11-5-07 Dr. Bridwell came in at 6:30 am and is pleased with how well Chris is doing. Only pain meds is Tylenol supp. which works well. Got sick only once since stopping the Morphine. Incision looks great. I am amazed at how straight his back looks and how much longer it is and cannot wait to see him stand. This hospital is very nice and I could not ask for better care. Top ten in the country! The nurses and Techs are great! He is very tired of laying flat / bedrest and not being able to eat. A fireman came in to see Chris today and brought some things. Chris is sad about not being home with Dad, Erik and the dogs. I think the reality of all he has been through in the last year and a half finally sunk in. Next surgery is Wed. Abdominal approach. Dr. Bridwell has a vascular surgeon standing by in the OR because he says since Chris has had multiple surgeries--sometimes the Aorta and Vena Cava get scar tissue and stick to the spine. He is very cautious and I like that--he covers every base. Not a man of many words--the nurses say he is all business but I really like him. Has not had to get blood yet. My unit is still good if he needs it for the next surgery.