Right on cue, after a busy first part of the day, here comes the pain!
Nerve pain. The worst. Left leg.
I don't think I've ever had nerve pain. If I did, I think I would know it.
Writhing. Panicky. Sweating. Unbearable.
Increased the nerontin. Kathy is worried about so many things. Chronic nerve pain... Addiction to pain meds... Money... Being a burden...
After two and a half hours, she's getting sleepy.
Gotta say, Sam sent a funny card that made Kathy laugh. Monkey crafted smiles ARE worth something! - very original. Just goes to prove what I've been saying, she has a way with everyone who meets her. I don't even think her ex's have bad thoughts about her!
Not sleepy enough to sleep through her leg talking so loudly.
Damn inconsiderate of that left leg if you ask me.
Halloween. Stuck in a hospital. No dressing up. No scaring the kids. No candy... wait, Mona sent Kathy a bag of candy! Where is it? Aha! Chocolate! Yes!!! This is Halloween! This is Halloween!
Too much pain to enjoy chocolate?!? I've never heard of such a thing!?! "Left Leg! You are acting like another body part! Stop the madness!!!"
This day of waiting has been nice. Knocking down the upcoming surgeries will be nicer. Tomorrow the left leg gets worked on some more. "Take THAT Left Leg!!!"
Monday, October 31, 2011
Benefit Concert: Recruiting volunteers
Hi! Jess here, bloggin in from Medford.
We are in the beginning stages of planning a fundraiser to help with Kathy's recovery costs . A benefit concert is tentatively scheduled for December 8th. Time is not on our side here, so friends...This is a recruit blog!! If you have any desire, interest, ability,time, motivation, etc... to extend toward these fundraising efforts, PLEASE get in touch with me (541-941-2156 lilijade.creations@gmail.com).
We have proof of how many lives Kathy has touched...It is mind blowing the love she has put out into the world! This is our opportunity to show our appreciation by putting our talent and resources in one pot and giving back to this sweet heart of a lady!
PLEASE step up if you are able, we will be meeting this Wen. 11/2 at 7:00 pm
Havana Republic
123 W. Main Street
Medford
Love, light and blessings to you all!
We are in the beginning stages of planning a fundraiser to help with Kathy's recovery costs . A benefit concert is tentatively scheduled for December 8th. Time is not on our side here, so friends...This is a recruit blog!! If you have any desire, interest, ability,time, motivation, etc... to extend toward these fundraising efforts, PLEASE get in touch with me (541-941-2156 lilijade.creations@gmail.com).
We have proof of how many lives Kathy has touched...It is mind blowing the love she has put out into the world! This is our opportunity to show our appreciation by putting our talent and resources in one pot and giving back to this sweet heart of a lady!
PLEASE step up if you are able, we will be meeting this Wen. 11/2 at 7:00 pm
Havana Republic
123 W. Main Street
Medford
Love, light and blessings to you all!
Don't look now!
I don't know half of Kathy's friends!
There seems to be so MANY, that I wonder if there is some kind of band wagon effect going on here!
I am struck by the contrast of what I imagine MY stay in a hospital would be like.
(Caution; based on this experience with Kathy, you should NOT be hospitalized until you have at least one fourth of the amount of her friends!)
This has been a day of waiting. I want to design a tattoo to help cover the scarring that she will have. Something pretty with vines that turn to flowers whose blooms become butterflies.
(If it was MY legs I think I would tattoo the scars as the SAME scars. That way you could still see them if the real scars faded over time! I'd be strutting PROOF of the horrific sh*t I survived!!!)
I have not acknowledged them in this blog yet, but My Boys, Parrish, Gage and Thane have been great through this. They are alone at home when I am up here. Kathy's Girls (friends not daughters) have helped my boys at the house (Thank you). Kathy has been touched by how the boys have checked on her, sent her cards and texts. (And she has yet to see her facebook page!) Destiny and Kennady have been dolls during visits! My oldest, Christopher, is in Afghanistan, but his wife, Julie, has kept in touch through this. My sister and her husband... Don't look now Baby, but I THINK YOU HAVE A FAMILY!
There seems to be so MANY, that I wonder if there is some kind of band wagon effect going on here!
I am struck by the contrast of what I imagine MY stay in a hospital would be like.
(Caution; based on this experience with Kathy, you should NOT be hospitalized until you have at least one fourth of the amount of her friends!)
This has been a day of waiting. I want to design a tattoo to help cover the scarring that she will have. Something pretty with vines that turn to flowers whose blooms become butterflies.
(If it was MY legs I think I would tattoo the scars as the SAME scars. That way you could still see them if the real scars faded over time! I'd be strutting PROOF of the horrific sh*t I survived!!!)
I have not acknowledged them in this blog yet, but My Boys, Parrish, Gage and Thane have been great through this. They are alone at home when I am up here. Kathy's Girls (friends not daughters) have helped my boys at the house (Thank you). Kathy has been touched by how the boys have checked on her, sent her cards and texts. (And she has yet to see her facebook page!) Destiny and Kennady have been dolls during visits! My oldest, Christopher, is in Afghanistan, but his wife, Julie, has kept in touch through this. My sister and her husband... Don't look now Baby, but I THINK YOU HAVE A FAMILY!
This is the real update
Kathy is shifting herself from bed to the porta toity! Also to a wheel chair with leg extentions! Though any miscalculation brings agony.
The lower left leg isn't responding as we wish and the pain response is inappropriate to the stimuli. A soft touch feels like burning acid. Small leg movements send sharp shooting nerve pain. It's better than no feeling at all, but when it isn't hurting it is just numb.
Still not able to move the toes on the left foot.
Surgery tomorrow. At this point it's just the left leg. She's getting a little bit of a fever. Worried about infection...
Kathy is obviously a rookie wheelchair operator.
She doesn't corner well.
At least these corners are being handled at a slower speed than the last one she didn't do well. Ouch! Did I really just write that?!? I hear "boo"s and hisses" from the gallery. Oh C'mon! I thought it! I wrote it!
I'm going to have her practice wheeling to the cafe, so I can get some lunch.
It's hard work watching her heal! Hurry and catch up Baby, I'm hungry!!!
The lower left leg isn't responding as we wish and the pain response is inappropriate to the stimuli. A soft touch feels like burning acid. Small leg movements send sharp shooting nerve pain. It's better than no feeling at all, but when it isn't hurting it is just numb.
Still not able to move the toes on the left foot.
Surgery tomorrow. At this point it's just the left leg. She's getting a little bit of a fever. Worried about infection...
Kathy is obviously a rookie wheelchair operator.
She doesn't corner well.
At least these corners are being handled at a slower speed than the last one she didn't do well. Ouch! Did I really just write that?!? I hear "boo"s and hisses" from the gallery. Oh C'mon! I thought it! I wrote it!
I'm going to have her practice wheeling to the cafe, so I can get some lunch.
It's hard work watching her heal! Hurry and catch up Baby, I'm hungry!!!
you want the truth?
Ted - (Bear with me here)
I use this blog as a way of shouting to the world about my crazy love for this girl!
I will write a real update soon, but for now I have something to say about Kathy.
Since she hasn't read any of these posts yet (she is waiting until things slow down and her head is clearer), it will be uplifting for her to look back on details she won't remember later.
Absence DOES make the heart grow fonder. Chalk it up to the great care the girls have been giving Kathy or the body's mind-boggling ability to heal, but even drugged up and in a hospital bed, this girl is Sexy Beautiful!!!
The way I figure it, there are really only two tragedies in life;
One is to not get your heart's desire, The other is to lose it.
I think about how close we came to losing Kathy.
It's easy to forget about how much blood she had lost.
When things were so critical right after the accident, it didn't matter to me if she lost her foot & leg,
I just didn't want to lose HER.
Now that I see such remarkably encouraging results, I get greedy for her,
unrealistically perhaps, wanting so much.
The room that Kathy is in, these posts and the mood of all who visit are reflections of her great personality. It's impossible to be less than optimistic around her! We do everything we can when the pain is really bad to get the girl we love back on track.
I don't mean to lessen what has happened, or make it appear that Kathy doesn't have a long hard road to a place she may not think is where she should be, but it could have been worse.
She might not have known how many people's lives she has touched.
Things left unsaid would remain that way forever.
Her injuries could have prevented any real enjoyment of life.
We could be planning a funeral instead of a different future.
Kathy was lucky.
We all got lucky.
I am the luckiest guy I know!
I have avoided both tragedies in life.
I use this blog as a way of shouting to the world about my crazy love for this girl!
I will write a real update soon, but for now I have something to say about Kathy.
Since she hasn't read any of these posts yet (she is waiting until things slow down and her head is clearer), it will be uplifting for her to look back on details she won't remember later.
Absence DOES make the heart grow fonder. Chalk it up to the great care the girls have been giving Kathy or the body's mind-boggling ability to heal, but even drugged up and in a hospital bed, this girl is Sexy Beautiful!!!
The way I figure it, there are really only two tragedies in life;
One is to not get your heart's desire, The other is to lose it.
I think about how close we came to losing Kathy.
It's easy to forget about how much blood she had lost.
When things were so critical right after the accident, it didn't matter to me if she lost her foot & leg,
I just didn't want to lose HER.
Now that I see such remarkably encouraging results, I get greedy for her,
unrealistically perhaps, wanting so much.
The room that Kathy is in, these posts and the mood of all who visit are reflections of her great personality. It's impossible to be less than optimistic around her! We do everything we can when the pain is really bad to get the girl we love back on track.
I don't mean to lessen what has happened, or make it appear that Kathy doesn't have a long hard road to a place she may not think is where she should be, but it could have been worse.
She might not have known how many people's lives she has touched.
Things left unsaid would remain that way forever.
Her injuries could have prevented any real enjoyment of life.
We could be planning a funeral instead of a different future.
Kathy was lucky.
We all got lucky.
I am the luckiest guy I know!
I have avoided both tragedies in life.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
2 weeks today
Michelle and Kristie here~
She has a new nurse today (Cari), she is very on top of her wants and needs and has a very upbeat refreshing spirit that carries over into her care. This morning has started off with some great news! The PA, the attending, has assessed her as well as Ortho this morning, and every one is amazed with her rapid progression. Kathy has dorsal and plantar extension in her left foot, unable to still move her toes or feel her foot..but this is great progress! Excellent news! They also reiterated that surgery is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to close the fasciotomies. Her daily routine of a.m. rituals went smoothly, and breakfast has arrived. Kathy has not lost her ferocious appetite; however the pro-biotic milk they serve to keep her gut healthy is less to be desired. Kathy just received a few visitors that came yesterday and has been busy this morning on the phone with Ted, Mona, and Janelle catching up. She is starting to fade and hopefully will give into the sandman. We are waiting for Physical Therapy to approve an egg crate for her bed to soften the pressure off her bum. That being said the airflow mattress was denied by the head doctor (general contactor) he likes to call him self, because of Kathy’s ability to move her upper body with the trapeze hanging overhead. We are now looking at the unwrapped right leg, and are being reminded of how fast muscle wasting occurs. We are reassuring her of what an amazing memory muscle has to; she is in shock on the appearance of her right lower leg. We have taken pictures to remind her later down the road at the progress she has made. We are all in awe of the ability for her to move and feel her right foot, when it was just hanging by a thread. She currently is enjoying a deep, moisturizing, massage of her right leg and PT just came into work with her, so we need to get on out of here and give him some room. Ted will be here later, as Michelle and I have to leave back to Medford. Peace and love!
She has a new nurse today (Cari), she is very on top of her wants and needs and has a very upbeat refreshing spirit that carries over into her care. This morning has started off with some great news! The PA, the attending, has assessed her as well as Ortho this morning, and every one is amazed with her rapid progression. Kathy has dorsal and plantar extension in her left foot, unable to still move her toes or feel her foot..but this is great progress! Excellent news! They also reiterated that surgery is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to close the fasciotomies. Her daily routine of a.m. rituals went smoothly, and breakfast has arrived. Kathy has not lost her ferocious appetite; however the pro-biotic milk they serve to keep her gut healthy is less to be desired. Kathy just received a few visitors that came yesterday and has been busy this morning on the phone with Ted, Mona, and Janelle catching up. She is starting to fade and hopefully will give into the sandman. We are waiting for Physical Therapy to approve an egg crate for her bed to soften the pressure off her bum. That being said the airflow mattress was denied by the head doctor (general contactor) he likes to call him self, because of Kathy’s ability to move her upper body with the trapeze hanging overhead. We are now looking at the unwrapped right leg, and are being reminded of how fast muscle wasting occurs. We are reassuring her of what an amazing memory muscle has to; she is in shock on the appearance of her right lower leg. We have taken pictures to remind her later down the road at the progress she has made. We are all in awe of the ability for her to move and feel her right foot, when it was just hanging by a thread. She currently is enjoying a deep, moisturizing, massage of her right leg and PT just came into work with her, so we need to get on out of here and give him some room. Ted will be here later, as Michelle and I have to leave back to Medford. Peace and love!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Follow The Yellow Brick Road~
Michelle and Kristie Here :)
WOW! What a great day Kathy had! Where do I start? It's all-good!~
After a fitful night of trying to control the pain, our girl was finally able to sleep in the wee hours of the morning. Kristie had first dibbs to cuddle in bed, then we switched places & Kathy & I slept hard for a few hours. Morning brought our "little ray of sunshine" bright eyes & a bushy tail!:) It's a great sight to see Kathy when she is rested-up and is in bright spirits. :) I wish I could capture the feeling we have when we are here together & send it all your way.
Kathy had a surprise visit from her friend Lori & her hubby Rick from Medford this afternoon. Ronda also stopped bye to visit. We had a great evening of reminiscing about good times and the bonds we have built as friends. A little fresh air was welcomed when we bundled Kathy up in a wheelchair and took her out to the children's garden. Kathy lit-up when she saw the brick path around the garden is yellow & there is an actual tin man holding onto ruby-red slippers and still beautiful flowers for almost November. We stopped for a moment to let Kathy smell the flowers, which brought a huge smile to her sweet face. We then took a tour down the West Wing hall to read the stories of former patients who overcame similar catastrophic accidents. Seeing the pictures and hearing the stories helped Kathy focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. We headed back to her room and the activities of the day started to kick-in and pain relief couldn't come soon enough! After nightly routine, shift change, and a healthy appetite, Kathy is now resting comfortably for the time being.
WOW! What a great day Kathy had! Where do I start? It's all-good!~
After a fitful night of trying to control the pain, our girl was finally able to sleep in the wee hours of the morning. Kristie had first dibbs to cuddle in bed, then we switched places & Kathy & I slept hard for a few hours. Morning brought our "little ray of sunshine" bright eyes & a bushy tail!:) It's a great sight to see Kathy when she is rested-up and is in bright spirits. :) I wish I could capture the feeling we have when we are here together & send it all your way.
Kathy had a surprise visit from her friend Lori & her hubby Rick from Medford this afternoon. Ronda also stopped bye to visit. We had a great evening of reminiscing about good times and the bonds we have built as friends. A little fresh air was welcomed when we bundled Kathy up in a wheelchair and took her out to the children's garden. Kathy lit-up when she saw the brick path around the garden is yellow & there is an actual tin man holding onto ruby-red slippers and still beautiful flowers for almost November. We stopped for a moment to let Kathy smell the flowers, which brought a huge smile to her sweet face. We then took a tour down the West Wing hall to read the stories of former patients who overcame similar catastrophic accidents. Seeing the pictures and hearing the stories helped Kathy focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. We headed back to her room and the activities of the day started to kick-in and pain relief couldn't come soon enough! After nightly routine, shift change, and a healthy appetite, Kathy is now resting comfortably for the time being.
So Grateful!~
From Kathy-
She really wants to tell everyone hello, and how much she appreciates everyone’s thoughts, prayers, and well wishes! She is so grateful for those of you who follow her progress, and those of us who can make it to see her. She and the nursing staff welcome any who wants to visit. She extends her love to those who are taking time out of their lives to make time for her, especially wants to thank those who are being there for her in this time of trials and tribulations. All of you are wonderful, and I am Grateful! Got to go........ another rough night has begun; the pain is getting to her after a very full day from visitors and activity. Will share more later.
She really wants to tell everyone hello, and how much she appreciates everyone’s thoughts, prayers, and well wishes! She is so grateful for those of you who follow her progress, and those of us who can make it to see her. She and the nursing staff welcome any who wants to visit. She extends her love to those who are taking time out of their lives to make time for her, especially wants to thank those who are being there for her in this time of trials and tribulations. All of you are wonderful, and I am Grateful! Got to go........ another rough night has begun; the pain is getting to her after a very full day from visitors and activity. Will share more later.
Doctors Saturday Morning Rounding
Kristie here-
Saturday morning, Kathy is in great spirits, some of her cheerleaders have arrived!
She has nibbled on some turkey bacon, poppy seed scone, and eaten all her eggs. Ortho came in (Adam), he informed us that Kathy’s next surgery is scheduled for Tuesday to try and close up her fasciotomies, may actually take two more surgeries to accomplish this goal. You know Kathy she is staying very optimistic and hoping for only one more round. She still have 1-2 more Rt. ankle clean outs before they attempt to do an allow graft to reattach all the tendons in her ankle that were blown out. Neurosurgeon made his rounds while I was out getting coffee and pastries for the staff that is taking care of K-love. I guess he has a pretty rotten attitude, and was abrasive...real bummer. However I had asked nurse to order an air mattress to help prevent further skin breakdown, and to up the Nerontin dosage to help with the nerve pain. Mission accomplished!
Kathy is now getting a babywipe,sponge bath from our special friend Michelle, then hopefully some much needed rest, after a long night of miserable and intolerable pain.
Sara, the day shift RN for Kathy, just came in and said everyone just loved and devoured the pastries...lol! Nurses love their sweets!
Saturday morning, Kathy is in great spirits, some of her cheerleaders have arrived!
She has nibbled on some turkey bacon, poppy seed scone, and eaten all her eggs. Ortho came in (Adam), he informed us that Kathy’s next surgery is scheduled for Tuesday to try and close up her fasciotomies, may actually take two more surgeries to accomplish this goal. You know Kathy she is staying very optimistic and hoping for only one more round. She still have 1-2 more Rt. ankle clean outs before they attempt to do an allow graft to reattach all the tendons in her ankle that were blown out. Neurosurgeon made his rounds while I was out getting coffee and pastries for the staff that is taking care of K-love. I guess he has a pretty rotten attitude, and was abrasive...real bummer. However I had asked nurse to order an air mattress to help prevent further skin breakdown, and to up the Nerontin dosage to help with the nerve pain. Mission accomplished!
Kathy is now getting a babywipe,sponge bath from our special friend Michelle, then hopefully some much needed rest, after a long night of miserable and intolerable pain.
Sara, the day shift RN for Kathy, just came in and said everyone just loved and devoured the pastries...lol! Nurses love their sweets!
Friday, October 28, 2011
First fresh air since the accident
Ronda showed up just in time to help with Kathy. Okay, she did it all. I would have done it. I've done it before. I don't mind doing it, but it was sure alright that Ronda showed up when she did. Really, I think Kathy was cool with me leaving for a few. Not so fresh air.
When I got back, hair & body washed, new sheets. good food, glowing face...
Physical Therapy team is here to see if we can get Kathy into a wheel chair I'll check back in a bit!
*Time lapse sequence here*
WHOOOoooeeee! Just toured the hospital in a wheelchair. I took Kathy back to ICU to see her old rooms. She didn't remember any of it from before!?! The medical people remembered her though! They took some time to let Kathy get to know them & fill in a part of this story that Kathy doesn't remember. Stopped in front of an open door just to let her smell the fresh outside air!
Foley is out! It's a trick to get her on the potty chair & wheelchair, more so to get her back in bed after.
*Time lapse sequence again*
The day was awesome! The night has Kathy paying for it in a big way. Lots of pain again. She gets so tired doing such little things. Kathy is frustrated at wanting to do the ordinary things that escape her right now. I can't seem to make her feel better. I hope today was worth this.
Kristie and Michelle just got here! Kathy's spirits are lifting already! Pray for good sleep for the girls. Tomorrow is going to be another busy fun day because Kathy wants to start living again & will overdo it, but tomorrow night before bed will be a trial to get through. Sleep medication has worked for increasing the span between waking.
I'm leaving her in good hands with these girls. Baby-step her better!
When I got back, hair & body washed, new sheets. good food, glowing face...
Physical Therapy team is here to see if we can get Kathy into a wheel chair I'll check back in a bit!
*Time lapse sequence here*
WHOOOoooeeee! Just toured the hospital in a wheelchair. I took Kathy back to ICU to see her old rooms. She didn't remember any of it from before!?! The medical people remembered her though! They took some time to let Kathy get to know them & fill in a part of this story that Kathy doesn't remember. Stopped in front of an open door just to let her smell the fresh outside air!
Foley is out! It's a trick to get her on the potty chair & wheelchair, more so to get her back in bed after.
*Time lapse sequence again*
The day was awesome! The night has Kathy paying for it in a big way. Lots of pain again. She gets so tired doing such little things. Kathy is frustrated at wanting to do the ordinary things that escape her right now. I can't seem to make her feel better. I hope today was worth this.
Kristie and Michelle just got here! Kathy's spirits are lifting already! Pray for good sleep for the girls. Tomorrow is going to be another busy fun day because Kathy wants to start living again & will overdo it, but tomorrow night before bed will be a trial to get through. Sleep medication has worked for increasing the span between waking.
I'm leaving her in good hands with these girls. Baby-step her better!
Now accepting applications for cheerleaders
Smiling faces are not required. CUZ U WON'T BE ABLE 2 STOP SMILING ONCE U GET HERE!
Just got a look at her right ankle and it looks so good! The sutures look great and it looks like over half of the ankle meat stayed together when her foot was pushed off the leg bone! That explains the super positive results when Kathy's foot was reconnected!
Hopefully Kathy will be able to be moved to one of those wheelchairs with the leg extentions soon, so we can get her out of this room for awhile! The invite to visiters is open. If you know Kathy, you know she is a people person. She is looking forward to the planned visits and it will make her a happy girl if you decide to surprise her!
If Kathy shows she can move around better, even with the help of a nurse or a friend, she can have her Foley removed (catheter to the bladder). When that happens we'll have one less tube to keep track of!
Starting to do movements to prevent "ankle drop" & muscle atrophy. Not fun, but she's a trooper & knows how necessary it is.
Just got a look at her right ankle and it looks so good! The sutures look great and it looks like over half of the ankle meat stayed together when her foot was pushed off the leg bone! That explains the super positive results when Kathy's foot was reconnected!
Hopefully Kathy will be able to be moved to one of those wheelchairs with the leg extentions soon, so we can get her out of this room for awhile! The invite to visiters is open. If you know Kathy, you know she is a people person. She is looking forward to the planned visits and it will make her a happy girl if you decide to surprise her!
If Kathy shows she can move around better, even with the help of a nurse or a friend, she can have her Foley removed (catheter to the bladder). When that happens we'll have one less tube to keep track of!
Starting to do movements to prevent "ankle drop" & muscle atrophy. Not fun, but she's a trooper & knows how necessary it is.
More like Dawn than Dusk
First night since the first night that it's just Kathy and I.
It's all good.
We slept more through the night than any time since being here.
Since I met her, Kathy has always been a soy milk drinker... until now!
She has been craving 2% milk! I wonder if it's her body telling her it needs calcium & nutrients to repair her bones?
I'm sure Kathy will have dark days ahead as she works to regain her mobility, but with all the incredible friends she has, I think it will be more like dawn than dusk. With dusk, the light is fading, with dawn, the light is coming back and will get stronger.
Hmmm...that's kinda poetic. If this was a Facebook page, I would click "Like" on that!
Kathy has not seen this blog or had a chance to look at her facebook page yet.
The room is set up so we sit behind her when we use the laptop. I think that if she continues to keep feeling better, you will soon be getting responses directly from Kathy!
Kathy asked me to let everybody know she can't wait to see all the messages and Thanks everyone for taking time out of their lives to send her well wishes. She is up for visiters and would love to see all who can make the trip up. She also understands that it's a long way to travel, so don't feel pressured.
Kathy has asked me if I kept track of who sent flowers and cards and balloons and packages so she can send Thank You's and I have to admit that that was the last thing on my mind at the time. Now I'm in trouble! Seriously, she's mad at me because she doesn't want to appear ungrateful. See? I told you she's feeling better!
It's all good.
We slept more through the night than any time since being here.
Since I met her, Kathy has always been a soy milk drinker... until now!
She has been craving 2% milk! I wonder if it's her body telling her it needs calcium & nutrients to repair her bones?
I'm sure Kathy will have dark days ahead as she works to regain her mobility, but with all the incredible friends she has, I think it will be more like dawn than dusk. With dusk, the light is fading, with dawn, the light is coming back and will get stronger.
Hmmm...that's kinda poetic. If this was a Facebook page, I would click "Like" on that!
Kathy has not seen this blog or had a chance to look at her facebook page yet.
The room is set up so we sit behind her when we use the laptop. I think that if she continues to keep feeling better, you will soon be getting responses directly from Kathy!
Kathy asked me to let everybody know she can't wait to see all the messages and Thanks everyone for taking time out of their lives to send her well wishes. She is up for visiters and would love to see all who can make the trip up. She also understands that it's a long way to travel, so don't feel pressured.
Kathy has asked me if I kept track of who sent flowers and cards and balloons and packages so she can send Thank You's and I have to admit that that was the last thing on my mind at the time. Now I'm in trouble! Seriously, she's mad at me because she doesn't want to appear ungrateful. See? I told you she's feeling better!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
What is this, surgery #6 or #7?
Much better recovery after surgery this time!
Wound vacs are smaller this time too! Starting to shrink the fasciectomy size.
The down side (you knew there would be a down side, right?) is that I was left in the surgery waiting room while Kathy was wheeled up to her room. I waited. I waited...
I asked, was told her procedure was finished and she was in recovery. I waited... I WAITED!
I asked again, was told to wait in the waiting room while she checked on Kathy for me. I waited...
AND WAS TOLD SHE WAS TAKEN TO HER ROOM 20 MINUTES AGO!!!
Still a bit dopey when I got up here. Whew! I was worried she'd wonder where her people were at.
The new nurse (different one again) said Kathy talked about the chicken in her stomach. Not food. A LIVE chicken.
Kathy told me of a dream she was having that she had lots of plastic surgery at this hospital and knew just where to go.
She was pretty sure the nurse wanted to drop a Tonka truck on her head.
I'm starting to see why they lock this pain stuff up! Can you imagine the abuse?!?
It is a eye opener to get away for a day or so, then come back, the improvement is much more noticeable. The girls who are coming up this weekend are going to have fun as Kathy's pain lets more of her great personality come back.
I'm going to get my girl something to eat. Anybody know where I can find a corndog?
Wound vacs are smaller this time too! Starting to shrink the fasciectomy size.
The down side (you knew there would be a down side, right?) is that I was left in the surgery waiting room while Kathy was wheeled up to her room. I waited. I waited...
I asked, was told her procedure was finished and she was in recovery. I waited... I WAITED!
I asked again, was told to wait in the waiting room while she checked on Kathy for me. I waited...
AND WAS TOLD SHE WAS TAKEN TO HER ROOM 20 MINUTES AGO!!!
Still a bit dopey when I got up here. Whew! I was worried she'd wonder where her people were at.
The new nurse (different one again) said Kathy talked about the chicken in her stomach. Not food. A LIVE chicken.
Kathy told me of a dream she was having that she had lots of plastic surgery at this hospital and knew just where to go.
She was pretty sure the nurse wanted to drop a Tonka truck on her head.
I'm starting to see why they lock this pain stuff up! Can you imagine the abuse?!?
It is a eye opener to get away for a day or so, then come back, the improvement is much more noticeable. The girls who are coming up this weekend are going to have fun as Kathy's pain lets more of her great personality come back.
I'm going to get my girl something to eat. Anybody know where I can find a corndog?
Get through this Hell
Kathy is finally getting her wound vacs replaced with new & a thorough cleaning of the left leg fasciectomies.
Hasn't eaten since yesterday.
I'm glad she is unconscious during this.
I want to spit thinking about the procedure.
I pray that no more lower leg muscle has to be removed due to "die off".
The last couple days have given us reminders of how lucky we are that Kathy's injuries weren't worse.
Kathy's legs are still both part of her & with physical therapy, determination, hard work & support from those who love her, she will heal.
She is afraid of chronic pain from nerve damage. Working in pain management made her very aware of how bad that can be.
She is afraid of how bad the missing muscle "divits" and scarring will be.
She is afraid of not walking normally again.
As Kathy recovers, she will see it for herslf, but until then, I may need your help reminding
this AMAZING woman how PERFECT she really is!
As Kathy recovers, she will see it for herself
Hasn't eaten since yesterday.
I'm glad she is unconscious during this.
I want to spit thinking about the procedure.
I pray that no more lower leg muscle has to be removed due to "die off".
The last couple days have given us reminders of how lucky we are that Kathy's injuries weren't worse.
Kathy's legs are still both part of her & with physical therapy, determination, hard work & support from those who love her, she will heal.
She is afraid of chronic pain from nerve damage. Working in pain management made her very aware of how bad that can be.
She is afraid of how bad the missing muscle "divits" and scarring will be.
She is afraid of not walking normally again.
As Kathy recovers, she will see it for herslf, but until then, I may need your help reminding
this AMAZING woman how PERFECT she really is!
As Kathy recovers, she will see it for herself
I'm BaaAAAaack!
Ted again! Drum roll please. Kidding! I was crazy missing this girl! Nicole, my sister-in-law, helped me drive home through the night, so I could catch up on some work wednesday and again to get back up here. It doesn't feel right doing "normal" stuff when things are so far from normal here with Kathy.
Hey, as I reread the posts I'm seeing how the change in mood is much more hopeful & humorous. It's great to be able to see Kathy improving in so many ways!
Yeah, take away the worry of Kathy losing her life or limbs and it's easy to joke about bed wrinkles & bowel movements.
Kathy was terribly sad when Jess had to leave. What am I, chopped liver?!? Good thing Ronda showed up to save the day! I think I'm going to have to work on my approach.
Her left leg is unwrapped now. Finally able to see how well all the king's men did.
Let's see... Long openings on both sides of her left calf will be getting the wound vacs replaced with new ones today. Access repairs to the front & one side of the knee cap area. Back of the knee is stapled together clear across. Her right ankle is reattached and the right thigh is stapled together where the surgeon had to harvest veins to replace the ones destroyed in the left knee area. All that stitching is going to leave some wicked scarring that will make a great story for the grandkids one day. I'm thinking of a jungle excursion story with piranha and crocodiles...
Hey, as I reread the posts I'm seeing how the change in mood is much more hopeful & humorous. It's great to be able to see Kathy improving in so many ways!
Yeah, take away the worry of Kathy losing her life or limbs and it's easy to joke about bed wrinkles & bowel movements.
Kathy was terribly sad when Jess had to leave. What am I, chopped liver?!? Good thing Ronda showed up to save the day! I think I'm going to have to work on my approach.
Her left leg is unwrapped now. Finally able to see how well all the king's men did.
Let's see... Long openings on both sides of her left calf will be getting the wound vacs replaced with new ones today. Access repairs to the front & one side of the knee cap area. Back of the knee is stapled together clear across. Her right ankle is reattached and the right thigh is stapled together where the surgeon had to harvest veins to replace the ones destroyed in the left knee area. All that stitching is going to leave some wicked scarring that will make a great story for the grandkids one day. I'm thinking of a jungle excursion story with piranha and crocodiles...
Why the Backhoe??
Nurse shift change does not always work in our favor....We've been enduring the drip alarms this morning and as they go off and beep and beep and beeeeeeeeep, our calls go unanswered and though it seems like a miniscule thing I feel like I could threaten bodily harm. It's like a backhoe warning movement (back up already!!) I think Kathy only pretends to be as irritated as I, she is actually quite a chipper gal in the mornings; I on the other hand.....not my finest hour!
I'm realizing how much better things must be to be complaining about "alarms"!
Kathy is on the phone with Geico right now and it is not splendid news. We, friends, are going to have to pull off one hell of a fundraiser for this girl!! Absolutely blows my mind that anyone working in the health industry in this country could could be completely without health insurance. Kathy has paid it forward for a lot of years and now it's her turn to be on the the receiving end! Will be in touch very soon with fundraiser plans.
I'm realizing how much better things must be to be complaining about "alarms"!
Kathy is on the phone with Geico right now and it is not splendid news. We, friends, are going to have to pull off one hell of a fundraiser for this girl!! Absolutely blows my mind that anyone working in the health industry in this country could could be completely without health insurance. Kathy has paid it forward for a lot of years and now it's her turn to be on the the receiving end! Will be in touch very soon with fundraiser plans.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Where's a corn dog when ya need one??
Kathy had a nice nap this afternoon, woke up with some severe pain and we tackled it head on...(whatever that means lol!) When she's in pain it is literally moment to moment! She's not pushing her pain button for a bit, cuz she wanted to catch up on some phone calls. She get's so concerned about other peoples feelings: it's what I love and admire about her. Mid agony-leg-moving today, she started rubbing her nurses back and asking her how she was...we had to chuckle, "Sweetheart, we are golden!"
On my drive up yesterday, I got word that she was craving a corn dog. I'm quite certain it's the first corn dog craving of her life, so today when the craving lingered, it was a priority! While she was talking to Ted, I went down to the cafe' in search of a corn dog. There are NO corn dogs in this hospital and it has directly affected and lowered my opinion of this "fine" establishment! If anyone is nearby with a deep-fried meat on a stick..........Room 1516...lol!!
Wound-vac surgery tomorrow...scheduled for 4:00PM. I have to head back to Medford early, Ted will be here and Ronda again later in the day. I'm glad to be here!
On my drive up yesterday, I got word that she was craving a corn dog. I'm quite certain it's the first corn dog craving of her life, so today when the craving lingered, it was a priority! While she was talking to Ted, I went down to the cafe' in search of a corn dog. There are NO corn dogs in this hospital and it has directly affected and lowered my opinion of this "fine" establishment! If anyone is nearby with a deep-fried meat on a stick..........Room 1516...lol!!
Wound-vac surgery tomorrow...scheduled for 4:00PM. I have to head back to Medford early, Ted will be here and Ronda again later in the day. I'm glad to be here!
Time is a cruel creeper!
She is so sad right now:( !!! I'm encouraging her to cry and let it all out! She felt this morning that things were getting better (AND THEY ARE!) and she would continue through the day with a smile. Right now she's faced again with the reality of how slow her healing process is. She saw the clock and what she thought was a whole day(10pm) passed was just a few hours.
She said..."When will we get something good...good news??" I sang her a verse of you are my sunshine (My son Jadens proven way to cheer me) and there was a knock at the door. We just got Danielle's package...!!! It's covered in photos and Stay tuned...more good times ahead..... My jaw dropped and we both cried. That was miraculous...Our good news!
RN Brent just spent 10 min telling her stories about amazing skate boarder healing phenomenons and it seriously had an impact; she knows that tons of other people have endured and overcome what she's in the middle of. That is a comfortable thought when you feel alone in your pain! Kathy is showing her soft side and everyone present melts in sympathy! Prayers for heart strength are needed today!
She said..."When will we get something good...good news??" I sang her a verse of you are my sunshine (My son Jadens proven way to cheer me) and there was a knock at the door. We just got Danielle's package...!!! It's covered in photos and Stay tuned...more good times ahead..... My jaw dropped and we both cried. That was miraculous...Our good news!
RN Brent just spent 10 min telling her stories about amazing skate boarder healing phenomenons and it seriously had an impact; she knows that tons of other people have endured and overcome what she's in the middle of. That is a comfortable thought when you feel alone in your pain! Kathy is showing her soft side and everyone present melts in sympathy! Prayers for heart strength are needed today!
"Good morning America, how are you?"
Just now I asked Kathy if she had anything to say and that was it...and she sang it!
It's a great morning for her and everyone sees it...Even nurse Ratchet! (Nurse Ratchet earned her nickname yesterday...Kathy had some very select words with her & it gave them something to laugh about today:))
She feels extremely rested, I'm not sure how because she insisted I sleep in bed with her and the eighteen pillows...I almost called the nurse in to take a picture just so I could get a visual of how I was clinging on to the mattress between the guard rails. At one point I told her I was going to move to the chair, so we could move her leg over and she whimpered, "Don't take that from me...Lay down!" I did.
They came in about 6:00 to do a chest x-ray (Which looked great, yay!) Drew some blood, and she was up asking for her contacts and a breakfast sandwich. We changed out the sheets and I gave her a head to toe scrub and then a smell good lotion rub down.
(Apparently all that good-morning-get-up-and-go was a little over the top...her pain spiked, brought her to tears and I just spent the last two hours holding her!)
The Trauma Team came in to discuss her progress; blood numbers are little out of whack and she's gonna be doing 2 more units before her next surgery(wound-vac cleaning). She's being switched over to a longer acting pain med. Fragmin, which is injected into her belly skin twice a day. Argatroban drip still in place, which continues to prevent any sort of epidural. Right now we want drugs!!
It's a great morning for her and everyone sees it...Even nurse Ratchet! (Nurse Ratchet earned her nickname yesterday...Kathy had some very select words with her & it gave them something to laugh about today:))
She feels extremely rested, I'm not sure how because she insisted I sleep in bed with her and the eighteen pillows...I almost called the nurse in to take a picture just so I could get a visual of how I was clinging on to the mattress between the guard rails. At one point I told her I was going to move to the chair, so we could move her leg over and she whimpered, "Don't take that from me...Lay down!" I did.
They came in about 6:00 to do a chest x-ray (Which looked great, yay!) Drew some blood, and she was up asking for her contacts and a breakfast sandwich. We changed out the sheets and I gave her a head to toe scrub and then a smell good lotion rub down.
(Apparently all that good-morning-get-up-and-go was a little over the top...her pain spiked, brought her to tears and I just spent the last two hours holding her!)
The Trauma Team came in to discuss her progress; blood numbers are little out of whack and she's gonna be doing 2 more units before her next surgery(wound-vac cleaning). She's being switched over to a longer acting pain med. Fragmin, which is injected into her belly skin twice a day. Argatroban drip still in place, which continues to prevent any sort of epidural. Right now we want drugs!!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Hey Love, nice set of... lungs!
Ted here. This is the first time since the first day I got here that it is just Kathy & I. Has it really been only nine days?!? Cindi had to leave. Jess is on her way back up. We all talk about how lucky we are to have Kathy. I have to add that Kathy is so lucky to have so many great friends!
Talk seems to be along the lines of switching from a fast acting oral pain relief with the pain button to a slow acting oxcy drip with the pain button. Right now, the pain is tolerable.
Lung tubes have been removed! No more quart size bags of lung juice on each side of her! Way to fill those bags Baby! Lungs are clear and breathing is good. Every tube that gets removed is another victory!
It sucks to think about leaving tonight. Kathy isn't due for her next surgery until Thursday. I can go home tonight, work tomorrow and make it back for surgery. Hopefully, Jess can put some pics on this sight. I've taken a bunch, just don't know how to put them on this blog. Kathy will want to approve which ones get posted anyway.
Talk seems to be along the lines of switching from a fast acting oral pain relief with the pain button to a slow acting oxcy drip with the pain button. Right now, the pain is tolerable.
Lung tubes have been removed! No more quart size bags of lung juice on each side of her! Way to fill those bags Baby! Lungs are clear and breathing is good. Every tube that gets removed is another victory!
It sucks to think about leaving tonight. Kathy isn't due for her next surgery until Thursday. I can go home tonight, work tomorrow and make it back for surgery. Hopefully, Jess can put some pics on this sight. I've taken a bunch, just don't know how to put them on this blog. Kathy will want to approve which ones get posted anyway.
NEXT!
I hope the worst night is behind us.
Kathy accidentally pulled her I.V. out when the x-ray tech came to get her.
That was bloody. Blood thinners do that.
New shift. New nurse again. Insisting on repositioning Kathy every two hours. We tried to tell the nurse that Kathy was repositioning all night trying to crawl out of her own skin to escape the pain. Any movement of her leg causes excruciating pain. The new nurse is by the book. Doesn't give in to Kathy's requests. Cindi has never seen The Excorcist, but the look Kathy just gave the new nurse when denied again, as Kathy growled, "WHO ARE YOU?" was classic.
Apparently the new nurse, Nurse Ratchett, thinks we have been pushing Kathy's pain button for her (We haven't been).
We got the lecture from one of her doctors about the dangers involved in doing that. We're not idiots!
Besides, even if we were (and we're not), the thing is on a timer that only allows the doctor set amount between a restricted time period.
I talked to Nurse Ratchett about hoping this isn't just a job to her. A caring bedside manner, even when you go by the book, can mean all the difference in the world. I think calling her out on this has helped. Nurse Ratchett has changed her demeaner. A little softer, little more patient.
Saw x-rays of the pins & plates in her lower leg/knee. It looks like that game "Pick Up Sticks". They wouldn't let me take pictures of it because of privacy laws!?! We can get a C.D. of it later.
Still not able to move or feel her toes or most of her left foot. Found out from the doc that Kathy still has one more surgery on her left knee to go. It won't be as bad as this last one though.
I don't know if she could do that again.
Kathy accidentally pulled her I.V. out when the x-ray tech came to get her.
That was bloody. Blood thinners do that.
New shift. New nurse again. Insisting on repositioning Kathy every two hours. We tried to tell the nurse that Kathy was repositioning all night trying to crawl out of her own skin to escape the pain. Any movement of her leg causes excruciating pain. The new nurse is by the book. Doesn't give in to Kathy's requests. Cindi has never seen The Excorcist, but the look Kathy just gave the new nurse when denied again, as Kathy growled, "WHO ARE YOU?" was classic.
Apparently the new nurse, Nurse Ratchett, thinks we have been pushing Kathy's pain button for her (We haven't been).
We got the lecture from one of her doctors about the dangers involved in doing that. We're not idiots!
Besides, even if we were (and we're not), the thing is on a timer that only allows the doctor set amount between a restricted time period.
I talked to Nurse Ratchett about hoping this isn't just a job to her. A caring bedside manner, even when you go by the book, can mean all the difference in the world. I think calling her out on this has helped. Nurse Ratchett has changed her demeaner. A little softer, little more patient.
Saw x-rays of the pins & plates in her lower leg/knee. It looks like that game "Pick Up Sticks". They wouldn't let me take pictures of it because of privacy laws!?! We can get a C.D. of it later.
Still not able to move or feel her toes or most of her left foot. Found out from the doc that Kathy still has one more surgery on her left knee to go. It won't be as bad as this last one though.
I don't know if she could do that again.
you can skip this
Ted at 12:18 A.M. Good thing this place has an all night eatery. Cindi went to see what we can get for dinner. That gives me time to write more.
Kathy still stirs, but stays asleep for the most part. Not the kind of sleep that would refresh you or I.
The fan that Cindi bought is making Kathy's balloons move around.
About 15 pillows piled on the bed function as comfort cradles and guides.
The worst surgery is behind Kathy, next scheduled is Thursday.
Hey! food's here! Gotta go!
Kathy still stirs, but stays asleep for the most part. Not the kind of sleep that would refresh you or I.
The fan that Cindi bought is making Kathy's balloons move around.
About 15 pillows piled on the bed function as comfort cradles and guides.
The worst surgery is behind Kathy, next scheduled is Thursday.
Hey! food's here! Gotta go!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Time to get there and time to get back
Wow.
The hour delay in releasing Kathy from surgery recovery because of the amount of pain she was in was just the start.
There is no way to describe what Kathy must be feeling. Her face tells it all. Even when she retreats to a safer place of drugged sleep, her forehead is crunched into wrinkles, her mouth pulled into a frown...
She can't have any more pain medication until she can be reassessed & cleared, can't be cleared until more of the anethesia wears off, the anethesia won't wear off as fast until she can stop shallow breathing 8-10 breaths a minute . Until then, it's just time.
another hour later...
As she is awaking fully from the anathesia it is time filled with a panicky need to change something! Anything to make it better!
Kathy has been given anti-anxiety medication. She is apologizing for everything she ever did bad.
There is nothing that Cindi or I can do to ease this for her. The pain pump button doesn't seem to be touching this!
It's been over four hours since the surgery. The nurses and Docs are trying everything they can. The concern is keeping the respiratory function from being compromised. She's getting a dose of something more. I know I should know of what, but I don't. The medical people don't all agree on the best course. Starts with an "A".
This is going to be a long night for all. Especially Kathy.
later... How long has it been? Good thing Cindi let me sleep last night & she took a short nap today.
It is 11;42 P.M. and Kathy has finally fallen into an exhausted sleep.
Still fitfull, but quickly fades each time. Hope those are good dreams she's having.
The hour delay in releasing Kathy from surgery recovery because of the amount of pain she was in was just the start.
There is no way to describe what Kathy must be feeling. Her face tells it all. Even when she retreats to a safer place of drugged sleep, her forehead is crunched into wrinkles, her mouth pulled into a frown...
She can't have any more pain medication until she can be reassessed & cleared, can't be cleared until more of the anethesia wears off, the anethesia won't wear off as fast until she can stop shallow breathing 8-10 breaths a minute . Until then, it's just time.
another hour later...
As she is awaking fully from the anathesia it is time filled with a panicky need to change something! Anything to make it better!
Kathy has been given anti-anxiety medication. She is apologizing for everything she ever did bad.
There is nothing that Cindi or I can do to ease this for her. The pain pump button doesn't seem to be touching this!
It's been over four hours since the surgery. The nurses and Docs are trying everything they can. The concern is keeping the respiratory function from being compromised. She's getting a dose of something more. I know I should know of what, but I don't. The medical people don't all agree on the best course. Starts with an "A".
This is going to be a long night for all. Especially Kathy.
later... How long has it been? Good thing Cindi let me sleep last night & she took a short nap today.
It is 11;42 P.M. and Kathy has finally fallen into an exhausted sleep.
Still fitfull, but quickly fades each time. Hope those are good dreams she's having.
return from surgery
Cindi notes...Kathy has been back in her room for the past hour, she is in a lot of pain as should be expected for going through such an intense surgery. Ted is the most amazing husband, never leaving her side and encouraging her through this heartbreaking process.
Today the dr repaired the bones in her left knee and leg. There were some missing pieces of bone and cartilage from her knee that were discarded during the first surgery which was necessary to avoid infection, the dr said that her knee looks good considering the extensive damage done to it but she likely will have to a knee replacement somewhere down the road. The incision behind her knee was cleaned and tissue was removed, her incisions are all healing nicely. The previous surgery removed muscle tissue from the front of the calf. Today after the incision behind her knee was treated the dr had to remove unhealthy muscle tissue from the back of her calf near the incision, so this was an unexpected procedure. The faciadomies looked good and a wound vac change was performed on them.
We are trying to control Kathy's pain at this point, holding her hand as she tries to sleep and watching over her constantly. Her strength is incredible but it is so much for anyone to bear, let alone our girl!
Today the dr repaired the bones in her left knee and leg. There were some missing pieces of bone and cartilage from her knee that were discarded during the first surgery which was necessary to avoid infection, the dr said that her knee looks good considering the extensive damage done to it but she likely will have to a knee replacement somewhere down the road. The incision behind her knee was cleaned and tissue was removed, her incisions are all healing nicely. The previous surgery removed muscle tissue from the front of the calf. Today after the incision behind her knee was treated the dr had to remove unhealthy muscle tissue from the back of her calf near the incision, so this was an unexpected procedure. The faciadomies looked good and a wound vac change was performed on them.
We are trying to control Kathy's pain at this point, holding her hand as she tries to sleep and watching over her constantly. Her strength is incredible but it is so much for anyone to bear, let alone our girl!
no news is good news, right?
Still in surgery. Almost seven hours now. Feels like an eternity.
I'm trying to distract myself so I don't go crazy! Who knows what the psych ward would be like here, I might get treated for tapeworms!
To be fair, this is a really busy surgery center. I'm sure they are doing their best. Screw being fair! Be fair with the other surgeries, be right every time with this one!
Gotta get my mind off of this...
If you come here to love on & care for Kathy, be prepared to cuddle. She finds comfort in being held and talked to. The girls who have helped me so far, all have a gift of soothing.
Cindy slept next to Kathy last night. Cindy didn't really sleep, but Kathy did! Before you think, "What's up with everyone sleeping in her bed?!?", try saying no when she asks YOU to!
Kathy talks with you until she falls quickly to sleep, then you don't dare move for fear of waking her!
Just so you Girls know, bring your slumber party jammies!
Guys, forget about it! I know your disappointed. Sorry.
It will be easier to relax with her when the lung tubes are out. Kathy's breathing great, but the x-rays show the lungs still aren't good enough to pull the tubes. Leg bracket rods should be off after the surgery. That will make it easier to snuggle too!
I'm trying to distract myself so I don't go crazy! Who knows what the psych ward would be like here, I might get treated for tapeworms!
To be fair, this is a really busy surgery center. I'm sure they are doing their best. Screw being fair! Be fair with the other surgeries, be right every time with this one!
Gotta get my mind off of this...
If you come here to love on & care for Kathy, be prepared to cuddle. She finds comfort in being held and talked to. The girls who have helped me so far, all have a gift of soothing.
Cindy slept next to Kathy last night. Cindy didn't really sleep, but Kathy did! Before you think, "What's up with everyone sleeping in her bed?!?", try saying no when she asks YOU to!
Kathy talks with you until she falls quickly to sleep, then you don't dare move for fear of waking her!
Just so you Girls know, bring your slumber party jammies!
Guys, forget about it! I know your disappointed. Sorry.
It will be easier to relax with her when the lung tubes are out. Kathy's breathing great, but the x-rays show the lungs still aren't good enough to pull the tubes. Leg bracket rods should be off after the surgery. That will make it easier to snuggle too!
unexpected twist
The girls that have been here can tell you what a mess the channels of communication are here.
Change in surgery plans -
Only Kathy's left leg work will be done today. The operating room nurse didn't know the right ankle needed more work until we were talking to her in surgery prep!!! After actually READING the surgery orders she asked the anethesiologist if she knew the right ankle was planned for today - and she didn't either!!! A quick phone call & the decision was made to only do the left leg and MAYBE another cleanout of the right ankle because, while the surgeon was there, THEY DIDN"T HAVE THE OPERATING ROOM STAFF to do all of the planned surgery!?!
It seems that every shift change or new caregiver we meet needs to be informed of Kathy's condition.
I think I've heard too many stories about operations on wrong body parts to relax until I see her after surgery.
I think I'll take a walk and hope someone looks at me wrong... not really... yet.
Can't wait to look back on all this.
Change in surgery plans -
Only Kathy's left leg work will be done today. The operating room nurse didn't know the right ankle needed more work until we were talking to her in surgery prep!!! After actually READING the surgery orders she asked the anethesiologist if she knew the right ankle was planned for today - and she didn't either!!! A quick phone call & the decision was made to only do the left leg and MAYBE another cleanout of the right ankle because, while the surgeon was there, THEY DIDN"T HAVE THE OPERATING ROOM STAFF to do all of the planned surgery!?!
It seems that every shift change or new caregiver we meet needs to be informed of Kathy's condition.
I think I've heard too many stories about operations on wrong body parts to relax until I see her after surgery.
I think I'll take a walk and hope someone looks at me wrong... not really... yet.
Can't wait to look back on all this.
Perky little morning girl :)
from Cindi...Kathy got some much needed sleep last night (she insists on sharing her bed, being that close to her is very heartwarming) and she is showing moments of her perky self already this morning. She keeps talking about how amazed she is at the outpour of affection from so many people, how she always knew she had friends but is overwhelmed at the depth and amount of love so many have expressed.
Kathy will be having surgery this morning to take off the external fixation device on her leg and begin to stabilize and pin the tibial plateau. Her ankle has quite a bit of ligament damage and will be having it stabilized as well. The last 24 hours have been good to Kathy and we are very optomistic about the surgeries.
In true Kathy form, she is concerned about not responding to everyone to say thank you personally and would like for me to let everyone know that she is so very grateful for all of your prayers and love.
Kathy will be having surgery this morning to take off the external fixation device on her leg and begin to stabilize and pin the tibial plateau. Her ankle has quite a bit of ligament damage and will be having it stabilized as well. The last 24 hours have been good to Kathy and we are very optomistic about the surgeries.
In true Kathy form, she is concerned about not responding to everyone to say thank you personally and would like for me to let everyone know that she is so very grateful for all of your prayers and love.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Fragile day
Realization and relief.
Ted here.
Kathy cried alot today. Not from the pain, but from the emotional release of having to be so strong physically this last week. She has been through so much.
This last two days respite has allowed her to personally talk to some dear friends and emotionally let down her defense. It is hard to watch Kathy cry, but so necessary to her healing.
In person or on the phone, those lucky enough to tell her you love her know what I'm talking about.
Hearing that so many are pulling for her, has really touched Kathy in such a great way.
You all are her strength.
Tomorrow Kathy goes in for some big time rebuild surgery. Her surgeon met with us today and said the left knee/leg is about as complicated a break as you can get. Forget about comparing breaks with people in the future because there is no comparison!
These last two days have been great. Tomorrow will not be nearly as fun.
Ted here.
Kathy cried alot today. Not from the pain, but from the emotional release of having to be so strong physically this last week. She has been through so much.
This last two days respite has allowed her to personally talk to some dear friends and emotionally let down her defense. It is hard to watch Kathy cry, but so necessary to her healing.
In person or on the phone, those lucky enough to tell her you love her know what I'm talking about.
Hearing that so many are pulling for her, has really touched Kathy in such a great way.
You all are her strength.
Tomorrow Kathy goes in for some big time rebuild surgery. Her surgeon met with us today and said the left knee/leg is about as complicated a break as you can get. Forget about comparing breaks with people in the future because there is no comparison!
These last two days have been great. Tomorrow will not be nearly as fun.
Am I boring you?
The first week was hard to find time to update this. I'm trying to be more on top of it now, since a TON of people want to know how Kathy is doing.
Today is almost over. One for the books. Sometimes I feel like I'm writing a book.
The greatest story ever!
Great stories have;
Colorful characters with unforgettable personalities - Got that for sure!
Love & passion - lots of that! In abundance! Overflowing!
Struggle & possible tragedy - "possible" because I think in a tragedy someone dies & THAT's not going to happen!
Drama & uncertainty - Oh Boy! In spades! Even before...
Unpredictable twists - interesting, unexpected, involving everyone's favorite character.
(Roads, wheels, handlebars, ankles and knees - sorry, that's my sick humor side)
Heroes & villains - Lots of Heroes - Kathy's friends fill these ranks. Still working on the villain side.
Triumph - My Favorite part! It's the part of the story that everything leads up to. It satisfies, leaving you with a good feeling that it was all worth it and tomorrow is worth getting up for.
We're in the Drama & uncertainty part of this story, with love & heroes throughout.
Kathy's life was already an amazing story before I ever met her.
If anyone deserves a truly happy ending, it's this girl!
Today is almost over. One for the books. Sometimes I feel like I'm writing a book.
The greatest story ever!
Great stories have;
Colorful characters with unforgettable personalities - Got that for sure!
Love & passion - lots of that! In abundance! Overflowing!
Struggle & possible tragedy - "possible" because I think in a tragedy someone dies & THAT's not going to happen!
Drama & uncertainty - Oh Boy! In spades! Even before...
Unpredictable twists - interesting, unexpected, involving everyone's favorite character.
(Roads, wheels, handlebars, ankles and knees - sorry, that's my sick humor side)
Heroes & villains - Lots of Heroes - Kathy's friends fill these ranks. Still working on the villain side.
Triumph - My Favorite part! It's the part of the story that everything leads up to. It satisfies, leaving you with a good feeling that it was all worth it and tomorrow is worth getting up for.
We're in the Drama & uncertainty part of this story, with love & heroes throughout.
Kathy's life was already an amazing story before I ever met her.
If anyone deserves a truly happy ending, it's this girl!
Thank you!
Ted here. Very big response from everyone in our lives!
I have been getting texts wishing Kathy well from phone numbers I don't even know!
I read them all to Kathy. Along with the comments on the Blogspot. The Rogue Suspects were wondering if their comments were getting through - Yes. Thank you.
You will see Kathy dancing again, I promise!
So many Thank you's to say already. I'll save the individual ones because there are so many.
Thank you for the balloons & flowers! Valley Immediate Care, Interventional Pain Consultants, Slakey Bros. and Thermal Supply (who happened to send the same flowers and ribbon as our wedding! Kathy noticed!)
It is so great to know that I'm not the only one who sees what a unusually special person Kathy is! Please don't forget her. This is going to be a long road.
I have been getting texts wishing Kathy well from phone numbers I don't even know!
I read them all to Kathy. Along with the comments on the Blogspot. The Rogue Suspects were wondering if their comments were getting through - Yes. Thank you.
You will see Kathy dancing again, I promise!
So many Thank you's to say already. I'll save the individual ones because there are so many.
Thank you for the balloons & flowers! Valley Immediate Care, Interventional Pain Consultants, Slakey Bros. and Thermal Supply (who happened to send the same flowers and ribbon as our wedding! Kathy noticed!)
It is so great to know that I'm not the only one who sees what a unusually special person Kathy is! Please don't forget her. This is going to be a long road.
The only funny side I see in this
This is Ted again - I haven't mentioned the critters Kathy occasionally sees. Michelle started to, but there is more.
The first "vision" I remember Kathy talking about is the closet door's yellow handle looking like a french fry. I could see the resemblance, so we agreed.
When she started seeing kittens or rabbits scurrying across the floor, I chalked it up to those spots of motion we all get in the corner of our eye once in a while.
The squirrel that didn't go away though, that was weird. She said it was just resting on her leg!
Ronda informed us that it was the Dilaudid that causes these apparitions - whew! That's a relief! Now we can have some fun with this!
Since then, Kathy has seen AND HEARD a white weasel coming down from the exhaust vent in the ceiling. She was even asking us if we see it. When we said we couldn't, she said, "You can hear it though, right?" Um,...not really... Not so much.
There is more; like the file shelf hanging on the wall that she thought was a little man with his back turned to her. We'll see her look at something and when I ask what, she'll pause and say, "Nothing,.. I thought I saw something."
Now that she is aware these are "visions", Kathy doesn't point them out as much.
As long as she isn't seeing fire breathing dragons or giant spiders, I think it's okay.
Kind of cute & funny!
The first "vision" I remember Kathy talking about is the closet door's yellow handle looking like a french fry. I could see the resemblance, so we agreed.
When she started seeing kittens or rabbits scurrying across the floor, I chalked it up to those spots of motion we all get in the corner of our eye once in a while.
The squirrel that didn't go away though, that was weird. She said it was just resting on her leg!
Ronda informed us that it was the Dilaudid that causes these apparitions - whew! That's a relief! Now we can have some fun with this!
Since then, Kathy has seen AND HEARD a white weasel coming down from the exhaust vent in the ceiling. She was even asking us if we see it. When we said we couldn't, she said, "You can hear it though, right?" Um,...not really... Not so much.
There is more; like the file shelf hanging on the wall that she thought was a little man with his back turned to her. We'll see her look at something and when I ask what, she'll pause and say, "Nothing,.. I thought I saw something."
Now that she is aware these are "visions", Kathy doesn't point them out as much.
As long as she isn't seeing fire breathing dragons or giant spiders, I think it's okay.
Kind of cute & funny!
Yay! She's Hungry! ~"Let's Eat!"
Good morning, A little bit of rest was what was in order for all. Ronda & I slept for a few hours in the waiting room this morning. When we came back to Kathy's room at 4:00 a.m. Ted was sound asleep in bed with her. It was a precious sight I will not forget. Kathy got a few good hours of sleep as well.
Kathy sat-up in bed and said "I'm hungry, let's order some breakfast!" This is the 1st time I've heard her say she is hungry, that's a good thing! Kathy hasn't lost her sense of humor, still cracking jokes & making us laugh. Kathy has visitors of little critters in her room scuttling across the floor. Kathy said "did you see my kitty? Ronda, "No, it's the dilaudid!" It was funny to us.:) Humor, patience and lots of tlc are in order for Kathy for a long time to come. Ronda & I have to head home today... I'm not looking forward to leaving Kathy. Her nurses are great, but she relys upon us to try & keep her comfortable however possible, re-positioining her leg, feeding her ice chips, rubbing the crown of her head~all things I look forward to do when I come back next Friday.
Kathy sat-up in bed and said "I'm hungry, let's order some breakfast!" This is the 1st time I've heard her say she is hungry, that's a good thing! Kathy hasn't lost her sense of humor, still cracking jokes & making us laugh. Kathy has visitors of little critters in her room scuttling across the floor. Kathy said "did you see my kitty? Ronda, "No, it's the dilaudid!" It was funny to us.:) Humor, patience and lots of tlc are in order for Kathy for a long time to come. Ronda & I have to head home today... I'm not looking forward to leaving Kathy. Her nurses are great, but she relys upon us to try & keep her comfortable however possible, re-positioining her leg, feeding her ice chips, rubbing the crown of her head~all things I look forward to do when I come back next Friday.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
I miss today already
This day was so cool! I'm glad I didn't miss it! Wish Jessica could have had a day like this with Kathy before she had to go.
Around 6:00 P.M. Kathy started feeling the effects of all her activity today. Lots of pain, couldn't get comfortable & so tired. She asked Michelle, who was exhausted also and fading fast, to share her bed. Very cute picture. For those who don't know her, Michelle has a way about her that is so calming. I found myself relaxing just listening to her talk Kathy asleep.
Unfortunately, dinner arrived about ten minutes after the girls fell asleep. Then shift change and poking and prodding to check up on Kathy's progress. It was a miserable hour of pain until sleep would return.
It was deceiving today. It's so easy to get excited when you see improvement, because you want it so bad. I have to remind myself to not celebrate early.
Monday is a big day. How the surgeries go will tell us alot about what we can expect.
Around 6:00 P.M. Kathy started feeling the effects of all her activity today. Lots of pain, couldn't get comfortable & so tired. She asked Michelle, who was exhausted also and fading fast, to share her bed. Very cute picture. For those who don't know her, Michelle has a way about her that is so calming. I found myself relaxing just listening to her talk Kathy asleep.
Unfortunately, dinner arrived about ten minutes after the girls fell asleep. Then shift change and poking and prodding to check up on Kathy's progress. It was a miserable hour of pain until sleep would return.
It was deceiving today. It's so easy to get excited when you see improvement, because you want it so bad. I have to remind myself to not celebrate early.
Monday is a big day. How the surgeries go will tell us alot about what we can expect.
Much, Much Love~
Michelle here~:)
It's been a busy but good day filled with a visit from Ted's Sister Pamela & her hubby Brad, Kathy's Doctors accessing her progress, a delivery of a (BIG!) bag of various chocolates, cards & the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I have ever seen! A few of Kathy's friends were totally blessed to be able to talk to her for a few minutes today. Kathy is so gracious and I'm sure the sweetest patient Legacy has ever had! (I'm just a little bit partial!) She makes a point to ask the nurses questions about their lives while they go about their routines with her care. Meanwhile, Kathy battles trying to find a comfortable position to rest in. Kathy's inner strength is truly remarkable! Trying to wrap my head around what she is going through physically as well as emotionally, blows my mind. Kathy is alert as I write this, speaking with her P.T. about her pain level and how she is feeling overall.
I'm so glad Ronda is here this weekend! Her expertise and skill as a nurse has been awesome to witness in action! She has been a huge help to the nurses in various ways which goes without saying! I LOVE the way Ronda "takes care of business" and gets things done for Kathy that need to be taken care of in a timely manner for her continued progress and healing.
Ted is truly an angel, so supportive and caring. His love and dedication to Kathy is expressed in so many beautiful ways. I am so glad these two extrodinary friends have each other to share their lives as one. LOVE is a beautiful thing.~
Seeing my good friend in this state has been heartbreaking, I won't deny that. However, I believe in the power of prayer, positive thoughts and know with the LOVE and support of so many friends and loved ones Kathy will eventually look back on all this and say "Wow man! I made it through probably one of the toughest times in my life~I can do anything I set my mind to do!"
Wishing you all much love and a good night. :)
Chat soon,
M
It's been a busy but good day filled with a visit from Ted's Sister Pamela & her hubby Brad, Kathy's Doctors accessing her progress, a delivery of a (BIG!) bag of various chocolates, cards & the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I have ever seen! A few of Kathy's friends were totally blessed to be able to talk to her for a few minutes today. Kathy is so gracious and I'm sure the sweetest patient Legacy has ever had! (I'm just a little bit partial!) She makes a point to ask the nurses questions about their lives while they go about their routines with her care. Meanwhile, Kathy battles trying to find a comfortable position to rest in. Kathy's inner strength is truly remarkable! Trying to wrap my head around what she is going through physically as well as emotionally, blows my mind. Kathy is alert as I write this, speaking with her P.T. about her pain level and how she is feeling overall.
I'm so glad Ronda is here this weekend! Her expertise and skill as a nurse has been awesome to witness in action! She has been a huge help to the nurses in various ways which goes without saying! I LOVE the way Ronda "takes care of business" and gets things done for Kathy that need to be taken care of in a timely manner for her continued progress and healing.
Ted is truly an angel, so supportive and caring. His love and dedication to Kathy is expressed in so many beautiful ways. I am so glad these two extrodinary friends have each other to share their lives as one. LOVE is a beautiful thing.~
Seeing my good friend in this state has been heartbreaking, I won't deny that. However, I believe in the power of prayer, positive thoughts and know with the LOVE and support of so many friends and loved ones Kathy will eventually look back on all this and say "Wow man! I made it through probably one of the toughest times in my life~I can do anything I set my mind to do!"
Wishing you all much love and a good night. :)
Chat soon,
M
It'll be nice to get one step ahead
Even the good days bring unwelcome surprises.
The impact damage to Kathy's lower back, in addition to fracturing the T12 vertebrate, has now developed open sores hidden in the bruising. When the girls did their wash job they discovered it. I figure the back injury was getting jealous of all the attention the legs were getting.
A trapese bar has been added to her bed to aid in position changes. The goal is to get Kathy on her sides more so her back can heal.
Were all trying to help take away her pain. I thought watching some college football would do the trick, but it doesn't seem to be helping.
The impact damage to Kathy's lower back, in addition to fracturing the T12 vertebrate, has now developed open sores hidden in the bruising. When the girls did their wash job they discovered it. I figure the back injury was getting jealous of all the attention the legs were getting.
A trapese bar has been added to her bed to aid in position changes. The goal is to get Kathy on her sides more so her back can heal.
Were all trying to help take away her pain. I thought watching some college football would do the trick, but it doesn't seem to be helping.
Happy to say there will be no sacrifice today
Kathy is really getting the treatment today. Lots of pampering. Hair washed. Sponge bath. All the "stickies" residue removed from her skin. Back scratched. Lotion. Good company. Great husband! (can you tell Ted is writing this post?).
This is the first day Kathy has been able to actually relax & get comfortable for more than a couple minutes. Surprising how much enjoyment you get from the simple things that seem so unimportant when you are in pain & can't breath.
I don't want to forget to thank all of you for all of your prayers. I have received alot of texts & obviously Kathy has received alot of blessing from all of your prayers. When she asks me if she is going to die, I tell Kathy that GOD wouldn't do that to me, he likes me too much! Thanks again for keeping her in your prayers!
This is the first day Kathy has been able to actually relax & get comfortable for more than a couple minutes. Surprising how much enjoyment you get from the simple things that seem so unimportant when you are in pain & can't breath.
I don't want to forget to thank all of you for all of your prayers. I have received alot of texts & obviously Kathy has received alot of blessing from all of your prayers. When she asks me if she is going to die, I tell Kathy that GOD wouldn't do that to me, he likes me too much! Thanks again for keeping her in your prayers!
little by little, day by day
Kathy is rocking a wave of improvement right about now! The 45 solid minutes of sleep she finally got and being able to breath again has her eating a bit more.
The swelling is much better - so much better that: a wire that was part of the initial frame pin set surgery is beginning to push it's way through the surface of her skin again.
(Good thing I was here the day after her first surgery to see them come in Kathy's ICU room & cut the wire off flush to her skin before the swelling became so bad, because the TRACU room medical staff didn't even know what it was!)
Kathy's skin on her left leg isn't so shiney tight anymore and her knee is getting tiny wrinkles so it actually looks like a knee again!
I know we will be right back to square one after her next surgery on monday. (Left knee bones & right ankle ligaments/bones if the infection is under control), but we'll take it while we can get it!
Super excited seeing Kathy's light coming back on!
The swelling is much better - so much better that: a wire that was part of the initial frame pin set surgery is beginning to push it's way through the surface of her skin again.
(Good thing I was here the day after her first surgery to see them come in Kathy's ICU room & cut the wire off flush to her skin before the swelling became so bad, because the TRACU room medical staff didn't even know what it was!)
Kathy's skin on her left leg isn't so shiney tight anymore and her knee is getting tiny wrinkles so it actually looks like a knee again!
I know we will be right back to square one after her next surgery on monday. (Left knee bones & right ankle ligaments/bones if the infection is under control), but we'll take it while we can get it!
Super excited seeing Kathy's light coming back on!
Nightcap~
Ronda & Michelle have the nightshift & oh yeah..the dayshift as well. :)
Kathy is sleeping now & it's good to see her rest. We are grateful for the time to be here with
Kathy, girl bonding & seeing her slowly come around to her lovely, sweet self. Ted returned tonight after a short trip home, to witness their love is truly amazing.
It's going to be a long road ahead but with the support, encouragement & love of everyone who has been touched by Kathy, we can bring her home sooner than the 3 Months the Docs are predicting she'll be here.
Kathy is sleeping now & it's good to see her rest. We are grateful for the time to be here with
Kathy, girl bonding & seeing her slowly come around to her lovely, sweet self. Ted returned tonight after a short trip home, to witness their love is truly amazing.
It's going to be a long road ahead but with the support, encouragement & love of everyone who has been touched by Kathy, we can bring her home sooner than the 3 Months the Docs are predicting she'll be here.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Having more than one good friend is priceless!
Sorry it took so long to let everybody know how the last procedure went. Jessica had to go home. She was doing most of the updates and being mom and newly engaged she still gave a week of her life to caring for Kathy. Thank you Jess!
Kathy now has four tubes going into her back to drain fluid around lungs, two on each side. 800 CCs out of left side already. 600 CCs out of right. Breathing much better! Her swelling is way down too! She gets to stay in Trauma Recovery instead of going back to ICU, as long as her condition doesn't worsen. Surgery still planned for monday.
Rhonda & Michelle are here taking care of Kathy. She has been washed and has a new gown on. Kathy is weak, but in good spirits.
Kathy now has four tubes going into her back to drain fluid around lungs, two on each side. 800 CCs out of left side already. 600 CCs out of right. Breathing much better! Her swelling is way down too! She gets to stay in Trauma Recovery instead of going back to ICU, as long as her condition doesn't worsen. Surgery still planned for monday.
Rhonda & Michelle are here taking care of Kathy. She has been washed and has a new gown on. Kathy is weak, but in good spirits.
Bilateral pleural effusions procedure starts of the night
Still waiting...Trama surgeon caught up in surgery, finally got word they are taking her. Bummer waiting, but she should feel dramatic relief.
I have to head home & am having a very hard time leaving...As hard as this week has been, I can't imagine not being here every minute that I have been. Ronda Varga got here about 2:00...she is a nurse at St. Vincents here in Portland and a dear friend, she will be helping out over the weekend. Michelle Tramblie is also on her way...They were going to handle the weekend, so that Ted could finish up a few crucial jobs, but with all the commotion today and a big surgery on Monday, he's on his way back.
The girls and Ted will be keeping up the blog and hopefully posting the pictures of this past week that I've been hoping to get to. We are getting a schedule set up for Kathy care and will set it up 2 weeks at a time. We are up for a long haul friends...realistically 12 weeks here in Portland. Kathy is so incredibly grateful for all the support and still is in awe every time a card, flower, email, text, etc... comes in. :) Everyone is so in love with her...she has captivated us all!!
I have to head home & am having a very hard time leaving...As hard as this week has been, I can't imagine not being here every minute that I have been. Ronda Varga got here about 2:00...she is a nurse at St. Vincents here in Portland and a dear friend, she will be helping out over the weekend. Michelle Tramblie is also on her way...They were going to handle the weekend, so that Ted could finish up a few crucial jobs, but with all the commotion today and a big surgery on Monday, he's on his way back.
The girls and Ted will be keeping up the blog and hopefully posting the pictures of this past week that I've been hoping to get to. We are getting a schedule set up for Kathy care and will set it up 2 weeks at a time. We are up for a long haul friends...realistically 12 weeks here in Portland. Kathy is so incredibly grateful for all the support and still is in awe every time a card, flower, email, text, etc... comes in. :) Everyone is so in love with her...she has captivated us all!!
I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining
After a very active morning, Kathy is taking a much needed nap.
Scratch that OT just came in to adjust her leg splint---shit!
Hopefully she will get a good one in before her procedure this afternoon. The Dr was here to explain the procedure and no surprise, its no picnic.
We will sit tight for test results from 3:00 panel and have faith in the healing process. Kathy and I talked a lot about how our bodies heal and that through each stage there will be a small healing crisis... It's a good thing to remember; We are rounding the bend...
Scratch that OT just came in to adjust her leg splint---shit!
Hopefully she will get a good one in before her procedure this afternoon. The Dr was here to explain the procedure and no surprise, its no picnic.
We will sit tight for test results from 3:00 panel and have faith in the healing process. Kathy and I talked a lot about how our bodies heal and that through each stage there will be a small healing crisis... It's a good thing to remember; We are rounding the bend...
Over due morning update
I've had a steady stream of calls & messages, so i figure i better get on it! i'm so glad everyone has been checking her blog.
They gave her the lascic after surgery yesterday(very big deal for her, had been miserable & asking for most of the day). Vast improvement in the swelling and severe un-comfort with stomach and abdomen.
About 3AM I started noticing more labor in her breathing and over the next few hours her O2 stats were fluttering below 80 on full flow...her active/rest stats reversed from what had been typical for her.
Long story shorter......They switched her to an oxygen mask, did Blood work and x-ray of chest. Blood gas was at a 50(ICU worthy) Lungs were quite wet in film. They ordered CAT scan and ultra sound. She's not returned from these yet, but I just got word: Bilateral pleural effusion(she has fluid in the plural space between the lungs(-7 space)) They've scheduled her at 2:30 to insert a pig tail(tubes into lungs for drainage) into both sides. There was a worry of a PE development. For now that has been ruled out!
This has been one of the longest, hardest weeks of my life. It's not just the injuries, the pain, fear of limb loss, etc...those were what I had expected. It has been ALL of the other things thrown into the mix. She has dodged so many possible complications and I am super grateful, but holy crap, it's SOOO much! My heart is breaking for her over and over again, I am way over due for a good cry and feel my smile is starting to become forced! If this is what I am going thru...you can only imagine what this amazingly strong woman is combating minute to minute.
Please pray harder today!
They gave her the lascic after surgery yesterday(very big deal for her, had been miserable & asking for most of the day). Vast improvement in the swelling and severe un-comfort with stomach and abdomen.
About 3AM I started noticing more labor in her breathing and over the next few hours her O2 stats were fluttering below 80 on full flow...her active/rest stats reversed from what had been typical for her.
Long story shorter......They switched her to an oxygen mask, did Blood work and x-ray of chest. Blood gas was at a 50(ICU worthy) Lungs were quite wet in film. They ordered CAT scan and ultra sound. She's not returned from these yet, but I just got word: Bilateral pleural effusion(she has fluid in the plural space between the lungs(-7 space)) They've scheduled her at 2:30 to insert a pig tail(tubes into lungs for drainage) into both sides. There was a worry of a PE development. For now that has been ruled out!
This has been one of the longest, hardest weeks of my life. It's not just the injuries, the pain, fear of limb loss, etc...those were what I had expected. It has been ALL of the other things thrown into the mix. She has dodged so many possible complications and I am super grateful, but holy crap, it's SOOO much! My heart is breaking for her over and over again, I am way over due for a good cry and feel my smile is starting to become forced! If this is what I am going thru...you can only imagine what this amazingly strong woman is combating minute to minute.
Please pray harder today!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Exceptional by any measure
Ted again. The "C'mon Baby..." post was written as Kathy was heading to surgery. Thought it posted, but still worth letting everyone know.
Kathy is fearless in so many ways;
Swimming through icy cold water in the dark to get to the other side of an ocean cave!
Rappelling down cliffs to a secluded beach on ropes tied by unknown people!
Reaching into the rocks to pick up a baby skunk and rescue it from starving!
Camp out by herself for days on end without cell service!
Marry a deisel truck driving, construction working man with a house full of teenage boys!
(Wow! That last one makes the others seem tame by comparison.)
Now Kathy is going to show just how exceptional she really is, by rebounding from this the way she tackles everything else!
Even though unending pain without a finish line in sight makes the strongest of us weak.
Anxiety may sneak in, but there is no quit in this girl!
Kathy is fearless in so many ways;
Swimming through icy cold water in the dark to get to the other side of an ocean cave!
Rappelling down cliffs to a secluded beach on ropes tied by unknown people!
Reaching into the rocks to pick up a baby skunk and rescue it from starving!
Camp out by herself for days on end without cell service!
Marry a deisel truck driving, construction working man with a house full of teenage boys!
(Wow! That last one makes the others seem tame by comparison.)
Now Kathy is going to show just how exceptional she really is, by rebounding from this the way she tackles everything else!
Even though unending pain without a finish line in sight makes the strongest of us weak.
Anxiety may sneak in, but there is no quit in this girl!
C'mon Baby! Believe with me!
Kathy goes in for more surgery. She had a rough night. Not much rest for her.
She is too aware of her situation.
Where I could lay in pain, naive in my ignorance, and trust everything the staff tells me, Kathy is too smart, too much of a realist and knows too much of the risks to be fooled into serenity. The ups and downs in her condition and pain level create alot of anxiety in her.
As optimistic as Jessica and I are, it's a tough sell to Kathy at times.
She is too aware of her situation.
Where I could lay in pain, naive in my ignorance, and trust everything the staff tells me, Kathy is too smart, too much of a realist and knows too much of the risks to be fooled into serenity. The ups and downs in her condition and pain level create alot of anxiety in her.
As optimistic as Jessica and I are, it's a tough sell to Kathy at times.
10/20 surgery update
Right ankle: thoroughly cleaned, but did not move forward with ligament repair because of "suspicious fluid" seeping from joint. Could be an indication of early infection. Hopefully antibiotics can get it under control so monday's surgery can do what today's was supposed to.
Left knee/leg; removed more muscle that had died off in the front of the calf. Cleaned and replaced wound-vac sponges with new. Monday's surgery, if plans don't change, will begin the bone repair to the knee and leg. Doctor said the leg frame should come off at that point. Weird to think of the pins and rods being removed, since it has been all that has held her leg in place.
She is back in the room, groggy but hungry...yay for hungry!
Left knee/leg; removed more muscle that had died off in the front of the calf. Cleaned and replaced wound-vac sponges with new. Monday's surgery, if plans don't change, will begin the bone repair to the knee and leg. Doctor said the leg frame should come off at that point. Weird to think of the pins and rods being removed, since it has been all that has held her leg in place.
She is back in the room, groggy but hungry...yay for hungry!
Kathy's (hospital) address
For those that have requested:
Room 1516
Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health
2801 N. Gantenbein
Portland, OR 97227
*She will be up for phone calls soon.
In Surgery
Wow! What a fantastic medical team! :) She will be in for the next 2-3 hours. Will update after meeting with surgeon.
Kathy is SOOO grateful to ALL of you!! She keeps saying it and can't believe how many people truly care about her! She thanks you for the cards, balloons and flowers and the piles of prayers and well wishes.
Kathy is SOOO grateful to ALL of you!! She keeps saying it and can't believe how many people truly care about her! She thanks you for the cards, balloons and flowers and the piles of prayers and well wishes.
Morning update 10/20
Surgery has been moved up a bit. 10:30 ish we hope. They will be cleaning out the faschiotimy sites on the left leg, cleaning out the right ankle and they will begin repairing ligaments in the ankle.
A big part of her struggle right now is SO much fluid retention(third spacing), she is so puffy everywhere and it's very painful in her stomach/abdomen. Despite them telling us she probably has some blockage, her bowels are extremely loose; this has been a part time job for Ted and I as a toilet is not an option. We've seriously got it down to a science and it will be an interesting addition to my resume'. haha
A big part of her struggle right now is SO much fluid retention(third spacing), she is so puffy everywhere and it's very painful in her stomach/abdomen. Despite them telling us she probably has some blockage, her bowels are extremely loose; this has been a part time job for Ted and I as a toilet is not an option. We've seriously got it down to a science and it will be an interesting addition to my resume'. haha
Peaks and Valleys
Poor girl had a rough night! Ted is amazing!! I forgot to sleep yesterday...Ooops! I was rendered useless between 1-4 and each time I woke, I observed Ted in his role as the doting, loving, extremely patient Husband that he is!
Kathy and I were talking about how each day has felt like two or three, or ...? Seriously, when you take sleep out of the equation we gain 8+ semi conscious hours so the day stretches to 32 hours...Each time theres a shift change, it feels like a new day...so suddenly your memory is morphing one day into three.
Kathy is extremely worried about losing the use of her left leg. As she spends more time awake she spends more time self-diagnosing & the advantages of her vast knowledge work against her. I've sent Ted to get some sleep in the waiting room and Bonnie is bringing some valium. Hopefully this nights window for rest has not passed.
Kathy and I were talking about how each day has felt like two or three, or ...? Seriously, when you take sleep out of the equation we gain 8+ semi conscious hours so the day stretches to 32 hours...Each time theres a shift change, it feels like a new day...so suddenly your memory is morphing one day into three.
Kathy is extremely worried about losing the use of her left leg. As she spends more time awake she spends more time self-diagnosing & the advantages of her vast knowledge work against her. I've sent Ted to get some sleep in the waiting room and Bonnie is bringing some valium. Hopefully this nights window for rest has not passed.
Good night 10/19
The nurse just left...Kathy is out and i covered poor ted with a blanket. He lost the battle and is resting his head on the window sill. Surgery is scheduled for 11:30 tomorrow, but Bonnie (our awesome, spunky night nurse) thinks we may have a chance to get in early. We all hope for that.
Picking out wall paper:)
To say the room change did us good is an understatement!! The farewell from the ICU was all well wishes and sentiments of what a delightful patient and person Kathy is! The farewell on my side was a too loud "Thank you!" and "See ya on the flip side!" The driver of Kathys bed could compete...he wheeled that one-size-fits-no-one bed around like it was on rails!
Though we requested the penthouse, we are pretty sure 1516 was a janitors closet in its past life...lol...just kidding! I spent the first 30 min re-arranging furniture and decorating, Ted drug in a recliner from across the hall and we decided first thing tomorrow we'll pick out wallpaper.
You never hear, "Oh he's doing great, he's in the ICU!" I think we were not giving the psychological hardship of the ICU it's due credit...It seems like as soon as we left, we all exhaled a relieved breath and with the next breath started cracking jokes. Kathy had a couple of very lucid hours tonight and though it wore her out, she laughed...we all laughed!
Though we requested the penthouse, we are pretty sure 1516 was a janitors closet in its past life...lol...just kidding! I spent the first 30 min re-arranging furniture and decorating, Ted drug in a recliner from across the hall and we decided first thing tomorrow we'll pick out wallpaper.
You never hear, "Oh he's doing great, he's in the ICU!" I think we were not giving the psychological hardship of the ICU it's due credit...It seems like as soon as we left, we all exhaled a relieved breath and with the next breath started cracking jokes. Kathy had a couple of very lucid hours tonight and though it wore her out, she laughed...we all laughed!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Change of Scenery
So, in stepping back from the moment to moment, we are encouraged that Kathy is moving in the right direction. She has outgrown the ICU and right now they moving her onto a new bed and we are heading downstairs to the TRACK unit. Trauma/Rehabilitation/....(everything right up her alley). We've been reassured this will be a more quiet, restful place for her AND she will be able to have more visitors.
She's running a low grade fever and we find ourselves freaking out over every new symptom. Thank God for all of these fantastic nurses, who are here reminding us of the fantastic progress she has made!
She's running a low grade fever and we find ourselves freaking out over every new symptom. Thank God for all of these fantastic nurses, who are here reminding us of the fantastic progress she has made!
Still the girl who has it all
Ted again. What would I NOT give to go back in time?!? What an Amazing Woman! To have this happen to someone who lives life with the passion Kathy does, can be tragic if we let it be. She is going to bounce back from this, I promise. No way am I going to let her spirit take a hit! Kathy has too many friends, who love who she is, to allow her to forget what she still has. Her life has been brilliant with adventures most watch at the movies. The brilliant part of this show isn't over! If you leave your seat too soon, you'll miss the encore!
Is that light I see?
This is Ted. Actually, so was the last one (frustrating morning). It's weird to look outside and think about how the rest of the world is continuing to go on. Kathy is sleeping right now. She keeps asking if she is going to die or talking like she isn't sure if she is going to make it. (Sometimes it's not a good thing to be in the medical field and know the risk of complications). On a better note; while it's gloomy outside, Kathy's room is brightening up with balloons! AND she had her first real meal - couple swallows each of yogurt, broth, apple juice and a whole grape! First food in three days! (jello doesn't count)
frustrating morning 10/19
We are not allowed in the room with Kathy while an I.V. is put in that goes up her arm and to her heart. The surgery intentions have been rearranged due to the gravel and dirt deep in her ankle that will need a couple more cleanings before they can set and pin her ankle bones. The focus for Thursday's surgery is cleaning the right ankle some more and starting on rebuilding her left knee. Kathy has had wound vac sponges placed to help with the swelling of her left leg. Lots of swelling. Her hands are so swollen she can barely bend her fingers.
10/19 morning update
Though Kathy slept with minimal interruptions for 4-5 hours; there were still a few new items of concern...
They diagnosed her with; Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.
This is my take on it: Heparin is a blood thinning agent, given to aide the blood flow in the veins they transplanted and the graph site. Because it is derived from animals, her body started creating antibodies to fight it off and began dumping off her healthy platelets. No bueno! Kathy's pain meds were reduced to just oral because her breathing was being affected. It is encouraging that her pain threshhold is getting better though.
They diagnosed her with; Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.
This is my take on it: Heparin is a blood thinning agent, given to aide the blood flow in the veins they transplanted and the graph site. Because it is derived from animals, her body started creating antibodies to fight it off and began dumping off her healthy platelets. No bueno! Kathy's pain meds were reduced to just oral because her breathing was being affected. It is encouraging that her pain threshhold is getting better though.
10/18 night review
Kathy was a little slow coming out of anastesia after surgery yesterday and finally came off the ventilator about 8:00pm and had forgotten where and why she was in a hospital. Not so fun for Ted explaining the severity of her condition to her. She was very aware and was able to converse and even ate some jello(which she said was delicious!) She was very concerned about how everyone else was doing: The boys at home...Me, being at the hospital...who knows about the accident and was worried about being a burden. Ted read her messages from his phone and told her that he had to erase 150 messages from his phone yesterday and already at that point, there were 87 more. She has no idea how loved she is! :)
We had an hour or so of getting ready for bed and it was obvious she was in a much better place with her pain. We were able to change her bedding, I massaged her upper body and doused her with essential oils. With braided hair a washed face and brushed teeth she was very ready for sleep...And she ("we") did!
We had an hour or so of getting ready for bed and it was obvious she was in a much better place with her pain. We were able to change her bedding, I massaged her upper body and doused her with essential oils. With braided hair a washed face and brushed teeth she was very ready for sleep...And she ("we") did!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Good News!
We have landed ourselves some PRIME real estate!! Somehow we fenagled a move across the unit and now have a spacious room with a gorgeous view. Not that we were un-appreciative of our "post suite", we will just say it was the equivalent of a "guess that sound" game show! AND, yay for knowing whether it's night or day...May the suns rays speed Kathys recovery! :)
Kathy has also been approved for soft solids and liquids! Good news, good news, good news!
Kathy has also been approved for soft solids and liquids! Good news, good news, good news!
Surgery update 10/18
The intention was to rebuild and pin the ankle...unfortunately, the ankle was still filled with rock and gravel debris. They cleaned it out thoroughly, and now need to wait out the infection zone. Ankle surgery is now scheduled for Thursday.
They cleaned and re-assessed her left leg and are hoping to start bone work on Monday. We were very relieved to see that they took a new approach to the swelling; they have widened the openings in the side of her legs and added a spongelike material and a set of drainage tubes. The swelling in that leg did some damage to the calf muscle, so now it is crucial to keep it under control. There is actually some give when you push on her thigh...before it felt like rock.
She is a little slower coming around this time and still on the ventilator, but she's definitely holding her own and should have the tube out of her throat within the hour.
They cleaned and re-assessed her left leg and are hoping to start bone work on Monday. We were very relieved to see that they took a new approach to the swelling; they have widened the openings in the side of her legs and added a spongelike material and a set of drainage tubes. The swelling in that leg did some damage to the calf muscle, so now it is crucial to keep it under control. There is actually some give when you push on her thigh...before it felt like rock.
She is a little slower coming around this time and still on the ventilator, but she's definitely holding her own and should have the tube out of her throat within the hour.
Photos of her injuries :(
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| Right ankle bone |
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| Del Norte EMT crew |
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| Ankle x-ray |
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| inside out left knee |
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| mangled left leg |
Kathy takes ICU head on 10/17
Kathys left leg has been stabalized by way of pins in five places, all connected by a metal rod. Her knee repair will be waiting the relief of the swelling...to help relieve the pressure they cut open long strips on both sides of her legs. This hardly seemed to help because thru the night she kept saying she felt like her legs were going to explode.
The nurses here are amazing and Kathy is so thoughtful and apologizes for being bad company and complaining! She is the epitome of thoughtful! Though her pain thresh-hold is frickin' amazing, she is in the thick of it for sure and is enduring immense amounts of pain. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers and please begin blogging your funniest most heart-felt Kathy stories. We will keep you updated on our end!
Love, love, love!!
Emanuel Legacy 10/17
Upon arrival, Kathy immediately went into surgery. She underwent 11 hours of surgery to reattach her right foot and repair the massive damage to her left leg. Though her left knee was shattered and lower leg bones broken, this surgery's primary goal was toward vascular repairs and in the end they had successfully established blood flow to both feet. VERY GOOD NEWS!!
This left her in stable condition under close supervision in the ICU. Emanuel ICU cares for the sickest patients in the State and boasts the best of care. We feel confident that with her amazing determination, excellent care and the incredible amounts of love and prayers coming her way, she will heal and be home for all of her friends to dote on her!
The Crash 10/16
Sunday the 16th around noon, Kathy, Ted and friends were on a ride back from the coast when Kathys bike clipped a guard-rail and sent her across both lanes to impact a rock wall. Ted was traveling two bikes behind, when he pulled the bike off her they discovered the severity of the injury to both legs.
Kathy was amazing!! Not only was she concious, she turned into her own EMT and began instructing everyone at the scene how to help save her life. She instructed Ted to lay her flat and put pressure on her leg "We need to restrict the blood-flow so I don't bleed out before the ambulance gets here!" She was asking to be thrown in the back of any passing truck, because she knew time was of the essence. She was afraid of loosing her right foot as it was almost completely severed.
Because her crash site was dead middle of crescent city and Cave Junction, the ambulance took 45 min. to arrive. After being transported to crescent city, the hospital had her air lifted to the Emanuel trauma center in Portland.
Kathy was amazing!! Not only was she concious, she turned into her own EMT and began instructing everyone at the scene how to help save her life. She instructed Ted to lay her flat and put pressure on her leg "We need to restrict the blood-flow so I don't bleed out before the ambulance gets here!" She was asking to be thrown in the back of any passing truck, because she knew time was of the essence. She was afraid of loosing her right foot as it was almost completely severed.
Because her crash site was dead middle of crescent city and Cave Junction, the ambulance took 45 min. to arrive. After being transported to crescent city, the hospital had her air lifted to the Emanuel trauma center in Portland.
Kathy is love!!!
To satisfy the, literally, hundreds of people loving, caring and checking on Kathy we have created this blog...We will update as we have news and hope that you will support her blog with words of love, humor and support!
Love, light and blessings to us all!
Jess
Love, light and blessings to us all!
Jess
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