Sunday, August 22, 2010

Two Steps Forward One Step Back......

Sorry it’s been a while since our last update, but things have been fast and furious during the past week.


Day 11, August 17th: Machel seemed more aware today than she has been since the accident. They have cut the pain medicine back significantly in an effort to wake her up. They’re also working on the ventilator trying to get her to initiate every breath and then the machine finishes it for her.

Day 12, August 18th: They took Machel into surgery early this morning to do the tracheotomy and Pic line directly into her stomach to feed her. Now they can remove the tubes going down her throat, which will be more comfortable for her. She handled the surgery real well, but has been pretty groggy from the anesthetic. We met with the representatives from the long term critical care hospitals today; one in Bountiful & the other in Salt Lake. We went with the Bountiful location after visiting both locations, but still have reservations about moving her so soon. Some things have to happen before they can move her. The chest tubes have to come out and they’re also watching her kidney function to make sure it’s stabilized.

Day 13, August 19th: They were able to remove two chest tubes today, which leaves just one left. She seems pretty alert and is able to follow commands from the doctors, when they tell her to squeeze their fingers or wiggle her toes. She responds to her kid’s voices more than anything. They are talking about tentively moving her tomorrow or sometime over the weekend.

Day 14, August 20th: They moved Machel to South Davis Long Term Acute Care today. It’s very apparent that the move has been hard on her. She’s agitated and seems to be in pain. They’ve got the ventilator on full support until she acclimates to the change of location. They don’t have near as many monitors on her as what she had at U Med. We all left tonight feeling a little uneasy - not because it’s a bad place, just not convinced she’s ready for this.

Day 15, August 21st: Today has been a really long day – probably the longest since the day of the accident. We spent all morning at the mortuary making plans for Tim’s funeral next week. It took much longer than anticipated and everyone left exhausted. We grabbed a bite to eat and then everyone grabbed a catnap. Then we got a frantic call from family down at South Davis; they’re in the process of loading Machel into an ambulance to transport her back to the University of Utah. After talking to the Charge Nurse at South Davis, we’ve found out they’re moving her because of “critical labs”. When we get to the University of Utah, she’s in the Emergency Room and in the process of being admitted back up to the surgical ICU. It’s 11:00 pm by the time we finally get an update from the Trauma doctors. Her kidneys are failing; she’s suffering from pancreatitis, and needs a blood transfusion. They’re inserting arterial lines into her neck to put her on dialysis and will be putting her on IV Antibiotics. What a nightmare, we could have lost her today if not for the fast actions by the U-Med doctors.

Day 16th, August 22: We have a whole new woman today! They did the dialysis last night and it’s unbelievable what a difference it’s made. The treatment cleared all of the toxins and chemicals out of her systems and this is the clearest she’s been since the accident. She actually tried to mouth words to Josh & Cassie, asking them how long she’d been here. So we’re remembering back to the first meeting with the Attending Doctor when he told us to prepare ourselves for potential setbacks. I remember thinking if she’d just start getting a better we could deal with anything. It’s way harder to actually live through one step forward and two steps back…

15 comments:

  1. Bless all of your hearts, You must be sooooo exhausted!!!! Can you think of any way any of us could relieve any of you? Help with kids, pick up things, clean, run errands, relieve stays at the hosptital? ANYTHING?????

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  2. Thanks for the updates! Thank goodness for the amazing Docs at U Med. We have heard some unsettling stories about the level of care that is given at South Davis, We are praying she was given all of the care and support that she needed while staying there. We love you Machel! Your Personal Property Girls.

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  3. It makes me smile to hear that she was trying to communicate with her family. Thanks for the update and I am glad they have her condition a little more under control.

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  4. Thanks for the updates. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Wish we could be there with you.

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  5. Thanks so much for the updates. She's in our thoughts and prayers daily, as is the whole family!

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  6. keeping machel close in my thoughts and prayers-along with the entire family.

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  7. Thanks for keeping us all posted. We can't begin to understand what you have been through! Machel, our hearts are with you and your family. We are very happy about your latest progress! We hope you continue to improve quickly. We hope that you are able to fully communicate real soon. YOU ARE ALL TROOPERS!!!!

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  8. Hello machel's family. This is Me'Chel Merrill Musgrave. I have been keeping updated on your sweet family since the accident. My heart goes out to you all. What a difficult thing you are going through. I've enjoyed reading the comments on your blog of Machel's strength. That hasn't changed since High school. I love her and know that the Lord will be right by her side as she suffers through the pain she must be feeling. Are visitors allowed at this time? I would love to make a visit if it's at all helpful. Will they allow music in her room?

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  9. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers right now. Thank you so much for keeping us all updated. If there is anything at all that we can do, please let me know. Lots of love sent your way!!! ~Rusti & JD Anderson~

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  10. Dear Machel's family,
    My name is Cheryl Allen. Tim and Machel lived near us in Harrisville and we love them! We are so sad to hear about all that has been happening to them and all of you. Thanks so much for updating on Machel. It must take your last bit of energy to do this but it truly helps everyone out there wondering and praying for her and all of you. We will continue to pray for her to be comforted and strengthened as her body goes through the recovery process. All of you will be prayed for also.

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  11. Thanks so much for your updated blog. Machel and all of her family are in my thoughts and prayers. Great to hear she is responding and now communicating some. Keep focused and visualize how you want Machael to be every day. Just live in the present that is all we have! God Bless and may he bless you with strength, and peace to carry on.

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  12. Having been through a serious accident myself I know that the clearer her mind becomes the stronger she will fight, I am so happy she is getting so clear. I love you Machel keep up the fight! Thank you so much for the updates!!

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  13. Thanks to everyone for your sweet comments. I know they mean the world to Josh & Cassie and they will be great for Machel to read when she is feeling better!

    Me'Chel~email me at mrsmay10@yahoo.com and I will fill you in....

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