Georgia Fiero Club Forum
General Discussion and Announcements => General Discussion => Topic started by: Fiero GTB on August 08, 2014, 09:57:18 am
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I won't go into medical details, but Charlie's wife, Mel, went into the hospital last Wednesday and is in Critical condition.
Doctors have sedated her heavily (unconscious) and have her on a ventilator.
FieroFool will, of course, not be at this Saturday's meeting, but should have a medical update for us by then.
Please keep Mel, Charlie and the whole family in your prayers!
Best,
FGTB (Tim)
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Will do.
Get well soon, Mel.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"
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Hope you're back home soon and much better Mel.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Charlie.
Roger & Brenda
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In my prayers too. :(
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Prayers sent.
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Thank you all for your prayers. They are badly needed and much appreciated.
Just a quick brief update. She lost some ground last night but regained it today. It's been determined that she has pneumonia. They've attempted to insert some tubes but she's dehydrated and so they're trying to get her hydrated enough that the arteries will open up.
She is heavily sedated but can be awakened briefly. She will respond to a statement or question by nodding or mouthing but her alertness only lasts for a few seconds. They've asked that we not awaken her to allow her full rest.
Should you wish to call, I will answer as I can or return a voice mail as I can. I prefer no texts as it's difficult to respond on my small phone.
Thank you all, again.
The Sewell and Peace Families.
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More prayers have been sent.
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Pat And I Will Continue To Pray.
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This morning brought good news. Melanie had made some great improvements in the passing 24 hours. When I went down to the cafeteria for breakfast, I met her pulmonologist and he told me she had made great advances and was on her way to recovery. They have her diagnosed with pneumonia which caused her to become septic. Tests showed there were no infections in the IV sites that we administer from home. Her fever has dropped from 5 over to just 2 over normal.
Her Co2 levels were down from the elevated level when they placed her on the ventilator. She had a very restful night and I seldom saw her stir as they changed her position several times throughout the night or changed her bed linens. Staff is constantly talking to her when they are present. This keeps her senses alert.
Even better news and progress comes this afternoon as I was preparing to leave for the evening. They have reduced the ventilator respiratory rate from 35/bpm to 15/bpm. They have also changed the ventilator mode to allow her to breathe with assistance of the ventilator rather than the ventilator breathing for her.
She has opened her eyes on several occasions today when I spoke to her, and she turned her eyes or head to seek me out before closing them again.
They will be slowly weaning her from the ventilator in the next few days to be sure she can maintain her own breathing. As they approach the time they will remove the ventilator, they will change the sedative that's inducing the sleep. The new sedative will wear off quickly once it's stopped so that she will wake up quickly.
Such a wonderful 45th Anniversary Gift.
It's difficult to relay changing information to everyone, so I hope I've covered most persons through this post. I know some of you don't know Melanie personally, but I thank each and every one of you for your prayers and for your visits.
The Sewell and Peace Families
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That's great news Charlie. Y'all will continue to be in our prayers.
Steve
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Charlie, this is all very, very encouraging news! Thank you for taking time to keep us all updated...
Yes, it's the best anniversary gift you could ask for!!!
Best,
Tim & Nancy
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Monday Update
Melanie's kidneys haven't been producing enough urine. I finally got them to bring in our kidney doctor and they made some changes. Immediately her kidneys started producing urine. Her tissues have been retaining fluid and the albumen they were giving wasn't flushing the fluids.
Melanie strains to exhale when she's sleeping. She's done it for 25 years or more. They interpreted that as fighting the ventilator. I think I finally got it across to them that it's her normal breathing pattern, so they will soon be exploring the removal of the ventilator to see if she can sustain her own breathing.
They still haven't been able to get the feeding tube in her nose into the correct position in her bowel. There seems to be something that blocks it at the bottom of her stomach. They had the same result when trying to insert a line into her lungs to administer her Remodulin. Remodulin is the stuff we administer at home. They are still having to give it through an IV in her arm. It's more effective in opening the lung's blood vessels when delivered directly to the right side of the heart or into the lungs.
BP is up and urine production is up. That's the good news for today.
Thanking you for your concerns and prayers.
The Sewell and Peace Families
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Sounds like you're having the same roadblocks with doctors I had.
Good thing for Mel you are there for her.
Always keeping you in our prayers and thank you for the updates.
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In Julie and my prayers too all the way from western Sydney Australia
I am sure things will turn out Ok
Sounds like things are getting better, a full recovery might take a long time but she will get better eventually.
The power of the minds collectively are very powerful and I am sure will make a difference
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At the moment things aren't looking very good. The family was called in this morning and our Pastor has been with us this afternoon. They have performed another procedure and are waiting to see if it's beneficial. They are finally giving her nutrition after 6 days. If I don't answer or return your emails or calls, I'm sure you understand. I will as the situation allows.
Please keep praying for her recovery.
The Sewell and Peace Families
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Pat And I Will Continue To Pray.
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Y'all are in our prayers too.
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Everything is functioning well as it should. Kidneys, bowel, right side of the heart and the lungs. The infection location or type still hasn't been identified. Blood pressure had been unstable through last evening with wide fluctuations requiring major adjustments in the medication that's controlling it. Today it has been very stable, though not ideal. I discovered what antibiotic they are using and it just happens that last time she was hospitalized, she was resistant to that drug. I've relayed that information and they may make a change for a drug that will be more effective. That information should have been in her charts from previously, but wasn't or ???? for some reason wasn't considered.
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It's almost like they just don't think, any more. Or just don't pay attention.
You almost have to have a "patient advocate" or at least a full time caregiver with you, to keep them straight.
Having said that... Take care of yourself too, Charlie.
Y'all will continue to be in our prayers.
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I spoke with the infectious disease doctor this morning and they have changed some of the anti-biotics and added some though she's still on the one she's resistant to. She is stable today with only slight changes of blood pressures. Though they increased sedation, she still reacts to nurses as they keep her lips and mouth cleaned and moisturized or when they check glucose levels. She acted as if she was trying to move her head away from them when they swabbed her mouth and lips this morning. Eyes open occasionally.
I also spoke with the kidney doctor and he said she is stable.
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Today Melanie is still stable. Blood pressure is still a little difficult to control. Cultures on the fluids from her lungs shows only a small amount of bacteria. It has reduced since the regimen of antibiotics was changed. Right side heart pressures are still good and kidneys are still functioning very well without assistance.
I am getting occasional momentary responses with nods of the head to acknowledge what I say to her so there are times when she's aware of her surroundings. She does react to what the doctors and nurses are doing with her.
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Stay Strong Charlie, you and your family are in my prayers
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still praying here for you two charlie.
be patient charlie these things take along time
be confident that this will pass and both of you will be oK
but it will take a while
Both of you have many years left
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Even prayer takes time.
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Tuesday, Aug. 19.
This morning they started the process to remove the ventilator tube. They gradually reduced the machine to allow spontaneous breathing. Her oxygen levels and blood pressure began to drop, so they had to put her back on the machine in the assist mode.
The respiratory tech just told us that they will check blood gasses again in about an hour and if good will try bringing her off the ventilator again. They'll continue until it's determined if she cam be without a ventilator.
She is very alert but still groggy and can let us know what's happening, but doesn't have any short term memory at this time.
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be positive charlie
if your positive this will turn out good , it will
your in our prayers
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I havent called recently as i know you are busy attending to Mel. I will call tomorrow for an update . HOPE SHE IS ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY.She is in Pats 7my prayers. aerodon.
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I will reserve the shouting until tomorrow morning, but they removed the ventilator this morning and she's doing fine on her own as of this hour.
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That other shouting you hear is me and Ms. Chevelle!
FGTB
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That is good news
Thanks for the update.
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I will reserve the shouting until tomorrow morning, but they removed the ventilator this morning and she's doing fine on her own as of this hour.
see all the prayers and the positive thinking is working.
I bet in a week or two or three she might be going home with you
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I commented in Melissa's thread on facebook this morning, but I'll tell you again, here.
I'm happy that she's taken a turn for the better. Y'all will continue to be in my prayers.
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Charlie,
The best wishes for Mel's recovery from us here in Germany.
Stay strong my friend!
\D
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That's GREAT news! We'll keep praying.
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Great news Charlie!
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I had been holding off on announcing anything until we were sure that she had made good progress. The ventilator was removed yesterday morning. She has maintained all vitals without any meds, other than the anti-biotics. She doesn't remember anything that's happened in about the last month.
She slept well last night without any issues and is cognizant of what's happening around her. They are only allowing a little ice and small sips of water until they determine that she can swallow well and that nothing's going down the wind pipe.
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Again... Great news!
Still in our prayers. :)
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Hopefully everything works out for the best Charlie.It's great news to hear that she is getting better day by day...Prayers coming your way.
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Sometime today she will be moving out of ICU and into a less intensive care room. Friday morning she tried to get out of bed on her own, fell face first onto an IV stand and put a big cut into her lower lip.
Today she's been out of bed 2 times, with assistance. She sat in the chair for about a half hour. All numbers are looking very good and she's alert but tired.
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I'm glad she's feeling better. (They tell you "don't get up" for a reason. I'm sorry that happened. :( Tammy just said, "Ya' know... it just seems like everybody has to try that." Ill advised, but a good sign, nonetheless.)
Take care. Y'all will continue to be in our prayers.
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I know all about trying to get out of a hospital bed when told not to.
Sorry to hear Mel cut her lip tho. The fact that she is trying is a good sign.
We will keep on praying!
Go Mel!!!
BTW: How are YOU feeling Charlie?
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The news is soumding detter all the time Charly. Mel is still on my Prayer List. I think the woruld of you and Mel . take good care of her, good people are getting harder to find;!!! Yors Truley aerodon.
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She was moved into another room from ICU about 1AM Monday morning. For the first time, she walked about 15 feet with a walker and assisstance, today. She's beginning to eat about half of her meals and all numbers are still good. They're gradually reducing the percentage of oxygen concentration as well as the volume to see if they can get her down to what she was using at home.
We're trying to find a Long Term Acute Care center extremely close to a hospital, and that knows how to manage the IV medication that we handle at home. Nothing close or in a suitable area has been found so far.
Roger, I'm doing ok. After about 5 straight days and nights down here, I finally felt well enough about her progress and condition that I went home last night and restocked on clothes and laundered my dirty clothes. If she continues improvement I'll probably continue to go home every other night.
Thank you, Don. That means so very much to us and the feeling is mutual. Thanks to everyone for your prayers, well wishes, phone calls, cards and visits.
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That's grrrreat news! Continuing improvement is a wonderful thing!
Try some Home Health Care businesses. They only use RN's.
Go Mel!!!
Still praying for you both,
Roger & Brenda
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They won't release her to home health care. She has to go to a facility, preferably inside a hospital so that if any problem arises, she can get immediate attention at any hour. Select Medical was the target. It's inside Crawford W. Long, but they can't manage her IV medication. We're looking toward Athens or Gainesville or possibly at Gwinnett because she needs long term acute care (LTAC).
She walked 40 feet down the hallway, sat down and rested then returned, today.
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I Know Gwinnett Medical In Lawrenceville Has A Long Term Medical
Facility
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More progress to report. Yesterday Melanie walked about 40 feet plus the distance in and out of the room. Today, they took away the huge hose and nasal cannula and gave her a mask. She walked close to 100 feet without stopping to rest. This of course is with the aid of a walker and staff to support her if she should give out or fall.
When she got back into her room they took the mask and gave her a standard nasal cannula and reduced the oxygen to a level less than what we were using prior to coming into the hospital. Her oxygen saturation was equal to or higher than prior to coming in. They are also removing the IV line in her bicep and we're going to go back to the smaller pump we were using with the medication being administered in the back as we were doing.
We are still searching for someone who can manage her care and is within our insurance network. If something can be found, she may be moved out of the hospital on Tuesday or Wednesday.
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That's very good news to hear Charlie.I'm glad she is getting better by the day.
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;D
this is great
see I did say she would be leaving soon
still a long way to go but
everything seems to be alot better
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Sunday Aug. 31
I stayed overnight with Melanie and awoke this morning to a very dark and dismal day. That was the view outside as I opened the blinds.
Inside the room was exactly the opposite. It's a gloriously bright day. His Light is shining down. Other than a few wires, tubes and bruises, Melanie is beginning to look like herself again. She has been walking great distances 3 times a day.
We have been trying to find a facility that can take her for rehab, but there are few medical facilities, including hospitals, that are capable of administering her IV medication, or even can afford to provide it.
Good news is that she has progressed so well that they are now considering letting her come home instead of going to a Long Term Acute Care rehab facility. This could happen within the next two or three days. We will, instead, be returning to St. Joseph's for our twice weekly pulmonary/physical therapy, as we had done for so many years. This is so much better for her than home health therapy because her time there is unlimited, they have a staff of physical therapists, and it's inside St. Joseph's Hospital should a medical problem arise.
He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
Mark 5:34
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Praise The Lord !!!!!!
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Amen to that!
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its good that mel. is getting better
Positive thinking help
;D
we look forward to coming over when we can afford it
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It looks like a Labor Of Love Day Charley, so glad Mel is doing so well. I wouldent know to handle lifes problems without Gods help. Best to you and Mel keep us posted. aerodon.
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She's Home. Released today. No long term acute care facility. We will re returning to St. Joseph's 2 or 3 times a week for therapy as we had done in the past.
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OOOOO RAH!!!
Welcome home Mel!
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:) :) :) :)
Praise The Lord !!!
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Thursday Sept. 4
For the time being, we are trying to rest and get our strength back. Running on adrenaline and caffeine can give you a big let down when you drop back from full throttle to idle speed. We will be resting up for probably a week and trying to get a house back in order that was neglected for the past month.
Thank you all for your prayers. I do believe that He heard and honored every one.
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We are so glad to hear that she's home. That's awesome news :). Prayers for continued recovery.
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see I did tell you everything would be Ok
be confident and have faith
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Of course I responded to Mel on FB before I responded here.
I'm happy that she's home. I hope she continues to improve and get stronger. :)
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We would like to thank all our friends who gave their spiritual support, sent cards, came to visit, and called while Melanie was hospitalized. All the cards were read to her as they were received then given to her after she came off the ventilator and was revived. She tells me she remembers hearing voices while unconscious, so the words visitors spoke to her probably had much to do with her will to survive.
The Sewell and Peace Families
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Best wishes and a feeling of relief from Germany
\D
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Thank you, Don. Hope you all are well, too.
As an update, Melanie has finally developed enough strength to attend church for the past 2 weeks. She has been taking physical therapy at St. Joseph's Hospital twice a week for the past 3 weeks. The sessions are very short, but at least she has the strength and desire to make the effort. Most of her outings have been to see doctors, but she's been out a few times to do grocery shopping. Not feeling well enough today to do therapy, though.
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Tell Mel I'm pulling for her.