Sunday, May 31, 2009

Day One - Surgery

Andrew went into surgery at 4:40 and the surgery ended at 6:40 - it was two hours long and went great! The doctor said that there were no surprises except that Andrew was a little bigger boy than he expected and they used an additional bone graft to fill the gap. But- they successfully removed all of the bone fragments (since the vertebrae was "completely pulverized" according to Dr.Yazbak who did the procedure). The doctor also said that "everything went like clockwork" and "the screws went in rock solid"- thank you for your prayers! Next step is WIGGLING THE TOES!

Andrew is back resting for the night, we will make sure to keep everyone posted. Also, the doctor even mentioned that Andrew should be able to sit up 90 degrees tomorrow although he still has the breathing tube and will for a few days to Andrew's chagrin. Feel free to leave messages or words for Andrew, we will make sure to share them with him.

30 comments:

  1. Glad the surgery went well... everyone on paynes point is praying for you to get well!!

    -Jordan Frakes-

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  2. Our captain, be strong, we know you gonna make it and our prayers is all about you! / jonathan and marcus

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  3. Hippert, it's so great to hear that things are going so well. Hang in there and try to stay positive. Know that you have so many people praying for you and ready to support you any way possible. We love you, Andrew.
    --Maeghan

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  4. Glad that the surgery went well, you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!-Jenny Lee Laird (shorty)

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  5. Hey Andrew,
    So happy to hear surgery went well. My wife and I are praying for you! Stay strong. Looking forward to more positive updates.
    Nate Mueller

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  6. Our prayers are with you brother.
    This whole thing feels unreal right now.
    Just a week ago we were out on the boat enjoying life and now this happens, its not fair. But u gotta be strong and know that we are all with you!

    // Guillermo

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  7. great news about the surgery!! rest up and stay positive. we're praying for you hippert.
    xo -- mary beth

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  8. Andrew, I am so glad that things are going well. You continue to be in my prayers!

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  9. May God Speed With Recovery Be With You Buddy! Glad to hear things are going well. You are in mine and Callie's (who happens to be jealous of your Kallie's spelling) prayers. Love you buddy!

    Bob and Callie

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  10. Hey Andrew -

    Nicole and I have been thinking about and praying for you all day. We are very happy to hear that the surgery went well and wish you a quick recovery.
    God Bless,

    Mark and Nicole Sier

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  11. Andrew,
    I'm still in shock. You and Kalli and everyone else are in my thoughts and prayers. San Diego is not the same without you two! We love and miss you both. I'm wishing a speedy recovery for you! I know you are going to get through this. I know we're far away, but if you need ANYTHING, don't hesitate to ask.
    Love always, Stef

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  12. Dear Andrew and all the Hippert family,

    We are so grateful to God for the progress you've made already-- we eagerly await each new miracle, as He has blown us away already by his care for all of you.

    You will continue to be in our prayers, and we look forward to seeing you before long.

    God bless and continue to hold you close,
    Steve & Amee Pable & Family (Appleton POP)

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  13. Hippert-I haven't seen you in so long, but have been thinking of you and praying things go well. It seems your strength has and will continue to pull you through this hard time.

    Laura Stack

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  14. Hip-Glad to hear things are going well. I don't know if you realize how many people are thinking of you. Stay strong, stay positive. We're all here for you.

    Coonen

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  15. Glad to hear things are going well. You are in my prayers...xoxo
    -Crystal Wall

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  16. Andrew,
    Dave and I were horrified to hear of your accident. We know you have an incredible doctor, and family and friend betwork behind you. You already are a living miracle. Use that zest for life that makes you,YOU...and the love of all those out there that are praying for you as your strength to get you through this. We pray that God will hold you tenderly and continue to bless you with miraculous healing...Keep up the good fight that you have begun and don't underestimate the power of positive thoughts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love The Van Hoof's

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  17. Hip,

    This is a lot better news than this morning! I new you were one strong son of a**** so i am glad to see you have made it this far in such a short peroid of time.... Iris, myself, and this kids have all been praying for you all day and i hope that things keep on the path that they are on.

    keep your head up and chin higher. you will get through this!~ Your a strong, and great man. Some one up stairs is looking over you@!

    MAAZE

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  18. Andrew,
    We were deeply saddened this morning when we were informed of your tragic accident. The waves of prayers started rolling along with strong winds of faith and hope that brought better news with each update. Along with all your family and friends, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know that God will take care of you throughout your recovery and we will continue to pray for your healing. God made a miracle occur today. Keep up your strength, determination and will to fight and recover. Know that everyone around you is here for you and thinking of you. Love, Bill, Maureen, Caitlin and Lexie Weber

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  19. Hippert,

    So glad to hear about your progress. I'll be leaving here in the morning to come back and see you. When do you want to reschedule so I can come visit when you're here in San Diego?

    You in my prayers, and we'll see if we can get these nurses to loosen up a bit?

    Mark Lee

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  20. Hippert,

    I haven't seen you in forever and I see you just hours before your accident. I was speechless when I heard. I just wanted to wish you the best in your recovery and I will continue to pray for you.

    Matt Kreuscher

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  21. Hey Buddy,

    I just go back to SJ. I am praying for you, Kallie, and your family. Just like Steve said last night: We have an amazing group of friends and family to support each other through everything. Use all of us as much and as often as you need. Here is a little something to keep you goin: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=39685031&id=26704928

    I will come see you next weekend when I am back in Wisconsin.

    Love you

    Michael Lord

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  22. Captain..we are thinking of you all the way from sweden! Be strong! / Lou

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  23. Thank you Mary Frances for doing this. Andrew, we have not seen each other in a long time but that doesn't mean you are not in my thoughts. I am pulling for you. you are a strong young man and will come through this with flying colors.
    Barbara

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  24. Thank you, Mary Frances for keeping this journal. And Andrew, Uncle Mike and I have you in our thoughts and know you are a strong young man and will pull through this with flying colors and the love of your family.
    Barbara

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  25. Andrew,

    Know that the Lord God is mighty and King over everything!!

    All of us from the Rockford POP are praying fervently for you and a speedy recovery. Praise God for the miracles that have already taken place!

    The Rockford POP branch.

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  26. Hip,

    We have all been keeping up with the news of your recovery and I am just so happy we found out the surgery went well. You have no idea the support that everyone has shown. Most of us stayed at the hotel for a while to be together and say some prayers. We all know if anyone can fight this battle and win it's you. Stay strong buddy we are all thinking of you.

    ~Smith

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  27. Andrew, We were so sorry to hear of your accident but felt so better last night hearing of all your progress already. We will continue to pray for you and a speedy recovery.
    Russ and Kristie Lang

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  28. Andrew -

    You are in the thoughts and prayers of my whole family. We wish you a fast and healthy recovery. I'm so glad to hear that you're progressing so well. It's a great sign of what's to come! Wishing you all the best...

    Angie Peters

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  29. Dr. Yazbak is the same doctor that did my dad's back surgery for both a herniated disc and for cleanup of a Staph infection, he's a very good doctor and i'm glad to see that Andrew is doing well.

    -Sean Johnson

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  30. Andrew, I had a crush on you in high school. There. I said it. It's out there. (Sorry, Kallie... I'm over it now, I swear.) I hope the confession at least makes you smile!

    Angie

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