:: Surgery details... ::

Hi all! This is Ben's mom, Becky... Ben is "under the influence," is dozing on and off, and can only use one hand, therefore, I was elected to do this!!

Ben's surgery actually did not take place until 3:15 pm yesterday at Weatherford Regional, as the surgeon did a hip replacement in the a.m. (it was not exactly scheduled and pushed all the other surgeries back). Jess and I were with a very hungry Ben doing what he likes least - having idle time! The actual procedure took 1-1/2 hours, and the bones all went back in place with a screw, just as the surgeon (Dr. Greg Schwartz) hoped. (Yes, there have been more than a few "screwy" jokes!). Following, we had a very loopy Ben to deal with in a LOT of pain (PTL for Morphine)!!!! He had to spend the night in the hospital so he could receive antibiotics, anticoagulants, and of course, pain meds.

He remembers very little about the pre and post-op events, but he did talk a lot. He was more concerned about several nurses' conditions than his own, at times asking them if they were in pain! He kept apologizing for being "trouble." He was moved to a room right at dinner time and surprisingly ate a complete (actually good) tray of food - he is still talking about the chocolate pie! Then, still being hungry, he ate a local W'ford favorite, R&K, hamburger with fries.

Ben awoke with a throbbing arm several times between each dose of pain medicine and between "vital sign check-up's" from the intrusive nurses doing their jobs very well. So, actually, not much sleep occurred in room 231 last night. This morning, his doctor came in and told him that he could go home, providing the pain was controlled. So, he is hanging out at our house (closer to the hospital and Jess has to work a couple over-nights to make up for this week's "un-schedule") - we are calling this the "Connelly Retreat Center", so there is a purpose and it is not like he is "hanging out with his mommy and daddy!"

We are grateful that this is his left arm and really, as soon as the pain is lessened, he will be able to "function" rather well. BUT, we are also grateful for the accident taking place in front of the Police Dept. building! The policeman covering this took two minutes (literally, in writing) to get to the scene following the call! Finally, we are all amazed, thankful, and humbled that over 200 folks have viewed this blog in the last 2 days. It means the world to Ben, Jess, and our family. More tomorrow, including a couple funny moments. 'Til then, thanks again, and God bless.