Monday, August 31, 2009.
For the past two days John has been sitting up in a chair for 4-6 hours and has tolerated it well.
Today he says "Yesterday I asked for a sleeping pill. I slept well but still feel drowsey. I spent a lot of time thinking about Psalms 45. One of my nurses has worked here for 22 years. I am in good hands and in God's hands.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
From John himself
Sunday, August 30, 2009
I am glad that so many friends have been sharing this blog. I can't say much but I am learning to trust in Jesus. I can't do anything for myself, I have a great group of people to do everything and underneath are the everlasting arms.
John
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Progressing
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Today John was in good spirits and was sitting up in bed. He is hoping to be sitting in a chair soon. This has not been possible yet because his blood pressure goes down when he sits up. Pray that his blood pressure will increase. He has enjoyed his visitors over the past few days and John makes sure that they all sign his guest book.
Today John was in good spirits and was sitting up in bed. He is hoping to be sitting in a chair soon. This has not been possible yet because his blood pressure goes down when he sits up. Pray that his blood pressure will increase. He has enjoyed his visitors over the past few days and John makes sure that they all sign his guest book.
Friday, August 28, 2009
F.R.O.G.
Friday, August 28, 2009.
Today John startled his visitors when he called himself a frog. We were relieved to realize that he meant he was Fully Relying On God. He enjoyed his visitors and the cards that he has received so far. He appreciates your prayers and support. Johns temperature went down and for the first time since ICU he required a blanket to keep warm.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Anniversary
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Laverne and John celebrated their 32nd anniversary with a beautiful bouquet from Kelly Creek Community Church. They both agreed that although this accident was not what they would have chosen, it has brought them closer together. John had more visitors today and has enjoyed this change.
Laverne and John celebrated their 32nd anniversary with a beautiful bouquet from Kelly Creek Community Church. They both agreed that although this accident was not what they would have chosen, it has brought them closer together. John had more visitors today and has enjoyed this change.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Visitors
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
In the middle of the night John moved to the step down clinic as his bed was needed. He is enjoying his new room which is brighter and he is able to use a call bell with his tongue. Today he saw Mark and Sue, friends from Powell River and afterward commented that he would like visitors for short periods of time. He continues to need medication to keep his blood pressure elevated, but his fever has subsided.
In the middle of the night John moved to the step down clinic as his bed was needed. He is enjoying his new room which is brighter and he is able to use a call bell with his tongue. Today he saw Mark and Sue, friends from Powell River and afterward commented that he would like visitors for short periods of time. He continues to need medication to keep his blood pressure elevated, but his fever has subsided.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Out of ICU tomorrow
Today the doctor wrote orders for John to be transferred to the 'step down care area' on the spinal cord unit - a transitional place between ICU and the main ward. Most people with this kind of injury spend 2 - 3 weeks in ICU, but it was just 1 week ago today that John sustained his injury. Thank-you for praying.
Laverne arrived back from her quick trip to Powell River early this afternoon and soon after her return Laverne and Eleanor spent time with the Clinical Nurse Specialist from the spinal cord unit who outlined the days ahead. As soon as John no longer needs medications to keep his blood pressure up they will get him up in a wheelchair. When his pneumonia is cleared they will begin to make some changes in his airway so that he can learn to talk again. Once he is talking then he will learn to eat. These are the major goals for the first 4 - 6 weeks. Please keep praying
When Laverne went back to the hospital this evening along with Robin, John's brother who arrived in Vancouver this afternoon, they were told that the transition to the step down unit will take place at 7:00 am tomorrow morning.
Laverne arrived back from her quick trip to Powell River early this afternoon and soon after her return Laverne and Eleanor spent time with the Clinical Nurse Specialist from the spinal cord unit who outlined the days ahead. As soon as John no longer needs medications to keep his blood pressure up they will get him up in a wheelchair. When his pneumonia is cleared they will begin to make some changes in his airway so that he can learn to talk again. Once he is talking then he will learn to eat. These are the major goals for the first 4 - 6 weeks. Please keep praying
When Laverne went back to the hospital this evening along with Robin, John's brother who arrived in Vancouver this afternoon, they were told that the transition to the step down unit will take place at 7:00 am tomorrow morning.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Questions
Sunday, August 23, 2009
It was nice to see that today John was able to ask the doctor questions on his own by mouthing the words. Although the answers were not particularly encouraging about regaining function, it was good for him to be able to communicate directly with the doctor. Laverne was there for most of the day, but flew to Powell River this afternoon to sort out some details at home - she'll be back in a few days. John's fever is still quite high, and he is still needing medications to keep his blood pressure up. Although he is gradually improving, he is still too tired to have visitors - but during the long weeks and months ahead this will change. It is evident that his strength to face each day is derived from the bedrock truth that has been so much a part of his life - that his heavenly Father cares deeply about him and will continue to give strength for whatever lies ahead.
It was nice to see that today John was able to ask the doctor questions on his own by mouthing the words. Although the answers were not particularly encouraging about regaining function, it was good for him to be able to communicate directly with the doctor. Laverne was there for most of the day, but flew to Powell River this afternoon to sort out some details at home - she'll be back in a few days. John's fever is still quite high, and he is still needing medications to keep his blood pressure up. Although he is gradually improving, he is still too tired to have visitors - but during the long weeks and months ahead this will change. It is evident that his strength to face each day is derived from the bedrock truth that has been so much a part of his life - that his heavenly Father cares deeply about him and will continue to give strength for whatever lies ahead.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Longer short term memory
Saturday, August 22, 2009
This song John requested that we sing by his bedside. We had to print out the words but he mouthed them without any trouble and knows them by heart.
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.
John is becoming more aware of what is going on in ICU, looking around and asking questions. He asked that Laverne read him Psalm 45. His memory is improving - he was able to tell his nephew that he had an accident on his bike.
The ICU doctor said John is doing well and does not think the pneumonia is too serious, and he is not needing as much medication to maintain his blood pressure.
This song John requested that we sing by his bedside. We had to print out the words but he mouthed them without any trouble and knows them by heart.
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.
John is becoming more aware of what is going on in ICU, looking around and asking questions. He asked that Laverne read him Psalm 45. His memory is improving - he was able to tell his nephew that he had an accident on his bike.
The ICU doctor said John is doing well and does not think the pneumonia is too serious, and he is not needing as much medication to maintain his blood pressure.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Pneumonia
Friday, August 21, 2009
John, with his tracheotomy, was better able to mouth words to Laverne and Eleanor because the large tube in his mouth is gone. Unfortunately John has pneumonia (he aspirated before he ever arrived at VGH and the pneumonia is an expected complication) the doctors and respiratory therapists are working to remove the secretions from his lungs. Thankfully John is still very strong at this point and we hope that this will pass quickly. Please pray that his treatment will be effective. Also, pray that John's surgical wounds (back of the neck and also the bone graft donation site in John's hip) will not become infected and that his blood pressure will stabilize. He was awake more of the time today and it is a great relief to see John's personality intact, though his short term memory is still somewhat lacking. It is hard for him to get his mind around the fact that he is not able to breathe on his own and that he cannot feel his limbs.
In the morning when Laverne and Eleanor were sitting in the ICU waiting room while the doctors and nurses were doing their rounds, a man whose family had spent much of the past two days there, spoke to Laverne and Eleanor for the first time and asked if things were going well for them. Upon hearing the answer he told them that the life support had just been removed from his wife of 52 years. His children had gone in to the ICU to be with their mom, but he did not want to see her die. As the tears welled in his eyes Laverne gave him a hug and she and Eleanor were able to pray for him and his family.
John, with his tracheotomy, was better able to mouth words to Laverne and Eleanor because the large tube in his mouth is gone. Unfortunately John has pneumonia (he aspirated before he ever arrived at VGH and the pneumonia is an expected complication) the doctors and respiratory therapists are working to remove the secretions from his lungs. Thankfully John is still very strong at this point and we hope that this will pass quickly. Please pray that his treatment will be effective. Also, pray that John's surgical wounds (back of the neck and also the bone graft donation site in John's hip) will not become infected and that his blood pressure will stabilize. He was awake more of the time today and it is a great relief to see John's personality intact, though his short term memory is still somewhat lacking. It is hard for him to get his mind around the fact that he is not able to breathe on his own and that he cannot feel his limbs.
In the morning when Laverne and Eleanor were sitting in the ICU waiting room while the doctors and nurses were doing their rounds, a man whose family had spent much of the past two days there, spoke to Laverne and Eleanor for the first time and asked if things were going well for them. Upon hearing the answer he told them that the life support had just been removed from his wife of 52 years. His children had gone in to the ICU to be with their mom, but he did not want to see her die. As the tears welled in his eyes Laverne gave him a hug and she and Eleanor were able to pray for him and his family.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
2 surgeries
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Laverne returned to John before his surgery which began at 8:00 am. The surgery went well yet a bone graft needed to be done in order to help support the neck fracture. John came in and out of consciousness and was more able to communicate. With the tube for the respirator interfering Laverne and Eleanor have become very good at the game '20 questions' as he attempted to mouth words, and could shake or nod his head. He seemed to understand what had happened and comprehend the situation. Today he has no short term memory and mostly wanted to know why he could not breath. We are blessed that he could recognize Laverne, and he understood that she must be concerned. He wanted to comfort her and gave her some big smiles. Later in the afternoon the doctors decided that it was best for John to have a tracheotomy. We knew that this would eventually happen, but it was not expected for a few days. The surprise was that the operation would happen that very day. John came out of his second surgery around 10:00pm. The surgery was successful and he is now resting.
ICU
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
John arrived at ICU around 2:00 am and had an MRI later on in the morning. That revealed that he had an odontoid (C2) fracture. This is a very serious high cervical spine injury on the neck. He is unable to move his arms and legs. The decision was made to operate to stabilize the injury the following day. John opened his eyes and nodded and shook his head in response to Laverne's questions, but could not talk because he is on a respirator. Laverne went home to her sister Marsha at their home and met their sister Dr Eleanor, who flew in that night to help support.
To Begin
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 ~7:30pm
While biking on a logging road, John went over the handlebars of his bike and suffered a spinal injury. Laverne was close by and began CPR as John was unable to breathe on his own. Within minutes, God provided a man on an ATV to get help. The firemen showed up in good time, however 30 minutes passed before an ambulance arrived on the scene. They immediately initiated "auto-launch" whereupon an air ambulance was scrambled, even while they were loading John into the land ambulance, half an hour away from the hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, John was unconscious and put on a ventilator. The nurses who tended to him, Connie and Ellen are friends of the Dalziels. One worked with John, and the other went to school with Laverne. John went into cardiac arrest, thankfully this happened at the hospital. He was medivaced to Vancouver General Hospital by helicopter, arriving around 10:00 pm the same night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)