Wednesday, November 18, 2009

hospital date night

Wendy didn't have a great sleep last night. Her roommate was up most of the night in a lot of audible pain. Thankfully her roommate was moved and Wendy is enjoying her own room again. As a matter of fact Wendy's room was especially chosen for her. The room is at the end of a hall and has more privacy than most. One of the charge nurses, Nurse Jackie requested the room for Wendy when she was transferred down from the ICU. Nurse Jackie's daughter stayed in the exact bed and room that Wendy is currently in a few years back. Nurse Jackie's daughter is living with a brain tumor. Her brain tumor is inoperable and she is not hire able. Her daughter is married and doing well right now, but please keep Nurse Jackie and her daughter in your prayers. Thank you God for special treatment for special Wendy.

Wendy's is free at last from her IV pole! Her PICC line now has a saline lock on it. She will go home with the PICC line, but it is currently not in use. She feels like a free woman.

Wendy is no longer on any antibiotics. She had all of the Steri-Strips (except for a couple) removed from her large incision site. No more daily Betadine cleanings and changing of Steri- Strips.

The pain management team really thinks they have "nailed" Wendy's pain medication regiment. Her pain ranged from a 5 to a 6 1/2 yesterday.

Wendy went on three walks yesterday. She and Micah went on the final walk of the night together. While they were walking GB set up a special dinner date night for the two of them. She placed two hospital dinner trays across from one another, put a pillow in the chair for Wendy and said, "dinner is served" when they returned from the walk. They got to sit and eat dinner together, alone, with no interruptions. GB joked, "sorry I couldn't find a candle." That first dinner date out in the real world will be so sweet, but probably just as special as last night's in the hospital.

Dr. Calhoun has officially recorded in Wendy's orders that she can now go outside in a wheelchair to get some fresh air.

Wendy's PT introduced her to a quad cane yesterday. Wendy walked twenty feet with the cane. She has to be taught how to walk with the cane so that she doesn't injure her knee. Her knee is very vulnerable at this point. Injuring it could cause arthritis down the road.

She will have a blood panel done today. Dr. Calhoun wants her to have more red blood cells. She is slightly anemic. She will start receiving Vitamin C and iron today.

Due to the fact that Wendy is enjoying and craving good foods like yogurt, granola bars, and pizza the TPN line has been removed. It is now up to her to get all of the nutrients, protein, and calories she needs from food. One less line!

Please pray for a dear nurse at UC Davis, Nurse Kerri and her family. Nurse Kerri's sister adopted two boys from China. They just recently returned from China with their youngest son, Jessie. Jessie is two years old and needs to have surgery to repair his club feet. Please pray for this dear family and little Jessie's surgery, his healing, and his adjustment to his new family and home.

5 comments:

  1. A sweet friend gave me these verses to hold onto while I am journeying through my own pain. I wanted to pass them on to you and will be praying them for you:
    Proverbs 18:10- "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
    Psalm 70:4-5- "But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, 'Let God be exalted!' Yet I am poor and needy; O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay."
    Job 1:2- "I know that You can do all things; no plans of yours can be thwarted."

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  2. Wendy, I'm so impressed by your strength & faith. Reading these daily updates has been an inspiration for all of us! Your family is amazing & proves just how important it is to have a support system. I'll bet your never imagined that so many acquaintances & strangers would clamor to support you & your family through this amazing journey. I log in to your blog frequently & I also read the updates through Tammy's facebook updates---constantly praying for you & your family.

    I was stunned today to see reference to Nurse Kerri & her sons. I don't know Kerri but I know her mom, Julie, whom I had the pleasure of getting to know when I was a puppy raiser for a service dog organization. I knew that Julie was going to China to meet her new grandson and that he has club feet and would require surgery but I had NO idea that Kerri is one of your nurses. God works in mysterious ways.

    You've been through so much, Wendy, but you've never been alone. Everyone's cheering you on & praying for you as you recover.

    Congratulations on NO MORE LINES!!

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  3. Wendy
    Congrads on all the progress. I think it's time to celebrate and I'm sure you're long over due for a good laugh. Last night while I was'nt sleeping I came up with a great idea. Yes, I'll hurt to laugh but it's about time your pain be due to pleasure.
    Here's what I propose.

    Have someone smuggle your Elvis costume in. Slip into your full Elvis outfit compleat with wig. Delare it Elvis Day and demand that only his music can be played in your room. Make everyone refer to you as "The King", and to top it off request PB and banana sandwichs for lunch. The thing funnier would be the sight of you in the full get up roaming the halls. They say laughter is medicine and it's time for you to have a shot of HA! HA! We will continue to think and pray for you and all those who love you. As for me I will also pray you find laughter everyday.
    Tracy Bright

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  4. Wendy, What a huge milestone - no lines! Awesome! You're da' "woManzo"! (I've been waiting to use that one!) :-) Our hearts are with you every step of the way. We love you and can't wait to see you soon!

    Love,
    Kelly

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  5. So happy and proud of you! You are such an amazing woman and a testament to God's love for us all! ♥ Thought I might add some comic relief to your day, I read the blog SEVERAL times a day I have it in my favorites on my computer. But----- if I forget to hit my favorites and type it into the search bar I ALWAYS pick up some story about the Real Housewives of New Jersey!!! I chuckle every time... much love to you!
    ♥Katrina
    congrats on being "line" free ! God is good :)
    The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
    My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. ~Psalm 28:7

    November 18, 2009 11:09 PM

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