Friends and family, <\/p>\n
Dad\u2019s sixth surgery took place yesterday (Friday) and lasted just under four hours. The doctors replaced the cadaver grafts they had placed the previous week and said his tissue beds are progressing well. It is possible they will begin grafting with his own skin as early as next week. They will focus on his chest and abdomen first. This area (and the legs) represents the largest burn area, so getting them healthy first is critical to his recovery. <\/p>\n
We do want to mention that all of dad\u2019s burns are severe. In all areas, the doctors had to excise down to muscle. This means he has no fat, which will impact him both cosmetically and functionally. Again, we are grateful that dad is in such capable hands \u2013 we know that everything possible is being done for him. <\/p>\n
The eyelid grafts have taken well and the surgeon is pleased with their progress. The rest of his face they covered in pig skin, which acts as a biological bandage and protects him as his own skin heals. It is possible he won’t have to have grafts on his face, but only time will tell. <\/p>\n
The worst news we have to report is that doctors amputated Dad’s fingers. All ten were amputated to some extent. The thumb on his left hand and the first finger on his right hand are completely gone. The rest of his fingers they took off at either the first (five fingers) or second knuckle (three fingers). The doctor spent a lot of time with us discussing functionality and some of the occupational and surgical procedures that can be done to increase his level of function as he gets healthier. <\/p>\n
His vitals remain quite good and he handled the surgery well. One of the surgeons told us he is the “healthiest sick person in the ICU”. Quite a badge of honor!<\/p>\n
We are happy that hospital staff took dad off the ventilator for a short time today. We are super proud of him. Although he is still heavily sedated and in the medically induced coma, it is great that he is now able to breathe on his own. This is a big step in keeping lung function healthy, and preventing ventilator acquired pneumonia. They left him off the ventilator for an hour and a half, and then put him back on so he can rest. Each day they will increase the amount of time he is off, until he can come off the ventilator completely. <\/p>\n
Many of you have written us emails and notes supporting not only dad but us as well. We can’t thank you enough for this continued support. Even though we have not had time to respond to each of your notes, please know we read them all and appreciate your thoughts more than we can adequately say in any post or email. We have been touched by all the thoughtfulness, and are comforted that dad has such a strong network to help him make it through this. Thank you!<\/p>\n
Colin and Ian<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Friends and family, Dad\u2019s sixth surgery took place yesterday (Friday) and lasted just under four hours. The doctors replaced the cadaver grafts they had placed the previous week and said his tissue beds are progressing well. It is possible they … Continue reading