Thursday, July 3, 2008

A Meeting of the Minds

Quick update at a little before 6:00pm.

A wise doctor who followed Hannah once told us that treating her is like treating an elephant; depending on which part of the whole you're looking at, and what your area of expertise is, you can get 100 different diagnoses that are all designed to help each particular area, but may not help the overall condition of the patient. Thus ends my Zen lesson of the day.

It was determined that another blood transfusion would help her swelling and fevers and alleviate the burden that her system was going through. That removing the breathing tube was not an option today. And that leaving ICU was not an option today. They have increased her pain meds because of her discomfort level and they are giving meds around the clock for swelling and nausea.

Hannah is telling us all that she needs to go slower than perhaps what others want or wish, but it WAS a big operation, and she DOES have screwed-in rods from her neck to her tailbone, and her body is adjusting to a fairly big trauma to it.

So here we are, feeling better knowing that she is going to be more comfortable and getting all the help she can.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hannah is so lucky to have you and Tim for her parents. I can only imagine how hard it is to watch her go through this and I hope that the physical pain can be managed. Hugs and prayers to Hannah and to the two of you for hanging in there when the going is is tough. Tomorrow is a new day, small steps towards recovery are still steps in the right direction.
jessica

Anonymous said...

A message for Hannah... You are a big brave girl and I am sending you lots of love, hugs and kisses. A message for Tim, Katie and Carly...I'm also sending love, hugs and kisses. You all are always in my thoughts. You all have gotten through so much together, because you are such a strong family. This will make your bonds even stronger. Love to you all and lots of prayers.
Trevia

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear about Hannah's rough night. I hope the coming days quickly bring her more healing and peace. We are all thinking of you.
Please remember you have friends to lean on and who want to help in any way possible.
More prayers are going out for you all.
Susan M

sharon said...

Larkin Family
We know today has been long and difficult. We pray that the meds for the swelling and nausea will start to kick in and give Hannah some relief. No words can express our concern and care from our family to yours. I'm so glad we can read your updates on Hannah.
Sharon,Mike,Wes and Meghan

Carlyn said...

Well, here you are at the close of day three, even though the days and nights are all running together at this point. All that matters is that you are with Hannah, supporting her through her recovery. We can picture you in your little corner of the PICU watching Hannah's every cue, that only a mother, father, or big sister knows so well. It's perfectly acceptable to request a hug from the PICU nurses...I did several times:)

We are sending you love and hopefully a little energy to keep doing what parents do.

We are sending slumber vibes your way, and we hope you catch a few zzzz's tonite!

Even More Love,
The Rubins

Unknown said...

Oh Katie, Tim, and Carly...I have been in ICU more times than I care to remember over the last two years. Although each day seems never ending, it does go on into the next day and each hour gives Hannah's body a little extra "umph" to keep recovering. She did have a huge operation. I will never forget going to see Barbara Walker at Montgomery General after she had her spine straightened and she was soooooooooooo puffy. Her stomach was huge. She was so terribly uncomfortable and couldn't eat a thing for days. It is amazing that your body actually can go on for days without food. The same with my dad, he couldn't tolerate food and they had to put a tube into his stomach to keep everything out and nothing in. He is at his home going to his office today. Hannah will be home with her videos and you will all be back together before you know it. Time does drag on right now, but this too shall pass and Hannah is healing. She is healing on her time schedule, not anyone elses, so just keep squeezing that hand and letting God carry your burdens. All will be well...it just takes time. I love you guys infinitely! Barbara P.

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking about you daily and have tried to leave you a comment, but due to my technology disability I was not successful. I finally received the support I was promised on my IEP from my good friend Natalie so I am finally able to leave you a message. Baby steps are the way to go. I will look forward to reading more about all the baby step improvements that Hannah makes. So glad to hear that you are able to stay in a townhouse. If you want good deli check out Atmans on Lombard street.
with lots of love,
Debbie