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Saturday, September 16, 2017

Another Hospital Stay

I didn't expect to be writing an update from the hospital on this Saturday. But yesterday in the crowded Hershey ER I wondered how many other people woke up this morning having no idea they'd be in the ER before bedtime. We know life can change in a blink of an eye, but still, until it happens, it is easy to forget.

Yesterday morning the children started their schoolwork early, eager for the fun weekend we had planned. Before lunch, our ten-year-old finished his schoolwork and started his chore of push-mowing the lawn. Trent, our twelve-year-old, took his math book outside so that he could watch the mowing and help empty the bagger.

I'm not exactly sure what happened, but some combination of wet grass, a hill, and the turning mower, resulted in Trent falling and sliding into the mower. I heard screams from his brother that Trent had cut his leg on the mower. I dashed outside expecting the sight of dismembered feet and gushing blood. It wasn't as bad as I feared. The mower had caught Trent's knee. I'll spare you the gory details. There was hardly any blood, but this wasn't something I could fix with butterfly bandages. I knew he was headed for surgery.



I took Trent to our local hospital ER where Ed joined us. Trent was incredibly brave but by that time he was in pain. They started him on IV pain meds but it still took a while to get control of the pain. Our little local hospital didn't want to tackle surgery for a child so I rode with Trent in the ambulance to the Hershey Medical Center.



After lots of waiting, xrays, consultations, and more waiting. Trent was finally taken into surgery at just before 9:00 p.m. The surgeon was very pleased with the outcome of surgery. The injury was to the right side of his left knee and managed to miss tendons, arteries, bone, and nerves. The greatest fear is infection. They cleaned out the wound and joint well. The surgeon was able to repair the cartilage and stitch back the muscle and skin. Because of the swelling and the skin damage they were not able to completely close the wound. The plan is to go back to surgery on Sunday morning, clean out the wound again to help avoid infection and close the wound. If the swelling hasn't decreased and the skin still cannot cover it, they will do a skin graft.

Today Trent is feeling great. He has little pain, even though he isn't on anything stronger than Motrin. It is good to see him enjoying eating and playing games. He just got out of bed and tried crutches. He has had such a good attitude throughout this whole ordeal.

I admit that it is easy to say "Why us? Why now?" But when at a place like this, I am reminded that there is a lot pain and suffering in the world. In the cafeteria and waiting room I have heard heartbreaking stories of long-term emotional and physical suffering. Even here in the hospital we know that we have much to be thankful for.

The song "Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song" is a favorite song of Ed's which I listened to here today at the hospital. (If you are reading by email you may need to click over to the website to view the video.)


22 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful song. I think that there's no sweeter music than praises sung to the King with pure voices singing from the heart! Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

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  2. Oh praise God that Trent is OK! How wonderfully the Lord protects and guides your precious family...and I suspect Trent learned his 'trooper-hood' by way of his brave and cheerful parents! Happy prayers of praise for Trent and his Godly, loving family!

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  3. Beautiful song, thank you for sharing. Praying for Trent's complete & speedy recovery. Praise the Lord for wonferful doctors at times when you need them most. Also still praying for Ed's complete healing. And still praying for you, Gina, for strength & comfort as you take care of your family & yourself. God is our wonderful Healer & Comforter! God bless you all!

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  4. GIna, I'm so glad your son is up and about. That is such a scary thing for a mama to go through!

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  5. praying for Trent and your family!
    Pierce Family

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  6. So sorry to hear of Trents accident. Thankful with you that it isn't worse.
    Prayers

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  7. Oh my goodness! Thankfully, it isn't as bad as could have been. Our continued prayers are with your entire family, but especially for you, Gina, as you care for your family at this time. Ed is looking well! Please remember that kids heal fast...your hardest job may be holding Trent down!! Thinking of you, Barb.

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  8. So sorry to hear... we also ended up in the ER a few weeks ago while on vacation at the ocean with our daughter and a possibly serious neck injury from a powerful wave. Two ambulance rides, two ER's, two MRI's and an entire sleepless night later we were thankful to be released without surgery. Scary times for a momma, but so special to feel Gods grace...

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  9. Thank you for sharing this song! So grateful for God's sparing Trent from worse injury, but oh, my! What a scary thing to have happen! Praying for God's continued healing, and protection from infection!

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  10. Praise God he's alright! And that the doctors are giving the wound extra care to ward off infection. Praying Trent will be on the mend in no time!

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  11. Oh my goodness, bless your poor hearts!
    I'm so sorry. I am glad to hear there wasn't major damage and he will be fine. Hang on, Mama. God's got this. Hugs.

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  12. Praying for Trent, no infection and a speedy recovery! What an inspiration you are to me! You and your family are in my prayers every day.

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  13. Goodness, it's hard to think of a child being hurt. I'm glad it wasn't any worse than it was.

    I too had a child a Hershey Med Center one time. It is a very good hospital, your son is in good hands there. They really take care of the children and their families.

    I hope he heels quickly.

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  14. What a story! So glad he seems to be on the mend. I LOVE this song - it's in our church hymnal. You shared a lovely version here, too, thank you.

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  15. Dear me, Gina...it doesn't rain but it pours! Thank goodness it looks like a good outcome for Trent. I will include him in my prayers when I pray for Ed.

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  16. So glad your young man will be ok. I am sure it was a terrifying experience for everyone. Prayers that all will heal with no infection. God bless.

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  17. Can you give an update on Trent? Is he home from the hospital?

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  18. Praying for good healing and no infections for Trent and continued comfort and peace for the rest of the family.

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  19. It is hard to be a mom sitting at the bedside of an injured child. I am praying for you and yours as you journey through "sea billows roll" into "it is well with my soul". May God's peace envelope you.

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  20. Keeping you all in my prayers.
    Sue

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  21. Prayers for a speedy recovery and for there to be no infection! Thank the Lord that it wasn't any worse and that the surgeons were able to fix everything!

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