I apologize to anyone following this blog because I've failed to enter more journal entries. The truth is that in November 2010 I moved and in October 2011 I moved again and in January 2012, I moved again. Moving causes one to box up everything they own and once in the new residence there is not always an opportunity to unpack every box. This has been my dilemma. Now I can't remember which box I put her journal in and somehow it got boxed up and taken from the books I chose to keep with me everywhere I went. But this isn't about me.
Pamela today is still unable to do for herself. Sometimes she seems totally aware of everything. Sometimes I can ask her to relax and she will. Sometimes I can ask her to hold a position and she will. Sometimes when she looks at me, I can tell by the way her gaze zooms in on mine that she is looking at me. I have no idea how much she can see without the contacts she used to wear. I have no idea how much of what I say she can understand.
She has lost a lot of muscle and flesh. Her legs and arms are growing stiff and it's getting harder to straighten them out. No one can do anything for us but pray. If you believe in God, pray. He is the only Physician that can bring her back to her normal state. However, I am looking forward to Him bringing her back to a better state than her normal one.
Thanks for your prayers.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Pamela--June 18, 2002
Ok, so I'm titling all posts from now on the date of the journal entry and hope I don't re-tell any sections.
Journal Entry:
6-18-02
I got to the hospital at about 7-7:30 am. The had taken Pam downstairs for surgery on arm and leg. They began about 8:20 and at about 10:20, Dr. Montgomery came to tell us that in a little while she would return to ICU.
He said he put a plate to hold her ankle together. That the ankle had been severely fractured and out of joint. He did put pins as well. He explained that there was a portion of the flesh/skin on inside of ankle that was dead and that they would have to watch that carefully. They put 2 pins in her wrist and a plate for the 2 breaks in her arm. She held stable throughout procedure.
At about 11 am they called me to the back. She's back in ICU, her room, looking good. Temp 95.7. They covered her this time. Her face and left arm was cool. With all the wrapping on her leg, it looks as big around as her head. Breathing machine is set at 8, she was breathing at 28. Couldn't see the other numbers very good.
At the 1 pm visit, Blood pressure-146/90, EEG-86, Temp-97.?, Breather-8/hers 18
Bobbie left. I'm here alone. Angela said she would come about 5 pm, may bring Robin, but Robin won't be able to stay long. She has to be at work in the morning for 3 am.
Pamela has a HEMOVAC on the arm she had surgery on. Jude, the nurse, said there are 2 needles in her arm for suctioning off any blood around the breaks.
Kermit, Ricky, Glenda, Linda, Norma, Norma's husband, Ashley, Tina, Ashley's friend were all here and spoke to Pamela.
5 pm: temp-97.7, machine 8/Her 30
Her mother, Lucille
Journal Entry:
6-18-02
I got to the hospital at about 7-7:30 am. The had taken Pam downstairs for surgery on arm and leg. They began about 8:20 and at about 10:20, Dr. Montgomery came to tell us that in a little while she would return to ICU.
He said he put a plate to hold her ankle together. That the ankle had been severely fractured and out of joint. He did put pins as well. He explained that there was a portion of the flesh/skin on inside of ankle that was dead and that they would have to watch that carefully. They put 2 pins in her wrist and a plate for the 2 breaks in her arm. She held stable throughout procedure.
At about 11 am they called me to the back. She's back in ICU, her room, looking good. Temp 95.7. They covered her this time. Her face and left arm was cool. With all the wrapping on her leg, it looks as big around as her head. Breathing machine is set at 8, she was breathing at 28. Couldn't see the other numbers very good.
At the 1 pm visit, Blood pressure-146/90, EEG-86, Temp-97.?, Breather-8/hers 18
Bobbie left. I'm here alone. Angela said she would come about 5 pm, may bring Robin, but Robin won't be able to stay long. She has to be at work in the morning for 3 am.
Pamela has a HEMOVAC on the arm she had surgery on. Jude, the nurse, said there are 2 needles in her arm for suctioning off any blood around the breaks.
Kermit, Ricky, Glenda, Linda, Norma, Norma's husband, Ashley, Tina, Ashley's friend were all here and spoke to Pamela.
5 pm: temp-97.7, machine 8/Her 30
Her mother, Lucille
Another apology...
I just found out that I posted a post from the journal that seems out of place. Please bear with me in this. I have to start putting the posts in faster or else I'll make more mistakes like these.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Back to the Hospital...
Last post I digressed into talking about how Pamela was doing at present. This post I want to carry on from where I left off writing from the journal. The passage is signed by the person who wrote it in the journal.
Saturday, June 8th
On Sat. 6/8 I spent the night with the girls in Crowley. They miss their mom bad. But, we know and I told them you will be okay. The girls talked between themselves a lot about the wreck. They are scared, but they will be fine. Brittany sat on the sofa with me and said, "Nanny, does this mean you have to do everything we tell you?" I wasn't thinking, so I told her yes.
Girl, she she had me hopping for her like a frog. Finally, I realized what was happening and told her the nurse said she had to walk. She decided that was what she wanted to do, so off we went up and down the hall. She wanted to see the babies, but there were none. Brittany was a little sore during the night because of walking, but she only asked one time for something for the pain.
On Sunday, I went home and pretty much cried all day. Prayed a lot. I went to daddy's to talk about you. I wanted him to tell me everything was gonna be okay.
I didn't see you Sunday. Eddie made me sleep and then he wouldn't wake me up. He has been my rock through all of this.
On Monday, when we had to discuss taking you off of life support, I really thought I would die from the pain of losing you. But, we all came together in love (with Kermit) and decided we would not do that. We are giving you a chance to come home.
You have had lots of visitors since you came in. Monday night when Sheryl, Charles, Eddie, Angela, and me were in your room and you started moving your fingers and breathing on your own, we all just went crazy. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt you'll be okay. Each day brings about a new miracle from God. You're breathing more and more on your own. Resisting when Angela tries to exercise your arm and leg.
We've brought flowers, cards the kids made for you, your cassette tapes and plenty of angels to your room. There's the picture of all of us together and pictures of your kids and Jarrett. I sing to you when I can remember the words to a song and sing "One Day at a Time" (the chorus) almost every time I am in there. It helps me feel peaceful and I think it helps you. Sometimes while we are talking or singing to you tears come from your eyes.
On Thursday, Bobbie Jo came down. She rode the bus from Tennessee. She cried when she saw you, because girl, at first you looked really bad. I tell people constantly that you will walk out of the hospital. We have already decided to throw you and the kids a Welcome Home Barbecue where you and Kermit's reception was. Every time I talk about you, I tell them to pray for you and that they are invited. I am gonna have to tell people to bring their own meat. You picked out 2 chocolate cakes, strawberry cake, and coconut cake. You did this by moving your thumb when I said the flavor you wanted. When I tell people this, they look at me sometimes like I lost my mind. But, I really believe that we will be celebrating.
I have missed work since the accident. I go back on Wednesday,almost 2 weeks later. Eddie told me last night, that if I had to, to quit my job.. He said, "Your sister comes first. We miss you, sweetie. Open up them eyes! I love you.
Robin
Saturday, June 8th
On Sat. 6/8 I spent the night with the girls in Crowley. They miss their mom bad. But, we know and I told them you will be okay. The girls talked between themselves a lot about the wreck. They are scared, but they will be fine. Brittany sat on the sofa with me and said, "Nanny, does this mean you have to do everything we tell you?" I wasn't thinking, so I told her yes.
Girl, she she had me hopping for her like a frog. Finally, I realized what was happening and told her the nurse said she had to walk. She decided that was what she wanted to do, so off we went up and down the hall. She wanted to see the babies, but there were none. Brittany was a little sore during the night because of walking, but she only asked one time for something for the pain.
On Sunday, I went home and pretty much cried all day. Prayed a lot. I went to daddy's to talk about you. I wanted him to tell me everything was gonna be okay.
I didn't see you Sunday. Eddie made me sleep and then he wouldn't wake me up. He has been my rock through all of this.
On Monday, when we had to discuss taking you off of life support, I really thought I would die from the pain of losing you. But, we all came together in love (with Kermit) and decided we would not do that. We are giving you a chance to come home.
You have had lots of visitors since you came in. Monday night when Sheryl, Charles, Eddie, Angela, and me were in your room and you started moving your fingers and breathing on your own, we all just went crazy. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt you'll be okay. Each day brings about a new miracle from God. You're breathing more and more on your own. Resisting when Angela tries to exercise your arm and leg.
We've brought flowers, cards the kids made for you, your cassette tapes and plenty of angels to your room. There's the picture of all of us together and pictures of your kids and Jarrett. I sing to you when I can remember the words to a song and sing "One Day at a Time" (the chorus) almost every time I am in there. It helps me feel peaceful and I think it helps you. Sometimes while we are talking or singing to you tears come from your eyes.
On Thursday, Bobbie Jo came down. She rode the bus from Tennessee. She cried when she saw you, because girl, at first you looked really bad. I tell people constantly that you will walk out of the hospital. We have already decided to throw you and the kids a Welcome Home Barbecue where you and Kermit's reception was. Every time I talk about you, I tell them to pray for you and that they are invited. I am gonna have to tell people to bring their own meat. You picked out 2 chocolate cakes, strawberry cake, and coconut cake. You did this by moving your thumb when I said the flavor you wanted. When I tell people this, they look at me sometimes like I lost my mind. But, I really believe that we will be celebrating.
I have missed work since the accident. I go back on Wednesday,almost 2 weeks later. Eddie told me last night, that if I had to, to quit my job.. He said, "Your sister comes first. We miss you, sweetie. Open up them eyes! I love you.
Robin
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Apology
I apologize for making the readers wait so long between posts. As of today [July 1, 2010] Pamela, I believe though no doctor does, is aware of most of the things said to her and the actions going on around her bed. She responds sometimes immediately when I ask her to move her arm or bend her leg. Sometimes she is stiff. I'll say something like, "Baby, you're gonna have to help me here. I can't lift on your leg while it's stiff. It's too heavy. Loosen up now." and she will. Other times, there seems to be a time delay between my request and her following through.
Her eyes open and shut like anyone else when they wake up or go to sleep. When Pam sleeps, she falls into such a deep one that her stiff arm completely relaxes and we can move it to exercise the joints in her hands and elbows and shoulders. Once we begin moving her arms, it won't be long before she awakens and begins to resist.
On top of caring for Pam, her father, Ted, has been diagnosed with cancer in the blood: multiple melanomas. Now he's bedridden because of his weakened condition. He's also broken one hip and the entire joint had to be replaced. The doctor put a ball and socket joint made of titanium to replace the broken bones. A little more and I should have a cyborg for a husband. lol Ok, enough of that.
I have a younger daughter, about 38 this year, who's been diagnosed with Guillane-Barre Syndrome. A nasty, debilitating condition that can sometimes be fatal. She has moved in with us to help me with Pam and I take care of her when she's down. I joke with the other kids and grandkids saying they'd better wait until these three get up and going before they have to get sick because I am running out of room to put hospital beds. lol Ok, move on.
I'll do my sincere best to pick up with Pamela's hospital notes on a daily schedule, but I can't promise anything. Please keep checking back for new posts or simply the the 'follow posts' type of stuff that's all the rage nowadays. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
Her eyes open and shut like anyone else when they wake up or go to sleep. When Pam sleeps, she falls into such a deep one that her stiff arm completely relaxes and we can move it to exercise the joints in her hands and elbows and shoulders. Once we begin moving her arms, it won't be long before she awakens and begins to resist.
On top of caring for Pam, her father, Ted, has been diagnosed with cancer in the blood: multiple melanomas. Now he's bedridden because of his weakened condition. He's also broken one hip and the entire joint had to be replaced. The doctor put a ball and socket joint made of titanium to replace the broken bones. A little more and I should have a cyborg for a husband. lol Ok, enough of that.
I have a younger daughter, about 38 this year, who's been diagnosed with Guillane-Barre Syndrome. A nasty, debilitating condition that can sometimes be fatal. She has moved in with us to help me with Pam and I take care of her when she's down. I joke with the other kids and grandkids saying they'd better wait until these three get up and going before they have to get sick because I am running out of room to put hospital beds. lol Ok, move on.
I'll do my sincere best to pick up with Pamela's hospital notes on a daily schedule, but I can't promise anything. Please keep checking back for new posts or simply the the 'follow posts' type of stuff that's all the rage nowadays. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
Monday, February 22, 2010
While Pam was in the hospital [cont.]
After Angela wrote the entry posted last time, she wrote down four questions we wanted to ask the doctor when he came back to visit. These questions, with their answers, follow:
1. What type of neck fracture does Pamela Have?
ans. It is called a hangman's fracture. It is not dislocated and a neck brace usually fixes it.
2. Get x-ray for neck to see what is going on.
I can't remember if we were successful in getting a copy of the x-ray.
3. Ask result of arm [bruised] x-ray.
ans. The x-ray of bruised arm shows no damage, said Dr. Montgomery, [who was the doctor called in for Pamela's various broken bones. Actually, I'm not sure which arm Angela is referring to here. One of Pam's arms had a crushed wrist with a break between elbow and wrist. This arm had to have a metal plate put in it. The other arm popped out of joint and after the doctor put it back, it popped out again. He had to clean the joint and then put it back together. Since then, Pam's arm has been out of joint. The doctor said it wouldn't be any use putting it back unless she was able to use it.]
Dr. Munchi, the doctor called in because of Pamela's head injury, said that they were evaluating her to see what comes next.
Look for the next post this same day, later in the afternoon, God willing.
1. What type of neck fracture does Pamela Have?
ans. It is called a hangman's fracture. It is not dislocated and a neck brace usually fixes it.
2. Get x-ray for neck to see what is going on.
I can't remember if we were successful in getting a copy of the x-ray.
3. Ask result of arm [bruised] x-ray.
ans. The x-ray of bruised arm shows no damage, said Dr. Montgomery, [who was the doctor called in for Pamela's various broken bones. Actually, I'm not sure which arm Angela is referring to here. One of Pam's arms had a crushed wrist with a break between elbow and wrist. This arm had to have a metal plate put in it. The other arm popped out of joint and after the doctor put it back, it popped out again. He had to clean the joint and then put it back together. Since then, Pam's arm has been out of joint. The doctor said it wouldn't be any use putting it back unless she was able to use it.]
Dr. Munchi, the doctor called in because of Pamela's head injury, said that they were evaluating her to see what comes next.
Look for the next post this same day, later in the afternoon, God willing.
Life Intervenes
Or should I say interrupts?
I've just learned I haven't written any more of Pamela's journal here since 2008. The reason is simple. Life, as I knew it, was interrupted.
Toward the end of 2008, my husband Ted became bedridden. He couldn't walk very much because he hurt his knee and he began sleeping a lot. Not long after this, we learned he had cancer in his blood. There was a chance it could get into the bone marrow which would soon be fatal, but also a chance it wouldn't.
During 2009, he weakened a lot from all the bed rest and lying around. He was afraid to try walking for fear of falling and nothing anyone could say could convince him to try. Then he was assigned a therapist who finally convinced him to get up. After a week or two of trying to walk a little, he fell, broke a hip, it was replaced with a platinum ball and joint and he had to recuperate from that. After this he began having to be given a couple pints of blood ever so often because somehow his blood seemed to decrease without his actually bleeding inside or out. When his blood got low, he spoke and acted almost like he was out of his mind and he got so he couldn't even raise an arm let alone hold his body in a sitting position.
Today, he's doing fine, but we're still on edge wondering when he will have to have another two pints of blood, or if the oxygen count in his blood will lower such that he begins to fade in and out of consciousness. But he's getting around better, walking a little further, and while in his bed, he can visit with his daughter Pamela and talk to her. [A blessing in disquise.]
I've just learned I haven't written any more of Pamela's journal here since 2008. The reason is simple. Life, as I knew it, was interrupted.
Toward the end of 2008, my husband Ted became bedridden. He couldn't walk very much because he hurt his knee and he began sleeping a lot. Not long after this, we learned he had cancer in his blood. There was a chance it could get into the bone marrow which would soon be fatal, but also a chance it wouldn't.
During 2009, he weakened a lot from all the bed rest and lying around. He was afraid to try walking for fear of falling and nothing anyone could say could convince him to try. Then he was assigned a therapist who finally convinced him to get up. After a week or two of trying to walk a little, he fell, broke a hip, it was replaced with a platinum ball and joint and he had to recuperate from that. After this he began having to be given a couple pints of blood ever so often because somehow his blood seemed to decrease without his actually bleeding inside or out. When his blood got low, he spoke and acted almost like he was out of his mind and he got so he couldn't even raise an arm let alone hold his body in a sitting position.
Today, he's doing fine, but we're still on edge wondering when he will have to have another two pints of blood, or if the oxygen count in his blood will lower such that he begins to fade in and out of consciousness. But he's getting around better, walking a little further, and while in his bed, he can visit with his daughter Pamela and talk to her. [A blessing in disquise.]
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