Yesterday Judy stood up on her own feet. It was difficult but she succeeded. Today she stood up again (2x), and was a bit easier. From the standing position, she was put into a wheel chair, where she sat for 40 minutes. She is definitely progressing!!
As far as Sunday's reference to the possibility of a blood clot, none was found. The pain has also eased that caused the concern. The blood test that indicated the possibility may have a variety of things that could have pointed in this direction. At this point the Dr is satisfied that there isn't one.
Judy is still throwing up, but not near as much as Sunday and Monday. There may be a variety of causes, and we are working with the medical staff on it. We are thankful it is improving.
Judy's pain level is slowly decreasing. Most of her pain is usually in her neck and shoulder area. Throwing up also causes pain in the ribs and chest area. Please pray for continued healing and decrease in pain.
Ben
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, Mar 29
Friday and Saturday were also very good days. Judy had energy and was drinking water and juice as well as a starbucks tea. Monday they plan to have Judy standing up for the first time. Praise the Lord for answered prayers in this regard.
Sunday was a difficult day. Judy had additional pain in her chest, blood tests were done, a blood clot was indicated, a CT scan was done, and in answer to our prayers the results were negative. I am going back to the hospital early tomorrow to be there when we talk to the Dr about the next steps.
Sunday evening I was also aboe to give Judy water - about 1/2 cup, and orange juice - another half cup. it is so good to see her be able to swallow these foods. We are very grateful for answered prayer with slow but steady progress in this area.
Please continue to pray for release from pain, as well as being able to process food and not throwing up. Both of these are currently slowing progress.
Ben
Sunday was a difficult day. Judy had additional pain in her chest, blood tests were done, a blood clot was indicated, a CT scan was done, and in answer to our prayers the results were negative. I am going back to the hospital early tomorrow to be there when we talk to the Dr about the next steps.
Sunday evening I was also aboe to give Judy water - about 1/2 cup, and orange juice - another half cup. it is so good to see her be able to swallow these foods. We are very grateful for answered prayer with slow but steady progress in this area.
Please continue to pray for release from pain, as well as being able to process food and not throwing up. Both of these are currently slowing progress.
Ben
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, Mar 26
Today was another very good day. Judy was feeling good all day.
The Dr is very pleased with the results of the MRI, which showed that no further surgeries will be needed for Judy's recovery. It also showed that the space for the spinal cord is adequate for recovery. The Dr also mentioned going to oral pain control medication (longer lasting) next week. Judy is healing as prayed for by all and hoped for by medical staff...
Judy was able to enjoy sipping some water and juice this evening. She has been very thirsty and enjoys it very much.
Judy's spirits were very good today, and that is also encouraging for all of us. God is Good!
Ben
The Dr is very pleased with the results of the MRI, which showed that no further surgeries will be needed for Judy's recovery. It also showed that the space for the spinal cord is adequate for recovery. The Dr also mentioned going to oral pain control medication (longer lasting) next week. Judy is healing as prayed for by all and hoped for by medical staff...
Judy was able to enjoy sipping some water and juice this evening. She has been very thirsty and enjoys it very much.
Judy's spirits were very good today, and that is also encouraging for all of us. God is Good!
Ben
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, Mar 25
Tonight Judy was definitely feeling better again this evening. She even asked for visitors. With that said, I only ask you to keep your visits short. If she is sleeping, let her sleep. Mornings seem to be better than the rest of the day, although she has some energy before bed time as well. Physio wears her out for the afternoon, and sometimes the evening as well.
Tuesday was a tough day. It started with swallowing tests being recorded on an X-ray. This was fairly successful. Judy is allowed to have juices and soft foods. With that being said, changes were also made to her feeding schedule and the pace of feeding via the tube. The result was that she was throwing up for most of Tuesday afternoon and a few times on Wednesday. So, for now she is back to the Monday schedule for feeding.
After the X-ray Judy went for her MRI. Yes, we had the retainers in her teeth removed at 8:30 am before the MRI. How did it go? Well she had been told it would be 16 minutes, but instead it was 50 minutes. Her pain meds were an hour overdue and the stretcher was extremely uncomfortable. She was exhausted for the rest of the day. She was able to hold herself together emotionally for the MRI, but struggled after that.
Overall, there is progress, stability and some predictability. She appears to react to any changes in medication or feeding. So we are trying to reduce the changes to minor ones for now.
Judy's Cousin June sent a verse that meant an awful lot to her today. "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen" 1 Peter 5:10-11.
We are all very humbled through your continued prayers, ecouragement, support, assistance, and other help that is being provided though a variety of ways to all of us during this trial.
Ben
Tuesday was a tough day. It started with swallowing tests being recorded on an X-ray. This was fairly successful. Judy is allowed to have juices and soft foods. With that being said, changes were also made to her feeding schedule and the pace of feeding via the tube. The result was that she was throwing up for most of Tuesday afternoon and a few times on Wednesday. So, for now she is back to the Monday schedule for feeding.
After the X-ray Judy went for her MRI. Yes, we had the retainers in her teeth removed at 8:30 am before the MRI. How did it go? Well she had been told it would be 16 minutes, but instead it was 50 minutes. Her pain meds were an hour overdue and the stretcher was extremely uncomfortable. She was exhausted for the rest of the day. She was able to hold herself together emotionally for the MRI, but struggled after that.
Overall, there is progress, stability and some predictability. She appears to react to any changes in medication or feeding. So we are trying to reduce the changes to minor ones for now.
Judy's Cousin June sent a verse that meant an awful lot to her today. "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen" 1 Peter 5:10-11.
We are all very humbled through your continued prayers, ecouragement, support, assistance, and other help that is being provided though a variety of ways to all of us during this trial.
Ben
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, Mar 23
Today has been a very exciting day. For the first time, Judy has been able to touch her face with her left hand. Her strength and mobility are increasing.
Part of Judy's therapy involves putting her on a wheelchair. As a result, we have been able to take Judy out of her room and to other parts of the hospital.
Tuesday she will be having an MRI at 11:00 am. The retainers in her mouth should be removed by 9:00 am (preventing the possibility of burns from the wires.
We are grateful for your prayers and to see Judy's progress.
Ben
Part of Judy's therapy involves putting her on a wheelchair. As a result, we have been able to take Judy out of her room and to other parts of the hospital.
Tuesday she will be having an MRI at 11:00 am. The retainers in her mouth should be removed by 9:00 am (preventing the possibility of burns from the wires.
We are grateful for your prayers and to see Judy's progress.
Ben
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday, March 22
My apologies for waiting to update the information. I have been focusing on spending time with Judy while at the same time being there for our 3 boys.
Judy is continuing to show improvement. Yesterday and today she was almost able to reach her face (within about 4") with her left hand. She is also starting to gain strength in her arms an hands.
Judy's sister Ellie is here visiting until Tuesday, so she has been spending a significant amount of time with Judy. This has been very goo for both of them, as well as for me (knowing that Judy is not alone even when I am not there).
Thanks again too for all the beautiful flowers (there are 8 arrangements there now). It is an excellent reminder of the beauty of God's handiwork (which we are also part of).
There is another MRI planned for this week. this has brought some apprehension for both Judy and myself. The last time it caused burns in her mouth from the retainers she has on her teeth. We will be having more discussions on how to avoid the burns.
Ben
Judy is continuing to show improvement. Yesterday and today she was almost able to reach her face (within about 4") with her left hand. She is also starting to gain strength in her arms an hands.
Judy's sister Ellie is here visiting until Tuesday, so she has been spending a significant amount of time with Judy. This has been very goo for both of them, as well as for me (knowing that Judy is not alone even when I am not there).
Thanks again too for all the beautiful flowers (there are 8 arrangements there now). It is an excellent reminder of the beauty of God's handiwork (which we are also part of).
There is another MRI planned for this week. this has brought some apprehension for both Judy and myself. The last time it caused burns in her mouth from the retainers she has on her teeth. We will be having more discussions on how to avoid the burns.
Ben
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday, Mar 18
Judy had another excellent day. She was up about 3/4 of an hour with physio today, including some time sitting in her wheelchair. She is starting to be able to move all parts of her arms and legs. It is very encouraging to see the consistent progress (even though is seems to be coming very slow).
As you can tell, I am a bit excited today, as this has been a significant improvement since Judy arrived here last Thursday night. She is also starting to be able to cut back on the medication at times. Thanks so much for your continued support and prayers.
The nursing staff at PGRH is treating Judy very well. Judy is also getting to a point where she can communicate with them as to what she needs and expects from them as far as care is concerned.
Ben
As you can tell, I am a bit excited today, as this has been a significant improvement since Judy arrived here last Thursday night. She is also starting to be able to cut back on the medication at times. Thanks so much for your continued support and prayers.
The nursing staff at PGRH is treating Judy very well. Judy is also getting to a point where she can communicate with them as to what she needs and expects from them as far as care is concerned.
Ben
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday, Mar 17
Judy had a couple of very good days over the weekend. This was very encouraging. He pain was down and her energy was up, a very good combination. We are praying for more days like that. It was also very good for all 3 boys and myself to be able to visit Judy together.
Yesterday her medication was changed (1:00 pm) and the result was not good. The side effects of morphine were not bearable for Judy. As a result it was changed back at 10:00 pm. She has been on very strong pain control medication since the accident. I would ask you to pray that her pain will decrease, and that she will be able to pass the swallowing test next week. This would open up other options for pain control.
I will be stopping in to see her this morning, and then carry on with errands that eventually need to get done. For the past two weeks almost all of my time has been spent with her at the hospital. The result is that I am often very tired when I get home I am not able to provide an update.
I am still on crutches and my biggest challenge is getting around. Aaron has to be very careful how much time he spends on his feet. Other than that we are doing quite well.
We appreciate your continued prayers and support,
Ben
Yesterday her medication was changed (1:00 pm) and the result was not good. The side effects of morphine were not bearable for Judy. As a result it was changed back at 10:00 pm. She has been on very strong pain control medication since the accident. I would ask you to pray that her pain will decrease, and that she will be able to pass the swallowing test next week. This would open up other options for pain control.
I will be stopping in to see her this morning, and then carry on with errands that eventually need to get done. For the past two weeks almost all of my time has been spent with her at the hospital. The result is that I am often very tired when I get home I am not able to provide an update.
I am still on crutches and my biggest challenge is getting around. Aaron has to be very careful how much time he spends on his feet. Other than that we are doing quite well.
We appreciate your continued prayers and support,
Ben
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday, Mar 14
Thanks again for all your prayers. For now Judy is in a private room at the hospital. We continue to request the no visit policy until further notice.
With each change there are challenges. the current on is balancing the pain and medication. this is a challenge for all medical staff involved. The care provided to Judy the first couple of challenging days has been excellent.
Judy is experiencing what we can only describe as "reverser nightmares". In her dreams everything is normal (as life was before the accident), but then she wakes up to the reality of her injuries. This is difficult each time it happens for Judy.
Ben
With each change there are challenges. the current on is balancing the pain and medication. this is a challenge for all medical staff involved. The care provided to Judy the first couple of challenging days has been excellent.
Judy is experiencing what we can only describe as "reverser nightmares". In her dreams everything is normal (as life was before the accident), but then she wakes up to the reality of her injuries. This is difficult each time it happens for Judy.
Ben
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday, March 13
Judy is back home (at PGRH) in Prince George. Judy and I arrived at midnight last night. The transfer went well, though Judy did not get any pain medication for over 5 hours (the norm has been every two hours). I will be going to see her today and see how she is doing today.
At this time we (the family) are requesting no visitors until she is strong enough to accept visitors. Hopefully this will change soon, as I know that many of you are very anxious to see her. Her challenges remain pain control and strength. As the pain decreases her strength will also increase, but the progress on that front has been very slow.
Thanks so much for all of your continued thoughts, encouragement, and your prayers for recovery. We continue to cherish them.
Ben
At this time we (the family) are requesting no visitors until she is strong enough to accept visitors. Hopefully this will change soon, as I know that many of you are very anxious to see her. Her challenges remain pain control and strength. As the pain decreases her strength will also increase, but the progress on that front has been very slow.
Thanks so much for all of your continued thoughts, encouragement, and your prayers for recovery. We continue to cherish them.
Ben
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Please pray
We were informed this afternoon that the insurance company that was to pay for the flight is no longer interested in doing so. The next step is that everything will be started again on Thursday morning with each possibly responsible insurance company.
Please pray that the transfer will still be able take place tomorrow.
Ben
JUDY IS COMING HOME (Aaron is excited and happy)
Aaron here, I just talked to Ben and Judy is coming home tomorrow sometime in the morning, and the plan is still that no visitors will be allowed to see her without her personal permission, for the first day or two it will probably be just family, after that, we'll see what happens.
Judy has been having a few good days in a row, and her feeding schedule has changed a little, they're only feeding her breakfast, lunch, dinner, and night lunch, kinda like a normal rotation, and she's starting to eat food herself without the feeding tube, soft food though
Aaron here, I just talked to Ben and Judy is coming home tomorrow sometime in the morning, and the plan is still that no visitors will be allowed to see her without her personal permission, for the first day or two it will probably be just family, after that, we'll see what happens.
Judy has been having a few good days in a row, and her feeding schedule has changed a little, they're only feeding her breakfast, lunch, dinner, and night lunch, kinda like a normal rotation, and she's starting to eat food herself without the feeding tube, soft food though
Friday, March 6, 2009
Friday
Most of the day is done. Judy is resting peacefully again. Her pain is currently under control. Her Mom is staying at the hospital tonight. there was a lot of testing done today to check why she was in so much pain. There were no specific issues that came to light. For now her medication has been increased and it is helping. Please pray that she has a good night.
There is still no firm word on when a bed will be available in Prince George. Please pray that one will be available soon.
I was staying at Sandford's till this morning. Tonight I am at my nephew Phil,s home.
Ben
There is still no firm word on when a bed will be available in Prince George. Please pray that one will be available soon.
I was staying at Sandford's till this morning. Tonight I am at my nephew Phil,s home.
Ben
Sorry for the long time of silence, this is Aaron, and I'm just posting to let everyone know that Ben has gone to Edmonton to Visit Judy, and at first it was going great, but last night her nurse did not give proper treatment, and has caused Judy severe pain and suffering, her pain medication has been doubled since yesterday and she really needs prayer that the care she receives improves, or she will not; and that her pain lessens and she can relax again.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Monday, 2-Mar-09
The surgery to move the feeding tube was completed this morning. Judy is
back in her room recovering. She is still in quite a bit of pain, but is
relaxing after the surgery.
back in her room recovering. She is still in quite a bit of pain, but is
relaxing after the surgery.
Her niece Jessica is there with her today. Our son Chris and Judy's brother
Harold were in Edmonton to see her on the week-end.
I am flying to see Judy tomorrow morning. My plan is to stay there until she
is transferred either to Prince George or to Vancouver, depending on a
variety of factors. This will be the first time we can actually talk face to
face since the accident. I did see her twice before Aaron and I were
transferred back here, and we have talked (short conversations) on the phone
several times.
How do you throw up with 8 broken ribs?
Please pray that Judy won't have to as she starts being fed again.
Ben
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)