24 hours following Jenny's surgery, things are going well, praise God! Her 4-hour surgery was performed by Dr. John Ingari and an assisting plastic surgeon, who was one of five chosen to work with his surgical group for five years (a prestigious honor).
Dr. Ingari removed an egg-sized section of skin and tissue below (the thickness o thumb) plus the Radial artery and a vein. Two other arteries took over the function of the removed artery. He then transplanted the skin and blood vessels to the top of her foot over the unhealed area. Another incision was made to insert the artery and vein inside her foot. Meanwhile the other plastic surgeon closed her arm wound (an 8-inch incision). Her foot was bandaged with a "soft cast" of foam and wraps (about 10 inches across) that her male nurse jokingly called a turban wrap (he said Dr. Ingari did this in Iraq).
The doctor comes twice a day, and the nurses check hourly for her pulse in the foot, which indicates whether the artery is pumping blood to the vein and blood vessels whih help heal the skin tissue. Each time they have found a very strong pulse there, so we're very thankful for this progress. The first four days are critical that the transplant is not rejected. The doctor joked, "You are mine for 7 days!"
It's truly a miracle that this procedure could be done and that we were able to have Dr. Ingari do it, as he is in high demand here. God has truly worked through the St. Louis and Chicago doctors to lead us here abd allow the ease of arranging for this surgery.
I am staying at a Best Western hotel nearby with breakfast provided. I'll be at the hospital from about 7:15-9:30 each day, and will make short runs for meals as thre is no food service for families. I'm enjoying some extra reding, especially from Max Lucado's "3-16". We both caught up on some needed rest today.
The hospital is a smaller one more like a recuperation center, with 37 private rooms. We are across from the single nurses' station. The medical staff is excellent - no crabby nurses here!
Today they removed Jenny's catheter, to reduce risk of infection. She moved to a lighter pain medication, has a blood thinner and medication to promote good blood circulation. Her spirits are up and she's enjoying a daily surprise gift from her co-workers. A big thank you to her JA friends!
Each day we reflect on the many blessings we have experienced through this - your prayers, calls and expressions of love have made a huge difference. It has also been very helpful to have her laptop computer in the room.
In the words of Jenny, "It is our utmost hope that God wlll use all of this for His glory as others witness joy and peace in the jidst of challenging times. We are positive, confident and abiding in God's grace for the weeks ahead."
Thank you to all for your caring hearts!
"For I will restore health to you...says the Lord." Jeremiah 30:17
Love,
Gretchen Eickhorst for Jenny
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