Sunday, June 1
01 June 08 - 07:05
Not a lot new to report. Jim's temp over 103 last night. Jeff, Sue, Josh Monika & I were all wetting him down with ice, cool cloths & a fan. He has also developed a rash, probably from some medication.
Jim is a bit discouraged from what he views as slow progress. He is tired of the vent, tired of all the wires, and wants therapy. At this point all he can get is Passive ROM - range of motion - to keep his joints moving & prevent contractures. Pray for him to accept what is, not what he wants, right at this time.
I get conflicting messages about the move to Promise. Some say they won't transfer him with high fevers, some say the fevers are spinal or neuro fevers & he can transfer anyway. The staff at Scottsdale Osborn is wonderful & he has gotten excellent care. But, I too, am ready for progress, for Jim's sake.
The area of breakdown I mentioned previously is not healing yet. Pray for the healing of this area. Jim's sugars continue to run high & this interferes with healing. Pray for better control of the diabetes.
Pray for me. I still get sad and I miss my husband.
Marilyn
six comments:
Marilyn, I read your blog every day and pray for you and Jim. I am sure you are becoming exhausted with this routine, and Jim is tired of being imprisoned by his uncooperative body. I pray for complete and total healing for Jim and a renewed spirit for both of you.
Elaine Cook () - 01 06 08 - 08:28
Marilyn – Some question from a SCI site that may help or educate. Most of this you have and are dealing with. Check out: http://www.spinalcord.org. I won’t send anymore on this blog, but will send to you email at home.
I know that once your loved one is ill or injured, everyone asks YOU questions and they can be helpful, or make you FEEL more inadequate than we all already are! Praise God HE is ADEQUATE! People are just trying to help and oftentimes don’t know what else to say. I’m sure you have more material to read than you can handle. I pray you are keeping a log/journal, for your sake as well as for Jim’s… to see not only the physical healing pattern, but also the spiritual pattern and HIS HAND on your lives. If you need a notebook, let me know. Blessings, XXOOPP (PP stands for lots of prayers) Kaye & Jim
What to ask your doctor?
Families and friends often don’t even know what questions to ask the doctors. Here are some questions to ask in the first hours after injury:
• Was methylprednisolone given? This is the high-dose steroid (30 mg/kg intravenous bolus followed by 5.4 mg/kg/hour for 23 hours if it is started within 3 hours and for 47 hours if between 3 to 8 hours after injury). It should not be started more than 8 hours after injury. Clinical trials have shown that this treatment improves recovery by about 20% when given within 8 hours after injury but does not help when started more than 8 hours after injury. While methylprednisolone is not a cure, every little bit helps. Complications are minimal.
• What is the level and severity of spinal cord injury? The consequences of spinal cord injury depend on the level and severity of injury. Surgeons determine injury levels from the fracture site on the spinal column. This may differ from neurological level determined from sensory and motor loss. Spinal cord injury causes loss of sensation and voluntary movement below the injury site. If the person has motor or sensory function below the injury level at the time of admission, the likelihood of substantial recovery is high.
• Has the spinal cord been decompressed? The spinal cord injury usually results from fracture of vertebral bones that compress the spinal cord. Continued spinal cord compression increases tissue damage and reduces functional recovery. If the neck or cervical segments are fractured, traction may straighten out and decompress the vertebral column. Chest or thoracic fractures cannot be decompressed by traction. Surgery may be necessary to decompress and stabilize the spinal cord.
• Has anticoagulation been started? Blood clots may form in the legs and migrate to the lungs. This is a serious complication that can be prevented by giving anticoagulants such as heparin or coumadin. It may be necessary to place a filter (Greenfield filter) in the vein to the heart to catch clots.
• Pulmonary, bladder, and skin care? Spinal cord injury may compromise breathing and coughing. After cervical spinal cord injury, artificial respiration may be necessary and pneumonia is common. Spinal cord injury paralyzes the bladder and a catheter must be placed in the bladder to drain urine. Continued pressure causes skin sores called decubiti. Cushioning vulnerable areas and regular turning prevents this.
Kaye () - 01 06 08 - 08:31
Hello Marilyn and Jim,
Dawn, James, Michael and I have return back from our vacation just now. We thought a lot about both of you and prayed for both of you while we were gone. Look forward to seeing you both soon.
In Him,
Jim Green () - 01 06 08 - 15:52
Jeff and Sue shared your story with us last weekend. We are praying for all of you. I know our Beautiful Savior is there with you right now. I pray you feel His presence and comfort.
Love form new friends, Carol and Loren
Carol Geistfeld () - 01 06 08 - 17:33
Marilyn and Jim,
Sometimes it’s hard to come up with words to express the heartfelt grief we feel for both of you!! After reading Elaine’s comment, I have to say AMEN, I couldn’t of said it better!! I pray somehow God would show you today, that He is listening to your prayers!!
1 O God, listen to my cry!
Hear my prayer!
2 From the ends of the earth,
I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
3 for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Psalm 61
In His Hands,
Wesley and April
April () - 02 06 08 - 00:10
Marilyn and Jim,
I found another awesome verse that made me think of a great song!! Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Be Bold, Be Strong, for the Lord your God is with you!!
Be Bold, Be Strong, for the Lord your God is with you!!
I am not afraid, I am not ashamed, for I’m walking in faith and victory, come on and walk in faith and victory for the Lord your God is with you!! (do you have the tune?)
Love You,
April
April () - 02 06 08 - 00:48
