Jessica will be unavailable for a few days, so I will do my best to keep everyone up to date in her absence.
Judi is basically on a rest and get stronger routine. She is resting much more comfortably following the tracheostomy and all her vital signs are showing continuous improvement. Her ICP pressures have been very good and have remained stable for the last 48 hrs with the drain line clamped off. Based on this, plans are to remove the drain (EVD) tomorrow. This will eliminate one more pathway for infection as well as move her one step further down the road to recovery. Based on her current status, we are potentially looking at back surgery mid to late next week. We will obviously have to watch her condition and adjust accordingly. We want to get the surgery done as soon as we can to minimize the possibility of damaging her spinal cord as well as allow for a reduction in the medications she is on so which are keeping her sedated. At the same time, we have to make sure she is strong enough to deal with the surgery itself.
I know that many of you want to see Judi and let her know you are in her corner, but I am going to ask you to continue to be patient and wait. Judi is still in critical condition and an infection could be very detrimental to her recovery at this point. She is also sedated and sleeps most of the time to allow her to get stronger. And finally, she isn't in her normal lovely form and I would like to ensure her privacy to the maximum extent possible. Once she is on the road to recovery, I am sure she would love the company and opportunity to spend time with those that care for her.
The best thing that everyone can do for her now is to remember she is still in critical condition and that your prayers are the most powerful medicine she gets. We have also been able to move her into a room that has enough space to display cards and well wishes from those that care for her. My goal is to create an area that will provide her a source of visual stimulation to help her mind focus on what is around her and allow her to heal as fast as possible. If you would like to send her a card, please send it to our home address and I will get them to her room (Judi Wilkerson, 12o Moss Creek Drive, Martinez, GA 30907). Please don't send flowers because she can't have them in her room.
I think that brings us up to date. Thanx for all of the support that you have shown our family.
Steve
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Steve and Jessica, Sending you all prayers and good thoughts this morning. I completely understand the privacy that you asking for for Judi and I would want the same thing. I have always thought that well meaning loving folks may not understand. Hang in there, know we are here for you guys. I wish I could send you a halfway box, but I know this is day by day, and step by step.
ReplyDeleteDavid and Beverly Vineyard
Good Morning Judi...
ReplyDeleteWe missed you at WW last night. Nancy and I are anxiously awaiting your return. My prayers continue for you and your family.
Continue to rest and heal, my friend!
Gayle
P.S. Steve, You did quite well in filling in for Jessica. Thanks for keeping us up to date.
thanks for the update steve. We're praying for all of you.
ReplyDeleteRadiology UH
Judi,
ReplyDeleteWe missed you at WW last night. Everyone sends you love and prayers. God is on your side and fighting every step of the way with you because He loves you and wants you to recover.
Steve and Jessica - thank you so much for keeping all of posted on Judi's condition.
Holding you in our hearts, prayers, and thoughts.
Love,
Joyce - WW Receptionist
Steve, thank you very much for the updates! You and Jessica have done a great job! We miss Judi a lot here at AOA. I pray for her every day, and for you and Jessica. Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Christy
Dear Judi,
ReplyDeleteLast Thursday, April 30, Richard and I were at Augusta Oncology for his weekly treatment. As usual, Richard left the lab on his way to the treatment room and stopped by the nurses station to speak to everyone. "Where's Judi", he asked. We were told that you had taken some time off for a break. We missed you, but didn't think much about it. We knew we would see you today. It's Thursday, May 7th. Same thing today, "where's Judi"? We were told of your accident. We want you to know how much you mean to us. You are one special lady! You have helped to keep Richard's spirit strong.
We are happy that we can keep up with your progress, and can't wait until you're strong enough for company.
Your name has been added to the prayer list at church (Millen Baptist). We know that God is holding you close, and you will be okay. Our prayers are with your family also as we pray for your recovery.
Richard and Nan