Mom is doing good

Mom is at home. She went to see Dr. Koester yesterday and he was very pleased with results of the surgery and the therapy. He was quite impressed that she can use her fingers somewhat independently, that was unexpected. He was even more pleased that the nerve to her thumb and index finger has almost completely recovered giving her greater use of her right hand.

She's already been to H&R Block and finishing up things from last tax season. She's getting settled back in nicely.

Thank you again for all the cards, letters, visitors and continued encouragement and support!!!

love,
Katie

Mom going home

Hello everyone! Mom is finished with her therapy and doing very well. She will be arriving in Ohio on Thursday morning. We are going to miss her bunches!!!!!!!!! She may have to have another surgery on her left wrist, not sure yet, she will talk to Dr. Koester about it at her follow-up appointment. I'm sure he will be quite impressed with his work and the therapy here in Florida.

The use of her right thumb is steadily returning and this is a real blessing from God. The thumb is 60% of your hands usefulness so it would be very difficult to function with out it working. Her index finger is getting better too. She still has to compensate for difference in the way she functioned prior to the attack, but she handles it very well.

The two of the dogs have been removed from the home. I think she is still hoping one more will find a new home leaving her with her favorite, Angel.

She is looking forward to getting back in the swing of things and back to H&R Block for the upcoming school and tax season. She's amazing and I'm so proud she's my mom. Thank you to everyone for all your prayers, cards and visits.

love to all,
Katie

Quick Update on Mom

Mom's therapy is coming to an end in the next couple of weeks. She goes to the orthopedic doctor tomorrow to discuss the surgery on the left wrist. Depending on which surgery she chooses, she will likely be home by September.

She is doing pretty good. She went to dinner last week with her son and daughter and their families who live in Jacksonville.

She is going to visit Aunt Nancy over 4th of July weekend.

love,
Katie

Prayer request

My niece, Kristie, asked me to share her prayer request for her daughter Kasey. I've found that this is the fastest best way to get the word out to multiple, praying people. Please lift her up!

6/11 i just wanted to take a minute to let you know that kasey is having a rough time with stomach problems. she is seeing a specialist and they are talking about doing a colonoscopy on her we should know more when we go back on the 22nd. she is trying her best to everything she wants to do as a kid but she is in constant pain. please take a minute to spread the word and say a prayer.
Love, Kristie

6/22 we took kasey to the doctor today and they want to do an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy on her. I have to call tomorrow to set up an appointment

Update from Chip regarding trip to Omaha

I updated Chip's blog but wanted to have as many people praying about this situation as possible. Chip's blog is http://chipbrown.blogspot.com/

Hello everyone

As you may know by now, I received a call from county attorney Bill Oren this morning to let me know the sentencing of Velma Poindexter has been postponed. He stated to me that he has never had this happen before. But, it seems that the other sister whom was involved to some extent has come forward and confessed she was the one who beat me with the ball bat. Now, after all the testimony to the contrary, the judge wants to sort this out before continuing with the sentencing.

To me this is just a ploy to create reasonable doubt. I don't know, but it may just work. This is so wrong in so many ways. Charges should have been brought against this other person a long time ago. Like the night it happened. This is wrong! But, I give them credit for sticking together, supporting each other no matter what. They have that drive that allows them to lie, cheat or kill to get to where they want to be.

Not saying that I haven't had support. I have and it is appreciated so much! But our legal system is geared to support and embrace criminals rights. I'm not sure what the outcome of this postponement will be all I can do is pray that it is right and just. I don't know if I want to go through to much more of this, put Megan through anymore of this.

Love You All
Chip
father
son
brother
nephew
uncle

Long time no...update!

Since we last talked so to speak, Mom started physical therapy for her left shoulder in addition to the occupational therapy for her right arm. Her left shoulder became aggravated by compensating for the right arm. She also has seen an orthopedic doctor specializing in wrist. Her left wrist has a 15 to 20 year old injury that has also been aggravated and now requires surgery to eliminate the pain. We have another appointment with the doctor to get that started. She is going to see a digestive disease doctor on the 18th because the plumbing hasn't been right since all of this happened either. Since she has a history of intestinal problems this is a pretty big concern, but we have her on her way to answers next week.

Mom spent the weekend with her sister in May and had a good time...

Mom with Hope. Nancy's granddaughter, daughter of Terri and Blair
Terri, Me, Chel, Nancy and Mom at Chel's house in Orlando.

Mom and Nancy having a chat in Palm City

Sisters having fun together!

We leave her on Sunday to go to Chel's house again. This time we are going to meet Aunt Nancy there, stay the night and then we will be off to Omaha, NE to see Chip and his daughters and Barb too! The sentencing for Chip's attacker is next Tuesday and the prosecuting attorney said that is the best time for family to be there with Chip in the court room. So we are going to take care of business and have fun too! We can't wait to see Megan and Kirsten. We will return on Wednesday night to Orlando and then drive home to Brooker the next morning.

Mom should have a few more weeks of therapy for her left shoulder and right arm. Depending on the surgery she chooses for the left wrist, she will either have 6 more weeks or no additional therapy. She will need about 3 to 4 weeks to heal from the surgery regardless. She's actually coming along quite well. However, she still does not have complete use of her right thumb which makes her right hand only about 25-40% useful.

I'll try to update after we return from Omaha and post some pictures of our trip!

love,

Katie

Happy Mother's Day

Yesterday was such a nice day! My husband's family arrived around noon. Mom has met all of Paul's family now and she really enjoyed meeting Nancy, his Mom, sister Sharon, and brother Dennis. Around 2:00 Scott and Vanessa picked Mom up for their Mother's Day visit. They each brought Mom an arrangement of flowers. Vanessa gave Mom some chocolates and Scott and Cindy gave her a big jar of honey. They went to Cedar River Seafood for lunch and Mom said she enjoyed the meal.

When Mom arrived back home we opened presents, visited some more and then played a game that Nancy brought with her called Mexican Train Game. It's kind of like Dominoes. Fun game, everyone played and it was great time. The whole day was very good. Paul smoked a brisket and a Boston Butt on the smoker…delicious! He also made cabbage, corn on the cob and baked beans. I baked a cake. Paul pretty much did all the work. I did a little of the cleaning but he really had most everything ready for us to enjoy our day. Zack and Paul gave me a pair of gold hoop earrings that I had been wanting and I love them.

Michael and Chip both called Mom and we missed both the calls. I think she called Michael back but she was pretty tired by the time I told her that Chip had called, we decided to return his call today.

Dennis did Mom’s Physical Therapy evaluation for her shoulders while he was here and she’ll start a month of PT next week.

What a treat to be able to spend Mother's Day with your Mom! It's been about 6 years since I've been able to do that.

Love,
Katie

Getting ready for the weekend

Mom did not have therapy today. Next week she is going back to the eye doctor to make sure they got her prescription right. She will also go to a wrist specialist for her left wrist and we had to reschedule her physical therapy evaluation but don't have a date yet.

On Sunday, Mom is going to visit with my in-laws and meet them and then go to lunch with Scott, Cindy and Vanessa in Starke. Lots to choose from with Cedar River Seafood, Cowboys, and Sonny's BBQ or they could get Chinese or Mexican cuisine...see we aren't too far out in the woods. Mom received a Mother's day card from Cindy and Scott today.

Chip has been great to call and check on Mom regularly. I think it was Sunday that Mike called and maybe one more time this week.

Hope everyone is doing great.

HAVE A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU MOM'S OUT THERE!

Katie

Here's a quick update...

"Climbing the ladder of therapy success."

This one she can only do with her right arm rather than both until Physical Therapy begins.

Cutting up...see the automatic towel dispenser on the wall? It startles her every time she walks in front of it...it's become a laughing matter.

More scar therapy, the ultra sound softens the scar.

Bob the Cat, back for a little petting action. He still thinks we brought Mom here for his pleasure.

****REMINDER**** To those of you who are planning to write letters to the judge regarding the attack on Chip last year, he needs those sent to him by May 20th. His address is below somewhere on this blog or your can visit http://chipbrown.blogspot.com/ (By the way, next year...I don't want to be doing a blog about any more injuries!!!! ;-)

NOW BACK TO MOM...

Mom has been going to occupational therapy regularly and makes small improvements every visit. Her sensation is coming back in her right arm which means she is experiencing more pain than previously, especially in the evening when she's tired.

Saturday Paul is going to take Mom for her physical therapy evaluation, I have to work all day morning to night on Saturday. By coincidence, Paul's brother Dennis will be the one doing the evaluation. After it's determined what needs to be done to make her left shoulder better the physical therapy will begin. Which means we will either be staying longer for her appointments or going more often. Paul said he would help out as much as he can to make sure she gets everything done that she needs and so that I can work on my business. He's been very accommodating. A lot for a new husband to take on and he has done it very well.

This morning she will see Dr. Gaines, he is following her progress from a medical stand point and to OP afterwards. Apparently Mom has developed as syndrome of sorts that is keeping her awake at night. I understand it is common with hand and arm patients. She can't stand for the sheets to touch her skin and it makes her restless and she is not getting a full nights sleep.

I was gone most of the day yesterday and Paul stayed here at the house with Mom. She washed her bed linens and clothes, redressed her bed, folded her clothes and cleaned up her room. So she is doing more for herself although the fine motor skills are still lacking quite a bit. She has a hard time writing.

She's sad that she is going to miss her H&R Block banquet this year. It's the only one she will have ever missed in her almost 30 years with company. She wishes everyone a great time!

Mother's day is this weekend and we are going to have Paul's Mom and siblings over for an early afternoon dinner. Should be a nice afternoon, all the kids are bringing a dish and I'm hoping we will play some board games or something. Both Nancy (Paul's mom) and my mom like to play games.

I'll update with any new news from today's appointment later this week. Oh, before I forget, Vanessa, mom's daughter, sent her some sermons on CD and a card this week. Chip (mom's son), Nancy, Barbara, Aunt Janet, Kitty and many more continue to call.

Have a Happy Day!

Katie

Hello!

Let's start with some pictures...

This one is called "Peas and Carrots"

Mom and Barbara (mom's cousin, Aunt Lorraine's daughter)

I'm always the one behind the camera so I decided to take a "self-portrait" of the two of us!

Albert, mom's Certified Hand Therapist, is going to be making a presentation at a women's luncheon soon and he is using Mom's hand therapy as his case study. He's using the photos I've taken as part of his presentation.

More later....got to run Zack to school.

Mom had a great visit with cousin Barbara today! Pictures to be posted soon...good night!

Mom's evaluation went fairly well yesterday. I have some videos to share later, of course. She has been in a little better spirits too for the past few days. We've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to update the blog. Everyone is busy so I'm sure you can relate.

Albert, her therapist, put her index finger on the right hand in a buddy brace which "connects" it to the other fingers. This is to try to make the index finger stay up with the others without having to wear a full blown brace. She's been doing therapy on the right arm only until the left shoulder can be evaluated for physical therapy. Her left wrist has been hurting quite a bit. She is going to have to consider that surgery for the SLAC wrist if the pain doesn't go away.

Mom is still getting cards from friends and family. Debbie sends CD's from church regularly. Cousin Barbara is going to come up from Stuart tomorrow and visit. We are going to go to the Strawberry Tea Room for lunch and then visit for the afternoon. Mom is looking forward to the visit.

I'll try to post the videos tomorrow and some pictures from Mom and Barbara's visit.

love to all,

Katie

Today is evaluation day so I will have lots to report later.

Never before seen footage...

From the hospital on March 11th, 4 days after injury, 2 days after surgery...


I finally figured out how to get the videos off of my phone so I am going to use my phone for the videos from now on. The quality is so much better.

Therapy homework video instructions 4/6/09 (she still continues to do these exercises however she is adding weight at this time)...

More homework...

Last Week

Boy it's been a few days since I've updated. Mom had a rough week this week both physically and mentally. She, of course, has good days and bad but this week the good days seemed to be out numbered.

Monday and Wednesday we had afternoon appointments and we learned very quickly that she is better in the mornings when she is rested and fresh. That makes total sense when you relate it to exercise most trainers will tell you that you will get your best results by having a morning workout routine. So we switched back to mornings, I'll just have to better discipline myself to work my business in the afternoon. Usually by the time we get there, have therapy and get back I'm ready for a nap too.

This week she had a lot of "down" moments mostly due to reality of her capabilities and limitations with her right hand. Yes, she can type and do quite a bit but the fine motor skills haven't returned yet, she still doesn't have full use of her right thumb and only partial use of her index finger. She still has 9 or 10 more weeks of therapy and according to my brother-in-law Dennis, who is a well respected physical therapist, this is the point where most patients go through a bout of frustration. Each week she progresses, however, she is wanting to be able to do more, be like she always was before. There are times when she cries because we have to help her do things that were simple that she never gave a second thought to doing them prior to this senseless attack. It's heartbreaking to watch her have to go through this emotional and physical struggle.

She had x-rays last week and we learned the results on Wednesday. The x-rays were of her left hand and wrist because she has been experiencing quite a bit of pain in her left wrist since we left the hospital. The x-rays show a SLAC wrist - Scapho-lunate Advanced Collapse. (Thank you to Albert, her therapist that she adores, for writing out the explanation for us.) Albert explains, "Over 15 years ago the ligament between the scaphoid and the lunate was torn. Over time the space has widened between the two bones and the capitate has migrated downward. This is very painful. It basically turns into an arthritic condition." He continues, "The only two treatments for this are to fuse a few of the bones together to limit movement at the joint. You will still have half of your movement and be able to function normally, but you won't have the pain. The other option is to have a row of the bones removed (proximal row carpectomy). Again, this procedure will preserve half of your movement." Albert recommends that she wait to see how well she recovers with her right hand to see if that alone helps the pain since she won't be so reliant on her dominant hand and she did not have pain in the left wrist prior to this injury. Tried to find some x-ray examples of normal vs SLAC wrist for the blog but you would likely need someone to point the exact difference. For now we are going to wait, if the pain continues when therapy draws near the end then she will likely have the surgery here and work with Albert/the Hand Institute for rehab if any is required. By the time that ends we should be getting closer to knowing if she is going to need additional surgery to re-route a different nerve to the thumb, she wants to have that surgery done here so that I can care for her if the surgery is necessary. Albert did make a custom brace for the left hand and wrist that he wants her to wear especially at night. This is to help push back any surgery or prevent it as I understand.

She is receiving scar therapy every day she goes to for therapy which consist of ultra-sound treatments and scar massage. We can definately tell that the scar is getting softer on the right arm. She is also wearing a pink silicone like mold on the right arm about 8 hours a day, minimum, which is helping to flatten out the scar and make it as normal looking as possible. It is making it look better; however, it's always going to be a very apparent scar and conversation piece.

I ask her all the time why she isn't more angry and she just tells me that she is grateful to be alive. She's told me several times that she doesn't want to live with Percy anymore and she probably doesn't want live with Fancy, the female dog that has bit her before. She isn't afraid of dogs amazingly enough, however, she is afraid of what those two dogs could do to her. In Florida, the attacking dog would have been removed from the home and not returned.

Mom playing a game at therapy

She only did activities that involved the right arm on Friday because she has been experiencing pain and discomfort in the left wrist...

Therapy was a lot tougher for her this week and in comparing Monday to Friday her numbers were down.

I remember (and need to get started again obviously) when I used to go to the gym and work out. In the first few weeks I got great results and saw real progress. Then about the 4th or 5th week I started to feel like I was regressing. I'm not the expert by any means but since her therapy is in part exercise I believe that's why she had an off few days. I also think it's hard for her to really see the progress she's making even though Paul, Zack, Albert and I have seen great strides every day!

We went shopping yesterday for some clothes for Mom (she isn't too keen on my choice of clothes I packed for her). She wanted to go shopping for clothes that don't make her look like, and I quote, "an old lady". So we found some pull over shirts she likes and we are going to look some more this week when she is feeling up to it.

She's been using her computer a little more each day. She's has checked her email and has been to the H and R Block site and her banking sites.

She talked to Kitty, Marlalie and Aunt Nancy this week. Maybe a few others that she may have called that I don't know about. She received a card from her son Scott and his wife Cindy this week too. Aunt Janet fell a few weeks ago getting out of the shower and broke 3 or 4 ribs. Aunt Janet is in her 80's and lives alone. Mom learned of the fall on Sunday or Monday, Aunt Janet didn't want to tell her because she figured Mom had enough problems of her own. But in light of Aunt Janet falling getting out of the shower, Mom decided she should test her ability to take a shower on her own and in true Mom fashion she decided to do that when no one was at home!!! That was on Monday while Paul and I had an appointment together in Gainesville before her therapy appointment. I told her explicitly not to try to shower while I was gone (I had a real strong feeling in my spirit that she was going to do something she shouldn't.) Good thing she's the Mom or I would've spanked her for taking such a risk. She did alright though.

Well, I am going to close for now. Paul is on his way to the local Solantic. He was working on our bulldozer on Friday and ran a drill bit across/through the knuckle of his index finger. He stopped the bleeding and thought it would be alright. However, it's taken a turn for the worse and he went to have it looked at to see if there is any infection. It appears as though there might be because it is swelling and the pain was much worse this morning. On that note, I'm going to be very protective of my hands. It seems we have an epidemic going on in our family for hand injuries!

4/22/09

Good news! Mom bought herself a laptop yesterday when we were at Wal-mart. She got a great deal on an HP. And, this is the GREAT news, she can type!!! She started writing a story today about the park. She looks like the weight of the world has been lifted off her shoulders to know that it is possible. Now, she's not a speed demon by any means but in my personal opinion doing quite well for her first time trying and all the injuries. The hand just doesn't operate the way it used to and it won't but she can re-train her brain to make it work for her the best possible. We go to therapy today, I'm sure Albert will be impressed with her computer usage today.

Mom got a card from Vanessa, her daughter, in yesterdays mail. Seems like everyday she is receiving cards and some of her friends have sent multiple cards and well wishes.

Have a great day! I'll update everyone later today with her therapy session notes and videos!

Katie

4/21/2009

Good morning! Yesterdays therapy was a little tougher. We had decided to schedule her appointments for afternoon this week so that I could work on my businesses in the morning to see if I can get more done. However, I think we'll go back to mornings next week because she didn't seem to be as energetic as she has been and although she did better on almost all the exercises she was feeling tired. So tomorrow we'll try the PM appts again and then if it doesn't work out we'll go back to AM. We weren't able to take any pictures or video yesterday but we'll get some fresh material on Wednesday. Albert, the therapist, said that Mom is really progressing nicely and was very encouraging to her yesterday.

When we got home we found lots of cards and goodies in the mail for Mom! Kristie, her granddaughter, had sent her a beautiful note and very nice some things to pamper herself with in an adorable bag. Mom loved it! She also received more cards Pat Alderman, Levi Martin & Lillie Edwards, and Debbie & John Newman. Thank you to Debbie for sending the sermons on CD from UMBC. Aunt Nancy checked in on Mom via email this week and so did Marlalie.

Mom is looking forward to going to visit Aunt Nancy on May 15th for the weekend.

On another subject....Chip

Letters to the Judge
The prosecuting attorney has requested letters from the family to assist influencing the decision for sentencing. You can include how you've seen this affect Chip, his children, yourself. You can suggest what sentencing should be in your opinion. The prosecutor has asked to include what Chip was like prior to the attack and what he is like after. These letters can make impact on the sentence.Please pray for Chip because this is going to be a struggle for him to recount everything that has happened and how it's affected him over the past year plus. He is praying about what his recommendation for sentencing will be, pray for God's direction.You can mail your letters to Chip at:

Chip Brown
3221 Woolworth Ave, Apt 4
Omaha, NE 68105

If you are unfamiliar with the case referenced above http://chipbrown.blogspot.com

It doesn't matter if you are family, extended family, or a friend, all letters are going to make a difference.

PLEASE MAIL TO CHIP PRIOR TO MAY 20TH, 2009.

If I can I will post more information from the prosecuting attorney that Barb is scanning for us.

Katie

Thank You's

Thank you to Terry Smith, Shirley Oppenheimer, Rena Tarbet and Carol Stoops for your letters and cards to both my mom and me!

Thank you to the gang at H&R Block for sending the card signed by all recently it truly meant the world to Mom. And thank you to Darlene for your sweet card, Mom was really touched.

Mom really feels so loved by all the cards, letters, and calls she is receiving. The past couple of days she has gotten sad very easily, so all of your love is greatly appreciated!

More Pictures

Mom at Therapy on Friday, 4/17/09 Mom with Pam from H&R Block while in the transitional care unit at Cabell Huntington Hospital in March 09

Friday's Therapy Session

Thank you for all the cards and calls! A special thank you to Debbie Newman of UMBC for the sermon CD's!

Boy oh boy do we have lots of videos, only one glitch, I didn't know that I couldn't rotate the video once I uploaded it however, you'll likely get the drift and have a few good laughs. She did some new exercises today, I think you will all be quite impressed at how her therapy is progressing.

She had some x-rays taken of her left arm and shoulder to help determine what's going on to cause additional pain there. We will know more on Monday.
You'll see this one in action in a video.
Doesn't she look pretty!

Not sure what this simulates...

Vacuuming

Driving

I'll upload more videos tomorrow! Have a great night!

4/14

Scott and Cindy, Mom's son and his wife, made it to see Mom and visit last night. They live in Jacksonville which is only about an hour from our house. The scars on Mom's arms were itching so she had Cindy rub lotion all over the scarred areas. They visited with Mom for an hour or two and she enjoyed it.

4/13

Hope everyone had a great Easter celebrating the resurrected Christ! We had a good day with some traditional Easter things to eat like ham, potato salad, deviled eggs and so on. Yummy! Mom actually helped peel boiled eggs and cut the stems off all the strawberries for our strawberry shortcakes while Zachary sliced the strawberries. Then Mom, Zack and I played Rummikub for a few games. We were all, including Paul, going to play Spades but Mom can't quite hold the cards yet. All in all we had a good day.

Today was therapy and I have a few videos to share with you...

This one is called "Nuts and Bolts"

More Nuts and Bolts....

Now for the Washers...this one she did better with her left hand than Albert when he demonstrated. That's what we are laughing about in the beginning.

New Exercises...

She scored really high on her games today too with her right hand she scored a 95%, 89%, 92% on a Soccer game and 98% on the buckets and balls game. And of course, as usual, we did a lot of laughing. Albert added another piece to her less complicated brace today to assist in supporting the right index finger.

Forgot to mention that Albert sent the blog to the Marketing Director for the hand institute suggesting they use some of the blog as part of their marketing material. We'll see what she has to say.

All in all once again another successful day!

4/10

Therapy went well today. They made a mold so to speak that looks like a big blob of bubble gum that fits in her largest wound which will help to flatten out the scar. She will wear over the wound 8 hours per day with a compression sock over it. They did ultra sound therapy and scar therapy massage. Then they tried some shock therapy for the muscles and we couldn't figure out if the machine wasn't functioning properly (which appeared to be new) or if the muscles and sensation just aren't there yet. I'm sure Albert will keep trying the next time she has a therapy session.

Mom received a very nice email from her granddaughter Kirsten this week. She loves hearing from you Kirsten. She hasn't gotten on the computer personally yet but as soon as she does I'll let her know that she needs to write you back. She's very proud of the woman you've become and feels very loved by you!

Mom also received a beautiful hand crocheted scarf from Sarah Bonet, a consultant on my team from Fort White, Florida. Sarah asked me if mom liked a certain color a few weeks back and said she'd be sending Mom a gift, I had no idea she would take the time out of her life to make Mom something so nice. Sarah is a sweetheart!

I'm going to take a video of Mom this weekend so that she can say hello to everyone and let them know how she is doing.

Happy Easter to everyone from Mom, The McDavid's, and Zack!

4/9 The picture says it all!

Mom had the best day I think she has had so far! She has not taken the narcotic pain reliever in over 24 hours and she is getting back to herself today. She was actually dancing in the living room in her glasses that Roger, her boss, from H&R Block gave her before we left for Florida!

She talked to her son, Chip, on the phone for about an hour and is on the phone with Aunt Nancy right now. Kitty has been great to call and Mom has called her a few times too. Her customer and friend Connie Berry called her and visited for a while this evening, mom enjoyed that!

She seems so much stronger today. Dressed herself and cleaned herself up. I helped her with a little makeup before she went with me to the Chiropractor. I had neck and shoulder pain so badly last night that I couldn't sleep more than an hour at a time, pain meds wouldn't even touch it but the Chiropractor really made a difference and told me a few things to do to make it better. I'll see him again Monday. We certainly are a banged up crew around here between Mom, Paul's surgery, and my aches and pains you'd think we were all falling apart! But we are all on the way to recovery.

Oh, I feel very blessed that some of the legends of Mary Kay Cosmetics have been sending Mom and I cards to let us know that we are cared for and in their prayers. So thankful to be a consultant/director with Mary Kay and a big thank you to our MK family that is checking on mom regularly!

Hope you all enjoy seeing Mom in the photos and videos when I can get them uploaded.

love and blessings,
Katie

4/8 Therapy

Mom and her therapist, Albert, worked together yesterday morning....

Albert said he has never had a patient get 100% on their very first game in therapy and most don't get the game until they've tried it a few times...She got 100% twice!

Of course now she is bragging about her high scores! 100, 100, 96 and a 28 on the right hand but she says that doesn't count. The video games are designed to assist in therapy. They require her to move her hand in the motion needed to exercise the tendons. She is determined to have the very best recovery so she is working hard at therapy and at home to get the best possible results. I'm so proud she's my Mom!

By the way, we feel abundantly blessed to have found the Hand Institute and Albert. He is so good with her. He is patient, kind and has a great way with mom. They laugh a lot together and that's the best medicine. The Doctor that will be following her progress, Dr. Gaines, has much the same patient, attentive manner as her therapist, Albert. So glad that Paul recommended that we research this center! And best of all it's part of the Lake Butler hospital so she can have as many treatments as necessary unlimited and it will all be covered by insurance! Hallelujah!

After working hard, she got all fixed up to go back home, only we decided to go window shopping for a laptop for her. She hasn't bought one yet but she is thinking long and hard about getting one. I really hope she does because I think she'll feel more connected to everyone.

All in all, she had a good day!

be blessed,

Katie

Videos

The other videos are too long for me to send them from my phone to my computer so until I figure out how to make that happen here is a short teaser! Mom is modeling her new snazzy blue bandana print brace which was custom fit. She will wear it at night and during meals. Knowing Mom, this will start a fashion trend for Spring and Summer.

Today's Therapy

Mom had a 1:00 PM therapy appointment today. It went well, of course. Today, Albert, the therapist made Mom a new brace to be worn at night and during meals. She has an exercise routine for her fingers and wrist on the right arm. I made a chart so that it will be easy for us to keep track of what she is suppose to do when. Instead of trying to remember everything we are supposed to do I took two videos that she can play back over and over so she doesn't have any question or confusion as to what the exercises are and how to do them.

She's in good spirits today. She still gets frustrated pretty easy which makes her cry. Her appetite is still not the best. We are going to have spaghetti for dinner hopefully it will be something she will enjoy.

As soon as I get the video off of my phone I will post it so everyone can see how she is doing.

Have a great evening!

love,
Katie

Happy Sunday

Therapy went well on Friday. Right now it seems to be mostly heat therapy on the right arm and constant adjustments to the braces to make them more comfortable. The therapist seems to be pleased with what he is seeing so far. It will be a few more weeks before she can remove the right brace for good but for now she will begin using that arm a little in therapy next week. The therapist is actually going to place an electrode on her wound to the right arm and have her play a video game by thinking about what she wants to do with her hand. This will assist in retraining her brain to work the right arm. The hand droops quite a bit and she isn't able to move her thumb due to damage to a nerve. The damage to the nerve may recover over time or require additional surgery at a later date, only time will tell.

She got her first shower yesterday, I washed her hair for her too. Her spirits lifted way up after we got that treat in. The therapist had given the okay to remove the braces for the shower as long as she didn't use her wrist/hands. It worked out fine. I put a plastic lawn chair in the shower so she could sit while I soaped her up and then she was able to stand for a good rinsing. (sponge baths have been our only option) Her legs are so strong, she just pops right to her feet without even using her hands. She keeps telling me her legs had to be strong to fight off the dog.

The medicine for pain is still keeping her a little confused so I made her a calendar of the March events so she could see the timeline and a calendar for April. I put all of her children's birthdays on the calendars and her appointments. We are going to mark each day off to try to keep her on track. When I told her the kids birthdays were on the calendar she said "oh, okay, but I had a good reason to forget this year right?" She was smiling, I told her this was a pretty good excuse for forgetting, usually it's tax season that causes those days to slip by her, glad my birthday is in September - after tax season!

So other than a few days where she has been somewhat depressed and a hard night of not much sleep last night, she's doing fairly well. She gets down worrying about whether her hand will ever be the same of if she'll ever be able to use the computer again. I keep telling her that she's only finished one week of therapy and the next 11 weeks have a lot to offer. Her pain last night was at a higher level than usual even with the meds and that kept her awake off and on because she couldn't get comfortable. She has cat-napped most of today so I think she's feeling a little better. She's a trooper!

Let me just take a minute to thank Barbara (her cousin), Aunt Nancy, Aunt Janet, Chel, Marlalie, Kitty, and Scott for calling to check in on Mom. It really lifts her spirits to hear from everyone. And she received a beautiful card from the Eastern Heights H&R Block office. Michael says she has lots of cards in Ohio too.

Michael's 3rd surgery went well from what I understand. Please pray that they got the infection under control this time.

Paul's surgery went great also.

If anyone would like to call Mom here at the house, the number is 352-485-1530, We usually go to bed around 9:30 PM. Mom loves the calls but can only comfortably hold the phone for a short while. I am also reading her emails to her anita.gibson18@gmail.com.

Love to all,
Katie

4/2 - Info Update

Please make a note in your contact info that when Mom gets back to Ohio sometime in July her phone number will be returned to her old number of 740-867-8941. We cancelled her Vonage account yesterday and got her set back up with Verizon. I caution everyone if you are using Vonage that their emergency number is NOT 911 and it's very important to know their emergency number, maybe even write it on your phone. They apparently have a premium service you can pay for and be able to dial 911 however when you do that your call is transferred to a foreign operator who sends a Yahoo instant message to your local county emergency medical operator (if they get the right county) and you are in the hands of the foreign operator and yahoo instant messaging. Don't know about you but that doesn't give me peace of mind. Glad my emergency medical personnel lives right in my house...Paul is a paramedic. ;-)

Well Mom seems to be settled in. She is now brushing her own teeth and yesterday she gave herself a little sponge bath. Kinda hard to do all of those things when both hands are wrapped up. I think she felt a lot better doing a little more for herself though.

She has therapy tomorrow morning and then 3 days a week for the next 11 weeks. She goes to see another doctor next Wednesday regarding the aggravation in her thumb and shoulder that was brought on by the attack.

She seems to be content. She does get down sometimes but usually snaps out of it pretty quickly. We are doing our best to give her lots of TLC and make sure she is comfortable and content. Zack is spending most of his evenings sitting with her a visiting while doing his homework which allows me to get a little work done and a little alone time with Paul while we cook dinner together.

Her appetite has not been very good so we bought some Ensure to makes sure she is getting enough nutrition. She has become quite the picky eater in her mature years. She ate a pretty good dinner last night though and we found out she loves Fritos! About 10 PM last night she tip toed into the living room and asked me if it was too late to eat ice cream so I fixed her a double scoop right away.

We will keep you posted sometime tomorrow evening after we get back from our appointments tomorrow.

be blessed,
Katie

Great few days

Well we have had a great few days! Aunt Nancy drove 4 1/2 hours to visit and stayed the night with us...

She brought a delicious lunch including chicken and stuffing, spinach squares, layered salad, yummy cookies and cheese ball. Mom really enjoyed having Aunt Nancy here and we all had a wonderful visit together. It was just what Mom needed to keep her spirits up. Thanks for everything Aunt Nancy, so glad you came!!!

Today we went to the Ramadan Hand Institute in Lake Butler, FL for Mom's first session. God is so good to have orchestrated her treatment. First the Certified Hand Therapist knows and has worked with both of Mom's surgeons when they all were in Indiana together, he actually assisted in writing the "Indiana Protocol" for hand rehabilitation (not official name but close enough) which the doctors requested for her to use. The hand institute is very well known and highly regarded. The therapist is so good with Mom, he took his time, he has a very pleasant and patient demeanor. He wasn't in a hurry to get to the next patient and schedules plenty of time for each session. He also knows my brother-in-law (a home health therapist) very well and they have a great deal of respect for each other in their profession. I feel like God really orchestrated the right place for Mom to be cared for during this time.

The CHT made adjustments to her right brace and removed the bottom portion to lesson the weight and redressed the wound on her arm. He also made adjustments to the tension on her fingers so that she can get more range of motion with her fingers in her therapy. The left arm was switched to a smaller brace with more thumb support. She had all of her stitches removed, so now she can use lotion and sunscreen on her left arm.

The therapist gave her two goals for this week, one for each hand. The left hand goal is to exercise the wrist up and down and side ways but only within the scope of the brace. The right hand is to try to make a fist 10 to 20 times per hour. I'm sure that all sounds like a simple task but for her it is very tiring and a real job.

She will see the therapist 3 days per week for about an hour. She is also going to see the surgeon connected with the clinic so that he will be able to prescribe additional treatment for her shoulder and thumb which have been aggravated by this dog attack (the actual Operative Report from Dr. Koester and Dr. Novotny describes her as being mauled/mangled) as well as a problem she is having, which seems to be nerve related, in her hip.

Mom just popped in my office for me to help her with something and told me she is wore out. Hopefully she will get a nap and have a good evening.

Aunt Nancy brought her a wonderful gift to help her in getting a better nights sleep. It's a 1.5 inch memory foam for her bed, boy does that make a dramatic difference.

Thanks to Chip, Barb, Kirsten, Meg, Chel, Terri, Kitty, Marlalie, and Aunt Janet for there calls, text, and emails regarding Mom this week. Zachary has been a huge blessing in helping with Mom. He feeds her ice cream, blow dries the donor site for the graft, waits on her hand and foot and gives her lots of love. Paul has been wonderful to get meals on the table and do anything he can to make things easier for both of us while taking care of all of his other many responsibilities with work and his business that he is working to expand.

Please keep all of us here in your prayers and keep in touch. I'll post after therapy on Wednesday.

Love to all,

Katie

Mom's New Buddy

This is Bob the cat. It took him a day or so to discover Mom however after one good scratching on the head they are best buddies. Of course Bob thinks that we brought Mom here just for his pleasure and has tried to take over her bed today. We'll see how long that last.

Maiden Voyage Part II

Maiden Voyage Part I

3/27

Doing pretty good. We went to the hair salon in Starke, Florida yesterday so we both could get beautified again! Then we split a dinner at Captain D's and then made a short trip to Walmart. She did really well, tired when we got back home but all and all she is building up her stamina more each day.

Aunt Nancy called last night and is coming to visit with Mom on Sunday here at the house. She has been such a great source of encouragement and so uplifting. I can't thank her enough for being there for Mom and for me during this time. Looking forward to the visit!

I have to blow dry the donor site on her leg 3 times a day. Hopefully Mom will be able to shower by the first of next week so for now it's sponge baths and shampoos at the hair salon.

I have more pictures to post later but for now I'd like to give thanks for Mom being here with us. She might not have gotten the chance to see her grandson Zachary go to his first Military Ball if she weren't here with us now.

Doesn't she look great!

3/26 How to contact Mom

Dear Friends and Family,

If you are reading this post via an email that was delivered automatically to your mail box then it occurred to me that you may not be visiting the actual blog every day and may not have Mom's contact info in Florida. The blog address is http://anitagibson.blogspot.com/

How to contact Anita
Anita Gibson
c/o the McDavid's
13296 SW County Rd 231
Brooker, FL 32622

Our home: 352-485-1530
Katie's cell: 904-509-7001
Mom's cell: 740-617-1777 (no reception in Brooker)

We usually are in bed by 9:30 PM

3/26 Grateful to be in Florida

Good morning! Let me catch you up on the past 2 days. Tuesday Dr. Koester (sp?) discharged Mom from the Transitional Care Unit at Cabell after removing the remainder of the staples and personally checking the grafted area and the donor site. He was very please with the way things looked and gave us instructions on how to care for her. We went to her house to pick up some clothing and so on. Then we went to H&R Block so she could wrap up a few things before leaving town. We wanted to get on the road so we left at about 7:00 PM and drove 2 and 1/2 hours to Princeton and stayed the night at a Hampton Inn, by the way the beds were spectacular after sleeping in a recliner for 7 days.

The next morning we work up and got on the road at 7:30 am and arrived at my home at 5:30 pm. We didn't break any records that's for sure but eventually we made our way here. Mom was wore out. It was a tough trip and I kept asking her if she'd like to stop but she just wanted to get the trip over with so she could get settled. Paul had dinner waiting on us when we arrived, spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic bread, yum!!! He also had the hospital bed delivered and was well on his way to making Mom feel comfortable.

We all went to bed around 10:30 or 11:00, can't remember. Paul and Zack ran to Wal-mart around 9:30 last night to get batteries for our 2-way radios so Mom can call one of us at all times no matter where we are on the property. That would've been helpful earlier in the evening when I was in the shower but nonetheless we have her all set up now. Mom is still soundly sleeping, I believe this is the best rest she has had in a long time.

If anyone would like to call her please call my cell phone at 904-509-7001 (I have unlimited minutes so it's fine to call this number) or our home phone at 352-485-1530. Mom will likely be with me 24/7 and occasionally when I have appointments Paul and Zack will look after her. I don't imagine that will be for another week or so though because she needs to regain her strength and needs assistance that only a daughter/woman can give at this time due to her hands being immobile. You can leave a message on her cell phone but she doesn't have reception at our house. 740-617-1777.

She has her first appointment with the hand therapist Monday. I'll keep updating the blog regularly.

Blessings to all and thanks for all your many prayers. Please continue to pray for miraculous results!

Katie

3/23

Good morning. Everything is progressing nicely. They took the bandages off today...

Then they removed the staples from the right and left arm....

Then they removed the wound vac....

Then the doctor checked the skin graft on the right arm....

We are now waiting for the surgeon to check the donor site and by tomorrow we will be packing our sun glasses, sun screen and floppy hats and headed to the sunshine state! The doctor that removed the wound vac said that the skin graft is healthy tissue and it looks good. It will be wrapped for a week and we already have her schedule to see a Certified Hand Therapist and a Specialist next Monday. So the next 24 hours we will be preparing to wrap things up here and travel. We will likely be in Florida by Wednesday at the very latest it will be Thursday. We are going to stop as often as we need to in order for Mom to be comfortable and we are definitely not going to be trying to break any records. I plan for us to stop tomorrow night and sleep and then see how far we get comfortably on Wednesday.

She is a little anxious waiting to see the surgeon but glad to be one step closer to recovery. She's such a strong, amazing woman. I'm so proud of her for enduring this with such a great attitude. I think she's a great example for anyone!!!

Thank you to Marlalee for stopping by again to visit, to Phil Alexander for visiting last night and Michael and Charlie visited last night too. Today she got a great big flower balloon and beautiful silk spring flower arrangement that we are going to use decorate her room in Florida, this was from her dear friend Connie Berry. She also continues to receive lots of cards from church, friends, and family. Aunt Nancy calls everyday, sometimes twice a day. And she loved the email from Becky Cleary and from mom's Granddaughter, Kristie.

She won't be release until tomorrow so if anyone wants to visit this evening that would be great. And if anyone talks to Michael please let him know that we need her suitcase so I can pack up her room. Mom's landline is on the fritz, I'm going to try to fix it before we leave town tomorrow.

We'll continue to blog as she progresses through her therapy so stay in touch!

Time for lunch! Yum!

Love,

Katie

Mom's spirits are up and down. However, a visit from her long time neighbor and friend, Jim Smith, lifted her right up today. She missed seeing Bonnie however, she enjoyed a nice visit with Mr. Smith and was touched that he made his way to the hospital to see her.

Then she had another friend of almost 30 years pop in again, Phil Alexander. this is the second time that Phil has paid Mom a visit and it's made her smile both times. She works with Phil at H&R Block. Her friend Pam from H&R visited her early this morning and that too was a bright spot.

Mike is MIA, hope his finger is healing well. We can't call to check on him at the house because the phone service seems to be on the fritz. We are going to change from Vonage to something else before we head to Florida.

Keep her in your prayers that her spirits will be high and her healing complete!

Good night,
Katie

Sad again

Please pray for Mom's feelings to be uplifted.

Sunny Saturday

Mom's spirits are up quite a bit today. Marlalee is visiting with her right now. They went for a walk around the hospital this afternoon. She got her hair washed today and loved getting her scalp massaged. She can't actually shower right now because of the skin GRAFT needs to heal more. They changed the bandage on it last night and I re-wrapped her left arm today and that made if feel a little better. She also got her face made up today. She looks so pretty today!

She's been flirting with doctors and interns, I asked her if she thinks she's a Cougar...she didn't know what that was so I explained and she got a big laugh. All and all as long as we keep her pain meds coming every 4 hours she is in fairly good spirits. The pain meds run out almost to the hour after 4 hours.

We are waiting for dinner now and I'm ready to make a run for something good to eat if it doesn't look appetizing. I haven't left her side but maybe 3 times, I feed her breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. Since she still has the wound vac I tote if for her everywhere she needs to go. We are looking forward to our trip to Florida so that we can both get a quiet nights sleep in real beds, although Mom has a pretty sweet air bed that she's been set up with. She said she wants one at home and I told her that she'd have to shell out quite a bit of cash. She changed her mind.

We've been entertaining ourselves by watching movies on my laptop, chick flicks. Last night it was 27 Dresses, today "Mamma Mia", tonight we will watch "Step Brothers" and tomorrow "Sex in the City". Okay "Step Brothers" isn't exactly a chick flick but it looks funny.

We are not sure if she will get all of hers stiches and staples out of the left arm before we leave. The doctor will likely look at her leg (the donor site for the graft) and the right arm on Tuesday. Once the doctor okays everything will pack anything she needs and head to Florida. We will likely stay at least one night in a hotel on the way home.

Zachary leaves to go home tomorrow and Paul will pick him up at the airport in Sanford, FL. They have awesome airline ticket prices. You can actually fly for $29 each way on certain days from Huntingon to Sanford and vica versa on Allegiant Airlines. That means when Mom gets home I will be able to come visit her more often.

Will update when we here more about her checkout date. Please pray for her to have good spirits and continued healing. Also, please pray for Mike to do the right thing with Percy. This has been the source of much of Mom's low spirits and anxiety worrying about when and what is going to be done about the dog.

blessings to all,
Katie

Good Friends

Mom got a wonderful, relaxing pedicure today as a gift from one of my high school girlfriends, Dawn Drake Goodall. Dawn really made Mom's day. Mom had looked forward to this since Wednesday when I had asked Dawn if it was possible. All day yesterday she was afraid she was going to fall asleep and miss her "appointment". Dawn brought everything she needed with her to the hospital and did the spa pedicure right in Mom's room. Now Mom looks even prettier with her pink toes. We decided we should've had smiley faces painted on her toes so she could see them when she was in bed but since it was an after thought we decided to go with a bright cheery pink. She's been showing off her sexy feet all afternoon! Thank you Dawn for your gift from the heart.

Ericka Wiley one of her Mary Kay team members called today to wish her well and tell her how very much she thinks of her and how beautiful Mom is inside and out. Kitty called to check in on Mom too. Mom also enjoyed a call and a few comments on her blog from her H&R friend Rob. All this attention is making her realize just how important she is to everyone in her circle of influence. Marla (Marlalee) stopped by faithfully for an afternoon visit. Mom looks so forward to her visits.

Mom's awake now so I am going to visit with her while she's awake.

Is there anything to think about?

Today Mom is doing okay. Yesterday was rough, her tummy was upset, she was down in the dumps and then she laid awake for about 2 -3 hours last night. This morning she is taking a nap and seems to be in better spirits. Please keep those prayers for the TV next door to go on the fritz!

Up til now I have steered away from the issue of the dog that did this to Mom because I have been focusing on Mom getting better. However last night Mom asked the question to our brother "What have you decided to do about Percy?" and the answer was "I don't know". That certainly wasn't the answer I was expecting. I understand loving a dog and feeling like it's your child, I understand and I am sympathetic. However, the consensus seems to be that when a dog bites the hand that feeds it is time for it to go. Mom has been bitten 5 times, the last landing her in a hospital stay that has not yet ended and tomorrow is day 14. Is there any question that this dog needs to be laid to rest? Many people have heard Mom's story and 100% have told her that if it were their dog it would've been put down instantly in variety of ways.

Mom can't go back to her own house as long as Percy is there. For me and many other members of our family there is no question or doubt what needs to happen. What will it take for this to be handled properly? How could anyone see the actual damage, see the pictures, and watch their own mother suffer and not put things into perspective.

3/19

I sent out a text message last night to let immediate family know that Mom's new room number is 4102.

It's not the "deluxe" accommodations of the 2nd floor. She is in more of a nursing home environment now. Sharing a room with a 92 year old lady with a broken hip and her daughter. Mom didn't get a lot of rest last night, I think I got some rest but neither of us got a "good" nights sleep between the daughter snoring and the other patient watching television ALL NIGHT LONG whether her eyes were open or not! Praying for the TV on that side of the room to not work between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM every night until Monday. Not sure if God will honor that prayer but as they say, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Mom's skin GRAFT is now starting to burn a little. It's like a bad skin from falling down on your knee or scooting across the black top after a bicycle wreck. It will likely cause her to have a few bad days and then start to get okay by the middle of next week.

She is eating much better now. I think the stress of a second operation was keeping her from eating as well as she usually does. But she seems to be back to herself in that regard.

We are really looking forward to Monday, that's the day we believe she will be released. I think that's the next day that Dr. Koester will be in the hospital for rounds with Mom.

Once again I'll keep you posted. Trying to get Mom a pedicure while she's in the hospital, she seemed excited about that.

love, Katie

3/18 Mini-Update

Mom will be moved to the TCU department today. I will let everyone know the room number and all once we have the move completed.

Time for some big thank you's!

Kirsten, Thank you for sending the care package to Grandmother and most of all the hand written note. She had joyful tears to hear from you. She has been wearing the slippers today but doesn't want to get them dirty ;-).

Kristie Sizemore Wright, another beautiful granddaughter who visited and brought her a card and gift with the Lord's prayer on it. (The visit meant the world to Mom.)

Sandy, Thank you for stopping by every day a few times per day to check in on Mom. She looks forward to seeing you.

Marlalee has been faithful to be here almost everyday and is a bright ray of sunshine.

The H&R Block staff has been so supportive and great to visit.

Mike has been good to call and make sure we have everything we need.

Thank you to everyone who has called or stopped by to visit.

Kitty Carver has been awesome to call everyday and has been here to visit every other day allowing me to get a break and run errands.

Zachary has been a terrific grandson looking after his grandmother.

Flowers: John and Debbie Newman, H&R Block x 2, Aunt Nancy and Family and the Shrewsbury's from Florida.

She has received many cards and notes and loves having me read them to her. Pastor Bob has been to visit a few times. I know I slept through a few visitors one afternoon. Thank you to everyone for showing my mom that she makes a difference in the lives of others. I've always said that whatever you send into the lives of others comes back into your own and I'm certain that is why my mother has such a wonderful circle of friends and family rallying around her.

Chip, Barb, Megan and Kirsten have been keeping close tabs with phone calls, facebook and emails. Scott called this morning and a few other days to talk to mom and see how she's doing.

Aunt Nancy of course has called to check on me and mom everyday. Aunt Janet has been checking in too.

Last but not at all least, thank you to my wonderful husband, Paul, for being so supportive of me being here with my mom and of her coming home to be with us for a while. He has been researching therapist and facilities. I appreciate you, babe, for all that you are doing to allow me to be here with Mom. I love you.

I hope I haven't missed anyone. Just wanted to show some appreciation.

love,
Katie

3/18

Good morning! Mom's surgery went well. She went in at 7:20 PM and was back in her room at about 9:54 PM. We waited all day for them to come and take her to surgery but I think the operation before hers took longer than expected.

Mike and I were in the holding room with her when Dr. Koester came to talk before the surgery. He explained in great detail the seriousness and severity of the wounds, what had happened to the arm during the attack and then what he did to correct to injuries. He then described how the skin grafting would work and the plan for the next week. The graft will be observed for 5-7 days and if it's taking then we will pack our bags for Florida. I told her last night (in my game show voice) "Congratulations Anita, you've just a 3 month all expense paid vacation to beautiful Brooker, Florida". She laughed of course.

The doctor said that he is very please with what she is doing with her hand and how the tendon transfer was coming along. He said that in about a year she may want/need to have to do some work on the nerve to the thumb, some re-routing and so on.

All in all a good night for mom, she only had pain medicine once last night and once this morning and she slept really well. She's in a great mood this morning and glad to have this last surgery behind her.

Mike had his surgery yesterday and the anesthesia made him sick I think. He did make it to the hospital as I said earlier and brought me some dinner. He got his first peek at the left arm when the doctor unwrapped it, not sure if the meds were making him sick or seeing Mom's arm made upset him but he was there one minute and gone the next. Charlie was with him and he told me he was going to go check on him and 'I said where did he go?' I didn't even see him leave but Charlie said he thought he was sick and he was going to take him back to the house.

Mom will likely be moved to the TCU Transitional Care Unit today and be there for the next 5 days. The did keep the wound vac to aid the skin graft in taking. She will have her "Edward Scissor Hands" device for the next 5 weeks. She will be in physical therapy for 12 weeks.

As soon as I know her new room number I'll post it right here. Have a great day and I'll check in tomorrow with an update.

love,
Katie

3/17 Update

Mom still has not gone back to surgery yet. I'm not exactly sure what the hold up is but it should be soon. I think they are waiting for one of the operating rooms to open up. She's hungry so I hope they take her back soon.

I'll keep everyone posted.

3/17 Today's Agenda

First let me say if you call today I may not be able to talk because I have lost my voice due to allergies. Taking Zyrtec and some honey & lemon drops but that doesn't seem to be helping much, I'll have to try Claritin today. The pollen finally got to me.

Next, can you believe that a nurse would actually go in the bathroom with mom and take her blood pressure while she was using the bathroom! Then she wondered why her blood pressure was sky high. Mom has never had trouble with blood pressure for a minute but yesterday the first reading (when the nurse took it in the bathroom) was 200/185, then 215/200. Then she got an old fashioned cuff, 180/??? can't remember. I had her come back a little while later and take it and it was 160/??? can't remember and again later and it was fine. They don't have an explanation, however if your sitting on the "pot" and someone is trying to cuff your leg and the patient is trying to prop up her own leg, I think the explanation is obvious...the nurses IQ is much lower than the patients blood pressure.

Nonetheless, moving forward. Mom's surgery is at 2:30 today. They will remove the existing wound vac then do the skin graph. The graph will be taken from her thigh and placed over the right forearm. Another smaller wound vac will be put in place, this is something she can leave the hospital with when the time comes. It will be on her arm for about 5 more days when she returns for the graph check if everything is taking she will be released to go to Floria with me to start therapy. The Social Workers are going to assist in ordering a bed and other items we will need. They will make sure we have all of her medical records for the Florida doctors and therapist.

It's going to take some time, about 3 months of physical/occupational therapy for sure, but she is a determined strong woman and she will make the best of an aweful situation.

I will post again after the surgery and when she get's settled back in to the room. By then I will have a game plan from Dr. Koester, the orthopedic surgeon.

Have a great day everyone.

love,

Katie

Daily Word from my pastor at Trinity United Methodist in Gainesville

Then Jesus got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him?" (8:23-27)

Good morning! You can identify with this story, can't you? And you may not even like to fish or be in a boat. But we all know about those "life storms" that come up without warning—the big "C" word, or "D" word, or "L" word. Cancer, Divorce, being Let Go (or fired), or the "A" word, as in the phone call: "Your child was in an accident...you better come quickly, it looks to be very serious."

We've been there, maybe you've been there; or maybe you're there right now. Maybe your "storm" has a different name. But the waves are sweeping over the boat, nonetheless.

I'm praying right now that you will be able to sense/experience Jesus getting up and rebuking the winds and the waves, rebuking all those forces of fear and chaos and concern, and that for you (and yours) it will be "completely calm." Be still, Be still, Be still, and Know that He is God! Amen.

3/16

I'm sure I'll be writing later I just wanted to share what Gina, one of the nurses aides that was on staff the night she came in said about that night. She said that mom's injuries were so bad that they had to get her out of the emergency room so the transferred her to the surgical unit. When she came up to her room Gina said they had cotton blankets wrapped around her arms, which had already been dressed, and she was bleeding through the blankets, the blood was actually dripping off the stretcher. She said she had never seen anything like it. They had to compress and redress the arms to control the bleeding. It is so upsetting and frustrating to know that she didn't have to experience this at all and it could've been prevented.

Tomorrow at 2:00 PM she has surgery for the skin graph then she will go to a nursing home until the skin graph takes and then we will start off to Florida. Paul's brother is a physical therapist we are going to call today to get his recommendation for a CHT (Certified Hand Therapist and Hand surgery specialist).

Mike has to have surgery on his finger again tomorrow, I believe it is infected but I'm not sure what they are going to do during the surgery. Unfortunately it's at a different hospital than the one Mom's in.

Mom's not feeling well today, nauseated. However she is sitting up in the chair today for much longer than what she has done so far.

love to all,
Katie

3/15

Mom has had a good day today. We've been able to keep her medicine on a regular schedule and that makes all the difference. She had some visitors today, Shyla from H&R stopped by, John and Debbie Newman from church and Kevin and Sandy Irvin our cousins. It was great to see everyone. Michael and Charlie are here now and have visited for a while and are about to leave.

We spoke with one of the assisting surgeons today and learned that there was a tendon cut in the left arm as well however they were able to repair it. She will need to have physical therapy on that arm as well to rebuild the strength.

We consult with the social worker and surgeon tomorrow regarding the recovery plan. She will likely be traveling back to Florida with me by the middle of next week if not sooner. She'll need her staples and stiches removed this coming Saturday. There are a lot of them to remove.

love to all,

Katie

PS If anyone wants to call her you can call my cell at 904-509-7001