Hey - here is another post from Dad --- for some reason they can't get it up on their computer.
MARK’S ENTRY FROM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29….
Yes, I am up, breathing on my own. This medicine change has made life different. I used to live by way of machine that had more problems than a twelve year old VW. It would have major problems and just beep and stop when it wanted too. This new system will be more time consuming, but my life depends on this to insure I see tomorrow.
Having the doctor tell me about the weight on my left leg was good news, but I will have to build up to using my legs again. I still have daily pain from this hole the doctors put in my back and hoping my legs will get used to my using them again. It may be a while before I can walk again, though. I know putting weight on my leg at Matt’s soccer game was an experience for me and others that saw it, but somehow, I have to get this to work right. To me, a good night’s sleep has drastically changed. I go to bed around 10 or 11PM and have to wake up at midnight for medicine, two o’clock to deal with a headache and again at 4AM for more medicine. My life savoir (the crazy fool that agreed to marry me 26 years ago) has been the one who makes sure I am still around. Without the support she gives me DAILY, I would not even imagine where I would be today. I am not allowed to drive anything other than my wheelchair (and it doesn’t goes far or fast) for a while. I know my wife does most things for me, but I have many other people helping in so many ways. Some, like my kids and parents, keep me steered in the right direction in life, but there are so many more. There is no way for me to measure it all. I have some extended family members say they are cooking too much food for their family and want to bring some to us and others that just come by and mow my yard. There are so many that offer so much moral support and this means some much too! There is no way I can adjust to this new life style with out a large change in my attitude. So many people have become huge parts in my new life. There is no way you can spend two months of life on a day to day basis with so many friends and family pulling for you and not be changed. I have so many people signed in on my sign in sheet that I don’t remember seeing at the hospital when I was still out. I am just floored to know how many people cared.
Yes, my life has changed, some for the better and in some ways for the worse. There is no way to determine whether it’s better at this point, but I am alive and able to recognize my “new family members”. These are the people that have changed my life by making me part of theirs and I can never forget it! I am told that this pain will disappear in time but until this doctor tells me that the new plates in me can stay, my life will be a questionable parts of me. I have so much “added” metal in me, airplanes my but one of those questionably things for a while, but if life continues, all will be good.
Life is great. Live well and love well and everything will work out as GOD wants it too.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Good News!!!!
Mark, received good news from his Orthopedic Surgeon on Friday. He could start bearing weight on his left side, that very day. At first Mark tried and was not strong enough. However, on Saturday at the soccer game he stood up on one leg for several seconds, four times. Now, that's not earth shattering news but, it is something we all take for granted. On October 8 he can start weigh bearing on his left side, but I don't think it will be quite as easy as that is the side where the majority of the damage occurred. So, we will try to start therapy about that date. I will be changing the wound vacuum sponge myself also twice a week starting next week. I have to have a R.N sign me off to do this...but I wanted to be able to fix the wound site on the off days when we did not have Home Health Care coming. We, also changed the antibiotics to the little vacuum balls that are administered every four hours, so that means, stay up until midnight and back up at four AM. I will continue to do this myself until Mark gets more comfortable with it, and can start doing it himself. I'm so worried about infection since the doctor said that our next appointment on October 24 they will determine weather the hardware stays or has to be removed from the bone. So for now....think baby steps!!!!!I know how very Blessed I am. So does Mark. Thank you, Lord.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
From Mark ----
This is from Mark to let you know I am breathing and surviving with some help…
I don't know where to start. The family, friends and others support
has been fantastic. I have been trying to read my BLOG for several
days now I am finished with it. The love and support it shows it
fantastic, but the main concern from everyone seems to be about our
BIG ONE, God. He has made all of this possible.
You really know the love and support you get from family and mine is
coming from both sides. It is the friends that seem to affect me the
most. I knew how my family felt about me and it means so much to read
it, but to hear things like this from friends means so much too!
All of this started on July 7, 2007. I was helping a great friend move
some tree limbs across a roof when I found a crack in the roof and
fell through. I don't remember being there at all, but he tries to
fill in some details from time to time. To read in this BLOG what my
family and friends went through is really heart breaking. To see how
bad I was just baffles me. When the doctors cut back on my medication,
it helped me a lot. Some where near the end of August, they tried to
explain who I was and why I was there. I had one doctor come in and
ask me what I could remember about the past. I told him I went out
of town during spring break and he said that was April. What about May
and June? He did not understand I did not know that there was a May or
June this year. Next he wanted to know about the accident. What about
July and August? He did not understand that I only found out who I was
a few days before.
To read my sign in log at the hospital meant a lot to know that there
were that many people who cared and that many more who caught up on my
BLOG. My family did so much keeping it current every though it was not
an easy task to do. Doctors make decisions and change them pretty
often because of this or that, but it all seemed to work out.
On Friday, September 14, they let me out of TIRR to go home. Betty had
so many people over that night to welcome me home, it was great. That
night, one on my machine messed up about 3AM and I pushed the buttons
on it to it stopped. Well, as stupid as I was, I turned it off on
accident. We are trying to get it running again in the driveway on
Saturday morning. Donna, our nurse next door was helping too, when I
started getting over heated. Betty turned on the AC in the car while
they messed with this machine. While they were working on it, I lost
all control of my left side of my body. The ambulance was called and
they took me back to the hospital. I think they ran every test they
could come up with and then on Tuesday night, they shipped me to the
main hospital in Houston for a few more days. All day Wednesday and half of
Thursday, I went through another round of tests. They finally realized
with some different medicines and some small actuization of what
happened, but the tests could not confirm anything for sure. It was
either a small stroke, a small heart attack or some nerve damaged.
These were all too small to pick up on any of there machines, but I
got released to spend time at home with my own personal nurse (my
wonderful wife, Betty), plus my parents are here to help, too. I know
this ordeal was sure a problem to my immediate family, but there
courage was outstanding! This situation really shows you who really
cares. Some of these people I thought were good friends, but have
become part of me "extended family" now.
When I came home, I noticed so many things that were taken care of.
My yard was mowed. I have not run a mower since early July I guess.
Four friends from work made a trip to San Marcos to work on some stuff
on Tiff and Brea's trailer that I had not finished. There were things
done here, too. It really amazes me to know I have family and friends
that will do these for others like this. Betty spent so much time at
the hospital, so many people took care of Matt for her. He would start
here for a few days and there for a few more. I can not say enough
about all the little things that were done for us. Help came from so
many different people that it amazed me. I even had people that took
my "get well" wish with them to their churches for group support.
There is no way I can thank this group for helping save my life. The
nurses at the hospital would look at my chart and wonder how I
survived and I told them I was my friends and family that let God be
my savior. I feel he is the reason at am still here.
I have family from all over the country praying and pulling for me
plus some from others countries doing so too.
If there was anything I could do more than the biggest "THANK YOU"
allowed, I would owe each and everyone of something great like this.
This needs to go to family, friends, people from work (friends, too)
and even to the people who don't even know me personally that go on
board this trip to help me and my family out. My life and that of my
family would not be were it is today with out each and every one of
you!
Just a note to keep everyone one board: Of all my Bradley's cousins,
all of my first cousin's are older that me. It is hard being the
youngest one of the group, but some one had to be it. I think most of
them don't mention it, but, it's true. Now, on the Gray side (Mom's
family side), I am more in the middle and Betty's side, I am just a
brother-in-law or an uncle, (favorite I like to think), but they are
my family, too.
In my thoughts, my conclusion to all that has happened is how
important life is to me, my wife and kids, my family (inside and
outside), my friends and neighbors and anybody else who knows my name
by now. You mean the world to me and I would not be here with out your
help. Just remember, my love for each of you is so great that I can
not express it in words. Thanks for all the effort put together to
save my life!
I don't know where to start. The family, friends and others support
has been fantastic. I have been trying to read my BLOG for several
days now I am finished with it. The love and support it shows it
fantastic, but the main concern from everyone seems to be about our
BIG ONE, God. He has made all of this possible.
You really know the love and support you get from family and mine is
coming from both sides. It is the friends that seem to affect me the
most. I knew how my family felt about me and it means so much to read
it, but to hear things like this from friends means so much too!
All of this started on July 7, 2007. I was helping a great friend move
some tree limbs across a roof when I found a crack in the roof and
fell through. I don't remember being there at all, but he tries to
fill in some details from time to time. To read in this BLOG what my
family and friends went through is really heart breaking. To see how
bad I was just baffles me. When the doctors cut back on my medication,
it helped me a lot. Some where near the end of August, they tried to
explain who I was and why I was there. I had one doctor come in and
ask me what I could remember about the past. I told him I went out
of town during spring break and he said that was April. What about May
and June? He did not understand I did not know that there was a May or
June this year. Next he wanted to know about the accident. What about
July and August? He did not understand that I only found out who I was
a few days before.
To read my sign in log at the hospital meant a lot to know that there
were that many people who cared and that many more who caught up on my
BLOG. My family did so much keeping it current every though it was not
an easy task to do. Doctors make decisions and change them pretty
often because of this or that, but it all seemed to work out.
On Friday, September 14, they let me out of TIRR to go home. Betty had
so many people over that night to welcome me home, it was great. That
night, one on my machine messed up about 3AM and I pushed the buttons
on it to it stopped. Well, as stupid as I was, I turned it off on
accident. We are trying to get it running again in the driveway on
Saturday morning. Donna, our nurse next door was helping too, when I
started getting over heated. Betty turned on the AC in the car while
they messed with this machine. While they were working on it, I lost
all control of my left side of my body. The ambulance was called and
they took me back to the hospital. I think they ran every test they
could come up with and then on Tuesday night, they shipped me to the
main hospital in Houston for a few more days. All day Wednesday and half of
Thursday, I went through another round of tests. They finally realized
with some different medicines and some small actuization of what
happened, but the tests could not confirm anything for sure. It was
either a small stroke, a small heart attack or some nerve damaged.
These were all too small to pick up on any of there machines, but I
got released to spend time at home with my own personal nurse (my
wonderful wife, Betty), plus my parents are here to help, too. I know
this ordeal was sure a problem to my immediate family, but there
courage was outstanding! This situation really shows you who really
cares. Some of these people I thought were good friends, but have
become part of me "extended family" now.
When I came home, I noticed so many things that were taken care of.
My yard was mowed. I have not run a mower since early July I guess.
Four friends from work made a trip to San Marcos to work on some stuff
on Tiff and Brea's trailer that I had not finished. There were things
done here, too. It really amazes me to know I have family and friends
that will do these for others like this. Betty spent so much time at
the hospital, so many people took care of Matt for her. He would start
here for a few days and there for a few more. I can not say enough
about all the little things that were done for us. Help came from so
many different people that it amazed me. I even had people that took
my "get well" wish with them to their churches for group support.
There is no way I can thank this group for helping save my life. The
nurses at the hospital would look at my chart and wonder how I
survived and I told them I was my friends and family that let God be
my savior. I feel he is the reason at am still here.
I have family from all over the country praying and pulling for me
plus some from others countries doing so too.
If there was anything I could do more than the biggest "THANK YOU"
allowed, I would owe each and everyone of something great like this.
This needs to go to family, friends, people from work (friends, too)
and even to the people who don't even know me personally that go on
board this trip to help me and my family out. My life and that of my
family would not be were it is today with out each and every one of
you!
Just a note to keep everyone one board: Of all my Bradley's cousins,
all of my first cousin's are older that me. It is hard being the
youngest one of the group, but some one had to be it. I think most of
them don't mention it, but, it's true. Now, on the Gray side (Mom's
family side), I am more in the middle and Betty's side, I am just a
brother-in-law or an uncle, (favorite I like to think), but they are
my family, too.
In my thoughts, my conclusion to all that has happened is how
important life is to me, my wife and kids, my family (inside and
outside), my friends and neighbors and anybody else who knows my name
by now. You mean the world to me and I would not be here with out your
help. Just remember, my love for each of you is so great that I can
not express it in words. Thanks for all the effort put together to
save my life!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
First week at home......
This first week at home is hard on Mark.....not to mention me. Trying to make the house wheelchair friendly and make it possible for him to reach things in the pantry, icebox and in his room. I have Mark settled into the craft room, with all of his medical supplies close so that I can take care of him. Mark is on continuous I.V. antibiotics that is administered by a little machine and also has the wound vac. machine, these two portable machines are in one bag that we hang on the back of the wheelchair and is a pain in the ...... whenever Mark transfers from the couch to the wheelchair or to the bed he has to have them moved and the tubes get in the way. Just making a sandwich and getting it to the table can be quite a chore. But it is something Mark is trying to adapt to. We get help from Mark's parents during the day and I sleep with my cell phone at night, so that Mark can call me when he needs medication or has a alarm from one of the machines. Being a personal nurse is not something that I feel comfortable with but am glad that I can do for Mark. We are adjusting to the routine of his medications and getting him to do exercises. We are starting to have follow up visits with the doctors also all while I am continuing to work. Mark biggest pleasure is getting out to one of Matt's soccer practices or game and phone calls from people. Thank you all for all the prayers and continued support and blessings. Betty
Thursday, September 20, 2007
HOME SWEET HOME
This says it all!!!! Thank you Lord Jesus, for bringing Mark home, where he belongs with his family.........Amen.BB
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Mark has a good heart!!!!!
Mark has a GREAT HEART, I have always have known that!!!! But, Marks heart is in good shape!!! So far all that I know is that he has no blockage and everything is working good. Hopefully, he will be able to come home tomorrow..... He was worn out from being in tests all day and having nothing to eat until 7PM he was HUNGRY. He ate a sandwich and a burger that Breanna got from the cafeteria. A appetite is a good sign. Thank you, all for staying strong for us. I know that the prayers are still with us every moment of the day. Betty
Mark is fine......He did suffer a very, very small stroke.....He had just gotten off of his anti-clot shot the day before. It was so small that they had a hard time seeing it on his cat-scan. His arm and hand are just a little weak and will just need to be exercised like the rest of his body..... He also had elevated heart enzymes. They told me that even runners have elevated enzymes after they run and they just want to check him out completely. His arteries in his neck look fine and his EKG and EEG are all good.They have to be careful with blood thinners cause of his wound vac. They are doing a chemical enduced stress test to check his heart and the orthopedic and wound care team are going to check him before he leaves. They will be reviewing his medications also. I will try to let you know of any updates......working is tuff when I would rather be with my honey.........BB
Sunday, September 16, 2007
A Setback --- PLEASE PRAY
Guys ---
I am not really sure what to write in here right now. I feel like a mess of emotions.
Dad went to the soccer game yesterday and got light headed and his arm got numb. They called an ambulance and he was rushed to the hospital. Today, they are pretty sure he had a stroke.
He has not good use of his left arm and is having some vision problems. I think we are lucky now. They are watching him and are going to tranfer him back to Hermann tomorrow for lots of tests and to meet with cardiologists and neurologists. They aren't sure if this was a pre-existing condition that may have been exacerbated by something else --- the heat, the lack of his blood clot medication since he's been out of the hospital --- we just don't know.
A stroke is a very scary thing. I just don't even know what to think right now. I am just on my knees, praying for the Lord to bring him through all of this too. I am scared of him having another stroke, because I know that after you have one your risk for subsequent incidents is very high.
Please say some extra prayers. Sheryl Jamail, a very well known person in our Crosby community, had a stroke this last week. Hers was worse than Dad's and was said to be caused by a blood clot. Please say some prayers for her and her family today as well. They could definitely use some extra prayers from anyone that can.
Thank you so much. Love you all. I will write more when I know more
Love Meg
I am not really sure what to write in here right now. I feel like a mess of emotions.
Dad went to the soccer game yesterday and got light headed and his arm got numb. They called an ambulance and he was rushed to the hospital. Today, they are pretty sure he had a stroke.
He has not good use of his left arm and is having some vision problems. I think we are lucky now. They are watching him and are going to tranfer him back to Hermann tomorrow for lots of tests and to meet with cardiologists and neurologists. They aren't sure if this was a pre-existing condition that may have been exacerbated by something else --- the heat, the lack of his blood clot medication since he's been out of the hospital --- we just don't know.
A stroke is a very scary thing. I just don't even know what to think right now. I am just on my knees, praying for the Lord to bring him through all of this too. I am scared of him having another stroke, because I know that after you have one your risk for subsequent incidents is very high.
Please say some extra prayers. Sheryl Jamail, a very well known person in our Crosby community, had a stroke this last week. Hers was worse than Dad's and was said to be caused by a blood clot. Please say some prayers for her and her family today as well. They could definitely use some extra prayers from anyone that can.
Thank you so much. Love you all. I will write more when I know more
Love Meg
Friday, September 14, 2007
One Happy Family
My heart is leaping with joy. To have Mark back home and all the children here. I am truly blessed!!!! To see Mark wonder around our home to be outside again, he really enjoyed it. I think it took his mind off of his pain, to have people to visit with tonight. Friends brought food over and were totally amazed that he look so good!!!
Mark has lost 30 pounds and is a little on the thin side. So the left overs from the party will definitely be consumed. He is eating so much better and is so positive about his recovery. Mark was released from the TIRR with exercises to tone and build strength in his upper body we can also do a few exercises(non weight bearing) for his lower body. He has gotten quite good at transferring himself to and from the wheelchair and to the couch, bed and car. He has a wound vacuum on his incision on his upper butt from the pelvis surgery this incision is about 6 inches long and goes all the way to the bone. I can see the hardware that is attached to his pelvis bone when the nurses change out the sponge inside of the wound. A hose that is attached with what looks like a suction cup is put on top of the sponge and it is all covered with clear tape that seals everything. When the pump is turned on it all kinda shrinks like when something is vacuumed packed. The hose runs to a vacuum that has a container to collect the blood and yuk......The little machine is about 5X7 inches.This is in a little nylon bag. His antibiotics are administered all day ...by pump. I was cleared today to change the bag of antibiotics every 2 days. This also has a pump that is about 6X10 that is a little bag. So, both pumps are put in a back pack that has to be with him 24-7.The home health care nurse has to come to the house Monday, Wednesday and Friday to change the wound vac dressing and the dressing on the central line for his IV's. We have a portable toilet that we can also use as a shower chair. The wonderful guys that Mark works with are in the process of building him a shower room for outside on the back porch that they are going to insulate and run a drain line from. I have hot and cold water on the back porch that I found the hook ups to make it one line and we can have the correct temperature for a shower. I felt like it was unnecessary and costly to remodel the 1/2 bath that we have down stairs since Mark will be able to eventually walk again. Mark will be able to go to out patient rehabilitation in November if everything goes well....He has a goal to walk Megan down the isle in late December and I know he is determined. Mark is very amazed....all the love, support and prayers.....and he has not even read this blog yet or seen all the cards.....ever one of you has touched our lives and we are truly blessed. So, for now the number 7 is Marks lucky number.....7/07/07 yes, he was lucky. Or, as his brother Scott wrote. Caught by Jesus, healed by God, cared for by Angels. Prayed for by many,Loved by all.
So, the posts may not be as frequent but we will continue to share Mark's recovery and I am positive that he will have something to post himself when he is ready. Thank you, God for all the wonderful blessing that have been bestowed upon Mark and our family. To have every one of you praying for us has made this bearable and to have Mark finally home.....is amazing. Thank You. Betty
Mark has lost 30 pounds and is a little on the thin side. So the left overs from the party will definitely be consumed. He is eating so much better and is so positive about his recovery. Mark was released from the TIRR with exercises to tone and build strength in his upper body we can also do a few exercises(non weight bearing) for his lower body. He has gotten quite good at transferring himself to and from the wheelchair and to the couch, bed and car. He has a wound vacuum on his incision on his upper butt from the pelvis surgery this incision is about 6 inches long and goes all the way to the bone. I can see the hardware that is attached to his pelvis bone when the nurses change out the sponge inside of the wound. A hose that is attached with what looks like a suction cup is put on top of the sponge and it is all covered with clear tape that seals everything. When the pump is turned on it all kinda shrinks like when something is vacuumed packed. The hose runs to a vacuum that has a container to collect the blood and yuk......The little machine is about 5X7 inches.This is in a little nylon bag. His antibiotics are administered all day ...by pump. I was cleared today to change the bag of antibiotics every 2 days. This also has a pump that is about 6X10 that is a little bag. So, both pumps are put in a back pack that has to be with him 24-7.The home health care nurse has to come to the house Monday, Wednesday and Friday to change the wound vac dressing and the dressing on the central line for his IV's. We have a portable toilet that we can also use as a shower chair. The wonderful guys that Mark works with are in the process of building him a shower room for outside on the back porch that they are going to insulate and run a drain line from. I have hot and cold water on the back porch that I found the hook ups to make it one line and we can have the correct temperature for a shower. I felt like it was unnecessary and costly to remodel the 1/2 bath that we have down stairs since Mark will be able to eventually walk again. Mark will be able to go to out patient rehabilitation in November if everything goes well....He has a goal to walk Megan down the isle in late December and I know he is determined. Mark is very amazed....all the love, support and prayers.....and he has not even read this blog yet or seen all the cards.....ever one of you has touched our lives and we are truly blessed. So, for now the number 7 is Marks lucky number.....7/07/07 yes, he was lucky. Or, as his brother Scott wrote. Caught by Jesus, healed by God, cared for by Angels. Prayed for by many,Loved by all.
So, the posts may not be as frequent but we will continue to share Mark's recovery and I am positive that he will have something to post himself when he is ready. Thank you, God for all the wonderful blessing that have been bestowed upon Mark and our family. To have every one of you praying for us has made this bearable and to have Mark finally home.....is amazing. Thank You. Betty
Hey He's Home!!!
Hey guys!!!
Dad got back early this afternoon! We are settling in at the house --- Dad got a hair cut today at Joe's and we are preparing for his surprise party right now --- and he doesn't even know it...
He thinks Mom is just cleaning because she's nuts... :)
YAY!!!
Love you all
Meg
Dad got back early this afternoon! We are settling in at the house --- Dad got a hair cut today at Joe's and we are preparing for his surprise party right now --- and he doesn't even know it...
He thinks Mom is just cleaning because she's nuts... :)
YAY!!!
Love you all
Meg
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Homecoming
Betty asked me to let everyone know that she would like to have a homecoming celebration for Mark this Friday beginning at 6:00. She is requesting that this is a suprise for Mark and you bring a covered dish. I will be handling the arrangements, and with limited time, any help will be appreciated. You can reach me, Tracy Scannell, at stevescannell@msn.com, or my office during the day: 281-426-2821 or cell
281-413-4523 (my cell doesn't always pick up in the office). Betty is so excited to have Mark finally on the way home & wants this to be a special event for them. Hope to see you at the Bradleys on Friday. Tracy
281-413-4523 (my cell doesn't always pick up in the office). Betty is so excited to have Mark finally on the way home & wants this to be a special event for them. Hope to see you at the Bradleys on Friday. Tracy
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Progress/Every Day
Marks, appearance , strength and attitude improves each and every day.He is eating well and has a real fondness for strawberry Bluebell cups that they keep stocked in the fridge. He is really enjoying the phone call. Sometime he is a little foggy on putting a face with the people that contact him from work, just because there are so many people that he came in contact with. I think as his overall health improves his sharpness will also. Just going to Physical therapy and occupational therapy and speech wears him out. Learning to transfer to the wheelchair, the toilet and couch and we will work on car transfers tomorrow. Taking a shower in a chair is a little me complicated due to the fact of not getting the bandages wet. He was so happy getting a shower today....washing up in bed just doesn't compare......( the things we take for granted). He's not getting as light headed when he does sit up and I see his endurance for sitting in the wheelchair and on the side of the bed improve......The pain is very uncomfortable and he seams to tolerate it for the most part. I worked evenings Friday thru Monday night and spent Monday up there taking small naps and having meetings with his case manager and doctors. I think Mark would like to be home and we will go in as out patient therapy sessions. So the good new is the are talking about sending him home FRIDAY......... If everything can be coordinated. We have to have home health care come in to change the wound vac dressing and go over with me to administer the antibiotics ever four hours. Andrew our soccer couch who is 20, from Scotland will be able to help with this. He came into our lives last year and is part of our extended family.....He has also been great with Matthew and keeping up with all the animals at our house.
Thanks, for all the calls, cards and love and prayes sent our way. Mark is overwhelmed an very humbled by all the love and concern shown for him. Love to all. Betty
Thanks, for all the calls, cards and love and prayes sent our way. Mark is overwhelmed an very humbled by all the love and concern shown for him. Love to all. Betty
Saturday, September 8, 2007
New Room & Phone Number
Mark was moved to room406 bed 2
New phone is 713-797-7410
Today, Scott his brother took him for a long walk up and down the street in the wheel chair and they watched football together. It's nice to see him out of bed......and his picky eating is coming back as he called me up and asked for food from any fast food place........so his appetite is back!!!!
Yes, please do come visit.......or at least call......as he is getting bored!!!! He's even asked me to bring the newspaper tomorrow and wants me to bring some books from home....Thank goodness he dos'nt have the internet at TIRR ...or he would be shopping on e-bay!!!!!
Thank you all, for all the wonderful blessings sent our way. Betty
New phone is 713-797-7410
Today, Scott his brother took him for a long walk up and down the street in the wheel chair and they watched football together. It's nice to see him out of bed......and his picky eating is coming back as he called me up and asked for food from any fast food place........so his appetite is back!!!!
Yes, please do come visit.......or at least call......as he is getting bored!!!! He's even asked me to bring the newspaper tomorrow and wants me to bring some books from home....Thank goodness he dos'nt have the internet at TIRR ...or he would be shopping on e-bay!!!!!
Thank you all, for all the wonderful blessings sent our way. Betty
Moving Day
Mark, was finally moved at 4pm Friday to TIRR
1333 Moursund (Room 302-2)
Houston texas, 77030-3405
713-797-7304
At TIRR he will be busy with physical and occupational therapy. I don't think that Mark will stay long as he is making progress daily. The last two days he has been asking me questions about bills and who's been cutting the grass? Who's been helping with Matt? Asking when the last time his truck was started? He read all the cards that were sent and Is totally blown away by the out pouring of love and prayers sent his way..... He's says I don't even know some of these people!!!! So please feel free to call..........He would love to hear from everyone. Oh yea.......Pray for Mark to be able to tolerate his pain without using heavy pain killers.......as I have experienced first hand the effect of those on his mind!!!!!! Love, to all...Betty from work late at night work while falling a sleep!
1333 Moursund (Room 302-2)
Houston texas, 77030-3405
713-797-7304
At TIRR he will be busy with physical and occupational therapy. I don't think that Mark will stay long as he is making progress daily. The last two days he has been asking me questions about bills and who's been cutting the grass? Who's been helping with Matt? Asking when the last time his truck was started? He read all the cards that were sent and Is totally blown away by the out pouring of love and prayers sent his way..... He's says I don't even know some of these people!!!! So please feel free to call..........He would love to hear from everyone. Oh yea.......Pray for Mark to be able to tolerate his pain without using heavy pain killers.......as I have experienced first hand the effect of those on his mind!!!!!! Love, to all...Betty from work late at night work while falling a sleep!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Thursday
Well, as you know Tuesday Mark had to have the wound on his back side opened up and cleaned out....well they did that and it was so bad that they had to leave it open and put what they call a wound vac. on it. Basically what happens is the wound will heal from the in side out, the vacuum is continuous and keep blood and other fluid from causing more infection. Mark had a pic. line inserted between his shoulder and his neck. He will be on antibiotics for 3 months. This is all to fight the Staph. infection caused by his body rejecting the Titanium hardware that was used to put his pelvis back together. Worst case senerio is that after 3 months they will have to dig out the hardware that has fused to the bone after 3 months. So, of course one or two more complications. We are waiting to see if the approval comes into transfer to TIRR today!!!!!! Today, like every other day...I'm tired, and I have a cold....I guess Mark won't catch it since he's on every antibotic known to man!!!!!!Love to all...Counting my Blessings each and every day! Love, Betty
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Wow!
So I got a chance to go see Dad tonight after working in the lab I walked over there. He was smiling from ear to ear and his voice was so loud and clear. I sat down and actually had a long conversation with him. He was in SUCH good spirits today --- it make me feel like I was smiling on the inside.
When I was about to leave - he asked me where is his quesadillas? I laughed. Tiff bought him quesadillas from Iguana Joe's (A mexican rest. in Crosby that our family frequents). She left them at my house the other day because it was past his dinner time, but mom told me not to worry about them bc he probably wouldnt eat them anyway.
Boy was she wrong! He not only remembered that Tiff promised him quesadillas and that they were at my house, but he remembered that I forgot to bring them!!! I promised him I would bring them for dinner tomorrow.
He seemed to be remembering more things today and to not be so heavily medicated was making him make more sense. He kept saying that these last two months he hasn't been in "reality". He called Jennifer (Scott's oldest daughter that lives in Ohio) after I told him how she calls and checks on him almost every day and how she spent alot of her vacation down here up at the hospital to see him. He talked to her and told her he was doing fine and was "on his way back to reality". He called Jacob after that and told him the same thing. Jen got back on the phone crying tears of joy --- so happy to hear her Uncle Mark's voice so loud and clear.
He seems to understand his condition more today than ever. He told me correctly how long it would be till he could walk and he kept asking about work, so worried about wanting to go back --- worried about who is taking care of all the work there that he is in charge of! Like James Bradley said at the very beginning of all this when talking about his own father's healing - that Uncle Herb just wanted to go back to work - because that would confirm much more that he was really better.
He read the paper today, and he actually had enough attention span to be able to watch the TV.
His expressions tonight while he was talking to me were priceless. His smiles were big, his laughs a little more sincere, I just can't tell you what a comfort it was inside of me to see him with a smile. I don't know if any of you have ever been to the hospital, but when I had my gall bladder removed in 05 they had a sign with little smiley faces and frowny faces - rated from 1-10 of how much pain you were in. I pulled it off the door and brought it to him. I said "Now 10 being your foot just got cut off and 1 being you could get up and do a cartwheel right now, what number do you think you are at?"
I expected him to say like 6 or 7 --- He looked at me and said "Probably a 3 or a 4!"
Gosh I just can't tell you how much I love this guy. It was really hard to leave tonight --- it was like we were catching up on lost time or something --- It was nice to be able to talk to him. I told him all of this of course, and he said "I'm back" with a huge grin...
It made me so unbelievably happy. Thank the Lord for putting moments like these in my life. It made all the yucky stuff of the past few week just fade away. Nothing mattered with my Daddy smiling and talking to me... what an amazing gift.
I love you all....
Love Meg
When I was about to leave - he asked me where is his quesadillas? I laughed. Tiff bought him quesadillas from Iguana Joe's (A mexican rest. in Crosby that our family frequents). She left them at my house the other day because it was past his dinner time, but mom told me not to worry about them bc he probably wouldnt eat them anyway.
Boy was she wrong! He not only remembered that Tiff promised him quesadillas and that they were at my house, but he remembered that I forgot to bring them!!! I promised him I would bring them for dinner tomorrow.
He seemed to be remembering more things today and to not be so heavily medicated was making him make more sense. He kept saying that these last two months he hasn't been in "reality". He called Jennifer (Scott's oldest daughter that lives in Ohio) after I told him how she calls and checks on him almost every day and how she spent alot of her vacation down here up at the hospital to see him. He talked to her and told her he was doing fine and was "on his way back to reality". He called Jacob after that and told him the same thing. Jen got back on the phone crying tears of joy --- so happy to hear her Uncle Mark's voice so loud and clear.
He seems to understand his condition more today than ever. He told me correctly how long it would be till he could walk and he kept asking about work, so worried about wanting to go back --- worried about who is taking care of all the work there that he is in charge of! Like James Bradley said at the very beginning of all this when talking about his own father's healing - that Uncle Herb just wanted to go back to work - because that would confirm much more that he was really better.
He read the paper today, and he actually had enough attention span to be able to watch the TV.
His expressions tonight while he was talking to me were priceless. His smiles were big, his laughs a little more sincere, I just can't tell you what a comfort it was inside of me to see him with a smile. I don't know if any of you have ever been to the hospital, but when I had my gall bladder removed in 05 they had a sign with little smiley faces and frowny faces - rated from 1-10 of how much pain you were in. I pulled it off the door and brought it to him. I said "Now 10 being your foot just got cut off and 1 being you could get up and do a cartwheel right now, what number do you think you are at?"
I expected him to say like 6 or 7 --- He looked at me and said "Probably a 3 or a 4!"
Gosh I just can't tell you how much I love this guy. It was really hard to leave tonight --- it was like we were catching up on lost time or something --- It was nice to be able to talk to him. I told him all of this of course, and he said "I'm back" with a huge grin...
It made me so unbelievably happy. Thank the Lord for putting moments like these in my life. It made all the yucky stuff of the past few week just fade away. Nothing mattered with my Daddy smiling and talking to me... what an amazing gift.
I love you all....
Love Meg
Monday, September 3, 2007
Update/Moday Late Night
Well, what can I say........Mark, called me on my cell phone Sunday morning around 8am. I did not answer and he called the house asking where I was and what time I was going to be back?
I was tickled pink!!!!! So we made a few calls that day and I left the phone in his bed.....big mistake!!!!! Drugs and a phone ....not a good idea......He proceeded to wake me up at 3:30 am and you know I don't get to bed until 12-1 am. Let me just say, he was VERY MESSED UP!!!!! Dolada (spelling??) is a very strong medicine and they gave him Vicoden on top of it!!!! Then, lack of sleep. So, if any one got a phone call from Mark between 3-and 7 am. I am so sorry.... I finally called the nurses station and had the phone taken away......They thought it was quite funny......... Monday, his hemoglobin was low and they had to give him 2 units of blood. He sat in a orthopedic chair and then I discovered that he had a bandage on his back. Well, his backside ( pelvic surgery area)was healing so good. That is, on the outside. Within a day his incision is pink anddraining ulgy fluid!!! He must have a huge abscess inside the wound. So, I made the Orthopedic doctors look at it. They are going to have to open it up and wash out all the infection out.......Another surgery!!!!! It's not bad enough having a 8 inch wound on the front with staples in it. So I guess we now know why his white blood count never went down to where it should be. Mark, again is out of intermedite care and in his own room. I think we will again be at the hospital for the remainder if the week. We are praying that we can return to TIRR soon. He was doing so good there....transfering himself to a wheel chair and doing WITHOUT so much pain medication.!!!! I did return to my job last week..... or I tried. Thank You, Baker Petrolite for allowing me time to be with Mark. Mark's parents will be with Mark, alot this week again so that I can work ........ Lord, give me strength. I keep on saying one day at a time...... day in and out. I know Mark and I are Blessed to have so many people that care.... Thank You all. Betty
I was tickled pink!!!!! So we made a few calls that day and I left the phone in his bed.....big mistake!!!!! Drugs and a phone ....not a good idea......He proceeded to wake me up at 3:30 am and you know I don't get to bed until 12-1 am. Let me just say, he was VERY MESSED UP!!!!! Dolada (spelling??) is a very strong medicine and they gave him Vicoden on top of it!!!! Then, lack of sleep. So, if any one got a phone call from Mark between 3-and 7 am. I am so sorry.... I finally called the nurses station and had the phone taken away......They thought it was quite funny......... Monday, his hemoglobin was low and they had to give him 2 units of blood. He sat in a orthopedic chair and then I discovered that he had a bandage on his back. Well, his backside ( pelvic surgery area)was healing so good. That is, on the outside. Within a day his incision is pink anddraining ulgy fluid!!! He must have a huge abscess inside the wound. So, I made the Orthopedic doctors look at it. They are going to have to open it up and wash out all the infection out.......Another surgery!!!!! It's not bad enough having a 8 inch wound on the front with staples in it. So I guess we now know why his white blood count never went down to where it should be. Mark, again is out of intermedite care and in his own room. I think we will again be at the hospital for the remainder if the week. We are praying that we can return to TIRR soon. He was doing so good there....transfering himself to a wheel chair and doing WITHOUT so much pain medication.!!!! I did return to my job last week..... or I tried. Thank You, Baker Petrolite for allowing me time to be with Mark. Mark's parents will be with Mark, alot this week again so that I can work ........ Lord, give me strength. I keep on saying one day at a time...... day in and out. I know Mark and I are Blessed to have so many people that care.... Thank You all. Betty
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Update after gall bladder surgery
Mark did not get going right at 8:30, still waiting around 10:00 but in the holding area. Patience begins....remember it's a virtue....
It's 2:00 p.m and just talked to Betty, Mark is out of surgery. With the gall bladder out he is heading to the shock intermediate care unit (where he was before in bed #9, he will be in bed #8) for a bit. The surgery was a bit more agressive than normal, his gall bladder was the size of a small eggplant so it had to be removed from another incision rather than through his belly button. The upside to this is that he did not have to have a chest tube put back in.
What is another incesion? We are going to call it an addition to Mark's map. Now this is a map of the journey Mark is on and he is going to share with many.
If all goes as planned he will be moved from the intermediate unit straight back to TIRR.
Thanks for the continued prayers. love and concern..
This family loves all you guys our there.
Until I know,
Karen
It's 2:00 p.m and just talked to Betty, Mark is out of surgery. With the gall bladder out he is heading to the shock intermediate care unit (where he was before in bed #9, he will be in bed #8) for a bit. The surgery was a bit more agressive than normal, his gall bladder was the size of a small eggplant so it had to be removed from another incision rather than through his belly button. The upside to this is that he did not have to have a chest tube put back in.
What is another incesion? We are going to call it an addition to Mark's map. Now this is a map of the journey Mark is on and he is going to share with many.
If all goes as planned he will be moved from the intermediate unit straight back to TIRR.
Thanks for the continued prayers. love and concern..
This family loves all you guys our there.
Until I know,
Karen
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