“A Tough Day in the Saddle”
Every day is new and there may be setbacks as she climbs up to the top again. Her body is working so hard. The medical team has to assess the risks & rewards in recovery.
Melissa is in the middle of the peloton during the stage of her “tour” where we see how her body performs under the demands of the pace. What is her fitness? She was doing very well yesterday, but today sliding back in the pack trying to conserve energy for the attacks to come. Basically M’s body is overloaded with demands to heal the brain and make the swelling go down. She is riding with a head wind.
Melissa is in the middle of the peloton during the stage of her “tour” where we see how her body performs under the demands of the pace. What is her fitness? She was doing very well yesterday, but today sliding back in the pack trying to conserve energy for the attacks to come. Basically M’s body is overloaded with demands to heal the brain and make the swelling go down. She is riding with a head wind.
Started today with a fever which is common at times with her type of brain trauma. They are checking for any signs of infection, but none so far after Labs. Vital signs are good. She is more awake but still in the land of Grogg still climbing and fighting. However she is more talkative, when prompted. She first thought I was Cairo, but then knew my name. M knows her right from left. Her age is 25: spot on! Knows who the president is with a sneer. She was asked what year it was and she said 1925. I don’t have a problem with that I am always trying to write the wrong year down, as this year is WAY to crazy. Maybe she thinks she is on Long Island waiting for Jay Gatsby. She also said she was trying to get the pool cleaned; is this Gatsby or Sunset Boulevard.
She has to breathe strong and deeply—keep the oxygen flowing. Any oxygen level below 89-90 is not acceptable. She has had some problems with that today but her caregivers have figured that out with a bigger nasal tube apparatus. But that nasty shivering is robbing energy needed to assist the healing process in her brain. It is so hard to see at times, but I give her words of encouragement, while she is telling me her schedule for the Boston Playground.
I sit here and fight with her trying to assist her like a good domestique, “stay on my loving wheel and follow me to the top.” I will navigate the peloton, AWL she has to do is relax and stay within herself and follow the “parcours” of love you ALL send.
*we may need to change our cassette from 11/28 to a 11/32 and spin more instead of grinding it out—it will save energy and keep her fresh
She has to breathe strong and deeply—keep the oxygen flowing. Any oxygen level below 89-90 is not acceptable. She has had some problems with that today but her caregivers have figured that out with a bigger nasal tube apparatus. But that nasty shivering is robbing energy needed to assist the healing process in her brain. It is so hard to see at times, but I give her words of encouragement, while she is telling me her schedule for the Boston Playground.
I sit here and fight with her trying to assist her like a good domestique, “stay on my loving wheel and follow me to the top.” I will navigate the peloton, AWL she has to do is relax and stay within herself and follow the “parcours” of love you ALL send.
*we may need to change our cassette from 11/28 to a 11/32 and spin more instead of grinding it out—it will save energy and keep her fresh
Thank you for this, Todd. I'm sure your support and presence are a huge cofactor in Missy's healing process. We are praying for her and sending healing vibes out to her. Gare and Alex.
ReplyDeleteThank you Todd, for updating us daily. I know that taking care of Missy must be so hard on you, but we appreciate all that you are doing to take care of her and help her heal. Sending you much love. Erin and family
ReplyDeleteThank you Todd. My strongest wishes and prayers. I’m here for you both, always. All of you. Robert too. Much love, Frank
ReplyDelete