Thursday, July 14, 2011
Update # 153
Month 55
Good Evening,
I'm sorry this has taken me longer to send to you than originally planned but it's been busy in Iowa.
When I left IL at 7:00 AM on Monday, it was already 82 degrees. Poor Ken had to stay and endure the upper 90's with heat index of well over 100. I have been enjoying the 60 and 70 degree temperatures up here. On Monday, I did see damage in IA from the storms that had passed through earlier in the day. Some places are still without electricity.
Ken must have wanted to share the heat because now IA is going to be in the 90's with heat index of 100. Ah, the Midwest in July!
Jeff's oral surgery on Tuesday morning went very well. The surgeon removed 9 teeth in about 30 minutes and said it basically went as planned but a couple were tougher than expected. We were back at Jeff and Meridith's apartment in 2 hours. Jeff has been doing the usual soft food, no straw, antibiotics (for 10 days), and resting.
Tuesday is one of Jeff's days off, but he took a sick day yesterday just to be sure there were no problems. He was feeling better as the day continued but noticed last night that the upper left felt different. Jeff commented that the rest were feeling fine but something just wasn't the same as the others. That one area was causing some pain so he continued with the pain pills.
This morning Jeff called the oral surgeon's office and asked if he could come in and be seen for a quick check-up. The oral surgeon stated this upper left area looks just fine but was the area that got close to the sinus cavity. So Jeff is to continue with what he is doing, be especially gentle in that area, and return as planned next Tuesday for removal of the stitches.
I had thought I'd return home tomorrow or Saturday but have now decided to wait until Monday the 18th to head back to IL. Meridith had an opportunity to attend a handbell choir seminar in Minneapolis. She and 3 ladies from their church left this morning and will come back on Monday. I can remain here in case Jeff needs anything or if a problem arises over the weekend.
We thank you for your prayers during Jeff's oral surgery and for the continued healing process. Jeff's dentist wants to wait a few months for Jeff to heal well before the next phase of restoration begins -- crowns and bridges.
Since I have now retired, Ken and I do not have to make our Iowa visit in the Summer. Instead, we plan to come up for vacation in September. Jeff has an eye appointment in Iowa City at that time but I do not plan to do an update. Things have been stable with those four month appointments.
As long as Jeff continues doing well, I won't update again until the December 5th StL appointment. Your caring support is very heartwarming. We all appreciate the concern you show towards Jeff. The prayers you daily send are heard by God and felt with love. Be careful during this scorching Summer and enjoy a pleasant Fall.
love,
Marcia