9/30: 7:34am

Blake didn't sleep much. His hip is swollen and pain is increased. He vomited this morning when bandages were changed. Doctor is checking for blood clots.

9/29: 9:56am

Blake has successfully made bed to wheelchair transfers on his own & walked a lap down the hallway using crutches. He said its incredibly painful & slow.

9/29: 9:18am

Blake's temperature has finally returned to normal and he slept 6 straight hours last night. Physical therapist is going to have him try crutches this morning.

9/28: 2:41pm

Blake is feeling much better compared to yesterday; good enough to order Salisbury steak for lunch! Physical Therapy came in this morning and had him sitting at the edge of the bed with his left leg lowered toward the floor. The therapist remembered working with him last summer (it was actually his name that she remembered!). He is getting a couple of units of blood today to replace that lost during yesterday's surgery. And he's still running a temperature of 101.1, but his vital signs are all good.

9/28: Knee Fusion Information

Interested in what's been done to Blake's left leg?
Check out this link: Knee Fusion Nail

Knee fusion is also done for failed knee replacements and severe arthritis. Blake's case is different, but the article gives a good idea of the procedure.

9/28: 9:10am

Good news! Blake's pain meds dosage has been increased and he's feeling better already. He'll also be getting his catheter out and getting some breakfast soon.

9/28: 7:42am

Blake didn't have a good night. Pain is so intense that he couldn't sleep. Said it feels like his leg is being crushed. Heart rate is high and has a fever of 101.1.

9/27: 5:31pm

Blake's resting now. He's in a tremendous amount of pain and has relief meds administered via pain pump. He's ordered a light dinner, but not sure he'll enjoy it.

9/27: Surgery #12 continued...

Steve & Katie just met with the orthopedic surgeon. Blake's surgery went very well. He has a vertical incision on the left knee and at the hip. He will be in the hospital for several days.
Blake's left leg will be slightly shorter than his right. That will actually help him walk more normally. He won't need to swing his leg to the side as he has been doing.

9/27: Surgery #12

Blake went into surgery today to fuse his knee at 7:30 this morning. The operation is expected to take 2 1/2 hours. He is in good spirits & joking with the medical staff. I will update when I hear from Steve.