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!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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!
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