Hi Everyone,
Tonight, when I came home to dinner, Ruth was already at the table and kids were in various stages of arriving. We talked for a couple of minutes and then, in the quiet, Ruth said, "Adrian helped me walk to the table." I didn't really get it at first, but as I looked at her, she looked low and small. Something was missing. Then I realized she was in my family's small "heirloom" green wooden chair, not the giant wheelchair.
! 1. She was sitting in a simple wooden chair for the first time in months, and
! 2. that meant she had not wheeled into the room, but arrived in her walker!
Well, yes, great things keep on happening. We saw the orthopaedic surgeon in Philly on Tuesday (or, rather, his assistant; he's in Haiti, which only deepened our respect for him). She said things look very good (and we were able to see the xrays which was cool. Glad all that stuff is on the INside) and gave Ruth permission to start putting a tiny amount of weight on her right foot. That's huge. And she no longer has to use the platform part of the walker, which means both hands are on it like you would normally use one. So she did today, several times, walk around a bit. Wow. Her right arm didn't even hurt after leaning on it in that way. That is so much to be grateful for. She even learned to do stairs (though not the whole flight yet, only a couple).
The other part of the story involves a "wait" from God, but it's minor, I guess. Her hip wound (still about a 6"x6"x6" triangle) is ready for the skin graft, but she needs to be on blood thinner until April and they can't do the graft while she's still on the blood thinner. So that will be a bandage site until then, and certain foods she is restricted from will still be off limits.
But generally all is well. We have been to church three times now and to prayer last Sunday night---it's been wonderful---also a little shopping, she's folding laundry, making salads, doing pretty much unrestricted stuff with her hands. The worst of it now is probably once a day her knee has some pain, but the med helps.
Again, your prayers and help have been priceless to us. We will understand if you don't check the blog again, but we will post a few more times over the months when we get significant news.
If I can give you something else to pray for, many of you "got to know" Naomi through this blog for her mom. She is in the midst of college applications now, we are still very busy at home, she has a lot of schoolwork and she doesn't have a specific college preference. If you would pray for God's guidance and discernment, and that life would slow down just a bit, it seems like that would be really good for her.
thank you
Brian
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Mid January
Hi Everyone,
Brian here. Things are going well. Ruth is really good.
The biggest thing is that she has graduated from the wound-vac. This sponge-tube system has been emptying fluid from her hip/body ever since about two weeks after the accident. After some quick figuring, I would say it has removed over 16 quarts of fluid. Anyway, the output was waning and the nurse said the little "cave" (space between skin and tissue) is gone (big yay), so they took her off it last Friday. This means no more 4' hose and 3 lb. machine to go wherever she goes. That is very nice, and so is the news that the healing continues to go so well. The nurse loves how the sight looks (nurses love strange things, amen?). Now we have a multi-layered dressing that will be changed every two days that actually has silver as part of the inside layer to promote healing and kill bad stuff.
I realize there are some questions you may have that we haven't answered. Someone asked me today about Ruth's prognosis in terms of walking. Well, if we haven't said it, doctors think she'll be fine aside from some arthritis. She has used her platform walker some. It's pretty tiring for her, more in terms of lungs, heart and endurance than leg or arm pain. She still won't be able to put any weight on her right leg until mid-February, so any steps she takes are actually hops supported by her arms.
She is able to use our downstairs powder room now (we removed the door and frame to make room to get the wheelchair in the doorway) (and then, don't worry, we hung a curtain), she can transfer from chair to sofa by standing on her good leg, her appetite is great, skin looks good, sleeping well (last night was the first night she slept solidly all the way through without a potty break).
By the way, phone calls are fine and for those of you who are local, visits are fine. Call first so you don't stop by when she may be out or have a therapist here.
Prognosis for procedures: Now is the time for a skin graft on her hip, but Ruth is not at all sure she wants to go with one. She doesn't like the idea of another hospital stay (of course, being away from me is agony) or the month-long discomfort (feels like a bad itchy sunburn, they say) of the site where they would take the skin from. When pressed, the plastic surgeon said the skin should eventually grow back on its own, though it could take a year or so. Ruth, who has always been more evolutionary than revolutionary, likes the sound of that better. I like the quick fix, but we are, of course, letting her decide.
The orthopedic doctor at HUP who is still following up (who is incidentally one of the most impressive doctors we have ever met in terms of knowledge plus communications skills plus bedside manner plus familiarity with her case even though he's only seen her a few times over two months ago ... I could go on and on ...) says a hip replacement might be in her future. Some slight bone growth that doesn't look too good is developing. He'll keep his eye on it.
That's about it for the news from our house. Our dog (Rio) just about goes nuts when he gets some face time with Ruth. She was always a devoted mommy to him and he hasn't seen much of her since the accident (he is an outdoor/mud room dog, and she is mostly in the living room and her bedroom). He echoes our sentiments.
Again, praise be to God for his healing power and to all of you for your prayers and help. We are so grateful.
By the way, oh, I meant to get right back to you with this, but we are still very busy at home: remember in my last blog, I asked you to pray for my old coworkers? God answered your prayers before they were even prayed. I had dinner the next night with two friends from there. Two weeks earlier, the company had decided to keep this office open.
!!!
What is that Scripture in which God says, "Before you ask me, I will hear you?" Remarkable, and thank you for praying. This doesn't mean that all is well there, but at least it keeps any of those people from being desperately unemployed all of a sudden.
still grateful,
Brian for all of us.
Brian here. Things are going well. Ruth is really good.
The biggest thing is that she has graduated from the wound-vac. This sponge-tube system has been emptying fluid from her hip/body ever since about two weeks after the accident. After some quick figuring, I would say it has removed over 16 quarts of fluid. Anyway, the output was waning and the nurse said the little "cave" (space between skin and tissue) is gone (big yay), so they took her off it last Friday. This means no more 4' hose and 3 lb. machine to go wherever she goes. That is very nice, and so is the news that the healing continues to go so well. The nurse loves how the sight looks (nurses love strange things, amen?). Now we have a multi-layered dressing that will be changed every two days that actually has silver as part of the inside layer to promote healing and kill bad stuff.
I realize there are some questions you may have that we haven't answered. Someone asked me today about Ruth's prognosis in terms of walking. Well, if we haven't said it, doctors think she'll be fine aside from some arthritis. She has used her platform walker some. It's pretty tiring for her, more in terms of lungs, heart and endurance than leg or arm pain. She still won't be able to put any weight on her right leg until mid-February, so any steps she takes are actually hops supported by her arms.
She is able to use our downstairs powder room now (we removed the door and frame to make room to get the wheelchair in the doorway) (and then, don't worry, we hung a curtain), she can transfer from chair to sofa by standing on her good leg, her appetite is great, skin looks good, sleeping well (last night was the first night she slept solidly all the way through without a potty break).
By the way, phone calls are fine and for those of you who are local, visits are fine. Call first so you don't stop by when she may be out or have a therapist here.
Prognosis for procedures: Now is the time for a skin graft on her hip, but Ruth is not at all sure she wants to go with one. She doesn't like the idea of another hospital stay (of course, being away from me is agony) or the month-long discomfort (feels like a bad itchy sunburn, they say) of the site where they would take the skin from. When pressed, the plastic surgeon said the skin should eventually grow back on its own, though it could take a year or so. Ruth, who has always been more evolutionary than revolutionary, likes the sound of that better. I like the quick fix, but we are, of course, letting her decide.
The orthopedic doctor at HUP who is still following up (who is incidentally one of the most impressive doctors we have ever met in terms of knowledge plus communications skills plus bedside manner plus familiarity with her case even though he's only seen her a few times over two months ago ... I could go on and on ...) says a hip replacement might be in her future. Some slight bone growth that doesn't look too good is developing. He'll keep his eye on it.
That's about it for the news from our house. Our dog (Rio) just about goes nuts when he gets some face time with Ruth. She was always a devoted mommy to him and he hasn't seen much of her since the accident (he is an outdoor/mud room dog, and she is mostly in the living room and her bedroom). He echoes our sentiments.
Again, praise be to God for his healing power and to all of you for your prayers and help. We are so grateful.
By the way, oh, I meant to get right back to you with this, but we are still very busy at home: remember in my last blog, I asked you to pray for my old coworkers? God answered your prayers before they were even prayed. I had dinner the next night with two friends from there. Two weeks earlier, the company had decided to keep this office open.
!!!
What is that Scripture in which God says, "Before you ask me, I will hear you?" Remarkable, and thank you for praying. This doesn't mean that all is well there, but at least it keeps any of those people from being desperately unemployed all of a sudden.
still grateful,
Brian for all of us.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
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
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
Monday, December 14, 2009
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.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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
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
Monday, November 16, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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
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.
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, November 9, 2009
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
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
Thursday, November 5, 2009
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
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
Monday, November 2, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
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!
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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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
(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
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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....
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....
Monday, October 26, 2009
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.
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.
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