Post from Matt
Monday, July 18th, 2011
Today Mom was moved into a new room. She is still in the same ICU, but in a 'her-problem-is-not-so-serious-anymore-room.' She is now in Room 3305 which is closer to the main door than the back door. To celebrate her move, our friend Kasi treated her to a manicure and eye lash extensions. Talk about being spoiled! If things continue to go well she will stay in this room for a couple days and then move to a rehab facility (location unknown) for a couple of days before she can go home. Keep the prayers coming because I know how badly Mom wants to rip out the tubes and catch a ride home with her next visitor.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Bye Bye Tube!
Post from Matt
July 18th, 2011
Great News!!! Yesterday the doctors decided to remove the tube from the top of Mom's head that was draining the blood around her brain. They feel that the remaining liquid will be naturally absorbed by her body. They will do a test sometime today to make sure that is happening. With the tube out Mom might be able to be moved out of the ICU sometime later this week. Also great news! We might need to prep the new medical staff about Mom's continual desire to get up and get moving while still hooked up to several machines. She is doing better, but for those of you that know Mom, she can't sit still for a long period of time.
Mom's condition continues to improve. She can converse more with visitors, she looks better, and she is as spunky as ever! Her sodium levels are down so the medical staff will not give her water because that will reverse the effects of the sodium I.V. that she has. For those of you that are visiting her in the hospital be aware that she will quietly ask you for a cup of water in a secret-sort-of-manner. Don't do it! Don't give in! The nurse has caught my mom red handed trying to get a visitors to hand over a cup. She might be upset for a moment with you, but a quick change of the subject will get her mind off of it for a bit.
We are continually grateful for the prayers, love, and support that is being shown to our Mother and to our family. We know that we could not go through this without you. Thank you all.
July 18th, 2011
Great News!!! Yesterday the doctors decided to remove the tube from the top of Mom's head that was draining the blood around her brain. They feel that the remaining liquid will be naturally absorbed by her body. They will do a test sometime today to make sure that is happening. With the tube out Mom might be able to be moved out of the ICU sometime later this week. Also great news! We might need to prep the new medical staff about Mom's continual desire to get up and get moving while still hooked up to several machines. She is doing better, but for those of you that know Mom, she can't sit still for a long period of time.
Mom's condition continues to improve. She can converse more with visitors, she looks better, and she is as spunky as ever! Her sodium levels are down so the medical staff will not give her water because that will reverse the effects of the sodium I.V. that she has. For those of you that are visiting her in the hospital be aware that she will quietly ask you for a cup of water in a secret-sort-of-manner. Don't do it! Don't give in! The nurse has caught my mom red handed trying to get a visitors to hand over a cup. She might be upset for a moment with you, but a quick change of the subject will get her mind off of it for a bit.
We are continually grateful for the prayers, love, and support that is being shown to our Mother and to our family. We know that we could not go through this without you. Thank you all.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Post from Matt
Friday, July 15, 2011
This week I have been able to be with my mom every night except Tuesday when Cousin Amy was nice enough to give me a bit of a break. Thanks Amy! Who knew that going to a hospital would be so tiring.
It is interesting to see Mom's progress and to hear her progress from some of her visitors. Some say that they had long conversations with her and others talk about how she mixed up some words or forgot a name or two. Mom is doing well. Yes, she walks down the halls with the physical therapists and can eat normal foods. Yes, she is more aware of what happened and why she is in the hospital. She still gets confused, forgets things, and says random things that make you smile. For example, this morning I received a phone call before 7:00 am from an unknown number -- not a good thing when you know someone in the ICU. It was Mom. She wanted her purse, but couldn't tell me what it was in her purse that she wanted. I guess it is one of those woman things. I told her I couldn't bring it to her right away, but I would later in the day. She said that she would just have someone take her to get it. Sure...
Mom is being naughty. Since she took her first walk down the hallway she thinks she can roam as she pleases. Last night the nurse said she was so bad that they had to put a restraint around her chest keeping her in bed. I told Mom that the nurse should strap her to a chair and make her stare at the corner like she did when I was little. I can't tell you how well I got to know the floral wallpaper in the kitchen corner when I was little. There were 32 pink flowers, 27 blues ones, 22 yellow ones, and 46 green leaves. One late night Mom really struggled with me because I wouldn't let her get out of bed. I know that she doesn't fully understand everything and why she can't do what she wants. It was hard to see my mom like that.
Currently Mom is low on Sodium so the hospital staff cannot let her have water. This is a big challenge for my mom. She drinks a ton of water. Some visitors have told me that she has asked them to get her a cup or two when the nurses are out of the room. She gets excited when it is pill taking time because that means she gets about half a glass.
A couple people have asked me how long all of this will go on. I asked one of the doctors this the other day -- they don't know. Seeing that they have not found where the blood leaked into her head causes a little bit of uncertainty. She will probably have to get angiograms after she gets out of the hospital to make sure that blood doesn't leak again. Right now she still has the tube in head draining out the blood. The liquid needs to be clear before she can leave. Right now it is a slightly darker shade of pink. As for the memory loss, confusion, etc., all the doctors can say is that some of it will take time, but nothing is certain. It is all just a big waiting game.
Many of my visits with Mom this week have been just the two of us. I ask her about her day and sometimes she can tell me who came to visit and where all the treats in her room came from. She talks about someone reading the blog entries to her, or how much love she felt from everyone. I know that even if my mom is asleep when someone comes to visit or if she doesn't remember who was with her an hour ago she feels the love and support that everyone has for her. We as a family know that Mom could not go through this without the added help, love, and support. We are grateful for the e-mails, phone calls, text messages, plates of food, and genuine concern that we have received. We know that Mom will pull through. How long will it take? We have no idea, but we are in it for the long haul. Thank you --
Friday, July 15, 2011
This week I have been able to be with my mom every night except Tuesday when Cousin Amy was nice enough to give me a bit of a break. Thanks Amy! Who knew that going to a hospital would be so tiring.
It is interesting to see Mom's progress and to hear her progress from some of her visitors. Some say that they had long conversations with her and others talk about how she mixed up some words or forgot a name or two. Mom is doing well. Yes, she walks down the halls with the physical therapists and can eat normal foods. Yes, she is more aware of what happened and why she is in the hospital. She still gets confused, forgets things, and says random things that make you smile. For example, this morning I received a phone call before 7:00 am from an unknown number -- not a good thing when you know someone in the ICU. It was Mom. She wanted her purse, but couldn't tell me what it was in her purse that she wanted. I guess it is one of those woman things. I told her I couldn't bring it to her right away, but I would later in the day. She said that she would just have someone take her to get it. Sure...
Mom is being naughty. Since she took her first walk down the hallway she thinks she can roam as she pleases. Last night the nurse said she was so bad that they had to put a restraint around her chest keeping her in bed. I told Mom that the nurse should strap her to a chair and make her stare at the corner like she did when I was little. I can't tell you how well I got to know the floral wallpaper in the kitchen corner when I was little. There were 32 pink flowers, 27 blues ones, 22 yellow ones, and 46 green leaves. One late night Mom really struggled with me because I wouldn't let her get out of bed. I know that she doesn't fully understand everything and why she can't do what she wants. It was hard to see my mom like that.
Currently Mom is low on Sodium so the hospital staff cannot let her have water. This is a big challenge for my mom. She drinks a ton of water. Some visitors have told me that she has asked them to get her a cup or two when the nurses are out of the room. She gets excited when it is pill taking time because that means she gets about half a glass.
A couple people have asked me how long all of this will go on. I asked one of the doctors this the other day -- they don't know. Seeing that they have not found where the blood leaked into her head causes a little bit of uncertainty. She will probably have to get angiograms after she gets out of the hospital to make sure that blood doesn't leak again. Right now she still has the tube in head draining out the blood. The liquid needs to be clear before she can leave. Right now it is a slightly darker shade of pink. As for the memory loss, confusion, etc., all the doctors can say is that some of it will take time, but nothing is certain. It is all just a big waiting game.
Many of my visits with Mom this week have been just the two of us. I ask her about her day and sometimes she can tell me who came to visit and where all the treats in her room came from. She talks about someone reading the blog entries to her, or how much love she felt from everyone. I know that even if my mom is asleep when someone comes to visit or if she doesn't remember who was with her an hour ago she feels the love and support that everyone has for her. We as a family know that Mom could not go through this without the added help, love, and support. We are grateful for the e-mails, phone calls, text messages, plates of food, and genuine concern that we have received. We know that Mom will pull through. How long will it take? We have no idea, but we are in it for the long haul. Thank you --
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Big Steps
Post from Matt
July12, 2011
Quick News --
During my busy day of work I received a picture message from cousin Steph of Mom walking down the hallway!!! Granted she didn't have her track suit on, hair in a pony tail swinging back and forth, and arms swinging proudly like a mall walker, BUT she was walking nonetheless.
As my day continued, my dear friend Kasi sent me a picture of Mom eating! Without a tube! The tube is out which means she is eating something better than the creamy substance that slides in through a tube. Yuuuuucccckkkkk. Heaven knows what that tastes like. So, don't start sneaking in Nielsen's Frozen Custard quite yet...maybe start with a kiddie cone first. We are grateful for these steps forward and recognize His hand in all of this.
July12, 2011
Quick News --
During my busy day of work I received a picture message from cousin Steph of Mom walking down the hallway!!! Granted she didn't have her track suit on, hair in a pony tail swinging back and forth, and arms swinging proudly like a mall walker, BUT she was walking nonetheless.
As my day continued, my dear friend Kasi sent me a picture of Mom eating! Without a tube! The tube is out which means she is eating something better than the creamy substance that slides in through a tube. Yuuuuucccckkkkk. Heaven knows what that tastes like. So, don't start sneaking in Nielsen's Frozen Custard quite yet...maybe start with a kiddie cone first. We are grateful for these steps forward and recognize His hand in all of this.
Mothers & Angels
Post from Kristi:
I have been unable to visit Deb as much as I would like to as children are not allowed in the Neurology Critical Care Unit and I am the proud mother of a soon-to-be nine month old. Going through this experience with my sweet mother-in-law through my eyes as a new mother have made me appreciate more the kind of woman Deb is.
I have always known she is a remarkable woman by the caliber of sons she has produced. Her four boys love each other and their entire family. They treat people with respect. They fear and love God and try to do His will. They are kind to children and animals. They are productive members of society. Meeting her sons you know she worked hard as their mother and in life. I am so proud to see that hard work shine through as her loving boys stand by her through this experience and as she fights to recover. Her boys seldom leave her side, and if they do, they make sure they have someone they trust watching over her.
The Bible Dictionary tells us that Angels are "messengers of the Lord" and that there are two types: spirits and those who have bodies of flesh and bone. As was mentioned in an earlier post, we know that Deb has angels attending to her in the form of her father and other deceased loved ones as their spirits are palpable when you are in the room with her. I also know that Deb also has many angels with bodies of flesh and bone visiting her, praying for her, and showing her family love. I am so grateful for all that are giving their encouragement and love and acting as messengers of the Lord.
Looking forward to doing this with Deb again...
I have been unable to visit Deb as much as I would like to as children are not allowed in the Neurology Critical Care Unit and I am the proud mother of a soon-to-be nine month old. Going through this experience with my sweet mother-in-law through my eyes as a new mother have made me appreciate more the kind of woman Deb is.
I have always known she is a remarkable woman by the caliber of sons she has produced. Her four boys love each other and their entire family. They treat people with respect. They fear and love God and try to do His will. They are kind to children and animals. They are productive members of society. Meeting her sons you know she worked hard as their mother and in life. I am so proud to see that hard work shine through as her loving boys stand by her through this experience and as she fights to recover. Her boys seldom leave her side, and if they do, they make sure they have someone they trust watching over her.
The Bible Dictionary tells us that Angels are "messengers of the Lord" and that there are two types: spirits and those who have bodies of flesh and bone. As was mentioned in an earlier post, we know that Deb has angels attending to her in the form of her father and other deceased loved ones as their spirits are palpable when you are in the room with her. I also know that Deb also has many angels with bodies of flesh and bone visiting her, praying for her, and showing her family love. I am so grateful for all that are giving their encouragement and love and acting as messengers of the Lord.
Looking forward to doing this with Deb again...
Monday, July 11, 2011
Clinical Synopsis "from Dummies"
Some of you have asked for more of a clinical update on Mom’s condition. Here goes a non-clinicians clinical update--that hopefully, makes sense to all:
- The initial surgery that she had was related to the aneurism. They found one aneurism that they were able to clip and another vessel that was dilated that they wrapped. This surgery is very intrusive and left her a scar that runs from the top of her head down to the bottom of her side burn. The scar is pretty rough looking and is held with 40 staples. Lucky for mom it is within her hairline and should be covered. Unfortunately for Mom the surgeon didn’t attend any beautician classes and she is sporting a pretty funky hairdo.
- When she took a turn for the worse two days later they took her back in for surgery and installed a tube that allows fluid to drain from her brain. This helps because it keeps all the fluid from building up and pushing against her brain. It also helps to drain the blood that has mixed with the fluid. This also necessitated another great looking buzz cut on the top of her head.
- She was extubated a few days ago and is breathing on her own.
- She has several tubes including a feeding tube that is fed through her nose, an IV, art valve, and a tube draining fluid from her head.
- As long as the tube is in her head she will be in the ICU, and for those who visit, one thing the nurse is likely to remind you is to not move the head of her bed up or down. Moving it can cause the tube to drain faster or slower than it should, both cause problems.
- When you visit, you will likely notice a “sitter”. It is common for people in her condition to go through bouts were they are not as aware of what is going on and could potentially pull a tube. Pulling any of the tubes would not be good, especially the head tube. So for the people visiting and staying with Mom, please remind her to keep her hands away from the tubes. She has wrist restraints to help, but she can still reach the tubes when she leans forward—a gentle reminder to lay back seems to work.
- The biggest concern for Mom right now is that she starts bleeding in her brain again. A close second is the Vasospasms. The blood in the brain acts as an irritant to the vessels and causes them to constrict or spasm. The most worrisome outcome is a stroke. The docs have several ways to monitor and counteract this, but as I spoke with a physician this morning he mentioned it is not an exact science. She is in the window right now where they have warned us that it will be a roller coaster. As the blood starts to breakdown it even further irritates the brain. She will be in the window for the next 7-10 days.
- One of the preventative methods is to perform an Angiogram. This morning at rounds the Drs decided it was time to go in and do another one. The results were good. There is no active bleeding. There is some vasospasming, but they were minor and did not require them to go in and inject the spasm areas with medicine to prevent it.
- Mom’s head is still draining blood-tinged fluids from her brain. Until the fluids run clear, she’ll continue to have a tube in her head (and as long as the tube is in her head, she’ll need to stay in the Neuro ICU).
Thanks to all who have visited Mom. We know how you all love her and appreciate that you want to spend time with her. If you haven’t been able to see her, fear not … there are many more visitation opportunities and please keep letting us know when you are available to visit or sit with Mom. If you will send an email to friendsofdebrahale@gmail.com letting us know you’d be willing/able to visit, Jeff can send you a calendar that will let you know the best times for a visit. For those of you unable to visit, please continue to pray for her. Thanks again for all your help.
The Song of the Heart
Post from Matt
July 9th and 10th 2011
Now that my trips up to the hospital are becoming part of my daily routine, I am trying to figure out how to make each visit with Mom a little different. Tonight I tried singing. For those of you that know me, I try to "musically partake of life," as stated in a special blessing I received as a teenager. Music has healed my soul several times and I know that the right kind of music can do the same for others. It is amazing how music seems to touch the soul where words cannot.
Saturday night Tony, Jeff, Aurora, and I were with Mom. We were about to leave, but I asked Mom if we could sing a song to her -- she nodded yes. I asked if we could sing "Abide With Me; 'tis Eventide." Tony said he would, "sit this one out," because he thinks he can't sing, so Aurora (the newest addition to our family), Jeff, and I began. The lights in the room were low, the door was closed, and we as a family were circled around our mom.
The words came alive more than any other time I have sung this hymn. The first verse says good-bye to the day and welcomes the night. I am sure Mom was very tired from various tests and visitors and yearned for several hours of rest. As the chorus began, I realized that it was more like a prayer. "O Savior, stay this night with me; behold, 'tis eventide." I have found myself saying the same thing in prayers for my Mom. The second verse -- "Thy walk today with me has made my heart within me burn as I communed with thee. Thy earnest words have filled my soul and kept me near thy side." I know that my Heavenly Father has sent His angels to be round about Mom. I know that some of those angels include Grandpa Hale who passed away almost seven years ago. As the hymn continued, the spirit filled the room and the machines, hospital staff, and tubes disappeared. It was like we were in Mom's living room. Mom listened with her eyes closed until we sang the last note. It was a little easier saying good-bye that night knowing that the spirit was in the room to take care of her.
Sunday night on my way in the front door of the hospital I was greeted from behind by all of my double cousins. Because our dads are brothers and our moms are sisters (don't think about it too much -- it is legal) we have been close since we were born. It was great to see all of them walking towards me. It was like a flood of love and support. The nurse allowed all of us to be in the room together along with Brad and Rondi, some dear friends of my family since we were little. Mom didn't respond very much as we asked some questions or when the nurse asked her to move her toes. I have seen the nurses perform these simple tests several times and each time Mom's performance is different. She can say her name, the US President, sometimes the year, she will usually squeeze her hands on command, sometimes wiggling her toes doesn't happen, but she has never been able to tell the nurse where she is. Maybe she is just trying to block that out...
During our visit, Mom could of course say my name (because I am still the favorite), but she then called everyone else in the room by my name as well. Not the greatest thing, but she'll get there. During our conversation Rondi suggested that we sing a song together. As we started the primary song, "Love is Spoken Here," Mom started to mouth every word right along with us. We were all surprised. Up to this day she has only said one to three word answers -- never a full sentence. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. Voices fell out due to emotion, but Mom kept right up with the song. Yet another tender mercy from above. The words came alive as I, my mom's 32 year-old son sat at the foot of her bed singing words like, "I see my mother kneeling with our family each day...her plea to the Father, quiets all my fears...and I am grateful, love is spoken here." Love was spoken there in that quiet hospital room. Love has been spoken so many times in my life through my mom. The love she has shown her sons everyday of our lives have made us into the men we are today. She IS love and I am grateful for her.
Love you Mom. Keep fighting.
July 9th and 10th 2011
Now that my trips up to the hospital are becoming part of my daily routine, I am trying to figure out how to make each visit with Mom a little different. Tonight I tried singing. For those of you that know me, I try to "musically partake of life," as stated in a special blessing I received as a teenager. Music has healed my soul several times and I know that the right kind of music can do the same for others. It is amazing how music seems to touch the soul where words cannot.
Saturday night Tony, Jeff, Aurora, and I were with Mom. We were about to leave, but I asked Mom if we could sing a song to her -- she nodded yes. I asked if we could sing "Abide With Me; 'tis Eventide." Tony said he would, "sit this one out," because he thinks he can't sing, so Aurora (the newest addition to our family), Jeff, and I began. The lights in the room were low, the door was closed, and we as a family were circled around our mom.
The words came alive more than any other time I have sung this hymn. The first verse says good-bye to the day and welcomes the night. I am sure Mom was very tired from various tests and visitors and yearned for several hours of rest. As the chorus began, I realized that it was more like a prayer. "O Savior, stay this night with me; behold, 'tis eventide." I have found myself saying the same thing in prayers for my Mom. The second verse -- "Thy walk today with me has made my heart within me burn as I communed with thee. Thy earnest words have filled my soul and kept me near thy side." I know that my Heavenly Father has sent His angels to be round about Mom. I know that some of those angels include Grandpa Hale who passed away almost seven years ago. As the hymn continued, the spirit filled the room and the machines, hospital staff, and tubes disappeared. It was like we were in Mom's living room. Mom listened with her eyes closed until we sang the last note. It was a little easier saying good-bye that night knowing that the spirit was in the room to take care of her.
Sunday night on my way in the front door of the hospital I was greeted from behind by all of my double cousins. Because our dads are brothers and our moms are sisters (don't think about it too much -- it is legal) we have been close since we were born. It was great to see all of them walking towards me. It was like a flood of love and support. The nurse allowed all of us to be in the room together along with Brad and Rondi, some dear friends of my family since we were little. Mom didn't respond very much as we asked some questions or when the nurse asked her to move her toes. I have seen the nurses perform these simple tests several times and each time Mom's performance is different. She can say her name, the US President, sometimes the year, she will usually squeeze her hands on command, sometimes wiggling her toes doesn't happen, but she has never been able to tell the nurse where she is. Maybe she is just trying to block that out...
During our visit, Mom could of course say my name (because I am still the favorite), but she then called everyone else in the room by my name as well. Not the greatest thing, but she'll get there. During our conversation Rondi suggested that we sing a song together. As we started the primary song, "Love is Spoken Here," Mom started to mouth every word right along with us. We were all surprised. Up to this day she has only said one to three word answers -- never a full sentence. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. Voices fell out due to emotion, but Mom kept right up with the song. Yet another tender mercy from above. The words came alive as I, my mom's 32 year-old son sat at the foot of her bed singing words like, "I see my mother kneeling with our family each day...her plea to the Father, quiets all my fears...and I am grateful, love is spoken here." Love was spoken there in that quiet hospital room. Love has been spoken so many times in my life through my mom. The love she has shown her sons everyday of our lives have made us into the men we are today. She IS love and I am grateful for her.
Love you Mom. Keep fighting.
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