8:45 PM

Holly's pain is bad but manageable and is head and back pain, however, it has not required additional morphine. She is taking two big percocets every four hours, however she is asking for another one after 2.5 hours. The nurses say for 24 hours post-op unfortunately we can only chase pain, after that time usually we can stay ahead of it. They could give more pain meds but then she would have trouble answering all of their questions and sensory tests every hour. The new nurse is from Louisville KY and is here for 12 hours, she is young but is really good.

I was astonished by the incision when I first saw it. I assumed it would be covered with bandages but it is not. It consists of 35 staples and is about 6 inches long. Her hair was shaved over the center of the forehead to over the ear up only about an inch from her hairline. The incision scar will be covered by hair when it grows back and she will be able to cover it with her bangs in a few days. She has no brusing, little swelling, and she is not even pale. When not asleep, she is coherent, can talk, and can shift herself on the bed alone.

Specific prayer requests: avoiding potential infection, pain control, healing of the wound, no complications.