Parent's Weekend

As you all know, I spent the weekend back in Springfield and missed a few updates. But Jerid's mommy was with him and here's what she had to say...


I wanted to update everyone from my end...since Rick and I spent the weekend with Jerid. Friday he went to surgery at approx. 3:00 pm. Rick and I arrived at the hospital at 10:00. We finally got to see Jerid at 12:00 and stayed till 2:00.He was sitting up looking pretty good for all that he had been through. As far as the procedure...there was a pool of infection in his chest...they had to open him, (AGAIN) clean out the "hole", and pull the pectoral muscle over to close up the hole. He was stapled and then had running stitches down each side of the incision about an inch or so out. Very weird looking.

Saturday was a good day. No real complaints...except for a little tingling sensation on his chin and around his mouth. And he was starting to itch (always his reaction to narcotics). Also no bowel movement ..so laxatives started again.

Sunday when we arrived...he didn't look so good...he had a rough night with pain....they had taken him off of the IV pain killer and put him on oral pain killers. He said the tingling wasn't as intense...but was spreading, he had little taste and his coordination was off. The doc checked him out... thought it could have been the antibiotic for the bacteria in the blood that was causing it. He checked the side effects and it listed all of his symptoms. Then the infectious disease doc came in, he wasn't so sure that was it, so he wanted a neurologist to check him. So we haven't heard yet about that. He only has one chest tube left...yeh!!!! still has 3 bulbs in from the last surgery. So I'm sure Marin will update you once she sees him tonight. He hasn't had the anxiety...but is getting frustrated..So we have sweet Annie back with us...what a joy she is. Thank all of you for caring so much, helping Marin, and praying and dancing for Jerid...Please don't stop. Love to all of you, Rose


So that was Mama Rose's weekend with Jerid. I got to the hospital around 9:15 tonight. Jerid was definitely down. He's just so used to getting better quickly and he can't seem to come to terms with the fact that this was a HUGE deal and the healing process is not supposed to go smoothly.

We are very happy to be together again though. Being apart was harder than I thought it would be. He started ordering me around the minute I got in the room and didn't stop till I left. I had to trade in my mommy hat for my nurse hat on the plane somewhere over Pittsburgh...

The neurologist came in while I was in there and did a whole bunch of tests on Jerid. He had to remember words and do math (it was really hard! even I couldn't do some of it) and point and follow fingers and what not. She said that he did really good and doesn't suspect stroke or anything like that. She said that it might possibly be a common reaction to one of the immunosupressents. I assume the docs will get together and chat and then get back to us.

I brought my camera back and have to get a picture of Jerid's chest. It's crazy weird how they sewed him up. Must share!

Just a side note: The wedding was beautiful, the bride was stunning and of course, Annalise was the best little flower girl ever! We had a great time and wish Jason & Jennie the best of luck for a wonderful life together. Thanks for including Annie and I in your special day and congratulations!