Lisa Today
11 - 12 March 2006
Oro Valley, AZ
Lisa took things easy on Saturday, and her general condition remains stable. We expect that Lisa will transfer to Kindred Hospital sometime in the coming week. The delay is from the lack of bed space in the critical care unit, rather than for medical reasons. In keeping with the good news – bad news events of life, Lisa developed a rash over night, which may be an allergic reaction to one of her new medicines. Richard discussed this with Dr. Ruffenach this afternoon, and he took her off the medicine. The appearance now of the rash may be an unseen benefit. Had the rash developed after Lisa transferred to Kindred Hospital the move might make it a variable and therefore an impediment to the diagnosis. An additional benefit is that the physician who wrote the prescription is “on campus” with convenient face-to-face access to Lisa. She received some medicine to make her more comfortable. Lisa was receiving passive, range of motion therapy from her mother this afternoon. Carmen said to her, “Lisa, I can’t raise you arm by myself, and you need to help me so you’ll be able to throw a ball to Michael.” Carmen then said she felt the weight of Lisa’s arm lighten as she moved her arm from her side to over her head. It indicated to Carmen that Lisa wanted to stay in the game…so to speak.
One of the people who get Lisa Today asked, “How is Richard holding up?” Therefore, here is my observation, and reflection on the question. Richard is receiving an outpouring of concern for Lisa, and the encouragement, and phenomenal support from their many colleagues, friends, and relatives. It has enabled him to remain at Lisa’s bedside virtually day and night since this ordeal began. We’re supporting him with meals and fresh clothes, etc., which are hand delivered to him while he is at the hospital. Michael’s care and nurturing is not a worry for Richard as he has Mimi (aka Sherry) here from Illinois and Carmen here from Oklahoma. Sherry is committed to be here for the next 3-months. You might find it interesting to know Sherry is a Family Nurse Practitioner and a professional nurse. She has 25-years of solo practice in a rural medical clinic located in Alexis, Illinois. Currently, Sherry provides mid-level medical care to patients of St. Mary Medical Center, Emergency Room in Galesburg, IL.
Richard has immersed himself in the process of understanding the "medical speak”…the language of physicians and other medical personnel. He also uses the art of persuasion with gentle forcefulness in his interactions with healthcare administrators, medical personnel, insurance officials, and others who hold the keys to provide current and future medical care and rehabilitation services for Lisa. He also makes time for the many people who visit or call by telephone to inquire about Lisa. It is obvious to me, that the loyalty and devotion he receives is from those whom he holds close to his chest.
If you would like to see the wonderful hospital where Lisa is being cared for, double click on this URL: www.nmcorovalley.com.
Many people have asked if there was anything, “they could do.” There is one thing you can do that would be helpful. Send an email to nwmc.orovalley@triadhospitals.com and let the hospital administration know you appreciate the wonderful care Lisa has and is receiving throughout her stay. It might help you to know the critical care nursing team, all shifts, has treated Lisa as a young 39-year-old mother of a newborn with the care and devotion Lisa deserves. For their outstanding conduct these nurses should be recognized, and a family, we would love for you to let administration at Northwest Medical Center know.
Michael
wintory@galesburg.net
