72 hours (cross-post)

We are now approaching 72 hours post-op.  Ben is now eating real food (he particularly enjoyed the shortbread cookies that Grammies brought for him). His morphine epidural is now turned off although it remains in place for a little longer just in case.   The only REGULAR medication is Tylenol. But if needed he can still be topped up with morphine or Valium.  He now spends a lot of the day on his side. And soon he'll be able to be on his back. He also spends the entire day awake and alert. And sleeps well at night.  We are excited to have the epidural and catheter removed. Hopefully that will happen tomorrow morning. And then he will get to spend some time sitting in his wheelchair.  Us adults are all holding up well. Because there are 4 of us, we are all well-rested and well-fed. Mom even did our laundry for us today so we even have clean clothes.  Mom and Dad will leave us tomorrow around lunchtime. We will certainly miss them as they have made this process almost enjoyable.  Ben will hopefully be transferred to Shriner's on Monday. And we expect that Clarence will leave for home on Monday night.   Daniel and the office need him!