May 22
How many of you have ever worked yourselves into total exhaustion? Most of us take a break when we get tired. If we are working outside, we rest under a shade tree and quaff down some ice water. Our breathing gradually slows, our heart rate decreases and our body cools. Then it’s back to work again. But what if your breath itself was a major task? Take away the outdoor setting, remove the shade tree and the ice water, insert a hospital bed and a critically ill young lady. Although she is still critical, this young lady has finally stabilized to the point that she has not needed any...
Read MoreMay 20
I know everyone wants to know how Aimee is doing, so here’s the scoop: Aimee is being Aimee. She’s cracking jokes, speaking frankly, displaying her usual early morning grumpiness and she has been off of the ventilator for over 10 hours. They are running an oxygen “mask” to her tracheostomy at an o2 level of only 35%, but the important thing is that she is getting zero breath per minute (bpm) assists. In other words, she is breathing completely on her own! How cool is that? Bottom line: Aimee is doing great today. *insert crazy-grin-happy-face here* Which brings me to this mythical...
Read MoreMay 18
I apologize for not posting any recent updates on Aimee. The past 48 hours have flown by like a whirlwind. Much has happened and my computer time has been extremely limited. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding. That said, here is the account of Aimee’s last 48 hours: On Wednesday the doctors suggested that we remove the breathing tube and complete a tracheotomy. The fact is, the flesh wound on her abdomen makes it difficult for her to take deep breaths and cough, which means that she could get congestion in the lower part of her lung. Her pulmonologist made the suggestion for...
Read MoreMay 17
I once again apologize for the delay in providing this latest update on Aimee’s condition. I feel that any report on her situation must be handled with love and compassion and thus it takes more time to deliver news of her medical developments. Past attempts to speed the delivery of such information have appeared to me to be cold and callous. I think you would agree that Aimee deserves better. This morning Paige and I set off for the hospital first thing. The past two mornings Aimee had been in hyperbarics, which ran through and eliminated her morning visit. When I called this morning, the...
Read MoreMay 15
We were told by the doctors that Aimee would have a roller coaster ride of highs and lows over the next few days, weeks and months. Personally I don’t like the roller coaster analogy. The best part of a roller coaster ride is when you are falling, because although it can be terrifying it is extremely exhilarating. Sooner or later the ride has to slow down and crest another incline. The inclines tend to be ho-hum, a time to catch your breath and smile at the person sitting next to you. As you near the top, the anticipation builds until the terrifying exhilaration repeats itself. This is not...
Read MoreMay 14th
Sorry guys, I have so much to write about – you have no idea. Today was a really huge day. We had to handle some family business matters between visits and when we actually had time to sit in the waiting room, we were overwhelmed by visitors. It is growing more and more difficult to have personal time to type my blog while in the waiting room. I do not want to ward off visitors, because most mean well. Let me just say that we had a lot of fun with Aimee today. Paige arrived in time for our last visit with Aimee and we enjoyed life together the way we always have. We saw Aimee laugh and...
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