OT ... It's been a rough day, hoping for a gentler tomorrow

It's been a rough day. Sarah's pain got out of control after they removed the epidural today and put her on percocet with morphine as a break-through drug to manage her pain. It didn't work and her pain soared through the roof. There was some disagreement about how to manage it; the anethesiologist wanted to take a more agressive approach, the peditrician a more conservative approach. We took the pediatrician's more conservative approach which was to put her on oral dilauded, which is stronger than the percocet, but it just didn't work. Finally, we took the anethesiologist's approach and she was put on PCA pump with morphine. Of course, both have their pro's and con's and she can't stay on the pump indefinitely. There is some concern about the morphine dosage, so the baseline dosage has been removed and she is only receiving it on demand. As she gets ready to go to sleep soon, they'll move it over to the basal baseline rate and she probably won't get additional patient control l ed doses through the night. I'm hoping that she and I both get some much needed rest during the night. Sarah has been up 4 times this afternoon and evening. She's been a real trooper. Sarah used the CPM machine which moves the leg in a gentle, range of motion to keep the joint from freezing. She did this for an hour this evening and will need to do so 3 times a day. I'm not sure how long this will continue; I'll talk to the Dr tomorrow and ask about that. I'm hoping for a good night and gentler day tomorrow.Barb ... and Sarah

Barb, I have been so sorry to hear of Sarah's pain and suffering.  It just breaks my heart.  Please give her a hug for me and know that the two of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Suzanne,

Thanks so much. I think we may have the pain issues managed now. We hope. She is doing better today than yesterday and that is a good thing.

Thanks for the well-wishes and prayers.

Barb

Oh, poor Sarah.  And Barb, I know it's just killing you to see her in pain.  It sounds like she is quite the rooper though, using the CPM machine and all of that.  What a determined girl!  Here's hoping you both get rest tonight and have a better day tomorrow.

Hi Deb,

I think it's starting to get better hour-by-hour, day-by-day. She's been up and used the CPM this morning. The PT will be by later and we'll go for a walk.

Thanks for the support.

Barb

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Barb)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Thanks. B

Thanks ... I know it will get better and like most things, it will be worth it in the end.

B

Hi Barb, This sounds very rough on you both. I know why I am not a mother I would be going through the roof seeing my child in pain. Hang in there and I hope and pray Sarah's pain will start to ease up and the healing continue.                                          Annie