Sunday, October 5, 2008

Sunday Update

It's a lot like the movie Groundhog Day around here. Mom is still too anxious to do well on the breathing tests. However, she is breathing on her own and doing well at that... they just have to make sure she can sustain it before removing the tube. Today, it seems like the weekend pulmonologist, in tandem with Mom's day nurse, RJ, made some good decisions. They will put her on a low dose of anti-anxiety medication 24 hours/day, so that she is more regulated. As it's been, they give her the anti-anxiety when she needs it, then it knocks her out, which works against her for the breathing tests. So, they're working hard to get her anxiety under control, since that seems to be the major obstacle for her at this point.

It was an especially heavy day in Neuro ICU today. (She's in Neuro ICU, just b/c they had a nicer room available there.) A 29 year-old local police officer was in an auto accident yesterday and has been declared brain-dead. They're keeping him on life-support to see if organ donation is an option. Other stories of tragedy unfold daily. Neuro ICU is just a heavy place to hang out... no one in there is necessarily doing well, and guests often pass by completely in tears. I'll be so glad for Mom to get out of there. It really feels like she's in the wrong place.

We'll know more about what's next tomorrow, since Mom's doctors will all be back after the weekend.

love,
jennifer

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that your mom is breathing on her own. Still shows that she's wanting out of there as well! What happen to the bunny ears and the fun that you and Geoff were creating? Seeing that heaviness everyday would be awful I do agree with that. Seeing the suffering and pain that families go through in Neuro ICU units is the worse and you having experienced it first hand know how it feels. Day to day waiting. Hoping and doing whatever you can to help with the healing process can leave you drained. Sometimes not being able to do anything at all, yet being there, just in case. You have been a blessing to many in that unit. Your presence creates lightness. Remembering who you are too in this place, will have others sharing their good memories too of their loved ones. Perhaps they will start blogs as well. It will be good to see you soon as your mom gets better each day. Love You, Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the worst may be behind you. Your blog is wonderful. Not being there for Sheryl and both of you is so hard, but getting your daily up-dates is wonderful. I know Sheryl still has lots of hard days ahead, but with your help and support and all the prayers that are coming her way she will heal. Love to all of you.

Judy

Anonymous said...

Wow, you are right. It is difficult. Your mom will come out of there shortly. She is going to recover and be alright. Your updates are much appreciated. Both of you have seen the worst. I believe she is progressing well. Considering all the things that happened, she is doing well.
I can image what she will say when she is okay to talk. Take a recorder with you. It will be great medicine for later.
Many prayers to all of you. Thanks again for the updates.
Rick

Fred Ayers said...

Thatcher says to hang in there mom and the birds say get well soon. Thatcher went to the window yesterday morning and looked back at me. Came over so I scratched his head then he went back to the window. Came back over to the couch and jumped up on me and layed his head on my shoulder. Who says animals can't think and have emotions. He misses Sheryl and demonstrates that daily. Don't know how to read the birds.
Sounds like Sheryl is starting to fight the situation which is good and bad. Tells us she wants to get better but can at the same time be a very depressing situation. She needs and has a lot of support not only from you but also with many many here. We wish her a very speedy recovery with little obstacles. We send our love and prayers.

Laurie Murphy said...

Hang in there, Kiddos. You're doing an amazing job, believe me. You've had to deal with "stuff" that you've never had to deal with on top of seeing your precious mother incapacitated and uncomfortable and unable to communicate. Try to keep your senses of humor going as much as possible. You know that Mom can feel you there and feel the depression as well as the positivity. It's hard to be "ON" all the time, I know. Just hang in there. And please take care of yourselves as best you can. Be good to yourselves. I'm very proud of all of you for dealing with this adversity in such a positive way. I'm very glad you have each other.

My prayers are fervent that God surround you with love and peace and hope. I am also sending positive energy - feel the vibes!!

Jen, I am glad that you are healing well! You remain in my thoughts and prayers as well.

Love and hugs,

Laurie Murphy

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with your mom and family. Love ya all
Tom Trammell

Anonymous said...

hi there ur mom and the rest of ur family are in my prayers and thought keep up ur spirits and faith just rember to take of ur self u wontt do any one good if u are down a nd out