Day 2 Post Surgery (Saturday 3/2)

We had a fairly decent night last night. MJ was not happy with the fact that he was in a new room when they moved him out of ICU at about 7:00pm. He kept saying he wanted the “old” bed even though we took the bed with us. He is so attached to routine the poor sweet boy hates changes of any kind.



MJ and Howie

 MJ had a nice treat today with another visit from Pet Therapy. Today he saw Howard, aka “Howie” – a sweet yellow lab. It was so great to see MJ brighten up and for a few minutes forget about his pain. Unfortunately from that point of the morning on too much started happening one right after the other with the nurse coming in, and the PCT coming in, then the PT person. It was too much for him and too overwhelming all of the poking and prodding and he just couldn’t take it anymore. I had to ask the PT person to stop because I could see MJ was on the verge of a meltdown. They were not accomplishing anything anyway except making him mad – and MJ didn’t want to cooperate.

Fishies, Sprite, and one of our first smiles!

We can see each day where MJ is becoming more and more alert. He is also showing more of his typical (and sometimes ornery) personality. It is so refreshing to see glimpses of your child you know beneath all of the craziness and pain meds. A few ups and downs today – and slower progress than what the on call (weekend) doctor is looking for – but we are encouraged there is still progress even if it is slower then what they want.

Day 2 accomplishments:

MJ is starting to get a tad more range of motion in his neck. We are having him change positions in bed every 2 hours or so with assistance.

For the first time in 2 days MJ showed interest in drinking – we thought to offer his cup from home and he accepted it and has been sipping water since! (duh mom and dad – the cup!)

Late afternoon he had some goldfish crackers and Sprite and held them down! – that is all he wanted to eat for the rest of the day but we’ll take it!

Day 2 challenges we faced:

Way too much happened one after the other and he got over-stimulated and frustrated. I need to be more aggressive and proactive in communicating his needs so we all don’t get overwhelmed with days like today.

MJ refused to cooperate with PT today so he did not accomplish anything. By the time PT got in he was overwhelmed and not having it.

The doctor wanted MJ out of bed today but even with encouragement and choices he was not having it. – I have got to get him out of this bed tomorrow somehow!

Day 3 (Sunday) goals:

Continue moving and stretching his neck to gain more range of motion.

Expanding his eating and drinking.

Sitting in a chair.

Moving around to avoid lung atrophy.


Slow progress again but still good progress. Papa even got some smiles in the afternoon when he came to visit. I wish you could see how strong you are through our eyes my sweet boy. You can do this!

Praise God for another progressive day despite the challenges and emotional obstacles!