Journal entry by Saundra Nichols —
I have finally come out of my post surgical anesthesia enough to update those of you who don't know how surgery went and my current status.
Surgery on 12/10 lasted 8 hours and the original planned procedure was unsuccessful because the 3D printed components did not fit. Fortunately, the 3 Orthopedic Surgeons were prepared for other scenarios. They were able to salvage and reposition the pelvic saddle joint and secured it in stong, stable pelvic bone securing it with a form of cement/bone glue. Along with that they removed my femur replacement and put in a new one and also removed the upper portion of my knee replacement and attached a new one along with a new liner. It ended up being a much bigger surgery than expected but the surgeons feel that it was successful.
I am currently at Dell Seton Hospital in Austin and am in good condition and the pain is being managed well.
I required a blood transfusion because of the large amount of blood loss and my hemoglobin levels are being carefully monitored.
If everything continues to go well, it is expected that I will be transferred to Encompass Rehabilitation in Round Rock either later on Monday or Tuesday.
For those of you using CaringBridge I apologize for not having it set up or monitored correctly. I will make an effort to post updates as I transition to Rehab.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Surgery on 12/10 lasted 8 hours and the original planned procedure was unsuccessful because the 3D printed components did not fit. Fortunately, the 3 Orthopedic Surgeons were prepared for other scenarios. They were able to salvage and reposition the pelvic saddle joint and secured it in stong, stable pelvic bone securing it with a form of cement/bone glue. Along with that they removed my femur replacement and put in a new one and also removed the upper portion of my knee replacement and attached a new one along with a new liner. It ended up being a much bigger surgery than expected but the surgeons feel that it was successful.
I am currently at Dell Seton Hospital in Austin and am in good condition and the pain is being managed well.
I required a blood transfusion because of the large amount of blood loss and my hemoglobin levels are being carefully monitored.
If everything continues to go well, it is expected that I will be transferred to Encompass Rehabilitation in Round Rock either later on Monday or Tuesday.
For those of you using CaringBridge I apologize for not having it set up or monitored correctly. I will make an effort to post updates as I transition to Rehab.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
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