Vicki has been doing good. She is awake most of the time but mostly in a child-like state of mind due to the pain medication. She doesn't understand why she can't leave the hospital and go home. We laugh with her a lot though and enjoy communicating with her. They are continuing to wean her off of the vent. The longests she's been able to maintain is about 5 hours which is really good! As of last night, she is on the surgery schedule for tomorrow morning (Monday) to fix her right hip, right arm and possibly put pins in her right ankle. The doctors are keeping an eye on her temperature which seems to fluctuate. We are nervous about the surgery because of what happened last time, but we know it must take place. We continue to have faith that all will go well.
I will be going to the hospital later today. If I find out anything different I will update again before tomorrow. Thanks again to everyone for your thoughts, prayers and support. We are so thankful to have such wonderful friends.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
"I want a hug!"
I went to see Vicki last night for about an hour and a half. She was so alert, yet a little confused. She seems to think she has a baby and is very concerned about it. She wants to know if we're taking care of it and if it's sleeping. She's taken care of children all of her life so I guess it's a natural thing for her to always be worried about one. :)
Lucas and Holly were with her when I got there and Randy (Vicki's brother) came shortly thereafter. When I entered the room she knew who I was. After visiting for a bit she looked at me and said, "Come here." I came close and she said, "I want a hug." I put my cheek to hers and she kissed my face. When I stood back up she said, "I want more." I said, "Do you want more to drink?" She said, "No, I want another hug." I could have hugged her all night!
I just spoke with Holly - she and Randy had the night-shift. Vicki had a good night, but only slept a few hours. Her labs continue to look good. They may perform surgery next week sometime to repair more of her injuries. We'll keep you posted on that. Aaron returned early this morning and remains by Vicki's side.
Lucas and Holly were with her when I got there and Randy (Vicki's brother) came shortly thereafter. When I entered the room she knew who I was. After visiting for a bit she looked at me and said, "Come here." I came close and she said, "I want a hug." I put my cheek to hers and she kissed my face. When I stood back up she said, "I want more." I said, "Do you want more to drink?" She said, "No, I want another hug." I could have hugged her all night!
I just spoke with Holly - she and Randy had the night-shift. Vicki had a good night, but only slept a few hours. Her labs continue to look good. They may perform surgery next week sometime to repair more of her injuries. We'll keep you posted on that. Aaron returned early this morning and remains by Vicki's side.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
A Good Day
The picture posted by Holly was taken about 7 months ago - L to R is Mom, Seth, Vicki and Chelsea.
Today has been a good day for our sweet Vicki. Her tube feedings were started again. She received radiation treatment to the hip region where surgery was performed yesterday. This will keep the muscles from calcifying where the nerves in that area were cut. She is still confused from the medication, but is very aware at times. Aaron has been with her all day and has had several good laughs with her. Lucas turned on the TV in her room and let her watch "Deal or No Deal" - one of her favorite shows! Teri was able to get another pair of glasses for Vicki since her others were destroyed in the accident. I'm sure she enjoys seeing more clearly. Holly is with Vicki right now and I just spoke with her. She said Vicki is sitting up in bed and is very alert. She told Vicki I was on my way over to see her and Vicki said, "Come on!" She is still on the vent which keeps her from vocalizing her words, but we are becoming good lip-readers! :)
Aside from pain due to her injuries, I would say her biggest aggravation is that she wants a drink so badly. We are able to give her small sips of water on a sponge, but she always wants more. Lucas opened a soft drink in her room today and she said, "I heard that!"
I haven't seen Vicki all day and am on my way to the hospital right now. I can't wait! I will try to update earlier in the day tomorrow - I know each of you are anxious to hear of the progress she makes each day.
In the words of our beloved Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, who recently passed away, "It is imperative that you not neglect your families. Nothing you have is more precious...When all is said and done, it is this famly relationship which we will take with us into the life beyond."
Continue to count your blessings. We are continuing to count ours and you are among them.
Today has been a good day for our sweet Vicki. Her tube feedings were started again. She received radiation treatment to the hip region where surgery was performed yesterday. This will keep the muscles from calcifying where the nerves in that area were cut. She is still confused from the medication, but is very aware at times. Aaron has been with her all day and has had several good laughs with her. Lucas turned on the TV in her room and let her watch "Deal or No Deal" - one of her favorite shows! Teri was able to get another pair of glasses for Vicki since her others were destroyed in the accident. I'm sure she enjoys seeing more clearly. Holly is with Vicki right now and I just spoke with her. She said Vicki is sitting up in bed and is very alert. She told Vicki I was on my way over to see her and Vicki said, "Come on!" She is still on the vent which keeps her from vocalizing her words, but we are becoming good lip-readers! :)
Aside from pain due to her injuries, I would say her biggest aggravation is that she wants a drink so badly. We are able to give her small sips of water on a sponge, but she always wants more. Lucas opened a soft drink in her room today and she said, "I heard that!"
I haven't seen Vicki all day and am on my way to the hospital right now. I can't wait! I will try to update earlier in the day tomorrow - I know each of you are anxious to hear of the progress she makes each day.
In the words of our beloved Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, who recently passed away, "It is imperative that you not neglect your families. Nothing you have is more precious...When all is said and done, it is this famly relationship which we will take with us into the life beyond."
Continue to count your blessings. We are continuing to count ours and you are among them.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
An Emotionally Draining Day
I have heard from several of you who have been anxiously awaiting an update from Vicki's surgery. The happenings of the day have been very emotionally draining and I was purposely waiting until things stabilized before updating the blog.
The doctors were able to repair Vicki's left hip, but due to swelling during surgery (nothing unusual) they were not able to repair the right hip or right arm. They also discovered that her right ankle was fractured. After returning her to her room in ICU she took a turn for the worse - she went into cardiac arrest. The physicians and nurses responded quickly and appropriately to this crisis. Vicki is now stable (given the circumstances), but in very critical condition. Her visitors have been limited now to immediate family only. We continue to remain by her side constantly. We know that Vicki and the family have been blessed and strengthened by the many prayers that have been spoken on her behalf. Though this day has been more than difficult, we have felt the encircling love of our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Aaron is truly humbled by the outpooring of support, meals and love that has been provided by so many. We could never thank you enough for all you've done. Even though this day has been so very difficult, as I sit here by Vicki's bedside watching her rest, I am overwhelmed at the thought of the many blessings I have in my life (Vicki is certainly one of them). I encourage each of you to do the same - count your blessings and express gratitude to our Father in Heaven for all he has done.
The doctors were able to repair Vicki's left hip, but due to swelling during surgery (nothing unusual) they were not able to repair the right hip or right arm. They also discovered that her right ankle was fractured. After returning her to her room in ICU she took a turn for the worse - she went into cardiac arrest. The physicians and nurses responded quickly and appropriately to this crisis. Vicki is now stable (given the circumstances), but in very critical condition. Her visitors have been limited now to immediate family only. We continue to remain by her side constantly. We know that Vicki and the family have been blessed and strengthened by the many prayers that have been spoken on her behalf. Though this day has been more than difficult, we have felt the encircling love of our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Aaron is truly humbled by the outpooring of support, meals and love that has been provided by so many. We could never thank you enough for all you've done. Even though this day has been so very difficult, as I sit here by Vicki's bedside watching her rest, I am overwhelmed at the thought of the many blessings I have in my life (Vicki is certainly one of them). I encourage each of you to do the same - count your blessings and express gratitude to our Father in Heaven for all he has done.
Today is the Day!
I just received a call from Holly...they just took Vicki to surgery. I'll keep you posted throughout the day. As stated before, it will be a 6-10 hour surgery, so it will be a long day for Vick. Please continue to pray for her.
If anyone happens to come by the hospital - family will be in the Surgery Waiting Room on the first floor just outside the main elevators.
If anyone happens to come by the hospital - family will be in the Surgery Waiting Room on the first floor just outside the main elevators.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Steps of Improvement
Vicki continues to make small steps towards improvement each day. Last night they started weaning her off of the ventilator. She was able to handle it on her own for about an hour, but then needed to be put back on. They did the same thing this morning and she did good for about an hour that time as well. She seems to be more alert during the day. Each time she awakens she is confused about where she is and how she got there. She is very child-like (as Holly puts it). The medication is causing the confusion; however, we’ve been told that there should be no long-term affects regarding her memory. Her labs looked good as of this morning so we are continuing to pray that her surgery will take place tomorrow.
The family continues to gain strength from your prayers. There is still such a long road ahead – thank you so very much for your love and support.
The family continues to gain strength from your prayers. There is still such a long road ahead – thank you so very much for your love and support.
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