Dad's Out of Surgery (Tuesday Afternoon)

Dad was not able to go back for surgery until around noon today. He just came out of the OR. Here is the update:

Dr. Roberts says that he feels the surgery was successful. They put a plate in to stabilize his pelvis. The doctors said he would have liked to put a plate in that was a little larger, but because of the bladder injury they were limited by the size of the incision. They do feel as though all the breaks have been corrected and that the pelvis will heal on its own. Although there were hopes of removing the external fixator, the doctors decided that it will need to remain in place for 4-6 weeks (which is better than the initial prediction of three months).

They stitched Dad’s bladder up while he was in surgery. They feel good about the repair that was done.

Dad will be back in ICU shortly. There are still questions revolving around long term damage. There is a possibility of nerve damage in Dad’s lower back, as well as effects that the trauma could have had on his brain. These concerns cannot be addressed until Dad is awake and able to participate in tests assessing his condition. We do not have any indication that there is long term damage, but because of the injuries it is certainly a possibility. Please pray that God would work in his body and that there will be no long term damage. Our prayer is that Dad will be able to make a 100% recovery.

Justin continues to improve. He is looking forward to seeing his dad. There is a possibility of that happening this week.

The risk of infection is ever present after surgery. Dad still has pneumonia and blood clots. Please pray for healing to continue in his body.

The doctors cannot give a timeline for him waking up, but they are hopeful that it will happen quicker than the last surgery. Please continue to keep Dad and our family in your prayers.


Here is a web album of the Explorer Dad and Justin had their wreck in:

Dad and Justin's Car Wreck