Dave,
Just got home from a cruise and checking on your wife's progress was on my list of "first things to do". I am so glad to hear that phase 2 is about to begin and she is on a steady road to recovery. I know the distance/separation will be just one more obstacle that neither of you will allow to affect your positive spirit. You and your family continue to be in my prayers and I will include "home for Thanksgiving" in my prayer request.
Nancy

Hope the trip south was successful, the freeways there are horrible!!! I'm sure glad to hear she's out of ICU, even though the road ahead is not a fun one, I know the worst is behind. God will continue to bless y'all, and our prayers will continue!! Take care and here's hoping the days apart will be few!

We didn't move to Birmingham today - but it is definitely going to happen Tuesday morning. There was a holdup getting the medical insurance approval, but it is apparently all resolved. One way I know this is that the hospital finally released her stuff to me this morning - rings, wallet, purse, etc.

And another huge moment this morning - she talked! It wasn't easy to understand but it was beautiful to me! I finally had to tell her to shut up or she'd damage her vocal cords since the tracheal tube is still inserted.

Dave - it is so good to hear that your wife is ready to leave for the rehab facility - - I was just looking back and see that it's been less than 1 month since the accident - It is truly amazing and testament to the power of love and prayers. Believe it or not, the hard part is now beginning - there will be lots of hard work, pain, frustration, tears, denial and depression. But, as you have seen, the love and prayers will help you all through. I have a friend who, as a pedestrian, was hit by a city bus (this was maybe 6 years or so ago) - her recovery was miraculous, and she worked long and hard at rehab and was back to work in 6 months. At that time she lamented that her life was ruined with the changes that she was going to have to make (she is a hiker, swimmer etc) - but she is now doing again all those activities she was afraid that she had lost. It's possible and probable that you all will work together to get back to "normalacy" - hopefully sooner than later. Prayers to you and your family.

Be careful on the drive down. It's certainly awesome how far Vanessa has come. I'm so glad she's able to talk. Soon she'll be home and your family can get back to normal. Tell Jacob "hi" from all of us. He's been a trooper as well.

Dave,

Such good news to hear that your wife will enter rehab today. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you make the trip. Even though you can't be with her everyday, and I know this will be hard for her, be sure to take pictures of rest of your family for her to see when you are away from her. I know with all the prayers for her, she will be home with you and your son before you know it! Hang in there! God is with you.

Dave, that is awesome news. I hope it all went smoothly today.

Tom

Tom, Annie, Penny, Susan, and all,

The move indeed went well today. She is in the LTAC facility and I was impressed with the staff and their rehabilitation plan. Most important today was that our son got to see Mom for the first time in a month. Huntsville Hospital has a strict rule about nobody under 14 being allowed in ICU. While I can understand some aspects of that rule, I cannot accept a rigid application of it when it comes to children and parents being allowed to see each other. Emotional health is linked to physical health, and I know that my wife and son were missing each other terribly. But, we are gone from that hospital now. (Please note that she received outstanding care while there - it is just the visiting policy that frankly sucks).

And now the countdown begins until this phase of recovery is complete.....

Thank you all for the fuel you are feeding my family's souls during this event. You know, you meet the nicest people on a cruise ship....

Dave, I am glad things went well for you and wife today. I am sure that was not easy about your son not being able to see his mom. I would have thought having him visit would be a help in the healing process. I bet she was glad to see him too Best thoughts your way for this new phase.

Dwayne

Dsve, so glad things went well and your wife is safe and sound at rehab! The hospital she was in should really reconsider their visitation policy. You are so right about family helping the healing process! Not just Vanessa's, but also Jacob's! They were in that accident together, and Jacob needed to see that his mom was recovering and going to be ok! Although, on the other hand, seeing her injuries could have been traumatic for him also. I guess there are pros and cons to it...

Anyway, sounds like she is in a wonderful place now where her family and friends can be with her, and she will thrive I'm sure! I know the distance is difficult for you both, but remember our thoughts and prayers are continuing for her complete recovery, and for you and your son's health and peace of mind. Have a good day today!

Glad to hear of the success. I guess Huntsville Hospital is worried about some kind of kid spread disease? Who knows, they are so wierd about rules. Before my mom passed, she was in CCU and they would only allow me in 20 minutes a day. I was the only child and the only living relative there. Finally, the nurses gave in and allowed me to stay with her a little longer each day.
Y'all still remain at the top of my daily prayer list! Take care and may Vanessa's rehab be smooth sailing

Penny,

Get thee to your cruise ship! And don't forget that rum runner!

Dave,

That hospital policy seems a little out dated. We have a feeling her rehab will be much better now that Jacob was able to visit her at the LTAC facility. We would imagine Jacob was overjoyed to see his Mom after a month.
Continued well wishes for you all to that Liberty countdown, and Vanessa full recovery.

Hey Keith and Rita,

I sure wish we were headed for a New Year cruise like you two are! Maybe next year. We have done one cruise over a new year - the Carnival Legend two years ago. Nice trip, although the winds were a pain which made for a little rocking and rolling. I've found that rum helps to counteract this.

Jacob was indeed thrilled to see Mom yesterday. He was somewhat pensive about seeing her with all the hardware attached to her, but after we left his first words were "I can't wait until Friday" which is when we return to Birmingham and spend the whole weekend with Vanessa.

Dave, I will definitely NOT forget the rum runner!! Best wishes and I'll check back when we return. Take care and God speed

Dave,

How's the rehab going?

Annie

quote:

Originally posted by annies:
Dave,

How's the rehab going?

Annie

Slow right now. They have really just completed evaluating her and giving her more time to recover. Physical therapy is supposed to become more prominent this week, with standing for more than a few moments and some walking being the goal. They installed a green thing on her tracheal implant which improves her voice quality. She talks up a storm! But she was unable to talk for over a month so it is all pouring out now. I am trying to find a good phone headset which will work with the halo, so she can talk on the phone.

The drive from home to the LTAC hospital is annoying. 106.4 miles one way. We (Jacob and me) are going down every Friday and spending the weekend. Luckily, there is a Hampton Inn a couple miles from the hospital. I like Hampton Inns.

Thanks for asking about her!

Wow, I can't imagine my wife not being able to talk for a month. She might explode! I was kind of surprised she still has a tracheal tube. But then I read your first posts when you mentioned the collapsed lung and figured they have it in there for the resperator still. In any case, it sounds like she is making good progress. The driving back and forth sounds like it is nasty but at least Jacob can see her now.

Just keep telling her to work hard in her therapy so she can get on the Liberty in June! That should keep her motivated.

Tell her to "get well soon" for us!

Hello Dave,

Sounds like things are at a slow pace, and her recovery may stay that way...but keep the faith, and please know that all of us out here are praying for her daily! She will recover and that is what's important! You sound like a good, thoughtful husband, and I'm sure you are a great support for her. Too bad the trip is so long for you and your son. But before you know it, this will all be behind you, and you and your family will celebrate on your cruise! Take care! Keep us updated!

I have no doubt that Vanessa would love to meet and cruise with all of you who have posted to this thread! Thank you once again for the good thoughts and words.

Jim - we keep our eyes on that Liberty cruise next June. It is often true that something like that can have a positive effect on someone's recovery. It is a goal to meet.

Annie - thanks for the kind words about me being a good husband! I try. I know I haven't made the grade all the time, but the past month has motivated me to try harder. I love Vanessa, and I know she loves me too. Heck, anytime a girl from the south calls you a "good yankee", you have to be doing something right!