Post Op Update #2

This morning an Orthopedic Specialist visited Shirlayne and checked out her right leg. He spoke good English and was able to communicate well. He said that he thought Shirlayne's issue was due to her leg being in an awkward position during her long surgery. He thought that the numbness and pain would dissipate in the next 3-4 days. He suggested that the next step was to have a Physical Therapist evaluate her leg.

Not long after another doctor came to visit with Shirlayne. She was a doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and spoke great English. She was able to explain to us what she thinks the problem is. She explained that she also believed the reason for the numbness and pain was due to the sciatic nerve which splits below the knee. It seems that one of these branches which runs along the calf was irritated during the surgery. She also believes that this will come back over time, although she was not 100% sure.

Soon, another assistant came in to perform electro shock therapy on Shirlayne's leg. It was just a large "tens" unit for those of you who know what that is. She also taught us a couple of exercises that we can do ourselves to help stimulate the nerve. She will come back tomorrow for another treatment. Pervin called to let us know that these extra doctors and treatments are going to cost an additional 900₤ (around $500), but it is all we can do at this point.

Prof. Erdogru also stopped by before going home. He had reviewed the video of Shirlayne's surgery and didn't see anything that he did internally that would have caused this issue. He is concerned but also encouraged, because it seems to be only affecting a specific portion of her leg, which likely means that there is no damage higher up in her pelvis where he was working. He asked Shirlayne if she had "puffed", we chuckled and said yes, and he gave her the ok to start eating. With all of this we are now scheduled to stay in the hospital through Saturday, rather then go to the hotel tomorrow.

They fitted Shirlayne for a walking boot with wings to help stabilize her when she is on her feet. With that, Shirlayne and I took a short walk tonight... very slowly. She has started to regain a little movement in her arms and legs. Her abdomen where the 6 incisions were made and the instruments inserted for surgery, are still hurting her the most.

We will continue to work and pray for the best.

Here is a picture of dinner tonight. I got the carrots and dessert sticks, and Shirlayne got the soups.
She actually ate some of the red soup.  Nothing else got touched.
 

... more to come