The Long and Winding Road (to recovery)

James is now three weeks post surgery and well down the Long and Winding Road to recovery.  James had his second appointment with Dr. Brock on Thursday, the day before Yesterday.  Dr. Brock reported that James' scar looked good and released James to return to school as soon as we are ready.  We will start the planning process for that with James' school next week.  It will be Something that he is very excited about.

With all of his means of communications, James has made it clear to me that he is "tired of going Nowhere Man," and that he was ready to get out.  So last week he had several outings including two trips to Memorial City Mall where he a got a Ticket to Ride the carousel and had lots of fun cruising around saying "Hello, Goodbye" to everyone he met.  Last night James got some Help from his attendant Sesime and his Grandma to go to a concert of banjo players which he loved.

So we are making progress, but we still have a ways to go and could use your prayers.  James has been losing weight and his button is still leaking some which means we have to limit the quantities of Ensure he receives.  We have increased the dosage for the medication James is receiving for this and are praying for some improvement and that We Can Work It Out.   Also, James is still not interested in eating orally.  If he did eat orally, that would obviously help the weight situation, so we need prayer in that area too.  Finally, please continue to pray for James' back to heal.  That's a three-month to one-year process and we would really appreciate your prayers that the healing would continue and that James' pain would be reduced.

Thanks for all your support and prayers.  We are confident of God's help and know too that we will get by With a Little Help From Our Friends.

Grandma and James at the banjo concert. They didn't enjoy it at all as you can tell... ha 

Looking good! Weekend outing. Maybe I'll eat some pizza. Maybe not.

James would much rather explore than eat. 

Where does the water come from? And where does it go?

Making Progress

James has been busy.  A couple of doctor visits this week, two new attendants trained, trips to Memorial City Mall, Kroger & Target, and driving his wheelchair around the neighborhood have kept him from going crazy at home.  He wants to leave the house every day and we take that as a good sign.

His two trips to Texas Children's to see his g-tube doctor finally paid off with a good explanation as to why James' g-tube button is leaking so much.  His whole digestive system has slowed down and his stomach isn't emptying out like it should resulting in major button leakage.  A new smaller g-tube button and medicine for the stomach will hopefully solve this issue.  All other systems are working well now.

James back is healing well.  He still has a fair amount of pain when transferring from his chair to bed.  He's on extra strength Tylenol every 4 hours with Benadryl to sleep (PTL!).

Mom & Dad are doing well, especially with all the meals being provided by their church family.  Thanks!

Prayer requests:

James' back pain to decrease, especially when transferring
Back brace to fit comfortably and to stay in proper position
Good results from visit to Dr. Brock on Thursday
James will start eating orally and not lose weight in the process

Loving his trip to Memorial Mall with Sesime

Finally--my rents let me out on the open road!

James and his sister play a game - bike v. power wheelchair 

Work that smile!

Profile shot. Obviously, the surgery has had no negative impact on James' hair.

 Watch out, brosky!

Running away from the bike!

What up. 

out and about

heya everybody! this is gonna be a quick one.

James is doing okay but he's not the happiest camper in the world right now. He's been out and about to Target and just left for the store, but usually he's kind of torn between his love of driving and exploring and his pain and feeling uncomfortable. Be praying that the rest of the incision in his back heals and that the appointment with his GI tube doctor goes well tomorrow. Big thanks to Grandpa for hanging with us these past few days. His help has really been invaluable. And of course, thanks to all for your prayers and concern.

Driving strategizing

Almost as tall as Grandpa!

Glad to be driving, but no super comfortable yet

Life with a straight back -- the grass might seem greener on the other side

Hello friends! So James has been home for a couple of days now and the transition has not been a cake walk. Mom and Dad are doing their very best to meet James' every need and that keeps them very busy. From administering pain meds to rotating James' position regularly to monitoring a very leaky G-tube button, life at home hasn't necessarily been easier. But we've been so blessed with visits from friends, meals delivered, and best of all, a visit from James' Grandpa (a.k.a. James' #1 charmer extraordinaire). Emotionally, James has had his ups an down.  Last night (Wednesday) James hit a point where he seemed upset and frustrated by his limited movement and maybe confused as to why his back operates differently than usual. While James' straight back will benefit him in countless ways, there's going to be a period of adjustment while he is healing, and we are praying that James won't get too frustrated or mad during the process.

Today was a better day though.  James has been cheerful for most of the day and was exuberant  when he saw his Grandpa walk in.  He was also glad to receive a visit from his friend Madison Stone (known to his friends as "Cool Hand Luke") and Madison's mom Sonya (known to her friends as "Cool Hand Luke's Mom).  Also, James had his first follow up with Dr. Brock.  The x-rays showed a perfectly aligned spine with all the hardware still in the right place.  Needless to say, Dr. Brock was very pleased with James'  progress.  James also got a new front half of his brace, and it looks like it will be an improvement.   The hole for the g-tube button has been moved, and we are hoping that will help reduce the leaking from the button.  We shall see what happens on that front.

Enthralled with Grandpa-- or at least Grandpa's hat

Hanging out with the fam

Oh so interested in football.... not! 

HOME AT LAST!!!

James Parker is home at last.  About 5 P.M., Dr. Brock called to tell us that we could come home tonight or come home tomorrow.  We chose tonight, got through the discharge process really fast and left the hospital about 6:45.  We got home at 7:30 and set about establishing our new "normal." Taking care of James will be a big job for the next three months, with new lifting techniques, a back brace to manipulate, pain meds to give and a new way of doing just about everything we do with him.  The critical healing process will be done in about three months, and after that things will hopefully be back to normal.

Thanks so much for all your prayers.  The Parkers really feel that God took care of James and has some more work for him to do.   Please continue to pray for James' digestive system to start functioning at full capacity, that his retching will stop, that James' pain would ease and that he would really start enjoying life again.

We would also like to say thanks to Dr. David Brock, James' surgeon who worked so hard to straighten James' spine and who cared about both the patient and the result.  (How many surgeons give out their cell phone number and then send a text to us asking if we got home OK?)  We are very thankful for Dr. Brock, and he stated on more than one occasion how much he appreciated all of your prayers for James and for him.  Thanks as well to the great nurses in the Pediatric ICU unit at Hermann Children's hospital.  James' received great care.

A Bit of a Setback

Good afternoon.  James is still in the hospital this afternoon due to a slight setback involving his digestive system.  Last night,  James started retching and that has continued into this morning.  Due to a surgical procedure James had in 2003, James does not throw up.   Instead, he retches when he is having stomach difficulties.    Dr. Brock (James' surgeon) saw James this morning and he DOES NOT believe this is a manifestation of the surgical risk he warned us us about (with GI organs being displaced by the surgery).  Since James has had a bowel movement , and his bowels are making sounds, Dr. Brock feels like everything is functioning. Instead, the retching is likely the result of constipation and James' need for some additional bowel movements.  He has had one more this morning and we are continuing to work on that.  Also, he has solved his number one problem.

The result of all this is that we are not sure that we are going home today.  We don't want to go if James is still retching, so we will watch and wait and keep you posted.  Please pray for James' comfort this afternoon and his ability to get some sleep as he has not been sleeping much at night.  Please pray as well for stamina for Renee and me, especially for Renee and she was up a lot last night with James.    We will let you know what we are doing as soon as we know.

P(ee) is for Prayer

When Dr. Brock told us that we might go home tomorrow, he also told us that we had to solve two problems:  a number one problem and a number two problem.  We have solved the number two problem but not the number one problem.  We've tried to give James help with this number one problem.  Kevin told him some really funny jokes but to no avail.  We sang:  "This gland is your gland, this gland is my gland from the the red corpuscle to the golden urine."  Still, nothing.  We did some other things too, but  nothing has worked.  So pray that James will be able to solve his number one problem.

This afternoon we had some visitors - Jose & Valerie Perez, Dave Edwards and Ina & Laurie Graham.    We did not ask them to solve any of these problems, other than to ask them what we are asking you, that is to pray for the solution of James' number one problem. 

Pray tonight that James and Renee will sleep well....and that that our return home (hopefully tomorrow) will proceed smoothly. 

QUITE A SHOCKER!!!!

Looks like we may be going home tomorrow.  Dr. Brock came by today and removed James' wound dressing and wound drain.  They  have also removed the epidural and other necessary attachments so that the James is completely wire-free.  As a result, Dr. Brock says that we don't really need to be here any longer and that as soon as James has a bowel movement, we will be coming home.  That will probably be TOMORROW.  That has us scrambling but we are very grateful to God that James has done so well. Dr. Brock also stated that we have passed the risky time for internal organ displacement and that the only significant risk factor which is still "out there" is infection which can still occur at any time within the first couple of weeks after surgery.  James also transferred to the wheelchair today which was still a little tough.  We hope it gets easier now that he is no longer attached to so may wires.

Prayers:

Thanks to God for James'  great recovery;

That our effective and comfort level in transferring James would increase.  We have had significant help from the physical therapist both times.  We need to learn to do it solo.

That we can get our home care lined up well for James;

That James would have a bowel movement;

Thanks for your prayers and support.

Two Holleys, two Monsons and some Brewers.

James is having a good afternoon.  After a long sleep to recover from sitting in his wheelchair this morning, James awoke to find his friends, Greg and Karin Monson, here with some balloons & a funny, singing card that brought a smile to James' face.  Let's just say he's feeling "butter." Also visiting were Mike and Renee Holley from the law firm.  After the first round of visitors left,  James watched the Sound of Music and we got a few chuckles from the yodel-le-he-hoo song.  Next, Thornton Brewer and his sister came to visit and visited with James.  Thornton thought James looked good and had lots of questions regarding the various tubes still connected to James.  Thornton is in James' 242 small group Bible study on Sunday nights and James was very glad to see him.  Now James is playing cards with Grandma after sitting up on his bed with his feet off the side for 10 minutes and seems to be in a pretty good mood. The back brace was rubbing James' arms to much and was modified late this afternoon to be more comfortable.  James has had a good day so far. 

Guess which one of us just had surgery?

James enjoying the card and his balloons--get WHALE soon! 

Sitting straight and tall! 

Getting up and around

James and Dad had a good night together without any complications (PTL!).  And this morning, James had a sponge bath and is now looking clean and healthy.  The pain doctor turned James' epidural off to see how he tolerates pain without it.

The physical therapist visited James this morning and he got up in his chair. It was his first time to get up and around and let's just say--it wasn't the most comfortable experience for him. Mom and Dad worked with the therapist to move James in the best way. But it's sort of tricky to not only keep his back straight, legs at a 90 degree angle, head straight up but also manage his catheter, wound drain, and epidural in the process. Talk about a recipe for disaster. Thankfully--it worked okay and we got him in the chair with minimal problems. He seemed uncomfortable and in pain while he sat in the chair, but that was sort of expected as it was his first time out of bed. We need to get him up later today, but we all just hate to see him in pain so it's difficult to feel real motivated to get him up. Oh well--let's not think about it until we have to do it again.

James is now exhausted from his little excursion into the hallways of the 9th floor and is sleeping very soundly.

Prayer requests:

* No infection and no fever today
* Continued pain management without his epidural
* Quick learning for mom and dad on moving James safely & protection for them and James
* Lower GI track start working
* Adjustments to chest brace so no arm impingement occurs
* Healing for James

Getting adjusted in the new chair--James always wants to bring his head up, which is not the best idea right now.

James' traveling, guitar-playing, song-sing troupe!

We will do about anything to make him smile right now.

Dad playing the two chords that he knows.

Fighting the drowsiness from those meds!

Strumming his own tune!

What a crazy day! Sleep, sleep and more sleep.

James has just received another visit from the doctor. Everything is still looking good and the doctor continues to be surprised by how well James is doing.  The removal of circulation hose, the leg circulation cuffs, and continual oxygen and IV fluids in combination with James receiving his first bolus of Ensure all indicate that he's moving in the right direction.


James got fitted for a brace that will go around his torso midday and will hopefully receive the brace tonight.  Other than the brace-fitting, the day has been uneventful. A wonderful lunch brought by our friend Mrs. Irby and a visit from the Lanier Law Firm's one and only Larry Wilson has helped the time pass and kept our spirits and nourishment up. 


KPP is staying tonight with James.  He's a little nervous, but he brought RISK and Road to Gettysburg to play with the nurses in order to take his mind off things. 


Just kidding! But you can be praying that he and James will have a quiet night. 


Prayer Requests:


James' back brace fitting well, fit comfortably and not give James any sores. That this brace will help protect James' back and help it heal properly


Prayers against infection


Transition to sitting up--with back brace---and sitting in the wheelchair


Pain management


Encouragement for James as he's frustrated and confused about what's going on. 

Sleep - It's great!

James and Renee` finally had some good sleep last night.  An egg crate on Mom's bed really makes a difference.  We like our new room and the nurses have been great.  James had a little drama in the night - his g-tube button leaked and mom & the nurses had to change the sheets and take his blood at 4am.  But all in all we got a lot of sleep - didn't wake up until 8:15am.  James is a little subdued this morning and has had his pain medicine.  He was running a little temp.  It may be due to being covered up with a blanket after changing the sheets.

Prayer requests:

* An INFECTION FREE recovery
* Able to receive some food today
* Lower GI start passing gas
* James able to sit up and get out of bed into a chair
* Pain control
* James have some happy moments and peace

Thanks for your prayers!  We love you!

Change of venue

James has been moved out of Pediatric ICU into Pediatric Intermediate Care, and his new Room No. is 964.  James's surgeon, Dr. Brock, came in around 6:15 and said he thought James was doing great. In fact, he said that James is doing better than many other of his scoliosis patients who had shorter surgeries.   One thing he said that has caused us concern is that he doesn't feel James' current wheelchair will work for his new body.  We are in the process of scrambling to get the parts needed to adjust James' chair and have it available asap (maybe by the end of next week).  He also said James could be lifted into a comfortable regular chair tomorrow but his head can not come forward or look down.  This will be very challenging.  James had a quiet evening in this new room - Room #964.

Prayer Requests:

James GI track status is still unknown.  James needs to start passing gas before he can receive nourishment which, in turn, will show us how the GI track is doing.

That the nurses will be able to move James into a sitting position without any problem.

Wheelchair parts and resolution of that situation quickly;

A good night's rest for James and Renee

Comfort for James and peace (as opposed to restlessness)

Thanks again for all the prayers, help and messages of encouragement.

You can't take the James Parker out of the boy

James has had a good day so far. He's still in ICU but is waiting to be transferred to an intermediate room when one becomes available. He'll probably be there for two or three days. James experienced pain this morning before his dose of pain medication (James crying is a sad sad sight), but after he received his meds, his spirits improved. The rest of the day has been spent laughing with Grandma, sleeping, watching movies and playing with his cards. Amy arrived late in the day after work and was very happy to finally see her brother. 


As far as his mood goes, James seems puzzled as to why he can't go and move as he wished. But he tolerates positioning in the bed very well. We are still waiting to see the surgeon and will have more info at that time.


Prayer Requests:


- Continued prayer for GI track and that James will soon be able to take ensure through his G-tube button
- Move to a regular room--so we can all be in the room with James--and that this move would go smoothly
- Peace for James with his limited mobility and understanding of what's happening to him. 
- Continued healing 


Thanks for tuning in!

Looking at the family photos Amy brought.

It's kind of sad to see him confused about what's going on, but man is he straight!

"Grandma--gimme that card!"

Playing with cards--- Man on a mission!

Conducting the orchestra!

It's a new day

James had a restful night after getting the breathing tube out.  It took some time adjusting to the leg cuffs and he still doesn't like them although they are necessary for circulation.  He's moving his legs and arms & turning his head from side to side.  I think he's been trying to get out of bed or wants me to help get him out.  The nurses have been helpful and nice.  I sleep okay.  It was nice to just be horizontal after such a long day.  Today James will be moved to a mid-level care unit and we'll see the doctor later in the day.  James seems to be managing in the pain well with an epidural and not lung or respiratory problems as of yet - yeah!  Keeping praying for lower GI track to resume function, healing, good pain tolerance, and for James to have peace and patience as he goes through the day.  Kevin and Grandma are on their way.  Have and blessed day and thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Surgery Details

James' surgery lasted 10 hours. Dr. Brock said that he hadn't performed a 10 hour spinal fusion in ten years. It was hard going until about 3:30 p.m., but then, according to Dr. Brock, things started fitting together better and the surgery started going well. James' bones were unexpectedly thin and difficult to manage in inserting the appropriate hardware. But in the end, Dr. Brock was very happy with the amount of correction he was able to achieve. James' blood loss was less than expected and his vitals remained stable throughout the entire surgery. He is currently in Pediatric ICU because he is still intubated due to swelling and will remain under sedation throughout the night. The doctors anticipate that his swelling will decrease overnight, that they will be able to remove the tube in the morning and then transfer him out of ICU. 


The next few days could be rocky due to possible displacement of internal organs and GI issues. We aren't out of the woods so please keep praying for: 
- No respiratory issues
- Reduced swelling 
- Removal of breathing tube
- Effective pain management (He does have an epidural to help with this)
- That James' lower GI track will begin to function without problems (if you know us at all, the GI track has never been James' strong suit). 


We've yet to see James (we are waiting right now for PICU visiting hours). And we expect the pictures to be put on hold for a bit. 


Thanks for your prayers. God has been faithful and guided James through this process so far and we trust he will continue to do so in the coming weeks. 

Out of Surgery... Finally.

Details to come soon. The parents are speaking with doctor(s).

JP Status

So James is still in surgery. According to the surgery receptionist, he has about an hour to go. We shall see! But until then, we're hanging tight at Memorial Hermann, visiting with our good friend Wayne Cone and exploring all the topics of conversation we have yet to cover today.

We've said it before and we'll say it again--keep you posted!

Midday Update

Hello friends! James is still in surgery. We received a report at 1:10 p.m. that they are working on him and James is doing beautifully. We are doing beautifully as well thanks to the Pappasitos lunch brought to us by Karin Monson and Laurie Jasper.  Really roughin' it, I know.

We feel so blessed to be visited by our friends and family. Not only does it pass the time, but encourages us to be strong and joyful during this nerve-racking day. Thank you everyone for all the prayers and thoughts you are sending our way. It truly does lift our spirits.

What I've been busy doing... good times, good times.

Yes, I'm taking pictures in the hospital cafeteria.

Big thanks to Laurie and Karin for bringing us a delicious mexican lunch! Yum-O!

James' grandmas! Or should I say the cheering section?

Mom and Aunt Liz--waiting in the hospital is a great time to catch up! 

"Los hermanos locos"

Officially in Surgery

Good Morning, friends. James' surgery has officially started. We all woke up around 4 a.m. to get ready and down to the medical center in time. James was the most bright-eyed and bushy-tailed of us all.

James was getting lots of hugs and kisses this morning.

Look who's wearing UT colors on his big day? What up.

So much energy compared to the rest of us! (Note the sleeper in the back).

Still checkin things out while wearing Grandma's sweater. You can pray for us as we face the freezing cold waiting room.

James' IV placement was successful (on the first try, PTL!) and he was calm and almost asleep when we left him. The Doctor told us more about the precautions and said the surgery might finish around 3-4 p.m. 

Here are some specific prayer requests:

- Low blood loss

- Proper realignment of internal organs

- Ability to correct vertebrae effectively with screws and hooks (Amy cringes at this point)

- Anesthesia- no adverse effects, long time under anesthesia