Friday, May 14, 2010

Shepherd's Center, Georgia

Troy was transferred to Shepherd's Center (SC) today. We were flown here by private jet. There were 2 pilots, a chief flight nurse, a respiratory therapist, Troy on a stretcher and me. It was scary because I already hate to fly and that plane wasn't all that big, but I'm happy to say we made it here safely. We left the Orlando Executive Airport at 9am and arrived to GA at 10:30am. An ambulance brought us to the SC.

Troy has been moved to an ICU room here and so far this place is fantastic. The facility is very nice and very state of the art. The apartment I am being housed in is great. It's like a small studio. I'm in a corner unit so I have windows all around. This might seem like a small detail to most, but to me it means the world because I have been cooped up in a tiny ICU room with no lights, no real window, no real sunshine for the past 13 days! At least here, I get plenty of light. Troy's ICU room is HUGE! There is a big window there so plenty of light there as well. They keep his room pretty dim though because they don't want the brightness to bother him since he's still in a coma. Apparently, when in a coma the patient's senses are super hypersensitive and they are trying to keep him as comfortable as possible.

Troy also picked up what seems to be an infection in his feeding tube. It's only been 3 days since he had it put in and already it is leaking pus and doesn't look really good. The doctor's ordered a CT scan of his abdomen so they can determine where the infection is coming from. They also started him on anther round of antibiotics, this time they have put in a PIC line in his arm and will be giving him the antibiotics by IV, instead of through his feeding tube for better absorption.

Heart rate is still really high, but nurses explained that can be normal due to the brainstem injury and also could be associated with him being stimulated so much today with the transportation. I was instructed to please reduce stimulation and to keep visits to a minimum.

Also, they have taken him off the morphine he was getting at ORMC for pain and put him on Percocet instead so that he's not so drowsy and be able to emerge from the coma easier. They will also start him on neurostimulant medication to get his brain going and help wake him up.

Today was a good day! I managed to get a ride from a volunteer here to the grocery store so that I could get some food to keep in the fridge and kitchen in the room. I also plan on getting some sleep! Real sleep this time! God has given me such peace and I am amazed at how calm I am sometimes, but today I found myself feeling really weak and I am now realizing that Troy will be awake in no time and I will be too tired to be excited. LOL.

Thanks for the prayers and thoughts. I was talking to Charlene (mother-in-law) tonight and I told her that this incident, although sad and scary, has drawn me so much closer to God, Troy's family, MY family, and friends of mine and Troy - I find myself so close to them too! It's great to see God's work in our lives and how compassionate and loving our God is! All glory to God! Soli deo gloria!

5 comments:

  1. I wish I still lived in Atlanta..I'd come stay with you and help you..Shephard is a fantastic place!

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  2. Hey Joan, what a whirlwind of activity you and Troy have had! No wonder you're dog-tired. I hope you got some good sleep last night. How nice that you can wake to sunshine and a room with a view.

    I, too, have heard (and learned in nursing school) that too much stimulation for a brain injury patient can actually harm their progress. It sounds like the Shepherd's Center is on the right track. Soo glad you're there.

    I'm thinking about you every day and appreciate the updates you send. Troy will have an unbelievable story to read when he wakes up! Love to both of you. God is Good!

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  3. Thank God! That the transport to Shepherd Rehab Ctr was a success. Step by Step Prima! Our prayers continue! God Bless!

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  4. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

    Our prayers continue to be with you and am so excited to see you used by the LORD as a testament to His sustaining strength and love. You are being used by the LORD as an inspiration. We love you!

    Because He reigns,
    jessica, omar, daphne, and luther

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  5. Thank you all for the encouraging words. We are all going through this together. Hugs~

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