Today is pretty crappy

[Ponyup]

I just went to see him. I got to see the break on x-ray & it's nasty. It's one break, but it broke into 4 sharp pieces. He's really lucky it didn't go through the skin. The specialist decided with his age & the fact the arm doesn't work anyway because of the stroke that they will apply a compression brace. I guess it fits over the shoulder & down the arm & holds the bones tight so they can heal. They are going to try this for 4-5 weeks & then if it's not healing they'll do surgery then. Then surgery would be pretty envasive because they would have to put a steel rod down through his shoulder & then pin the pieces to it, so they don't want to do that if they can help. He only really has to stay tonight yet, but my mom and the specialist are willing to have him stay a few more days for pain management. He has trouble taking pain pills orally because of stomach problems. The specialist said the pain should lessen after the first 4-5 days.

[gja1000]

Sounds like a good plan! My friend ended up having to have the surgery - but it really helped her pain (and mobility - which of course, isn't an issue for your grandpa).

I hope he does not need surgery!!! Hope things continue to improve! Keep us posted.

[Gina]

A speedy recovery to your grandpa, I hope he doesn't need the surgery and the medication will kick in.

Sorry about your days at work, things are hard all over, so everyone is just stressed out.. I hope its a better day tomorrow.

[Janet]

Sounds like this is a great plan to help him recover. I will pray that he doesn't have to have future surgery and that his pain stops quickly. Poor guy...I feel so bad for him.

[Ponyup]

More bad news. My grandpa started vomiting blood last night. They were thinking bowel blockage since he has trouble with that & hasn't gone since sunday I guess, but from what he's throwing up I guess the doctors and nurses think higher like an ulcer or g-i bleed. They're taking x-rays this morning & he's going to see the stomach doctor today. He had a portion of his bowel removed about 1.5 years ago due to scar tissue and this was the doctor that did it. I guess it's a good thing he was already in the hospital. Hopefully they can figure out what's going on. He's just been going down hill the past year, but I guess that's what happens when you're 91 things just stop working.

[DianaB]

Your poor Grandpa. He is really dealing with a lot right now. I'll keep him in my prayers.

[donna1990]

My prayers too. Bless his heart, 91,

[gja1000]

Originally Posted by Ponyup

More bad news. My grandpa started vomiting blood last night. They were thinking bowel blockage since he has trouble with that & hasn't gone since sunday I guess, but from what he's throwing up I guess the doctors and nurses think higher like an ulcer or g-i bleed. They're taking x-rays this morning & he's going to see the stomach doctor today. He had a portion of his bowel removed about 1.5 years ago due to scar tissue and this was the doctor that did it. I guess it's a good thing he was already in the hospital. Hopefully they can figure out what's going on. He's just been going down hill the past year, but I guess that's what happens when you're 91 things just stop working.

The stress of the injury and the pain is probably what caused it. He's been through a lot!

[Janet]

Thank goodness he was in the hospital so they could check him out right away. It's sad to me that these things happen as we age. You'd think after a good hard life that we could just go in our sleep without any complications.