Angels Among Us

From Ruthie:

There is a very special person that occasionally appears at the hospital at the most unforeseen times. I first met her in STICU on a Sunday morning. She was doing a bit of cleaning, but took a moment and kindly questioned me about Louie. She said she would be praying for him and gave me a hug. Since that time many months ago, I have seen her in various places around the hospital. The first morning he sat up in the neurochair in STICU I saw her. She rejoiced with me about "our patient". Another day, in a completely different area of the hospital, I again encountered her. I was very stressed over the fact that Louie was not waking up. she assured me that all would be well and promised to pray. Each time she hugs me as a dear friend. I had not seen her for awhile, and recently ran across her with her cleaning cart. Again we hugged , and she gave me one of her beautiful smiles. Ever positive, she told me of her ongoing prayers for Louie. There is just something about her.....

Here is what I believe----Angels don't always have gold tipped wings and white flowing gowns. They may not have a shining halo or appear iridescent. Sometimes angels are found in very unusual places. They may even show up randomly in the halls of Hermann Hospital. They may wear green "scrubs" and carry a mop. Sometimes angels speak with a Jamaican accent and have very dark braids. Sometimes angels are named Judith.

Laboring on Labor Day

Dad worked hard this Labor Day. He has been having trouble with his ankle, so Jocelyn (his physical therapist) recommended he wear tennis shoes for therapy. Decked out in his new kicks he was able to walk from his room all of the way to the lobby. He then sat in his wheel chair a while (and admired Cayla's popsicle), before rolling himself back to his room. When he got close he stood back up and walked to bed. It was amazing.

Group photo with Jocelyn (taken by mom)



Leg Exercises

Checking out his new shoes

Next on the agenda - Eating a popsicle with Cayla. He LOVES his tiny glasses of Dr. Pepper, but as soon as Dr. Duke gives the okay he's ready for a popsicle!

Still Moving in the Right Direction

Dad has had a good week. Therapy is still tough, but he does it with such determination and is getting stronger. The new plan is to do therapy twice a day. The therapists cannot come more than once a day, but mom with some help from the nurse is able to get dad into a chair for some of their own therapy. I think he's getting as much therapy as he can stand (at times it seems brutal), but there has just been so much progress so it's evidently working. He's able to walk further and sit longer and he's so driven to get stronger - what more could one ask for?

Soon when Dr. Duke feels he's ready to ride in a wheel chair further and sit even longer, they are going to let him make a trip across the hospital to Audiology. His hearing has been "going" for quite some time (maybe since around the time of my 2nd grade slumber party). Since the accident his hearing can pretty much be classified as "gone". Anyone who's come to visit (and heard the volume on his TV) knows exactly what I'm talking about. What a blessing to have hearing aids on the agenda and not crash carts and full ventilators. He'll be shocked to know what all he's been missing!

Meet Heide

Introducing to you a very special member of Louie's medical team. We have had many respiratory therapists over the months, but Heide is above and beyond any we have encountered. We do not have her everyday, unfortunately, but when we do, she is thorough, searching for ways to head off problems before they occur. After a complete assessment, she makes plans for his treatment during her shift. Heide is not afraid to make recommendatiions to Dr. Duke, if she feels they are necessary. Dr. Duke, in turn, has spoken of his respect for her and her exceptional job performance. (very high praise, indeed)

Most of all, Heide does all of these things with a HUGE smile and a friendly "Hi, Boyfriend" greeting. She has mentioned many times that she loves her job. That is quite obvious, but in addition she also loves people. What a great combination!

'

Dad drinking his Dr. Pepper from Ritz's. Brought to him by special request - Ritz Dr. Pepper is his absolute favorite!

Update

We had a bit of a scare Tuesday, when the renal doctors came to visit. Louie's creatine (a number having to do with kidney function) had risen some, and Dr. Duke called them in to consult. (only this was new news to us) They asked questions, listened, pressed and prodded. Later, blood and urine were taken, and in the end Louie was taken for a renal ultrasound. The orders said " FOR ACUTE RENAL FAILURE".

What????? Oh sorry , no----You must be looking for John Doe in Room XYZ. We've already been down that road....

Actually , Louie was more irritated that they came to get him for this test during a San Antonio game of the Little League World Series. Geez, is that bad timing or what? The nurse suggested we ask Dr. Duke for DVR to accommodate these inconvenient exits from the room. (You would think that would be included in a 4 Star Hotel like this.)

At 2:00 this afternoon the renal doctors made another appearance to let us know that the good news - you will not be needing us! Things are returning to normal with the discontinuation of an antibiotic which seemed to be causing the problem. The ultrasound was normal and all is improving. The renal doctors are very nice, but I am so glad that we will not need their expertise!

Another Day, Another Blessing.....

Love to all,
Ruthie

Notes from Ruthie

More physical therapy today. Louie continues to improve slowly, walking with the walker,sitting, and strengthening his arms by rolling the wheelchair. If you have ever had a little stiffness getting up in the morning or felt a bit weak or dizzy when rising, multiply those feelings times 7 months. I'm filled with admiration for anyone who undergoes this process. It is grueling. Instant gratification has no part in this! However, the rewards---the joy of playing with the grandchildren, the opportunity to dance again, and the chance to walk two more daughters down the aisle, are true incentives. Sometimes it's hard to "keep your eyes on the prize" but he perseveres. Pray for strength, patience ,and increased endurance. He will continue to make us all proud.

Love to all,
Ruthie

By: Marilyn Goerig

“FREAKING OUT”

Ruthie waited in the room,
As Louie went for a test.
Then Louie summoned her to come;
Something wasn’t right he guessed.

Louie was right to be concerned;
The drainage could damage the graft.
Ruthie quickly expressed her concern
And found herself directing the staff.

When Dr. Duke was informed,
He asked, “Is she freaking out?”
PA Denice replied, “What do you think?”
As if there was any doubt.

Denice quickly gathered supplies;
She would iron this matter out.
When Dr. Duke admitted hesitantly,
“I don’t do freaking out.”


AWESOME

“This is the day the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad.”
Louie is beginning to recover
The strength that he once had.

As Dr. Duke stood in the hall,
Discussing his weakened state;
Louie came walking toward him
With God’s strength in his gait.

Although Dr. Duke was speechless,
When Louie came around the door;
AWESOME might have been the word
He was looking for.