Jake had a pretty good day. The doctor made his rounds very early in the morning and took the ace bandages off of Jake's legs to let the incisions "air" out. His legs were still unwrapped when I arrived--the incisions look really good and there is the possibility of them removing the staples (not the stitches) on his right leg this week. The doctor told him that it would be another week or so before they take the stitches out of both legs. He also understands the pain/discomfort that Jake is experiencing with the new placement of the pillows, but he gently told Jake that he needs to hold on for another couple of days and that he promises that it will get better. The doctor also changed his oral pain medications so that he can get relief and not get so nauseous. Tonight will be the first time on this new medication--sure hope it works!
Matt came up for PT and really worked Jake's legs. He measured the bend in his knees and right now, Jake can bend his right leg to 45-50 degrees. The left leg is still struggling with the bending, but it's getting stronger. He also measured the straightness of his legs (legs stretched out straight in front on the bed). Their goal is to get the legs to a zero. Both of his knees are about a -1. Which means, they are not as straight as they want, but pretty close. A goal has been set by Matt--that by the end of the week, Jake will be sitting on the edge of his bed with both legs hanging off the side of the bed--knees bent. Jake just laughed at this goal, but Matt is determined to help Jake reach it. :) Jake told Matt that he (Matt) needed a haircut and with him being an officer, that he wasn't setting a good example to everyone. Matt made a bet with Jake. If he does not have his hair cut when he comes in to work on Jake's legs tomorrow, he will do 50 push-ups for Jake. They are not the normal push-ups either--they will be some form of military ones. We will see what happens!
The wife and the mother of one of the injured soldiers came in again to visit Jake. He loves these visits from them! His face lights up with a smile when he sees them come through the door. He also appreciates the updates that they give about her husband.
He was also happy to see that Scooter returned back to the ward. :) His owner and Jake talked for a bit and Scooter stood by Jake to receive the petting and attention that he loves. :) He even brought his ball into Jake's room tonight to play. Scooter decided to leave his owner's bedside for a bit and go visit some of the other wounded soldiers on the ward. :) What a great dog!
Jake wanted to get into his chair again--he gets more relief and comfort with his legs in his chair right now that he hasn't been getting these past two days in his bed. He got so comfortable in his chair when we went outside to the courtyard, that he actually fell asleep while sitting in it. :) I couldn't resist taking a picture of him with my cell phone to show family.
It's good to see the progression in his healing process. Each little step he takes, each day his legs get stronger and he is able to do more for himself is a blessing. :)
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