It has been a very long time since a post has been made. The summer is really over. Sammie has started her first real year in college and Kaysha has returned to high school. Sam was just offered a service scholarship that will help with her expenses and Kaysha was just offered a job. Meg seems to be doing well. We just keep her as busy as we can. She loves her nieces and nephews and seeing them is the one thing that I know will cheer her up when she is down. I wish we could get her to lose some weight. She has gained over 30 pounds this past year with everything she has gone through.
It has been 5 months since my accident. I have been released from physical therapy. I was quite a while ago because I go to the gym and the physical therapist said that would do just as well as me going into therapy. I was very happy about that. Just typing that makes me feel a little bad as I am supposed to be a pilates right now. It was my turn to drive and my friend didn't make it. There is a war that goes on in my head when I pick up my friend and I see her house dark. The one side tells me to go to the gym and the other side says go home and go back to bed. I was glad she didn't get up this morning because I had a late night last night. Ali and Eric took me to the University of Utah and Utah State University football game. Anyway, I opted to go back home but instead of going back to bed, I finished the dishes and am now posting this.
My injuries are doing ssoooooooooooooooooooo much better. The orthopedist told me at my last visit in July that technically my injuries were healed but it would still take 16 - 20 weeks to be completely healed. I am walking mostly normal now unless I overdo. My ribs still hurt which I find very puzzling. Whenever I would ask about my ribs, I just got the shrugged shoulders and the answer "it will go away one day". I have my doubts about that. I have been very dizzy when I lay down or when I raise my head toward the ceiling since the accident. Last week in pilates while I was laying on my side doing a side series, I felt like I was falling hard and fast and the room went black for just an instant. I had fallen to my back and as I was feeling the panic of the fall, I realized that I was already on the ground and that I shouldn't panic. I was able to get back on my side and I finished out pilates. I was a little shakey for the rest of the day. I couldn't make myself go to the doctor. I am so tired of going to the doctor. Some are so good but some just make me feel like a hypochondriac (that is probably spelled wrong). And I am tired of getting the bills. Luckily, my out of pocket has been met but I still have to pay copays. I felt a little off for the rest of the weekend but by Monday I realized that I was no longer dizzy. The dizzyness when I lay down or raise my head is gone. What a wierd way for that to happen.
I just continue to be grateful for each day that I have with my family. Life truly is a gift.
Kara and her family are moving up closer to Logan and I will miss being able to see them as often as I have had the opportunity to see them and Ali and her family are wanting to move to Bountiful. I will miss them when they go. I know that neither of these places are that far but I still have such a difficult time getting in the car, I know that I won't be driving there very often.
I forgot --- since the last post I have a new grandson. Chad and Sandi adopted a little boy. He was only 5 pounds when they got him and he is a beautiful little thing. I can't believe how much he grows from week to week. I have another grandson that is supposed to be born Sept 20. We'll see if Kara makes it that far. She already measures at 40 weeks. She is going to have a big baby.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 13, 2009
This is a good time to write as I am waiting up for Sammie and Kaysha to get home from play practice. It is a late one tonight because it is getting closer to opening night.
Since my last blog, Sammie was involved in a fender bender. She was in a parking lot, opened her door and bent down to grab her purse and someone pulled in the spot next to her quickly and bent the door pretty badly. Luckily Sammie's foot wasn't any further out the door or it could have been her leg. I am starting to think that there is a magnet attached to any car that we have or a sign that says "Please hit me". Colby and I went to Walmart the other day and as we were leaving Colby's face just sunk and he was saying "oh, no" . We had taken the car we had just bought to replace the car that got totalled in the accident. The car we were looking at had a huge dent. Of course, we are thinking that the insurance is going to cancel us. We can't afford to get that taken care of. There were dirty scrapes around the dent. After just a few seconds I noticed that there was a pink car seat in the back seat and I knew that Meg had not ridden in that. We were at the wrong car. What a relief!!!!!!
I really am feeling so much better. I saw the orthopedist last Thursday and had x rays taken. He told me that clinically my pelvic fractures are healed but it will take another 12 - 20 weeks before they are back to normal. There was a minor amount of shifting in the pelvis but not enough to give me any permanent damage. I was told to do what I could but not to overdo and to take days of rest occasionally when I need them. I am walking much better. It is easier and I don't need to concentrate as hard to make my steps not so hard. The neurosurgeon appt is next Monday and I need to have x rays of my neck before then. I am so hopeful that this will soon all be done and I can quit going to doctors. I am debating on whether or not to follow up with any further physical therapy. It is hard to find the time to do it and after I have worked all day, I am really exhausted. I have thought that I may call the therapist and see if he can see me maybe once a week or once every other week and give me some exercises that I can do on my own at the gym. It is easier to go to the gym in the early morning before my day gets going.
Life is in full swing now. I drove on the freeway for the first time since the accident last week. It was a little unnerving but the biggest fear that I have faced was having my grandson in the car with me and driving with him in the car. It all worked out ok. Ryan was excited to ride in grandma's car. I wouldn't have been if I were him after what happened last time but he either has forgotten the incident or he has more faith in me than I have in myself.
Nikki had her birthday party last Saturday. She was so funny. She would open every present that anyone had given her and then stand up and give the present back. She just didn't understand the concept that the presents were for her and were not just given to her to open. Ari was baptised last Saturday. She is so sweet and I was so proud of her. We had a dinner at Chad and Sandi's house after the baptism. Eric had to stay in the basement in his room because he has pneumonia. They are trying very hard to keep the house sanitized and keep him away from the baby. I am going to fly to Haley's in November. I will watch the kids while she runs the Richmond marathon. I am excited to see all of them also.
Other than that, life is just busy taking care of my family, going to work, doing my church calling and whatever other things happen to come along. Life is good and I am so glad to be alive.
Since my last blog, Sammie was involved in a fender bender. She was in a parking lot, opened her door and bent down to grab her purse and someone pulled in the spot next to her quickly and bent the door pretty badly. Luckily Sammie's foot wasn't any further out the door or it could have been her leg. I am starting to think that there is a magnet attached to any car that we have or a sign that says "Please hit me". Colby and I went to Walmart the other day and as we were leaving Colby's face just sunk and he was saying "oh, no" . We had taken the car we had just bought to replace the car that got totalled in the accident. The car we were looking at had a huge dent. Of course, we are thinking that the insurance is going to cancel us. We can't afford to get that taken care of. There were dirty scrapes around the dent. After just a few seconds I noticed that there was a pink car seat in the back seat and I knew that Meg had not ridden in that. We were at the wrong car. What a relief!!!!!!
I really am feeling so much better. I saw the orthopedist last Thursday and had x rays taken. He told me that clinically my pelvic fractures are healed but it will take another 12 - 20 weeks before they are back to normal. There was a minor amount of shifting in the pelvis but not enough to give me any permanent damage. I was told to do what I could but not to overdo and to take days of rest occasionally when I need them. I am walking much better. It is easier and I don't need to concentrate as hard to make my steps not so hard. The neurosurgeon appt is next Monday and I need to have x rays of my neck before then. I am so hopeful that this will soon all be done and I can quit going to doctors. I am debating on whether or not to follow up with any further physical therapy. It is hard to find the time to do it and after I have worked all day, I am really exhausted. I have thought that I may call the therapist and see if he can see me maybe once a week or once every other week and give me some exercises that I can do on my own at the gym. It is easier to go to the gym in the early morning before my day gets going.
Life is in full swing now. I drove on the freeway for the first time since the accident last week. It was a little unnerving but the biggest fear that I have faced was having my grandson in the car with me and driving with him in the car. It all worked out ok. Ryan was excited to ride in grandma's car. I wouldn't have been if I were him after what happened last time but he either has forgotten the incident or he has more faith in me than I have in myself.
Nikki had her birthday party last Saturday. She was so funny. She would open every present that anyone had given her and then stand up and give the present back. She just didn't understand the concept that the presents were for her and were not just given to her to open. Ari was baptised last Saturday. She is so sweet and I was so proud of her. We had a dinner at Chad and Sandi's house after the baptism. Eric had to stay in the basement in his room because he has pneumonia. They are trying very hard to keep the house sanitized and keep him away from the baby. I am going to fly to Haley's in November. I will watch the kids while she runs the Richmond marathon. I am excited to see all of them also.
Other than that, life is just busy taking care of my family, going to work, doing my church calling and whatever other things happen to come along. Life is good and I am so glad to be alive.
Monday, June 29, 2009
June 29, 2009
It has been a while so I might as well post while I wait for Sammie and Kaysha to come home. Things are progressing for me. I have started using Mondays for my "progress report". Each Monday I look back and see if I feel any better and if things are getting any easier for me. I have been able to walk more without crutches. My walking is pretty heavy and awkward so I pretend that I have a string attached to the top of my head and it is pulling me up. When I remember to do that (as long as the pain isn't too bad) I really do walk better. Some days I get pretty excited because I feel like the walking is getting pretty close to normal. That, unfortunately, doesn't last long, but I enjoy it while I can.
I went to St. George with some of my sisters last Thursday to Sunday. It was a lot of fun. We had a chance to reminisce, went to a show at Tuacan, shopping, of course, watched a movie together, ate, and spent time at the pool. It was very relaxing. I really do love being with them. Colby, Meg and I went to the Utah Symphony in the park tonight and watched fireworks. It was so good. Ali, Eric and the kids met us there. I get so emotional when those patriotic songs are played. I am very happy to live in this country. I think so often people are only thinking of things that are wrong that we very often don't remember how many things are right with our country. Our family loves the fourth of July. The parade is coming up and that is one of the highlights of our whole year. We love to go. I am so happy to be alive!!!!!!!!!!
I went to St. George with some of my sisters last Thursday to Sunday. It was a lot of fun. We had a chance to reminisce, went to a show at Tuacan, shopping, of course, watched a movie together, ate, and spent time at the pool. It was very relaxing. I really do love being with them. Colby, Meg and I went to the Utah Symphony in the park tonight and watched fireworks. It was so good. Ali, Eric and the kids met us there. I get so emotional when those patriotic songs are played. I am very happy to live in this country. I think so often people are only thinking of things that are wrong that we very often don't remember how many things are right with our country. Our family loves the fourth of July. The parade is coming up and that is one of the highlights of our whole year. We love to go. I am so happy to be alive!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
June 13 - update
It has been a week since my last post so it is time to update a little. It was a pretty uneventful week last week. Kaysha went to an outdoor youth adventure and just got home last night. This was to be a week full of adventure..... river trip, jungle gyms, rock climbing, trek, sleeping in teepees every night, etc. She was very excited as this is just Kaysha; however, she ended up sleeping in the lodge for two nights upchucking. She was pretty bummed but made the most of it anyway. After all, she was able to watch 6 movies while she was there. I was proud of her that she still said she had a great time.
Sammie gets home tomorrow from New York. I think she has worn Haley completely out. Thanks Haley for showing her such a wonderful time. You and Wayne need a vacation when this is done. It will be good to have her home.
Meg continues to help me. I am trying to move more without my crutches. The more I do that, the more it hurts after a while and I find I am holding my breath so I need to remind myself to breathe. Meg hurries to my side with crutches or just her hand to steady me. She is so good to be my "runner" at times when I just can't do it. I had more x rays of my pelvis done last week and the doctor said I am healing well. When I discussed the pain issues with him and asked him what I needed to do to help the pain, he said "work it". He told me that I might overdo one day and if so I would know to not do that much the next day. I decided to put it to the test. He probably told that to the wrong person because the next morning I got up and went with my "gym buddy" to the gym for the first time in 2 months. It was so good to catch up and it felt good to exercise. I didn't do the class and we were only there about 35 - 40 minutes but it was a start. Thanks Wendy for driving. Probably everyone will be so happy when I can drive myself again. My kids have been so good to drive me everywhere I need to be or want to be. I am a "basket case" in the car. I have told Colby that I need a blindfold before I get in. He is a really good driver but I am looking everywhere all of the time. The car we got has such dark tinted windows, it is difficult to see especially at night so next week I am getting that taken care of. Ali is driving the car into a shop and I am having the tinting removed from the driver and passenger side in the front. I tried to do it myself but I just couldn't. I get very light headed when I hold my head up for a prolonged amount of time.
I feel that my healing is making a major breakthrough. I really did wear myself out after my doctors appt when he told me to "work it". I have not been able to sleep on my side because of the pain that would go into my inner thighs but the last 2 nights I have been able to move my legs without pain and have been able to sleep on my side. It was a happy day for me.
This has been such a long drawn out ordeal and I need to thank my sweetheart. So many people have done so much for me but no one has done more for me than my husband. I am so grateful to him for his patience (especially when I am in the car trying to use the imaginary brake on the passenger side. Pretty soon I will have made a hole through the floorboard and I will be able to dig my heels into the asphalt.) I am grateful for his help as he has tried to do everything within his power to make everything in our home pleasant as I recover. I don't know what I would do without him. By the way we went on our first date together 40 years ago today. I just can't be that old, can I?
Sammie gets home tomorrow from New York. I think she has worn Haley completely out. Thanks Haley for showing her such a wonderful time. You and Wayne need a vacation when this is done. It will be good to have her home.
Meg continues to help me. I am trying to move more without my crutches. The more I do that, the more it hurts after a while and I find I am holding my breath so I need to remind myself to breathe. Meg hurries to my side with crutches or just her hand to steady me. She is so good to be my "runner" at times when I just can't do it. I had more x rays of my pelvis done last week and the doctor said I am healing well. When I discussed the pain issues with him and asked him what I needed to do to help the pain, he said "work it". He told me that I might overdo one day and if so I would know to not do that much the next day. I decided to put it to the test. He probably told that to the wrong person because the next morning I got up and went with my "gym buddy" to the gym for the first time in 2 months. It was so good to catch up and it felt good to exercise. I didn't do the class and we were only there about 35 - 40 minutes but it was a start. Thanks Wendy for driving. Probably everyone will be so happy when I can drive myself again. My kids have been so good to drive me everywhere I need to be or want to be. I am a "basket case" in the car. I have told Colby that I need a blindfold before I get in. He is a really good driver but I am looking everywhere all of the time. The car we got has such dark tinted windows, it is difficult to see especially at night so next week I am getting that taken care of. Ali is driving the car into a shop and I am having the tinting removed from the driver and passenger side in the front. I tried to do it myself but I just couldn't. I get very light headed when I hold my head up for a prolonged amount of time.
I feel that my healing is making a major breakthrough. I really did wear myself out after my doctors appt when he told me to "work it". I have not been able to sleep on my side because of the pain that would go into my inner thighs but the last 2 nights I have been able to move my legs without pain and have been able to sleep on my side. It was a happy day for me.
This has been such a long drawn out ordeal and I need to thank my sweetheart. So many people have done so much for me but no one has done more for me than my husband. I am so grateful to him for his patience (especially when I am in the car trying to use the imaginary brake on the passenger side. Pretty soon I will have made a hole through the floorboard and I will be able to dig my heels into the asphalt.) I am grateful for his help as he has tried to do everything within his power to make everything in our home pleasant as I recover. I don't know what I would do without him. By the way we went on our first date together 40 years ago today. I just can't be that old, can I?
Friday, June 5, 2009
June 5, 2009 - graduation
It was graduation day today for Sammie. I can't believe she is that old. She is beautiful inside and out and I feel so grateful that she is mine. She came home a few nights ago after her last dance performance and let Colby and I know that she was home and said goodnight but she only took a few steps down the hall and turned around and came back and said "thanks for supporting me the last 3 years" WOW!!!!! IT WAS PAYDAY!!!. She is going to the all night graduation party tonight and Colby and I are going to work the 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. shift. I figure, why not, I can't sleep anyway. Insomnia seems to be my new companion. My body has learned to function on about 3-4 hours of sleep a night and I am having a hard time even getting that tonight. Kaysha has begun her summer partying by going out last night to a movie and tonight with another friend roller skating and enjoying all of the things at classic skating. Both girls have trips planned next week so it is going to be very quiet here. Hopefully cheap too.
I am going to start work next Monday. I will go back 3-4 hrs for 3 days a week and ease into the schedule for two weeks before I resume my normal schedule. It feels like I have had a lot of healing in the last two days. Water therapy last Thursday felt so good. I am thinking it is helping and that makes me so happy. I did go to the graduation in the wheelchair. I debated whether or not to do that but when I saw all of the people being so uncomfortable on the bleachers, I was so grateful I had a nice comfortable seat. We went to Leatherby's after the graduation and had our traditional ice cream feast. It seems strange to think that my oldest grandson graduated from 6th grade today as well. I can't be that old.
I am going to start work next Monday. I will go back 3-4 hrs for 3 days a week and ease into the schedule for two weeks before I resume my normal schedule. It feels like I have had a lot of healing in the last two days. Water therapy last Thursday felt so good. I am thinking it is helping and that makes me so happy. I did go to the graduation in the wheelchair. I debated whether or not to do that but when I saw all of the people being so uncomfortable on the bleachers, I was so grateful I had a nice comfortable seat. We went to Leatherby's after the graduation and had our traditional ice cream feast. It seems strange to think that my oldest grandson graduated from 6th grade today as well. I can't be that old.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
May 25, 2009
This has been day two with no pain medication for me. I am trying hard to just be done with it. Nights are still very hard for me because I have to lay in one position all night. I start my physical therapy tomorrow for my neck. I am not looking very forward to that. I am hoping to be back to work in a couple of weeks. June 15 is my target date. I am just waiting to see how therapy goes and how quickly my neck loosens up. Things are looking up. I have gone all day today without crying. Maybe the pain medication was making me extra emotional. I'll blame that for now instead of me being just plain crazy.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
May 23, 2009
I got my neck brace off last Monday. I am supposed to wean myself from it over the next two weeks. I was told to do what my pain level would allow. Actually, there has been very little pain from my neck so I have only worn the brace when I am in a car. It is wonderful. I am putting my version of the accident. I warn you if you want to read it, it is long so get a brownie and a glass of milk.
Saturday, April 11 was just like any other Saturday except it was the day before Easter and, of course, I had put off getting things ready for Easter so I spent the day running to grocery stores and getting things ready for my ever popular easter egg hunt where the prizes are truly fantastic things gotten from all a dollar. This year though I had decided to get good prizes and had begun my quest getting gift cards that I was going to make into a game for my children. Meg was invited to a wedding reception for one of the leaders of her special mutual that she was very excited to go to. Ryan, my 2 year old grandson, had croup and a 5 day old sister that we were all worried about so Colby, Meg and I picked up Ryan and were going to keep him for a couple of days until he had been on medication long enough that hopefully Ellie would be able to stay well and not end up in the hospital with RSV like Ryan had when he was a baby. When we arrived at the wedding reception, the line was sooooo long. I had walked into the church with Meg and wondered how long Ryan would be good sitting in the car waiting because I knew that there was at least an hour wait. There were some girls in line that invited Meg to wait with them and I told Meg I would go sit in the car with Colby and Ryan. There was an arctic Circle just a couple of blocks from the church so I decided Colby and I should take Ryan for an ice cream cone. He would like that, right? We ordered our treats and then I began to make a left hand turn to head back to the church. All I remember is being in the middle of the street watching a cars headlights heading right for me. I was thinking “I need to get out of here” but I think I went into shock. I don't think my foot was on the gas. I think I just froze and in an instant I could feel the impact of the car as it hit the drivers side of the car. I was driving and I remember groaning and feeling pain but I was worried about Meg. Who would find her? I could feel myself slipping and then Colby yelling at me. For anyone who knows Colby, you know that he NEVER yells at me but he was that night. He kept yelling at me, “Jan, don't you leave me, stay with me”. That jolted me back to reality for just a minute until I lost consciousness. I missed all of the excitement of an ambulence ride. Can you imagine, $1900 dollars for a ride in a car that I can't even remember taking. Evidentally, there were a lot of people at the hospital for me but the first thing I remember Colby telling me was that Ryan was OK. What a relief. I would have wanted to really die if anything had happened to him. During that night in the ICU (I didn't know at the time that I was in the ICU) I heard the doctors telling Colby that it would take possibly 3-6 months for me to heal. I remember thinking “oh, pleeeeease, I'm going to work on Monday”. Then the nurse tried to move me and I knew that work on Monday was definitely out. I have never experienced such excruciating pain in my life. I was told that I had the same fracture in the neck that Christopher Reeve had except my spinal chord had not been affected. Everyone in the hospital it seemed wanted to watch my fingers and toes move and wanted me to squeeze their fingers. I was happy to do soThe first day after the accident, I was grateful to Colby for jolting me back to reality by yelling at me. The second day after the accident, I asked him why he didn't let me die. They kept moving my legs and the fractures in my pelvis and my ribs just kept me in constant pain. The neurosurgeon did surgery on my neck Tuesday some time. All I know is I was handed a form outside of the operating room to sign giving them permission to operate. I think it was about the fourth day after the accident that I was taken to a regular room. It was important to get me up they said. It was horrible. My legs felt like there was no way they could support me. I worked up a sweat just by standing. I was able to get into the bathroom finally but it took every ounce of energy I could muster. By the time I would get back to my bed, my clothes were drenched because of the work out it was. After being “teased” by being in a regular room for a couple of days and having food and drink, I was taken back to ICU because I had a couple of blood clots in my lungs, I also had pneumonia and they discovered that my spleen was also oozing blood. I was given 3 units of blood and that seemed to stop the bleeding in my spleen. I was going to ask, what else? But I stopped myself thinking if I asked that maybe the Lord would say “You want more? OK.” I was not able to eat or drink again because there was a possibility I would need more surgery. That day in the ICU proved to be the low point. There was a nurse that decided he would help me sit up. He grabbed me under my arm and tried to lift me up. I was literally screaming in pain. I was put on oxygen because I couldn't even get in the 80's without the oxygen. After my spleen stopped bleeding and I had been put on heparin for the blood clots, they decided it would be ok to go back to a regular room the next day. I was so happy to be able to get out of ICU. It was so noisy there and I just felt like they didn't care. I began physical therapy in the hospital. It consisted mainly of me getting out of bed without assistance. I had a device that I could use to put my foot in and very painfully move my legs out of the bed. I was taught how to stand up with the aid of my walker. It seemed so unreal that this was happening. It was during this time in the hospital that Ali and Kara took over the mom roles at home for Meg, sammie and Kaysha and Haley decided that she would come to Utah to take care of things for me. After 9 days in the hospital, it was decided that the next step would be to send me to Healthsouth rehabilitation hospital since there was no way that I could care for myself. I was still not able to dress myself or move very well. I was moved to Healthsouth and Haley and her kids came to town. I was so grateful for all of the company that I had at the hospital and healthsouth. The days are very long when all you can do it watch television and that was about all I could do since I couldn't move my neck and my line of vision was very limited. I heard someone say that if an accident doesn't kill you, physical therapy will. I believe this! I would have 3 hours of therapy each day at healthsouth. Two hours of physical therapy and one hour of occupational therapy where they mainly tried to keep my upper body strong. I would take pain medication about ½ hour before therapy so I could stand it and then I would wheel myself back to my room and cry for about an hour. This did ease up a bit. There were a couple of days I didn't cry at all for the whole day. After 16 days there, it was definitely time to come home. I could now shower by myself and dress myself. It was still a painful process but I could do it. I was told in the hospital that I could put full pressure on my left foot but because of the fracture on my right side of the pelvis that I should just toe touch pressure on the right so I did that for 2 weeks until it was time to see the orthopedist again and take more x rays to see how things were going. It was discovered at that visit that I had an almost identical fracture on my left side that was somehow not seen. That certainly explained the pain I had been feeling as I tried to lift my left leg and it just would not respond. But, as weird as this sounds, I am grateful they didn't find that fracture or I would have been completely non weight bearing for that time. That would have been so hard for me. I thank everyone for the visits, the gifts, the prayers and the love that have been showered on me and my family. I believe that there are accidents that happen and that not everything has to be part of a grand design. I believe that I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time but I know that I have so much to be grateful for. I had the same injury that paralyzed Christoper Reeves but I am not paralyzed, Colby had a contusion and was not seriously injured. Who would ever have found Meg if he would not have been able to get hold of someone? Probably the greatest miracle was that Ryan was right behind me and it was as if he was protected in some kind of bubble. If I would have stepped on the gas instead of going into shock and freezing, he possibly would have taken the hit instead of me. One day in healthsouth as I was praying and thanking the Lord for sparing my life I realized how much my Savior truly loves his children. I was praying that if someone had to be hurt, I was so grateful it was me and not Colby or Ryan. I would take the pain over and over just to not have them have to experience it and I felt the sweetest feeling of love and I knew that Jesus felt that way also. He so willingly took upon Him all of the pains of this world whether it be from sin or illness or accident and He did so because He loves us. I know that what I experienced is nothing compared to what he experienced in the garden of Gethsemanie. My niece, Angie made a plaque that was a quote from David Bednar for me. The quote is “In the strength of the Lord we can do and endure and overcome all things. I put that in a prominent place in Healthsouth so it could be a constant reminder to me every day that I can't do anything without the strength of the Lord. This life is a process and as we do what needs to be done, we learn to endure and finally through the strength that comes only from the Lord we can overcome our obstacles. I have been in constant pain for the past six weeks now. I know though that eventually I will be able to overcome this affliction. I am grateful for the power of the priesthood that I know has blessed my life over and over again. I am grateful to have a husband and a son who were with me immediately to use that priesthood in my behalf. I am grateful to a wonderful family who have been so willing to sacrifice their time to help. I have a great dad who has been so worried and concerned and sisters and friends who check on me and are willing to do whatever they can to help. I seem to cry all of the time but the tears mean different things at different times. Sometimes it is the pain, but very often it is gratitude for my many blessings.
I pray that God will help me always see the good in life and in people.
What good are life's lessons if you can't learn from them?
Saturday, April 11 was just like any other Saturday except it was the day before Easter and, of course, I had put off getting things ready for Easter so I spent the day running to grocery stores and getting things ready for my ever popular easter egg hunt where the prizes are truly fantastic things gotten from all a dollar. This year though I had decided to get good prizes and had begun my quest getting gift cards that I was going to make into a game for my children. Meg was invited to a wedding reception for one of the leaders of her special mutual that she was very excited to go to. Ryan, my 2 year old grandson, had croup and a 5 day old sister that we were all worried about so Colby, Meg and I picked up Ryan and were going to keep him for a couple of days until he had been on medication long enough that hopefully Ellie would be able to stay well and not end up in the hospital with RSV like Ryan had when he was a baby. When we arrived at the wedding reception, the line was sooooo long. I had walked into the church with Meg and wondered how long Ryan would be good sitting in the car waiting because I knew that there was at least an hour wait. There were some girls in line that invited Meg to wait with them and I told Meg I would go sit in the car with Colby and Ryan. There was an arctic Circle just a couple of blocks from the church so I decided Colby and I should take Ryan for an ice cream cone. He would like that, right? We ordered our treats and then I began to make a left hand turn to head back to the church. All I remember is being in the middle of the street watching a cars headlights heading right for me. I was thinking “I need to get out of here” but I think I went into shock. I don't think my foot was on the gas. I think I just froze and in an instant I could feel the impact of the car as it hit the drivers side of the car. I was driving and I remember groaning and feeling pain but I was worried about Meg. Who would find her? I could feel myself slipping and then Colby yelling at me. For anyone who knows Colby, you know that he NEVER yells at me but he was that night. He kept yelling at me, “Jan, don't you leave me, stay with me”. That jolted me back to reality for just a minute until I lost consciousness. I missed all of the excitement of an ambulence ride. Can you imagine, $1900 dollars for a ride in a car that I can't even remember taking. Evidentally, there were a lot of people at the hospital for me but the first thing I remember Colby telling me was that Ryan was OK. What a relief. I would have wanted to really die if anything had happened to him. During that night in the ICU (I didn't know at the time that I was in the ICU) I heard the doctors telling Colby that it would take possibly 3-6 months for me to heal. I remember thinking “oh, pleeeeease, I'm going to work on Monday”. Then the nurse tried to move me and I knew that work on Monday was definitely out. I have never experienced such excruciating pain in my life. I was told that I had the same fracture in the neck that Christopher Reeve had except my spinal chord had not been affected. Everyone in the hospital it seemed wanted to watch my fingers and toes move and wanted me to squeeze their fingers. I was happy to do soThe first day after the accident, I was grateful to Colby for jolting me back to reality by yelling at me. The second day after the accident, I asked him why he didn't let me die. They kept moving my legs and the fractures in my pelvis and my ribs just kept me in constant pain. The neurosurgeon did surgery on my neck Tuesday some time. All I know is I was handed a form outside of the operating room to sign giving them permission to operate. I think it was about the fourth day after the accident that I was taken to a regular room. It was important to get me up they said. It was horrible. My legs felt like there was no way they could support me. I worked up a sweat just by standing. I was able to get into the bathroom finally but it took every ounce of energy I could muster. By the time I would get back to my bed, my clothes were drenched because of the work out it was. After being “teased” by being in a regular room for a couple of days and having food and drink, I was taken back to ICU because I had a couple of blood clots in my lungs, I also had pneumonia and they discovered that my spleen was also oozing blood. I was given 3 units of blood and that seemed to stop the bleeding in my spleen. I was going to ask, what else? But I stopped myself thinking if I asked that maybe the Lord would say “You want more? OK.” I was not able to eat or drink again because there was a possibility I would need more surgery. That day in the ICU proved to be the low point. There was a nurse that decided he would help me sit up. He grabbed me under my arm and tried to lift me up. I was literally screaming in pain. I was put on oxygen because I couldn't even get in the 80's without the oxygen. After my spleen stopped bleeding and I had been put on heparin for the blood clots, they decided it would be ok to go back to a regular room the next day. I was so happy to be able to get out of ICU. It was so noisy there and I just felt like they didn't care. I began physical therapy in the hospital. It consisted mainly of me getting out of bed without assistance. I had a device that I could use to put my foot in and very painfully move my legs out of the bed. I was taught how to stand up with the aid of my walker. It seemed so unreal that this was happening. It was during this time in the hospital that Ali and Kara took over the mom roles at home for Meg, sammie and Kaysha and Haley decided that she would come to Utah to take care of things for me. After 9 days in the hospital, it was decided that the next step would be to send me to Healthsouth rehabilitation hospital since there was no way that I could care for myself. I was still not able to dress myself or move very well. I was moved to Healthsouth and Haley and her kids came to town. I was so grateful for all of the company that I had at the hospital and healthsouth. The days are very long when all you can do it watch television and that was about all I could do since I couldn't move my neck and my line of vision was very limited. I heard someone say that if an accident doesn't kill you, physical therapy will. I believe this! I would have 3 hours of therapy each day at healthsouth. Two hours of physical therapy and one hour of occupational therapy where they mainly tried to keep my upper body strong. I would take pain medication about ½ hour before therapy so I could stand it and then I would wheel myself back to my room and cry for about an hour. This did ease up a bit. There were a couple of days I didn't cry at all for the whole day. After 16 days there, it was definitely time to come home. I could now shower by myself and dress myself. It was still a painful process but I could do it. I was told in the hospital that I could put full pressure on my left foot but because of the fracture on my right side of the pelvis that I should just toe touch pressure on the right so I did that for 2 weeks until it was time to see the orthopedist again and take more x rays to see how things were going. It was discovered at that visit that I had an almost identical fracture on my left side that was somehow not seen. That certainly explained the pain I had been feeling as I tried to lift my left leg and it just would not respond. But, as weird as this sounds, I am grateful they didn't find that fracture or I would have been completely non weight bearing for that time. That would have been so hard for me. I thank everyone for the visits, the gifts, the prayers and the love that have been showered on me and my family. I believe that there are accidents that happen and that not everything has to be part of a grand design. I believe that I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time but I know that I have so much to be grateful for. I had the same injury that paralyzed Christoper Reeves but I am not paralyzed, Colby had a contusion and was not seriously injured. Who would ever have found Meg if he would not have been able to get hold of someone? Probably the greatest miracle was that Ryan was right behind me and it was as if he was protected in some kind of bubble. If I would have stepped on the gas instead of going into shock and freezing, he possibly would have taken the hit instead of me. One day in healthsouth as I was praying and thanking the Lord for sparing my life I realized how much my Savior truly loves his children. I was praying that if someone had to be hurt, I was so grateful it was me and not Colby or Ryan. I would take the pain over and over just to not have them have to experience it and I felt the sweetest feeling of love and I knew that Jesus felt that way also. He so willingly took upon Him all of the pains of this world whether it be from sin or illness or accident and He did so because He loves us. I know that what I experienced is nothing compared to what he experienced in the garden of Gethsemanie. My niece, Angie made a plaque that was a quote from David Bednar for me. The quote is “In the strength of the Lord we can do and endure and overcome all things. I put that in a prominent place in Healthsouth so it could be a constant reminder to me every day that I can't do anything without the strength of the Lord. This life is a process and as we do what needs to be done, we learn to endure and finally through the strength that comes only from the Lord we can overcome our obstacles. I have been in constant pain for the past six weeks now. I know though that eventually I will be able to overcome this affliction. I am grateful for the power of the priesthood that I know has blessed my life over and over again. I am grateful to have a husband and a son who were with me immediately to use that priesthood in my behalf. I am grateful to a wonderful family who have been so willing to sacrifice their time to help. I have a great dad who has been so worried and concerned and sisters and friends who check on me and are willing to do whatever they can to help. I seem to cry all of the time but the tears mean different things at different times. Sometimes it is the pain, but very often it is gratitude for my many blessings.
I pray that God will help me always see the good in life and in people.
What good are life's lessons if you can't learn from them?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
May 13, 2009
There is no reason to post everyday it seems as progress seems so slow. Everyone keeps telling me how quick things are happening but I am completely useless. Ali and Kara come every day to take care of me and keep me company. I appreciate it so much but I feel bad at the same time because I am sure they would like to do something fun. Sitting with me is not fun. I tend to sleep a lot or groan. I actually am feeling pretty well right now. I have decided that I need to try better to keep ahead of the pain. Tomorrow is my appt with the orthopedist. Hopefully my bones will show that they are healing well on the x rays. I am hoping that they will let me start trying to walk with hand crutches. I am going to talk to the physical therapist about that tomorrow. Home health comes in twice a week. My coumadin level is good so I only need to have my blood tested at this point once a week. YEA!!!! My fingers are calloused from all of the times my fingers have been pricked to collect blood. Meg is having a great time in New York. That makes me very happy. I'll post more tomorrow if anything new happens.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Day 28 - May 9, 2009
Haley went home today. It is always so hard to say goodbye. I appreciate so much her being here and all of the work she did while she was here. It was fun to have the kids around as well. Lexi slept with me last night and she did not move. I know Colby was worried about her sleeping by me but I felt that Haley needed her sleep so she could get everyone home. Meg was so excited to go with her. She loves the kids and I am sure she will be a help to Haley. The house has been so quiet today. I did my therapy and really pushed myself. I even took 2 steps without the walker. They were very painful steps however so I think I will wait for a while before I try that again. Beginning Monday, I will be having a physical therapist come in my home for a couple of days a week. This is just a slow process but hopefully there will be an end in sight really soon. I can't wait to get my neck brace off so I can stop gagging.
I am going to try to go to sacrament meeting tomorrow. That will be it as sitting for longer than an hour will be very difficult.
I am going to try to go to sacrament meeting tomorrow. That will be it as sitting for longer than an hour will be very difficult.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Day 26 - May 6
I am finally home!!!!!! Almost 1 month of my life spent in a hospital. I don't recommend it. I have certainly had very good care and feel that I am ready to start the next phase of my recovery. They stressed to me many times that I was being released to take care of myself. I could not help anyone. I don't know how I would help anyone. I move very slowly when I get up the courage to move. I did not have therapy today so I did it on my own. I was not nearly as rough on myself as my therapist at the hospital was but tomorrow I will be. Home health is supposed to call me tomorrow to set up times to come work with me at my home. I think one of the biggest issues I have is the nausea I feel. It is hard to eat because I feel nauseous all of the time. I am sure it is the lovely neck brace that I get to wear that is creating a gag reflux with me. I can't even wear turtle neck tops because of this so I am struggling but I will wear it until the doctor says take it off so I will be safe. Colby has done so much in the house to make things nice for me. I am a spoiled woman. He put a nice flat screen TV in the living room for me and the best part is I CAN TURN IT ON MYSELF AND CHANGE THE CHANNELS MYSELF. I don't know how to turn the tv on upstairs because it is hooked to so many things so he really outdid himself to simplify things for me. I am looking forward to going to bed tonight and not being awakened at 5:30 a.m. with someone poking my finger to get my coumadin level. I was starting to feel like a pin cushion. My fingers are calloused because of the pokes. Nikki and Ryan are my helpers whenever I get up. They think they have to walk with me holding on to the walker. Nikki moves slowly but Ryan wants to "book it". I have to say not so fast. The walker has been a great interest to all of the grandchildren. Maybe I will get them all one for Christmas. Thank you to everyone for all that you have done for me and my family. My girls have spent hours cooking meals that have been frozen so when Haley goes home we will have food to eat. It is difficult for me to stand without holding on to something so I am afraid it will be a while before I will be cooking anything or cleaning anything. But eventually I will be doing these things. I am hoping to get back to work in a month. Right now the thing holding me back is just the pain. As my injuries heal, I am sure things will progress quickly.
My love to all of you who have asked about me and have helped in any way.
My love to all of you who have asked about me and have helped in any way.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Day 24 - May 4th
I know this sounds repetative, but each day Jan looks better and better. It has been hard for her since she started putting weight on her right leg last Thursday. In a number of ways it was as though she was starting from ground zero. But she seems to be past the initial inertia and is going forward at a more rapid clip.
She met with the doctor last night. They reviewed her progress and where she is now. They came to the conclusion that she is just about ready to come home, and a target date has been set of this coming Wednesday (May 6th). To say the least, we are all very excited about this.
It's been over three weeks since the accident. In one regard, it's as though it happened an eternity ago. On the other hand, given the severity of her injuries, it is miraculous that she has made a recovery of this magnitude in such a short time. There is still a long way to go, but given her determination and the Lord's power I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen much faster than we all think.
Again, thanks to all for your help in making this happen.
She met with the doctor last night. They reviewed her progress and where she is now. They came to the conclusion that she is just about ready to come home, and a target date has been set of this coming Wednesday (May 6th). To say the least, we are all very excited about this.
It's been over three weeks since the accident. In one regard, it's as though it happened an eternity ago. On the other hand, given the severity of her injuries, it is miraculous that she has made a recovery of this magnitude in such a short time. There is still a long way to go, but given her determination and the Lord's power I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen much faster than we all think.
Again, thanks to all for your help in making this happen.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Day 23 - May 3
Jan was able to come home on a visit from the hospital today. She arrived about 2:30PM, and returned around 8:00PM. There were several things that we all wondered about (including Jan). First was about getting in and out of a car. She was pretty concerned about it, but she handled it very well. The second was going up the steps to the front door of our house. She had received physical therapy that taught her how to do it, so that was handled. She spent most of the time surrounded by family in an easy chair in the living room. When dinner was served, she sat at the table and ate with us. She also checked out the changes we made to the house that would make it easier for her (such as in the bathroom, our bedroom, and the living room). It was literally a trial run for when she comes home. It worked out almost perfectly. She was absolutely thrilled to be at home with family. As it turns out, she doesn't need to be taught much more in the way of therapy. She is determined to get home as soon as possible (hopefully this week). After arriving home, she will continue therapy on an outpatient basis for some weeks yet to come.
Day 22 - May 2nd
It's Satuday, which means that Jan doesn't have therapy. She still hurts from the last couple of days. In spite of it, she continues to do various pieces of therapy in her room. She wants to get home so badly. In connection with that, she discussed with the people of Health South if it were possible for her to be able to come home on Sunday to visit with her family. They said it would be OK. As such, I am picking her up in the afternoon and will be returning her in the evening. I've been working pretty hard to make the conversions in our home that will be necessary for Jan as she continues to heal at home. I think that most of it has now been accomplished.
Again, thanks to all for your prayers and help.
Again, thanks to all for your prayers and help.
Day 21 - May 1st
Since it was discovered that Jan had another hairline fracture in her pelvis, her therapy has shifted so that she is putting weight on both legs. She says that it is just like starting all over again from ground zero. Her pain level is now higher because of her right side of the pelvis is now enduring more stress with the adjusted therapy. It is discouraging for her because she was feeling she was getting on top of it. Now she's been thrust back.
She is appreciative of all the visits she has received. It's wonderful to know that so many care.
She is appreciative of all the visits she has received. It's wonderful to know that so many care.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Day 20 - April 30th
The meeting that Jan had today with the orthopedic specialist was both interesting and promising. The Xray they did on Jan right after the accident revealed a hairline crack on the right rear side of the pelvis (in addition to the major breaks in the front of the pelvis). This is why she couldn't put any weight on her right leg; they needed to make sure that the hairline crack didn't worsen. Today they did a follow up Xray on Jan, and it revealed another hairline crack they didn't catch before. This was on the left back side of the pelvis. Seeing that she's been putting all her weight on her left leg, this hairline crack has been causing her quite a bit of pain. It did displace slightly, but not enough to require surgery. The specialist gave the go ahead for Jan to start putting weight equally on both legs, albeit carefully. This puts the therapists in their final phases for Jan. All of this means that Jan could be coming home within in a week. We'll see how it goes.
Day 19 - April 29th
Jan seems to get better each day, but the pain continues to wear on her. She was told today by the therapy staff at Health South that if the meeting with the orthopedic specialist tomorrow goes well, she could be home within a week. We're keeping our fingers crossed. This has us kicking into high gear at home to make sure the house is ready.
Here's hoping ...
Here's hoping ...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Day 18 - April 28th
Everyday, Jan's progress becomes more and more apparent. She can now get out of bed, sit in a chair, dress, go to the bathroom, and shower with very little or no assistance. A walker is required, but her mending and strengthening continues. She moves about with greater speed than before. She still has a long way to go, but compared to just a week ago the progress is amazing.
We are hopefull that Jan will be released from the hospital within the next couple of weeks. This has us working at home to prepare the house for her. My parents spent their final years living with us for about three years. Due to their imparements of age, a number of assisting items and devices were acquired and used by them. It so turns out that we still have most of those items, and that they will be needed by Jan as she continues her healing. This all falls within the many "Tender Mercies" of the Lord. We have seen countless numbers of them since the accident occurred.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Day 17 - April 27th
Jan has been a bit down today. Everyday she puts out a powerful physical effort (and is enduring a lot of pain in the process), but feels that the returns are so small and incremental that it will go on forever. It's very understandable. What amazes me is how her capability improves noticably each day.
This week she has an appointment with the orthopedic specialist that treated her at the Intermountain Medical Center. Xrays and other examinations will take place. If things have been healing appropriately, the physical therapists will start allowing Jan to put weight on her right leg (which she's been prohibited to do because of the nature of the pelvic injury). They will train her to climb stairs, and then send her home. It is possible that she might be home in another week. We'll know more this coming Thursday.
This week she has an appointment with the orthopedic specialist that treated her at the Intermountain Medical Center. Xrays and other examinations will take place. If things have been healing appropriately, the physical therapists will start allowing Jan to put weight on her right leg (which she's been prohibited to do because of the nature of the pelvic injury). They will train her to climb stairs, and then send her home. It is possible that she might be home in another week. We'll know more this coming Thursday.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Day 16 - April 26th
Jan rested today from any therapy activity. She continues to improve, but not at the rate she wants. It is very taxing to be putting so much physical effort into something, and seeing what appears to be incremental returns. Even though the pain continues (but at a reduced level), this incremental process is becoming her greatest challenge. It is quite discouraging at times for her. For us who are looking in, the progress has been great when we compare it to where she was at the start.
Please continue to remember us in your prayers. They have been very effective.
Please continue to remember us in your prayers. They have been very effective.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Day 15 - April 25th
When Jan entered the Health South Rehabilitation Hospital, we were told what her weekday therapy schedule would be. However, we weren't told about the weekends. It turns out that Jan doesn't have therapy on the weekends (it gives her body a chance to recouperate). Jan looked more rested today. She continues to heal at what I consider to be an accelerated pace. She doesn't seem to be expending the same amount of energy to walk to the bathroom or other places. It still is more than we would expend for the same task, and it still involves pain. It's just that she is mastering it.
I daily thank my Father in Heaven for preserving her life, protecting her from far greater calamities, and showering tender mercies upon both her and all of us, her family.
With Haley and her children now with us, we won't be needing (at least for now) the help that has been showered upon us in the form of meals, work at the house, and transporting and looking after Meg. We are all deeply greatful for the love, kindness, and sacrifice that have been shown to us by many.
I daily thank my Father in Heaven for preserving her life, protecting her from far greater calamities, and showering tender mercies upon both her and all of us, her family.
With Haley and her children now with us, we won't be needing (at least for now) the help that has been showered upon us in the form of meals, work at the house, and transporting and looking after Meg. We are all deeply greatful for the love, kindness, and sacrifice that have been shown to us by many.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Day 14 - April 24th
Today was an amazing day.
Jan was able to walk 100 feet with the walker. No assistance. Although pain is a constant companion, she continues to fight through it.
Our daughter Sammie is president of the Murray High School Dance Company. They were having their spring dance concert last night and tonight. She has been in the Dance Company for all three years of high school. This was her last concert before graduating. Needless to say, it was very special. It was tremendously disappointing to Sammie that Jan wouldn't be there. However, regardless of the situation, Jan was going to move heaven and hell to be there. She arranged for transportation to and from the concert, to a strong shot of pain killers, and attended the concert. Even with the pain killers, it was very uncomfortable to sit up in a wheel chair for over two hours. It was an event never to be forgotten by either Sammie or Jan. Both embraced each other in tears.
How could a man not love this woman.
A rather amazing coincidence happened in connection with this. Jan was brought to the high school by a private transportation company. It turns out that the driver of the vehicle that brought Jan is the father of the young man who hit our car in the accident. He said that his son has been sick with worry about Jan's condition. Somehow he had been told that she suffered brain damage. He hasn't been able to get any information concerning her. Jan told him of her condition; that it wasn't what the young man feared.
Jan was able to walk 100 feet with the walker. No assistance. Although pain is a constant companion, she continues to fight through it.
Our daughter Sammie is president of the Murray High School Dance Company. They were having their spring dance concert last night and tonight. She has been in the Dance Company for all three years of high school. This was her last concert before graduating. Needless to say, it was very special. It was tremendously disappointing to Sammie that Jan wouldn't be there. However, regardless of the situation, Jan was going to move heaven and hell to be there. She arranged for transportation to and from the concert, to a strong shot of pain killers, and attended the concert. Even with the pain killers, it was very uncomfortable to sit up in a wheel chair for over two hours. It was an event never to be forgotten by either Sammie or Jan. Both embraced each other in tears.
How could a man not love this woman.
A rather amazing coincidence happened in connection with this. Jan was brought to the high school by a private transportation company. It turns out that the driver of the vehicle that brought Jan is the father of the young man who hit our car in the accident. He said that his son has been sick with worry about Jan's condition. Somehow he had been told that she suffered brain damage. He hasn't been able to get any information concerning her. Jan told him of her condition; that it wasn't what the young man feared.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Day 13 - April 23rd
Jan is into a full routine of physical and occupational therapy lasting a total of three hours each day. It is very taxing on her. Without the full use of her pelvis, her legs feel like they weigh several tons. Yet they have her doing fairly agressive leg exercises. The first day the physical stress and pain drove her to tears. She is at the front end of this, so as time goes on her strength and capability will grow. In the meantime, pain management is a challenge. They are trying different types of pain medication, trying to find the right combination that will enable her to mitigate the pain that is the result of this aggressive therapy.
She continues to fight through it, although it drives her to the limit at times.
Again, we are deeply appreciative of all the help and kindness that you are giving us. Please continue to pray for Jan.
She continues to fight through it, although it drives her to the limit at times.
Again, we are deeply appreciative of all the help and kindness that you are giving us. Please continue to pray for Jan.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Day 12 - April 22nd
Jan is now firmly in a daily routine. Even though I was told her schedule was set for the week days, when I arrived to visit her today I found they had modified the schedule. It is now:
- 11:00 AM to 12:00PM - Physical Therapy
- 2:00 PM to 3:00PM - Occupational Therapy
- 3:00 PM to 4:00PM - Physical Therapy
Visiting hours are from 9:00AM to 9:00PM, except during the hours of the classes.
Even though she remains in pain, her ability to get up and move around seems to be getting better and better. It is still very limited, but is way ahead of last week. It is still a baby steps process, but given her injuries she is making remarkable progress.
She and I conversed today about the tremendous blessings we have received in all of this. Even though she was seriously injured, it could have been so much worse. I took pictures of the car in the holding lot last week. As I have shown these pictures to various people, they were all shocked that she wasn't killed, paralized, or suffered massive brain damage. Even more, that our grandson escaped unhurt. I'm still amazed that given the impact, I didn't suffered major whiplash or some other kind of skeletal misalignments. We also talked of the great outpouring of love we have received from so many, and the power of their prayers. We've always felt that we had a close knit family, but this has brought us that much closer together. It has galvanized our view of being an eternal family. We know Jan will be fully whole once the healing process is done. That will be the crowning blessing of the many others received during this ordeal.
Again, thank you all so much.
Day 11 - April 21st
Today Jan got settled in at the Health South Rehabilitation Hospital today. She is set with a regimen of three different therapy sessions per day, each lasting an hour. The first is Occupational Therapy at 10:00AM. This focuses on tasks, such as dressing yourself, etc. The next two are Physical Therapy, at 11:00AM and 3:00PM. These focus on rebuilding her gross motor capabilities. Outside of these times, one can visit her from 9:00AM to 9:00PM. I visited her yesterday during lunch. After being there just a half day, her nurse was highly complementary of her determination and progress. She continues to battle pain, but the pain meds (which are down substantially from where they were in the beginning) are enabling her to push through it. She is seeing how long she can go without them.
We don't know how long she will be at Health South. Guesstimates range anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. I'm thinking it will be 2-3 weeks, but she could prove me wrong (it wouldn't be the first time).
It's great to see her now settled into a predictable routine, and past so much of the uncertainty that plagued us last week. In some ways it seems like the accident was an eternity ago, whereas it was only a week ago last Saturday. A lot has been compressed into a short time frame. Her progress is remarkable, although it is baby steps. The healing process will go on for several months.
Again, I want to thank everyone for their help. Whether it be meals for the family, taking care of Meg, or all the prayers that have been offered in her behalf (we feel the power and effect of them). I seriously doubt we could ever repay you. Most of all I want to thank my Heavenly Father, who preserved her life, protected her from paralysis, brain damage, (or worse), protected my grandson from injury (or worse), and has given her and all of us the strength to move forward in this.
We don't know how long she will be at Health South. Guesstimates range anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. I'm thinking it will be 2-3 weeks, but she could prove me wrong (it wouldn't be the first time).
It's great to see her now settled into a predictable routine, and past so much of the uncertainty that plagued us last week. In some ways it seems like the accident was an eternity ago, whereas it was only a week ago last Saturday. A lot has been compressed into a short time frame. Her progress is remarkable, although it is baby steps. The healing process will go on for several months.
Again, I want to thank everyone for their help. Whether it be meals for the family, taking care of Meg, or all the prayers that have been offered in her behalf (we feel the power and effect of them). I seriously doubt we could ever repay you. Most of all I want to thank my Heavenly Father, who preserved her life, protected her from paralysis, brain damage, (or worse), protected my grandson from injury (or worse), and has given her and all of us the strength to move forward in this.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Day 10 - April 20th
Today was Jan's last day at the Intermountain Medical Center. In the late afternoon she was transfered to the Health South Rehabilitation Hospital in Sandy. Although we don't know how long she'll be there, we're guessing two to three weeks.
Jan continues to improve. Everyday I see her she looks better than the day before. She was able to go to and from her bed to the bathroom three times, give herself a sponge bath, sit in her recliner, and go out further into the hall today. She did the vast majority of this stuff with very minimal assistance. Although it is still a major effort for her to do any of these things, it appears as though she doesn't have to put in quite the effort as before. Her strength is building. The Health South facility will be pushing things up several notches. Instead of getting a total of one hour each day in physical therapy, they will push her to do a total of three hours a day in both physical as well as occupational therapy. The exercises won't happen all at once; they will be spread out throughout the day. Also, she probably won't start out at three hours, but will work up to it.
Jan's determination and toughness in this is very inspiring. She feels discouragement at times, but she doesn't give in to it. Pain is a regular companion, but her pain meds have helped keep it controlled so it doesn't stop her. The amount of pain medication she requires is substantially weaker now than when she first came to the hospital. She has come to accept that it is a process of baby steps that will go on for a while. She has always told me throughout our marriage that a positive attitude can overcome tremendous odds. An inability to consistently maintain a positive attitude has always been a weakness of mine. I'm learning the power of it in a big way. Her ability to do it is paying bid dividends.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Day 9 - April 19
This won't be long because I am very tired and Colby has such a way with words. I am so apprecitive of all of the help that has been showered on my family and the love and prayers of so many. I asked the doctor today about how long the pain would last and he said probably 4-6 weeks. This is a hard pill to swallow because I am in a lot of pain. I keep asking what could I have done differently, and if my crystal ball would have been working there are many things I would have changed. But at this point I just need to know what I need to learn from this. I am trying to not swear as my body just cannot pull itself out of the chair on to my walker. I can't put any weight on one of feet so by the time I have figured out how to get out of the chair I am mentally exhaused and taking 75 minutes in the bathroom is a joy all it's own. I got up early and got my bath (sponge bath that is) and Ali came up and combed my hair and took me to sacrament meeting in the hospital. It is a 30 minute meeting and I was 15 minutes late but they gave Ali and I the sacrament after the meeting. The talk was on adversity and how each of us will at some time need to go through adversity. It was a good talk, but I found as he was talking about joy and what things consitute joy for each of us I thought that the things we chase here on this earth really don't bring you joy; but Colby, Chad and family, Meg, Haley and family, Kara and family, Sammie and Kaysha and at that moment and always Ali (since she was sitting right next to me and had done so much for me) and her family (sorry that was a rambally sentence), these are the things that give me unbelievable joy. I tried to hold back the tears and just wanted to take her face and kiss it, but I also did not want to make a scene. It is wonderful to have so many friends, and have my family be up here and spend so much time with me. I thought how appropriate it is that people are my joys, because that is really one of the only things that I will be taking with me. Had my spirit left my body that night of the accident, I would have left my paychecks, my car, and any type of material possession behind . I know that God lives and he buoys us up. It is sometimes hard to keep that thought, which I guess becomes our challenge on this earth. It enables us to not sacrifice the "best" things in life for the good things in life. May you all drive carefully. My love to all of you.
Jan
Jan
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Day 8 - April 18th
Today was another day of great progress. But it was also a day of frustration for Jan.
Jan's work at physical therapy today saw great progress. She got up from bed and visited the bathroom several times. She also was able to walk out into the hall in front of her room. All of this required the most that she was able to give both in physical exertion, as well as the bearing of pain.
What we take for granted as just a few steps that are quickly taken, for Jan it requires the time and physical exertion of moving a large boulder. Just going to the bathroom in her hospital room is very exhausting. Each day sees her making more and more headway; progress that her therapists are very impressed with. They are things that only a couple of days ago seemed quite remote. The therapists comment on her steely resolve and single minded toughness. However what she is accomplishing is requiring the utmost of what she can give; day after day. And therein lies her frustration. For all the effort she is giving she feels that she should be conquering Mount Everest; not going 8 feet to the bathroom. The challenge is not only to maintain the physical momentum, but to not give into the frustration and despair of a process of recovery that is agonizingly slow.
Yet she continues. She won't be beat; she won't roll over and give up. To use the words of Gene Krantz, NASA flight director during the Apollo 13 crisis, "failure is not an option!" She will succeed.
Jan's work at physical therapy today saw great progress. She got up from bed and visited the bathroom several times. She also was able to walk out into the hall in front of her room. All of this required the most that she was able to give both in physical exertion, as well as the bearing of pain.
What we take for granted as just a few steps that are quickly taken, for Jan it requires the time and physical exertion of moving a large boulder. Just going to the bathroom in her hospital room is very exhausting. Each day sees her making more and more headway; progress that her therapists are very impressed with. They are things that only a couple of days ago seemed quite remote. The therapists comment on her steely resolve and single minded toughness. However what she is accomplishing is requiring the utmost of what she can give; day after day. And therein lies her frustration. For all the effort she is giving she feels that she should be conquering Mount Everest; not going 8 feet to the bathroom. The challenge is not only to maintain the physical momentum, but to not give into the frustration and despair of a process of recovery that is agonizingly slow.
Yet she continues. She won't be beat; she won't roll over and give up. To use the words of Gene Krantz, NASA flight director during the Apollo 13 crisis, "failure is not an option!" She will succeed.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Day 7 - April 17th
Where yesterday was a setback, today was a leap forward.
When I arrived at the hospital this morning, much to my surprise they were preparing to move Jan back into a regular hospital room. It turns out that when they ran her blood work this morning, everything that was deficient had leaped forward. Also, her spleen didn't start bleeding again. I never cease to be amazed at the power of health blessings and prayer. Today was a day of several firsts:
When I arrived at the hospital this morning, much to my surprise they were preparing to move Jan back into a regular hospital room. It turns out that when they ran her blood work this morning, everything that was deficient had leaped forward. Also, her spleen didn't start bleeding again. I never cease to be amazed at the power of health blessings and prayer. Today was a day of several firsts:
- She rode in a wheel chair to the new room, instead of being transported in a bed. She was able to get out of her bed and into the wheel chair with less help than normal (although it was still a very grueling and tiring experience.)
- Upon arriving in the new room, she moved from the wheel chair into a recliner instead of the bed.
- With the use of a walker, she was able to move from the recliner and go to the bathroom. Again, the help needed wasn't as much as before (but again, it required a lot of physical exertion on her part and was painful).
- While in the bathroom, a nurse was able to give her a shower (the first since arriving at the hospital) and dress her in regular clothes instead of a hospital gown. She felt and looked like a new woman.
After having moved to the new room, a representative from the Health South Rehabilitation Hospital along with IMC personnel visited her. They said that they felt she was now ready to move to Health South (and only the day before, given her condition at the time, they said it would be about five days before such a move would take place). However, all the work she has put forth in the last couple of days has left her very exhausted. We felt it would be better to wait until Monday to make the move. They agreed.
Again, I want to thank everyone for their prayers. We certainly feel the effect of them.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Day 6 - April 16th
Today we suffered a setback.
As was mentioned yesterday, we were anticipating Jan being transfered to the Health South Rehabilitation Hospital today. There was one problem however. Jan's blood oxygen level was persistently low. Even though she had been working hard, it wasn't budging. This caused the trauma team to order another CT scan for her, as well as more Xray's of her pelvis. The CT scan revealed the following:
As was mentioned yesterday, we were anticipating Jan being transfered to the Health South Rehabilitation Hospital today. There was one problem however. Jan's blood oxygen level was persistently low. Even though she had been working hard, it wasn't budging. This caused the trauma team to order another CT scan for her, as well as more Xray's of her pelvis. The CT scan revealed the following:
- She had two blood clots in her lungs. They were small, and were located in the periphery of the lungs. Nevertheless, they were interfering with her breathing and consequently her blood oxygen level.
- It turns out that her spleen was also injured in the crash. The CT scan done Saturday night in the ER had missed it. It was a small injury, but it bled (although it has stopped bleeding now). They figure that at least some of the clotting in the lungs came from it's bleeding. The rest probably came from bleeding in the pelvis.
It turns out that there really isn't anything you can do to remove the clots; they have to do that on their own. You simply need to make sure that the clots don't get any bigger. To that end, it was decided to inject a potent blood thinner in order to get rid of any thickening in the blood that would add to the clots. The potential problem with this is it might cause the spleen to start bleeding again, and they would have to shut down the blood thinner. If that were to happen, they would remove the spleen.
Making sure that this regimen works correctly requires a constant monitoring of Jan. To that end, they decided to move her back to the Intentive Care Unit as a precautionary measure. If the spleen starts to bleed, they will immediatly get her into surgery and remove it. Because of the potential for surgery, she can't eat or drink anything (other than sips of water and ice chips) because she has to have an empty stomach for surgery (if it is needed). They estimate that Jan will need to remain in the Intermountain Medical Center for five additional days before going to the rehabilitation hospital. As can be deduced by all of this, Jan didn't go to the rehabilitation hospital today (duh!).
Between going for the CT Scan, Xrays, and finally the move to the ICU; Jan has been moved from one bed to another SEVEN times today. It's just about killed her. She ended the day very tired. Jan requested another health blessing which was given by Jan's father and myself. The spirit repeated the same message as the other two blessings, plus gave additional insight. We ended the day comforted.
Jan has received a lot of flowers and well wishes. It is all deeply appreciated. Also appreciated are all the prayers. We feel their effectiveness. Finally, we appreciate the army in our ward that has been mustered to help with meals and getting Meg where she needs to be. It would take an eternity to repay all of you.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Day 5 - April 15th
Today was really the first day that things were able to settle into somewhat of a groove. When I arrived to visit Jan in the morning, to my surprise she was sitting up in a recliner. I know that it was uncomfortable, but she was pushing herself to get the process going. Standing and walking are still very painful, but she is able to do a little bit more each day. She also continues with her breathing exercises. Her daughters Ali and Kara were both there with their own daughters, helping Jan in everything from bathing to making her comfortable.
Ali and Kara have been indespensible in all facits of this. They have seen to things at the house, made sure we are stocked with the groceries that we need, been there for Meg, helped their mom at the hospital, and have been a shoulder for their younger sisters to cry on. In another week, their older sister Haley will arrive from New York to join them in these efforts. She will be here for a couple of weeks. These girls all form a real Tour D Force. I'm so proud of all of them for their love and efforts (Sammie and Kaysha included).
Today the physical therapy people brought in some devices that will enable Jan to put on pants, put on socks, etc. She will be trained on the use of them in the next day or so. It will take quite a while before she can bend over to do these tasks in a normal way.
Another issue is the healing of her neck vertibrae. The neck needs to be stablized at all times during this process, so the neck brace is going to remain on for another 3-4 weeks until the vertibrae and muscles surrounding it are healed sufficiently.
When Jan isn't working at trying to walk, sit, breath, etc., she is in and out of sleep. The energy required to not only do these things, but to mitigate the pain associated with them consumes a large amount of energy. On the one hand it's discouraging for her, but on the other she is determined to make it happen. What a woman!!
We learned today that in the next one or two days she'll be transfered to a rehabilitation hospital. The purpose will be to get her to the point that she can return home and continue the healing from there. She most likely will go to Health South (8074 South 1300 East in Sandy).
Ali and Kara have been indespensible in all facits of this. They have seen to things at the house, made sure we are stocked with the groceries that we need, been there for Meg, helped their mom at the hospital, and have been a shoulder for their younger sisters to cry on. In another week, their older sister Haley will arrive from New York to join them in these efforts. She will be here for a couple of weeks. These girls all form a real Tour D Force. I'm so proud of all of them for their love and efforts (Sammie and Kaysha included).
Today the physical therapy people brought in some devices that will enable Jan to put on pants, put on socks, etc. She will be trained on the use of them in the next day or so. It will take quite a while before she can bend over to do these tasks in a normal way.
Another issue is the healing of her neck vertibrae. The neck needs to be stablized at all times during this process, so the neck brace is going to remain on for another 3-4 weeks until the vertibrae and muscles surrounding it are healed sufficiently.
When Jan isn't working at trying to walk, sit, breath, etc., she is in and out of sleep. The energy required to not only do these things, but to mitigate the pain associated with them consumes a large amount of energy. On the one hand it's discouraging for her, but on the other she is determined to make it happen. What a woman!!
We learned today that in the next one or two days she'll be transfered to a rehabilitation hospital. The purpose will be to get her to the point that she can return home and continue the healing from there. She most likely will go to Health South (8074 South 1300 East in Sandy).
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Day 4 - April 14th.
First thing in the morning they tried to have Jan go to the bathroom, which included getting on her feet, walking to the toilet, sitting, and walking back. Again, with a great deal of help, effort, and pain, she was able to do it.
In the morning they moved her out of the ICU and into a regular hospital room. Prior to doing this, they disconnected her from the morphine pump. By the time they were rolling her bed to the new room, her pain was increasing (she could feel every bump the bed went over). Arriving at the new room, they moved her from the transport bed to her new bed. That move was very painful. They gave her some new pain medication that got the pain under control again. They then took her in her bed to have her neck Xray'd (a follow up for the surgery of the day before), and then returned her up to her room. She felt reduced discomfort.
Upon returning to the room, she found lunch waiting for her (she hadn't eaten since before the accident, although after the surgery she could have all the fluid she wanted). She relished the soup, turkey sandwich, and dessert (as well as the dinner that followed later).
It was discovered that because of her two broken ribs her breathing had been quite shallow for over two days. This resulted in a small amount of fluid in her lungs. She now had a small case of pnuemonia. They started her on breathing exercises, which they did several times during the day.
Later in the afternoon, they tried to get her on her feet again, but she was so exhausted that she couldn't stand up. The best she could do was sit on the bedside. She spent the rest of the day resting and sleeping.
In the morning they moved her out of the ICU and into a regular hospital room. Prior to doing this, they disconnected her from the morphine pump. By the time they were rolling her bed to the new room, her pain was increasing (she could feel every bump the bed went over). Arriving at the new room, they moved her from the transport bed to her new bed. That move was very painful. They gave her some new pain medication that got the pain under control again. They then took her in her bed to have her neck Xray'd (a follow up for the surgery of the day before), and then returned her up to her room. She felt reduced discomfort.
Upon returning to the room, she found lunch waiting for her (she hadn't eaten since before the accident, although after the surgery she could have all the fluid she wanted). She relished the soup, turkey sandwich, and dessert (as well as the dinner that followed later).
It was discovered that because of her two broken ribs her breathing had been quite shallow for over two days. This resulted in a small amount of fluid in her lungs. She now had a small case of pnuemonia. They started her on breathing exercises, which they did several times during the day.
Later in the afternoon, they tried to get her on her feet again, but she was so exhausted that she couldn't stand up. The best she could do was sit on the bedside. She spent the rest of the day resting and sleeping.
Day 3 - April 13th
Jan went in to surgery on Monday morning, April 13th, around 8:00AM. She was in for a little more than two hours. Afterwards, I met with the surgeon who told me that the surgery went perfectly. All his objectives for repairing the fractured vertibrae were met with success. This removed a great load off of me. Jan was returned to the ICU.
After she came out of the effects of the anestisia, she was told the HAD to get her up on her feet. Much to my amazment (and with a lot of help) she was able to sit up on the side of the bed, and stand up. It was painful and took a lot of energy, but she did it.
They attached her to a morphine pump that enabled her to dispense doses of it every 10 minutes by pressing a button. It was programmed so as not to allow her to consume too much. This stablized her pain. She rested for the rest of the day (with her bed in an inclinded position).
After she came out of the effects of the anestisia, she was told the HAD to get her up on her feet. Much to my amazment (and with a lot of help) she was able to sit up on the side of the bed, and stand up. It was painful and took a lot of energy, but she did it.
They attached her to a morphine pump that enabled her to dispense doses of it every 10 minutes by pressing a button. It was programmed so as not to allow her to consume too much. This stablized her pain. She rested for the rest of the day (with her bed in an inclinded position).
Day 2 - April 12, 2009
In the middle of the night an orthopedic surgeon came to our room in the ICU. He first confirmed that there were no spinal cord injuries by having Jan move her toes, feet, legs, hands, and fingers to specific commands (which she did). He then confirmed the severity of her injuries to the pelvis and ribs. He told us that her pelvic injuries were in the front of the pelvis, stating that that location was the best place for them to be. Due to the fact that the pelvis is attached to and tightly surround by a number of muscles, this would act to keep the pelvis in place while healing. There would be no need for surgery or any body casting (although the healing would be a painful process).
During the day, they tried to get Jan up on her feet. This was needed to prevent blood clots from forming in her legs that could result in an ambulism or a stroke. Her pain was so intense that she couldn't even stand it for them to position the bed in a reclining position so she could step out, thus the effort was abandoned. They continued to give doses of morphine each hour to arrest the pain. Also because they didn't know when her neck surgery might happen (which could be any moment), they couldn't allow her to eat or drink anything. The best that could be done was to swab her mount with a small moist sponge every 15 minutes.
We didn't see the neurosurgeon until late that afternoon. He had spent quite a bit of time studying her injury and how to fix it. After describing several possible solutions, he told us of a relatively new techique that involved live 3D images produced by a specialized CT scanner. The Intermountain Medical Center is the only facility in the state that has an operating room with one of these. He favored this course of action, to which we agreed. He would try and set up the operation for the following morning (but it was possible that it might not be done until Tuesday).
Knowing that surgery was not imminent, we were allowed to give Jan ice chips (and finally sips of water). This was very welcomed, seeing that she had become very parched. At Jan's request, my son Chad and I gave her another blessing relative to the surgery (she couldn't remember the blessing from the night before). In it was again revealed the same positive outcome of the prior blessing.
During the day, they tried to get Jan up on her feet. This was needed to prevent blood clots from forming in her legs that could result in an ambulism or a stroke. Her pain was so intense that she couldn't even stand it for them to position the bed in a reclining position so she could step out, thus the effort was abandoned. They continued to give doses of morphine each hour to arrest the pain. Also because they didn't know when her neck surgery might happen (which could be any moment), they couldn't allow her to eat or drink anything. The best that could be done was to swab her mount with a small moist sponge every 15 minutes.
We didn't see the neurosurgeon until late that afternoon. He had spent quite a bit of time studying her injury and how to fix it. After describing several possible solutions, he told us of a relatively new techique that involved live 3D images produced by a specialized CT scanner. The Intermountain Medical Center is the only facility in the state that has an operating room with one of these. He favored this course of action, to which we agreed. He would try and set up the operation for the following morning (but it was possible that it might not be done until Tuesday).
Knowing that surgery was not imminent, we were allowed to give Jan ice chips (and finally sips of water). This was very welcomed, seeing that she had become very parched. At Jan's request, my son Chad and I gave her another blessing relative to the surgery (she couldn't remember the blessing from the night before). In it was again revealed the same positive outcome of the prior blessing.
The Accident - April 11, 2009
Due to the many inquiries about the car accident that resulted in my wife Jan's injuries as well as how she is doing day to day, I've created this log that I will update daily.
The accident occurred on the evening of Saturday, April 11, 2009. Jan was driving, I was in the front passenger's seat, and our grandson Ryan Jones was in a car seat behind Jan. We were at the Arctic Circle on about 3900 West and 5400 South. As Jan pulled out of the parking lot to turn west on 5400 south, our car was hit on the driver's side (Jan's side). Jan was severly injured with multiple fractures to her pelvis, broken ribs, and a fractured vertibrae in her neck. I was only slightly injured with a contusion on the chest wall. Our grandson, Ryan, was completely unhurt.
At this point, a number of miracles had already occurred:
The accident occurred on the evening of Saturday, April 11, 2009. Jan was driving, I was in the front passenger's seat, and our grandson Ryan Jones was in a car seat behind Jan. We were at the Arctic Circle on about 3900 West and 5400 South. As Jan pulled out of the parking lot to turn west on 5400 south, our car was hit on the driver's side (Jan's side). Jan was severly injured with multiple fractures to her pelvis, broken ribs, and a fractured vertibrae in her neck. I was only slightly injured with a contusion on the chest wall. Our grandson, Ryan, was completely unhurt.
At this point, a number of miracles had already occurred:
- Jan wasn't killed. The impact on the car was so powerful that it dramatically caved in the drivers side of the car.
- Jan didn't suffered any brain damage. This could very easily have happened.
- Jan wasn't paralyzed. The vertibrae that was fractured was the second vertibrae in the neck. When the actor Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in a horse riding incident, he fractured the same vertibrae. In his case, the spinal cord suffered irreparable damage. Jan's spinal cord was completely untouched.
- I went into both emotional and physical shock. This was a blessing because it enabled me to view and interact with the whole thing while being emotionally detached. It enabled me to remain clear headed instead of collapsing in panic. Also I could feel virtually no discomfort in my chest, thus enabling me to physically move about unimpeded.
- As was mentioned before, our grandson was completely untouched. He was on the same side of the car as Jan was. His car seat held completely.
Paramedics were on the scene within 5 minutes. They demonstrated great skill in stablizing Jan before removing her from the car so as not to produce any further damage to her. She was rushed to the emergency at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah. There they diagnosed her injuries, and moved her to the shock and trauma intensive care unit (ICU). At this time, my son Chad and I gave her a health blessing. The blessing was very comforting in that it revealed a very positive outcome. She continued to wear the neck brace placed on her by the paramedics, and was heavily sedated due to terrific pain. In the meantime, the results of her diagnosis were sent to teams of orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.
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