Monday, July 21, 2008

ICU


This is not for the faint-hearted! Be warned.

Ammon's surgery went well - there were a few complications but he is now in the ICU and handling things quite well. (I think.) The surgery lasted for about 6 1/2 hours, which was longer than we anticipated but that included prep time before the surgery started. The doctors actually removed 10 discs from his back. That seems impossible, but they said he was so tight that this will really help with his mobility as they do the traction. They said that he had a lot of oozing of blood and it got ahead of them so they ended up giving him a transfusion because his blood pressure dropped so low. The doctor said, "Don't worry - he didn't have cardiac arrest and his heart never stopped beating." Gulp.....

He is still intubated but they are hoping that by morning he will be off the tube and breathing on his own. He has been alert and knows who we are. If I ask him a question (yes or no), he will squeeze my hand in answer. If things go well, we will probably go to Shriner's on Thursday - it could be Wednesday but we're looking at Thursday. There is no phone here in the room so you cannot really contact me here.

Be reassured that Ammon made it through and I think things will be fine.

Here is a photo - maybe two to show what he's doing right now.

6 comments:

chelsey said...

Hang in there bud! Hopefully you're not in too much pain. I like your blanket. ;) We're all glad you made it through!

Cristina said...

We're glad things are still going OK. Tell Ammon we love him. This is from all of the Hortons.

Anonymous said...

Good Luck Ammon! I'm relieved that your surgery went so well!!
From John

Keri said...

Hi Clarks!
I have been worrying all day about you all. I breathed a long sigh of relief to hear that Ammon made it through the surgery okay. I hope you are all holding up. Know you are loved.
Keri

Anonymous said...

You're the man, Ammon! One great kid! We are glad that today is over for you (and your mom and dad). We love you and hope there are smooth days ahead.
Steve and Melanie Linford
P.S. We love the picture of the "priesthood men".

Lokodi said...

Wow, that's a relief. I woke up this morning and the first thing I did was check your blog. Thanks for the update. You're not kidding about it not being for the faint hearted. I was eating breakfast when I opened up the blog. I had to shut it down and finish my breakfast first before I got back on to read it. You are one tough kid ammon. And I thought child birth was the hardest thing to go thru in the world...you are so much tougher than me!

Lindsey