October 7, 2011 - Final Surgery (I hope)

Jason's time in the O.R. and then recovery was much longer than originally anticipated and then, while in the PACU he was experiencing some significant pain and discomfort. As a result they had to control the pain with some extra narcotics. Well, he has been receiving these same type meds for seven months now and as a result he has built up quite a tolerance to them. Since he had such a high level of pain and since he has such a high tolerance they had to give him so much that he almost stopped breathing, or at least breathing normal. The normal healthy male will have a resting respiration rate of between 12 and 20 breaths a minute. Jason was down to 3 or 4 breaths per minute. His oxygen levels and blood pressure were all fine, it was just his breathing. This rate concerned the doctors quite a bit, I'm not going to say what it did to me. When I go to the PACU to see how he was doing I found two nurses and three doctors in his room. The nurses were taking turns telling Jason to breath, anytime his rate dipped below seven. Actually, Jason's lung capacity is such that he can comfortably handle a rate of 8, without any problem or concern.

They were finally able to get the pain under control, and then slowly allowed him to totally wake up, and then took him to the I.C.U. for a few hours, just to be sure. We finally left the I.C.U. at about 22:15 (10:15PM) this evening, and we got him back to his room. To say the least, today has been a long day for me and I am quite worn down. I will be heading back over to see Jason in the morning, to make sure he gets his breakfast and then I'm off to renew the contract for the rental car that I've been using from the Yellow Ribbon Fund. They let me use the car at no cost, but there is still a monthly contract. Actually there is a little more to it than that, and some day I might tell you all about it.

Jason's grafting went well, and the additional durma-layer that was applied all looked good. They are going to let him heal up for a few days and then early this coming week they go and check on how it is progressing. Otherwise there really isn't a bunch more to tell about what happened today. The Lucases brought some lumpia (not sure if I'm spelling it right) for everyone (they only made about 600) and I got a few for Jason, as well has having some for myself - they were excellent. Carol Tarter was also helping with this, and they all came by to see how Jason was doing, and both Jason and I really appreciate it... especially the lumpia. I am going to sign off now, as I am tired, and I want to be able to get up early tomorrow.

Thank you, all for your continued prayers and for all your support... It is very much appreciated.

Comments

  1. TheresaOctober 13, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    I arrived at WRNMC after my plane landed in DC from La Guardia airport; just in time to access Ward 4 East where some of our Nation's Heroes are recovering from wounds I can not even describe here. The ward had been locked down the entire day due to an extensive four hour visit by the President. After being let onto the floor, I spent a few hours visiting two very important warriors I have come to know; Joel Tavera and Jason Ross. They are across the hall from each other and I have to say--I was pretty stoked to be their next guest after the President of the United States!

    What moves me the most about our Warriors is the unbelievable courage they display and the unwaivering love of their family members who never, never leave their sides. It is the only way one can find the strength and hope to go on day after day and survive such devastating injuries. Makes my own sacrifice seem small (even though no sacrifice ever really is) as I continue to remain deeply humbled to be in their presence and stand beside someone whose been to a place most of us will never have to go.

    It is a blessing to be among our wounded troops; those with both visible and invisible wounds. They are enduring a suffering that deserves our attention, love and support. I urge you to be courageous and take your family to visit theirs. All you need to bring is an open heart and the will to say "Thank You." It has nothing to do with how one feels about these wars, but it will change and bless your life in a way that can not be explained--I promise you.

    Look for my upcoming documentary, "Theresa Sareo: Alive Again" coming out soon. Featuring Sgt. Joel Tavera, it displays the sacrifice of our brave young men and women, and hopefully, will fill your heart with much hope and inspiration to live your best life and give back to the world in your own special way.

    Bless you, Jason and family!
    Theresa
    www.aliveagainmovie.com
    www.theresasareo.com
    www.supportingamericasfinest.com
    www.myspace.com/theresasareo
    www.facebook.com

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January 2017

January 2017
Jason gets a visit from Gen. Jon Monett

January 2017

January 2017
With Gary at the GSF Office

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