Thursday Follow-Up

One whole week gone since the surgery!

Today Aunt Jackie came up from San Diego and kept an eye on Jacob. She had a somewhat short day, because Jake had his one-week follow up with the surgeons. She was here long enough to lose badly, along with Nick, to Jake playing Boggle. Another step in Jake's word game domination. Yesterday Aunt Kathy was the Boggle-fodder. (I am mostly abstaining from play so as not to add a bruised ego to his injuries.)

After the slaughter, Nick and Jake took off and met up with their mother for the drive up to Loma Linda. I met them at the surgeon's office and we all piled into an examination room to see his checkup.

So, the doc removed his elastics and checked him out. With the bands out he had an opportunity to brush his teeth. I can't imagine how good that must have felt after two weeks and change. Apparently he is to keep the bands on 24/7 except to remove them to brush his teeth. I'm wondering if he can sneak down a spoonful of real food while they're off? He is definitely not supposed to chew, that much is certain.

The doctor removed the last of the sutures and staples from Jake's forehead. He also checked out his ears. Jake had been complaining of some pain in his right ear. Apparently the ear drum is fine, but there's a small laceration inside his ear canal. The doctor speculated that his jaw bone snapping back on impact may have actually torn the skin in his ear. (Nick thought that was so "Bitchin'!" I mean, who else do you know who can say they've torn the skin in their ear with their jaw.)

More good news, he has another followup on Monday at which they will remove all the splints from his nose. Then another appointment on Monday the 6th with the MD who did the surgery. I think at that point they may make a decision about whether he needs additional surgery on the orbit of his left eye.

During the visit they took a panoramic x-ray of Jake's mouth. With all the microplates, bolts and bailing wire it looked a little bit like something out of X-Men, once again prompting admiration from Nick. I hope I can get a copy to add to the family photo album.

(Our neighbor Susan from across the street just delivered dinner. While I was seeing her out I noticed that our friend Laura had dropped off some Muscle Milk for Jake. I cannot believe the incredible support we've gotten from everyone.)

So all good news from the MDs today. On the way home we stopped at a Wienerschnitzel. Jake celebrated with a vanilla shake, Nick with the #7 (2 corn dogs, fries and a Sierra Mist) and iced tea for me.

Jake is pretty wasted after a busy day, so he's catching up on his sleep. Quick before I go, a couple new pictures compliments of Aunt Jean. First on our deck...

And one in the vegetable garden, which is totally out of control.


More later.