Friday, November 28th

Pai was released from hospital on November 18th.  He is doing well!  Thank God!  Electrolytes are back to normal.  

Yesterday, marked 3 months from the surgery.  After 3 months, wound is still healing, but almost completely healed.  We have all been patient knowing wound will heal in God's timing and not ours.  

Pai will meet with a new Prosthetist next week for the first time.  Hopefully, the meeting will go well and we can move forward with Pai getting fitted for Prosthesis.  

"God, I pray for healing to Pai's wound.  That it heals soon, so that he can get back to living a normal life again.  Pai has been so patient.  Thank you for taking away the pain and that Pai has not needed pain medicine for weeks now.  Thank you for helping Pai recover for the low sodium episode.  Help us to make the right decisions regarding any new meds, so that Pai doesn't have anymore serious side effects again.  In Jesus Name, AMEN!" 

Thursday, November 13th

It has been quite sometime since I have written.  I guess I haven't written because there hasn't been anything too new to report.  Pai's wound has been healing.  We are getting closer and closer for him to be ready to be fitted for Prosthetic.

Big change...Last night, Pai was not himself.  He became confused and disoriented.  Mae and Val called 911. Ambulance transported him to hospital.

Long story short...his sodium level is low causing confusion and memory loss.  He is being treated at the hospital.  Doctors are working to get his sodium level back to normal.  It appears that the low sodium level may be the side effect of a new medicine.

I saw Pai this evening.  He is almost non-responsive.  The sedative he is being given contribute to the non-responsiveness.  It is extremely difficult for me to see my dad in this state.  I talk to him, but I am unsure if he knows it's me.

When I arrived in his room, he was praying quietly to himself over and over again.  "Holy Mary, Full of Grace..."  Pai has a strong faith in God.  He was praying faithfully.

"God...please help Pai get back to normal again.  I pray for continued healing and recovery from whatever is causing the sodium to drop.  I pray that the sodium level goes back to normal safely.  I pray for the Doctors to make the right decision for Pai.  In Jesus Name, AMEN!"

Tuesday, October 28th

Pai continues to heal.  He is doing well, but pain is still present.  Some days are better than others, but overall the pain meds are helping.  Some days he takes more pain med than on other days.   The wound is still healing, 2 months later.  Hard to believe the amputation took place 2 months ago yesterday.  I predict it will take at least 2 more weeks for scab from incision to fall off and for Pai to be ready for Prosthesis.  I have a feeling it may take another 3 to 4 weeks before Pai has the Prosthesis.

He says he is doing well mentally and emotionally.  Pai understands that this is a process and healing cannot be rushed.

God has been so good to us.  I am reminded every day of God's Greatness.  I have been trusting in Him that He will make all things right for Pai.  This whole experience with Pai has strengthened my faith.

Sean and I pray for Pai (and others) each morning at breakfast.  It's been so wonderful to hear Sean pray for Avo's healing and "new foot".  There is power in prayer.  And God is answering our prayers!

"Thank You God for all you are doing in our lives...Thank You for loving us and taking care of us."

Tuesday, October 21st

Pai had a good night's sleep.  Some nights he sleeps well, other nights, not so well.  He isn't taking over-the-counter sleep aide any longer.  Most days, he looks good, rested and healthy even though he is still in pain.   He didn't take any pain medicine for a week, but then last Saturday, he started again.  He still needs it.  I am hoping and praying that Pai will no longer need pain medicine.  I am praying for a pain free and comfortable life for Pai.  I know that there are "normal" aches and pains from simply getting old, but I am hoping outside of the "normal" aches and pains, Pai will one day (very soon) be pain free.  That would be awesome!  I know I serve a Big God and that all things are possible.  I will continue to pray.

Sean and I pray together before breakfast and we always pray for Avo (Pai).  When Sean leads in prayer, he remembers to pray for Avo.  "I pray for Avo's doi doi (owie) to get better."    It's awesome to hear my 3 year old son pray for his Grandpa.

We are still waiting for Pai's wound to heal before he is ready for the next step (no pun intended).  Next...being cast for a Prosthetic.

Thursday, October 16th

Good news...Pai hasn't taken any pain medicine since last Saturday night.  He's still feeling some pain, but not enough to take medicine.

There isn't really a lot to report, except that the home nurse is no longer coming to their home and the Physical and Occupational Therapist also stopped recently.  The therapists both had good things to report about Pai.  The PT thinks after Pai gets the Prosthetic, he will be able to walk without support of a walker or cane.  That would be great, but we will wait and see how things go.

Pai will begin OT and PT again after he receives the Prosthetic.  

We are still waiting on Pai's wound to heal and for the scab to fall off before he gets the Prosthetic.

We are simply waiting at this point.  It may be a few more weeks before Pai is up and walking.

"God, Thank you for taking care of Pai.  I know you have it all under control.  I pray for Pai's continued healing.  In Jesus Name, Amen!"

Monday, October 6th

Pai's wound is healing gradually.  Some of the scab from the incision is beginning to fall off, but Pai may still have a few weeks before he is healed well enough for the Prosthetic.  I was told everyone heals differently. 

His pain is lessening, but it's still not gone.  He remains on pain medicine. 

The OT and PT will have their final home visits this week.  The PT said that Pai will continue with Physical Therapy after he gets the Prosthetic, in the meantime he will continue to do his exercises at home. 

Pai continues to wear the shrinker to help compress and heal his limb. 

His state of mind appears to be positive.  Mae is helping him, but also letting him do things for himself.  The goal is for Pai to be as independent as possible, but this will take time. 

The Physical Therapist said Pai is a good patient and that he thinks that after Pai gets the Prosthetic leg, he will be able to walk without any support from a walker or cane.  That was good news.  We will hope for the best.

Friday, October 3rd

Pai is continuing to heal and get Occupational and Physical Therapy.  He is doing really good getting around on the walker at home.

He is still taking pain medicine, but the pain from the amputation is lessening.  Pai is sleeping better with the help of an over the counter sleep aide.

Pai's attitude and state of mind appear to be good.  He is starting to want to get outdoors more. Pai mentioned getting out solo in the wheel chair for a stroll in the neighborhood.

"Things" seem to be getting better as Pai continues to heal.  I am getting used to the fact that my dad is now an "Amputee".  It's a process...getting to the point of acceptance.

God is good and will continue to take care of Pai.

"God, I pray for Pai's continued healing and recovery.
I pray for the right persons to be placed in Pai's life to help him on his road to recovery...Prosthetist,  Doctors, Therapists, etc.  I pray for Pai's continued body strength and positive state of mind."

Wednesday, October 1st

I saw Pai tonight.  He had a good night's sleep last night, so he looked rested.

Occupational Therapist spent some time with him yesterday.
The home visits with OT will be coming to an end soon.  I know Pai will continue with OT and PT outside the home, but unsure what that "looks" like yet.

Pai will receive his last home visit from the Nurse tomorrow.
The wound is healing....slowly, but surely.  We are waiting for the scab to fall off before Pai will be ready for Prosthetic Leg

Monday, September 29th

Pai said he slept better last night.  He took a nap this afternoon too.  Nothing too new to report.  We are waiting on the scab from the incision to heal and fall off, so that Pai can be fitted for Prosthetic leg.  He continues to wear shrinker.

Pai continues on pain meds.  It's been over 1 month since the amputation.  I asked Pai if the pain is less, he answered, of course it is better, but not gone yet.

Pai continues to do his Occupational Therapy exercises.

He seems to be in a good state of mind.

"God, I pray for healing for Pai's incision.  I pray that the scab dry up and fall off.  I pray for Pai to feel better and for the pain to go away."
In Jesus Name, AMEN!

Friday, September 26th

Today Pai had a visit from the Physical Therapist.  I don't know too much about the appointment, but Pai said it went well and he likes working with the PT.

Pai has decided to continue on his pain med.  He did need it early this morning in the middle of the night and he is going to take it as needed.  I think he is going to stop trying to "stick it out" without pain med.  He is realizing he still needs it.

Today was a good day.  I am looking forward to the weekend.

Thursday, September 25th

Today Pai had a few visits.  The Occupational Therapist worked with Pai this morning  and is encouraging Pai to be more active.  Tonight when I arrived,  he was up and using the walker.

Pai also went the entire day today without pain medicine.  He is really trying not to need it, but I think he may need some to help him sleep tonight.

I asked him this morning if he slept last night.  It sounded like he had a better night's sleep.  

He had a visit from the RN.  I believe during her visits, she checks his blood pressure and cleans and wraps the incision area.

Susan, the Prosthetist  also dropped by to see Pai and check the incision.  She told Mae it looks better than last week.

Pai looked good tonight.

My day was good, but this evening it took a turn for the worse.  Wish I could say every day is a good day for me, but that would be a down right lie.  Someone once said, "If you never have a bad day, how would you know what a good day looks like."

"God, I pray for Pai's continued recovery.   Help me to believe that You are in control of Pai's life and mine and remind me that I have absolutely nothing to fear because You are Great!  Help me to remember Your Greatness every moment."

Wednesday, September 24th

Pai was expecting a visit today from the Physical Therapist, but he was not able to make it.

He is still having trouble sleeping.  When I asked him today, why he thinks he isn't sleeping well during the night, he said it's because of the pain.  Pain medicine helps, but he continues to be somewhat uncomfortable because wound is still healing.

Pai looked good tonight.  His color is good, cheeks rosy.  He did take a nap during the day today without any sleep aide.  Hopefully, he will get a good night's sleep tonight.

The incision is looking better and beginning to heal more.

Mae has been instructed to wash the shrinker a couple of times a week.  It needs to be hand washed and hung dry.  It takes a while, so Pai stopped wearing the shrinker for about 24 hours.  Susan, the Prosthetist plans on ordering another shrinker, but she wanted to wait because she knows Pai's leg will shrink and he will need another size shrinker.

Overall for me, it's been a good week.  I am doing my best to stay in the present and not in the "scary" future.  Trusting God along the way.  God has Pai's journey under control.  I have to remind myself that I can get out of God's way and He doesn't need my help.  This whole experience is strengthening my faith in God. If only I could surrender ALL to Him.

Tuesday, September 23rd

Today Pai had a visit from the Occupational Therapist.  She spent a good amount of time with Pai teaching him to do some exercises.  She is trying to help him strengthen his muscles to prepare his body for the Prosthetic.

Pai still had a difficult time sleeping last night, but was able to get some rest and sleep today.  I didn't have much time to chat with him today, but he seems to be doing well.

Taking life one day at at time and doing my best to trust God with All.  It's not easy, but I am trying to Let Go of trying to take charge and control of so many areas of my life and Pai's life.  Life goes so much smoother if only, I would Let God do His job.

I love you Pai.  I believe at the end of this journey with God's help you will be walking with the Prosthetic and be independent again.

Monday, September 22nd

I saw Pai briefly this morning when I dropped off Sean.  He was well, but he is having a difficult time sleeping due to the pain.  Wound is still healing of course, which is why he continues to be in some pain.  Doctor suggested an over-the-counter sleep aide.  We will see if it helps him tonight to have a better night's sleep.  He will begin with one tablet and increase to two tomorrow night if needed.

The RN stopped by today at their home to check on Pai's wound.  It was a little red when she saw it last, but looked better today.

Pai continues to wear the shrinker sock.  It appears to be working because the sock is getting looser which leads me to believe his leg is shrinking.  This is a good sign, swelling is going down. Leg continues to shrink to normal size and preparing for Prosthetic leg.

I had a good day today and I am feeling incredibly blessed for this good day.  Yesterday's sermon helped me to Let Go and Let God today and it feels really good to be trusting God.

Sunday, September 21st

Tonight, Pai was resting when I arrived at their home.  He looked good.  He looked healthy.  His color was good and his cheeks were rosy.  He didn't appear to be in a lot of pain.  Pai has not requested any pain medicine today.  He may need to request some tonight, but didn't need it today.

His wound is healing.  The PA said that the black scabs from the incision should eventually fall off and then we should see beautiful skin.  Until then, he will not be ready for the Prosthetic.  We need to be patient.

Pai appears to be in a good mental and emotional state.

Steve, Sean and I attended church this AM.  The sermon was really good and it exactly what I needed to hear.  The topic was "God is Great, I don't have to be in control."  It was a really good reminder and exactly what I needed to hear, especially as Pai goes through his journey.  I need to trust that God has this handled and I can step back and Let God take care of Pai.  And I need to trust God with the outcome.  I need to remember that I have absolutely no control in this situation. God is in control of Pai and his life here on earth.

Saturday, September 20th

Today the Physical Therapist visited Pai at home.  I was told the visit was short, but went well.  PT had Pai walk with the walker at home.

I stopped by to see Pai briefly.  He and Mae were in a good mood when I arrived.  They were both singing a Portuguese song together.

Pai will continue to wear the shrinker daily.  When his leg shrinks to his normal size, Susan, the Prosthetist will move on to the next step of getting Pai ready for Prosthetic.

 

Friday, September 19th

Today, Pai had a visit from the Nurse at home.  I wasn't present, but from what I heard from my Mom, the visit went well.  The nurse cleaned his wound and changed the bandage.  Unsure of what else was done, but I assume all went well.  

Pai was trying to take only extra strength Tylenol for the pain during the day, but it's not working very well, so he has decided to continue taking the more potent pain medicine.

Great news!  Susan, the Prosthetist stopped by today and placed the shrinker sock on Pai.  This is one of the first steps in getting his leg ready for the Prosthetic.  I know it will be a long process, but I am so looking forward to Pai walking again.

I stopped by to see him this evening after work and he said he was in less pain.  He believes it may be due to the compression from the shrinker sock that may be helping with the pain.

For me, today was a good day overall, but I had some difficult moments emotionally and mentally.  I know there is hope at the end of Pai's journey, but I can't help but feel overwhelmed and scared at times.

So far Pai has had a positive attitude through all this and he knows the right decision was made by amputating, but it's still difficult for me to see him going through this.

The purpose of this blog is to share with friends and family Pai's progress, but I will need to share my feelings from time to time...blog will also be used as a journal for me to share my thoughts and feelings as I/we go on this journey with Pai.

I pray that God help Pai through this journey and that God gives him the strength physically and mentally to walk again with a Prosthetic.  I also pray I have more faith in God to believe that He will help my Pai through this.

Thursday, September 18th

Today, Pai had an appointment with the Vascular Surgeon's PA.  She removed the remaining stitches/staples.  She also communicated with the chosen Prosthetic company.

Pai is now ready for the first step in preparing for the prosthetic, getting measured for the shrinker sock.   A shrinker sock is a compression sock worn to reduce swelling and shape the limb.  Susan from the Prosthetic company stopped by home to measure Pai's leg.

Pai also had a home visit from the Occupational Therapist today.  Visit went well.  She showed him how to use the walker to get from point A to point B.

Pai seems to be managing his pain.  He was told he can take Tylenol instead of other types of pain meds.  He only takes pain medicine when he absolutely needs it.  We would like for him to ask for it before the pain gets too severe.

We keep hearing how important it is to keep the left leg straight.  Pai tends to want to bend his knee.   Bending the knee is more comfortable for him when he is in pain and the PA said it is also a way of him protecting it.  Keeping his leg straight and not bending the knee will help when he learns to walk with the Prosthetic.

Wednesday, September 17th

Today, Pai was visited at home by a nurse.  Val was there to assist with paperwork and everything else involved.  Mae was there too, but it was super helpful for Val to be there especially with translating English to Portuguese.  Nurse examined Pai, checked wound and reviewed meds.  She'll be back for another visit on Friday.

We have been researching Prosthetic Companies, one that will be the best fit for Pai (no pun intended).    It will be a life long relationship moving forward, so the right choice will need to be made.  In the process of making a decision.

I saw Pai after work today.  He appears to be doing well, but continues to be in pain.  Wound is still healing. It will take some time before he is pain free, but he has a positive state of mind and attitude.  His strong faith in God is helping him through this.  The  pain from the amputation is more bearable than the pain due to lack of blood flow he was living with prior to amputation.

Pai comes home from Rehab Facility

Today was an exciting day for our family.   Pai came home from the rehab facility!  It is so awesome have him home with Mae.  Pai's surgery was August 27th, 2014.  He had been living with pain in his left foot for quite some time due to lack of blood flow.  The decision was made to amputate half of his lower left leg. Vascular Surgeon performed surgery.  Pai left the hospital on August 29th and entered a rehab facility near home where he has been receiving physical and occupational therapy.

He came home today...now for a new life without his lower left leg and preparing for a prosthetic leg in the near future.

The journey begins....
Stay tuned.