The orthopedic doc just came by and talked to us about Tom's back. The story is the same, compression fractures in about 4 different places. The fractures are not new. He basically provided a couple of options, a brace or surgery. We kind of came to the conclusion that with Tom's situation and limited mobility, the brace would be ok but probably not the best. Of course, surgery isn't a given. The docs have to determine if Tom's liver can handle the anesthesia. The doc is going to send a spine specialist over to see Tom, probably tomorrow, to evaluate Tom and talk to him about the surgery option. Then Tom will be able to make a decision. I don't like either option - the surgery concerns me but sounds like it would be the best long term solution. I don't see how a brace will fix what has been happening - it's supposed to alleviate the pain when Tom is walking. His greater pain is when he is trying to get up from a seated position. To be continued . . .
Tom is still not hungry so I've been unable to get him to eat. He seemed a little more alert when I got here but is really struggling now. He gets so frustrated with himself and others. I can tell it's irritating the nurse and tech. I've tried to explain that he is just confused. They also gave him 2 pain pills so that is probably not helping. Praying hard for improvement tomorrow!
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