Early this morning I sent a text to Larisa and asked her how her first night in her new home was. About 5 mins later my phone beeps with a response...."Not so good. Been a rough night. I have have been throwing up." At first they were thinking it was nerves and anxiousness, but since it continued through the night, the doctors are not sure where it was coming from. By late this morning, it had stopped and by dinner time she was able to eat a little something. She is still feeling nauseous, but at least keeping food in.
It has been a rough day. They have checked and cleaned everything again today. They have not re-inserted the drainage tube and pump in her leg yet. They have opted to "wet pack" it. When they wet pack, they take gauze and soak in in saline then pack the wet gauze in her leg. We are not sure if and when they will set her back up on the pump. I think they are just watching to see how everything settles.
The wound on the top of her foot and front of her ankle is not healing as quickly as they would like. It has a spot that does not look good, however, no infection has been detected. They are watching it very closely.
We are asking that visitors hold off coming by until Tues or Wed to allow her some time to adjust, get settled and feel better. Right now she is not feeling well and would probably not be very good company.
Chantel commented that being at the rehab center is a bit different than at the hospital. At the hospital, Larisa was checked on very frequently -- every couple of hours or more. Today she did not see anyone come in for about 5 hours. She is a little worried about it, but understands that this is a different setting and if Larisa needed anything all she would have to do is ring for a nurse. It will just take time to adjust, if not she can always talk to someone in charge. They really like the doctor and was happy to hear he was a UVA graduate...
Yesterday, Larisa was asked by the nurses what her goals were. Most people would responded with, eat by myself, use the bathroom by myself or even roll over. Larisa simply said, "I just want to run..."
Tonight was a night of tears for Larisa. Anyone who has ever experienced a challenge that they don't understand, the question "Why did this happen to me?" always arises - and Larisa is no exception. She knows she will overcome this trial, but it doesn't make it easy while you are in the thick of it. Chantel reminded her to pray for strength and courage to fight this battle. Larisa knows that and will do it.
One of the greatest truths I know, and I know Larisa knows, is that we have not been left to fight any of our challenges alone, nor has anyone else. We have a loving Father in Heaven who is very aware of who we are. He knows what we need, when we need it and that it will only strengthen our character. We have been told scripturally that "thine afflictions shall be but a small moment.." and if we endure it well, " all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." Not something we always think about when things seem really tough.
I think of a diamond -- when found it is covered in dirt, jagged edges, and unpolished. But, once taken to a diamond expert, it is cleaned, shaped and polished to be something beautiful. Our lives are much the same. It may be days, weeks, months or even years later when we will look back at the trial and see how we have been cleaned, shaped, and polished leaving a more refined person. Larisa will look back and learn some of the reasons why. In the mean time, she will continue to look forward and step by step will climb the ladder to the top.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Larisa has arrived!
The anticipated move took place about 10:30 this morning, arriving at the Winchester Medical Rehabilitation Center in Winchester, VA. Chantel was allowed to ride with her, which I know made it easier to do.
Yesterday, she was quite anxious about the event, mostly the pain that could be involved in actually moving her, and the unknown of a new place and new people. She was given some medication to help settle her stomach and sleep through the night.
The move went quite smoothly and she did great. Wearing her back brace really helped to control the discomfort level. She was relaxed and actually even fell asleep on the way there. I know she is happy the move is over and she told me that she was happy to be "one step closer to home."
Larisa overall is healing at a steady pace. On Thursday they did do another leg cleaning. They also removed the packing in her knee and determined that the slight infection there was gone. As a result of the infection being gone, they were able to staple shut the opening in her knee. Prior to leaving Fairfax, they removed all of her IV's and inserted a new pic line that they will use to give her her medications. She was relieved to have all the IV's out.
They removed the pump and drain out of her leg and replaced it with special wet and dry gauze. They will be hooking that all back up in Winchester. Both the drain and the pump are there to facilitate good blood flow, which is needed for the bone to heal, and to help keep bacteria out. All of her wounds and bandages were cleaned and replaced. Each of the nurses indicated that things were coming right a long and were looking good.
Yesterday, she was quite anxious about the event, mostly the pain that could be involved in actually moving her, and the unknown of a new place and new people. She was given some medication to help settle her stomach and sleep through the night.
The move went quite smoothly and she did great. Wearing her back brace really helped to control the discomfort level. She was relaxed and actually even fell asleep on the way there. I know she is happy the move is over and she told me that she was happy to be "one step closer to home."
Larisa overall is healing at a steady pace. On Thursday they did do another leg cleaning. They also removed the packing in her knee and determined that the slight infection there was gone. As a result of the infection being gone, they were able to staple shut the opening in her knee. Prior to leaving Fairfax, they removed all of her IV's and inserted a new pic line that they will use to give her her medications. She was relieved to have all the IV's out.
They removed the pump and drain out of her leg and replaced it with special wet and dry gauze. They will be hooking that all back up in Winchester. Both the drain and the pump are there to facilitate good blood flow, which is needed for the bone to heal, and to help keep bacteria out. All of her wounds and bandages were cleaned and replaced. Each of the nurses indicated that things were coming right a long and were looking good.
She is in a private room, which is nice and it has 2 large windows, even better. Chantel said that everyone has been very kind and the facility was nice. She is allowed visitors. At this point, we are not sure the actual visiting hours. I believe that her room number is 3305. I hope to get that information confirmed tomorrow. In the mean time, below is the hospital address and phone number where you can ask the help desk for the correct room number and the visiting hours.
Winchester Rehabilitation Center
333 West Cork Street
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 536-5114
(800) 382-0772
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 536-5114
(800) 382-0772
Just a reminder, visitors are great and a positive part of her recovery. When you plan to visit, be sure you have not been sick or around anyone who is contagious. Be sure to wash hands before going into see her. Larisa's immune system is very low, and particularly now that she does not have a spleen to help fight the viruses. Also, she still has 4 open wounds which are like a playground for germs. I think none of us would like to see her add anything new to her health concerns. She loves to see her family and friends, especially now that she is closer it will be more convient for people to come. Just be mindful that she tires very easily and be cautious of how long you stay. We want her to enjoy her visits, but more importantly we want her to get well and return home.
It is hard to believe that a month has gone by since Larisa's course in life was changed. She has faced death's door one on one, soared through 8-10 surgeries, learned to breath on her own again, celebrated a birthday, and figured out how to text with one bad arm and left handed to boot! She has come to realize how very loved she is by so many people. She has gained a greater understanding of the power of prayer and that through others faith and prayers miracles happen and lives are strengthened. More importantly, she knows how very aware her Father in Heaven is of her and her needs and that as she exercises her faith and her desire to press on, that He will give her the strength and encouragement she needs to make it through this challenge.
It is hard to believe that a month has gone by since Larisa's course in life was changed. She has faced death's door one on one, soared through 8-10 surgeries, learned to breath on her own again, celebrated a birthday, and figured out how to text with one bad arm and left handed to boot! She has come to realize how very loved she is by so many people. She has gained a greater understanding of the power of prayer and that through others faith and prayers miracles happen and lives are strengthened. More importantly, she knows how very aware her Father in Heaven is of her and her needs and that as she exercises her faith and her desire to press on, that He will give her the strength and encouragement she needs to make it through this challenge.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Things change daily
Larisa had a better day today then yesterday. She was able to rest and had only a few pokings and probings throughout the day. Chantel was able to talk to the doctor and get a few questions answered. The infection in the leg is doing better, but will require another cleaning. As it stands right now she is on the waiting list to have it done tomorrow. Depending on how the doctors other surgeries go, will determine if he will be able to fit her in tomorrow. If not tomorrow he will clean it out again on Thursday. He seemed to indicate that this may be the last cleaning. She does have a little opening on her knee that is slightly infected. They will clean out that opening as well when they do her thigh.
The doctor indicated that her foot wound has turned a corner and is healing really nicely. Right now, he feels pretty confident that a skin graft will not be necessary on her foot. He will just keep an eye on it over time to be sure that is the case.
They did take x-rays today of her hip, pelvis and femur. The results have not been given yet, however, the doctor did say that based on the cleaning, that she will need a bone graft on her femur. The middle portion of the femur was broken into a gazillion pieces, basically leaving a gap in the middle of the bone. Chantel thinks that a lot of the cleaning they have been doing has been to not only to clean, but remove all the fragments of free floating bone. The bone graft will not be done until the infection is cleared up and other concerns are resolved. Most likely the bone will come from the hip, the one side that is in good shape. The surgery will be set up at a later date, not sure when.
Plans change daily, but as of today, the doctor feels by the beginning of next week she will be transported to Winchester. He wants to do one more cleaning of her leg and knee. He indicated that if by Friday everything looks good, she can possibly move on Saturday. The case worker over Larisa's case, called and told Chantel that they are holding her spot in Winchester, and even told her that Larisa would have a private room. Chantel said that when Larisa found out she had a private room, her first comment was, "I feel so selfish and privileged."
Larisa has been sharing a room with an older lady. As of today, her roommate moved to her Rehab Center to continue her recovery. Chantel said she could tell Larisa was pretty uneasy about being in the room alone, and was not wanting Chantel to leave till the very last minute. I think in most cases, when we don't feel well, or just having a rough time, Mom seems to always make things better and put us at ease. She did enjoy a nice fun evening with her grandparents tonight, which helps to take the focus off her issues and remind her that there is still a lot of things in life to enjoy and laugh at despite the trials we may be encountering. And don't they say, laughter is the best medicine....
The doctor indicated that her foot wound has turned a corner and is healing really nicely. Right now, he feels pretty confident that a skin graft will not be necessary on her foot. He will just keep an eye on it over time to be sure that is the case.
They did take x-rays today of her hip, pelvis and femur. The results have not been given yet, however, the doctor did say that based on the cleaning, that she will need a bone graft on her femur. The middle portion of the femur was broken into a gazillion pieces, basically leaving a gap in the middle of the bone. Chantel thinks that a lot of the cleaning they have been doing has been to not only to clean, but remove all the fragments of free floating bone. The bone graft will not be done until the infection is cleared up and other concerns are resolved. Most likely the bone will come from the hip, the one side that is in good shape. The surgery will be set up at a later date, not sure when.
Plans change daily, but as of today, the doctor feels by the beginning of next week she will be transported to Winchester. He wants to do one more cleaning of her leg and knee. He indicated that if by Friday everything looks good, she can possibly move on Saturday. The case worker over Larisa's case, called and told Chantel that they are holding her spot in Winchester, and even told her that Larisa would have a private room. Chantel said that when Larisa found out she had a private room, her first comment was, "I feel so selfish and privileged."
Larisa has been sharing a room with an older lady. As of today, her roommate moved to her Rehab Center to continue her recovery. Chantel said she could tell Larisa was pretty uneasy about being in the room alone, and was not wanting Chantel to leave till the very last minute. I think in most cases, when we don't feel well, or just having a rough time, Mom seems to always make things better and put us at ease. She did enjoy a nice fun evening with her grandparents tonight, which helps to take the focus off her issues and remind her that there is still a lot of things in life to enjoy and laugh at despite the trials we may be encountering. And don't they say, laughter is the best medicine....
Monday, November 9, 2009
Continue to Clean
Today, Larisa was put under again while they went in an cleaned out her leg again. The cleaning went well, but as of this afternoon, her leg is extremely swollen. Chantel says it is about 2x as big as the other leg. They are keeping a close watch on it. While she was in the operating room, they removed the pins out of her foot as well. The good signs are that her heart rate is down and her blood pressure is back up -- it had been really low for a few days. On Saturday they gave her several units of blood, which seems to have helped everything. Her temperature is stable. She is on low oxygen through her nose to help keep her stable.
Today they also went in and cleaned out her knee. It has not been looking that great and they are keeping a watchful eye on that as well. The nurse told Chantel that they have about a foot and a half of gauze packed in her knee to help avoid any bacteria from getting in. Changing the packing and bandages is quite painful. Larisa has said that she likes it much better when the nurses change it because they are much more gentle and will stop and take a break, unlike the doctor. The doctor is great at his job, but not so slow and gentle.
Her trach bandages were changed as well. There is still an opening, but it is healing well. Her arm is no longer in a soft cast, but in a brace. She is starting to do little things with it. She some how manages to feed herself when family and friends are not there to help. She doesn't have much of an appetite, but is eating a little bit at a time.
Larisa's pain level was pretty high today, since they did a lot of poking, and cleaning. They did increase her medication a little. However, tonight they brought her in some morphine and she told them to hold off until she really felt like she needed it. She is one tough cookie!
Tomorrow they are planning to do x-rays of her pelvis and femur. Chantel has also asked them to take one of her back to have a better idea if things are healing. The results of these x-rays will determine if they will need to do a bone graft on her femur and to see if the pelvis needs any other procedures done to it as well.
As of right now, the move to Winchester is postponed for awhile - probably abt 2 weeks or longer. They are really wanting the infection to be cleared up and possibly do the skin and bone grafts before she leaves. It would be in her best interest to have all those things completed prior to leaving the hospital. It would be hard to make the move and then have to turn around and head back. Plus, all the surgeries would require her to be transported back to Fairfax at some point. They just want to make sure that her body is ready to be transported and can adapt to an environment that is not as closely monitored as the hospital.
Thank you so much to all of you who came out to Chick-Fil-a for Larisa. It was a great event and Larisa and her family want you to know how very much they appreciate you kindness and support. Chantel said the other night, Larisa had tears in her eyes as she commented to her mother that she could not believe how many people were praying for her and supporting her. I know she feels that love and those prayers on a daily basis. It will be those things that will help her to continue to climb this mountain to the top. A mountain top that she will reach, and come out stronger and better because of this challenge she is facing head on.
Today they also went in and cleaned out her knee. It has not been looking that great and they are keeping a watchful eye on that as well. The nurse told Chantel that they have about a foot and a half of gauze packed in her knee to help avoid any bacteria from getting in. Changing the packing and bandages is quite painful. Larisa has said that she likes it much better when the nurses change it because they are much more gentle and will stop and take a break, unlike the doctor. The doctor is great at his job, but not so slow and gentle.
Her trach bandages were changed as well. There is still an opening, but it is healing well. Her arm is no longer in a soft cast, but in a brace. She is starting to do little things with it. She some how manages to feed herself when family and friends are not there to help. She doesn't have much of an appetite, but is eating a little bit at a time.
Larisa's pain level was pretty high today, since they did a lot of poking, and cleaning. They did increase her medication a little. However, tonight they brought her in some morphine and she told them to hold off until she really felt like she needed it. She is one tough cookie!
Tomorrow they are planning to do x-rays of her pelvis and femur. Chantel has also asked them to take one of her back to have a better idea if things are healing. The results of these x-rays will determine if they will need to do a bone graft on her femur and to see if the pelvis needs any other procedures done to it as well.
As of right now, the move to Winchester is postponed for awhile - probably abt 2 weeks or longer. They are really wanting the infection to be cleared up and possibly do the skin and bone grafts before she leaves. It would be in her best interest to have all those things completed prior to leaving the hospital. It would be hard to make the move and then have to turn around and head back. Plus, all the surgeries would require her to be transported back to Fairfax at some point. They just want to make sure that her body is ready to be transported and can adapt to an environment that is not as closely monitored as the hospital.
Thank you so much to all of you who came out to Chick-Fil-a for Larisa. It was a great event and Larisa and her family want you to know how very much they appreciate you kindness and support. Chantel said the other night, Larisa had tears in her eyes as she commented to her mother that she could not believe how many people were praying for her and supporting her. I know she feels that love and those prayers on a daily basis. It will be those things that will help her to continue to climb this mountain to the top. A mountain top that she will reach, and come out stronger and better because of this challenge she is facing head on.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Infection Found - Move Postponed
This morning they found an infection in Larisa's leg. They took everything out (pump, drainage tube) and cleaned it all out. They inserted an antibiotic that will be released into the leg to help clear up the infection. This will postpone her move to Winchester, possibly into the middle or end of next week. The Doctors will probably need to go back in on Monday to redo the cleaning procedure again. It will be determined then, whether or not it will need to be done another time. During today's procedure, he did remove the pins from her wrist.
The doctor indicated that looking at the femur bone that is broken, it may require a bone graph. The femur was split in two and crushed. To help make sure that she has a good strong bone, it may require the extra bone to ensure stability. He will determine that over the next couple of weeks.
Chantel had not talked to Larisa yet when I last spoke to her. I know they are both itchy to get to Winchester. I know there is disappointment and that Larisa will be disappointed. But, Chantel is grateful it happened now before they actually transported her to Winchester and would have had to turn around and come right back. Small blessings.
It will be a long weekend and a long few days -- waiting for something is never easy. But, it will be important that her body is ready to make the transition to the next step. She'll get there. Slow and steady does win the race.
The doctor indicated that looking at the femur bone that is broken, it may require a bone graph. The femur was split in two and crushed. To help make sure that she has a good strong bone, it may require the extra bone to ensure stability. He will determine that over the next couple of weeks.
Chantel had not talked to Larisa yet when I last spoke to her. I know they are both itchy to get to Winchester. I know there is disappointment and that Larisa will be disappointed. But, Chantel is grateful it happened now before they actually transported her to Winchester and would have had to turn around and come right back. Small blessings.
It will be a long weekend and a long few days -- waiting for something is never easy. But, it will be important that her body is ready to make the transition to the next step. She'll get there. Slow and steady does win the race.
Move on Hold
This morning Larisa is back in the operating room. She has been holding a very low grade fever but has been able to keep in in check with ice packs and her fan. However, it has been increasing and she had a rough day yesterday. The Doctors have checked all the wounds, and nothing is obvious. They think she may have an infection in her leg. This morning they are taking all the pumps, sponges and drains out of her thigh and doing a through cleaning to see if there is any infection. They think she has an infection somewhere, but have not determined where it is.
If they find nothing serious, she is scheduled to move tomorrow at 9:00am. If it is serious they will just keep her until they can clean up the infection. We will just wait to hear the results. I will keep you posted.
If they find nothing serious, she is scheduled to move tomorrow at 9:00am. If it is serious they will just keep her until they can clean up the infection. We will just wait to hear the results. I will keep you posted.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Moving on Friday
It has been decided that Larisa will be going to Winchester Medical Rehab Center in Winchester. As of right now, the intention is to move her tomorrow. The lady from Winchester is coming today to meet Larisa and assess her needs. Chantel said she was as nice a pie....Super sweet lady and was very excited to have Larisa come. I know that made them both feel better.
They will load her up in a patient transportation ambulance and make the hour drive to her new home -tomorrow. Truly a great sign of progress. As to the length of her stay, it is too early to determine and will only be determined as they begin doing extensive physical therapy. It will all be determined on how she progresses and how well her body heals and retrains itself to function properly.
Everyone is excited about this move - it will put her closer to her family and friends. She will now be only 30 mins away from home instead of an hour and a half. This is going to be a great help as Chantel and Sergio tend to the needs at the house and be there for Larisa. It will also be nice that friends will be close by as well to visit. Larisa was excited about going. She is a bit anxious, just to be going someplace different and new, but knows it is the next step.
Yesterday she was fitted with her new back brace. It is a true fashion statement -- bright yellow! It goes up under her chest down to her hips. It is soft inside and hard plastic on the outside. It wraps all they way around her back like a corset. They will be encouraging her to tighten up as tight as she can stand it to help keep everything in place. This brace is to help the fractures she has in her lower vertebrates. She will need to wear this during all Physical therapy, when she is sitting up and moving around. It will be an adjustment, but hopefully in time, it will give her some relief.
Yesterday she was in a lot of pain. They had been moving her around a lot- fitting the brace, draining her leg, xrays, and checking her ankle. She was really tired last night and was ready for her medications.
The wound nurse came in and checked her leg wound on her thigh today and could not believe how much better it was looking. The muscle inside is really starting to heal and closing the opening significantly. The drain will need to remain in there for about 2-5 months. Just depending on how it heals. The open wound on her foot, is not really on the ankle, but more on the top of her foot by the ankle is causing her lots of discomfort and is taking a longer time to heal. They are watching it closely. The wound on the foot will require a skin graft, which they will do in about 3-4 weeks. She will need to go back to Fairfax Hospital to have that procedure done. They are still not sure about the need to do a graft on the thigh yet.
Overall she is doing great. It is hard to believe that almost 4 weeks ago, she was fighting for her life. Now she is awake, healing and continues to fight to be better. The blessings that she has received over the past 4 weeks are overwhelming and truly a testimony that One greater than ourselves is not only aware of us as individuals, but will comfort, heal and bring peace as we trust those who help us and strive to exercise our faith in Christ. That is what helps us make it through these trials and challenges successfully and come out better people for having experienced the challenge.
They will load her up in a patient transportation ambulance and make the hour drive to her new home -tomorrow. Truly a great sign of progress. As to the length of her stay, it is too early to determine and will only be determined as they begin doing extensive physical therapy. It will all be determined on how she progresses and how well her body heals and retrains itself to function properly.
Everyone is excited about this move - it will put her closer to her family and friends. She will now be only 30 mins away from home instead of an hour and a half. This is going to be a great help as Chantel and Sergio tend to the needs at the house and be there for Larisa. It will also be nice that friends will be close by as well to visit. Larisa was excited about going. She is a bit anxious, just to be going someplace different and new, but knows it is the next step.
Yesterday she was fitted with her new back brace. It is a true fashion statement -- bright yellow! It goes up under her chest down to her hips. It is soft inside and hard plastic on the outside. It wraps all they way around her back like a corset. They will be encouraging her to tighten up as tight as she can stand it to help keep everything in place. This brace is to help the fractures she has in her lower vertebrates. She will need to wear this during all Physical therapy, when she is sitting up and moving around. It will be an adjustment, but hopefully in time, it will give her some relief.
Yesterday she was in a lot of pain. They had been moving her around a lot- fitting the brace, draining her leg, xrays, and checking her ankle. She was really tired last night and was ready for her medications.
The wound nurse came in and checked her leg wound on her thigh today and could not believe how much better it was looking. The muscle inside is really starting to heal and closing the opening significantly. The drain will need to remain in there for about 2-5 months. Just depending on how it heals. The open wound on her foot, is not really on the ankle, but more on the top of her foot by the ankle is causing her lots of discomfort and is taking a longer time to heal. They are watching it closely. The wound on the foot will require a skin graft, which they will do in about 3-4 weeks. She will need to go back to Fairfax Hospital to have that procedure done. They are still not sure about the need to do a graft on the thigh yet.
Overall she is doing great. It is hard to believe that almost 4 weeks ago, she was fighting for her life. Now she is awake, healing and continues to fight to be better. The blessings that she has received over the past 4 weeks are overwhelming and truly a testimony that One greater than ourselves is not only aware of us as individuals, but will comfort, heal and bring peace as we trust those who help us and strive to exercise our faith in Christ. That is what helps us make it through these trials and challenges successfully and come out better people for having experienced the challenge.
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