Melinda continues to have elevated blood pressure and is breathing hard. Melinda continues to receive her blood pressure and pain medicine to keep her stable. Melinda still wears mittens on her hands and this has kept her from grabbing the vent hoses. Melinda the houdini managed to get a hold of the vent hoses and now her arms are in restraints and she really hates it.
Respiratory therapist changed the ventilator to pressure support to see if Melinda could handle breathing on her own. Melinda handled breathing on her own for about 3 hours. Respiratory said Melinda is hyper-ventilating and she is breathing too fast and her blood pressure is too low . Melinda was given pain medicine and was put back on the ventilator to help her breath. The medicine took 30 minutes to get her calmed down and vitals stable.
The nurse turned off the lights and closed the blinds so Melinda could rest all day. Melinda is not handling any kind of stimulation right now and she needs to rest. **Keep praying for Melinda.**
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
5/30/09 update
I arrived at the hospital this morning and the nurse said Melinda is resting peacefully now. Melinda's blood pressure was a little elevated and the nurse gave Melinda her pain medicine to bring it down. Melinda will be receiving her pain medicine every 8 hours. The nurse said no stimulation for Melinda today and that this will be a resting day. Melinda's lights were turned off and the blinds closed all day to let her rest.
This afternoon the doctor ordered the ventilator to pressure support to let Melinda breath on her own. Melinda could only handle 45 minutes of breathing on her own when her blood pressure started to rise. The ventilator was changed back to help Melinda breath. The nurse said not to worry that they will try again tomorrow.
Melinda is getting more active with moving her arms and legs and is trying to fully wake up. Melinda is feeling the pain in her back fracture and broken pelvis a lot these last few days and this could possibly be the cause of her blood pressure going up.
Please continue to pray that Melinda will have a good day. GOD BLESS.
This afternoon the doctor ordered the ventilator to pressure support to let Melinda breath on her own. Melinda could only handle 45 minutes of breathing on her own when her blood pressure started to rise. The ventilator was changed back to help Melinda breath. The nurse said not to worry that they will try again tomorrow.
Melinda is getting more active with moving her arms and legs and is trying to fully wake up. Melinda is feeling the pain in her back fracture and broken pelvis a lot these last few days and this could possibly be the cause of her blood pressure going up.
Please continue to pray that Melinda will have a good day. GOD BLESS.
Friday, May 29, 2009
5/29/09 update
Yesterday afternoon occupational therapy strapped Melinda to a bed and stood her up. I feel that Melinda put to much pressure on her broken pelvis and has been in pain since yesterday afternoon.
I arrived at the hospital this morning and the nurse says Melinda's blood pressure was a little high last night. The nurse and I also agreed that Melinda was still in pain. The nurse said Melinda sat in the chair for less than 10 minutes this morning when her blood pressure started to rise. Around 11:00 am Melinda's blood pressure started to rise again. Melinda was given 2 doses of blood pressure medicine and 1 dose of pain medicine. Melinda continued to be uncomfortable and putting her hand on her broken pelvis. Melinda was given another dose of pain medicine and around 2:00 pm her blood pressure came down and Melinda was finally resting. Before we left the hospital tonight Melinda was still resting peacefully.
This afternoon Dr. Britt checked on Melinda and made no changes. They will continue to monitor her blood pressure closely. Dr. Smith said he is changing some medicines to help Melinda relax more. Dr. Smith is very pleased with the progress she is making with occupational therapy. This is very good news!
Please pray that the doctors and nurses can keep Melinda's blood pressure under control.
I arrived at the hospital this morning and the nurse says Melinda's blood pressure was a little high last night. The nurse and I also agreed that Melinda was still in pain. The nurse said Melinda sat in the chair for less than 10 minutes this morning when her blood pressure started to rise. Around 11:00 am Melinda's blood pressure started to rise again. Melinda was given 2 doses of blood pressure medicine and 1 dose of pain medicine. Melinda continued to be uncomfortable and putting her hand on her broken pelvis. Melinda was given another dose of pain medicine and around 2:00 pm her blood pressure came down and Melinda was finally resting. Before we left the hospital tonight Melinda was still resting peacefully.
This afternoon Dr. Britt checked on Melinda and made no changes. They will continue to monitor her blood pressure closely. Dr. Smith said he is changing some medicines to help Melinda relax more. Dr. Smith is very pleased with the progress she is making with occupational therapy. This is very good news!
Please pray that the doctors and nurses can keep Melinda's blood pressure under control.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
5/28/09 update
Melinda had a good and stable night. Arrived at the hospital and the nurse said Melinda is very active this morning. Melinda is working real hard to get her mittens off her hands to pull on her vent hoses. Melinda was awake and had her eyes wide open. I want to clarify that the doctors are giving Melinda medicines to fully wake her up. The doctor explained that Melinda has to break through the barrier or fog to be fully awake and this will take some time. Melinda does not communicate with us and does not always follow commands.
Dr. Britt assessed Melinda and did not order her off the ventilator because of her blood pressure issues. Melinda's blood pressure is being monitored closely. Melinda's pressure is managed by blood pressure medicine. Melinda is given medicine to help her sleep and relax through the night and is handling this well.
Please continue to pray for Melinda. Melinda is improving a little bit each day but has a long recovery ahead of her. GOD BLESS!
Dr. Britt assessed Melinda and did not order her off the ventilator because of her blood pressure issues. Melinda's blood pressure is being monitored closely. Melinda's pressure is managed by blood pressure medicine. Melinda is given medicine to help her sleep and relax through the night and is handling this well.
Please continue to pray for Melinda. Melinda is improving a little bit each day but has a long recovery ahead of her. GOD BLESS!
5/27/09 update
Sorry no update last night; no Internet.
Arrived at the hospital and Melinda was sitting in a chair. I asked the nurse how long Melinda would be in the chair and the nurse said an hour. I told the nurse Dr. Smith said only 30 minutes with her broken pelvis. The nurses immediately took Melinda out of the chair and put her back in bed.
Melinda's vitals are steady and stable. Dr. Huff came in and said Melinda will be weaned off the ventilator. Dr. Huff changed her settings on the ventilator and Melinda is only 15 pressure support.
Melinda's nanny and papa came to visit her and she recognized their voices immediately. OT came around 2:30 and wanted to set Melinda up on the edge of the bed. Melinda is getting stronger every day. The OT said Melinda is holding her self up and can pull forward and back. Melinda is moving her neck but can't quite raise it up all the way. The OT's said Melinda is tracking and doing a great job. They are very pleased with her progress.
Dr Smith is Melinda's rehab doctor. Dr. Smith looked over OT's notes and was very pleased. Dr. Smith said he combined some medicines to fully wake Melinda up. Dr. Smith said it looks like they are working and Melinda is less agitated.
Melinda continued to have a really good day. Melinda had her eyes open for almost the whole day. Around 8:30 p.m. Melinda's blood pressure was a little high and was given adavant and this worked to bring it down. I called the hospital late and Melinda was resting peacefully and vitals stable.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Melinda.
Arrived at the hospital and Melinda was sitting in a chair. I asked the nurse how long Melinda would be in the chair and the nurse said an hour. I told the nurse Dr. Smith said only 30 minutes with her broken pelvis. The nurses immediately took Melinda out of the chair and put her back in bed.
Melinda's vitals are steady and stable. Dr. Huff came in and said Melinda will be weaned off the ventilator. Dr. Huff changed her settings on the ventilator and Melinda is only 15 pressure support.
Melinda's nanny and papa came to visit her and she recognized their voices immediately. OT came around 2:30 and wanted to set Melinda up on the edge of the bed. Melinda is getting stronger every day. The OT said Melinda is holding her self up and can pull forward and back. Melinda is moving her neck but can't quite raise it up all the way. The OT's said Melinda is tracking and doing a great job. They are very pleased with her progress.
Dr Smith is Melinda's rehab doctor. Dr. Smith looked over OT's notes and was very pleased. Dr. Smith said he combined some medicines to fully wake Melinda up. Dr. Smith said it looks like they are working and Melinda is less agitated.
Melinda continued to have a really good day. Melinda had her eyes open for almost the whole day. Around 8:30 p.m. Melinda's blood pressure was a little high and was given adavant and this worked to bring it down. I called the hospital late and Melinda was resting peacefully and vitals stable.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Melinda.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
benefit fund
Friends of the family set up a benefit fund for Melinda. It will be in the Woodward paper soon. Here is the address since every one does not get the Woodward paper.
Melinda Diehl Benefit Fund
c/o The Stock Exchange Bank
PO Box 1008
Woodward OK 73802
Melinda Diehl Benefit Fund
c/o The Stock Exchange Bank
PO Box 1008
Woodward OK 73802
5/26/09 update
Melinda had a peaceful night and her vitals were good since they put her on the sedation. Melinda continued on the sedation throughout the day to rest. OT came and told us since Melinda was still on the sedation they would not be standing her up. They will wait till she is awake and off the sedation.
The doctor came in this afternoon and ordered Melinda to be weaned off the sedation. Melinda's doctor feels she did not come to them with hypertension and probably was neurological. I don't know why Melinda is having problems with her blood pressure. Maybe her brain is healing but her body is not ready. The doctor did not order Melinda off the ventilator today.
Melinda's blood pressure remained stable throughout the day. Melinda was finally weaned off the sedation around 5:00 and around 6:00 she was waking up. Melinda was alert so I turned the TV on and she was watching the Disney channel. I opened up her blinds and she was looking outside at the tree blowing in the wind. About 8:00 this evening Melinda started to get painful looks on her face. I helped the nurse reposition Melinda to a more comfortable position. I was trying to put a pillow under Melinda's knees and I lifted up her right left which has the broken pelvis and she began to cry without any sound. I felt so bad that I hurt Melinda but this is the first time she has cried since the accident and is reacting to pain.
The nurse gave her some tylenol and some pain medicine and she settled down.
God hears our prayers. Amen. Melinda continues to improve every day. Please keep praying.
The doctor came in this afternoon and ordered Melinda to be weaned off the sedation. Melinda's doctor feels she did not come to them with hypertension and probably was neurological. I don't know why Melinda is having problems with her blood pressure. Maybe her brain is healing but her body is not ready. The doctor did not order Melinda off the ventilator today.
Melinda's blood pressure remained stable throughout the day. Melinda was finally weaned off the sedation around 5:00 and around 6:00 she was waking up. Melinda was alert so I turned the TV on and she was watching the Disney channel. I opened up her blinds and she was looking outside at the tree blowing in the wind. About 8:00 this evening Melinda started to get painful looks on her face. I helped the nurse reposition Melinda to a more comfortable position. I was trying to put a pillow under Melinda's knees and I lifted up her right left which has the broken pelvis and she began to cry without any sound. I felt so bad that I hurt Melinda but this is the first time she has cried since the accident and is reacting to pain.
The nurse gave her some tylenol and some pain medicine and she settled down.
God hears our prayers. Amen. Melinda continues to improve every day. Please keep praying.
5/25/09 update
When we arrived at the hospital to see Melinda the nurse said they had to put mittens on her hands. Melinda is pulling on her vent hoses. Melinda is more active today and her vitals are all good.
Dr. Smith came by to see Melinda to assess her. Dr. Smith ordered the anavant(sedation) and lortab(pain medicine) stopped. Melinda is to only have tylenol. Dr. Smith said the medicines are making Melinda to sedated and she sometimes forgets to breath. Dr. Smith says this is not good since she is being weaned off the ventilator. Dr. Smith was very excited to see Melinda very active and moving her arms and legs.
Melinda had a really good day and the nurse said she is trying to come out of the fog to completely wake up. The nurse says Melinda is moving her eyes more and watching movement. Melinda pulled her feeding tube out that is inserted in her stomach and had to be inserted back in her stomach. Melinda managed this with her big fat mittens on. The nurses are calling her hudidni.
7:00p.m. Melinda's blood pressure and heart rate started rising. The nurse gave Melinda some blood pressure medicine. The medicine did not work and we were starting to get worried. Melinda's blood pressure was checked several times and kept climbing dangerously high. The doctor on call was called and he ordered some pain medicine. This did not work either. Melinda's blood pressure continued to stay very high. The nurse says the doctor thinks it has to do with neuroligical and thinks the readings are not correct. The nurse says when the brain is healing all the neurons and electrons are going crazy and trying to heal. The doctor was called again and he ordered Melinda to be put back on the ventilator and put on an I.V. sedation drip to calm her down.
The doctor wants Melinda to completely rest and get her blood pressure down. Melinda is just tired right now. The nurse said Melinda will continue to move steps forward and steps back and this is okay. Melinda is doing very well towards her recovey.
I called the nurse several times through the night to check on Melinda. Melinda's nurse says her blood pressure is good and she is finally resting peacefully.
Continue to pray that Melinda will have a good day today.
Dr. Smith came by to see Melinda to assess her. Dr. Smith ordered the anavant(sedation) and lortab(pain medicine) stopped. Melinda is to only have tylenol. Dr. Smith said the medicines are making Melinda to sedated and she sometimes forgets to breath. Dr. Smith says this is not good since she is being weaned off the ventilator. Dr. Smith was very excited to see Melinda very active and moving her arms and legs.
Melinda had a really good day and the nurse said she is trying to come out of the fog to completely wake up. The nurse says Melinda is moving her eyes more and watching movement. Melinda pulled her feeding tube out that is inserted in her stomach and had to be inserted back in her stomach. Melinda managed this with her big fat mittens on. The nurses are calling her hudidni.
7:00p.m. Melinda's blood pressure and heart rate started rising. The nurse gave Melinda some blood pressure medicine. The medicine did not work and we were starting to get worried. Melinda's blood pressure was checked several times and kept climbing dangerously high. The doctor on call was called and he ordered some pain medicine. This did not work either. Melinda's blood pressure continued to stay very high. The nurse says the doctor thinks it has to do with neuroligical and thinks the readings are not correct. The nurse says when the brain is healing all the neurons and electrons are going crazy and trying to heal. The doctor was called again and he ordered Melinda to be put back on the ventilator and put on an I.V. sedation drip to calm her down.
The doctor wants Melinda to completely rest and get her blood pressure down. Melinda is just tired right now. The nurse said Melinda will continue to move steps forward and steps back and this is okay. Melinda is doing very well towards her recovey.
I called the nurse several times through the night to check on Melinda. Melinda's nurse says her blood pressure is good and she is finally resting peacefully.
Continue to pray that Melinda will have a good day today.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
5/24/09 update
Melinda had a really good morning and her vitals are all stable. The nurse says she is really active this morning and Melinda has some response in her right eye. This is great news! Around 9:30 this morning grandma noticed that Melinda pulled her ventilator hose off her trachea and she quickly got a nurse to put it back on. Melinda's grandma was very relieved the nurse acted quickly. The nurse says Melinda is pulling at her ventilator hoses a lot and around her trachea. Melinda's nurse placed a pillow on her chest so she would not pull at the vent hoses.
We realize Melinda is still very weak and tires easily and the nurses say she needs 30 minutes of stimulation and then 2 hours of sleep throughout the day and night. When Melinda gets over stimulated she gets very agitated and her blood pressure and heart rate goes up. The more Melinda rest her body the more she will heal.
Melinda is doing well with breathing on her own. The ventilator is set on pressure support to help Melinda if she struggles to breath at any time. Melinda is being weaned off of the ventilator and the pressure support is set at 15 today. The nurse told us when the pressure support gets to 5 and Melinda does not have any problems breathing on her own they will take her off the ventilator.
Melinda seemed to have her eyes open more today. Melinda continued to track voices and movements and seemed more alert. The nurse says the medicine to wake her up seems to be working and Melinda is alot active than last week.
10:00 p.m.
Melinda's blood pressure got really high and the doctor was called and he ordered medicine to bring it down.
Melinda continues to improve every day. Thank you for all your love and support and please continue to pray for Melinda. God Bless.
We realize Melinda is still very weak and tires easily and the nurses say she needs 30 minutes of stimulation and then 2 hours of sleep throughout the day and night. When Melinda gets over stimulated she gets very agitated and her blood pressure and heart rate goes up. The more Melinda rest her body the more she will heal.
Melinda is doing well with breathing on her own. The ventilator is set on pressure support to help Melinda if she struggles to breath at any time. Melinda is being weaned off of the ventilator and the pressure support is set at 15 today. The nurse told us when the pressure support gets to 5 and Melinda does not have any problems breathing on her own they will take her off the ventilator.
Melinda seemed to have her eyes open more today. Melinda continued to track voices and movements and seemed more alert. The nurse says the medicine to wake her up seems to be working and Melinda is alot active than last week.
10:00 p.m.
Melinda's blood pressure got really high and the doctor was called and he ordered medicine to bring it down.
Melinda continues to improve every day. Thank you for all your love and support and please continue to pray for Melinda. God Bless.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
update
5/23/09 Evening
Melinda is resting this evening. Melinda's nurse gave her some lortab because her blood pressure was high and she was a little agitated. They want Melinda to rest as much as possible. Pray that Melinda will have a good night and a good day. We will have another update tomorrow night.
Melinda is resting this evening. Melinda's nurse gave her some lortab because her blood pressure was high and she was a little agitated. They want Melinda to rest as much as possible. Pray that Melinda will have a good night and a good day. We will have another update tomorrow night.
Update
5/23/09
Praise god Melinda had a great night. Throughout the day Melinda's blood pressure and respiratory rate was up high. Melinda was given blood pressure medicine to bring it down. Melinda continued to have high vitals and was given lortab. Around 5:00 p.m. Melinda's vitals were good and she was resting peacefully.
I was stretching Melinda's tendons in her ankle and bending her knee to give her some exercise and Melinda was pushing against me and locking up her leg. Melinda did not want me messing with her. Melinda had her beautiful eyes open as I was singing to her and I feel like she is trying to recognize me. Melinda continues to take baby steps and it is amazing to see her progress every day. Melinda continues to do commands with family, nurses and doctors and everyone that knows Melinda knows she does not know a stranger.
Please continue to pray for Melinda. Thank you for all the comments that are expressed for Melinda on her blogspot and all the thoughts and prayers.
Praise god Melinda had a great night. Throughout the day Melinda's blood pressure and respiratory rate was up high. Melinda was given blood pressure medicine to bring it down. Melinda continued to have high vitals and was given lortab. Around 5:00 p.m. Melinda's vitals were good and she was resting peacefully.
I was stretching Melinda's tendons in her ankle and bending her knee to give her some exercise and Melinda was pushing against me and locking up her leg. Melinda did not want me messing with her. Melinda had her beautiful eyes open as I was singing to her and I feel like she is trying to recognize me. Melinda continues to take baby steps and it is amazing to see her progress every day. Melinda continues to do commands with family, nurses and doctors and everyone that knows Melinda knows she does not know a stranger.
Please continue to pray for Melinda. Thank you for all the comments that are expressed for Melinda on her blogspot and all the thoughts and prayers.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Update
5/22/09
Melinda had a very good night. Melinda's vitals were stable throughout the day. Melinda's doctor ordered her to start breathing on her own today. Melinda is still on pressure support only if she needs help breathing. Melinda has handled breathing on her own all day.
Occupational therapy sat Melinda up for just a little bit today. Melinda stuck our her tongue on command. Melinda's rehab doctor had shown up to see her bring her hands together. The occupational therapist says Melinda putting her hands together is huge. She stated they don't usually see that for at least 6-8 weeks. Melinda's rehab doctor on command asked her to squeeze his hand and she did. Melinda's doctor ordered her to be taken off the blood pressure medicine and is trying another medicine to get her to wake up to be more alert.
The occupational therapist says they will continue to sit Melinda up once a day and on Tuesday they will stand Melinda up. They will stand her up to put all her pressure on her left leg since her pelvis is broken on the right side.
Melinda again rested for most of the day. Please continue to pray that Melinda will have a good night tonight and a good day tomorrow.
GOD BLESS
Melinda had a very good night. Melinda's vitals were stable throughout the day. Melinda's doctor ordered her to start breathing on her own today. Melinda is still on pressure support only if she needs help breathing. Melinda has handled breathing on her own all day.
Occupational therapy sat Melinda up for just a little bit today. Melinda stuck our her tongue on command. Melinda's rehab doctor had shown up to see her bring her hands together. The occupational therapist says Melinda putting her hands together is huge. She stated they don't usually see that for at least 6-8 weeks. Melinda's rehab doctor on command asked her to squeeze his hand and she did. Melinda's doctor ordered her to be taken off the blood pressure medicine and is trying another medicine to get her to wake up to be more alert.
The occupational therapist says they will continue to sit Melinda up once a day and on Tuesday they will stand Melinda up. They will stand her up to put all her pressure on her left leg since her pelvis is broken on the right side.
Melinda again rested for most of the day. Please continue to pray that Melinda will have a good night tonight and a good day tomorrow.
GOD BLESS
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Update
5/21/09
We arrived at the hospital this morning and the nurse says Melinda had a rough time last night. Melinda's heart rate and blood pressure jumped up really high. The nurse gave Melinda some more medicine to bring it down. Melinda also had a low grade fever. The doctor ordered her to be put back on the ventilator to help her breath since she was struggling. Melinda's nurse said with all of the activities yesterday tired her out and rest is what she needs today.
Melinda's doctor said she has an infection some where. He says they will wait for her fever to spike up and then do a culture on her blood to determine where the infection is. They don't want to just give her a bunch of antibiotics because she will come immune to them. They will wait to get the correct antibiotic.
Melinda's rehab doctor checked on her today and said she is to only sit in the chair for 30 minutes because of her broken pelvis. The doctor ordered some medicine to wake Melinda up and this will take days to see any results. The medicine is given 2 times a day.
**We love each and every one that has said a thought or prayer for Melinda.
We arrived at the hospital this morning and the nurse says Melinda had a rough time last night. Melinda's heart rate and blood pressure jumped up really high. The nurse gave Melinda some more medicine to bring it down. Melinda also had a low grade fever. The doctor ordered her to be put back on the ventilator to help her breath since she was struggling. Melinda's nurse said with all of the activities yesterday tired her out and rest is what she needs today.
Melinda's doctor said she has an infection some where. He says they will wait for her fever to spike up and then do a culture on her blood to determine where the infection is. They don't want to just give her a bunch of antibiotics because she will come immune to them. They will wait to get the correct antibiotic.
Melinda's rehab doctor checked on her today and said she is to only sit in the chair for 30 minutes because of her broken pelvis. The doctor ordered some medicine to wake Melinda up and this will take days to see any results. The medicine is given 2 times a day.
**We love each and every one that has said a thought or prayer for Melinda.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Update
5/20/09
Melinda had a really good night and her vitals are stable. Melinda looked really good this morning. Before we got to the hospital this morning physical therapy had already worked with Melinda. The nurse said she had moved her leg which is big. Since Melinda's accident she has not moved her legs at all. The doctors thought maybe there could be some paralysis but maybe it is due to her brain injury. We won't know until Melinda gets in to rehab.
We were told by occupational therapy that Melinda IS AWAKE. "Praise the Lord". Around 11:30 today Melinda had her beautiful eyes open and listening and watching me(mom) and aunt Stacey talk to her and Melinda smiled the biggest grin from ear to ear for 2-3 minutes for the very first time. Melinda's doctor was outside her door and witnessed it to.
Occupational therapy worked with Melinda and sat her up on her bed with her legs hanging over the edge. They are holding her up and Melinda's aunt is talking to her. Melinda's eyes are wide open and Melinda looked up to see her aunt. This is very very good. The occupational therapist will document that Melinda was tracking today. They put Melinda in a special chair that forms to her body to sit in. Melinda sat in it for over an hour. The occupational therapist says Melinda is a lot stronger today than yesterday. Melinda is having a busy day.
The doctor from the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation says on friday they will try medicines to get Melinda to wake up even more.
Melinda is still being weened off the ventilator and is doing very well. Melinda is breathing on her own. The ventilator is set on pressure support which means the ventilator will help her if she has any trouble breathing.
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for Melinda. By the grace of god the power of prayer is healing our daughter every day. Amen.
Melinda had a really good night and her vitals are stable. Melinda looked really good this morning. Before we got to the hospital this morning physical therapy had already worked with Melinda. The nurse said she had moved her leg which is big. Since Melinda's accident she has not moved her legs at all. The doctors thought maybe there could be some paralysis but maybe it is due to her brain injury. We won't know until Melinda gets in to rehab.
We were told by occupational therapy that Melinda IS AWAKE. "Praise the Lord". Around 11:30 today Melinda had her beautiful eyes open and listening and watching me(mom) and aunt Stacey talk to her and Melinda smiled the biggest grin from ear to ear for 2-3 minutes for the very first time. Melinda's doctor was outside her door and witnessed it to.
Occupational therapy worked with Melinda and sat her up on her bed with her legs hanging over the edge. They are holding her up and Melinda's aunt is talking to her. Melinda's eyes are wide open and Melinda looked up to see her aunt. This is very very good. The occupational therapist will document that Melinda was tracking today. They put Melinda in a special chair that forms to her body to sit in. Melinda sat in it for over an hour. The occupational therapist says Melinda is a lot stronger today than yesterday. Melinda is having a busy day.
The doctor from the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation says on friday they will try medicines to get Melinda to wake up even more.
Melinda is still being weened off the ventilator and is doing very well. Melinda is breathing on her own. The ventilator is set on pressure support which means the ventilator will help her if she has any trouble breathing.
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for Melinda. By the grace of god the power of prayer is healing our daughter every day. Amen.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Update
5/19/09
Sorry for not updating yesterday. We got in late from seeing Melinda.
Melinda had a good day yesterday and today. We visited with Melinda's doctor today and told him Melinda opens her eyes spontaneously and follows voices with her eyes. Melinda is moving her left hand and tries to pull at her ventilation hoses and tubes. Melinda's doctor says this is good for she is doing this purposely.
Melinda is feeling better since she received her pints of blood and antibiotics. Melinda is not so sluggish but still tires easily from all the activity she receives. Melinda is being turned on her right side, left side and then on her back every 2 hours to keep her lungs clear. The respiratory therapist says her lungs are a little course and continues to receive breathing treatments.
Melinda is receiving physical therapy once a day. Melinda does not like anyone touching her arms and hands. Physical therapy is having a hard time working with Melinda. They are giving her some medicine to relax her arms. Melinda is definitely showing her stubbornness. Melinda has been referred to a doctor from Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation that specializes in brain injuries and rehab.
Melinda continues to take baby steps in her recovery. Please continue to pray for Melinda that god will restore her.
Sorry for not updating yesterday. We got in late from seeing Melinda.
Melinda had a good day yesterday and today. We visited with Melinda's doctor today and told him Melinda opens her eyes spontaneously and follows voices with her eyes. Melinda is moving her left hand and tries to pull at her ventilation hoses and tubes. Melinda's doctor says this is good for she is doing this purposely.
Melinda is feeling better since she received her pints of blood and antibiotics. Melinda is not so sluggish but still tires easily from all the activity she receives. Melinda is being turned on her right side, left side and then on her back every 2 hours to keep her lungs clear. The respiratory therapist says her lungs are a little course and continues to receive breathing treatments.
Melinda is receiving physical therapy once a day. Melinda does not like anyone touching her arms and hands. Physical therapy is having a hard time working with Melinda. They are giving her some medicine to relax her arms. Melinda is definitely showing her stubbornness. Melinda has been referred to a doctor from Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation that specializes in brain injuries and rehab.
Melinda continues to take baby steps in her recovery. Please continue to pray for Melinda that god will restore her.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Update
5/17/09 Evening
Melinda's blood was drawn today and the results came back that her hemoglobin was low. Melinda's doctor ordered her 2 pints of blood and she is receiving today. Melinda continues to take antibiotics to clear her blood and urinary infections. The doctor informed us that with these infections she will be sluggish and unresponsive. Melinda has had a low grade fever all day and her blood pressure is a little high but she was given blood pressure medicine to bring it down.
The nurse informed us that Melinda needs some rest today and requested we limit our visits. Melinda should have a busy day with all of her therapies tomorrow. We will keep you updated on her progress.
Melinda's blood was drawn today and the results came back that her hemoglobin was low. Melinda's doctor ordered her 2 pints of blood and she is receiving today. Melinda continues to take antibiotics to clear her blood and urinary infections. The doctor informed us that with these infections she will be sluggish and unresponsive. Melinda has had a low grade fever all day and her blood pressure is a little high but she was given blood pressure medicine to bring it down.
The nurse informed us that Melinda needs some rest today and requested we limit our visits. Melinda should have a busy day with all of her therapies tomorrow. We will keep you updated on her progress.
5-17-09
Sorry no update yesterday. Melinda was moved to a long care hospital yesterday and placed in their ICU unit to assess and evaluate. The move went well and she was getting settled in.
Last night after being moved, OU Medical Center called with the results of her blood work and she had an infection in her blood along with her urinary tract infection that was already being treated. They started her on another antibiotic for this.
The doctor came in and told us this weekend will be mainly rest and getting comfortable with the new facility and Monday the therapists would be in and we could started with therapies and treatments to try to get her to wake up.
We are keeping a good attitude and continuing to pray for Melinda.
Please continue to do the same.
God Bless.
Last night after being moved, OU Medical Center called with the results of her blood work and she had an infection in her blood along with her urinary tract infection that was already being treated. They started her on another antibiotic for this.
The doctor came in and told us this weekend will be mainly rest and getting comfortable with the new facility and Monday the therapists would be in and we could started with therapies and treatments to try to get her to wake up.
We are keeping a good attitude and continuing to pray for Melinda.
Please continue to do the same.
God Bless.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Update
5/15/09 Evening
Melinda's nurse said she will be transported to the long care acute hospital at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. We are very excited to get started on Melinda's rehabilitation.
This morning Melinda's nurse said that her right eye still does not dilate. Melinda will most of time only open her left eye. We continue to talk and sing to Melinda with every visit and we know that she can hear us. Before I left Melinda this evening I told her to get some rest. I asked her to close her eye and she responded by closing her left eye. I was thinking maybe she heard me so I asked her again to open her eye. Melinda responded by opening it again. Melinda on command opened and closed her left eye 5 times when I asked her. I am so excited! Praise God. Amen.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed and though mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;....Psalm 46:1,2
Melinda's nurse said she will be transported to the long care acute hospital at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. We are very excited to get started on Melinda's rehabilitation.
This morning Melinda's nurse said that her right eye still does not dilate. Melinda will most of time only open her left eye. We continue to talk and sing to Melinda with every visit and we know that she can hear us. Before I left Melinda this evening I told her to get some rest. I asked her to close her eye and she responded by closing her left eye. I was thinking maybe she heard me so I asked her again to open her eye. Melinda responded by opening it again. Melinda on command opened and closed her left eye 5 times when I asked her. I am so excited! Praise God. Amen.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed and though mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;....Psalm 46:1,2
5/15/09
We arrived at the hospital this morning and the nurse informed us that Melinda's white blood cell count was high which means she has an infection somewhere. They took a urine and blood sample to have it tested. Melinda was not transported today to the long term care hospital since she has an infection. We were informed around 5:30 this evening that she would be transported sometime tomorrow. We will keep you updated when we know more information on Melinda's transfer to the other hospital.
Melinda was running a little temperature this morning and was given an antibiotic and is doing fine now. Melinda's vitals were stable. Melinda's traumatic brain injury is out of the critical stage and is improving a little each day but, Melinda still does not follow commands and is still unresponsive at this time. Keep praying that she will wake up.
Melinda was running a little temperature this morning and was given an antibiotic and is doing fine now. Melinda's vitals were stable. Melinda's traumatic brain injury is out of the critical stage and is improving a little each day but, Melinda still does not follow commands and is still unresponsive at this time. Keep praying that she will wake up.
5/15/09
This morning we are transporting Melinda by ambulance to a long term care facility. We will keep you updated.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Update
5/14/09
Melinda had problems with her trachea again on Tuesday with it not sealing and air leaking around it so on Wednsday morning they put in another trachea. This one was a longer one so the balloon would position correctly and seal off. The longer trachea worked well and she sounded much better. She seemed to rest much better yesterday and her respiration rate came down so she did not have to work as hard breathing. Melinda rested most of the day other than her movement therapy and breathing treatments.
We went to a couple of other long term acute care facilities yesterday and toured them. Melinda should be moving to one soon. There they will work with her and she will get more stimulation to help her to wake up. She is improving every day and we thank God for that. Keep the prayers going and believe that she will make a complete recovery.
"Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."
Isaiah 41:10
Melinda had problems with her trachea again on Tuesday with it not sealing and air leaking around it so on Wednsday morning they put in another trachea. This one was a longer one so the balloon would position correctly and seal off. The longer trachea worked well and she sounded much better. She seemed to rest much better yesterday and her respiration rate came down so she did not have to work as hard breathing. Melinda rested most of the day other than her movement therapy and breathing treatments.
We went to a couple of other long term acute care facilities yesterday and toured them. Melinda should be moving to one soon. There they will work with her and she will get more stimulation to help her to wake up. She is improving every day and we thank God for that. Keep the prayers going and believe that she will make a complete recovery.
"Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."
Isaiah 41:10
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Update
5/12/09 Evening
Melinda has been resting throughout the day. Melinda's vitals remain stable and steady. The nurse informed us that the results of the CT Scan showed no new changes. "Praise the Lord".
Melinda will be resting and monitored through the night. Melinda will most likely be taken off the ventilator tomorrow, so please pray that she will have the strength to keep breathing on her own.
"GOD BLESS"
Melinda has been resting throughout the day. Melinda's vitals remain stable and steady. The nurse informed us that the results of the CT Scan showed no new changes. "Praise the Lord".
Melinda will be resting and monitored through the night. Melinda will most likely be taken off the ventilator tomorrow, so please pray that she will have the strength to keep breathing on her own.
"GOD BLESS"
Update
5/12/09
This morning we arrived at the hospital to see Melinda. The nurse informed us that the trachea was damaged and had been replaced early this morning. The trauma doctors decided to leave Melinda on the ventilator today since the procedure was tiring for her. Melinda's vitals remained stable throughout the day.
The trauma doctors were making their daily rounds and they thought Melinda was a little unresponsive today. The trauma doctors ordered another CT Scan on Melinda's brain to make sure everything was okay. The nurse informed us that the results were not in and could be in this evening.
Melinda's parents toured a long term facility today. We will be touring other facilities to find the right one for Melinda. We want to give Melinda the best chance for a full recovery. While we were at the facility Melinda's grandma was sitting with her and got to see Melinda yawn a couple of times.
Melinda and her family wish to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers.
This morning we arrived at the hospital to see Melinda. The nurse informed us that the trachea was damaged and had been replaced early this morning. The trauma doctors decided to leave Melinda on the ventilator today since the procedure was tiring for her. Melinda's vitals remained stable throughout the day.
The trauma doctors were making their daily rounds and they thought Melinda was a little unresponsive today. The trauma doctors ordered another CT Scan on Melinda's brain to make sure everything was okay. The nurse informed us that the results were not in and could be in this evening.
Melinda's parents toured a long term facility today. We will be touring other facilities to find the right one for Melinda. We want to give Melinda the best chance for a full recovery. While we were at the facility Melinda's grandma was sitting with her and got to see Melinda yawn a couple of times.
Melinda and her family wish to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Update
5/11/09 Evening
Melinda's vitals were a little high tonight and she was given lortab. This afternoon the nurses were adjusting Melinda in her bed and the hoses attached to the ventilator did not move with her and the trachea may have been damaged. The nurse will have the trauma doctors take a look at the trachea tonight when they make their rounds.
Melinda kept twitching her nose like she had a little tickle. We continued to watch Melinda and she opened her mouth and yawned. That was very exciting! Everyone keep praying for Melinda for she continues to improve every day. By the grace of god she will make a full recovery.
Melinda's vitals were a little high tonight and she was given lortab. This afternoon the nurses were adjusting Melinda in her bed and the hoses attached to the ventilator did not move with her and the trachea may have been damaged. The nurse will have the trauma doctors take a look at the trachea tonight when they make their rounds.
Melinda kept twitching her nose like she had a little tickle. We continued to watch Melinda and she opened her mouth and yawned. That was very exciting! Everyone keep praying for Melinda for she continues to improve every day. By the grace of god she will make a full recovery.
Update
5/11/09
Melinda continues to have stable vitals. Around 7:45 a.m. this morning the respiratory therapist took Melinda off the ventilator and it remained off till 1:30 p.m. Almost 6 hours and we are so excited and proud of Melinda. Melinda continues to have her respiratory treatments to keep her lungs clear. Melinda is a strong cougher which helps break up the stuff in her lungs.
Melinda's trauma doctors talked to us about her progress. The doctors want us to think about a in-patient long care facility for Melinda. Melinda's trauma doctors will get her to breathing completely on her own and make sure her lungs are clear before they transport her to the long care facility. We are very excited. When Melinda wakes up they will start on her rehabilitation.
The nurse evaluated the dilation in Melinda's eyes which is done often on every shift. Since the accident Melinda's left eye dilated fine but the right eye had no response. Today the right eye had a little response and we are elated.
The doctors talked to us about putting a (pic) I.V. in Melinda's arm that goes up to her heart. They assure us that the I.V. in her arm can stay in longer. The I.V. in her hands have to be changed every 3 to 4 days so this will be better for Melinda.
Please continue to pray for Melinda to keep getting stronger and healthier.
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Psalm 27:14
Melinda continues to have stable vitals. Around 7:45 a.m. this morning the respiratory therapist took Melinda off the ventilator and it remained off till 1:30 p.m. Almost 6 hours and we are so excited and proud of Melinda. Melinda continues to have her respiratory treatments to keep her lungs clear. Melinda is a strong cougher which helps break up the stuff in her lungs.
Melinda's trauma doctors talked to us about her progress. The doctors want us to think about a in-patient long care facility for Melinda. Melinda's trauma doctors will get her to breathing completely on her own and make sure her lungs are clear before they transport her to the long care facility. We are very excited. When Melinda wakes up they will start on her rehabilitation.
The nurse evaluated the dilation in Melinda's eyes which is done often on every shift. Since the accident Melinda's left eye dilated fine but the right eye had no response. Today the right eye had a little response and we are elated.
The doctors talked to us about putting a (pic) I.V. in Melinda's arm that goes up to her heart. They assure us that the I.V. in her arm can stay in longer. The I.V. in her hands have to be changed every 3 to 4 days so this will be better for Melinda.
Please continue to pray for Melinda to keep getting stronger and healthier.
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Psalm 27:14
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Update
5/10/09
This morning we asked if Melinda was off the pain medicine since we were told that information last night. Melinda's nurse this morning said she is still on the pain medicine that the doctors did not want her off of it at this time.
This morning we asked if Melinda was off the pain medicine since we were told that information last night. Melinda's nurse this morning said she is still on the pain medicine that the doctors did not want her off of it at this time.
Update
5/10/09
Melinda had a really good night. Melinda is taking baby steps everyday to heal her body. Melinda's breaths per minute is a little high but the nurse assures us that it comes down on its own. Melinda's nurse says they are monitoring her closely. Melinda was taken off the ventilator this afternoon and was breathing on her own for 3 1/2 hours and that is 30 minutes longer than yesterday. We are very excited! Melinda's lungs are getting stronger each day. The nurse said we could talk a little bit to Melinda. We are excited since we have not been able to talk to her since the accident because of the pressure on her brain and her heart rate going to high. Melinda's nurse says she can hear you and she needs to hear her momma's voice. I told Melinda how much she is loved and that god is healing her body and to keep fighting to get well so she can come home.
Please continue to pray for Melinda and Jon Mann for they are improving a little bit each day. ~~~"Praise God"~~~
Melinda had a really good night. Melinda is taking baby steps everyday to heal her body. Melinda's breaths per minute is a little high but the nurse assures us that it comes down on its own. Melinda's nurse says they are monitoring her closely. Melinda was taken off the ventilator this afternoon and was breathing on her own for 3 1/2 hours and that is 30 minutes longer than yesterday. We are very excited! Melinda's lungs are getting stronger each day. The nurse said we could talk a little bit to Melinda. We are excited since we have not been able to talk to her since the accident because of the pressure on her brain and her heart rate going to high. Melinda's nurse says she can hear you and she needs to hear her momma's voice. I told Melinda how much she is loved and that god is healing her body and to keep fighting to get well so she can come home.
Please continue to pray for Melinda and Jon Mann for they are improving a little bit each day. ~~~"Praise God"~~~
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Update
5/9/09 Evening
Melinda's vitals are stable. Melinda's heart rate is still a little high and she had a fever of 102 today. Melinda was given lortab to bring the heart rate and fever down. Melinda continues to receive her respiratory treatments every 4 hours. Melinda's respiratory therapist says her lungs are doing well. Melinda's nurse informed us this evening that Melinda will be off of her pain medicine. The nurse says the pain medicine will take at least 12 hours to be completely out of her system. This evening we talked with Melinda's nurse about her brain injury. The nurse informed us that Melinda is young and strong and that when Melinda is ready she will wake up.
Please pray for Melinda's full recovery.
Melinda's vitals are stable. Melinda's heart rate is still a little high and she had a fever of 102 today. Melinda was given lortab to bring the heart rate and fever down. Melinda continues to receive her respiratory treatments every 4 hours. Melinda's respiratory therapist says her lungs are doing well. Melinda's nurse informed us this evening that Melinda will be off of her pain medicine. The nurse says the pain medicine will take at least 12 hours to be completely out of her system. This evening we talked with Melinda's nurse about her brain injury. The nurse informed us that Melinda is young and strong and that when Melinda is ready she will wake up.
Please pray for Melinda's full recovery.
update
5/9/09
This morning Melinda's respiratory therapist removed the ventilator to see how Melinda would respond. Melinda was off the ventilator for almost 3 hours and breathing on her own. This is great news! She had no problems and handled it well. The respiratory therapist will only try this a few times a day so Melinda does not get tired and struggle with her breathing. Melinda's heart rate continues to stay high but is kept controlled by medicine. This afternoon the nurse informed us that Melinda is being weaned off of her pain medicine. The nurse said when she is completely weaned she will be very agitated. Tomorrow will be a big day for Melinda. Melinda's family is anxious to see her beautiful eyes open.
Melinda's family wish to express how deeply we appreciate each and everyone of you that has helped Melinda in her recovery. Thank you and please continue to pray for Melinda.
This morning Melinda's respiratory therapist removed the ventilator to see how Melinda would respond. Melinda was off the ventilator for almost 3 hours and breathing on her own. This is great news! She had no problems and handled it well. The respiratory therapist will only try this a few times a day so Melinda does not get tired and struggle with her breathing. Melinda's heart rate continues to stay high but is kept controlled by medicine. This afternoon the nurse informed us that Melinda is being weaned off of her pain medicine. The nurse said when she is completely weaned she will be very agitated. Tomorrow will be a big day for Melinda. Melinda's family is anxious to see her beautiful eyes open.
Melinda's family wish to express how deeply we appreciate each and everyone of you that has helped Melinda in her recovery. Thank you and please continue to pray for Melinda.
UPDATE
5/9/09
Melinda had a calm and peaceful night. Melinda's vitals stayed stable. This morning the respiratory therapist said he will be gradually lowering her respiratory level to see how she handles breathing on her own. This will be attempted several times through out the day. We will keep you updated on how well Melinda handles this.
Melinda had a calm and peaceful night. Melinda's vitals stayed stable. This morning the respiratory therapist said he will be gradually lowering her respiratory level to see how she handles breathing on her own. This will be attempted several times through out the day. We will keep you updated on how well Melinda handles this.
Friday, May 8, 2009
UPDATE
5/8/09
Melinda had a peaceful night and all her vitals were good. Early this morning her ventilator tubes and feeding tubes were removed and replaced with the trachea and feeding tube placed in her stomach. Melinda did very well and is resting comfortably today. We are very excited cause we now get to see her beautiful face. Melinda's pulse rate is still a little high but she is given medicine to keep it down. Melinda is almost weaned off the oxygen machine and is almost breathing completely on her own. Melinda has handled this well. The oxygen machine will only help if she has any trouble breathing at any time. The neurosurgeons reviewed Melinda this afternoon and advised that when Melinda wakes up they will then assess her brain function.
We are so grateful for each and everyone that has said a prayer or thought for Melinda. Thank you and god bless.
Melinda had a peaceful night and all her vitals were good. Early this morning her ventilator tubes and feeding tubes were removed and replaced with the trachea and feeding tube placed in her stomach. Melinda did very well and is resting comfortably today. We are very excited cause we now get to see her beautiful face. Melinda's pulse rate is still a little high but she is given medicine to keep it down. Melinda is almost weaned off the oxygen machine and is almost breathing completely on her own. Melinda has handled this well. The oxygen machine will only help if she has any trouble breathing at any time. The neurosurgeons reviewed Melinda this afternoon and advised that when Melinda wakes up they will then assess her brain function.
We are so grateful for each and everyone that has said a prayer or thought for Melinda. Thank you and god bless.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Update
5-7-09
Today was more or less a day of monitoring Melinda. She faught a fever most of the day and her heart rate would race when she was agitated. The doctors said there is no infection in the brain and her lungs sound good. They sent of a sample to check to see if she had a urinary tract infection. This is a little suspect due to her urine being a little cloudy. The doctors said her heart rate is common at this stage of someone with head injuries. The doctors stated that she is out of the critical period of her head injury and a very long period of recovery is ahead. The doctors decided they were not going to operate on her pelvis. They say it is set and should heal, but they will watch it as we progress. Tomorrow she is scheduled to get the respirator and tubes out of her mouth and put a trachea and feeding tube in her side. They say this is a good thing and it is much more comfortable to Melinda.
We appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and visits for Melinda and encourage everyone to keep praying for her.
Today was more or less a day of monitoring Melinda. She faught a fever most of the day and her heart rate would race when she was agitated. The doctors said there is no infection in the brain and her lungs sound good. They sent of a sample to check to see if she had a urinary tract infection. This is a little suspect due to her urine being a little cloudy. The doctors said her heart rate is common at this stage of someone with head injuries. The doctors stated that she is out of the critical period of her head injury and a very long period of recovery is ahead. The doctors decided they were not going to operate on her pelvis. They say it is set and should heal, but they will watch it as we progress. Tomorrow she is scheduled to get the respirator and tubes out of her mouth and put a trachea and feeding tube in her side. They say this is a good thing and it is much more comfortable to Melinda.
We appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and visits for Melinda and encourage everyone to keep praying for her.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
UPDATE
5/6/09
Melinda had a quiet morning. Melinda continues to have her respiratory treatments every 4 hours. Melinda had an ultrasound on her arms, legs and chest to see if any blood clots had formed. This is common in anyone that is immobile for a long period of time. The results came back negative. Praise the Lord! Fluid was drained from Melinda's brain yesterday and sent off to see if there was an infection. The results came back today and was negative. Melinda is improving every day. Melinda spiked a fever today but was given lortab to bring it down. Melinda continues to move her arms and opens her eyes for a longer period of time but is still heavily medicated.
Melinda's nurse informed us that the neurosurgeons turned all her medicines off for 10 minutes and tried to get Melinda to respond to commands such as thumbs up and raise 2 fingers. Melinda made movements with her hand but could not distinguish her movements as following commands. The doctors advised us that they would need to wean Melinda off of her pain medicine to assess the level of her brain function.
The doctors stated that Melinda will have her ventilating tubes removed and replaced with a trachea and a feeding tube inserted in to her stomach on Friday. The doctors say this will be more comfortable and less infections for Melinda. We will know more on Friday if Melinda will have surgery on her pelvis.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. With the power of prayer Melinda is improving everyday.
Melinda had a quiet morning. Melinda continues to have her respiratory treatments every 4 hours. Melinda had an ultrasound on her arms, legs and chest to see if any blood clots had formed. This is common in anyone that is immobile for a long period of time. The results came back negative. Praise the Lord! Fluid was drained from Melinda's brain yesterday and sent off to see if there was an infection. The results came back today and was negative. Melinda is improving every day. Melinda spiked a fever today but was given lortab to bring it down. Melinda continues to move her arms and opens her eyes for a longer period of time but is still heavily medicated.
Melinda's nurse informed us that the neurosurgeons turned all her medicines off for 10 minutes and tried to get Melinda to respond to commands such as thumbs up and raise 2 fingers. Melinda made movements with her hand but could not distinguish her movements as following commands. The doctors advised us that they would need to wean Melinda off of her pain medicine to assess the level of her brain function.
The doctors stated that Melinda will have her ventilating tubes removed and replaced with a trachea and a feeding tube inserted in to her stomach on Friday. The doctors say this will be more comfortable and less infections for Melinda. We will know more on Friday if Melinda will have surgery on her pelvis.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. With the power of prayer Melinda is improving everyday.
UPDATE
5/6/09
Sorry no update last night. We set with Melinda till visiting was over and went to bed early.
Melinda had a good day yesterday after they removed the drain tube from her head. She gets agitated when they do treatments or move her into a new position. I know with the broken ribs and pelvis that she hurts every time she moves. The doctors are watching her closely and if she does well the rest of the week they might do surgery on her pelvis.
Last night before visiting was over was a little hard to watch. Melinda was hurting and was moving and figiting. She kept grabbing and rubbing her ribs. She would get painful looks on her face. Mom sang to Melinda to try to settle her down and she opened her eyes while her mom was standing there singing.
She also developed a fever and the nurse gave her some Lortab with acetomenaphine to try and settle her down. That did not work so they gave her something a little stronger and she had settled down and began to rest again before we had to leave at 10:00 p.m. Christie called the nurse a while later and the nurse said the fever had gone down and she was resting.
Please continue to pray for Melinda. God Bless.
Sorry no update last night. We set with Melinda till visiting was over and went to bed early.
Melinda had a good day yesterday after they removed the drain tube from her head. She gets agitated when they do treatments or move her into a new position. I know with the broken ribs and pelvis that she hurts every time she moves. The doctors are watching her closely and if she does well the rest of the week they might do surgery on her pelvis.
Last night before visiting was over was a little hard to watch. Melinda was hurting and was moving and figiting. She kept grabbing and rubbing her ribs. She would get painful looks on her face. Mom sang to Melinda to try to settle her down and she opened her eyes while her mom was standing there singing.
She also developed a fever and the nurse gave her some Lortab with acetomenaphine to try and settle her down. That did not work so they gave her something a little stronger and she had settled down and began to rest again before we had to leave at 10:00 p.m. Christie called the nurse a while later and the nurse said the fever had gone down and she was resting.
Please continue to pray for Melinda. God Bless.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
UPDATE
5/5/09
Melinda's night was stable. Early this morning the neurosurgeons assessed Melinda and decided to remove the catheter in her brain. They feel that she has improved enough and the pressure on her brain will be controlled by her body. The doctors are monitoring her closely today for any changes. When we were able to see Melinda this morning the catheter had already been removed. We are feeling scared and excited. We know she is improving every day but can't help worrying since we can't watch her pressure on the monitor. Melinda's orthopedic surgeon stated that they would be operating on her pelvis when the neuorsurgeon gives them the okay to operate.
Melinda is moving her hands and arms and becoming easily agitated. When Melinda starts hurting or gets agitated her vitals rise. The nurse will give Melinda pain medicine to calm her down.
Keep praying for all of us for this will be another stressful day watching and monitoring her without the familiar monitors of her brain pressure that we use to watch.
Melinda's night was stable. Early this morning the neurosurgeons assessed Melinda and decided to remove the catheter in her brain. They feel that she has improved enough and the pressure on her brain will be controlled by her body. The doctors are monitoring her closely today for any changes. When we were able to see Melinda this morning the catheter had already been removed. We are feeling scared and excited. We know she is improving every day but can't help worrying since we can't watch her pressure on the monitor. Melinda's orthopedic surgeon stated that they would be operating on her pelvis when the neuorsurgeon gives them the okay to operate.
Melinda is moving her hands and arms and becoming easily agitated. When Melinda starts hurting or gets agitated her vitals rise. The nurse will give Melinda pain medicine to calm her down.
Keep praying for all of us for this will be another stressful day watching and monitoring her without the familiar monitors of her brain pressure that we use to watch.
Monday, May 4, 2009
UPDATE
5/4/09
Melinda had a busy day today with all her doctors. The neurosurgeons assessed Melinda and again decided to clamp the catheter to her brain. Melinda tolerated this pretty well. The fluid was only released a couple of times in 10 hours to bring down her pressure on her brain. Melinda's pressure seems to go up when she is having x-rays and her respirtory treatments. Keep praying for Melinda's well being and continued progress.
Melinda had a busy day today with all her doctors. The neurosurgeons assessed Melinda and again decided to clamp the catheter to her brain. Melinda tolerated this pretty well. The fluid was only released a couple of times in 10 hours to bring down her pressure on her brain. Melinda's pressure seems to go up when she is having x-rays and her respirtory treatments. Keep praying for Melinda's well being and continued progress.
UPDATE
Melinda had a good night. Her vitals were steady through the night. During the early morning hours the neurosurgeons assessed Melinda and decided to clamp her catheter that is inserted in her brain. They wanted to see if Melinda's pressure in her brain would remain normal. They watched Melinda very closely. Not sure how long the clamp was on but Melinda's pressure began to rise. The clamp was immediately removed to allow the pressure to come down. This morning around 8:30 the neurosurgeons assessed Melinda. They wanted to test to see if she would respond to a command. The neurosurgeon asked Melinda to hold up her thumb several times. Melinda moved her left hand and we believe she tried to raise her thumb. We are very hopeful and excited with her progress. Physical therapy also worked with Melinda this morning. Around 10:30 a.m. the neurosurgeons came back to assess Melinda and decided to clamp the catheter. They will monitor her very closely today.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
UPDATE
5/3/09
Melinda had a good day today. Melinda's vitals were strong and stable. Melinda was getting her x-rays this morning and somehow her bolt would not register her brain pressures. The neurosurgeons assessed Melinda and decided to take the bolt out. This was a little scary since we could not see the pressure on the monitor. The nurses assured us that her pressures were good and the bolt was not needed. This is a big step for Melinda towards her recovery. The neurosurgeons decided to start weaning her off of her catheter that is inserted in her brain. This is good news. Melinda is getting her respitory treatments every 4 hours. The respitory technician stated that Melinda's lungs were doing well.
Please continue to pray for GOD hears our prayers.
Melinda had a good day today. Melinda's vitals were strong and stable. Melinda was getting her x-rays this morning and somehow her bolt would not register her brain pressures. The neurosurgeons assessed Melinda and decided to take the bolt out. This was a little scary since we could not see the pressure on the monitor. The nurses assured us that her pressures were good and the bolt was not needed. This is a big step for Melinda towards her recovery. The neurosurgeons decided to start weaning her off of her catheter that is inserted in her brain. This is good news. Melinda is getting her respitory treatments every 4 hours. The respitory technician stated that Melinda's lungs were doing well.
Please continue to pray for GOD hears our prayers.
UPDATE
Last night Melinda was doing very well. Her numbers were good and she remained stable. Her white count was a little high so she was given Zosyn which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic for her infection. During the night she spiked a fever and she was given Tylenol but that didn't seem to work so she was given Lortab. After that she settled down and her fever came down.
There are a multiple team of doctors taking care of Melinda right now. She is being x-rayed everyday to watch the pneumonia. She remains in stable condition but she is still very critical. She is still off of the paralytic/sedation medication and she is maintaining her numbers on her own so that is very encouraging.
The family appreciates everyone for their kind words and prayers at this time. Melinda is in good hands here but she is in better hands in God's so keep it up!
There are a multiple team of doctors taking care of Melinda right now. She is being x-rayed everyday to watch the pneumonia. She remains in stable condition but she is still very critical. She is still off of the paralytic/sedation medication and she is maintaining her numbers on her own so that is very encouraging.
The family appreciates everyone for their kind words and prayers at this time. Melinda is in good hands here but she is in better hands in God's so keep it up!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
update
5/2/09
Melinda had another good night. She is looking better daily and her color is good. Melinda looks like she is just sleeping. She is coughing due to her pneumonia but the nurses explained that her lungs are strong and that the coughing helps greatly so it will break up the pneumonia. The pressure in her brain is starting to level off. Last night the doctors decided to hold off on weaning Melinda off of her pain medicine but decided to begin this morning instead. Her vital signs are very good and the doctors are pleased with her progress.
Melinda continues to improve every second of every day and we are VERY excited! Since the accident Melinda's beautiful hair was in knots so the nurses decided to give her the cutest buzz cut and put a green bow in. This will be replaced with a purple bow since purple is her favorite color.
Thank you for keeping Melinda in your thoughts and prayers.
Melinda had another good night. She is looking better daily and her color is good. Melinda looks like she is just sleeping. She is coughing due to her pneumonia but the nurses explained that her lungs are strong and that the coughing helps greatly so it will break up the pneumonia. The pressure in her brain is starting to level off. Last night the doctors decided to hold off on weaning Melinda off of her pain medicine but decided to begin this morning instead. Her vital signs are very good and the doctors are pleased with her progress.
Melinda continues to improve every second of every day and we are VERY excited! Since the accident Melinda's beautiful hair was in knots so the nurses decided to give her the cutest buzz cut and put a green bow in. This will be replaced with a purple bow since purple is her favorite color.
Thank you for keeping Melinda in your thoughts and prayers.
Friday, May 1, 2009
fri. evening update
5/01/09
Melinda has had a busy day today. The doctors decided to take her off of the paraletic drug so she could regain her reflexes. They also started weening her off of the sedative. The nurses tested her hourly by irritating her to get her to move her arms and legs. She is moving her left side well but her right side is a little sluggish. By the end of the day she was completely off of both meds but it will take a little while for it to get out of her system. She still has not been conscious or opened her eyes. The nurses are deciding if they will wean Melinda from her pain medicine tonight. Melinda's neurosurgeons came by this evening and assessed her. They were pleased with her progress. They also stated that her pneumonia will worsen soon.
Melinda and her family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray for Melinda,
Melinda has had a busy day today. The doctors decided to take her off of the paraletic drug so she could regain her reflexes. They also started weening her off of the sedative. The nurses tested her hourly by irritating her to get her to move her arms and legs. She is moving her left side well but her right side is a little sluggish. By the end of the day she was completely off of both meds but it will take a little while for it to get out of her system. She still has not been conscious or opened her eyes. The nurses are deciding if they will wean Melinda from her pain medicine tonight. Melinda's neurosurgeons came by this evening and assessed her. They were pleased with her progress. They also stated that her pneumonia will worsen soon.
Melinda and her family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray for Melinda,
update
5-1-09
Melinda had a really good night. They continue to monitor her brain and looks like the pressure is going down and has been improving the last 2 days. During the night Melinda spiked a fever. This is expected because of her pneumonia, She will receive the specific antibiotic today to start clearing the infection in her lungs. The neurosurgeons came to see Melinda this morning and looked at her stats and concluded that she may be ready to be slowly weaned off of the sedation and medication to see how she responds. Please continue to pray for Melinda.
Melinda had a really good night. They continue to monitor her brain and looks like the pressure is going down and has been improving the last 2 days. During the night Melinda spiked a fever. This is expected because of her pneumonia, She will receive the specific antibiotic today to start clearing the infection in her lungs. The neurosurgeons came to see Melinda this morning and looked at her stats and concluded that she may be ready to be slowly weaned off of the sedation and medication to see how she responds. Please continue to pray for Melinda.
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