Have you ever tried to stay hydrated using only a syringe? Milo is trying and this is proving to be hard. He is still on IV fluid because he can’t take enough fluids by mouth to stay hydrated.
He has taken some fluids by mouth using a big syringe but swallowing is hard. He is numb so he’s not sure if he has swallowed and he’s not sure if he can feel if the fluid is still in his mouth or not. He is numb because when they did the surgery they injured a nerve (part of the surgery, it happens every time) so Milo will be numb, like after you’ve been to the dentist, for up to a month. Anyone relate???
He did get up today. He’s sat on the side of his bed, stood by the side of his bed, and sat in a chair by his bed. He got an old man’s bath and clothed in the best attire all hospitals have to offer. He did put on his own whitey tighties though.
So our goal over the next 2-4 weeks is to make sure Milo gets at least 2500 calories in liquid form every day. He can’t exert himself more than walking to the bathroom and back for the first week. After that around the house for another week and then on to bigger and better things come week 3. His mouth is in a permanent clenched position for at least 2 weeks. At that point they will determine if he is healed enough to let him unclench his teeth. The clenched teeth could be up to 4 weeks.
He’ll be free to leave the hospital as soon as he can show the staff that he can take liquid medication orally and keep himself hydrated without the IV fluid. Looks like that will be tomorrow….
Scott came and brought me some food and took over for a few hours while I walked and ate and showered. Good husband and father. We love that guy so much! Now he’s off to take care of the girls while I sit here in the hospital. For all the stress hospitals offer, they can be quite relaxing compared to my “normal” life. :o)
Here’s an entrepreneurial idea for someone. Open a store that sells all the things a person might forget while they are at the hospital, plus a few extra fun things (like chocolate) for a reasonable price. Why gouge a desperate parent just because you are the only option for miles around, huh??
My goodness, Milo is STILL a Superhero! They wanted to do plastic surgery on my nose after a plane crash … absolutely refused to have it done … didn’t want to go through it. So amazed with Milo’s bravery! And so very proud of him! A man among men! Milo rules!