Tragedy befalls my Family
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 06-06-2009
Posts: 123
From: Hillsdale, Mi.
Yesterday's visit was good. He was drifting in and out, but did talk some. Fever broke and his temp was near normal.
Next graft surgery has been moved to this Friday. Mainly so he can get his left arm more usable before they do the right one. Also, they want to give the meds more time to deal with the infection.
He gave the Dr. a piece of his mind about the decision to move the IV line to his right arm. They had decided to put it on his left arm afterwards, but hadn't done it yet when we were there.
They believe the infection may be from the IV line being in one spot for to long. That is the reason for moving it.
They still haven't pulled the feeding tube. Wish they would, so does Rich.
They say 'not until you eat more food". But who wants to eat when your belly feels full all the time?
More as I get it.
Next graft surgery has been moved to this Friday. Mainly so he can get his left arm more usable before they do the right one. Also, they want to give the meds more time to deal with the infection.
He gave the Dr. a piece of his mind about the decision to move the IV line to his right arm. They had decided to put it on his left arm afterwards, but hadn't done it yet when we were there.
They believe the infection may be from the IV line being in one spot for to long. That is the reason for moving it.
They still haven't pulled the feeding tube. Wish they would, so does Rich.
They say 'not until you eat more food". But who wants to eat when your belly feels full all the time?
More as I get it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 06-06-2009
Posts: 123
From: Hillsdale, Mi.
Some history on who/what Rich is;
Richard Thomas Redmond, aka Robby. (His Mom gave him that moniker.)
26 year old single male, that has lots of female friends.
Graduated 2001 from North Adams/Jerome schools. Math, science, chemistry was his favorites.
Has worked one job or another since he was 11 years old, and has banked most of his earnings over the years. He knows how to do the money thing....
Rich spent some time in the National Guard. Circa 2000-2001
Some of the skills he has is home remodeling, all facets of that.
Auto detailing, including large boats, motorhomes, travel trailers.
Spent a few years working for a discount tool store where he setup and restocked all of the stores for the owners. He could tell any clerk at any store where an item should be located.
The last two years, he has been working in the same company that I work in. His first factory job. Took to the assembly part of building machines like he's done it all his life. Well liked at work. Highly missed right now!!!!
Rich is an advid reader, just about any book will do. Enjoys movies and goes to see them often. Listens to just about any music.
No Doctor has made the diagnosis, but Rich knows he is OCD and AHAD. Says he has to be with all of the energy he has, and how he "runs" on very little sleep. Plus he is very meticulus on how things are done, placed, what have you. When he sees things that are askew he says, "that there just drives me crazy, I want to fix it".
He has no problem in helping those that need help. Be it help around the house, or a loan of money. I worried about the latter, but he has gotten most of those loans back.
Growing up, he was a rough and tumble boy. But,, he was very caring about others feelings. I made him a TenderHeart CareBear lamp for Christmas one year, it fit him.....
Thinking he was about 9 when he fell out of a tree. He hit hard, and scared the hell out of his Mom, she saw him fall. He got up, shook it off and said he was alright. Mom said, "you ain't Superman". He laughed and said, "no, I'm SuperBoy". That has somewhat stuck with him over the years, but he is now known as Superman. Just because he's older.
One of the first gestures he made in the hospital was the arms outstreched "Superman in flight pose". Brought his Mom to tears with that one.
Rich has a high tollerence for pain, real high. But I think he has met his match with this.
He has never thought of himself as "ten foot tall and bullet proof" either. But he will stand his ground in defense of those what need defending.
(hmm, wonder where he gets that from?)
Rich has given alot to various charities over the years. Toys for Tots especially. He absolutly hated to walk by one of those boxes and see it was empty. He'd go to the nearest store and fill a cart to fill the box with.
Thinking I've typed enough for now. There's alot to tell still, but another time.
Richard Thomas Redmond, aka Robby. (His Mom gave him that moniker.)
26 year old single male, that has lots of female friends.
Graduated 2001 from North Adams/Jerome schools. Math, science, chemistry was his favorites.
Has worked one job or another since he was 11 years old, and has banked most of his earnings over the years. He knows how to do the money thing....
Rich spent some time in the National Guard. Circa 2000-2001
Some of the skills he has is home remodeling, all facets of that.
Auto detailing, including large boats, motorhomes, travel trailers.
Spent a few years working for a discount tool store where he setup and restocked all of the stores for the owners. He could tell any clerk at any store where an item should be located.
The last two years, he has been working in the same company that I work in. His first factory job. Took to the assembly part of building machines like he's done it all his life. Well liked at work. Highly missed right now!!!!
Rich is an advid reader, just about any book will do. Enjoys movies and goes to see them often. Listens to just about any music.
No Doctor has made the diagnosis, but Rich knows he is OCD and AHAD. Says he has to be with all of the energy he has, and how he "runs" on very little sleep. Plus he is very meticulus on how things are done, placed, what have you. When he sees things that are askew he says, "that there just drives me crazy, I want to fix it".
He has no problem in helping those that need help. Be it help around the house, or a loan of money. I worried about the latter, but he has gotten most of those loans back.
Growing up, he was a rough and tumble boy. But,, he was very caring about others feelings. I made him a TenderHeart CareBear lamp for Christmas one year, it fit him.....
Thinking he was about 9 when he fell out of a tree. He hit hard, and scared the hell out of his Mom, she saw him fall. He got up, shook it off and said he was alright. Mom said, "you ain't Superman". He laughed and said, "no, I'm SuperBoy". That has somewhat stuck with him over the years, but he is now known as Superman. Just because he's older.
One of the first gestures he made in the hospital was the arms outstreched "Superman in flight pose". Brought his Mom to tears with that one.
Rich has a high tollerence for pain, real high. But I think he has met his match with this.
He has never thought of himself as "ten foot tall and bullet proof" either. But he will stand his ground in defense of those what need defending.
(hmm, wonder where he gets that from?)
Rich has given alot to various charities over the years. Toys for Tots especially. He absolutly hated to walk by one of those boxes and see it was empty. He'd go to the nearest store and fill a cart to fill the box with.
Thinking I've typed enough for now. There's alot to tell still, but another time.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-27-2006
Posts: 2,566
From: Anaheim, CA
Thank you, TomR. Sounds like a great guy - very strong-willed and also willing to work - who has a variety of attributes he can draw on to make this recovery. I am rooting for him in the long painful days to come, too.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 06-06-2009
Posts: 123
From: Hillsdale, Mi.
copy/paste of latest email from Linda @ 6:53PM today
Today he got another bath, after which he walked out into the hall about 28 feet! That is the most so far. Keep in mind he has been very tired and worn out because of the last infection and is still running a low temp. Not to mention the fact that he is in pain.
Once he got to his room and settled into his chair, I got to see him.
I had no forewarning, they are leaving the bandages off his hands! They are none too pretty right now but he said they don't hurt and he can move the fingers on both hands better.
Physical therapy works with him everyday and he is determined to get where he needs to be. It appears that just the tops of his hands and fingers were grafted. There are burns on the palms but not as bad.
K, I am going to head back in to see him.
I hope all are well and still praying for him.
All my thanks!
end
That's all I have on Rich right now. Haven't been able to talk to Linda all day. Really hate not being able to reach her, but she's in the room with him, so I can deal with it.
Today he got another bath, after which he walked out into the hall about 28 feet! That is the most so far. Keep in mind he has been very tired and worn out because of the last infection and is still running a low temp. Not to mention the fact that he is in pain.
Once he got to his room and settled into his chair, I got to see him.
I had no forewarning, they are leaving the bandages off his hands! They are none too pretty right now but he said they don't hurt and he can move the fingers on both hands better.
Physical therapy works with him everyday and he is determined to get where he needs to be. It appears that just the tops of his hands and fingers were grafted. There are burns on the palms but not as bad.
K, I am going to head back in to see him.
I hope all are well and still praying for him.
All my thanks!
end
That's all I have on Rich right now. Haven't been able to talk to Linda all day. Really hate not being able to reach her, but she's in the room with him, so I can deal with it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 06-06-2009
Posts: 123
From: Hillsdale, Mi.
latest email, 8:45 PM Wed
Today he walked all the way back to his room (stopping once or twice to catch his breath) from the tub room at the end of the hall. His room is in the middle, maybe 50 feet! He went 3 times as far as yesterday. What a strong person he is. He truly is working his hardest!
His surgery scheduled for this Friday has been moved up to 12:15 from 1pm. Not much but hey, it's better than moved to a later time.
Goodnight all
end
Definetly was a long walk back to his room. Just doing an eyeball measurement, I'd say it was between 50-60 feet. They had his chair right behind him and asked him a couple times if he wanted to sit down.
"No, I want to walk back to my room".
He looked tired when I got to his room last night. But he was up for doing some visiting. Mom and I aided the nurse in getting him into the bed before we left his room.
They aren't doing as much 'scrubbing" on him now, and are letting most of the burns heal. Makes him look way worse than he actually is with all of the scabbing now. But he is healing nicely..
Today he walked all the way back to his room (stopping once or twice to catch his breath) from the tub room at the end of the hall. His room is in the middle, maybe 50 feet! He went 3 times as far as yesterday. What a strong person he is. He truly is working his hardest!
His surgery scheduled for this Friday has been moved up to 12:15 from 1pm. Not much but hey, it's better than moved to a later time.
Goodnight all
end
Definetly was a long walk back to his room. Just doing an eyeball measurement, I'd say it was between 50-60 feet. They had his chair right behind him and asked him a couple times if he wanted to sit down.
"No, I want to walk back to my room".
He looked tired when I got to his room last night. But he was up for doing some visiting. Mom and I aided the nurse in getting him into the bed before we left his room.
They aren't doing as much 'scrubbing" on him now, and are letting most of the burns heal. Makes him look way worse than he actually is with all of the scabbing now. But he is healing nicely..
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 06-06-2009
Posts: 123
From: Hillsdale, Mi.
Right arm graft surgery was today. Linda said all went well and Drs are happy with the proceedure.
This very well could be his last graft surgery.
Drs and Nurses there are very pleased with how his legs are healing, and are really believing that grafts won't be needed.
Man,,, I'm hoping so....
It's time to put this phase of the recovery to rest and get on with the physical movement and strength phase.
Oh! The feeding tube has been removed. Hopefully it won't need to go back in. I know he won't have any issue in eating real food, now that the tube is gone.
This very well could be his last graft surgery.
Drs and Nurses there are very pleased with how his legs are healing, and are really believing that grafts won't be needed.
Man,,, I'm hoping so....
It's time to put this phase of the recovery to rest and get on with the physical movement and strength phase.
Oh! The feeding tube has been removed. Hopefully it won't need to go back in. I know he won't have any issue in eating real food, now that the tube is gone.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 06-06-2009
Posts: 123
From: Hillsdale, Mi.
morning email from Linda
His weekend went well. He had his eyes closed and/or slept most of it. His sister, Becky surprised us @ 8 o'clock Saturday night and just showed up! He opened his eyes and kept them open then.
He is still battling low temps but on the plus side, his left forearm is now uncovered. Yesterday was a painful morning, he got up into the chair.
Today will see him hurting from physical therapy but he doesn't fight it, he knows it is for his own good.
Thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement.
My prayer now is for his continued healing and no more surgeries.
(end)
I didn't go see Rich over the weekend. Had a killer backache that wouldn't let me sit for very long. It's an hour and a half drive, (one way), over to see him. I couldn't hardly sit for the 10 minute drive out to Walmart..
Kinda figured he'd be out of it for most of the weekend, as he's still been groggy from the previous Monday surgeries when I visited on Wednesdays.
Really hoping that he has had the last of the surgeries now. Said that before, but it needs repeated.
The physical therapy will be quiet rough on his muscles and joints. It's been six weeks now that his not done to much more than lay/sit. Take it from someone that's been basically bedridden for simular length of time. Muscles and joints don't like to do the bend/stretch stuff all that well for awhile. Takes time to get that stuff back. And it ain't comfortable at all...
His weekend went well. He had his eyes closed and/or slept most of it. His sister, Becky surprised us @ 8 o'clock Saturday night and just showed up! He opened his eyes and kept them open then.
He is still battling low temps but on the plus side, his left forearm is now uncovered. Yesterday was a painful morning, he got up into the chair.
Today will see him hurting from physical therapy but he doesn't fight it, he knows it is for his own good.
Thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement.
My prayer now is for his continued healing and no more surgeries.
(end)
I didn't go see Rich over the weekend. Had a killer backache that wouldn't let me sit for very long. It's an hour and a half drive, (one way), over to see him. I couldn't hardly sit for the 10 minute drive out to Walmart..
Kinda figured he'd be out of it for most of the weekend, as he's still been groggy from the previous Monday surgeries when I visited on Wednesdays.
Really hoping that he has had the last of the surgeries now. Said that before, but it needs repeated.
The physical therapy will be quiet rough on his muscles and joints. It's been six weeks now that his not done to much more than lay/sit. Take it from someone that's been basically bedridden for simular length of time. Muscles and joints don't like to do the bend/stretch stuff all that well for awhile. Takes time to get that stuff back. And it ain't comfortable at all...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 06-06-2009
Posts: 123
From: Hillsdale, Mi.
Went to see Rich last night;
He's basically been taking it easy since the last surgery on Friday. PT was working him over for about 5 hours today, so he was a bit tired, but in a good mood other wise.
Doing his best to get down the 2400 calories he needs to eat everyday. Hard to eat 3 meals a day when you aren't one for doing so. But, he's doing it. Was eating supper when I got to his room.
You know,, I've heard halfa dozen different calorie amounts that he needs to eat everyday. Not sure which one to go by any more, but right now they say the 2400 is the number to shoot for each day.
They have him off of all external fluids now. The IV line is still there, but nothing is hooked to it. It's up to him now to do the intake of fluids and food.
Was good to see and talk to him for the hour I was there. Be good to have him come home, but all in due time. He's healing quickly, and he has to get his strength back yet. But the PT people are pleased with his progress.
Plan is to get him up and walking a bit on Thursday.
He's basically been taking it easy since the last surgery on Friday. PT was working him over for about 5 hours today, so he was a bit tired, but in a good mood other wise.
Doing his best to get down the 2400 calories he needs to eat everyday. Hard to eat 3 meals a day when you aren't one for doing so. But, he's doing it. Was eating supper when I got to his room.
You know,, I've heard halfa dozen different calorie amounts that he needs to eat everyday. Not sure which one to go by any more, but right now they say the 2400 is the number to shoot for each day.
They have him off of all external fluids now. The IV line is still there, but nothing is hooked to it. It's up to him now to do the intake of fluids and food.
Was good to see and talk to him for the hour I was there. Be good to have him come home, but all in due time. He's healing quickly, and he has to get his strength back yet. But the PT people are pleased with his progress.
Plan is to get him up and walking a bit on Thursday.
