EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT!
Hi. This is Sasan. On Friday, July 30th, 2021, my wife Rie woke up from a dream that she shared with my 13-year-old daughter, Mia. This was an unusual dream. Rie had never had a dream like that before. Rie told my daughter that in the dream she "felt surrounded by God's presence", telling her: "EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT". Rie and Mia wondered about the meaning of such a strange dream. We praised God for the message.
A few hours later while Rie, Mia, my brother and I were eating lunch at a restaurant, Rie had a 30-second seizure. The restaurant "happened" to be next to St David's Medical Center Emergency Room. Within one hour, she had a life-saving craniotomy to evacuate a massive intracranial hemorrhage. Going from the ER to the CT scanner, then to the OR within an hour is unheard of. To have the best and the kindest neurosurgeon on call and immediately available was clearly a miracle.
I heard rumors that the neurosurgeon was initially worried. Thankfully, Rie graduated from the ICU four days later and was transferred to the "Neuro-Floor". Initially, she was barely arousable with noxious stimuli. She has since made slow but steady progress, impressing all the staff and her six doctors. Two days ago, the neurologist was examining Rie and suggested infusing coffee through her feeding tube. Rie must have heard because she opened one eye! A little coffee in the feeding tube and she opened the other eye halfway and said "Mia", her first word since the surgery! In addition to the coffee through the feeding tube, I've been authorized by the speech therapist to let her enjoy a coffee-soaked cotton-tipped applicator in her mouth. She loves the French Roast!
She came to the Neuro-floor with SEVEN tubes and a bunch of wires. We are down to three tubes and no wires. The therapists are beginning to assess her current needs and limitations as we prepare to graduate from the Neuro-floor to the rehab unit soon.
Mia is having fun with her uncle Foad and cousin Shaheen. They have moved in with us so I can be at the bedside with Rie. Mia is strong.
If you have joined our family in prayer, please know that walking through the shadows in this dark valley, Mia and I are empowered to fear no evil, for we know He is with us. Yea! We are unshakably comforted, knowing He clears our paths with His rod and staff, long before we get there. He told Rie: "EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT". We praise Him for He is a promise-keeping God. Whatever is ALRIGHT with Him is alright with us.
Creating this blog as a way to update you was the suggestion of one of the ICU nurses who sensed my inability to keep up with all the emails.
We are blessed by the unbelievable number of people who are helping us in so many ways and through their prayers.
As Mia likes to say, "God Bless". As God said, "EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT"
All Glory to Him.
Sasan
After I received your text telling me what happened to Rie, God told me that RIE WOULD BE ALRIGHT AND COMPLETELY RESTORED. I had immense peace about it. Supernatural peace. I had not known about her dream but God gave me almost the same words. This morning when I woke up God told me to tell Rie to RISE AND SHINE as he has a plan and purpose for her life. So I spoke it out to her Spirit believing God’s Holy Spirit would bring the proclamation to her. God has her and all of you in his hands. Michel
ReplyDeleteWow! Love those words! The lyrics of the very first song on the radio in my car yesterday morning, at a moment when I needed it: "EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT" (Be Alright by evan craft: https://youtu.be/rMa1wUuUAb0)
ReplyDeleteAlthough I only just met Rie I can see how strong she is and how much fire she has in her soul (especially after some coffee)! I’m grateful to play a small role in her care team and can’t wait to read about all her progress. You got this Rie!!!!!❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼Keep up the amazing work…you have a wonderful support system that cares so much about you!!!
ReplyDeleteSasha, RN
Very kind! Thank you.
DeleteHi Mia,
ReplyDeleteMommy and I got exhausted after all the therapy sessions yesterday. It was a restful night for us. Fewer interruptions. We both slept well. The doctors added low dose Caffeine pills to help stimulate mommy during the day so she can participate better during her therapy sessions. More therapy today. The main plan for today is to repeat the cerebral angiogram ( x-ray of brain blood vessels) to make sure things look good. Love and blessings.
Daddy
I woke up this morning and God had me tell Rie to RISE AND SHINE again! He also had me pray for strength and energy for her. Here is a verse for you guys: Psalm 41:1-3 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. To God be the Glory! Michel
DeleteThe cerebral angiogram was good. No new bleeding or anything that needs surgery. So they removed the two brain drains. Praise God! Rie nods yes every time I ask her if she trusts the Lord. She is not afraid, neither are we. All the glory to Him.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Mia,
ReplyDeleteMommy had an exceptionally caring nurse last night so we both got lots of rest. Praise the Lord for that angel. Mommy is waking up by herself more often and staying awake a little longer. Her swallowing and speech are beginning to kick in. She said "yes" loudly for the first time. Her answers to simple questions are still slow but all correct. Body movements are gradually improving. Her left side can help a lot now. Her right side starting to wake up. God is good!
The plan today is lots of therapy. The therapists exhausted me and mommy yesterday, so I am letting mommy sleep as much as she wants this morning. Those therapist don't take no for an answer! See you for lunch. Love and blessings. Daddy
The Lord had me speak forth to Rie to RISE AND SHINE. He had me pray for strength to every area of her body. His hand is upon her! He is sending strength to every area of her body and into every system of her body. He is raising her up! I had not read your blog with the update until just now when typing this. I had prayed this early this morning. This is what God instructed me to pray. Here is a scripture for you guys: Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Thank you, that was awesome!
DeleteFirst shampoo hat in bed was lovely! Swallow test was encouraging so I was cleared to start a trial of ice chips. She had better endurance with an hour of physical therapy this morning. Awesome news: They will allow me to continue to stay with her 24/7 if we get transferred to the rehab hospital next door.
ReplyDeleteI'm having to fight for rehab hospital acceptance due to an insurance glitch but I'm confident we'll win if that's the Lord's will. All glory to Him.🙏
Great News.. Let me know if you need help with your insurance glitch.. Carole
ReplyDeleteGoing good with a few ice chips so far!
ReplyDeleteRie didn't want to wake up this morning for anyone till the neurologist started talking about house renovations. Rie opened both eyes wide open, looking straight at Dr Elizabeth C. and nodding and smiling for the whole ten minutes that Dr C. talked about houses. I nodded off! HGTV now, while waiting for the therapists.
ReplyDeleteWe know what gets her going, Caffeine and house renovations! Rise and Shine Rie. The Lord says to Rise and Shine.
DeleteIce chip trial is still going well. She also did well with the thick apple juice test done by speech therapist yesterday. Occupational therapist was optimistic that Rie might qualify for direct transfer to the rehab hospital if she can participate a little more in therapy in the next few days. She slept well last night. I just finished her hair. Oral hygiene and coffee next!
ReplyDeleteI’m praising God with each report, Sasan & Mia!! Still smiling at Rie’s response to home renovation:) Trusting that she will qualify for rehab hospital. She’s a fighter and she’s in God’s care! Wishing you all a blessed and forwarding day!!
ReplyDeleteIf doesn't qualify for rehab unit yet once ready for discharge, she will be coming home with me, NO SNF! I am watching the nurses and the therapists closely and asking lots of questions so I can learn to do everything at home.
DeleteMy family and myself are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove
The Carrera Leal family.
Fri 8/13/21 AM:
ReplyDeleteRie slept well. No more IV medications. Tube feeding is going well. The Swallow trial yesterday with thick liquids went well. Alertness waxes and wanes but definitely responding to the prescribed caffeine through her feeding tube. The caffeine dosage is not at maximum yet. More therapy today (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, swallow trials). The big task today is getting the rehab hospital to review her insurance coverage. We also need the therapist to make sure Rie can handle at least three hours of intense therapy per day before the rehab hospital will accept Rie's transfer. I may need to enroll her in the marketplace as a backup just in case our primary insurance is not accepted by the rehab hospital. The deadline to enroll is today. Hopefully it is not too late. The doctors and therapists will start making rounds soon. Mia's first day of 8th grade went well. She "had fun". She loves her teacher and classmates. Praise God!
So glad to hear Mia’s first day with her new class went well! Praying for fortified strength, energy and alertness for Rie and that she is able to get into the Rehab facility. God’s hands are big and he will take care of all the details.
ReplyDeleteI agree! He gives me a little pebble and the courage to cast it, He then aims it for me to bring the giant down, over and over... ALL GLORY TO HIM.
DeleteSo I looked up the word Fortify because that was a specific word God gave me to use. It is not one I would typically think of. I was wondering why this specific word; here are the meanings: to surround with a wall,ditch, palisades or other works with a view to defend against attacks of an enemy, to strengthen and secure, to strengthen against any attacks, to confirm, to add strength and firmness, to furnish with strength or means of resisting force. To raise strong places! God is providing strength and protection and will raise her to be a strong place for His Spirit!
ReplyDeleteLord, Fortify my strength. Amen
DeleteSATURDAY:
ReplyDeleteFIRST NIGHT OF UNINTERRUPTED SLEEP FOR BOTH OF US IN 2 WEEKS! RIE IS DEFINITELY MORE ALERT AFTER 4 PM. RIGHT SIDE MOVING A LITTLE BETTER. THE INSURANCE GLITCH FOR TRANSFER TO REHAB HOSPITAL MAY HAVE RESOLVED. I ENROLLED HER IN A MARKETPLACE PLAN ALSO, JUST IN CASE BUT HER PRIMARY PLAN IS FANTASTIC IF THEY ACCEPT IT. PROBABLY NOT MUCH WEEKEND THERAPY SO I AM GOING TO LET HER REST A LOT. MINOR PROCEDURE ON MONDAY TO MOVE THE TUBE FEEDING FROM THE NOSE (DHT) DIRECTLY INTO STOMACH (PEG). SHE WILL LOVE HAVING THAT THING OUT OF HER NOSE. NOT HAVING A NOSE TUBE ALSO ALLOWS THE THERAPISTS TO WORK MORE EFFICIENTLY WITH HER WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT YANKING ON THINGS. I AM HOPING TO SEE MIA MORE THIS WEEKEND. SHE SEEMS EXCITED ABOUT HER HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEK, ESPECIALLY LATIN!?! WE MAY BE GETTING CLOSE TO A TIME WHEN A 5 MINUTE VISIT BY FAMILIAR FACES MAY CHEER AND STIMULATE RIE. MANY THANKS, THE LORD'S LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL!
The Ingram family is so thankful to be able to pray for the Askari family. Rie is a godly woman so full of light & joy. May the Lord fully restore her & be glorified in this. His hand is so clearly on the entire situation. Thank you for sharing this journey of faith. We will continue to pray along with many others in the Veritas community. —Molly 🙏🏼💙
ReplyDeleteAmen. Thank you.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSUNDAY: BY MID-AFTERNOON, IT LOOKED LIKE RIE WAS GOING TO STAY ASLEEP ALL DAY AND GET AN UNFAVORABLE "NON-PARTICIPATORY" REPORT FROM THE THERAPISTS. RIE WOKE UP "SPONTANEOUSLY" AT 1420, THERAPISTS WALKED IN AT 1430, HAD A GREAT SESSION. PERFECT TIMING. THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES. PRAISE GOD. NO PLANS FOR TODAY :)
ReplyDeletePraising God to hear how Rie continues to progress 👏✝️Yes, with God there are no coincidences‼️Continuing to pray for healing. Rie is in the best care- her Creator. He will sustain you through the days ahead.
DeleteAMEN
DeleteAmen and amen! Thank you Lord for strengthening and fortifying our collective faith thru what you are doing for Rie. We love her and you love her more! She’s in your grip. All glory and praise to You!
ReplyDeleteAMEN.
DeleteCOVID NEGATIVE. Praise God!
ReplyDeletePraise be to God! God has perfect timing and he shows up right at the moment of need! She is in perfect care in him. Trusting that EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT. Looking forward to a short visit whenever it is good for her. Much love to the Askari family. Michel
ReplyDeleteThank you for the words of confirmation and encouragement.
DeleteMONDAY: A COMFORTABLE AND MUCH MORE SECURE FEEDING TUBE WAS PLACED SUCCESSFULLY THIS MORNING. IT SHOULD STAY IN PLACE TILL RIE'S SWALLOWING SPEED PICKS UP ENOUGH TO SUPPORT HER NUTRITIONAL NEEDS. ANOTHER HUGE HURDLE ON THE WAY TO THE REHAB HOSPITAL REMOVED. PRAISE GOD. A WHIFF OF SEDATIVES FOR THAT PROCEDURE HAS LEFT RIE ABSOLUTELY RELAXED!!!
ReplyDeleteI JUST TURNED HGTV ON FOR RIE. FIRST THING ON TV WAS THIS COMMERCIAL; FIRST WORDS IN IT: EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT! https://youtu.be/A0t61o0MHKY ( _/\_ )
ReplyDeleteTUESDAY: Her Covid is negative again! New feeding tube called PEG placed yesterday is working well. Very secure and comfortable. Rie should now be able to get consistent nourishment as she heals.Therapy is the focus today. I've got to optimize her alertness so she can participate more in therapy. We need the therapists to say she can do 3 hours a day before the rehab hospital accepts the transfer.
ReplyDeletePsalm 62:5-8 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Father, in the name of Jesus I pray that you will provide courage, strength and resolve for the Askari family to keep their eyes on what you promised before all this happened and not let any daily struggles block out your promise, THAT EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT. Help them to stay focused on the end promise. Amen.
ReplyDeleteAmen. His gift of courage, strength, resolve and focus have supernaturally arrived, fast-tracked via His repeated promise that "EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT"! Anything alright with Him is alright with us. Thank you so much for the prayers. They are working. Keep them coming. Love and blessings. _/ \_
DeleteDr. Askari, I have wanted to reach out so many times. But worried I would have bad timing. Please know that the labor unit is lifting you and your family up. And we would love to help out in way needed (pets, yard, dinner).
ReplyDeleteAnd i am personally sending so much love. Our lives can change so quickly.
One step at a time.
toby
Very Kind Toby! For now, all we need is prayer. Thankfully, my older brother and his son have moved in to my house to help with my daughter and the pets (all so I can stay with my wife 24/7. Once my wife gets discharged, I may need some help. I'll let you all know. Thank you.
DeleteTUESDAY PM: Swallow test went well. Started thick liquid diet, supplementing the tube feed. Physical therapy went well also. Rie again spontaneously woke up from her day long slumber minutes prior to each therapy session and stayed up the whole session both times! Praise God for the reassurance via His perfect timing! _/ \_
ReplyDeleteTUESDAY EVENING:
ReplyDeleteThe case manager came saying the rehab hospital declined the transfer due to some issue with Rie's insurance "BENEFITS".
But my laptop's random verse generator at the time said ...Bless the LORD...and forget not all His "BENEFITS". (ps 103:2)
Girding my loins for tomorrow.
We’re standing with you in prayer, Sasan. Trusting God to open doors today!
DeleteI know the master chain breaker is at work. All glory to Him.
DeleteThere are no “random” versus. God’s timing is ALWAYS perfect.🙂
ReplyDeleteAMEN!
DeleteWEDNESDAY AM:
ReplyDeleteTHE ADVERSARY MADE AN EARLY SURPRISE HIT LAST NIGHT BUT NOW LOINS ARE GIRT. THE WAR IS ON. VICTORY IS HIS. RIE IS COMFORTABLE. DETAILS IN BETWEEN BATTLES! ALL GLORY TO HIM.
WE HAD A ROUGH NIGHT. HER TUBE FEEDING WAS ADVANCED ABRUPTLY YESTERDAY AT 7 PM.
ReplyDeleteSHE WAS NOT USED TO THAT LARGE A BOLUS VOLUME. IT WAS 3AM WHEN WE GOT OVER THAT EPISODE. I'VE REACHED OUT TO MULTIPLE AUTHORITIES AT ALL LEVELS OF THE HOSPITAL AND ESSENTIALLY HAVE TAKEN OVER THAT PROCESS MYSELF. NOTHING ILLEGAL. IT IS CALLED "HOME PROGRAM" OR "HOME EDUCATION". MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL. IT FREES UP THE OVER-EXTENDED NURSES AND I GET TO ENJOY MORE TIME WITH RIE!
May God continue to fortify you both in every way. Sending love and his to you and Rie from Mom and Dad, and Jarred 💞
DeleteThank you!!!
DeleteMay God’s wisdom and discernment be with you constantly.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteAmen and amen 🙏❤️
DeletePrayers 🙏
ReplyDelete❤
DeleteWEDNESDAY PM: RIE SLEPT COMFORTABLY ALL DAY. SHE ONLY HAD 3 HRS LAST NIGHT BUT NOW CAUGHT UP. SHE SLEPT THROUGH PHYSICAL THERAPY SO THE THERAPIST USED THE TIME TO START TEACHING ME THE "HOME PROGRAM". RIE WOKE UP SPONTANEOUSLY AT 6:30 PM, JUST IN TIME TO GIVE THE WONDERFUL DAY NURSE A BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND A HAND WAVE! SHE THEN WATCHED HGTV FOR AN HOUR WHILE I FED HER ICE CHIPS. TUBE FEEDING HAS RESUMED AND I AM MANAGING IT. WILL START HOME FEEDING SIMULATION TOMORROW MORNING. REHAB HOSPITAL TRANSFER MAY NOT HAPPEN FOR A WHILE. WE MAY JUST GO HOME FOR A WHILE TILL WE WORK OUT A DEAL WITH THE REHAB HOSPITAL. GOING HOME FOR A WHILE MAY NOT BE SUCH A BAD IDEA. I'LL BE IN TOTAL CONTROL OF HER SCHEDULE SO SHE CAN RETURN TO HER NORMAL SLEEP/WAKE CYCLE WITHOUT A BUNCH OF INTERRUPTIONS.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a great job.
DeleteThank you, Pat! --- EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT--- God Bless!
DeleteTHURSDAY AM: RESTFUL NIGHT. CONTINUOUS TUBE FEEDS BACK TO GOAL RATE. WILL RETRY BOLUS FEEDS TO MIMIC MEALS EVERY 3 TO FOUR HOURS. WILL TRY SOME ORAL THICK LIQUIDS TODAY. STILL WORKING ON DISCHARGE TO HOME VS REHAB. BOTH OPTIONS ARE GOOD. LOVE AND BLESSINGS. _/ \_ ❤🙏
ReplyDeleteRie and your family are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteBriana and I read your entire blog and were amazed by your account of events. First a dream
ReplyDeleteassuring her that everything will be all right, then dinner at a restaurant close to Saint David's,
then the emergency room, operation, and ICU in an hour! It's a beautiful testimony of how close and intimate God is to those who love him. Be assured you have the prayers of the entire Proeger household.
It looks like you have all the bases covered at present, but if anything comes up please know I'm available 24/7.
I am using Briana's account because I could not get mine to work. Bill
ReplyDeleteThank you for the prayers and offer to help. Love to your family.
DeleteHi Sasan, all your family is in our prayers! We are available to support your family anytime!
ReplyDeleteThis is Cesar
DeleteVery kind Cesar. Thank you. Send my love to the family!
DeleteFRIDAY AM: I AM PRAISING GOD THIS MORNING THAT EXACTLY THREE WEEKS AGO RIE WAS PROMISED BY HIM THAT "EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT". WHATEVER IS ALRIGHT WITH HIM IS ALRIGHT WITH US.
ReplyDeleteBOLUS TUBE FEEDING IS GOING GREAT SO NO MACHINE NEEDED FOR FEEDS ANYMORE. I CAN DO IT MANUALLY NOW. RIE LOVED TWO BOWLS OF THICKENED CHICKEN BROTH YESTERDAY. ATE EVERY BIT OF IT. LIKED THE THICKENED ICED TEA TOO. NO COUGH OR ASPIRATION.
THERAPISTS USED A HOYER LIFTING MACHINE TO MOVE RIE FROM HER BED UNTO A CHAIR FOR THE FIRST TIME. SHE ENJOYED IT AND WE FACETIMED WITH CLOSE FAMILY WHICH GENERATED LOTS OF SMILES. BEING OUT OF BED DEFINITELY RAISED HER LEVEL OF ALERTNESS. I AM THE SAME WAY!
OUR VERY NICE CASE MANAGER HAS FOUND A FIVE STAR SKILLED NURSING FACILITY (SNF) WITH REHAB OPTION IN ROUND ROCK THAT ALLOWS ME TO STAY WITH HER 24/7 AS LONG AS WE GET COVID TESTING. WE HAVE BOTH BEEN NEGATIVE EVERY TIME TESTED. THE SNF WILL NEED TO REVIEW MEDICAL RECORDS BEFORE ACCEPTING HER SO IT MAY RUN INTO NEXT WEEK. THE DIRECT TRANSFER TO THE REHAB HOSPITAL ATTACHED TO THIS HOSPITAL SEEMS UNLIKELY AT THIS TIME DUE TO THE "INABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN 3 HOURS OF INTENSIVE THERAPY". MAYBE BY THE TIME HER SECONDARY INSURANCE KICKS IN ON SEPTEMBER FIRST, HER ELIGIBILITY IMPROVES.
LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL.
EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT.
That is wonderful news, I have been praying for her healing daily. God is an awesome God! Sending continued prayers out as well as much love. #Faithisthekey
Delete-Linda Quiroz
Thank you, Linda. God bless.
DeleteIsaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
ReplyDeleteSATURDAY AM:
ReplyDeleteRIE IS INCREASINGLY MORE ALERT AND INTERACTIVE, MAINLY IN THE AFTERNOONS. SHE WILL SLEEP ALL MORNING IF LEFT ALONE, PARTLY BECAUSE IT IS HER NATURE BUT I AM SURE ALL THE BEEPS AND VITAL SIGNS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO HER MORNING SOMNOLENCE.
A NICE NURSE LIAISON FROM RIE'S PRIMARY INSURANCE CALLED AND GAVE LOTS OF GOOD NEWS! SHE HAS OPENED UP SEVERAL NEW OPTIONS. SOUNDS LIKE SHE WILL NOT ALLOW INSURANCE MISINFORMATION TO INFLUENCE RIE'S DISPOSITION ONCE RIE IS CLEARED FOR DISCHARGE, WHICH COULD BE AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK.
ANOTHER ANGEL DID RIE'S EEG YESTERDAY EVENING. VERY SWEET AND METICULOUS.
SOME RECENT TEST RESULTS SUGGEST A MEDICATION MAY BE ADDED THAT WILL SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASE THE CHANCES OF ANOTHER EVENT.
PRAISE GOD!
Praising God for each breakthrough!! It was sooooop good to connect with you via FaceTime, Rie and Sasan!!! Rie, Mom and Dad, and the entire family is standing with you in this healing journey. Claiming God’s promises on your behalf:
ReplyDeleteMay your ”...light break forth as the morning, and [your] health spring forth speedily: and [your] righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be [your] reward.” Is a 58:8
With love, hugs, and continual prayers,
Anne Berit
Amen and Thank you, Sister AB!
DeleteSATURDAY NIGHT: THE REHAB HOSPITAL IN ROUND ROCK HAS OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED RIE. MANY THANKS TO THE MEDISHARE LIAISON. IT IS A BIT FAR BUT THEY WILL LET ME STAY 24/7 SO IT WILL BE WORTH IT. WE MAY BE ABLE TO TRANSFER BACK TO THE CURRENT HOSPITAL'S REHAB UNIT, WHICH IS MUCH CLOSER TO OUR HOUSE, ONCE THE SECONDARY INSURANCE KICKS IN AND RIE'S ALERTNESS IMPROVES. WE HOYER-LIFTED RIE OUT OF BED AND ONTO A CHAIR FOR THE SECOND TIME AND WATCHED HGTV FOR AN HOUR. WE REVERTED BACK TO CONTINUOUS PUMP TUBE FEEDS INSTEAD OF INTERMITTENT BOLUS FEEDS SO SHE CAN GET PLENTY OF NOURISHMENT WITHOUT HUMAN DELAYS. I CAN EASILY CONVERT TO BOLUS FEEDS ONCE I AM IN FULL CONTROL AND HER NUTRITIONAL NEEDS ARE FULLY REPLETED. I ASKED RIE IF SHE WANTED TO FACETIME WITH MIA AND SHE SAID YES WITH A BIG SMILE. WE MAY TRY IT TOMORROW [AFTERNOON :)]. I FEEL RIE IS READY TO SEE SOME FAMILIAR FACES. DUE TO THE CURRENT HIGH COVID NUMBERS IN THIS HOSPITAL, I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE INVITING ANYONE IN PERSON YET. WE'LL TRY SOME FACETIMING WITH CLOSE FAMILY AND IF GOES WELL, I'LL EXTEND THE FACETIME INVITATION TO FRIENDS WHENEVER I HAVE A LITTLE EXTRA TIME. EEG DID NOT SHOW ANY SURPRISES. PRAISE GOD!
ReplyDeletePraise God! Looking forward to FaceTime with Rie when it is appropriate. God is in control!
ReplyDeleteI'll get your facetime contact number from Mia and try it next time Rie is awake. She will enjoy seeing you!
DeleteYou are giving Rie the best.♥️
ReplyDeleteShe gave me the best for 26 years! Thank you Pat for the encouragement and support. Love and Blessings, Sasan
DeleteMONDAY AM: YESTERDAY WE RESTED. TODAY, FOLLOW UP MRI TO RE-EVALUATE THE PLAN. I AM RESEARCHING THE IDEAL TUBE FEEDING FORMULA. LOTS OF GREAT ARTICLES ON KETO FOR BRAIN HEALING AND SEIZURE PREVENTION. ORDERING A CASE OF A COMPLETE KETO FORMULA THAT CAN BE USED BOTH FOR ORAL AND G-TUBE FEEDINGS. THE FINAL TRANSFER PLANS TO REHAB MAY DEPEND A BIT ON THE MRI FINDINGS TODAY. GOD BLESS!
ReplyDeleteI will enjoy seeing Rie. Tell her I miss our texting and chatting. Psalm 36:7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings!
ReplyDeleteMRI stable. Plan is to transfer to rehab hospital tomorrow.
ReplyDeletePrayers for her transfer to go smoothly.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! :)
DeletePacking for the move to Encompass Round Rock Rehabilitation Hospital. Thank you for the prayers.
ReplyDeleteSeveral of you have shared dreams of His promise. Praise God without ceasing! 🙏🙏🙏
This is wonderful news!! I am so glad Rie is making progress. I pray that each day she improves her functional mobility🙏🏽
DeleteSending blessings, and will continue to keep Rie in my prayers.
Isela
Praying the move goes well and she is surrounded by Angels of tender loving care!🙏🙏
ReplyDeleteAmen!!
DeleteAmen!
DeleteEVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT! Praying Rie will be settled in her soul. May each day bring leaps and bounds of improvement, strength and returned abilities! To God be the Glory.
ReplyDelete❤️🙏🏻
DeleteBlessed by reading the blogs and continuing to pray for God’s intervention and healing! Believing that with God first and foremost in our lives; ‘everything will be alright’ no matter what the outcome❤️Trusting Him- Rie is in His hands.
ReplyDeleteLinda Lovhoiden
🙏🏻❤️
DeleteThe transfer to rehab was flawless. This rehab hospital is heaven on Earth, full of angels with huge wings. Praise God!
ReplyDeletePraising God for your report! Trusting that God has gone before and will use this place for His honor and glory. Praying for Rie’s continued healing and wisdom for all the new caregivers!
DeleteWonderful news! 🙏
DeleteGod is good. His hands are big and he will do wonderous things for his beloved.
Delete🙏🏻❤️
Delete❤️🙏🏻
ReplyDeleteFirst day in Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Round Rock was awesome. The other rehab hospital which we wanted so badly had denied Rie’s transfer apparently based on inability to participate in 3 hours of rigorous therapy per day. Rie easily tolerated 4 hours of therapy plus 1.5 hours of initial evaluation by the internal medicine doctor, Rehab doctor, rehab clinical psychologist, skin nurse and the dietician. Rie tolerated all of that and made huge progress yesterday despite a 48 hour period of suboptimal rest, minimal hydration, minimal nutrition and no caffeine (!!!) while we were hurriedly getting transferred. The glorious presence of the Lord in this rehab place is so thick, it is almost eeRIE! Once again we trusted Him when one door was shut and as always He opened a much bigger door. All glory to Him❤️🙏🏻
ReplyDeleteBlessed 🙏
ReplyDelete❤
DeleteWonderful news! God has a special way of closing one way to direct you to another. He is a gentle and loving Father.
ReplyDeleteYes, His ways are always better.❤🙏
DeleteFRIDAY: Much more alert today. No naps yet. Tolerating soft diet well. Very hungry !!! At this rate, tube feeding may not be needed much longer. Did much better with her speech tests as compared with the initial evaluation. Took first shower with OT. Was in the GYM for an hour with PT.
ReplyDeleteThis place is full of praying believers, all the way to the top. So comforting to know we are in good Hands. Praise the Lord.❤️🙏🏻
Such an encouraging report! Praise be to God for each milestone!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful news! Praise God!
ReplyDeleteSUNDAY: Yesterday was another wonderful gift from our Gracious God. We went from a two-person to a one-person transfer from bed to wheelchair because Rie is helping a lot with her left side and the right side is starting to wake up. Rie and I went outside on the wheelchair. Enjoyed the sun and lunch with Mia, Shaheen and Foad. Later, Rie tried to pull out her feeding tube. I think she’s got a point. She is eating orally much faster than we can pump in with the tube! This morning, she drank two cups of slightly thickened coffee all by herself, no cough. Praise God. EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news.🙏
ReplyDelete❤🙏
DeleteSuch wonderful news about Rie! Praise his Holy Name. Psalm 105:1-4 Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, praise to him; tell of all his holy name; let the hearts of those whose seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
DeleteAmen.
DeleteTUESDAY: Rie exercised for 15 minutes on the four extremity bike and 5 minutes on assisted standing machine in the gym. She rolled her wheelchair around the gym with her left hand. Right side lagging but starting to show larger muscle activation which will be very helpful with mobility. Voice getting louder, faster and more clear. Vast majority of simple responses are correct. Self feeds are still too slow but assisted oral food and liquid intake easily meets her needs so the feeding tube is no longer needed but cannot be removed for another two weeks in order to allow the “track to mature” which minimizes the discomfort and the risks of removal. This wonderful rehab hospital has agreed to remove all sleep disruptions from 9 PM to 6 AM which has made a big difference in Rie’s daytime alertness. Her rehab doctor is more thorough than any doctor I’ve ever met in 35 years of being the medical field. He is equally gentle, kind and unhurried.
ReplyDeleteRie’s spirit is high, unbelievably untouched. Her patience is an inspiration. Her faith is solid. Together we were led to read Romans 5:3 “…but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience…”
ALL GLORY TO GOD!
Thank you so much for the updates. I look forward to hearing how God is working in her life each day and restoring her. Romans 5:5 NIV “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom he has given us.” One of the meanings of the original Greek word for hope is “joyful and confident expectation.” EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT! Much love to your family.❤️
DeleteAmen.
DeleteWonderful news.🙏
DeleteTHURSDAY: Yesterday was another good day. Good night of sleep. Diet was advanced to “minced and moist”. Barium swallow test tomorrow to see if can be advanced to thin liquids. Voice is stronger. Alertness improved. Right side getting stronger. Eyelids symmetric more often. Vision improving. Self propelled wheelchair faster. Bed to chair transfer easier. Assisted standing for over 1 minute. Self feeding with left hand faster and cleaner. A few spoonfuls with right hand, with a little assist.
ReplyDeleteRie’s sister visiting from California, says for two weeks; I say for two decades!
Wonderful news! Praise God.
ReplyDeleteFRIDAY:
ReplyDeleteA big step forward. Rie walked 48 feet today using a hemi-walker with very little balance assistance from the therapist. She eats 110% of every meal! I can’t feed them to her fast enough! Swallow test was very reassuring. We could have advanced to thin liquids and chunkier bites but given the long weekend, I decided to wait till early next week. The left side of her body is almost back to normal strength now. The right side improvements seem to be accelerating. Rie is starting to insist on helping with self care and personal hygiene.
Rie needs her dusk to dawn quiet time but I think we can try some brief video chats with close family members and friends on her no-therapy day (Saturday or Sunday).
Mia is doing well, immersed in love from close family members. She is holding on strong to our Lord’s promise: “EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT “. Whatever is alright with Him, is alright with us.
Tribulation —> Patience —> Experience —> Hope (Romans 5:3).
Wonderful news!
ReplyDelete❤🙏
DeleteI know Rie wants to work hard so she can come back home.
ReplyDelete🙏
❤🙏
DeleteSunday:
ReplyDeleteYesterday was relaxing. Rie had only one hour of therapy, did great working on sitting posture and sitting balance. The rest of the day was spa treatment by her sister AB: hair, nails, skin, you name it! Brief face-time session with Rie's parents went really well.
No formal therapy today. I'll just do some stuff with her myself that the therapists have taught me. If Rie sleeps well the rest of the night, we'll try some more video chats with family and friends today. I think I have the ability to do most video chat options: face-time, Duo, Facebook Messenger. Not sure what other options there are. Let me know if you have any ideas or are interested to try a brief session.
Rie just coughed a little, so I went to check on her. She was ALRIGHT, sound asleep. I noticed
her right knee was flexed nicely. That's a first! Once the larger muscles of that leg kick in, I'd better watch out! God is good.
Such wonderful news. God is good. I would love to do a face time whenever she feels up to it. Just give me some advance notice so I can make sure I have the right device.
ReplyDeleteTUESDAY: We had a good visit with the family in the courtyard of the rehab hospital on Sunday. It got too hot after 30 minutes so we had to cut it short. Monday was a full therapy day. The main event was an hour-long shower which was her first real enjoyable shower. Today was another full day of therapy (4 hours!). Rie did another 50 foot walk with the hemi-walker. I got my first formal lesson in bed-to-chair transfers. Rie did better with larger bites and with her cognitive tests.
ReplyDeleteDuring her speech therapy session last Friday, Rie was still having trouble identifying and generating the sounds of the letters of the alphabet. Yesterday while I was cleaning our hospital room, Rie, out of nowhere started reading outloud a "random" page from the book "Our Daily Bread". Her voice was loud and clear! The message on that page was from 2 Corinthians 12:9: ...and HE said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me...
All glory to Him, even in our weakness and in our infirmities, for His grace is sufficient.
Wonderful news.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pat for your love and encouragement ❤🙏
DeleteWow, each new day God brings forth blessings. Nothing is “random” when you walk with God.
ReplyDeleteAmen
DeleteSasan and Rie. Prayers for strengths and big hugs to you both. I have been following Rie’s journey since I found out in August. Thank you for showing us all what true love and having faith is all about. I am cheering for you both on the sidelines. May God’s glory continues to shine upon you both anD EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT….
ReplyDeleteWith love,
Em Wu
Emily, thank you for the love, prayers and encouragement. Send our love to the boys, Christine and Clement. Love and Blessings ❤🙏
DeleteGreat news Sasan, happy recovery is going.
ReplyDeletePraying for all the family
Adriana, Rafa, Daniel and Cesar
FRIDAY:
ReplyDeleteRie continues to make steady progress in all areas. As expected, fluctuations are normal. Some days are a lot better than others. Now she is walking 50 feet with the hemi-walker with a little assistance. Working on head, neck and shoulders posture. Bed to chair transfers are getting easier. Nutritional status is great. Working on increasing voice volume. Spirit is always always always high and why not, we know EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT!!! Motivation is great. Endurance is low as expected, having been bed-bound for over a month, but improving. Home wheelchair specialist did measurements. Gastric tube which is the last remaining tube is not in use and is to be removed in a week or so. We are going to take an ambulance ride to her neurosurgeon’s office this morning to plan the timing of the second and final stage of her surgery (cranioplasty) to repair the skull bone defect. Therapists expect faster results once cranioplasty is healed as she won't be needing to wear her heavy helmet in the gym anymore.
We probably will stop doing the family visits in the courtyard for a while. It is too hot. Maybe the hospital will relax the visitation limits since the COVID numbers are going down again.
Our house may not be noticing Rie and my absence! Current occupants are Mia, my nephew, my brother, Rie’s sister, My brother’s dog, our dog, our cat, our fish, our three chickens, our ten parakeets and probably a few snakes here and there!
Mia seems to be doing well in school. She is attending two homeschooling academies. She enjoys her time with her cousin. They have a lot in common. My brother and Rie’s sister are a huge help.
I am told Rie used to sing in a choir but I could never get her to sing for me for 26 years. The last few days, every time I play this one song, she spontaneously sings along and it is beautiful:
“ Bless the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before, oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find.
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore”
(10,000 Reasons, Matt Redman).
She still won’t sing any other song! I guess she knows there’s not much else to sing about. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me...
Sunday:
ReplyDeleteDr Tumu, Rie’s neurosurgeon was pleased with Rie’s progress so he plans to replace the skull bone segment back sometime in the next two weeks. That’s a 3 to 4 day hospitalization then hopefully back to Encompass rehab hospital to complete her rehab then home. It was surreal to sit next to Dr Tumu, the man that gave me many more moments with Rie. Whether he knows it or not, he’s got big wings behind his back.
Yesterday morning, I promised Rie a fresh cup of coffee after her oral hygiene routine but got busy cleaning the room and forgot.
Rie: “What happened to the coffee?”
Me: “I guess your memory is intact”
Rie: “yes, but yours isn’t”!
No therapy today so we will be relaxing with Mia, my brother, Rie’s sister and my nephew. Maybe we’ll take Rie out for some Sun and a wheelchair ride in the courtyard if it's not too hot.
I am so looking forward to this Tuesday when Rie’s parents come from Virginia, hopefully for a very long visit. They are wonderful God-loving people; always a blessing to me.
Such wonderful news! Love the coffee commentary. Praying for Rie and you guys daily! EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the prayers. You are one hundred percent correct: EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT!
DeleteTUESDAY:
ReplyDeleteSpeech therapist worked on Rie's voice volume. The good news is that with the proper coaching, Rie was able to generate almost normal voice volume but at this point, to go from a whisper to a normal sustained voice volume requires frequent reminders and it takes energy. It is work. As is eating.
Speaking of work, Rie with a half weak body and a half very weak body, fighting spasticity and hypertonia, is expected, by some, to be chipper after three to four hours of strenuous physical and mental therapy everyday but most of us go home exhausted after spending the day at a desk or on a computer and then super proud if we go to the gym for 30 minutes three times a week! You better believe I'll make sure Rie rests every chance she gets.
Looking forward to Kari and Stig's (Rie's parents) arrival today.
THURSDAY:
ReplyDeleteRight after a draining therapy session, Rie and I were trying to decide between going back to the room or going outside to enjoy some sunshine. At the exact moment when we chose outside, a text came that her parents would be there in ten minutes. I love PERFECT timings! Praise God.
Also one of our old friends somehow "happened" to find us in the courtyard! It was lovely to see her little boy that I had delivered a few years back.
We had a great visit with Rie's parents who will be staying at our house, hopefully for a long time. Rie's mom got to participate in an hour of occupational therapy with Rie, while I took a nap in the sun, maintaining my vitamin D level!
Mia had a busy schedule of school and music class and taking her aunt to the airport so I didn't get to see her. That was rough on me. Hopefully that won't happen too often.
Speech Therapy: Voice volume and cognitive testing.
Occupational Therapy: Activities of daily living.
Physical Therapy: Graduated from a hemi-walker to a rolling quad walker.
Rie doesn't miss a day asking her rehab doctor about the timing of her feeding tube removal! It is long, irritating and unsightly. It is due to come out today!
Skull bone flap replacement surgery is scheduled for next Wedesday. A low risk operation but specific prayers are appreciated. It will be awesome for Rie not to have to wear that heavy bulky helmet anymore.
I am still trying to figure out how to plan visits for friends and other relatives given the ever-changing therapy schedules. It may end up being visits at home once we get discharged in a few weeks. I am dreaming about a regularly scheduled weekly open house potluck at our house. We'll see.
Love and Blessings,
Sasan
FRIDAY:
ReplyDeleteIt felt like a set back when Rie's rehab doctor suggested postponing the feeding tube removal till after the second surgery. But, as always, what appears like a setback to us is a SETUP by Him!
While I was struggling to give Dr Kazmi an answer, Rie jumped in and said to leave in the feeding tube. Her first significant medical decision. That's huge! Praise God.
SATURDAY:
ReplyDeleteThis blog site is not about me. Judging from the questions I am receiving privately, I do have to include occasional updates about myself and other members of the family when relevant to Rie's situation.
It has now become clear to me that I will not be able to continue my solo OB/GYN practice. I have started the process of closing my office. I will be using my medical training and experience in a way that will allow me to provide continuous bedside care for Rie indefinitely.
Rie worked extra-hard and did great in therapy yesterday. Cognition showed a big step forward too with more frequent appropriate responses and a bunch of spontaneous humor! The schedule says only 45 minutes of therapy this weekend but the therapists gave me a bunch of homework!
I have started packing for our move from the rehab hospital back to St David's Medical Center for Rie's cranioplasty on Wednesday 9/22/21. The cranioplasty is not just cosmetic. It will re-establish normal intracranial pressure which should promote and expedite healing.
Will you pray for the lady that cleans our hospital room? I have a feeling she may have a rough home situation.
Love and Blessings,
Sasan
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers. 🦋🙏♥️
ReplyDeleteMONDAY:
ReplyDeleteYesterday, I caught Rie texting Mia. God is good, even on Sundays. Praise Him ALWAYS!
Praying 🙏
ReplyDeleteMy brother
Thank you, mi hermano. For "some reason" I was thinking about you last night then I saw your comment! Dios te bendiga.
DeleteGod is moving Rie forward each and every day! His ways are beyond our ways; we just need to trust in his love and character and know that he brings all things to restoration. His pathways and timing may be different than how we Imagine but we can be confident that he ALWAYS fulfills his promises! EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteTUESDAY:
ReplyDeleteSpeech Therapy: Rie’s Voice Max Volume reached 83 decibels. A whisper is 30, normal conversation 60. So she now can generate adequate volume when prompted but voice volume diminishes to a whisper at the end of sentences. That too, seems to be improving with exercise and therapy.
Swallow: Eats 100% of her tray on her own; 10% with right hand, 90% with left hand. Still on “Minced and Moist” for safety and speed. Improving with thin liquids but I am still thickening them to a nectar consistency so I don’t have to supervise every sip.
Physical Therapy: Walked with the rolling quad walker (with minimal to moderate assistance). Increased walking distance to 122 feet (almost doubled the previous day’s)! She is highly motivated to show off!
Kari (Rie’s mom) took my place for the therapy sessions yesterday, so I got two hours with Mia and the rest of the family over lunch. Kari caught on quickly! So Kari and I can do all of Rie’s basic care independently when/if we need to.
Stig (Rie’s dad) and Rie had a sweet 30 minute visit.
Rie started to chuckle again at my usual silly antics. She really never seems sad. Even when she says “my right arm is weak”, it is informational and not emotional. Her spirit is high, her faith stronger. Praise God!
Moving to SDMC tomorrow for the skull bone re-implantation surgery. Then no more helmets!!! Like He said, “EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT”.
Rie and I are excited and looking forward to the surgery this morning. The transport van is late which gave me just enough time to do the hospital registration form online! Praise God, who is the Main Van Driver!
ReplyDeleteSurgery will be starting shortly.
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago, a radio preacher had said something that apparently had impressed me enough to have written it in my notes to make sure I wouldn't forget. Well, I had forgotten it till I just "happened" to read it! He had said, "With God, EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT ".
♥️🙏♥️
DeleteSurgery went well. In ICU now for overnight obs, only as a precaution. I'm waiting in ICU waiting area till the nurse is ready for me. Same nurse that checked her in after last surgery! Praise God!🙏
ReplyDeleteThursday:
ReplyDeleteRie had a good night in ICU. Awaiting post op CT scan results. If no acute findings then we'll be transferred to the regular hospital room. Rie feels great! Praise God.
ct scan looked fine. transferring to neuro floor soon . resume therapy later today!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jesus for placing Rie in capable hands!
DeleteSo happy the surgery went well. 🙏
DeleteThank you. That was a big step forward!
DeleteTHURSDAY:
ReplyDeleteRie did well yesterday in physical and speech therapy even though she was sedated with analgesics and muscle relaxers for her expected postoperative pains. Got better sleep in neuro floor than the ICU. Eating breakfast now. Scalp drain and feeding tube may come out today then hopefully back to Encompass rehab in Round Rock soon.
Settled back in Encompass rehab hospital in Round Rock. The transport van and the crew "happened" to be the same! The driver "happened" to be a member of our church, same branch. He shared: "Do your best, trust God with the rest".
ReplyDeleteSATURDAY (DAY 57):
ReplyDeleteAll the Encompass angels poured over us last night. Rie ate well. From our third floor window, we had a panoramic view of a gorgeous sunset over the peaceful and seemingly endless Texas skies. Thank God for Texas!
Late in the evening, Dr Kazmi (Rie's rehab doctor) brought to bedside his ever-encouraging excitement over Rie's progress, so we slept well. Not sure if he sleeps!
As He always does, God perfectly planned the timing of our readmission to the rehab hospital. Things are a lot calmer and less demanding here on weekends , allowing for a smooth transition from the acute bedriden sedated postoperrative care to the intensive strenuous therapy schedule. Feeling wonderfully close to Him this morning.
Starting to see the light at the end of this tunnel when we return home to be with Mia again. All glory to Him.
So happy for Rie.
DeleteThis is wonderful news. You are taking such good care of her.
Thank you Pat!
DeleteSUNDAY (DAY 58):
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is no longer necessary, I still add a thickening agent to Rie's coffee to minimize the risk of aspiration. As I was cleaning the breakfast dishes, I jokingly asked Rie, "Pardon me, Do you have any grey poupon?". She didn't respond. A few minutes later she was pointing to her coffee. I asked her if there was anything wrong. She said, "No, but there might be some in there"! Her Stig humor is waking up! Praise God!
MONDAY (DAY 58):
ReplyDeleteFeeding tube is out. Helmet retired! Incision from the second surgery looks great. Incisional pain getting better. Intensive therapy resumed at Encompass inpatient rehab hospital in Round Rock. Rie's parents staying at our house and visiting Rie daily. They are a great addition to the help my brother and his son have been providing both with Rie here and Mia at home. Mia's homeschooling moms/friends are delivering food weekly. Many others have offered all kinds of help. Thanking God for great family and friends. Love and blessings to all.
Wonderful news!
DeleteYour messages are so encouraging. Would love to know how we can help or maybe send food to you and Mia. Is there a calander or preferred method? I’m happy to read her improvement. You all are such a strong family and will get through this. Continue to trust in God and his timing.
ReplyDeleteThis is Amanda Kirtley Pecina 🙂
ReplyDeleteThank you! We'll be in touch. ❤🙏
DeleteWe got transferred back to st David's medical Center after midnight for surgical wound eval. Rie is stable and comfortable. We're in good hands; in many ways and the MAIN way. Prayers are appreciated. ❤🙏
ReplyDeleteOR nurse just called. All went well. Removed bone flap. Though a hassle to wear a helmet, much nicer to know there's no unseen pus or infection festering under her skull. She is heading back to ICU. Praise God ❤🙏
ReplyDeleteRie is back in the ICU. Very stable. She is comfortable, clean and beautiful :)
ReplyDeletePraising God for His protection and continuing to trust Rie's ongoing healing to Him. Sasan, I am also thanking God for your devotion and beautiful watchful care for her. It is a tremendous blessing to us all to know that she is in good hands in ALL ways. Trusting God to bless and sustain you too. With love, gratitude and continued prayers.
ReplyDeletePrayers.🙏
ReplyDeleteRie had a great restful night in the ICU. No fever. No pain. Vital signs are great. Minimal clean looking drainage in the JP drain. Neuro status seems improved.
ReplyDeleteI'm ordering another helmet for her on amazon right now. It is lighter and less bulky. The nurse convinced me that the pinkish purple would match her personality better. I agree!
She is in good spirits. Awesome smiles. Confirms solid faith and trust with a strong quick nod. Praise God.
Stable. Transferring out of the ICU.
ReplyDeleteGood news! Please give her a hug from all of us.
DeleteWill do❤
DeleteRie did well in therapy and with the swallow eval so Minced and moist diet and slightly thickened liquids resumed. Still in ICU awaiting a regular hospital room but all monitors are off. We're catching up on sleep with frequent naps.
ReplyDeleteFRIDAY(Day 63):
ReplyDeleteStable night. Rie slept well. Appetite and alertness much improved. We'll try to catch up on nutrition today. Infectious disease specialist is likely to get some results today and narrow down her antibiotics coverage. I doubt we'll be released back to rehab till all that is figured out. We're still in this noisy ICU awaiting regular hospital room availability.
Moving to room 404 now. Breakfast and lunch trays arrived together. Rie ate both! Infection is well-controlled, now on only one intravenous antibiotic to be continued for 6 weeks to make sure the brain is fully clear of bacteria. Got 100% on repeat swallow test so being advanced to regular diet.
ReplyDeleteGreat news.🙏
DeleteCelebrating all of the positive movement! [insert happy dance emoji here]. Bon Appétit, Rie! Love, hugs and continued prayers from here.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteSaturday (Day 64):
ReplyDeleteRie slept well for the first time in one week, very few interruptions. Still stable with no clinical sings or symptoms of active infection. Nevertheless, IV antibiotics will be continued for six weeks, as a precaustion due to brain involvement. She ate a big breakfast this morning, now pre-lunch nap! Kari (Rie's mom) and my office manager (Rie's good friend) visited briefly which drew out that beautiful smile☺ . Tentative plan is to keep her here a little longer this time before going back to rehab just for longer surveillance and faster access to acute care.
A mighty and amazing God we serve! Since I just learned of Rie's medical emergency, thank you for sharing this link so that we can now know and actively be involved in praying for you all. In my mind's I, her vibrant smile and spirit is beautiful. We will pray for the weeks ahead will continue with miracles for you to document and honor God's love, healing, and power over devastations in life.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much.
DeleteSunday (Day 65):
ReplyDeleteAnother good night. Rie's vital signs are very stable. Eating well. Alertness and energy level returning to pre-infection levels. Did well in speech therapy today with the swallow checks and cognitive assessments. The therapist gave me some homework to help increase Rie's voice volume and improve short-term memory. Still looking at possible return to the rehab hospital early to mid-week if remains stable.
I got a kick out of reading the book of Job this morning (Job 2: 7-10):
...Job having lost all his children, his wealth and his health, sat on the pile of ashes with painful sores all over his body, from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head, mourning and used a piece of broken pottery to scrape his sores. His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your faith? Why don’t you just curse God and die!” Job answered, “You sound like one of those fools on the street corner! How can we accept all the good things that God gives us and not accept the problems?” So even after all that happened to Job, he did not sin. He did not accuse God of doing anything wrong...
Psalm 91
ReplyDelete1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
It is God’s faithfulness that will be your shield. He will be faithful to his promise. EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT.
Monday (Day 66)
ReplyDeleteI asked for a shower curtain. They must have been out of shower curtains because somehow we got transferred to a huge room with its own A/C unit, fridge, guest bed, wall to wall windows and a balcony with a panoramic view of the entire East to West Austin, the hill counrty, UT campus, Downtown, etc. It must be the VIP room of the 4th floor. I think I smell Willie N.!
Rie is doing much better today so we may go back to the rehab hospital in a day or two. Can't wait. The neuro floor is not as bad as the ICU but still the nightly out of sync neuro checks, meds and vital exams every two to three hours is exhausting. We are going to hit the sac early.
Love and blessings.
Praying you guys leave the hospital and never have to go back again!
DeleteSounds like a good plan! Thank you.
DeleteWednesday (Day 67):
ReplyDeleteA deal-breaking problem came up yesterday with the rehab hospital. Lots of back and forth with every connection I knew failed. I reached a point where I had to decide between two "bad" options: skipping rehab or taking some chances. The moment I decided the "good" option was no longer humanly possible, I got a phone call from the rehab hospital that somehow their position changed and they allowed the "good" option!
God often shows his most merciful help at the very split second when it is almost too late!
Many thanks to the Encompass rehab officials that put up with me and didn't give up trying.
Packing now for Encompass rehab hospital in Round Rock.
Feels so good to be back at Encompass rehab hospital in Round Rock. Rie is all smiles. Praise God!
ReplyDeleteThursday:
ReplyDeleteFinally realizing the infection was a big set back. We're both totally exhausted from all the moves and eight continuous days of literally being awakened every one to two hours. Rie couldn't finish the last hour of therapy today. Hopefully they will leave us alone for at least five continuous hours tonight. Thankfully there are no signs of residual infection. Praise God.
Friday (Day 69):
ReplyDeleteWhat a big difference a good night of sleep makes! Thankfully, the Encompass rehab hospital administration, pharmacist and nursing staff agreed to adjust the timing of medications and vital signs checks to minimize sleep disruptions and it worked! We were awakened only once last night. I am feeling back to my normal "Energizer Bunny" status and Rie is still asleep! I bet she will perform much better in therapy today.
Thirty one years of practicing medicine and I so ignorantly undervalued the importance of sleep to my patients, until now!
Y'all have a blessed day! 🙏❤
Monday (day 72):
ReplyDeleteWe had a great weekend. Lots of fun visits with Mia, Foad and Stig! Lots of therapy on Saturday, lots of rest yesterday, surprised Rie's dad in the parking lot with a wheelchair ride and good fellowship, enjoyed the windy fresh air. We were blessed by one of Rie's very close friends visiting for the first time, anointing Rie with oil and declaring healing over her. We reaffirmed our unwavering faith in the one and only Promise-Keeper! May His will be done. ❤🙏
We pray that you and Rie have gotten some rest since you last posted. May this week bring more smiles and forward motion in your lives!
ReplyDelete