Saturday, January 8, 2011

Update from David

Aloha to our Ohana,

I don't know if every new patient at Craig Hospital receives the same warm welcome and white glove service that Theresa has experienced but if so, then this is definitely a sign of a world class facility.  The enthusiasm, friendliness and high energy level of the staff is infectious and most conducive to the healing of the traumatic brain and spinal cord injury patients here.  In the past two days, I have almost lost count of the number of evaluations, procedures, therapies and other treatments that are on Theresa's schedule but it must be over 20.  From x-rays of all of her fractures, to CT scans, MRI, NIVA (ultrasound for blood clot assessment), renal imaging, and a host of others, the acute care and rehab specialists are gathering data to set up a starting point for Theresa's rehab program.

Still recovering from the 12-hour door to door transfer, I'm sure Theresa would have preferred a day or two to get over the jetlag but that was not in the plan for now.  Early Friday morning, I received a call from Theresa's nurse asking me to come to the Swedish Medical Center which is the level one trauma center connected to Craig Hospital by an underground tunnel.  Theresa was scheduled for another ultrasound but asked for me to be there with her.  Upon arriving, I saw she was already on the exam table and restless, causing the test to be restarted each time there was movement.  So I stood beside her, held her hand to reassure her all was fine, and said silent prayers every few minutes asking that Theresa could remain relatively still for this 40-minute test, as should I.  Now I know what those Survivor contestants feel like in their final endurance challenge.  Well, it was a trial but we both passed, Theresa succeeding in laying still while I struggled to stand still and not lean against the table.  Thank you God for giving us the strength and faith to survive this test.

Saturday was more of a day of rest, with only four therapies on the books.  Theresa did fine in the trach tube deflation trials, which is the next step in weaning her off the breathing tube.  Another longer test is scheduled for Sunday and if she passes that, then the respiratory therapist can look at downsizing the trach tube further, allowing Theresa's beautiful voice to finally return after seven weeks of silence.  We also had visits from two sets of friends today, one being a hula sister of Theresa's that splits her time between Waikoloa and Denver.  While Janelle danced the hula in the room, Theresa followed along in bed, moving her arms and swaying her hips and legs in sync.  It was a sight to behold watching the smile on Theresa's face as she practiced her unique brand of hula therapy again.

Theresa's patient room here is huge as it's intended for two occupants, but the other side is currently empty.  Back at Queen's Medical Center, there was only enough wall space to hang a small plumeria watercolor painted by Chris, another of Theresa's hula sisters.  It sure brightened up the room but Theresa would have to squint to see it.  So today, with a big empty side of the room free, the nursing aide Marisa and I hung up the Get Well Soon card that was created by the Keiki (children) of Waikoloa Community Church.  Before asking why it takes two of us to hang up a card, take a look at the attached photo because this one is 4x8' in size!  The other image that I put up is one of Jesus Christ with rays of red and blue-white light emanating from His heart and the caption "Jesus, I trust in you."  This was a gift from Lleander and sometimes when I look at it, I swear the glorious light is coming out of the image and sweeping over Theresa's bed like a protective shield.  We are most grateful for the support of our church ohana and for this visible sign of the healing power of our Lord.

Mahalo,
David

1 comment:

  1. Continued prayers for you all! Know that Dr. Wang and you are thought of daily.

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