since 2001 have received BBB, have been tested and tracked, and no one has had a problem--but they continue their vigilance. 

7 comments:

  1. Wow! That is a busy day. What a support team. Our prayers are with Seth, you and your family daily! Thank you for the blog updates. It has really put a face on the sacrifices made over and over by Seth, and thousands of soldiers daily and through out history. God bless America, and all who protect it and our freedoms! Take care of yourself, Sylvia! MIchelle C.

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  2. That is so much for a typical day, but it's so wonderful and such a blessing to have all of those specialists available to help when needed...I am so glad that he's continually improving! He and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!

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  3. I'm continually amazed by all of the medical advancements of our time! It's amazing to me that he has all of those different specialists there to help him through this, what a blessing!

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  4. What can he do with only one leg? Pretty much anything he wants.

    During WWII one British pilot only had one leg but flew a spitfire anyway -- he was shot down over Germany and only escaped from the plane by leaving his false leg behind.

    His pals parachuted a new leg to him, and the Germans let him have it, but he was so good at escaping that the Germans finally took it away from him again.

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  5. I hope someday to meet you and Seth to personally thank you. Until then I am keeping him, the family, and all those associated with his care in my thoughts and prayers.

    Celeste
    Mother of two soldiers

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  6. Remind him of the movie, "Men of Honor," with Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert Deniro, about the Navy deep sea diver who lost a leg, then proved he could still perform his duty and went on with his career. Based on a true story.

    --God's work. Our hands.

    --Dave--

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  7. Wow, BBB-- what amazing heroism from those who are already heroes. Stay strong, Seth. There are so many people pulling for you!

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