Out of surgery. Back in ICU.
A tough turn, steady hands, and hope holding on.
Hunter’s fight isn’t easy—but it’s far from over.
After hours of waiting, the update everyone hoped for finally came: Hunter was out of surgery.
The procedure brought both relief and new challenges. Surgeons were able to remove the wound vacuum from his right arm, a meaningful step forward in his recovery. Although skin grafting was not performed this time, the medical team applied Restarta Matrix powder directly to the wound. The area was carefully wrapped and will remain protected for approximately a week, allowing the treatment to do its work. It was a different approach, but one chosen with intention and hope for healing.
His left arm, however, proved more complicated. During surgery, the tissue was found to be extremely fragile. While addressing the damaged areas, doctors discovered a small laceration to Hunter’s ulnar artery. The tear—measuring approximately five millimeters—required a single suture to repair. Because of this vascular concern, the wound vacuum remains in place on his left arm.
Following surgery, Hunter was transferred back to the ICU, room 4J-13, where his condition could be monitored more closely. Continuous pulse checks are now a priority to ensure that blood flow remains strong and stable. So far, his pulses are good—an encouraging sign amid a long and difficult day.
A conversation with vascular surgeon Dr. Darvish helped clarify the situation further. He explained that the arterial erosion occurred during debridement and was promptly repaired with one stitch. The trauma team, led by Dr. Chapman, also made rounds and confirmed that Hunter’s progress will be watched carefully. If there are any signs of arterial leakage, an angiogram will be performed immediately. For now, the focus is vigilance and stability.
Pain, unfortunately, remains a significant challenge. Hunter is experiencing considerable discomfort following surgery. In response, his care team adjusted his treatment plan, increasing his muscle relaxer and gabapentin while making changes to his pain medication regimen. His morning blood pressure medication, muscle relaxer, and pain medicine were administered, and a one-time dose of IV Tylenol was added in hopes of providing additional relief.
Early morning lab work brought a small piece of good news. A CBC was drawn, and his creatine kinase (CK) level at 4 a.m. was measured at 159—low enough that the team felt comfortable discontinuing further CK monitoring. It was a quiet victory, but a meaningful one.
At this point, there has not yet been a full update from the orthopedic team regarding irrigation and debridement. That information is still pending and will be shared once available.
As Hunter settled back into the ICU, he was placed in capable hands. His nurse, Megan, has been attentive and compassionate, ensuring he is as comfortable as possible while keeping a close watch on every detail.
It has been a long, painful, and emotional day—but one marked by careful medical decisions, steady monitoring, and the continued determination to move Hunter forward, one step at a time.
