Sunday, October 04, 2009

A Run For The Money - Surgery Update (guest post by Tyler)

disclaimer: I am not a medically trained person. The following description is my best effort of regurgitating what I have been told.

Jill did, in fact, have her surgery on Tuesday. It started with the staff sticking Jill in 3 spots before they got an IV placed. Jill HATES being stuck (especially when they fish around with the needle trying to find her vein). As for the surgery, the surgeon said that it was a difficult procedure and that Jill "gave them a run for their money," - whatever that means. Despite claims that have circulated, there was never a moment when the medical staff lost Jill on the table. She maintained a heartbeat throughout AND they were always well aware of her whereabouts. I repeat, they never lost her. She did, however, have a complication. Sometime during or after surgery Jill aspirated some fluids into her lungs. This caused her oxygen levels to become very low. They had to hook her up to oxygen support in order for her body to maintain safe/healthy levels. The first 24 hours she slept. The following 2 days she was very nauseated, sore, anxious, weak, and emotional. They kept her in the ICU during this time because they wanted to have close monitoring of her condition to make sure that she did have enough oxygen and that her condition did not develop into pneumonia (it never did). They pushed her to walk around a bit to stimulate deeper breathing and coughing to clear the fluids from her lungs. This was very difficult for her. Walking caused her to become very nervous, bordering on a panic attack. It also caused her oxygen levels to drop very low. By Friday, they transferred her to the regular surgery recovery unit. Here, she has continued breathing therapy and increased activity. It seems that Friday was the first day that she was mentally with it. Each day since then she has been more and more herself. Friday morning she had to get a new IV placed. It took 3 different medical unit personnel attempting in 8 different spots before they got one successfully installed. That's Jill! She is now able to walk all the way down the hall and back with less dependence on oxygen support. They wanted her to be completely independent of oxygen support before sending her home. However, they are now looking at sending her home with an oxygen tank so that she doesn't have to delay her return home too terribly long. Even so, it will probably be another day or two before that happens, if not longer.

Interesting side notes:
Jill has poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). From this condition, she has not had a period in a year. However, the day before surgery, "Aunt Flow" came for a full and prolonged visit. Nice timing.

Jill has gotten to know all of the nurses and technicians on a personal level. From her conversations, she identified one of the technicians as potentially being open to a gospel message. She had me bring in a Book of Mormon, which she passed on to him. He accepted it and has informed her that he has already begun reading. Like a true warrior, even in the midst of adversity, Jill has looked for opportunities to serve others.

As for me, I have been trying to hold down the fort. The kids have given me a run for my money. At times, I have wanted to string them up and sell them to the circus. Anyone that says stay-at-home parents don't have a job, well they have never played the part. This last week has been as taxing as anything else that I have done. It has added to the difficulty that I have had only a few visits to see Jill (ICU doesn't allow kids and the kids are just too much to corral in a hospital room). I did take them up to see Jill once on Friday. I think it was good for the kids to see that Mama is still alive and relatively well.

p.s. sorry for the long delay in getting this update out to those of you who have been worried.

20 comments:

Carrie said...

Tyler, Thank you for posting an update. I have been wondering how the surgery went and how Jill was. I hope that she will recover and be able to come home soon. I know this must be crazy with the move and all. I will keep Jill and the family in my prayers. Please tell her I am thinking of her!!

Thanks,
Carrie Lamoreaux

Annie said...

Sounds like one of those "hope ya know I had a hard time" times. I hope you get through your hard time quickly. And good job to both of you - I'm so impressed with the missionary work going on in the midst of adversity! And way to hold down the fort. That's not an easy thing to do. Hang in there you guys!

Diana said...

I, too have been concerned about Jill and how things went with the surgery. I had hoped the silence was just a "we need some downtime" or "things are going great and we're relishing our time together" but I feared it was more along the lines of this. Hugs to Jill and wishes to both of you for a speedy recovery. You're a good man for taking on what you have, Tyler!

Saquel25 said...

Thanks for the update. I have been thinking about Jill all week and wondering how she is. Please pass on my love and wish her a speedy recovery.

Mary said...

Thank you so much for the update! I've been checking back here several times a day, worrying. I'm so glad to hear that she is recovering and feeling better every day.

I'm sending well-wishes and prayers your way. Hope you feel better soon, Jill!

nicole said...

Wow. I'm so glad she's recovering well. What a difficult time for your family. We've been thinking of you guys over the last few days. You're in our prayers!

Doriana Gray said...

I am very glad to hear that Jill is recovering and hope that she is home with you soon. It sounds like more of an ordeal than you were expecting.

Carina said...

I am so glad to hear that things are improving. I can only imagine how difficult it's been for all of you...know that Jill and your entire family are in our prayers!

Alabama Apples said...

Thank you for the update, I've been thinking about her. Isn't Jill amazing! How strong her spirit is that despite all that, she is open to the promptings of the Spirit to recognize someone who is receptive to the gospel. Jill, you are such a wonderful example to me, yet again!! Thank you!!!

I hope you start feeling better!!!!

Kathey said...

Thank you so much for the update. I too have been checking. We've been praying and I called the Washington temple prayer roll. (They have more sessions than Columbus.) I'm SO glad she is doing better. We'll keep up the prayers.

Love, Kathey

Courtney said...

Thanks for the update, Tyler! I'm sure Jill will have some pretty good stories by the time she makes it through this!

Karin said...

Glad to hear Jill is on the mend. Thanks, Tyler, for the update and for holding the fort down while Jill is in the hospital. You are both truly amazing.

Ticklemedana said...

Thanks for the update tyler! Tell her I love her and I'm praying for a safe recovery.

Amy said...

I am glad that she is on the mend and I am thinking and praying for your family.

Sarah C said...

Thanks Tyler. I have been really worried about Jill. Thanks for being a great support to her. You are a wonderful person. I know she appreciates all you have done for her and the kids. I am sorry she has had a terrible recovery. I am glad she is feeling better now. Jill is an amazing person. She is a great friend to everyone. I am totally impressed that she shared the gospel and gave a Book of Mormon even when she wasn't feeling well. Our family has been praying for you, Jill, and your family. May the Lord bless you as you work through this trial together. I hope things go well when Jill goes home tomorrow. We will keep praying for your family. Hugs to Jill. :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update, Tyler!! What a superman! Tending the kids, blogging and worrying about Jill. Wow!
I hope that everything continues to improve. What an ordeal. I am sure it was as taxing emotionally as physically. We are thinking fo you Jill!! Here's to a speedy recovery!!

Winnie said...

Jill get better soon! I'm sorry this has turned into such an ordeal for you, but you'll be up and running soon.

Introspective Steph said...

i'm glad Jill is doing much better! And hopefully (tyler) you will keep your sanity! I know you will! You and Jill are awesome parents!!

Laurie said...

I am glad she is finally home. We will keep her in our prayers that she will have a speedy recovery.

Lou said...

Prayers for all of you! Speedy recovery to the Mama. Strength to the Papa.