Reconstruction Pt. II – Recovery

Taylor’s physicians routinely admit him to the *Neuro* ICU for post-surgical recovery, even when it’s not *neuro*surgery. And that is such a blessing. The folks in Neuro ICU know Taylor well, and fully understand his sodium-balance / chemistry challenges, which can seriously hinder recovery if not attended to immediately and aggressively.

Word spreads quickly when he is in the unit, and he enjoys a steady stream of well-wishing staff who marvel at his progress and tireless enthusiasm for recovery. He is all smiles, and it’s not just the good drugs. 🙂

He is feeling well, although he’s still quite swollen.

Surgeons removed hardware and reshaped the bones on the forehead, temples, right cheekbone and around the right eye, also placing grafted soft tissue taken from his abdomen. Icy gauze brings relief from the swelling, but he’s not a fan of the pain meds so pain coverage tends to be an argument. When his heart rate goes up, his nurses pull rank and insist on pain control. Thankfully they know he might be fibbing about pain levels so they watch him closely.

He will likely be in the hospital another day or two.