The gift...

I've promised for 2 days now to tell you about the special gift that my sister made for me, and it's period break in the game, so now seems like a good time!

 

You all know that in the accident I suffered an incomplete fracture between the vertebra called C1 and C2, the top of the spinal column, which hold the skull on the neck.  My memory of the first few weeks is very muddled due to pain, medication and the concussion.  I assumed, and had told the doctors, that the surgery to fuse them together was done within days of the accident. It wasn't until the night my brother and sister-in-law were here shortly after my arrival at GF Strong that they told me what really happened.  It wasn't until 7days after the accident, after doing an MRI to determine why my arms and legs weren't moving, that they found the fracture. My brother and his wife were there the next day, immediately after the surgery.  They talked  to the doctor who did the surgery and were told that all that held my head onto my neck was 1 mm of tissue,  and that I was very "lucky" to be alive. To top this off, keep in mind that the nurses had stopped log-rolling my head when I was being turned (in other words, holding my head and neck together when turning my body). They were just turning my body, and my head was being held by God's hands alone!!! This news really made me stop and again be so grateful to be alive! It also made me realize how little I remember from those first 2 - 3 weeks.  So for those of  you who visited me during my time in ICU, thank you for your patience with me as I sort out my memories from my fantasies!

 

Now back to my sister - (Ellie has given me permission to share this story) - she was working in her craft room one night, re-stringing a bracelet that had broken (thrifty girl!).  The cord wasn't quite the right size, so she looked in her supplies to see what other sizes she had in there.  She picked up a spool of clear elastic cord, and looked to see what size it was.  Upon seeing the diameter of 1 mm marked on the spool, her mind and heart immediately thought of the 1 mm of stretchy, clear ligament that held my head for those 7 days.  She told me that she froze on the spot, and spent the next 30 minutes or so just feeling that slender cord, tears streaming down her face, praising God for His mercy and goodness, and for sparing my life.  Then she had an idea - to make me (and my family) bracelets to remind us of that gift from God.  She put on that cord one single, imperfect pearl, also as a reminder that God isn't finished with me yet!  She came out on Monday just to bring it out to me, and to share what it meant to her.  I wear that cord with joy, and it has already allowed me the opportunity to share my story and God's part in it with several people!  I love that gift, and my sister for creating it, and thank God for giving her that moment. Go find a ruler and look how big 1 mm is - you might be surprised! I know I was!

 

Just to let you all know, I am very excited that Ben will be arriving here for the weekend tomorrow morning! He's coming down for our first team/family planning meeting (which is on Monday at 11), and for some time with me! So don't bother checking back here for a few days...I won't be posting till Monday night at the earliest!  And if you live in the Vancouver area and have been wanting to see us, just give a quick call to make sure we're in (you can call GF Strong direct, and they'll give me a message to call you).  He'll be here until Monday afternoon. 

 

Oh, one other thing quickly - I did stairs today!

 

Praising God daily, love, Judy

Judy Wiebe 
Take Note Vocal Studio

Wednesday

Well, folks, I promise tonight's entry won't be as long as the last one! Sorry, I didn't realize that I was being that prolific.  Anyway, I was almost finished this post (I started this 1//2 hour ago!) and accidentally deleted it...darn shaky fingers! So I'll try again, and hopefully I'll remember what I just wrote!

 

I know I wanted to let you know how things went today with the swallowing assessment. Well, it didn't go as well as hoped/prayed for, but the therapist was short on time, and only brought a container of yogurt and some chicken salad.  The yogurt was no problem, but the chicken salad was a little dry, therefore harder to swallow. She didn't fail me as such, but suggested that we reschedule for Monday when she has more time and we'll try more varied textures to see what works and what doesn't.  So I'll keep you posted! Until then, puréed it is!

 

Some of  you have also been asking where I am at with my injuries. So I will give you the scoop - starting at the top...! My head is still very securely on my neck, and I have very little pain any more, and do not need the narcotics to relieve it! Praise the Lord!  I occasionally have neck muscle pain when I don't wear my collar, so until the doctors say otherwise, I am gladly keeping it on! My eyes are still crossed, and I have an appointment with the neuro-ophtamologist (sp?) on May 6. I was encouraged at dinner tonight, though (braised beef tips and peas - puréed, of course - quite yummy!)  when one of the other ladies here told me that after her accident she was also cross-eyed, and that after 4 months it fixed itself! It's only been 3 months so far, so I guess we'll wait and see! (Pun intended!) Okay, moving down, the shoulders are both still quite sore, and my arms/hands quite weak, but we're working on exercises to stretch and strengthen them as well as all the other tight muscles in my body.  I've had an ultrasound done to see if there is any permanent damage, and we are awaiting the results from that. The ribs have healed well, and although I can't spread them as far as I could before for that great breath support I once had, the fact that I once could do that has helped immensely in their re-training and my ability to take semi-deep breaths now. God knew that even my breathing exercises would be useful here!  There is still bruising and a deep scar from the seat belt, but don't worry - you'll never see it! My legs are quite strong, and have good range of motion.  They gave me a wheelchair that I "walk" with my feet, giving my quads a good workout! The physiotherapist is working hard to help me regain my balance, and we walk a bit further everyday.  Each time with less assistance, too! The only other problem that I will mention is the nerve damage, which comes in various forms.  The one thing that I struggle with the most is the burning sensation I often feel on my back, arms and sometimes my chest. I guess that is what a hot flash feels like, but mine doesn't go away! It's worst at night when I have nothing to distract me, but they are trying me on another medication, non-narcotic, that is supposed to help.  So far, it's not doing much, but I'll keep trying.  I am now completely off the Hydromorphone (Dilotid -sp?) which I am very grateful for! I have had some withdrawal symptoms, but they are going away. PTL! The other part of the nerve damage is numbness in my left breast, and no temperature sensation in my legs.  My voice has also changed, for those of you who have not been able to see/hear me in person, and the doctor said it is also due to nerve damage.  My soft palate no longer is able to lift, therefore I sound nasal and husky, and have a singing range of about 1/2 an octave! But here again, God has supplied me with the tools to re-teach my vocal chords and soft palate what to do! I may not ever sing my ARCT exam, but I'm okay with that.  I've always said that if my ability to sing is the only thing I lose through this whole experience, then I have lost little! I'll sing again, when I fall at His feet in Glory!!

 

So that takes care of me, but this whole story is about more than me!  Ben & Aaron had their follow-up appointment with the specialist yesterday. Ben was told that he didn't have to wear his cast or use his crutches anymore, unless he was doing a lot of walking. (We all know he was starting to do this anyway!!). But at least he can now officially be cast free!  There should be no further surgery required, which is a great praise item! Aaron's back is also well healed, and he no longer needs to wear his clamshell.  (They just turned out the lights - guess I better finish up!).  Praise God for his healing hand, and for the way He has taken care of all their needs at home, too!

 

Your thoughts, prayers, comments, cards, letters, and the rest are so appreciated.  God bless each  of you for your time, care and concern.  We know we can never repay what we've been given. We pray that He will be your blessing, and your strength to deal with whatever comes your way.  I guess I'll have to tell you the story of my sister's gift tomorrow...just to keep you coming back!

 

With praise to our powerful, loving Father,

Judy

It's my turn finally!

Greetings to everyone who faithfully follows this blogspot!  Yes, this is Judy typing!  I am finally able to access a computer and do this myself.  Although I am not doing too good so far...I have just spent the past 20 minutes composing this message, only to hit something wrong, and deleted the whole message!  So I will try to remember what I just wrote, and do this again!

 

I know that I wanted to try to express my gratefulness to all of you who have prayed or cared for our family in some way.  There will never be words to describe how thankful and humbled we all are for the overwhelming support and interest in our lives.  God has truly upheld and carried us through you, and we know that it is because of you and your prayers that we make it through each day. 

 

It has only been since Friday that I have had access to a computer.  It took awhile,  but I finally read through the entire blog, including all the comments.  It was very strange to read about the things that I have lived through the past 3 months, and also enlightening - my memory of some of those days and weeks is foggy to say the least!  But again, I was so overwhelmed by not only the number of people who are following this, but by the outpouring of love and support through your comments.  I know this is not enough, but thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!! God will reward you for you faithfulness in prayer - we can never repay or thank you enough!

 

So now I thought I would tell you about what my days look like here at GF Strong Rehab Centre.  Believe it or not, I am usually awake by 6, but do not usually get up then! I am not supposed to get out of bed on my own, so I wait until the nurses bring me my breakfast (in bed!) which is usually around 7:45 or 8. I have been given clearance to have a shower on my own, and I only need assistance from the nurses for getting in and out, and with washing my hair. My arms are still quite weak, and my range of motion quite limited, but we are working on increasing that. I am also able to dress most of myself, albeit is a slow process!  Then there are the classes - an hour of physiotherapy and usually an hour of occupational therapy, which takes on various forms. One day they came to my room to teach me to dress myself.  Another day the group went to the park and played games (I sat that one out - too tired!). Tomorrow I will be introduced to the kitchen, and will make my own lunch on Thursday! They do whatever you need to become more independent.  I will share a funny story with you about this. In a hands class, the instructor handed me a roll of plastic wrap (the really sticky kind) and a pencil, and told me to wrap it up.  My sister, Ellie, was with me that day, and as I wrapped it up really tight twisting the ends shut really well, I smugly said that they would never get it out!  Then as I handed it to the instructor, she handed it back to me and told me to unwrap it! My sister said it served me right!

 

Lunch is served at 11:30 in a common room, or in your room if you choose.  I like to go to the common room, and meet the other people on this floor. There are 4 floors to the center, each for a different disability.  The second floor is only for spinal cord injury. Not everyone is able to be at the table to feed themselves - many need to be fed. I have met some wonderful new friends, and enjoy the time of getting to know them.  As for the food, I am still on puréed food for now but they make it taste pretty good most of the time.  I found out tonight that I am NOT a fan of puréed spinach or puréed salmon. Ugh.   I will be tested tomorrow again for being able to advance to minced food, so if you are reading this before Wednesday at lunch, pray for my swallowing ability to be improved!  I am really starting to crave real food!  If I do not pass the swallowing test (I will let you know) then please pray that I will be content to continue eating mush, and that my hunger for other foods would go away!

 

In the afternoon there are various other activities, and sometimes other classes.  Monday and Friday afternoon I have music therapy, where I am re-learning my piano skills.  I am so thankful for this opportunity, and am able to practice on my own keyboard in my room - Jason brought it down for me last weekend! Typing is also another good form of therapy, although I must admit that my fingers and arms are getting a little tired! I might have to continue tomorrow...but I will finish the day at least!  Dinner is served early - 4:30 - so that leaves quite a bit of free time in the evening. There are activities on some nights (movies, swimming, Wii games, etc) but I have not gone to any as yet.  Usually by the time dinner is over, I am done! I relax, read or watch TV, or sometimes someone comes to visit.  Speaking of which, I am so thankful for my mom and sister who have been able to be here almost every day since I have come!  Soon my sister will have to go back to work, but I have so enjoyed her company here and we have grown so much closer, now that we have shared accidents together! For those of you who do not know, and I do not think it was on the blog, my sister was in a car accident only 3 days before we were, and suffered severe concussion resulting in vertigo that was very debilitating. But between her own therapy sessions, she still has found the time to be with me here!  And my mom...what can I say...she has been there for me throughout, and is here most days.  For her it brings back memories, as my father was here in 1984 after his stroke.  He regained many abilities the doctors told him he would not be able to do, and so will I!

 

Anyway, that should be more than enough for now.  Tomorrow I would like to tell you all the story of a special gift that my sister gave me...you will have to check back for that one, my fingers are giving out (and the spell check is not working, neither is the apostrophe key!).  Please let me know if there is anything in particular that you are wanting to know, and I will try to answer your questions.

 

So for now, thank you all again, and keep praying! God is SO GOOD, ALL THE TIME!  I have His peace and contentment to be here for this time, and although I miss my family and friends, He gives strength for each day and joy to carry on.  What more can I ask for but that I can be a testimony for Him, a light and an example of His love in this place, and that He receive ALL the glory for what He is doing in my life.  I thank you once again for keeping us all in your thoughts and prayers.

 

Till soon,  Judy

Sunday

Things are progressing. Judy took her first steps Friday. She is continuing to build strength and coordination. She is really enjoying the visitors she is getting.

For the most part, Judy's pain in under control, and not requiring the dilaudid (hydromorphone) that she had been on since the first few days after the accident. She is having some trouble sleeping and has been using sleeping pills to assist in getting the proper rest.

I will be going down Friday to be with her till Monday. We are both really looking forward to that.

Aaron and I have a Dr appointment on Tuesday. This is another step toward living a more normal life. Aaron is hoping that he can be mobile without his clamshell, and to be able to go back to work soon. I am hoping to get off my crutches soon, and to be able to work normal hours.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support in so many different ways.

Ben

Monday

For those wishing to visit Judy, she is listed under Marilyn (her first name). She also asked that no more flowers be brought at this time, and she has enough stuffed animals to keep the flowers company. Thanks so much for the extremely generous show of support from so many of you.

There were two exciting developments for Judy today. First, from a sitting position in her wheelchair she was able to stand up with no assistance and no walker!! For her walking exercises she still uses the parallel bars. That is going very well. Second, she was in the music therapy room and sat down at the piano, and  started playing. Although the music is not as flowing as it was, there was still music in her fingers! Jason is going down to see her this weekend and Judy requested her electronic keyboard. She wants to practice and exercise her fingers...AMAZING!

For Judy being at GF Strong is an excellent experience. Judy is extremely positive and grateful for everything she is still able to think, feel, and do.  She is expecially grateful when she sees other patents at the facillity who are often much younger and have very severe handicaps. She is one of the ones with the most mobililty, and considering what she has gone through, that is amazing. God has protected her and is blessing all of us so richly.

Ben

Saturday

So, I just got off the phone with Judy and she had a wonderful day today. She had several visitors and really enjoyed that.

Judy continues to improve. She is able to get from a flat bed to sitting up, and then to standing up with a walker. She is also able to sit in her wheelchair all day.

Chris arrived around 11:00 today and spent the day with her. They explored the facilities, and then went shopping to a strip mall across the street from GF Strong. 

Judy is enjoying eating real food, although still pureed. The food provided is really good, even though the pureed egg salad sandwich she had was not quite the same.

Judy is really grateful for those who are visiting her. She appreciates visitors evenings starting around 6 and weekends. Days are filled with activities, but evenings can be lonely.

On Monday she is seeing a neuroophthalmologist to have a look at her eyes. she is cross eyes and does not have full range of motion with the eyes. With her glasses (and one eye covered) she can see clearly and is able to read. Please pray for wisdom and continued healing.

Ben

GF Strong (Vancouver)

Judy called me at 6:45 this morning to let me know that the ambulance would be there to take her to the airport between 7:30 and 8: am today. She will only be allowed one piece of luggage (we had packed three small ones). I quickly got up, dressed and was at her bedside in 20 minutes. I repacked everything into one larger suitcase. Judy left PGRH at 8:00 am today.

Judy has arrived safely at GF Strong. She has been extremely encouraged after meeting with a variety of staff there. One of the nurses is a good friend of her niece Jessica (who recognized Judy's name as she arrived. One of the most exciting things for Judy is that she will be enrolled in music therapy, including a keyboard to play on.

After seeing several doctors today, Judy was informed that her stay would be approximately 2 months. There will be a more thorough analysis of her condition and progress in two weeks.

At this stage Judy's pain is mostly manageable with tylenol and ibuprofen. One medical issue they will need to resolve is that Judy is having withdrawal symptoms from the pain medication.

Praise the lord for an easy transition! Please pray for continued healing, and strength.  Pray also for the medical staff that they will have the wisdom needed to best guide Judy to the best possible recovery.

Ben

Easter

Easter Sunday was very special for all of us! For the first time, Judy was able to get a day pass and we as a family were able to attend church. It was a very emotional time for Judy, and also for all those that have been watching and praying for us. We are Sooo THANKFUL for all of our friends that are walking with us during this time. Through you, ALL of our needs are being provided! God is blessing us in many ways as we continue on our journey to recovery.

After Church, we took Judy home and had lunch together at home. After lunch Judy had a nap (3 hours) in her own bed. She went back to the hospital at 5 pm.

Judy's strength and endurance are continuing to improve. As she is transferred to GF Strong tomorrow, please pray for strength for the trip, and that her pain continues to be minimal. She started taking her pain medications orally last week, but she is having minor reactions to something in the mix. As time at PGRH is coming to an end, please pray that they will be able to solve the challenges there.

Ben

Big News

The news today consists of the following:
1. Judy is continuing progress, today she walked with a regular walker even farther than yesterday.
2. She is eating all her meals. They consist of juices and mush. The tube feed has been stopped for now. She is also taking all medication orally.
3. She was notified that GF Strong has a bed available for her on Tuesday, April 14. This is much quicker that we expected. She will be flown down on a medavac flight.
4. Her pain continues to decrease. Her dose is currently about 1/4 of what it was before. I believe soon we will she that she can get by on tylenol.
5. There is no significant change with her eyesight.

When friends of ours were preparing to visit Judy with their 2 1/2 year old, they informed their daughter that Judy had an eye patch (like a pirate). The question in response was "does she have a parrot"?

Please continue to pray for wisdom for Judy, myself, and the boys as healing takes place and decisions are made.

Ben

The Boys

How are the boys handling the current family situation?

There certainly has been additional stress on each of the boys during the past two months.

Due to the nature of his job, Jason would appreciate it if no personal questions were asked at work. Chris is away from the public eye in the shop at his work, and deals with very few customers. Aaron stays at home or hangs with friends as he continues to heal. His date to return to work is still tentative, pending his ability to be on his feet for the duration of his shifts.

Ben

Progress Monday

Judy took (her first) 6 steps today!! She is able to do this with only holding onto the parallel bars. This was ahead of the schedule that occupational therapy had planned for her. She is also able to sit up and lay down with hardly any assistance. She can now shift her position in bed without assistance. After her steps today she spent another 2 hours sitting in the wheelchair. Even after all this she was still wide awake and not exhausted like she has been up to now. Praise the Lord for her progress!!

Today they also eliminated her breakfast feeds and are letting her eat breakfast. The feeding tube is still providing two meals per day, although she is supplementing those as well with foods she is eating at lunch and supper. 

Judy mentioned that she is skipping most of the optional pain medication (about half of what she had been getting). This is also helping her to have more energy.

Judy was so excited with these accomplishments that she was giggling like a little girl; and I was crying because I was so excited for her!!

I spend my first day back at work and it went quite well. I think I am holding out quite well and am able to get the rest needed.

Ben

SUNDAY

Judy is making vast improvements!! Yesterday she was eating yogurt by herself, she was drinking from the straw with a cup in her hand. she is able to move more. she has been standing up every day this week. She has been able to keep almost all of her food down. Her energy is up and her pain level is going down - to the point that she is able to skip some of the in-between pain meds. She is also able to reach the buttons that adjust her bed. The progress has been amazing.

This week the staff want to have discussions regarding GF Strong (rehab in Vancouver). So, as soon as I know more, I will post it here.

I am returning to work 4 hours a day starting tomorrow. So, I will see how that will go. My ankle is still quite big, but as per the Dr's instructions, I have been putting some weight on it and...it will take awhile before I can walk without a limp.

Aaron is also recovering well, but has to be careful how much he is on his feet and what type of chair he sits in.

Ben

Wednesday

Today was a very good day. Judy stood up using a walker, then she sat in her wheelchair for 50 minutes.

She was given a special spoon and was able to feed herself a container of yogurt (without making a mess!). She is also continuing to drink water and juice. She was able to brush her teeth by herself with an electric tooth brush. Judy loves to brush her teeth for longer periods, and this enabled her to do so for the first time.

There was no throwing up today, lets pray that trend continues. Her pain is also slowly easing. In the past two days Judy mentioned that twice she has been able to go 4 hours and skip the dose at two hours in-between.

Ben :)