Everyone,
In October, when I was suffeereing from my MRSA, the insurance company paid for a nurse, Denise Humphrey, to change my IV and dressings every few days. Ginny was to change the IV lines on the days in between. It was pretty complicated, and wheen Ginny made some slight errors the first few times, she was very upset. She leaned on Denise, who was very kind and patient with Ginny, and gave Ginny the confidence she needed. Last Mondaay, Denise was working at Huntsville Hospital and went for a bathroom break. Her co-workers found her 15 minutes later, slumped on the floor in a coma. We don't know what happpened except that Denise had an irregulaaar heartbeat that may have contributed She was comatose all week, and when an MRI revealed extensive brain daamage, her family took her off life support (she had a living will). Denise died yesterday. She was only 37 years old, and left a husband, a son Connor, aged 9, and Samantha, age 11. Please join me in praying for the repose of Denise and for her family.
Love,
Joe
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Jan. 5, 2010 Lisa as communicated from Ginny
Dear Family and Friends,
The last six weeks, wow have they been something. And mostly just great from the recovery standpoint.
But before all the medical stuff, here are the fun parts.
When the MRSA infection came on in October, and the plate had to be removed, one of my first thoughts was that the "Big" game was off but Joe's IV was removed the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and we were a go. Dr. Spera, Infectious Disease, indicated that OSU has an excellent ID department, meaning that if we see any hint of infection, to get there right away!! Well, I kept watch and no recurrence. Two weeks ago, Dr. Spera said, "Well, call me if you need me otherwise you are good to go". Yet another wonderful physician with a great capacity for care and most especially kindness and respect.
We did run the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Crazy but a beautiful day and lots of friends were about wishing us well. Stephen ran too. Keith slept in like a normal 19 year old. It was a fun event and finishing allowed that second piece of Pumpkin Pie! Then it was packing for the weekend.
When Joe started regaining his mental capacity several months ago, one of the first things he said was I just have to take Stephen to the OSU vs Michigan game, like I did with Keith several years ago. Joe said, "You never know what might happen". Well, it was incredible an adventure for Joe and Stephen. We flew in the Friday after Thanksgiving. John, our Best Man, gathered up Stephen and Joe and enjoyed a wonderful pizza and sub lunch, (yes both) and my sister Patty rescued me from all the testosterone and we went to lunch with Mom and my sisters Mary and Angie. What a great treat for me too and then it was back to Black Friday shopping then on to the Warnecke farm.
Back in Columbus, John had arranged a tailgate trip to a local restaurant to see two former OSU players and Joe even met Earl Bruce, a former coach. John and Lisa then hosted a party for Joe with several high school friends on Friday night. Saturday was game day and the weather was frigid but John, and his wife Lisa, took incredible care of all of the details to insure Joe's comfort and care. Saturday night a large group of Leahy's and Warnecke's met for dinner, again at John suggestion. Joe and Stephen then returned with me to my folks for a peaceful Sunday. My brother Ed and his wife Debbie served a chauffeurs and got us to Columbus to fly back to Alabama. Joe and Stephen had a thrilling weekend and I enjoyed a wonderful break.
We have made a few changes in Joe therapy regimen. Because the Low Vision Clinic in Birmingham, and specifically the Dynavision exercises, have proved so effective, we have decided to go once a week to Birmingham rather than every other week. So each Monday, probably for at least the next several months, we will make the drive. This therapy is designed to increase visual field by head movement strategies. The bonus effect I have noticed is increased reaction time and concentration in all areas of processing. Last month we also met with a driving therapist, Karen, to get an overall assessment. Quite to my surprise, the therapist found that Joe compensating techniques were amazing and there may be some limited opportunities for driving in the future. Certainly there are no guarantees but there is hope. Safety can never be substituted, for Joe and others on the road. Karen also works with patients on developing back to work strategies and she is excited to start working with Joe after the first of the year, twice a week. Both Karen and Shemetra, Joe's speech therapist, understand that Joe's primary goal is to get back to work. Practice lecturing, using PowerPoint software, tracking data, and managing student needs are all on the agenda. Plus, after the first of the year, Dr. Moriarty at UAH has asked Joe to regularly attend a Friday class which she supervises. Joe's role will be simply as a participant but being back in the environment will be so wonderful. The energy of students is so infectious.
Joe is now recognizing difficulties in several areas, especially the "executive functions", which are managed in the right frontal lobe of the brain, Joe area of injury. Just the "recognition" of this problem is fabulous in and of itself. Of course, I know he has problems in this area but his own ability to know of the problem is the first step to compensating behavior. Executive functions include organizing, sorting and keeping track of things, events, and even the day of the week. All of these items were impossible for Joe to manage several months ago but now he is understanding the problem and we are starting to find solutions for constant annoyances like misplacing personal items. It is miraculous for me to see his progress but there is a long road ahead.
But the very best part of the last six weeks is Joe's new driver. Well, a friend, of a friend of a friend, knew of a fellow who would be interested in managing Joe's transportation needs. This has been such a source of anxiety for me and for my return to work. Hup, our new driver, is already a good friend. He is kind and considerate, treats Joe with respect and is attentive to Joe's needs. UAH sponsors the driver so even that is managed. In such a difficult situation, all we had to do was ask for help. Though I still fret about many things, I feel confident that we have found an answer to this problem.
So Christmas is here. Presents are wrapped. Travel plans are finalized. Joe and I talked yesterday of those who lost their loved ones that dreadful day last February. We grieve with you and for all of the children so dramatically changed by this tragedy. And for all families, who have lost a loved one, this past year or before their time. May the Spirit of Christmas allow peace and the comfort of memories to fill your heart now and always.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
With gratitude and love, Ginny
The last six weeks, wow have they been something. And mostly just great from the recovery standpoint.
But before all the medical stuff, here are the fun parts.
When the MRSA infection came on in October, and the plate had to be removed, one of my first thoughts was that the "Big" game was off but Joe's IV was removed the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and we were a go. Dr. Spera, Infectious Disease, indicated that OSU has an excellent ID department, meaning that if we see any hint of infection, to get there right away!! Well, I kept watch and no recurrence. Two weeks ago, Dr. Spera said, "Well, call me if you need me otherwise you are good to go". Yet another wonderful physician with a great capacity for care and most especially kindness and respect.
We did run the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Crazy but a beautiful day and lots of friends were about wishing us well. Stephen ran too. Keith slept in like a normal 19 year old. It was a fun event and finishing allowed that second piece of Pumpkin Pie! Then it was packing for the weekend.
When Joe started regaining his mental capacity several months ago, one of the first things he said was I just have to take Stephen to the OSU vs Michigan game, like I did with Keith several years ago. Joe said, "You never know what might happen". Well, it was incredible an adventure for Joe and Stephen. We flew in the Friday after Thanksgiving. John, our Best Man, gathered up Stephen and Joe and enjoyed a wonderful pizza and sub lunch, (yes both) and my sister Patty rescued me from all the testosterone and we went to lunch with Mom and my sisters Mary and Angie. What a great treat for me too and then it was back to Black Friday shopping then on to the Warnecke farm.
Back in Columbus, John had arranged a tailgate trip to a local restaurant to see two former OSU players and Joe even met Earl Bruce, a former coach. John and Lisa then hosted a party for Joe with several high school friends on Friday night. Saturday was game day and the weather was frigid but John, and his wife Lisa, took incredible care of all of the details to insure Joe's comfort and care. Saturday night a large group of Leahy's and Warnecke's met for dinner, again at John suggestion. Joe and Stephen then returned with me to my folks for a peaceful Sunday. My brother Ed and his wife Debbie served a chauffeurs and got us to Columbus to fly back to Alabama. Joe and Stephen had a thrilling weekend and I enjoyed a wonderful break.
We have made a few changes in Joe therapy regimen. Because the Low Vision Clinic in Birmingham, and specifically the Dynavision exercises, have proved so effective, we have decided to go once a week to Birmingham rather than every other week. So each Monday, probably for at least the next several months, we will make the drive. This therapy is designed to increase visual field by head movement strategies. The bonus effect I have noticed is increased reaction time and concentration in all areas of processing. Last month we also met with a driving therapist, Karen, to get an overall assessment. Quite to my surprise, the therapist found that Joe compensating techniques were amazing and there may be some limited opportunities for driving in the future. Certainly there are no guarantees but there is hope. Safety can never be substituted, for Joe and others on the road. Karen also works with patients on developing back to work strategies and she is excited to start working with Joe after the first of the year, twice a week. Both Karen and Shemetra, Joe's speech therapist, understand that Joe's primary goal is to get back to work. Practice lecturing, using PowerPoint software, tracking data, and managing student needs are all on the agenda. Plus, after the first of the year, Dr. Moriarty at UAH has asked Joe to regularly attend a Friday class which she supervises. Joe's role will be simply as a participant but being back in the environment will be so wonderful. The energy of students is so infectious.
Joe is now recognizing difficulties in several areas, especially the "executive functions", which are managed in the right frontal lobe of the brain, Joe area of injury. Just the "recognition" of this problem is fabulous in and of itself. Of course, I know he has problems in this area but his own ability to know of the problem is the first step to compensating behavior. Executive functions include organizing, sorting and keeping track of things, events, and even the day of the week. All of these items were impossible for Joe to manage several months ago but now he is understanding the problem and we are starting to find solutions for constant annoyances like misplacing personal items. It is miraculous for me to see his progress but there is a long road ahead.
But the very best part of the last six weeks is Joe's new driver. Well, a friend, of a friend of a friend, knew of a fellow who would be interested in managing Joe's transportation needs. This has been such a source of anxiety for me and for my return to work. Hup, our new driver, is already a good friend. He is kind and considerate, treats Joe with respect and is attentive to Joe's needs. UAH sponsors the driver so even that is managed. In such a difficult situation, all we had to do was ask for help. Though I still fret about many things, I feel confident that we have found an answer to this problem.
So Christmas is here. Presents are wrapped. Travel plans are finalized. Joe and I talked yesterday of those who lost their loved ones that dreadful day last February. We grieve with you and for all of the children so dramatically changed by this tragedy. And for all families, who have lost a loved one, this past year or before their time. May the Spirit of Christmas allow peace and the comfort of memories to fill your heart now and always.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
With gratitude and love, Ginny
Thursday, December 16, 2010
December 16,2010. Lisa
Dear family and friends
We hope you are all well. We wanted you to know that Joe is doing well. He graduated a second tome from physical therapy! The whole family did run the 5k in the annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. We are all heading to Ohio for Christmas. Joe and Ginny now have another driver as Stephen got his drivers license a couple weeks ago. They look forward to seeing the Leahy family in Circleville and the Warnecke family in Lakeview.
We wish you a very blessed holiday season with you loved ones!
Lisa
We hope you are all well. We wanted you to know that Joe is doing well. He graduated a second tome from physical therapy! The whole family did run the 5k in the annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. We are all heading to Ohio for Christmas. Joe and Ginny now have another driver as Stephen got his drivers license a couple weeks ago. They look forward to seeing the Leahy family in Circleville and the Warnecke family in Lakeview.
We wish you a very blessed holiday season with you loved ones!
Lisa
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,
Joe and Ginny as well as their entire extended family all over the country wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Know we have all of you collectively in our prayers of gratitude as we know that Joe still being with us is a gift and we are so deeply appreciatively for all your prayers and support. Below is a message from Ginny she asked me to post. Love and Blessings to all, Lisa
Everything is getting back to normal. Joe was released to return to his various therapies late last week so this week there have been evaluations of his current condition. Lots of good news. No real set-backs anywhere. The only change was a some decline in his left hand grip strength. His left side has been weaker, all along. But his left leg is caught up totally, left hand lingers but is fully functional, just not as strong as the right. This is actually true for most right handed folks in any case but overall strengthening of both hands and all muscles is the goal.
A few evenings ago we jogged two miles. We were really excited. Not sure we will be able to do the 5K on Thanksgiving morning but we are hopeful. If the weather is bad though, we will need to skip it in any case. Poor conditions would make it to dangerous from a falling perspective.
The MRSA infection is nearly licked. If things continue to go well, the antibiotics will be DC'd (discontinued) tomorrow, the day before Stephen's birthday. We are very excited to be done with the picc tube/IV medicine. Having said, it actually has been easy plus now we have another new skill. Both of us hope to be a good resource for others who might have similar situations.
Shortly decisions will be made about Joe's right eye. It is clear this eye is the source of problems and treatment should no longer be delayed. So we are insisting on it. We see yet another ophthalmologist on Tuesday to get his opinion on the best course of actions.
Cognitively I see improvements all of the time. And even more often Joe knows and understands his struggles. So my normal comment is to "out smart" his problem. If you know something is present "intellectually", then keep looking for it until it comes into your visual field. From a recovery perspective, this is really important for managing daily life....understanding and problem solving. Joe's speech therapist is working so hard to help him with these concepts and I see great results. Some frustration, but great results. Better to know your problems and work through them, then not even realize there is a problem.
Thanksgiving, well let me say, it has a whole new meaning this year.
On Friday we fly to Ohio to be with family and friends for the weekend. Joe and Stephen will attend the big game (up North at least)---OSU verus Michigan with our best man John. Paul and Lisa we be there too. I will be shopping with my Mom and sisters and watching the game at home on Saturday. Keith will hold down the fort and eat the Thanksgiving leftovers as he starts finals on Thanksgiving Monday.
Wishing all a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Love, Ginny
Joe and Ginny as well as their entire extended family all over the country wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Know we have all of you collectively in our prayers of gratitude as we know that Joe still being with us is a gift and we are so deeply appreciatively for all your prayers and support. Below is a message from Ginny she asked me to post. Love and Blessings to all, Lisa
Everything is getting back to normal. Joe was released to return to his various therapies late last week so this week there have been evaluations of his current condition. Lots of good news. No real set-backs anywhere. The only change was a some decline in his left hand grip strength. His left side has been weaker, all along. But his left leg is caught up totally, left hand lingers but is fully functional, just not as strong as the right. This is actually true for most right handed folks in any case but overall strengthening of both hands and all muscles is the goal.
A few evenings ago we jogged two miles. We were really excited. Not sure we will be able to do the 5K on Thanksgiving morning but we are hopeful. If the weather is bad though, we will need to skip it in any case. Poor conditions would make it to dangerous from a falling perspective.
The MRSA infection is nearly licked. If things continue to go well, the antibiotics will be DC'd (discontinued) tomorrow, the day before Stephen's birthday. We are very excited to be done with the picc tube/IV medicine. Having said, it actually has been easy plus now we have another new skill. Both of us hope to be a good resource for others who might have similar situations.
Shortly decisions will be made about Joe's right eye. It is clear this eye is the source of problems and treatment should no longer be delayed. So we are insisting on it. We see yet another ophthalmologist on Tuesday to get his opinion on the best course of actions.
Cognitively I see improvements all of the time. And even more often Joe knows and understands his struggles. So my normal comment is to "out smart" his problem. If you know something is present "intellectually", then keep looking for it until it comes into your visual field. From a recovery perspective, this is really important for managing daily life....understanding and problem solving. Joe's speech therapist is working so hard to help him with these concepts and I see great results. Some frustration, but great results. Better to know your problems and work through them, then not even realize there is a problem.
Thanksgiving, well let me say, it has a whole new meaning this year.
On Friday we fly to Ohio to be with family and friends for the weekend. Joe and Stephen will attend the big game (up North at least)---OSU verus Michigan with our best man John. Paul and Lisa we be there too. I will be shopping with my Mom and sisters and watching the game at home on Saturday. Keith will hold down the fort and eat the Thanksgiving leftovers as he starts finals on Thanksgiving Monday.
Wishing all a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Love, Ginny
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Nov. 2, 2010 Ginny via Lisa
Dear Family and Friends,
I spoke with Ginny today and Joe is doing great. His infectious disease doctor in Huntsville, Dr. Spera (sp?), who also treated him after the incident, is monitoring Joe very closely and reports that his labs are looking quite good. Joe is fatigued still, which the doctor said is to be expected given the infection, the incident itself and all the surgeries, but he is feeling pretty good overall. A nurse comes in on Monday and Friday to change the dressing and take blood. He's getting on Ginny to train for the turkey trot but Ginny wants to wait until they both can train together. I neglected to post the email Ginny sent at end of last week about Joe's progress--so sorry. Here it is and love to all, Lisa
Wow. Joe is so much better with new medicines. I am so relieved but watching like a hawk for swelling or any other indications that the new, much less offensive, antibiotics are not working as well as the original one that completely tore him up. Joe is so tired/fatigued. This is likely due to both the infection and all of the anti-nausea medicines being used. The latter I am trying to wean off. But so cautious. I sure don't want to set his system into another tailspin. Other than the first week home after Atlanta, this has been the worst. But it to is behind us and there is no reason to think otherwise. Joe sleeping so I am sleeping....and eating. Jackie and Phil will attest to that!! They left just this morning thinking we are again back to forward progress.
So all is good. Keith is once again back to errand boy, getting a few groceries tonight. If this week continues to go well, hopefully therapy can be resumed soon too. Several doctors next week. Tuesday Infectious Disease. I feel certain the infection is being killed but it will be good to know for certain. Though my hands are still really dry, no cracks or pain. The cream proscribed by my doctor really worked great. And next time I will get help before it gets so bad. I am learning. Latex allergy I guess. The glove liners provided by Theresa and Jackie, then the non-latex glues seem to be the perfect combination. You should see our house. Soap and paper towels everywhere. Along with trash cans overflowing and laundry running constantly. Trying not to reuse anything Joe touches just to be sure. No sign of infection for me or boys. Not even worried anymore about that but still really careful.
Work on hold....again. There is no way I am leaving Joe for more than an hour at least until we see ID on Tuesday. The infection came on so fast the last time, it getting significantly worse over the four hours I was at work. Not letting that happen again until it is gone from his system.
Funny that he asked me to take him to his lab yesterday in order for him to do a MRSA test on himself using stuff he has in his lab. He wants to see his results and compare to ID's results. Incredible. Struggles to not spill his food while eating but still can do lab work. I just shake my head in wonder and amazement...like so often before.
Reminded again, to always be thankful for so many blessings. Hugs, Ginny
I spoke with Ginny today and Joe is doing great. His infectious disease doctor in Huntsville, Dr. Spera (sp?), who also treated him after the incident, is monitoring Joe very closely and reports that his labs are looking quite good. Joe is fatigued still, which the doctor said is to be expected given the infection, the incident itself and all the surgeries, but he is feeling pretty good overall. A nurse comes in on Monday and Friday to change the dressing and take blood. He's getting on Ginny to train for the turkey trot but Ginny wants to wait until they both can train together. I neglected to post the email Ginny sent at end of last week about Joe's progress--so sorry. Here it is and love to all, Lisa
Wow. Joe is so much better with new medicines. I am so relieved but watching like a hawk for swelling or any other indications that the new, much less offensive, antibiotics are not working as well as the original one that completely tore him up. Joe is so tired/fatigued. This is likely due to both the infection and all of the anti-nausea medicines being used. The latter I am trying to wean off. But so cautious. I sure don't want to set his system into another tailspin. Other than the first week home after Atlanta, this has been the worst. But it to is behind us and there is no reason to think otherwise. Joe sleeping so I am sleeping....and eating. Jackie and Phil will attest to that!! They left just this morning thinking we are again back to forward progress.
So all is good. Keith is once again back to errand boy, getting a few groceries tonight. If this week continues to go well, hopefully therapy can be resumed soon too. Several doctors next week. Tuesday Infectious Disease. I feel certain the infection is being killed but it will be good to know for certain. Though my hands are still really dry, no cracks or pain. The cream proscribed by my doctor really worked great. And next time I will get help before it gets so bad. I am learning. Latex allergy I guess. The glove liners provided by Theresa and Jackie, then the non-latex glues seem to be the perfect combination. You should see our house. Soap and paper towels everywhere. Along with trash cans overflowing and laundry running constantly. Trying not to reuse anything Joe touches just to be sure. No sign of infection for me or boys. Not even worried anymore about that but still really careful.
Work on hold....again. There is no way I am leaving Joe for more than an hour at least until we see ID on Tuesday. The infection came on so fast the last time, it getting significantly worse over the four hours I was at work. Not letting that happen again until it is gone from his system.
Funny that he asked me to take him to his lab yesterday in order for him to do a MRSA test on himself using stuff he has in his lab. He wants to see his results and compare to ID's results. Incredible. Struggles to not spill his food while eating but still can do lab work. I just shake my head in wonder and amazement...like so often before.
Reminded again, to always be thankful for so many blessings. Hugs, Ginny
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Oct. 23, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,
Well this past week just stunk, but today Joe turned the corner--we think--we hope!
Joe has been home but has not been doing well. Sick to his stomach, not keeping ANY food down, not out of his robe or out of bed much since Monday until today (Thank the Lord!). His nausea was attributed to Vancomycin, the antibiotic prescribed for the MRSA infection in his brain, that he had to take twice a day intraveneously. Though he had be prescribed an anti-nausea drug, it didn't do the trick against such a large dose of Vancomycin. It was hard to tell whether Joe's fatigue was due to all the nausea and/or the infection he was fighting. That MRSA is nasty stuff!
Thursday night was the last time for that drug, and yesterday Dr. Spera switched him to Cubicin. One great aspect of Cubicin is that it is only administered once a day (5cc's) via a syringe put directly into Joe's picc line, so much less hassle! Further, it doesn't seem to nauseate him as much, and he was able to eat jello and keep it down yesterday. I think he was going to try small bites of peanut butter and jelly today and try to go for a short walk outside.
Today when I talked to Joe on the phone, and he seemed much more upbeat. We are cautiously optimistic that we're finally lickin' this thing!
Take care and love your family and friends!
Blessings, Lisa
Well this past week just stunk, but today Joe turned the corner--we think--we hope!
Joe has been home but has not been doing well. Sick to his stomach, not keeping ANY food down, not out of his robe or out of bed much since Monday until today (Thank the Lord!). His nausea was attributed to Vancomycin, the antibiotic prescribed for the MRSA infection in his brain, that he had to take twice a day intraveneously. Though he had be prescribed an anti-nausea drug, it didn't do the trick against such a large dose of Vancomycin. It was hard to tell whether Joe's fatigue was due to all the nausea and/or the infection he was fighting. That MRSA is nasty stuff!
Thursday night was the last time for that drug, and yesterday Dr. Spera switched him to Cubicin. One great aspect of Cubicin is that it is only administered once a day (5cc's) via a syringe put directly into Joe's picc line, so much less hassle! Further, it doesn't seem to nauseate him as much, and he was able to eat jello and keep it down yesterday. I think he was going to try small bites of peanut butter and jelly today and try to go for a short walk outside.
Today when I talked to Joe on the phone, and he seemed much more upbeat. We are cautiously optimistic that we're finally lickin' this thing!
Take care and love your family and friends!
Blessings, Lisa
Friday, October 15, 2010
Oct. 15, 2010 8:20 Pacific Time
Dear Family and Friends,
Unfortunately Joe has MRSA. I give the Mayo Clinic Definition below:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by a strain of staph bacteria that's become resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat ordinary staph infections.
Most MRSA infections occur in people who have been in hospitals or other health care settings, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers. When it occurs in these settings, it's known as health care-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). HA-MRSA infections typically are associated with invasive procedures or devices, such as surgeries, intravenous tubing or artificial joints.
However, as Ginny's sister Theresa described so aptly:
"This is scary because of the location of the infection, but he's on antibiodics and he has Infectious Disease specialists looking after him. He is not immunocompromised so there is no need to think that he won't get through this. He needs prayers, but he's in good hands."
Drain line is to be removed today and Joe may be released today or tomorrow. He left a message on my cell and he sounded good. Relieved me a great deal. He is bummed about the MRSA but is taking it in stride, reporting his condition in a very rational, microbiologist way.
Enough said for now. Thanks for your continuing prayers.
Lisa
Unfortunately Joe has MRSA. I give the Mayo Clinic Definition below:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by a strain of staph bacteria that's become resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat ordinary staph infections.
Most MRSA infections occur in people who have been in hospitals or other health care settings, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers. When it occurs in these settings, it's known as health care-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). HA-MRSA infections typically are associated with invasive procedures or devices, such as surgeries, intravenous tubing or artificial joints.
However, as Ginny's sister Theresa described so aptly:
"This is scary because of the location of the infection, but he's on antibiodics and he has Infectious Disease specialists looking after him. He is not immunocompromised so there is no need to think that he won't get through this. He needs prayers, but he's in good hands."
Drain line is to be removed today and Joe may be released today or tomorrow. He left a message on my cell and he sounded good. Relieved me a great deal. He is bummed about the MRSA but is taking it in stride, reporting his condition in a very rational, microbiologist way.
Enough said for now. Thanks for your continuing prayers.
Lisa
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Oct. 14, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,
I've copied below and email sent to me from Dad Leahy as communicated to him via Ginny. This gives a bit of the back story leading up to Joe's surgery. Update today is that Joe's drain line to the brain site where they removed the plate will be removed today. The Picc line was inserted. He didn't sleep well last night and had considerable stomach distress yesterday but doing better today. I know they are working on the dosage of antibiotic to give him to knock out this infection without making him sick to his stomach. Poor Joe, not a way to celebrate his upcoming birthday! Again, thanks for your prayers.
Lisa
10/10 Noticed some minor swelling on right eye lid. By Monday, increased concern due to significant swelling and redness which had spread to right forehead and left eyelid and brow. Go to ER at Huntsville on Monday night and on to UAB by Hemsi (ambulance) shortly after midnight.
10/12 When seen by Dr Fisher, he determined plate had to be removed due to infection and by 5:30 PM it was done.
Joe has continued to be stable though he is experiencing some stomach distress, likely as a result of the high dosages of antibiotics. So after 8 months of miraculous recovery, we experience our first set back. Joe knows the microbiology of infections so he is a great source of information and comfort.
10/13 Friends from Madison church stayed with Ginny over night. Joe's mom and Dad arrive. At this time basic path forward, aside from current recovery in hospital is to put in a pic line so Joe can continue to get antibiotics when home thru this line. This may go on several weeks. Dr Fisher is planning on putting in a new plate but not for at least 6 months.
I've copied below and email sent to me from Dad Leahy as communicated to him via Ginny. This gives a bit of the back story leading up to Joe's surgery. Update today is that Joe's drain line to the brain site where they removed the plate will be removed today. The Picc line was inserted. He didn't sleep well last night and had considerable stomach distress yesterday but doing better today. I know they are working on the dosage of antibiotic to give him to knock out this infection without making him sick to his stomach. Poor Joe, not a way to celebrate his upcoming birthday! Again, thanks for your prayers.
Lisa
10/10 Noticed some minor swelling on right eye lid. By Monday, increased concern due to significant swelling and redness which had spread to right forehead and left eyelid and brow. Go to ER at Huntsville on Monday night and on to UAB by Hemsi (ambulance) shortly after midnight.
10/12 When seen by Dr Fisher, he determined plate had to be removed due to infection and by 5:30 PM it was done.
Joe has continued to be stable though he is experiencing some stomach distress, likely as a result of the high dosages of antibiotics. So after 8 months of miraculous recovery, we experience our first set back. Joe knows the microbiology of infections so he is a great source of information and comfort.
10/13 Friends from Madison church stayed with Ginny over night. Joe's mom and Dad arrive. At this time basic path forward, aside from current recovery in hospital is to put in a pic line so Joe can continue to get antibiotics when home thru this line. This may go on several weeks. Dr Fisher is planning on putting in a new plate but not for at least 6 months.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Oct. 13, 2010 Lisa
Dear Family and Friends,
Some of you may not know that Joe had to have surgery yesterday to remove the titanium plate that had just been inserted a couple of weeks ago. He developed an infection in the brain so it had to come out. He's doing well and Mom and Dad Leahy arrived there today. Thanks to Cindy Taglowski (sp?) and Illiana (?), friends from Madison-Huntsville for being there with Ginny and even staying overnight. He's on mega doses of an antibiotic being administered through a picc line and MaryAnne the caseworker is making arrangements for someone to come into home and administer the antibiotic but think Ginny might be trained on it too. Joe was in ICU this morning but now in regular room. Not sure how long he will be staying in the hospital but I will post more as information becomes available to me. Mark and I just arrived at Lake Tahoe today for the Western History Association conference so I'm getting bits and pieces from texts and phone calls but asked Dad to email more info tonight.
Please, as always, keep Joe and family in your prayers. We are frustrated by this setback but grateful Joe is doing so well. We don't know the origin of the infection but could be his bad eye--just not sure. He won't be able to have another surgery to put the plate back in for several months as brain needs to heal. What makes me smile is that Joe was most concerned about baing able to still make the Ohio State-Michigan game with Stephen in November. Hopefully that can still happen.
Take care and thanks for all your prayers.
Lisa
Some of you may not know that Joe had to have surgery yesterday to remove the titanium plate that had just been inserted a couple of weeks ago. He developed an infection in the brain so it had to come out. He's doing well and Mom and Dad Leahy arrived there today. Thanks to Cindy Taglowski (sp?) and Illiana (?), friends from Madison-Huntsville for being there with Ginny and even staying overnight. He's on mega doses of an antibiotic being administered through a picc line and MaryAnne the caseworker is making arrangements for someone to come into home and administer the antibiotic but think Ginny might be trained on it too. Joe was in ICU this morning but now in regular room. Not sure how long he will be staying in the hospital but I will post more as information becomes available to me. Mark and I just arrived at Lake Tahoe today for the Western History Association conference so I'm getting bits and pieces from texts and phone calls but asked Dad to email more info tonight.
Please, as always, keep Joe and family in your prayers. We are frustrated by this setback but grateful Joe is doing so well. We don't know the origin of the infection but could be his bad eye--just not sure. He won't be able to have another surgery to put the plate back in for several months as brain needs to heal. What makes me smile is that Joe was most concerned about baing able to still make the Ohio State-Michigan game with Stephen in November. Hopefully that can still happen.
Take care and thanks for all your prayers.
Lisa
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Oct. 3 11 pm. from Joe's Dad tPhil Leahy hrough Lisa
Dear Family and Friends,
Talked to Joe and Gin. They went to mass tonight, all impressed by Joe's surgery results. They had lasagna brought to them for supper--another one of those stories with all the connections. Mark Roberts brought over the lasagna that he made; he is a Huntsville police officer who was one of the first on the scene at UAH and saw Joe at that time. Mark's wife, Mary, is Joe's occupational therapist, and so it goes. Mark said he could not believe what he saw in Joe. Thought it would have been million to one that he might survive. "Truly a miracle" he said. Love, Dad/Phil
Yes, we have witnessed a miracle. Good night everyone. Love, Lisa
Talked to Joe and Gin. They went to mass tonight, all impressed by Joe's surgery results. They had lasagna brought to them for supper--another one of those stories with all the connections. Mark Roberts brought over the lasagna that he made; he is a Huntsville police officer who was one of the first on the scene at UAH and saw Joe at that time. Mark's wife, Mary, is Joe's occupational therapist, and so it goes. Mark said he could not believe what he saw in Joe. Thought it would have been million to one that he might survive. "Truly a miracle" he said. Love, Dad/Phil
Yes, we have witnessed a miracle. Good night everyone. Love, Lisa
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