Jackie (ADL)needs 2nd surgery and our prayers!

[lynn]

Gosh, the poor thing! Prayers going up for her!

 

[geebee]

Sounds like Jackie just might get boring after all.

Thanks for keeping us updated.

 

[weekycat]

Another update...

Another update...

I just read Jackie's CB journal, nothing dramatic like yesterday, but she can still use prayer:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2007 03:00 PM, CST
They are working to regulate Jackie?s heart rate and blood thinner medication. Her heart rate was too high ? up to 120 this morning. Now it is sitting around 60, which is causing the temporary pacemaker to assist the heart rhythm. Please pray that the heart rhythm get back up where they would like it ? in the 80?s. Also please pray that her blood would get to the right level in regards to her blood coagulating. She has been in her bed for the last 3 and a half hours because of her heart rate.

 

[Guest]

Jean,

Thanks for keeping us updated!

Good to know that she is feeling better than before ... hope the newest issue is just a minor bump in the road.... Thoughts/prayers continuing, of course.



Cort:33swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve.pacemaker
PICS:lego.HO.model.MCinfo.RT.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"These hands are meant to hold" ... All-American Rejects ... 'Move Along'

 

[ALCapshaw2]

and I'm sure we'll find out that info eventually. I know that Jackie had talked about a St. Jude at one time, but that's all I know. Right now, the family just needs to focus on getting her through this, so I don't even want to ask that question.

And her surgeon told here he "did NOT think using On-X was a good idea" or something similar to those words!!!

Wonder who has the primary Vavle Contract at THAT hospital???

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Emma]

Sorry, I've only just caught up with this thread but wow, what a rollercoater ride! Poor Jackie!
Adding my thoughts for a smooth recovery from here on
Love Emma
xxx

 

[Phyllis]

Jackie got up and walked to the doorway and back for her first real walk today at about 6:45 pm (picture added). This first walk was tough, but easier than the first walk on Saturday after the first surgery.

Great progress last night, let's pray that today is even better and that Jackie is on her way to a complete recovery.

 

[weekycat]

Thursday's CB updates:

Thursday's CB updates:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2007 08:37 AM, CST
Jackie got some rest last night. They managed the pain well last night – yesterday afternoon wasn’t so fun. There were a few hours yesterday evening when her heart was not using the temporary pacemaker, but it has been needed all night and this morning. Her surgeon was in this morning and is going to have a doctor that specializes in heart rhythms (not sure the fancy name) try to figure out why the pacemaker is working so much. She will also have an echocardiogram today to see how the valve is working. Jackie appreciates all the kind words, thoughts, and prayers.


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2007 12:51 PM, CST
Jackie had her chest tube removed at about 9:15 am, which makes her a little more comfortable. At about 11:15 am she had her echocardiogram – we are waiting for the results of that test. Because of the constant use of the external pacemaker, they are looking at the possibility of needing to put in a permanent one. Jackie has been in bed for all of the day except for a short time in a chair this morning. She is still struggling some with being able to keep food down. Jackie is asking for prayer in that God’s will be done with everything, but especially the pacemaker situation. She has stayed positive, but it has been a challenge for her.

It sounds like she's making strides in the right direction again...but still has a few hurdles to get over. Hang in there, Jackie...we're all still praying for you.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Went to mass yesterday. Jackie was....and will remain at the tip top of my prayer list.

 

[weekycat]

Jackie seems to be doing much better, Thank God!

Jackie seems to be doing much better, Thank God!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2007 08:16 AM, CST
Jackie had her best rest last night since she has been here. Her pacemaker was working last night as she was sleeping. Since she has been up this morning, her heart has been doing most all the work ? with the pacemaker kicking in just a little at times. She has been using her heart pillow to cough, which doesn?t look fun, but it is necessary. It was last Friday at this time that Jackie was in the operating room the first time.

Jackie wants to say ?thank you for all the prayers ? I appreciate them very much. God loves us so much and wants us to have a close relationship with Him. God is so good, so very good. I am just so very grateful!?


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2007 08:43 AM, CST
The surgeon came by this morning. He is pleased they way the heart is working today. The pacemaker wires will be kept in until at least Monday morning. Hopefully by then the heart is working completely by itself.

Typical of our up and down journey ? Jackie's heart had trouble trying to keep a heart rate of 60 ? getting as low as 39. This morning she has had a couple episodes of her heart racing ? as high as 173.

Because of the challenges, Jackie may need to stay here a little longer than is typical ? we?ll just take it one day at a time.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2007 10:54 AM, CST
Jackie took a her longest walk so far making it to the nurses station a good 20 feet away from her room. The heart rhythm doctors stopped by and said it was a good sign that her heart rate was up the way it has been. Yesterday the heart rhythm guys were in the room and thought that a certain button, ?staff assist,? was a speaker system to talk to the nurse?s desk. It? not ? we had 5 nurses in our room within 10 seconds ready to help with an emergency ? the doctors were a little embarrassed.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2007 06:32 PM, CST
Jackie has had a good day ? her most comfortable so far. She was able to get some rest. She has been out of her room four times ? trying to get a little farther each time. She will get one more walk in tonight. She has been eating her meals in a chair instead of her bed. She is positive and determined to do what she can to get better. Her heart rhythms have been up and down, but with very limited pacemaker help. (Pictures added)

John seems to be quite the photo journalist, he has included pics of Jackie walking, using the dreaded spirometer, and even one of her heart pillow.

I don't remember anyone taking pics of me in the hospital, but then I probably wouldn't have let them anyway.

I mailed off a bunch of get-well cards to Jackie today, made by our AWANA club kids at church. Jackie has been doing our AWANA store for a few years now, and the kids all really love her. The cards should be fun for her to read.

 

[Karlynn]

Jean, thanks for the update. I'm glad she is doing better.

 

[Phyllis]

Thanks so much for the update- sounds like she is on her way to a complete recovery.

 

[Phyllis]

Here are the updates for Saturday: Prayers still needed!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2007 01:34 PM, CST
Jackie felt good enough to talk to her brother on the phone and have a group picture taken ? photos added. We can only post 12 photos at a time, so some are being taken off to make room for the newer photos.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2007 10:18 AM, CST
Jackie is asking for prayer for the two issues she is still facing. The doctors are still trying to stabilize her blood thinner medication. Jackie?s heart is working by itself for the most part, but there is quite a bit of atrial fibrillation ? the upper chambers are quivering instead of beating effectively. Please pray for these two challenges to be resolved.




She is really missing Jessie (our dog) and is hoping we can find a therapy dog to visit ? any dog.



Again, Jackie has really expressed appreciation for all the support and prayers

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2007 07:22 AM, CST
Jackie had a good night - she was able to get quite a bit of rest. She is very motivated to keep getting stronger. She will take at least 5 good walks today. Her heart rate is still going up and down some, but not to the same extremes.

 

[WayneGM]

My thoughts are still with her. You hang in there and get well soon!

 

[Phyllis]

update on Jackie pacemaker today

update on Jackie pacemaker today

Hoping all goes well with Jackie and she is closer to coming home.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2007 08:36 AM, CST
We met with the surgeon this morning. The part of the heart that is causing the rhythm problems is in the AV node, which is away from where the valve was placed in the aortic valve.





They are arranging for Jackie to get an INR (international normalized ratio) machine at home to check her blood coagulation level each day or two, which will be nice to have instead of having to go in to the clinic so often.




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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2007 08:15 AM, CST
As Jackie begins her 13th day, she is waiting this morning to be taken to have a pacemaker implanted. They gave her something to help her sleep last night and she had a good rest. Kathy and Grace will be going back to Sauk Centre today ? it has been great to have them here since Tuesday night ? Jennifer really enjoyed spending time with Grace.





Jackie says, ?Well I did it, my first official solo walk at 5:15 am with a walker ? John missed that picture. I would love to thank my amazing husband John, you never know what you really have until you face journeys like these. Jennifer, I can?t wait to cuddle up to you and give you a real hug instead of a hand-hug. I haven?t forgotten about you Jessie. I love you all so very much.?




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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2007 09:43 AM, CST
Jackie was up much of the night last night. The different heart rhythms were keeping her up. She is feeling good and alert. The pacemaker doctor was in again this morning. He was talking about how the atriums are, at times, beating 2 or 3 times for each beat of the ventricles. It looks like having a pacemaker implanted is very likely. It could be done tomorrow morning. Jackie is a peace with it and just wants it done so she can get out of here.





Jackie says, ?I really wanted to talk with somebody around 1 am last night. I wrote a letter to John and was sitting there with God. I felt a huge sense of God?s presence at that time ? I appreciate whoever was praying for me at that time ? Thanks you so much, I really needed it.?

 

[Phyllis]

pacemaker successful!!!

pacemaker successful!!!

The pacemaker insertion went well- here's hoping that they stabilize her medication and she gets a discharge date!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2007 02:51 PM, CST
The pacemaker was successfully implanted. She should be back in her room within about 15 minutes. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

They are still working on stabilizing the blood thinner medication, which hopefully is taken care of so we can leave in the next couple of days.

 

[weekycat]

Thanks Phyllis,

Thanks Phyllis,

for keeping this thread updated. I've been busy the past few days and haven't had a chance. I always check in at least once a day to check on Jackie though. I'm looking forward to seeing her smiling face back at church soon.

I find it interesting that there are two of vr.com's members at the Mayo right now. Carolrai's surgery is tomorrow, for those of you who don't know.

 

[Phyllis]

Artdenlady Jackie updates

Artdenlady Jackie updates

I am putting this in post surgery as the original thread was in small talk and really belongs here since Jackie is post surgery. Unless, Ross gets a chance to move it, you can follow the previous thread in small talk. This is today's latest update:

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2007 10:07 AM, CST
Jackie had a difficult night last night. I have been waiting to post to find out the details, but she isn't able to talk about it right now. The pacemaker doctor came by this morning and the pacemaker is working well. I will post later today with more information and hopefully have a better idea of when we can leave. The only hold-up right now is the INR level of your blood - how it coagulates - they are still working on that.

Keeping my fingers crossed that they get the word on going home soon!

 

[Superbob]

I am sorry that Jackie has had some tough times, but it's good to hear that the words "going home" are now entering the conversation. Hopefully, she'll be able to do so very soon.

 

[WayneGM]

Sorry to hear the road is a bit bumpy, but it is encouraging to hear the pacemaker is working well. Hope she's able to go home soon.