December 24

Merry Christmas!!!

Just a quick post in case people are still checking this blog ;)
Mom is still doing very well. They ordered her a "platform walker" (which has a 'platform' for her bad arm to rest in while she uses it) and so that is the next goal. Just a few steps each time for now.
Mom still has hardly any pain, although she did have a few days this week when her bad leg bothered her quite a bit. I think it hurts more than she admits, although the pain meds keep it pretty much under control.
She still has her "wound VAC", and that will remain until a) a skin graft, or b) the wound closes. It's certainly doing it's job though, and the wound is shrinking.
She's been out and about a couple times with dad. Various doctor's appointments, a shopping trip, and even a breakfast party with dad's co-workers from church!
We are all very thankful and excited to have her home for Christmas. I honestly did not expect it.
Thanks for all the Christmas cards, cookies, and caroling! Our own festivities are rather limited this year, and so many of you have helped to make it special. Thanks!

May you all have a blessed and restful Christmas.
Glory to God!
Love,
Naomi, for all the Jackinses

December 14, 2009

Hello all!

Naomi here again. Sorry to those who have had no word since my last post; we have been so busy at home and it rather escaped my mind for a while!

God has been so, so good. Mom is doing great! Still in a wheelchair of course, but it is easy to see progress!! She has a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a visiting nurse, all of whom visit a few times a week.

She has full use of her hands, although her right arm is still weak from her broken bones.

She can lift her "bad" leg up just a little! Amazing to see.

She is doing a lot of the transfer work on her own; we are basically just there to steady her/ the transfer board. I am shocked each time I watch her scoot across it! :)

She is still unable to wheel herself around in the chair. Our thicker carpet makes it too hard.

She still has her "wound VAC", which is slowly sucking stuff out of her hip wound. The wound is getting smaller though (about a 6"x 6"x 6" triangle--Brian), and she says it is only painful when they change the dressing.

She is getting bored of course; she spends most of her days in the recliner or in the wheelchair. While this may sound GREAT to many of us (myself definitely included!) it gets old very fast. She wants so badly to just get up and walk around a little! It is very hard for a busy, working mom to not be able to help around the house. I can't imagine.

Regardless of these frustrations, her attitude has been fantastic. Her patience, gentle spirit and smiles have made our job easy. It is definitely exhausting to be her caretakers sometimes, but I can truly say IT IS A DELIGHT! :) The Holy Spirit is giving her so much grace. I would be very impatient if I were in her place.

So praise the Lord for that!

I'm trying to think of little things for her to do; she folds laundry sometimes, for instance. Yesterday she helped me cut out Christmas cookies! It was wonderful. She loves just watching the household- she greatly missed that in her 8-or-9 weeks away.

She had a lot of visitors in the first week or so, and she enjoyed them all. It is a very pleasant way to break up the day!

We are still getting meals, and thank you all SO MUCH for that. It has helped greatly.

God has shown us how much we need Mom at home; I have seen a HUGE improvement in everyone's attitude. I personally have more energy, more peace, etc. Dad is tired all the time (we take turns spending the night in Mom's temporary, downstairs room) but he is certainly happier.

We still have several weeks before Mom can get out of the wheelchair, but just having her home is enough for now. I wish there were words to express how thankful we are that Mom will be home for Christmas.

Thank you for your continued prayers; God's constant mercy is so humbling. Mom gets better every day!

Much love to you all,

the Jackinses

this from Brian:

Last week we had two follow-up visits: the trauma team at Reading Hospital (the ones who saw her when she first got there on October 4) and our family practitioner. They were both very impressed.

More this week: tomorrow we go back to Philadelphia to be seen by the orthopedic surgeon who operated on Ruth's pelvis, and the next day we see the plastic surgeon in Reading, who will look at the vac area (where the skin was removed, mentioned above). Ruth feels pretty queazy about the idea of a skin graft. We would love for that not to be needed, but it is a rather large area and God will decide.

Just some details of how some friends have blessed Ruth:

1. One of our deacons came and installed a temporary sink she can get to. She loves it! (The powder room is too small and tight for the chair.)

2. Three lady decorator elves came and transformed her downstairs room into a romantic French lady's boudoir. (We had moved a lot of stuff out to make room for it to be her bedroom, but we hadn't done anything to make it feminine. It was literally four panelled walls and a window.) Now her hospital bed even has a skirt on it with a crocheted border!

3. A hairdresser friend made a house call. Ruth's hair grows fast and needed cutting. And (did we mention this before?) some other friends are letting us use their roll-in, first-floor shower. That first shower after two months was a great day, I can tell you.

The Lord says, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." He is a Friend like no other. May he bless you in 2010 as your thoughts, cards, love and prayers (and many other helps) have blessed us.

One more word: many of you have said how much you have been meaning to write, or call, or visit, or ... but haven't been able to get to it due to illness in the family, busyness or a hundred other reasons. Please know that we treasure just knowing you and it's okay. Many are the times we've wanted to do more for suffering families, but couldn't. Don't feel bad. Contacts come in their right times and we know you are there.

love to you all, and thanks especially to those we don't know, but who have been on this journey with us anyway.

Brian

If you out there who pray could cover one more big thing for us, it would mean a lot. The company where I worked before my job at the church was a craft kit company called Dimensions. They produce needlecrafts, paint-by-number, rubber stamps and other crafts. They were bought by a larger concern which is closing their Reading facility at the end of the year. Most of my friends from there will lose their jobs, or have already. If you would ask God to help them in this major challenge, we would count it a huge favor. We feel so bad for them, especially in this climate. Many of them have worked there for many years and it's very specialized work. They are excellent, kind and skilled people who are family to one another as they have been to us. Thank you.

Home!

Hello everyone, Naomi here.
Hope my father didn't bore you with his updates... haha. I believe the last blog was before Mom came home. Dad went to pick her up on Wednesday morning, and all went very well. The ride was fine, the transfer was good, and her new room downstairs is working well. Someone gave us a bed that raises both head and feet, sort of like a hospital bed.

It is SO RELIEVING to have Mom home! We are all so much more relaxed; it just helps to have her around. I don't think I realized until now how draining it was to be driving an hour just to see her. God gave us strength though, and we are so thankful to have her back. When I saw her sitting in the car in the driveway I started bawling.
She is doing very well; quiet, but happy. She says she just enjoys watching the bustle of the household. :)
The wheelchair is tricky on the carpet, and our doorways are very narrow, so she is dependent on us to push her around. She is spending most of the time on our reclining sofa.
Her wheelchair fits under the kitchen table so she can eat meals with us! Wednesday lunch was the FIRST time all 6 of us had been together in 7 1/2 weeks!
Her nurse and therapists will be coming a few times each per week. Once she is allowed to weight-bear she will go on to more therapy.
We have much to adjust to, but God has blessed us so richly. Taking care of her each day is a delight.
Please pray for time and energy. Things take quite a while even though we are helping her.

Mom is so patient with us as we learn how to take care of everything. God has given her such a gentle spirit- she is so content just to be home.
Thanksgiving was great for us; I cooked about half the meal, and my aunt brought the rest. Mom ate a full plate! She loved it. Can't imagine having Thanksgiving without her.

This stage for Mom will last probably through January. Her therapists are very pleased with how she is doing. Thanks for praying and caring for so many weeks. We pray you have all been blessed to see God's work through this. To God be the glory!

Love,
the Jackinses

Coming home Wednesday!

Hello, caring and attentive friends,

Brian here. Ruth had her home visit yesterday with the occupational and physical therapists. She did great and looked great.

(All I can say is, it's a good thing they didn't need to see the second floor, because we had ... stashed a few things there so the downstairs would be decent and navigable. Some of you know what I'm talking about ... in terms of clutter, especially with Mom out of the house ... like, our bedroom is now a disaster area. But that's another whole blog.)

The therapists were great too. They went through the downstairs with Ruth, observing her doing the things they've taught her (wheeling around corners, transfer to regular chair, etc.) and talked to us about slight modifications in our home that will help. We have the back room on one side of the house cleared out for a temporary (3-month) bedroom. We're getting a hospital bed, a wheelchair, a commode, her leg exercise device, the woundvac machine and whatever else she needs.

I told them she needs a hot tub. (They're checking with the insurance company. Foiled again!)

Wish you could have seen Rio, our border collie/golden retriever mix, when he saw Mommy. He went nuts with joy!!

Thank you . Next time we write, Ruth will be here with us. I pick her up tomorrow at 11.

Thursday, Ruth's sister is bringing the turkey, Naomi will make some pies, the boys can make the green bean casserole. We are grateful to know the God to whom our thanks is due, and grateful that he has answered your prayers and helped us in all these ways. It will still be a long haul, and frustrating/challenging at times, but we'll be so glad Ruth is here with us from now on.

Thank God---when there are figs on the tree and when there are none. He knows what he is doing.

love, Brian and all of us.

Home for the Holidays?

Hi Everyone,

Brian here. Unfortunately for you, Naomi has sort of disappeared into the world of homework, housework, helpwork (she babysits and cleans for a couple of families) and college applications.

(The first thing I should do is apologize for not pointing out that the rehab won't allow anyone younger than 14 to visit. A few people have taken their kids to see Mrs. Jackins, but they haven't gotten in---a letdown! We squeaked Ben in (he's 13) by swearing that his birthday is in January and that he won't swing from the chandeliers. No, I think it's related to the germ season and all. So---yes, you can visit, but not with the young'uns.)

Home for the holidays? I learned from our days at HUP to say "I'll believe it when I see it," but they are hoping to bring Ruth home sometime on the day before Thanksgiving!

She really is doing well learning how to maneuver. Which is not to say we won't have a lot to learn to be able to take care of her. They are coming for a home visit late Monday morning to inspect, prescribe, recommend and generally figure out what we need to do around here. Like, maybe some dishes. We haven't been washing any, just buying new and saving them all for when Mom gets home ... I'm kind of nervous about taking care of Ruth. Guess it will be like the rest of it: one day at a time!

You know that poem about the footprints in the sand? I have tried not to like it because it's so overused. But it is also so true. Christ (and you) really have carried us when we could not walk. Ruth, literally and the rest of us, figuratively. Thank you again for holding us up, and asking God to.

I'll try to write more when we know more.

love, Brian for us all

Dear Friends,

Oh, we're so sorry to let so much time go by without word. Brian here. It's six days since Ruth's move to the Rehab. We've mostly just been busy going back and forth. Also, the day-to-day changes aren't as dramatic now (thank the Lord, we don't need them to be!), so we will be posting less often.

But there are good things to report! Let's see ...

1. Many of you have asked about pain, or commented that you can't imagine all Ruth's pain. One of the blessings has been that she hasn't had too much intense pain. In Philly, they generally kept it under control. Back here, her doses of pain meds have been reduced but it's still not too bad. So you can be relieved and thank the Lord with us. She tends more toward discomfort, she would call it, when she hasn't changed positions in awhile, or these days when she's upright (in the wheelchair) too long. About an hour and a half is what she's up to, then bed starts looking really good.

2. All kinds of changes. All of her stitches are out, no more splints or immobilizers, she's using her right arm (though not for anything heavy), she's wearing pajamas and sweats instead of hospital gowns, she's eating better (i.e., more) every day. The one big device still at work is the woundvac on her hip, still removing fluid and reducing the area that was so swollen.

3. The Rehab is very nice. It is low and wide with wide hallways and pretty big rooms. She has her own room on a floor that can take only about 12 patients. In all, the center can admit 112. Unlike Philly, the cafeteria closes at 2 p.m., so no access for dinner for guests. There are vending machines.

4. Her therapy includes bathing and dressing herself, eating, learning to transfer from mattress to chair or commode, rotating her ankles and feet ... and she's doing great. There is also a machine that moves her lower right leg for her. It very slowly bends her knee up and then straightens it. she was on that for two-hour stints but it was pretty hard to take. She asked the nurses if she could do 2 one-hour treatments instead, and that has helped. Yesterday, too, she was self-propelling in her wheelchair using her left hand and foot. She made it through the hall all the way around the unit.

If you'd like to write, call or visit, that is possible.

Her phone number is 484-388-2995.

The unit desk is 484-388-2705.

You can write to her at
Ruth Jackins, c/0
The Reading Hospital for Post-Acute Rehabilitation
2802 Papermill Road
Wyomissing, PA 19610
or at home and we'll run it up. We go almost every day.

It would be a good idea to call before a visit, if possible. She has therapies scheduled all through the day, with some breaks, until 4:40 or so. She usually knows the next day's schedule by evening. Dinner is at 6:00; you can join her if you like (bring your own food).

Things to pray for:
1. Ruth's blood pressure was too low the other day, so she was going to have another transfusion. Nurses find it nearly impossible to find her veins, which are very fine and deep. There are no phrenologists (people who find lost veins) at the Rehab and it was going to be a big hullaballoo (to the hospital and back in an ambulance) to get the I.V. in. Fortunately, they checked her pressure just before they called the ambulance and it was back to the minimum acceptable level. Pray for her blood pressure and that they'll have someone on hand who can find a vein if needed.

2. Ruth is so tired of being in bed. She finds herself thinking things like, "This is silly. I need to go to the bathroom. I'm just going to get up and go." (Without a lot of pain, she doesn't feel her inability that much.) Then she reminds herself she is stuck for awhile. She needs patience as it will be awhile before she can do much. We don't watch T.V. at home and now we know why. What they say is true: 400 channels and there's still nothing to watch!! A friend gave us a portable DVD player, so I have taken her a couple of movies. She prays a lot. If you write to her or visit, share your prayer requests. She really will give them time and attention.

3. That she, and all of us, will be lights of Christ to the staff and other patients.

4. That increasingly they will be able to reduce her medications for pain, regularity, sleep, etc. and her body can start handling itself. She is on a blood thinner and that will be at least 6 months since she had a pulmonary embolism in one of her surgeries.

5. Strength in therapy, healing.

6. She misses home, "normal life and schedule" so much. And home doesn't feel right at all. It's been six weeks.

The Lord is good. Bless you all for your kind attention. Thank you for the many cards. We read them together and she loves thinking of each of you.

till next time,
Brian for us all.

Signed Out

Yes---after five weeks (practically to the hour) at HUP, Ruth traveled by ambulance to the brand-new Reading Hospital for Post-Acute Rehabilitation. The facility opened on October 20.

I don't know who was praying, but she slept most of the way, so THANK YOU Lord.

Our first impressions are great; we had good nurses, a great doctor who told us and asked us a lot, and they do serve lemon with their hot tea (an absolute must). Naomi was right; we'll miss the familiar faces in Philly and all their kindnesses. But Ruth really is ready for the next stage. She'll hit the ground running tomorrow (figuratively speaking) with different rehab evaluations and exercises from 9:30 to 3:30. They warned her that they fully expect to wear her out, but that patients are always so happy after a couple of days that they can do so many things again. Pray, as it will be quite a challenge. Pray especially that they will control her pain in the right way at the right time so that won't stand in the way of progress. Just sitting in a wheelchair yesterday became unbearable after an hour and a half. I mean, when it's your pelvis that was the broken part ...

The doctor explained their goals for this stay: this will NOT be to get her walking or anything. Her right arm and leg must be non-weight-bearing for 12 more weeks. At this point, they will be teaching her how to do the basics in taking care of herself and getting around the first floor of our home: sitting up, transferring to a wheelchair, to a commode, getting dressed, hygeine, etc. I asked for a rough time estimate, knowing that he didn't know much yet, and promising I would not hold him to it. He thinks she will be there for two to three weeks. I dangled Thanksgiving in front of her as carrot/incentive.

I of course will be asking them if they can also get her to chop onions (they make me tear up so) and darn my socks again.

Long day, gotta crash, thank you all again for making Ruth, the kids and me a part of your day and your thoughts.

She is still very tired. If you wouldn't mind, check with me or Priscilla before planning a visit.

We love you
Brian

On the Way!

Praise the Lord!

The plan for today went through, and Mom is now IN THE AMBULENCE ON HER WAY TO READING!!!
They were hoping for 11 am today, but I wanted to wait until it actually happened to say anything. Dad is going to call us when they arrive. It's now 1:30, so I assume they are well on their way.

In a way it is sad to leave HUP... they have done so much for Mom and have given such excellent care and surgeries. But God is moving us on to another step, and we are very grateful.
I'm sure Mom is so relieved.

Please pray for the next week, which will be a difficult transition. Physical therapy will be very painful and require her patience. Hopefully we can be there more often to support her.

We've asked the Lord for so much; please thank Him with us now.

Monday, Nov. 9

Hello all,
Apologies for the lack of blogging over the weekend... not a whole lot happened. Mom had a good day on Friday; Dad and I spent the day with her. Saturday included some physical therapy.. they had her sitting again for a while. Yesterday we visited her and she was doing well. Adrian and Autumn came (it's been a couple weeks for them) so Mom was very grateful to see them.

Her infections have cleared up! Once again, God answered prayer quite speedily. She has been in some pain all weekend, between physical therapy and stomach aches. But that is normal... her system is getting used to eating and digesting again.

The plan was to move her today. The doctors came in to look at everything this morning, and they said she was good enough to move! Big relief.
Then Dad called later, saying they would not be moving her today. Apparently things would take to long to organize in one day. So we are hoping for tomorrow... but no promises. Please pray for patience for Mom... it's very rough to have your hopes dashed so often!

She will be taken to the Reading acute rehab center... right off 422, across from the Texas Roadhouse. We are SO grateful for this- it is right near her sister's house and my Grandmom's retirement village.
It is also only 30 minutes away, and I drive to that area all the time... freedom to visit Mom WHENEVER I WANT!!!
We are very excited, although she very much wanted to come home.
I guess rehab will go on for a while. I don't know how it will work, if she cannot weight bear for a while.

So we are just waiting for today. We are still amazed at all of your faithful prayers. It's been a long month, eh? Yet God has been working each hour.

Thanks again,
Naomi for all

A Long Day

The caregivers were busy today.

Ruth's stitches came out (before I got a chance to count them---I'm sure there were at least 100) (She asked the doctor, couldn't he do a wax job instead of the tweezer treatment. He smiled and said no.) That really, really looks better and the sites seem to be healing well.

The splint came off her right arm. I'd been wondering about that because it's been three weeks or so. That's great and she is already moving it around some. The movement of her wrist and hand, which were not hurt in the accident, have suffered due to their "time off," however, so she'll need to work with that.

Physical therapists are helping her work on getting from bed to a wheelchair. There was no PT today, but there has been in the last two days.

The biggest issue is a urinary tract infection which they found yesterday. A lot of blood work today. It will mean no move to a rehab until at least Tuesday. We had been told that tomorrow might be the day for the move, so, in a state of extreme fatigue and weakness, she's having a hard time this evening. We prayed and read some Scripture.

Sometimes they let me stay until well after the 8 PM end of visiting hours, but sometimes the situation must be touchy like tonight; the police came through and asked us lingerers on the floor to head out (she is still on the trauma floor where crime is often part of the picture). That was especially hard tonight. I had gotten here late to begin with. There have been a lot of medical issues you've prayed Ruth through; the emotional/hope end of the scale will become increasingly important as she is conscious and challenged.

Naomi's flu is pretty much gone, and the twins' colds.

Thanks for your continued love and prayer. We feel them!

Brian

Less is More

Hi Friends,

Brian here. Naomi has the flu :(

The short version is, Ruth is shedding equipment quickly and it's all amazing and we hope to have her back in this area soon. (For those of you not acquainted with our area, we are about 75 minutes from the hospital, on a good day. It can be 2 hours with bad traffic.)

The very long version, if you like details:
I believe the last you heard from us, the big pelvic surgery had gone well (on Thursday) and Ruth was recovering. By Friday night she was approved for a regular diet again and her room was downgraded to regular trauma (not the Surgical ICU). Saturday was a nice, restful day and she ate well. Her excellent nurse practitioner visited her and shed a few tears about what bad shape Ruth had been in and all the remarkable progress. We talked with her again yesterday. She mentioned Ruth's rare condition from the accident, called Molle-Lavallee, which I won't describe here because it's too iccky, but any of you scientific types can look it up. It's the part that was removed and the hip sponge-vac is taking care of.

Sunday was good but not without challenges. The physical therapists started her on a machine which will get her leg/hip moving again. She's not supposed to move them on her own, but passive is okay. They have machines that do this for you and it sounds as if we will become familiar with all this. So they started her on a leg-lift device. She was to do it 3x two hours on Sunday. The first time, two hours was too much. They had to stop it. Later in the day, she completed one other therapy and skipped the third due to having guests in the room.

We had a good visit on Sunday and as I said, a good talk with the nurse-practitioner. She let us know that they were planning one more surgical inspection of the hip drainage site (for today, Monday). This time, they wanted to do it without going to the OR; in other words, Ruth would be awake with a heavy pain killer. They really want her to eat and every time she goes to the OR she has to stop eating in order to be anesthetized.

(Of course I don't want her to eat. I save five bucks every time she says, "Bri, I can't eat this ham sandwich and cookie they brought me. Do you want them?")

Today was quite a day. I walked into her room about 11:15 and my first impression was the sunshine on her bed. I thought, "How wonderful that she can have some sun!" My second impression was that something was weird because the sunlight was on the mattress. No blanket, no pillows, no Ruth ... as I walked in further, I saw that Ruth was sitting up in an easy chair. Whoa.

She was asleep. I just stared, amazed, for about five minutes. Grateful! God, thank you!

She woke up. We talked awhile; she had been fine sitting up for about an hour. She told me how the physical therapists had come and set her up. Then the pain began to increase until it was unbearable. The nurses couldn't come quickly enough. It was a horrible feeling to witness that, but be powerless to stop it. Finally they got her back in bed and the pain subsided.

Later today, she had the drainage surgery in her room, as they predicted. She had whopping pain meds for that and for the rest of the day was talking a bit loopy. (They also removed the remaining chest tube. This was very good news.) The nurse came in later to introduce Ruth to the oral blood thinner she will need to take since the intravenous one was gone. That's when I noticed that she was no longer hooked up to anything on the the pole-on-wheels (which has been her constant companion---you know those things that get wheeled everywhere with you, with the doses and readings and levels and drips and loud beeps, just when you fall asleep.) That was a real celebration. She also ate and drank really well today. So all in all, an agressive, challenging, painful, but generally encouraging day. I just need to ask the physical therapists to take it easy with the initial therapies.

We continue to be aware that it is God's response to your prayers, and his mercies to her, that have things going so well. We are also aware that it can be his plan to answer prayer with declining health or sorrow. His assignments are hard, but it is as we accept them with submission and look for joy that we glorify his goodness. In the book of Job, considered to be the oldest book in the Bible, the main character Job, after losing his children, his health and everything he had, was criticized by his wife for maintaining his faith in a good God. She scolded him, "Are you still holding onto your faith? Curse God and die." But Job replied, "... shall we accept the good things from God and not the bad?" He saw that whatever God chooses to send us, he is in the right. Lord, give us the faith of a Job!

The nurse-practitioner says they hope to have Ruth released in a week. We'll wait and see, but things look to be going in that direction. It was four weeks yesterday since the accident. Coming this way, of course, will not be back to normal---it is a long road to get there, if we ever see normal again. And we don't know if the move will be to home, for rest before she can do any active therapy, or to a rehab. But just to be closer, and no more surgeries for awhile, will be nice.

Again, your friendship and help through this is more encouraging than we can say.

We love you,

Ruth, Brian,
Naomi, Autumn, Adrian and Ben.

After surgery

I haven't talked to Dad a whole lot since Mom's surgery, however he said she is doing very well!
He's been there a couple nights so they've had good time together...
They have her in ICU again (since the surgery) just to monitor her. A couple things they wanted to watch. Hopefully she will be moved to a more "regular" room soon.
She is very, very tired right now, but only in a little pain. (In her leg)
We still don't know what is next. Dad has been trying to talk to a doctor or someone (besides the social worker) who can explain better what her recovery looks like.
Thankfully, they sound like her procedures at HUP are done. I haven't seen her since last Sunday, :( but it sounds like she's doing great. They are always surprised how quickly she comes out of anesthesia!

Surgery

Mom is out of surgery! Dad had not seen her yet when I talked to him, but they told him she was done. She got out around 8:30 pm I think.
It is now 10:40 pm, so hopefully Dad has been able to see her. She really wanted him there when she woke up, so thank the Lord for that blessing!

Thank you all for the many, many prayers you've all poured out for this surgery; as far as we know, it is her last for now!
They will re-evaluate everything soon...
Praise God that the doctors were able to fit her in today!

Dad just called (from work) and said that they have taken Mom into surgery!!!
Apparently she went in about 1 pm. (It's 4:15 now, so they are hopefully well underway.)
This is such great news, because it means that Mom did not have to wait terribly long today. God continues to answer!
We don't know how long Mom will be in, but I will try to post something when she's out. I know you are all concerned (with us!) about how this pelvis surgery goes!

Surgery news

Dad called the hospital to find out if Mom was in surgery yet. (He is waiting to go down until he knows). They said she is scheduled for 5 pm.....???
We are pretty confused by that, but the nurse said it will hopefully prevent her from being pushed back. However, we've been told this will be a long surgery... so it doesn't really make sense.
Anyway, that is the news. They are soon to take her to the surgery waiting room. She has another day of waiting and wondering ahead, and sadly we are not there with her- we thought she'd be in surgery by now.
Dad just thought you'd all probably want that update... please pray for her as she's waiting and not able to eat all day.

All Systems Go?

Hi Everyone,

(From Brian---I know everyone misses Naomi when I write, but the girl has to sleep sometime!)
We are told that Thursday might be the day for Ruth's pelvic surgery. (Yes, we've been here before, but it's like a fire drill - we have to treat every one as though it's real and someday it will be!)

I believe we told you that Monday, instead of pelvic surgery, was another excursion into the world of the soft tissue in Ruth's hip. Everything looked good and the ortho docs at that point got their first good look at the landscape. They pointed out that the drier and cleaner it can be when they go in, the better. So the delays have only served to improve the outlook. Hopefully today is the day. If not, we trust in God.

Yesterday was the first day I was with Ruth the whole day since she's been conscious (last week I worked half days each day). It was great. She is doing so well: Eating a bit more each meal, swelling really gone (everywhere but her hip), good attitude, working on deep breaths, talking about being home soon, loving her cups of tea. We looked at a bunch of cards (we have been doing some most days since she "woke up"---thank you for them) (if you mean to write but haven't yet, as so many people have confessed to me, don't feel bad. A, you're not alone. B, you have plenty of time. Months.), started a book that a friend gave her and enjoyed the view (she had what the nurses call the Mary Poppins room because it looks out onto old-fashioned UPenn rooftops with brick chimeneys). Last night she needed to have a chest tube removed. The doc was just ready to do it at 7:00 (he's a trauma specialist) but he was called away---someone with a gunshot wound. Kept him busy for hours. When he came back, Ruth was sound asleep. He waited till this morning. The tube came out.

The surgery (whenever they get to it) will be long and complicated. Pray that the doctors will be fresh and alert (they do have very long hours). Pray for success with the hardware attachments and safety with all her systems while she's "under." Pray for no kind of weakness or collapse in her lungs. Pray against infection, fever, low blood pressure. Pray that I'll be able to be there when she wakes up, which means a lot to her. Go figure.

We thank the Lord for getting us this far. Really we feel so cared for because all the news all along has been good (okay, except for the surgery delays). Has that not amazed you? The staff has been touched by her excellent recovery. It's the hand of God!

Thank you for your love, concern and attention. We will let you know asap tomorrow (or rather, later today since it's now 12:34 a.m. Thursday) whether they're able to go through with it.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
praise him all creatures here below,
praise him above, ye heav'nly host,
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen!

Brian for all the Jackinses

Monday, Oct. 26

Mom did have a surgery yesterday, but it was, again, only exploratory. I think they did more draining in her leg/hip. That will certainly help, but, for her major pelvis surgery, we are still waiting.
Dad went back down (after resting at home on Sunday), and he called to say the (draining?) surgery went well. She came out of anesthesia very well-- I don't think she had another embolism or anything.

As of now, that is all I know. She is awake, doing well, and waiting patiently. I'm sure she is very discouraged though; the doctors made it sound so definite that she would have pelvis surgery yesterday.
It's been three weeks of surgeries and waiting... she just wants it to be over. Please pray for patience and for things to occupy her mind. We are so grateful for her cheerful attitude and her concern for us! That's my Mom ;) God is so gracious....

Bumped again

Hi Friends and Pray-ers,

We just talked to Ruth this morning and it sounds like the big pelvic procedure we've been waiting for has been put off. They're planning to take her to the OR around 3:00, but to check the drainage in her hip. They said if it looks like they can go ahead with the pelvis they will, otherwise that will be another day.

Ruth is disappointed but at peace, and said at least she doesn't need to spend the day waiting/wondering. We wanted you to know that's it's not an all-day surgery today. Unless the Lord brings a turnaround!

Thank you
Brian

P.S. Please pray also for our family dynamics. Don't picture this good little family! Predictably, after three weeks of trying to soldier on and being stretched, each of us is tired and turning to our own brand of sin. I am speaking of Ruth and myself first of all, and then of course the kids too. Thank you Jesus that all is forgiven---but O Lord, help me to live today differently.

Sunday, October 25

Visit with Mom today went very well; she was very talkative and peaceful.
She is still scheduled for PELVIS surgery tomorrow!

By the way, the reason she is back in ICU is because of a "pulmonary embolism" (which is the name I was forgetting yesterday). Like I said, this happened on Friday after her leg surgery, and it is the second time it has happened. It is a blood clot (in the lungs I think) which apparently lead to a collapsed lung. Although a very dangerous thing, they have caught it right away both times, and she is okay.

Please pray for her tomorrow; this will be a LONG and complicated surgery.
Each time she has surgery, they have to stop her meds. Stopping her blood-thinner has cause these embolisms. Pray that she will not have a third one.
Pray for peace; she said she was very anxious and lonely after surgery on Friday.

This pelvis surgery is actually the reason they took her to HUP, so please pray for success. We are so grateful that they can do it soon, rather than in several weeks (which was the original plan).
Still no word on the next step for Mom; Dad and the doctors will be working through that soon.

Saturday, October 24

Update of the past two days:
-Yesterday, Friday, Mom had another big surgery! After the massive draining that happened on Thursday, the doctors felt comfortable to proceed with Mom's leg. Sooooo, she had surgery on her leg yesterday, which went VERY well. It was long (as all the others have been), but successful! They were able to finish her tibia and fibula; her leg is now in a wrap and is immobilized.
- The not-so-great news is that she is back in ICU. After her surgery she had another "drop" (I forget what it's called... and spelling it would be impossible too!) It was the same issue that she had last week- something to do with her breathing, blood pressure, etc. Anyway, her "vital signs" as they call them, needed to be monitored overnight. She was doing better today, but they are keeping her in ICU again tonight.

-Today: Dad and I were on a college visit near Philly, (life must go on....) and we went afterwards to visit Mom. She seemed just as good as earlier this week, although more weak and fatigued. She is hooked up to IVs and monitors again, although still awake and herself.
- Although they removed the ventilator after surgery, they still want her breathing to improve. That is the main focus right now. Expanding her lungs with bigger and slower breaths will help to prevent infection and fever. (She did have a slight fever today).
- Because of the setback of last night, they had to insert more tubes in order to drain her chest. That was a sticky procedure today, and the doctor had to redo it a couple times. When we arrived they were having more problems with it; the tube was bent/curved in her chest... So they were considering another try.
Mom was anxious about this as she was in a lot of pain from the tube. She seemed very uncomfortable, and we were just praying they would not have to move it around again. So far they have not.

Pelvis surgery is scheduled (quite confidently) for Monday! They are thrilled Thursday's surgery, and are ready to keep going on her pelvis. Please pray hard that this will actually happen. Mom is so hopeful to be DONE with surgeries.
She is longing to come home, however, we don't know what the next steps will be; they have not discussed it with us recently. No definites yet though.
Mom is extremely tired, but God is giving her much strength and endurance. She is relying on the Lord, and it is a huge testimony to Dad and us kids. We pray you all are seeing the power of Lord through this, as well His deep, deep love for us, His children.

Thursday, Oct. 22 (#2)

Another email from my Dad this evening; Mom did have the "exploratory surgery" today!!!
...............................
Friends,

This was a great day.
We had thought that the only options for Ruth's pelvis were
a) quick but not that dependable skin/tissue graft, or
2) long wait for area to heal before surgery.

It turns out the plastic surgeons had another option. They removed a lot of bad tissue and 3 liters of blood/fluid from the area and left in a sort of sponge and tube that will continue to drain her hip of whatever is not supposed to be in there. This should make them able to do the pelvic surgery much sooner. That is GREAT. Thank God!! This is an option the orthopedic surgeons didn't know about. We are so grateful the plastic surgeons thought of it. It was perfect for this situation.

Ruth feels good, no pain yet, and had a good dinner of peanut butter graham crackers (a favorite) and a hi-protein drink.

Amazingly, they are planning to operate again tomorrow, to finish the knee they started. It will be long ...

Pray for a safe surgery, God's hand guiding, a chance to witness to God's goodness to the doctors and nurses. And his power. That she has an increasing appetite. She needs calories and protein, but doesn't feel much like food. That she will sleep well. Thank God for a couple of Nurse Practitioners who have really advocated for her.

I am at a computer in the family waiting room, and just overheard two conversations. In one, a man had just died. I heard a woman wailing, wailing. Her son rushed into this computer corner to email someone and his phone rang. He simply said, through tears, "He's gone." It broke my heart.

In the next, a doctor came in and gave a good report to a family about another man. He will live. They chatted happily, casually.

Let your loved ones know you love them!

And don't delay your movement toward the Lord, the God of the Bible. He brings happy times and sad, but he will take back anyone who admits they need Jesus to pay for their sin.

We are so thankful for every thought and prayer.
With gratitude,
Brian, Ruth and the kids
..................................
I would also like to ask specifically for prayer for us kids. God is truly holding us up, but the tension and fatigue is unavoidable. It changes everything when there are no parents around! Please pray for patience with one another. I really want this to improve our relationships-- we desperately need God's help in that. Thanks again.

Thursday, October 22

Not much change since my last post; Mom has been moved to a much better bed and is hopefully more comfortable. She has also had many visitors this week, which although tiring, has been good for her.

Dad wrote this for me to put up:

Upshot:
1. Ruth has been pouring over your cards and wishes, which are an encouragement and something to do! She enjoys thinking of each of you, and any news of your lives is interesting to her. Thank you.
2. There has been no surgery so far this week, despite our expectations. But we understand better why, and have reached a place of acceptance.
3. There should be an operation today, to look at the pelvic area that needs repair, and do what can be done to help/prepare it for later surgery.
4. Tomorrow it may be possible for them to do the surgery on Ruth’s leg below the knee.
5. It will likely be quite awhile before her pelvis can be operated on due to the damage to the soft tissue in the area.

Details:
Dr. Mehta will be doing the pelvic surgery. He spoke with us Monday night apologizing that Ruth had been on the waiting list for three days, but no surgery on her break below the knee. It helped to hear him say that, as a trauma center, they take the most extreme cases the Philadelphia area has to offer, and those extreme cases (like Ruth’s when she was first there), take priority. He cautioned that even if no emergency cases came in, she was fourth on the list for Tuesday, so it seemed unlikely they would get to her then.

It helped to get the lay of the land. After about an hour, and your prayers and ours, we gained some perspective and were doing much better that evening and Tuesday morning.

Tuesday, a nurse-practitioner visited and wanted to keep some other things happening, even if the leg surgery could not be done. She procured a better bed which will keep Ruth healthier during hours of just laying there. She asked for a different diet and she, I believe, was the instigator behind today’s procedure which is to open up the soft tissue at the hip to see what it’s like inside, rinse it out and get it ready for whenever the procedure can be done. The soft tissue is so compromised that Ruth’s pelvis can’t be operated on until it improves. (She has a black cherry bruise/rug burn thing about the size of Uganda on her hip.) This can be done via 1) a skin graft or 2) waiting for the area to heal on its own, which will take weeks. The plastic surgeon visited and does not recommend the graft. That’s nice because we were not leaning that way anyway. Dr Mehta hinted that the waiting for the tissue to heal could potentially take place even at home (in a hospital bed, of course) (and still with traction, no doubt). That was interesting!

-Pray for patience and good response to any procedures.
-THANK the Lord that she is good enough to no longer be on the critical list or in the ICU!
-Pray for a way to get different food to her. The ordinary food she is allowed and offered (baked fish with butter and herbs, chicken parmesan) feels too rich to her – she has no appetite for it. But she needs to eat. So I’m wondering how we can get her simple foods that would have appeal and protein.

We are so blessed by everyone’s help in every way. I (Brian) am seriously starting back to work this week and that will present new challenges. I won’t be able to be with Ruth as much (although I will still try to get there every day), and she craves family right now.

Patience and contentment are really the most important things.

“I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.” Psalm 138: 2-3

Sunday and Monday (10/18, 19)

We visited mom on Sunday (dad was already there) and we had a great visit!
Mom was SUPER! She was completely herself. I didn't notice anything that made me worried (in her mood or speech). She was very coherent, and I was able to talk to her like normal. Huge, huge relief for all us kids. I can't explain what a blessing the visit was to us all.

However, today was a struggle. For the third time, Mom's scheduled surgery was canceled for today (Monday). God obviously has another direction.
Dad's email (sent this afternoon) explains it better than I can:

Hi Kids,
Today was hard. No surgery after waiting all day, not to mention the last four days. No appetite, though she was good and ate a little after she was allowed. She has been really good in terms of attitude, but she just hit a wall when they told her no surgery today. We are trying to look on the good side (like the fact that she's no longer critical!), but she just does not feel strong to keep waiting at this point.

Tonight was also the first time she (we) met the surgeon who will work on her pelvis. It was good to talk to him. I had not yet told Mom, however, what kind of recovery she was looking at. He told us that the tissue around the hip joint still needs significant healing before they can operate (like, weeks). He did say that maybe those weeks could be spent at home. That was a bright spot.
Again, we hope for surgery tomorrow. It was helpful to have the surgeon explain what kind of stress he is under. There are not many who do what he does. When somebody comes in with their leg bone poking out and blood everywhere, the "lower priority" people have to get bumped back. Mom is currently #4 on the list.

Pray that God will keep all of Philadelphia healthy tonight. Mostly, pray that he will strengthen Mom and us for the challenge. She feels at the end of her strength. She needs new courage from Christ.
.................................
I talked to Mom this evening on the phone; like Dad said, she is discouraged. She did not understand until today how long her healing is going to take. Now it sounds, too, like her pelvis surgery will not be for a while.
Thankfully, the nurses allowed Dad to sleep in Mom's room tonight with her-- just for companionship.
Please continue to pray for us kids; it's pretty rough to be without Mom and Dad for so long. Of course we have many people loving us and checking in on us ;)
We are so humbled by each of you; your faithful prayers and support are amazing. Please keep going-- I know prayer is not always easy, in fact, prayer is hard work. But it is powerful.
Thanks again.

Saturday

I just called and talked to mom on the phone! She sounded so much better!
Here is the latest from dad:
-Mom actually did NOT have surgery again yesterday. They have just had too many urgent trauma surgeries. She is scheduled Monday for surgery- we don't know if that means her leg, her pelvis, or something else.
- Mom is no longer in ICU! She's much more stable.
- She is sitting up! (With the help of the bed of course).
- She is eating real food; for lunch she ate chicken parmesan, apple sauce, and ice tea. ;) Dad has to help her hold things though because her hands still aren't working well.
- Dad said she is asking all the nurses about their lives, families, etc. (That's my social-worker mom!)
- She was in a lot of pain yesterday morning, but they have that under control again.

It was such a relief to talk to her; I miss her tremendously. She told me that she now understands how much the meds are affecting her. She said, "sometimes I don't sleep or the meds are heavy, and then I just have a bad day."

Thank you again and again for your support and prayers. We don't regret any of this happening- God has been with us so faithfully.
One more thing-- Dad wants to make it clear that visitors are welcome now! She has enjoyed the few visits already, and I know many of you want to see her. She would love it. Please call me (610-286-6955) or my dad (484-794-2467) if you want to visit. It's hard to know when her surgeries will be, and we would like to know ahead of time if you are visiting. (My sibs and I may want to go down with you ;)
Please continue to pray for her sleep to increase and her swelling to decrease....

Friday

Dad left for the hospital late this afternoon.
As it turns out, Mom did not have surgery today.
Sounds like they couldn't fit her in because of several other patients. In a way that is good news because it shows that Mom is now in less critical condition.
Hopefully they will operate on her leg tomorrow.
Dad said she was much better today than yesterday; she even CALLED us ON THE PHONE this afternoon to tell sayd that they moved her to a new room!!! (Still in ICU though). Quite a surprise, and a huge encouragement!
He said she did remember the previous visits this week, and had a better night's sleep yesterday with the help of sleep meds (which she takes at home).

She is still talking about weird dreams, and she is still absolutely convinced they really happened... we will just have to play along ;)

Tuesday and Wednesday's visits

All,
My dad has been home for a little, but is leaving today to stay in Philly for a few days again. He sent this to me for you all:

Dear Friends,

It’s trite but true that we can’t thank you enough for all of your caring, nor thank God enough for all of his mercies. I pray that our gratitude will be shown by our actions and not just in words. You are all so wonderful!

Yesterday with Ruth was one of the valleys--emotional, not physical. I will let Naomi tell you about that, because I was back in Elverson for the day. There may be issues with the medications she has been on since her severe depressions in early ’07 and ’08. Of course, with those kinds of meds, one is not supposed to stop them cold turkey. But when a physical event of this magnitude occurs, the everyday and the oral go out the window. She certainly didn’t need anything for sleep while sedated!

Now that she’s coming around, there could be problems with a) having been off them for 10 days, and b) starting them up again all of a sudden. Please pray that by God’s power these medications can be reintroduced and will have a positive effect.

It is hard for me not to be able to contact each of you. My thoughts go to you as yours to us. When I do have time for contacts, I use it for Ruth’s mom, or an old friend of Ruth’s who’s not well, or my dad, or Ruth’s sister (the RN!) who is helping me grasp the medical picture. Many of these folks cannot read the blog, so they’re in the dark unless I call them. And then there are the insurance companies, etc.!

Notes will mean so much to Ruth once she can read them. Thanks to those who have sent a note already. We know lots of people are following the blog, many whom we don’t know but who know our family or friends. Ruth is a people person and would enjoy knowing a little about you and what your connection is to us, through whom, etc. She will love it. If any of you desire to send a note, it should go to
Ruth Jackins
165 Ammon Road
Elverson, PA 19520

For every kind of attention and help, thank you. Our children are well cared for by an army of people from our church.

Remember with us that all of us deserve God’s judgment, wrath and endless suffering because we did not love him. Pray with us from Psalm 51:1, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love …”

-Brian and the kids
............................................
Tuesday's visit went well; Mom was very responsive and talkative, although not making much sense. She was actually very comical; she told us about all the dreams she's had, only she was convinced they really happened. She was very serious about everything, and very dramatic in her expressions. She was happy, but definitely "wacky" because of so many drugs.

Yesterday, Wednesday, I went up again with a couple from church. Dad and the kids were here at home. I spent about 2 hours alone with mom, and expected her to be chatty again. She wasn't. She was actually very quiet and "dazed" and seemed sad. She said little more than "yes" and "no" and calmly stared at me for most of the time. It was a rough visit. Hopefully just stuff going on with her meds. But it is good to see her looking well; her face and eyes are looking much better. I just don't know if she really understands or remembers things.
God has restored her to us in body, and we continue to wait for her to be restored in mind and spirit.

She is in surgery today for her leg again; apparently they decided to do that before the pelvis, which is tentatively scheduled for Monday. I wish you all could see her- she looks much better.

Tuesday (1)

They took Mom's breathing tube out!!
They called Dad earlier this morning to tell him to come because Mom was asking for him!
Thank you Lord. Dad says that she is really able to talk; it is a "hoarse whisper" but at least we can communicate! I can't even tell you how frusterating it was yesterday...
Once again, God has brought her a step further. It is a miracle because, just yesterday, they had to increase her oxygen to 70%.
They will, of course, have to put it back in for surgery :( but hopefully she will not have it in as long during recovery.

Still no word on the pelvis surgery; Dad said there are 4 or 5 breaks, but it is not "shattered" like we thought at first.
Ben, Autumn and I are going down momentarily. Dad is on his way back actually, to rest and go to work a little. Thank you for praying-- God is answering so faithfully!

The test results came back a few hours ago. The doctors were right, Mom had some sort of blood clot or something. I think it had something to do with her lungs or around her lungs. The nurse did not have many details by the time I left.
I don't think it's very serious.... they have her on a blood thinner.
They will keep her on that until the next surgery. (Which they still don't have scheduled).

I am home now, but Dad is staying another night. Mom still has a fever and is not completely stable, so he didn't want to leave.
She has been awake all day, responding and giving us smiles and facial expressions. She tried several times to tell us something, but we had a very hard time understanding. All she can do is mouth the word and wait for us to guess. Very frusterating.
They never got the breathing tube out... they just have to wait until she is stable.
Pray for deep sleep tonight; she had a tiring day.
We are so encouraged that she is awake and can hear us!

Please pray

Dad and I have been with Mom on and off today (Monday). She was doing great earlier; they removed her neck brace, she was responding to us, and the respiratory team was just coming in to remove her ventilator. We were just telling her how great it would feel to get that breathing tube out.....
Then suddenly her blood pressure went down, and her breathing became more rapid. There were like 5 people in with her about an hour ago, looking at numbers and everything. They don't know what's wrong, but they seem concerned. They are taking her for some CAT scans about 3:00. They want to "rule out a couple dangerous possibilities", and then go from there.

Dad is about to go home for a while; I am staying the rest of the day. Please, please pray for the tests results to be good. Please pray that they will figure this out.

Sunday

Mom has made it one week!
Yesterday (Sunday) was Mom's best day so far. Although Saturday was a little disappointing, Mom was much more awake yesterday.
Dad said she wasn't doing much more than opening her eyes in the morning.
We kids went up after church with friends; during the afternoon Mom was able to blink for 'yes' or 'no', nod her head a little, and even mouth some words!! I cannot even explain how wonderful it was to "connect" with her a little.
Dad and I stayed overnight in the hotel- (not enough notice for his host home to accomodate two). Thank you, thank you for those of you who have given $ for an occasional hotel stay.

Mom will not be having surgery today because her legs and abdomen are still much too swollen. So they have another day to work on getting her more alert. They are thinking about removing her neck brace and are hoping her breathing will even out so they can (finally) remove her ventilator.

Random details of our afternoon ;)
Mom nodded her head when we asked her if she could hear us-- so I told her all sorts of things. She responded a little, but then I mentioned our dog "Rio" (who is very mischievous and ADORES mom) and she immediately smiled!! That was the first time that I knew- without a doubt- that she understood me.
She was pretty uncomfortable through the day; she kept mouthing 'water' because her mouth and lips are so dry. We wet her lips with a little sponge, but she continued to mouth something. I realized it looked like 'watermelon' and I said "that can't be what you want Mom, is it? Watermelon?" and she started to nod her head vigorously. We sadly had to tell her that she couldn't have any watermelon- but it gave Dad and I a good laugh. We think perhaps she mistook the sponge's texture for watermelon.
We called the nurse from the hotel late and she reported that mom had pulled her breathing tube right out! We laughed and warned the nurse how stubborn Mom can be.....

For the next few days please pray for:
- her breathing because her ventilator is very uncomfortable.
-her eyes, ears, etc... although she could hear us, I don't think she sees us yet. Her eyes do not look good, but the heavy sedation may have affected that temporarily.
-Dad is tired and overwhelmed with everything. Please pray for clear thinking.
- for us kids; we have to return to school and "normal" life this week- it is very hard to focus when you just want to sit with Mom.

Also, please continue to praise the Lord with us. He has blessed us far more than we could ever hope to deserve. We were all begging Him last week for help; He answered, and He deserves all the glory for Mom's improvement.

Saturday #2

Just some happenings of today- dad was the only one down today, but he was with her all day.

- She had a fever of 101 degrees earlier, but thankfully it went down some on its own.
- They found quite a bit of fluid in her lungs, which they were concerned about, but they have been draining them so hopefully it is not as bad now.
- As I said earlier, they wanted to try to wake her up today and remove the breathing tube for a bit. Early today mom's eyes were opening some, but she did not seem to be really awake. They decreased her sedatives, and throughout the day they tried several times to rouse her. Dad said her eyes were open a lot, but she was not responding to the nurses when they asked her to squeeze their hand or move her fingers, etc. She was squirming around a lot today, and seemed uncomfortable. But they have her on a lot of pain meds.
- They actually had to increase her ventilator settings because she was not breathing on her own as well today.
Although she is still looking good, today did not show the progress they were hoping for. They will keep trying to rouse her; dad says it is sad that they have to disturb her, but it is necessary. Hopefully they will let her sleep tonight.

The organization I mentioned earlier FOUND DAD A HOME TO STAY AT!!! So he is staying in Philly again tonight, at this couple's house. Thank you for your prayers about this- God sure answered quick!!
I (and hopefully the other three) are going down tomorrow after church.

Friday & Saturday

Yesterday (Friday) was the operation on mom's arm- she was in surgery for 9 hours...

First they checked her abdomen again. Apparently Wednesday was only a temporary closure, so they flushed her out again and, although they planned to check again in a few days, they said she looked good enough to close permanently!
The surgery on her arm took a long time; she had one break in her elbow and one break on her upper arm. They said all went well, and they inserted a metal plate in one (?) of the breaks.
We waited a while until we could see her. She looked good; her face is finally less swollen, although not back to normal. She is back in a regular bed for now.
She was in some pain because of the surgery; her heart rate was up, and she was grimacing a lot when I was in. She was trying so hard to open her eyes when she heard voices, but they kept closing.
The other three kids left around 6 with a friend, and I was picked up later. Dad stayed overnight again. Please pray for a better sleeping arrangement for him- the options are either a hotel, or a bench by the elevator....
He talked to someone yesterday who works with an organization for ICU families- hopefully a housing arrangement will work out through them.
Mom is now breathing almost on her own! They had hoped to remove her tube last night; not sure if that happened. They were thinking about letting her wake up some so she could breath independently for a while! It is even a possibility that dad could talk with her a bit this afternoon!!!
Haven't heard if that has happened yet.
Still not sure about her pelvis surgery, and that need to happen before they finish her leg. They are just saying sometime next week.
Each day she is improving! We really are hearing only good news. She has many months of recovery ahead of her, but it could be so much worse.
Thanks again so much for all your precious prayers and offers of rides, etc.

Love,
the Jackinses

Thursday

Autumn, Adrian and I went up with friends this morning, and we got home with Dad around 4:30. UPenn is very different from Reading-- so much bigger, and more overwhelming. But they are taking great care of mom.
Only two people are allowed in at a time, so dad took turns with each of us. Then I stayed with her while the twins and dad went for lunch. The "sling" I mentioned is really just a rotating bed. It tilts her side to side (quite extremely) but foam "walls" are around all her limbs, and she is strapped in.
Although she's still sedated, she was a little restless today, probably in some pain. She seemed unresponsive otherwise, but when I had to leave, I told her that I would be back tomorrow- and I could have sworn that she (just barely) nodded her head. That made all the difference in the world to me, and I know my sibs were comforted too. It's very hard to believe that she is really inside of the banged up body we see.

The orthepedic sergeon was in while I was there; he was talking to the nurse about mom's pelvis. Sounds like surgery on Monday is questionable. She is still very swollen.

The good news for the day is that they have her ventilator at its minimum! They were considering taking it out for the evening and letting her breath on her own some. They will have to put her back on it during any surgery, but breaks are great. Too long and it could cause infection. So that is a praise!!

Please pray for:
- her swelling; they really need that to go down before operating on her pelvis or leg again.
- her breathing/ ventilator situation
- her surgery tomorrow, on her arm. Apparently there are two breaks, but her shoulder is fine! (which is not what we thought.)
- her heart and mind; if she really is slightly concious, it kills me that we aren't there tonight. Please pray for peace.- pray for close communion with her Savior.
- for dad; he is on the phone almost constantly. He doesn't mind, but he really needs rest.

Great to have daddy home tonight...
Thank you again; we realize how long this is going to take, but I cannot imagine what it would be like without so many people praying on her behalf.

Wednesday

Thank you all once again for your faithful prayers.
Mom was in surgery today from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm. As I said last night, three different teams worked on her through the day.
The vein/ filtering procedure went well, and they got her abdomen all closed up.
The surgery on her leg took a while; it turns out they were not able to finish. She is too swollen right now for them to fix the second break (her tibia I think..) So at this point they are not sure when they can finish her leg.

Dad was in Philly all day today, and I think he got some rest. He is going to spend the night again; he has a hotel room nearby. He spent 3 hours with her after the operations. She is still sedated, but he very much appreciated his time in the room with her.

So please praise the Lord with us for the 2 smooth operations. The leg can wait. They now have her in a "sling"/ "cocoon" (as dad put it) which will reduce pressure from laying on a bed. She is packed in pretty tight, so she cannot move even if she wanted to.
The four of us are planning to go in tomorrow morning, about 9:30. Wendy Fulbright is going to take us. We'll be with dad for a while and take turns seeing mom, and then the five of us will come home together. He told us to be prepared because she apparently looks worse than she did on Tuesday.
But I cannot wait to be with her- I miss her so much.
We all long to talk to her, but it is a blessing that she is "out".

Our prayers are being answered, and although a slow process, God has been extremely merciful.

Love,
Naomi, Brian, Autumn, Adrian, and Ben (and mom!!!)

Tuesday Night

I just called my dad to say goodnight. Glad I did, because he had quite an update.

Mom's transfer to UPenn went perfectly. They got her there very fast, and although they could tell she was uncomfortable, they have kept her sedated since yesterday. After observing her today, they have decided the following:
They will NOT be repairing her pelvic area tomorrow. Although that is the most critical thing right now, she is too puffy from the fluids; she needs to be more of her "normal size" before they work with that.

So instead, they are doing 3 procedures tomorrow, beginning very early in the morning.
1) They are injecting something (?) into her veins in order to prevent clogging. They told my dad that this is sometimes risky, but it is the best thing for her veins.
2) They will (finally) close up her abdomen, which has been open since Sunday night. They will clean it out and sew her up.
3) The last thing will be to fix her right leg; she has 2 or 3 breaks and they will work on them all.

Surgery on her arm is tentatively scheduled for Friday.
Surgery on her pelvis is tentatively scheduled for Monday.

Needless to say, this process will take longer than we had expected. Don't know how long she will be at UPenn after Monday.
So please pray during her operations tomorrow. They will most likely take a while.

Also, please continue to pray for us at home. It will be a long time until things are back to normal. I know you are all willing to help in any way. Thank you so much. We are okay for now, thanks to all who have brought food!! But no doubt things will come up.
Dad is spending the night in Philly with her. My sibs and I are here at home. We will hopefully be joining dad tomorrow. Nice to be home today, but very hard to be away from mom. Dad has told her how many people are praying- I know she is so grateful.

God bless you all richly for your care.
In His love,
Naomi (and the crew)

Philly

I just got word from Dad that they have picked mom up in the helicopter and she is on her way to University of Pennsylvania. Don't know when/if we will be going down today as well.

Photo

Since the picture posted on this site is small and not recent, I thought

it would be nice to put another one on. I'm a visual person...
I also know there are people on this site who don't know her.

Again, thank you so much.

Tuesday Morning

Good morning everyone.
We cannot thank you enough for all your prayers, support, visits to the hospital, etc.
I am so sorry we weren't able to update yesterday- dad and us kids spent the whole day there, the kids went to sleep at the Hopkins', and Dad and I slept in mom's room at the hospital.

The Lord is answering prayer! Mom is doing very well:
1) Her blood pressure is back to normal-- with no medication!
2) Neurologically, she was responsive yesterday- dad said she was blinking, moving her hands and feet some, and "wincing" comically when Aunt Lois (her sister) told her she had some broken bones.
3) She slept peacefully through the night and had great moniter numbers. I was right next to her, and she never stirred much at all- which was hard for me, but I know that is a good thing.

Concerning her broken bones:
She has breaks in her right leg, wrist, elbow area, and shoulder. Her sternum is also broken, and she has many breaks in her pelvis, both right and left sides. However, she has improved otherwise so much since yesterday morning. The doctors were looking for that improvement in order to operate to rebuild her pelvis. The doctor who would normally do that at Reading Hosp. is on vacation, so mom will be flown to University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philly TODAY for that.
At this point, whenever the Philly hospital calls, they will get her ready for the helicopter. Dad just spoke to the nurse and she thinks they will first want to keep her there overnight to observe and moniter her, and will then most likely operate tomorrow. It will be a lengthy surgery.

Thank you, thank you for your love and prayers. The news has been good, good, good since yesterday at 10 am. It is very hard to see her so banged up and puffy (from the fluids), but we know she is doing well. Praise God. Please pray that she is at peace. I just want her to feel the Lord's presence right with her.
More later.

Love,
Naomi, Brian, and the kids

October 05, 2009

Update on Ruth Jackins

Church family and others,

Thank you so much for spreading the word and for praying.

Ruth was hit by a car about 7:20 last night while walking with Heidi Boyer on Fairview Road down past "Just Mom's."

They eventually medivacd her to Reading Hospital where things were much worse than a broken leg.

After having VERY low blood pressure, they finally found the (internal) bleeding arteries and closed them off. She's been critical through the night while they stabilized her for a number of scans and tests. The boys spent the night with friends; the girls and I didn't know if we would stay or not. Eventually (3 am) we came home to sleep and put ourselves together for today.

I just called the ICU. Her pressure has gone way down again, so they are going to operate more to find the source of that.

She has a broken shoulder (upper arm), lower leg bone, and many breaks in her pelvis/ femur. But as far as the doctors are concerned, those are secondary to getting her system (blood pressure, fluid) out of the critical zone.

Thank you very much for your caring and prayers. Please pray also for Ruth's mom, Jane, who is 85. It will be hard but I will probably pick her up and take her in to visit today. Ruth will not be responsive, I'm predicting. We saw her last night, she knew we were there and could open her eyes (with effort) but was sedated and not responding otherwise.

Ruth is still very critical and it will be a couple of days of tests and procedures.

Thank you for praying. Love you. No visitors today in the ICU. We will try to think of how anyone can help and put the word out. We're okay for now, in God's hands.

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father. ( a favorite hymn of Ruth's)

Brian, Naomi, Autumn, Adrian and Ben