I realize I've been just posting non-information lately. My mom actually only had two screws tightened last week, as the new ones were too sore to do right away. Her appointment for the other two is for Tuesday at 9 am. I am sorry we will be gone, as it will be a tough 48-72 hours for my dad, trying to help my mom through her most painful time. She will be attended to by the neurosurgeon and the orthotics expert in the fluoroscopy room at the hospital. Sounds intense, doesn't it? She was in quite a lot of pain last week, it was a difficult time for everyone. This week should be better since she has her pain meds figured out (optimal dose and schedule) and the tightening will be less painful than the two new holes. Otherwise, mom has been released from physical therapy--this was mainly to get her walking safely, up stairs, etc. Her occupational therapist, who is working with mom's shoulder and hand and thumb, will continue to come twice a week. Eventually mom may have to go to her appointments rather than have them in-home. Her thumb still needs a lot of work, but because there isn't any real pain, she hopes not to need another surgery.
She is doing really well with her independence and anxiety. When she isn't in excruciating pain she can be alone for several hours--like this morning when my dad and I took the kids to the 4th of July parade. (Which Derek is now watching AGAIN on the Roseville cable channel during his percussions.) My dad bought the kids fireworks and some of our family is coming over tonight for a BBQ. Should be pretty fun. My mom and the kids made cupcakes and she is in good spirits. I programmed her phone with many of her friends so that if she is panicky or alone she can always use her cell. Also (this was new for me) I recorded Derek saying "Answer the phone, Gigi" and put that as her ring tone. She loves it!!! Amy set up Skype for my parents, so now they can video conference for free online. I'm wondering how long it will be before they buy us a web cam so that they can conference with Derek and Anna.....
Milepost 261
The car was going northbound on this road just north of Challis, Idaho, when it went down the embankment on the left side of the picture.
Car vs. tree.
The car impacted this tree and then flipped over its hood, landing on its side facing backward against some other trees.
Miracle
This is a photo of the front passenger side of the Camry after the accident. We're so lucky to have my mom.
Front view.
The bumper was put on the hood for towing purposes.
A good Toyota ad
Despite all the damage on the other side of the car, the driver's side was relatively intact. Thanks to the designers at Toyota, my dad is here to support my mom.
Janet's first helicopter ride
This was the helo that took my mom from the site to this hospital in Idaho Falls, about 150 miles away.
Our home away from home
This is Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Grandkid therapy
Derek and Anna cheer us up every day.
Gigi, Grandpa, and Anna
Taken April 26th.
Beach Babe!
Janet at the beach in NC with the Ramsay clan in July.
Janet's Favorite Activity
Okay, besides playing with the grandkids.
2 comments:
Thanks, Jill, for the medical information, grewsome as it is. (An online spell check said I spelled "grewsome" correctly but it sure doesn't look right!)
I'll e-mail my cell number to bandjhansen in case Janet wants it on her speed-dial and if she doesn't have it.
It's just wonderful that you and the kids could come visit.
Love, Lesley
Ditto to Lesley's comment, Jill -- I really appreciate knowing the particulars, and I know how hard it is to write about it while you're in the midst of it. Glad the pain meds have been better adjusted, as it's so hard to get back on top of pain once it's gotten away from you. I will be sending love and prayers for tuesday morning's procedure. Have a safe trip back with your kids; you three have obviously made a huge difference in these last couple of difficult weeks.
Love, Carolyn
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