Monday, August 11, 2008

Monday In J's Room

Hello All. Yesterday was an emotionally rough day. As you know, J was off the vent and then back on again. Things just seem to be taking a lot longer than we want them to take. Our patience is definitely being tested.

Some time this afternoon, he will be going to the OR to get a trachiostomy. This will insure an airway and will let the swelling in his vocal cords go down. This is a temporary thing. Weening from the vent should be easier and he will soon be able to talk and eat with it in. He will be able to sit up and get on with his rehab. If there is ever a problem with breathing, they can just hook the trach tube to the O2. We, of course, were disturbed when we first heard that this would be our best option, but we have adjusted to the idea and we hope that J will be much more comfortable without the vent tube down his throat.

Thank you for the prayers for strength and perseverance, they are definitely needed!

Love you all,

Cara

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm sure that was a difficult piece of news to hear, but it does sound like J will be more comfortable. I think of you guys often and check the blog daily... sometimes multiple times. Please let us know if there is a specific need that you would like us to pray for. Sending lots of love your way...
Patty

Anonymous said...

Soon to be sitting up, talking, and moving on with rehab - even with the trach this is great news.

Keep stepping JH3. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jonathan & Abria Vansandt

Justin said...

Cara,
I just found out late last night. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Justin & Becky Mills

Anonymous said...

We will gladly accept baby steps after all he has been through. We will definitely continue to pray for his recovery and strength for you and the rest of the family. These times tend to take a great toll on you as well. Please pace yourselves. If you need some of us to come over a few days and sit with him, we'll do it. There are several unit members just waiting to step up and offer their assistance. Please let us know. Please hang in there and remain positive. May God Bless.

Joey York

Katie said...

Stay strong, Cara! I know you can persevere (you did run two half marathon's - you are a tough chick and I've seen the face to prove it!!) J is recovering and healing, however slowly, and that is great! That is progress! All my love and prayers for you, J and the family.
XOXOXOX
Katie

Anonymous said...

Cara, just read your update. I'm not surprised they went ahead and trached J. This is a good thing because it will be a lot easier for them to wean the ventilator. Then when they are sure he can maintain his own airway, they simply will take the trach out and it will grow back. All he will have is a small scar. I know it seems scary, but put it in prospective. This way, he will have an airway if it is needed. We check for updates several times a day. Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry to hear about J. I am praying for him and all of you.

Ben Richards

Anonymous said...

Oh My - we just heard about J's accident this weekend when we tried to catch up with you all at the lake. Our prayers of recovery are with Jerry and our prayers of strength are with you, Sam & Alan. Reading all of the postings shows how truly blessed you really are - you are surrounded by the love of your friends and family. Please let us know how we can assist you!

Thinking of you constantly - Lynn, Tim, Riley, & Rathbun family

Anonymous said...

I'm just now catching up from being away from the computer all weekend, and I must say-reading all the comments have really given me a lift, so I can imagine how it must make you all feel! Just say that I "ditto" all the comments and think about you continually. Your family is so well thought of, and I know that has to help you get through this awful time.

Jenny said...

Dear Cara and J and family -
We were very sad to hear about the accident from Cissy - We have been praying for you ever since and will continue to do so. So glad things are progressing well in your recover. Stay strong, and we will keep in touch -
Lots of love, Jenny Waller