From Teresa... We went for blood work on Mon. hoping to hear the numbers were between 2 and 3. They were only 1.2 so the cumidin was increased and shots continued. Another blood draw this morning with new hope, but the level was only up to 1.4, so another increase in the pill dose and more shots until the next blood draw on Mon. morning. Poor Tami keeps thinking we are finished with the shots and it just isn't so. The good news is eventually we will get the proper dosage and really be done with the needles.
All three therapists gave her homework over the holiday weekend. She is finally able to put a little weight on her left leg again although the fall has shaken her confidence in her ability to walk . The OT has her rolling on her left side to remind her body that it's still part of her. That helps put weight and pressure on the shoulder muscles and joint.(which is a good thing.) He feels that she will be able to get use of her left arm and hand again. I was very glad to hear that! Speech is working on her voice control and volume, along with math and cognitive skills.
Monday night she was so sore from the workouts that we took up the Massage Envy people on their offer of a free massage for both her and I. We were in the same room together so I could help her dress and get on and off the table. It was fabulous! We both LOVED it. They were great with us, so patient and gave us each the type of massage we requested. We are looking foreword to the next visit.
Thanksgiving will be spent with Albert's family up at his grandma Toni's house in Enterprise.We have a lot to be thankful for this year! Wishing each and every one of you a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving. More later...Teresa.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thurs. Nov.20th
From Teresa... Well we're home and trying to figure out some kind of routine. There are PT , OT, and speech therapy to go to three times a week at the Dixie Regional Medical Center. Sweet relatives have come to the house to be with the girls while I run Tami to all of her appointments. We have a new neurologist that had his own stroke at the age of 21. He went on to become the doctor he is today. He encouraged Tami to decide what her goals are and work until she gets them. He scheduled a sleep deprived EEG for Dec. 3rd. She needs to only get 4 hours of sleep the night before. ( I'm still trying to figure out how to work it so I'm not sleep deprived along with her.) After evaluating the results of that test he will determine whether or not she needs to continue taking the Keppra medication. (It is routinely given to anyone that has had brain surgeries to prevent seizures.) It's also the $500.00 a month drug, without a good generic substitute. Her next apt. with him is scheduled for the end of Jan.
The hematologist (blood doctor) informed us that Tami was low on her "protein S" that is one of the things that your body uses to help the balance of clotting and thinning of the blood. That was probably the cause of the clot that caused the stroke in the first place. The way to deal with the problem is with blood thinners for the rest of your life. Today the Doctor informed us that we can ween off the Heprin shots and on to the Cumidin pills once a day at bedtime. Yeah! We still have to do the shots through Mon. morning along with the pills, at which time if Mondays test show the levels where they need to be , we can stop the injections. I CAN'T WAIT! The pills are much cheaper and there is a generic that can be used. She still has to get regular blood draws to monitor the levels but after shots in the gut that burn, that seems minor! The protein S thing is genetic so the Doctor recommended that at some point we get me and Tami's girls checked for it. It can be done in a blood test. I asked if there was any urgency to check the girls and he said "no". Just in the future.
I got a library card so that I can access the internet once in a while. It's hard to get away for very long so Grandma Ann may be doing most of the updates. The "silver lining" to being here helping to take care of "my beautiful girls" is that this is a fantastic place to spend the winter. I'm savoring the sunshine. Anyway...More later Teresa.
The hematologist (blood doctor) informed us that Tami was low on her "protein S" that is one of the things that your body uses to help the balance of clotting and thinning of the blood. That was probably the cause of the clot that caused the stroke in the first place. The way to deal with the problem is with blood thinners for the rest of your life. Today the Doctor informed us that we can ween off the Heprin shots and on to the Cumidin pills once a day at bedtime. Yeah! We still have to do the shots through Mon. morning along with the pills, at which time if Mondays test show the levels where they need to be , we can stop the injections. I CAN'T WAIT! The pills are much cheaper and there is a generic that can be used. She still has to get regular blood draws to monitor the levels but after shots in the gut that burn, that seems minor! The protein S thing is genetic so the Doctor recommended that at some point we get me and Tami's girls checked for it. It can be done in a blood test. I asked if there was any urgency to check the girls and he said "no". Just in the future.
I got a library card so that I can access the internet once in a while. It's hard to get away for very long so Grandma Ann may be doing most of the updates. The "silver lining" to being here helping to take care of "my beautiful girls" is that this is a fantastic place to spend the winter. I'm savoring the sunshine. Anyway...More later Teresa.
OVERDUE - REPORT ON TAMI. . . .
Sorry we haven't posted for so long. It has been a whirlwind since Tami got home. Assisting Tami, scheduling multiple appointments, making arrangements for child care during appointments, routine household duties such as laundry, meal prep, potty training. . .are things Teresa does every day. Albert's family has continued to help with the children and they are so loved for that. I'm nominating Teresa and Aunt Monica for 'Angel of the Year awards.
Albert and the girls are so happy to have her home and she is very happy to be there. She got to go to Uncle Dave's birthday party last week.
Tami fell about a week after returning home. It was a one-step fall, but it bruised her fragile little body. Earlier that same day two of the therapists at the hospital asked her if she had fallen and they were stunned that she had not. I guess it's inevitable. She has been examined and x-rayed and thankfully nothing was broken, but it has been very painful and she can't put weight on her left leg, so the walking therapy has taken a set-back.
She has met her Neurologist, Hemotologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist. She still has to meet with her (new) family physician. There is SO much to do.
Tami was hoping to get off shots, but must continue for now. I'll have Teresa go more into that. The Hemotologist has given them new information about the blood disorder (clotting factor) that probably caused the stroke (something to do with Protein S, which I have never heard of). I will have 'Dr. Teresa' write about that soon. She 'gets' the medical jargon.
Please don't give up on the blog. . .we will continue to post, but probably not as often. We often think of you all and mention we need to 'blog' . . . but 'Life' has us all very busy.
I know she would appreciate cards, or text messages. We are so grateful for your continued prayers and support. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Albert and the girls are so happy to have her home and she is very happy to be there. She got to go to Uncle Dave's birthday party last week.
Tami fell about a week after returning home. It was a one-step fall, but it bruised her fragile little body. Earlier that same day two of the therapists at the hospital asked her if she had fallen and they were stunned that she had not. I guess it's inevitable. She has been examined and x-rayed and thankfully nothing was broken, but it has been very painful and she can't put weight on her left leg, so the walking therapy has taken a set-back.
She has met her Neurologist, Hemotologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist. She still has to meet with her (new) family physician. There is SO much to do.
Tami was hoping to get off shots, but must continue for now. I'll have Teresa go more into that. The Hemotologist has given them new information about the blood disorder (clotting factor) that probably caused the stroke (something to do with Protein S, which I have never heard of). I will have 'Dr. Teresa' write about that soon. She 'gets' the medical jargon.
Please don't give up on the blog. . .we will continue to post, but probably not as often. We often think of you all and mention we need to 'blog' . . . but 'Life' has us all very busy.
I know she would appreciate cards, or text messages. We are so grateful for your continued prayers and support. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
TAMI’S HOMECOMING – Saturday, November 8th
A birthday party was planned so the little girls and Albert could help her celebrate the birthday she missed while she was in a coma in Salt Lake. Here’s what Tami said:
“I am so excited and grateful to be HOME. Albert made his special hamburgers and a wonderful birthday cake. Lilli put my tiara on me (the one ‘Aunt Riley’ bought for my helmet) and they sang Happy Birthday. Lilli was so excited and sweet. . she is Mommy’s little helper…so caring and gentle. It is awesome to hear all of Ella’s new words. Ella watched me walk down the hall last night (I throw my left leg out a bit ) and she was trying to walk like me. Lilli got all excited and ran down the hall saying, Mommy went potty on the big girl potty. I have tried to explain to Lilli that there are ‘sad cries’ and’ happy cries.’ She just came up to me and asked me to ‘CRY HAPPY.’ THEY ARE SO FUN! Albert told Lilli he would clean up after Ella if she would clean up after me. We are very glad to have our family together. Thanks again to Aunt Monica and Albert’s family for taking such good care of our babies. We’ll still need help, I’m sure. And Thanks to Teresa, she has been a trooper. She has always said she could never be a nurse because she doesn’t like needles and she could NEVER give a shot. She is NOW giving me blood thinner shots twice a day. We both hope I don’t have to take them forever. Thanks Mom!”
Note from Grandma Ann: What a thrill to see Tami at home with her family. Tami reported on the fun stuff. . .I’ll tell you a little about the transition. Albert is installing a new toilet today that will be easier for Tami to use and they are evaluating where hand rails will be most helpful. We have picked up the first of the medications and one prescription (1 mo) cost almost $500. After insurance, it only cost $170. . .what a bargain (actually I should say ‘what a blessing!’)
This next week is a lot of NEW . . .new doctors, new out-patient physical therapy sessions. . .many adjustments. Tami rarely lets anyone see her discouraged (but we know that has to be an occasional reality). She is determined and goal oriented. Thanks again for all of your prayers, love and support. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
“I am so excited and grateful to be HOME. Albert made his special hamburgers and a wonderful birthday cake. Lilli put my tiara on me (the one ‘Aunt Riley’ bought for my helmet) and they sang Happy Birthday. Lilli was so excited and sweet. . she is Mommy’s little helper…so caring and gentle. It is awesome to hear all of Ella’s new words. Ella watched me walk down the hall last night (I throw my left leg out a bit ) and she was trying to walk like me. Lilli got all excited and ran down the hall saying, Mommy went potty on the big girl potty. I have tried to explain to Lilli that there are ‘sad cries’ and’ happy cries.’ She just came up to me and asked me to ‘CRY HAPPY.’ THEY ARE SO FUN! Albert told Lilli he would clean up after Ella if she would clean up after me. We are very glad to have our family together. Thanks again to Aunt Monica and Albert’s family for taking such good care of our babies. We’ll still need help, I’m sure. And Thanks to Teresa, she has been a trooper. She has always said she could never be a nurse because she doesn’t like needles and she could NEVER give a shot. She is NOW giving me blood thinner shots twice a day. We both hope I don’t have to take them forever. Thanks Mom!”
Note from Grandma Ann: What a thrill to see Tami at home with her family. Tami reported on the fun stuff. . .I’ll tell you a little about the transition. Albert is installing a new toilet today that will be easier for Tami to use and they are evaluating where hand rails will be most helpful. We have picked up the first of the medications and one prescription (1 mo) cost almost $500. After insurance, it only cost $170. . .what a bargain (actually I should say ‘what a blessing!’)
This next week is a lot of NEW . . .new doctors, new out-patient physical therapy sessions. . .many adjustments. Tami rarely lets anyone see her discouraged (but we know that has to be an occasional reality). She is determined and goal oriented. Thanks again for all of your prayers, love and support. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Exit plans being made!
From Teresa... After Tues. evaluations by the staff they informed us that Tami has met the goals they had set for her to achieve before release. So we get to go home after the Sat. therapies. Nov. 8th! YEAH! Marc is flying out from Florida again today, and my mom and sister Dolores are coming out to see Tami tomorrow around noon. My sister Becky and Devron were out on Mon. afternoon to say hi! Tami and I will drive down to St. George in my car Sat. afternoon so we hope to be with Albert and the girls for supper. Tami is counting the hours! More later...Teresa.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tues. Nov.4th
From Teresa... I've been worried about the tightening of Tami's left underarm and shoulder muscles. On Sat . the therapist did some deep tissue work trying to release the tightness in it. She started to get nauseous. Then we had an outing to the Noodles and Company restaurant.
She still wasn't feeling too great. So we cut it short and went back to the room for a nap. They went easy on the two afternoon sessions and back to bed to rest. She ate a few saltines and some sprite and up came lunch. The next day was Sun. and we had already chosen to take the day off. No therapies. But Tami made the mistake of telling the Dr. she still felt a little nauseous. He ordered a full blood work up and a urine test. The good news is the results all came out normal. The next time anyone asks she will tell them she feels "just fine", unless it's something more than an upset tummy.
The last 4 days Adam (physical therapist) has had her walking without her cane the whole "loop" of the rehab floor. He holds her left arm and around her waist with the gait belt. She was petrified the first time, but today she was doing quite well. After that she practiced the six stairs up and down repeatedly.
During occupational therapy she has a little more stretch than last week and Beth was able to get her to squeeze her fingers a little. This is the first time Tami could tell when she was doing the squeezing herself. That was exciting! More Later...Teresa.
She still wasn't feeling too great. So we cut it short and went back to the room for a nap. They went easy on the two afternoon sessions and back to bed to rest. She ate a few saltines and some sprite and up came lunch. The next day was Sun. and we had already chosen to take the day off. No therapies. But Tami made the mistake of telling the Dr. she still felt a little nauseous. He ordered a full blood work up and a urine test. The good news is the results all came out normal. The next time anyone asks she will tell them she feels "just fine", unless it's something more than an upset tummy.
The last 4 days Adam (physical therapist) has had her walking without her cane the whole "loop" of the rehab floor. He holds her left arm and around her waist with the gait belt. She was petrified the first time, but today she was doing quite well. After that she practiced the six stairs up and down repeatedly.
During occupational therapy she has a little more stretch than last week and Beth was able to get her to squeeze her fingers a little. This is the first time Tami could tell when she was doing the squeezing herself. That was exciting! More Later...Teresa.
RECOVERY INCLUDES CHALLENGES
GRANDMA ANN SAYS. . . . . . .Our precious Tami is a MIRACLE. Thank you to IMC and the incredible staff for their efforts and expertise on this challenging road to recovery.
When things work. . . .we are anxious to share her wonderful progress with the world. We are so proud of her determination, attitude and strong will . .but along the way. . .the ‘real’ world of Tami’s physical therapy also includes anxiety, fear, PAIN and discouragement.
The last day I spent in Salt Lake with her (Wed, 10/30) was particularly difficult. The work on her left arm was excruciating. Our “Tami-no-tears” shed tears as BIG as her pretty blue eyes. (Grandma joined her.) When she walks, she gets from point A to point B. . . . .but the absolute concentration and effort it takes is impossible for me to describe. When they want her to stand or take steps without the cane it is FRIGHTENING! She can’t depend on her limbs. My words are inadequate in expressing the difficulty.
That evening I asked her if there was anything she would like me to write for the blog. She didn’t say anything, but I could see the wheels turning. . . I waited and then I said, “This sucks?” (I don’t usually use that phrase, but I thought I was reading her mind.) She nodded in agreement.
She called me later that night and told me a couple of things that I could write on the blog. “Thank heavens for Lilli and Ella. They’re keeping me going. I think I’ve gone through some hard times, but this is the hardest thing I can ever imagine going through. I hope God doesn’t try to top this.”
Tami is excited to be going home. . .I know Albert and the girls are excited to have her home. We will all try desperately to make that transition go smoothly and support her in the long and difficult road ahead. She is looking forward to reconnecting with family and friends in St. George.
Thank you for keeping Tami in your prayers. Thank you for your love and support. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
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