12/09/06 Geeks.... Lost, but not forgotten

[MrsMork]

This week has been probably one of the more challenging work wise. I have hit the proverbially wall more times than I can even count and yet each time I am reminded the world is bigger.

This week brought my girlfriends mom having a serious accident where she was a fraction away from paralysis or worse. When I spoke to my friend this week I felt my heart squeeze with fear - reciting the mantra in my head - please no more loss, please please.

The week was filled with a death of a newborn, and old wounds of the past issue re my brothers passing last Fall) and I thought - you know what - work is hellacious - no question about it but I just need to ride the wave and hope the tide turns but also be mindful that the universe is bigger.

My problems while important to me are so small compared to those faced by others.

God listens to problems both large and small. We will add you to our prayers that you will ride the top of the wave.

 

[becka]

Can I vent for a moment about DS? Things have been going really well but this week has been really rough for some reason. Tomorrow the MU Vet School is having an open house and I was really looking forward to going with the kids and Nathan was really excited about it. They are going to have the Clydsedales, the Raptor Club (rescues and rehabilitates injured birds), bunnies, rescue dogs, a teddy bear suture and surgery lab, etc.. Just lots of great fun things. Well I got a call from his principal that he has been in the office twice today for various reasons. I told him he had to have a good day or we would not go. I am just upset because I really wanted all of us to go and he ruined it! I may still take Allie (it will probably seem like more of a punishment to him that way) but it won't be the same. DS just adores animals and he would have just loved all of this stuff. I am sad and mad at the same time.

 

[lbgraves]

I came here tonight to check for an update from you, John. What an inspiring post! Your brother sounds like a truely amazing person who has been blessed in his life with a lot of love, even though it may not have been from immediate family. Not many people are able to touch so many lives. (((HUGS)))

Carla (((HUGS))) to you too. It sounds like you have experienced a terribly mentally exhausting week. Do not diminish your experiences because of what others are facing. They are still important to you.

Becka (((HUGS))) hang in there girl! There will be better days. Lately I find a lot of comfort in Trace Atkin's latest song You're Gonna Miss This. http://www.cmt.com/videos/trace-adkins/217378/youre-gonna-miss-this.jhtml I try to find the small joys in each day...and sometimes it's hard but it helps me deal with the other times...like K writing on her bedroom door in black crayon (kept telling myself that magic eraser would get it off in the morning too. ).

 

[Jhalkias]

This week has been probably one of the more challenging work wise. I have hit the proverbially wall more times than I can even count and yet each time I am reminded the world is bigger.

This week brought my girlfriends mom having a serious accident where she was a fraction away from paralysis or worse. When I spoke to my friend this week I felt my heart squeeze with fear - reciting the mantra in my head - please no more loss, please please.

The week was filled with a death of a newborn, and old wounds of the past issue re my brothers passing last Fall) and I thought - you know what - work is hellacious - no question about it but I just need to ride the wave and hope the tide turns but also be mindful that the universe is bigger.

My problems while important to me are so small compared to those faced by others.

Carla . . . I guess if life were not a struggle, it would not be a challenge. Keep your chin up.

Not much change on Manuel, but he keeps us on our toes going up and down. He'll start bleeding and have a drop in BP, then the bleeding slows down or stops and he starts to level out again. We were here at the hospital late last night, and I am here again this morning waiting for the doctor. He is as baffled as we are as to where the blood keeps coming from and why it stops and starts. If he cannot get it to completely stop, he feels he may have to go back to the OR to try and find the source.

 

[kimerinc]

John,

Take care of yourself. Loves to you and your family.


Bella,

Sounds like you need a vacation. I know just the cruiseship for you! Sorry about your troubles

Becka,

You are a good mom.


Kim

 

[brack]

Wow!

John I stopped reading the posts and said a prayer for your brother. I hope that he continues to improve.

 

[Jhalkias]

A good day today, even though most of it was again at the hospital.

Manuel continued to improve all day, came off of medications, stopped bleeding, and . . .

OPENED HIS EYES!​

Even though there was no consciousness there, it was an amazing improvement. Our favorite nurse, Neil was there tonight, and told us that he has NEVER seen anyone go through this many blood products and survive.

My brother went through 76 units of blood products! That includes blood, plasma, and platelets. Unbelievable. We are hoping and praying he holds this improvement for more than a day, and continues to make additional improvement.

Thanks to everyone for all of your well wishes and prayers!

 

[pjpoohbear]

John, this is good news. My thoughts remain with you and your family as always.

Pj

 

[lbgraves]

John that is an incredible number of units of blood! Continued prayers for your brother. ((((HUGS))))

 

[lbgraves]

Today I spent the day at a crop. I decided to start working on the scrapbook for this cruise and began sorting through the hundreds of pictures...over 1500 actually. Putting them together today and seeing all of your faces ... telling everyone who came by and commented on them about this group ... I really cannot believe that it has been 1 1/2 years since we were all together on the Magic. I really miss you guys and am sad that we will not be cruising with some of our friends for the third and fourth time next month.

 

[brack]

A good day today, even though most of it was again at the hospital.

Manuel continued to improve all day, came off of medications, stopped bleeding, and . . .

OPENED HIS EYES!​

Thanks to everyone for all of your well wishes and prayers!

Thanks for the update John. We are still praying for Manuel and you all.

 

[Jhalkias]

Good morning everyone.

When I saw my brother before work this morning, not only were his eyes open, but I swear he acknowledged me by nodding his head! This is a big step, and I am hoping when I go at lunch that I can confirm he is coming around.

Thanks again for all your prayers!

 

[lbgraves]

What a fantastic post to see this morning, John!!! Miracles happen every day.

 

[MrsMork]

John, good news! Did they have him in a drug induced coma?

 

[Jhalkias]

John, good news! Did they have him in a drug induced coma?

They had him sedated - is that an induced coma? I'm not good on the medical terminology. They took sedation off about 48 hours ago, but since the anesthesia stores in fat cells, they said it would be awhile before he comes out.

The Doctor just called and they are going to start feeding him into his stomach today instead of by IV. They are also going to put a temporary tracheotomy in for his ventilator because he still needs it and it will be more comfortable for him.

 

[MrsMork]

They had him sedated - is that an induced coma? I'm not good on the medical terminology. They took sedation off about 48 hours ago, but since the anesthesia stores in fat cells, they said it would be awhile before he comes out.

The Doctor just called and they are going to start feeding him into his stomach today instead of by IV. They are also going to put a temporary tracheotomy in for his ventilator because he still needs it and it will be more comfortable for him.

Yes, John the sedation is the "drug induced coma", keeping him quiet so his body can heal. So glad he is starting to wake and the feeding tube and trach sounds like he is moving along. Will continue to keep him, and your family in our prayes.

 

[Bella2000]

What news John! We're saying prayers.

 

[klineyqueen]

Hi everyone....I almost forgot how to post!!! Bad friend...very bad friend!

 

[klineyqueen]

Wow John, I hope things are going well today for your brother. I was excited to get an e-mail from you guys today. Sad at the content. I decided I must check in on you guys! I really really miss you!

 

[lbgraves]

Hey there Brandi!!! Great to see you Madame President! How is school going? the kids?