Walk it Out

Preacher Fred continues to improve.  Today the therapist had him walk with his cane.  He was able to walk from his recliner to the kitchen and back three times.  The therapist told him not to use the cane without her supervision, but that he would soon be able to use it on his own.  The therapist mentioned that he would probably be a little sore tonight.  He had no drainage from his knee after working out, and the hematoma on his leg has gone down.  Each day he continues to improve.  This wouldn't be possible without God through your prayers.

Doctor Gives Thumbs Up!

Preacher Fred received good news from the doctor after his visit yesterday afternoon.  The doctor removed the medical tape and said that the knee was looking better. The doctor did ask that Fred continue to keep the knee clean.  He also wanted him to continue to keep it wrapped from thigh to toe and changing the bandages out twice a day.  He also wanted Fred to continue to take it easy and keep the same workout regiment as before.  The doctor said that if things continue to progress, Fred could be back up and preaching in three to four weeks.  Praise the Lord!!  Keep moving forward Fred, God is right there with you. 

Patsy's Cooking Motivates

Preacher Fred continues to improve.  For the normal gathering at Patsy's Fine Foods restaurant Sunday afternoon, Fred worked his way to the table and ate with the family.  Not sure if that was out of fear that food would not be delivered to his recliner :)  Whatever the case maybe, it was nice to see improvement and have him back at the dinner table. Fred has a scheduled visit with the doctor this afternoon. Continue to pray that his health improves and that he has a good checkup today.

No News is Hopefully Good News

There isn't much news to report today.  Preacher Fred has felt fairly well over the last couple of days.  His incision isn't draining as badly since his doctor visit on Monday.  Continue to pray for his healing. 

Pray for Healing

Preacher Fred had a doctor's appointment yesterday.  At this appointment, the doctor took out most of the staples from his knee.  He left about three staples at the bottom of the incision to help that part continue to heal.  His knee is still draining blood and fluids.  As a way to help that, the doctor wants Fred to wrap his leg from his toes to his thigh.  He also wants Fred to continue his therapy.  Preacher Fred has to go back to the doctor next Monday for a follow-up.  If his knee is still draining, he will have to be put back to sleep for the doctor to go back in the incision and clean it.  After this procedure, Fred will have to stay a couple of days in the hospital.  We have faith the God can heal this problem before Monday.  Please pray that Fred's knee continues to heal and that it stops draining so he will not have to have his knee opened up again.

In Knee'd of Strength

After two good days, Preacher Fred has felt weak today.  He is still working out with his leg motion machine for six hours a day.  He has a check up with the doctor tomorrow.  At this visit they will look at how the knee is healing and check the incision, which is still draining fluids and blood.  For the most part, Fred's health has been much improved compared to the previous two surgeries.  We are hoping that this is a sign of healing. 

Better Days Ahead

Preacher Fred had a pretty good day today.  Fred's sister (Francis) and brother-in-law (James) from Sanford, NC assisted nurse Patsy today.  Fred's medication is issued with an antibiotic pump, which feeds his antibiotics through his PICC line. He is also taking two other antibiotics by mouth.  Fred continues to gain strength daily with the use of his leg motion machine (CPM).  The purpose of this machine is to work out and stretch the knee to certain degrees each day.  The doctor wants Fred to work out on the CPM for six hours a day.  Right now the motion machine assists Fred with bending his knee to 65 degrees.  His goal is to reach 120 degrees within the next couple of weeks.  Starting tomorrow Fred will being his physical therapy with a trainer.  With the help of the trainer and Fred's motivation to get better, the family continues to pray that God will guide his path. 

Work it out

Since Fred has been home, he has not been able to much therapy.  His knee leaks blood and other fluids when he moves around.  His health care providers seem to think this is due to blood thinner medicine as well as his incision being closed with staples.  The doctor had to use staples instead of stitches because of the infection.  Antibiotics are pumped into Fred's body 24/7 through the PICC line.  Fred and Patsy are still trying to adjust to this method of antibiotics.  He will have to use this for at least six weeks.  Considering how long Fred has been sick, it has taken a toll on his strength and energy.  He isn't back to his old self yet, but he is making progress.  As always continue to pray. 

Finally Home Again

Preacher Fred was able to return home today.  The doctor said the antibiotics would make Fred feel a little sick, and would take some time for his body to adjust.  A nurse came by the house to show Fred and Patsy how to administer his antibiotics through the PICC line.  This has been a long journey for Preacher Fred.  As you can imagine he has been a little discouraged.  Please pray as he continues to recover that his spirits will be lifted.  

Like a New Man

Sunday was a better day for Preacher Fred.  The therapist had him sitting up in a chair and also doing a little exercises with his knee.  Today was even better.  His blood pressure, sugar, and hemoglobin levels were right where they were suppose to be.  The therapist had him up walking around the halls today with the walker.  His knee starts to drain fluids during therapy, but they say this is a good sign.  It means it's healing.  Prayers are working!  Fred is doing a lot better, but still has a little ways to go.  His knee seems to be healing properly.  We hope that he has more days like today and continues to gain strength.  The doctor said that he should get to go home tomorrow. 

Saturday Struggles

Preacher Fred has had a rough day.  Doctors did not want him to get up from the bed today.  Many of his vitals have been lower than normal.  His blood pressure has fluctuated.  His sugar has also been low most of the day but is back up for now.  They are going to continue to monitor his sugar very closely.  His blood level was seven, so they decided to give him two units of blood.  Hopefully, he will have a better day tomorrow.  Pray for strength and healing. 

A Quick Update

Preacher Fred was able to get a good night's rest.  His blood pressure was a little low today, but nothing that the doctor is too concerned about.  He is still in a good deal of pain.  However,  he's described that the feeling of pain seems to be more from the actual knee surgery than the infection.  We are hoping this is true and is a sign of the right road to recovery.  As always, the family thanks you for your prayers. 

Doctor's Orders...REST! REST! REST!

Preacher Fred went into surgery at 1:30 and was out by 3:20.  Surgery went well and as expected.  The doctor was able to remove his first knee replacement and put in the new knee.  Fred is in a great deal of pain, which is expected for anyone after surgery.  It is very important that Preacher Fred gets his rest right now.  Preacher Fred needs prayers more than anything else.  Keep up to date with Fred's progress by checking the blog.

Surgery Tomorrow

Preacher Fred is scheduled for surgery tomorrow afternoon.  The doctors have determined which two antibiotics to treat Fred's infection.  The family is feeling very positive about the surgery and are looking forward to Fred recovering and getting back to his routine. Fred's main concern is his health condition. After the last two surgeries, he has had a very difficult time. We are all praying that his recovery after this surgery will be much improved. Continue to pray that this will be the surgery to heal the infection and get Fred back on his feet.