Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Update on my brother

His surgery lasted 4 hours!  It went as expected according to the doctor.  Actually, he said that it didn't look quite as bad as he thought it might.  First, they took out the original hip prosthesis, which required removing it from his femur.  Of course, since May, the bone had grown around this prosthesis.  I don't know if the bone was broken or cracked any as they removed it.  I pray that it wasn't.  The area was cleaned (I hope completely this time!).  Then, the operating room was scrubbed down and sanitized.  Then, a dummy hip, or a non-articulate (which means it doesn't bend or move) separator, was put in the hip area.  This is made of concrete?!? and has antibiotics in it that will seep out from the inside of his hip area.  I truly cannot visualize this device, but I guess that doesn't matter.  He will go home in a few days using a walker? or wheelchair? to get around.  He will have an antibiotic IV for 6 weeks or so.  Home Health Care nurses will come to his house every day.  After 6-8 weeks or up to 3 months, he will have this dummy hip removed and another regular hip prothesis put in.  He won't be able to work (he'll be on an unpaid leave) or drive during any of this time.  He will be well taken care of by his wife and son, even though they both work and won't be at home during the day.  I live a little over an hour away, so I won't be able to go help out very often, but I will go when needed, of course.
He is frustrated, of course, and is just ready for this whole ordeal to be over and done!! 
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

On another note..............I have been knitting.  I have finished another sweater.  It turned out to be bigger than I thought it would.  I'm not sure if it will fit the granddaughter I was making it for or not.  I'll get pictures later today.  I have started on a little crocheted cardigan for the 6 month old.  It has taken me a while to figure out the pattern, which looks so simple!  But, I think I have it figured out, now.
I'm also working on some Valentine gifts.  I'm not making outfits for the grands this year.  I figure the 10 year old wouldn't want to wear something like that to school anyway.  The 8 and 5 year olds can wear hand-me-down outfits that I've made in the past.  It's hard to make a Valentine outfit for a little boy that doesn't look too girly, so the boys can just wear red that day.  The two out in AZ have their Christmas dresses which can double as Valentine dresses.  The collar on Lil'E's is reversible.  The other side has a Christmas motif.  This is worn with a red gingham dress.
 The green ribbon can be taken out and worn with just he red and white smocking on this little red gingham dress.
But, I am making something for all of the grands and their moms and dads.  I hope I get done.  I haven't been working as quickly as I used to for some reason.  I am just not as motivated since Mother died.
I am thinking about Easter clothing, too!

8 comments:

ShirleyC said...

I'm glad to hear that he did well. I hope this method works out and he heals quickly.

Jocelyn said...

Hoping all works out for your brother. Love the reversible collar.

MushyWear said...

Very encouraging to hear the surgery went well. Hope your projects come together in time. I am certain they are darling.

Kim said...

I hope this is the last time your poor brother has to go through all of this. I can imagine it is getting harder and harder for him to be immobilized also- I will keep him in my prayers- both for a perfect recovery and strength to hang in there until he is healed again. I think it is normal to have a period of adjusting after last year Julia. Give it time and don't worry about rushing it- you gave your wonderful Mom a lot of care and so you have not only a loss to grieve for, but also a loss of that purpose of taking care of her. Sending you hugs- I can't wait to see your latest knitting. xxxooo ♥

KID, MD said...

I'm so glad the surgery went smoothly, although I can imagine how frustrating it will be for him to be immobile. Virtual hugs and my prayers to you!

Claudia said...

Dear Julia,

I am so happy to hear that your brother came through the surgery and is now starting the healing process. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep knitting - it will help ease your worries.

xo
Claudia

Donna said...

Dear Julia, I'm so sorry your brother has to go through all of this. I'll be praying for a quick recovery! I know how hard this must be on you too and pray that the Lord will hold you up as you help with your brother and deal with all the stresses involved in this situation.

I wanted to tell you that I'm going to be talking about you on my post today. :o) I'm here to borrow a few photos of your beautiful work. :o)

xo
Donna @ Comin' Home

Donna said...

The knitted sweaters are so gorgeous! As usual--I'm just amazed. You are so skilled and do such lovely work. :o)

Favorite Posts

big list of sewing blogs

Big list of Sewing blogs - I'm in, are you?
I'm listed in the big list of sewing blogs Sponsors Advertise on sewing-blogs.com
Julias Sew Sweet
How to Sew
Place your vote for Julias Sew Sweet and find more How to Sew at Seamingly.com.










Attitude of Gratitude Award