Really, part deux

[Kruss]

Oh goodness, Gerry, what you've all been through! I'm glad that they were able to treat Lee with such great success. I pray that Lee continues to get stronger and continues moving closer and closer to the day when she can go home again. Hugs to you, Lee, and your entire family.

 

[Meredith]

My thoughts and prayers remain with Lee and you, Gerry. Thanks for keeping us updated.

 

[skatingfan5]

@Gerry I just read your update from last week and was sorry to learn of the setback in Lee's recovery. Sending my thoughts and prayers your way.

 

[MINAM]

Gerry, I was quite concerned of your absence and sadly my gut was right.
I'm glad things are getting better again. 1 step back, (hopefully) 2 steps forward.

 

[victorskid]

The Olympic skating season is officially starting this weekend with the first of the Grand Prix events - this year that's the Rostelecom Cup. I hope @Really will be able to watch the (limited) CBC TV coverage on the "Road to the Olympic Games", even if the live stream may not be available to her.

Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers!

 

[barbarafan]

The Olympic skating season is officially starting this weekend with the first of the Grand Prix events - this year that's the Rostelecom Cup. I hope @Really will be able to watch the (limited) CBC TV coverage on the "Road to the Olympic Games", even if the live stream may not be available to her.

Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers!

Why wouldn't the live stream be available to her...Isn't it everywhere in Canada?

 

[victorskid]

Why wouldn't the live stream be available to her...Isn't it everywhere in Canada?

Yes it is available across the country but only to those with the ability to stream at sufficient speed/bandwidth. I'm not sure what she has available at her current location.

 

[barbarafan]

Yes it is available across the country but only to those with the ability to stream at sufficient speed/bandwidth. I'm not sure what she has available at her current location.

I see. hope she has what is needed

 

[skatefan]

Thinking about you all and hoping Lee is making good progress following her recent operation. She sure is one tough cookie

 

[Japanfan]

Yes it is available across the country but only to those with the ability to stream at sufficient speed/bandwidth. I'm not sure what she has available at her current location.

Do any hospitals have wi-fi in the rooms? I don't think the ones here do. But they really should, especially give that SFAIK hospitals do rent televisions.

It would be one way to brighten the day of patients well enough to use a computer - Lee being able to watch FS stream being an obvious example.

 

[Aceon6]

@Japanfan Wifi is becoming more common, especially in teaching hospitals. I guess we're spoiled in Boston, because I recall being able to work from my husband's room 5 or 6 years ago.

 

[Mozart]

Do any hospitals have wi-fi in the rooms? I don't think the ones here do. But they really should, especially give that SFAIK hospitals do rent televisions.

It would be one way to brighten the day of patients well enough to use a computer - Lee being able to watch FS stream being an obvious example.

My hospital in middle of nowhere has WiFi.

 

[Gerry]

Hi gang...

A few things - I'm not ignoring you, just really busy, for reasons which will become obvious in a minute.

Yes, we do have free hi-speed wifi and free tv in our little hospital out here in the sticks... but Lee hasn't been up to watching either.

Remember how I told you she had to have a shunt revision? Well, after we got her back here, she deteriorated again. A fast trip back into the big city found us back in Emergency, where another Cat Scan revealed hydrocephalus... again. The shunt wasn't doing its job.

The surgeon tapped the shunt to relieve the pressure and just like before, Lee woke back up. They monitored it through the night, hydrated her and got her into surgery the next day... the lines were all good, but the valve wasn't working properly; so she got her third shunt installed. Recovery for the rest of the day and night, and when I walked into ICU the next morning, I found her sitting there, talking with my daughter (who somehow didn't tell me she was taking the day off and driving up) and a bunch of the same nurses that had worked so hard to save her life back in November... 331 days previous.

She seemed in good spirits (might have been the after-effects of the anesthetic but had a pretty good day. Friday wasn't great, yesterday was pretty minimal - she is still waking, talking, and responding, but it's pretty obvious that something isn't right - so they have kept her in the big hospital until they can figure out what it is. Theories right now range from infection to just plain tired... Lee has gone quiet for days at a time before, during this journey, only to suddenly wake up and be herself, so I'm pretty relaxed, while the professionals do their thing. As always, I am more than pleased with the care and dedication they show to her, and I'm confident they'll figure it out. Until then, she is stable, responsive, just really tired and quiet.

The journey continues... thanks for being there for her.

 

[Spun Silver]

Gerry, you are showing what marriage is supposed to be. I am in awe. The constant ups and downs must be taking a toll, but it sounds like you are handling it as well as anyone possibly could. I pray they do figure out this latest down soon for you and your girl.

 

[misskarne]

Put me down as another one in awe of your dignity, your courage, your patience...you are a remarkable, incredible person, Gerry.

I hope Lee is feeling better again soon and they can figure out the issue!

 

[BelleBway]

Gerry, you and Lee are always in my thoughts.

 

[skateboy]

@Gerry it is remarkable, Lee is such a fighter and you are her rock. Best wishes to all.

 

[skatesindreams]

Gerry, I second all the comments already made.
I hope that the doctors can solve the latest challenge, soon.

I'm thinking of each of you, constantly.

 

[victorskid]

@Really was in my prayers this morning even before I read your latest update @Gerry - what a roller-coaster ride you two continue to experience! Courage mon brave!!

 

[LilJen]

I hope answers can be found and SOON. I admire your dedication!!

 

[barbarafan]

Hi gang...

A few things - I'm not ignoring you, just really busy, for reasons which will become obvious in a minute.

Yes, we do have free hi-speed wifi and free tv in our little hospital out here in the sticks... but Lee hasn't been up to watching either.

Remember how I told you she had to have a shunt revision? Well, after we got her back here, she deteriorated again. A fast trip back into the big city found us back in Emergency, where another Cat Scan revealed hydrocephalus... again. The shunt wasn't doing its job.

The surgeon tapped the shunt to relieve the pressure and just like before, Lee woke back up. They monitored it through the night, hydrated her and got her into surgery the next day... the lines were all good, but the valve wasn't working properly; so she got her third shunt installed. Recovery for the rest of the day and night, and when I walked into ICU the next morning, I found her sitting there, talking with my daughter (who somehow didn't tell me she was taking the day off and driving up) and a bunch of the same nurses that had worked so hard to save her life back in November... 331 days previous.

She seemed in good spirits (might have been the after-effects of the anesthetic but had a pretty good day. Friday wasn't great, yesterday was pretty minimal - she is still waking, talking, and responding, but it's pretty obvious that something isn't right - so they have kept her in the big hospital until they can figure out what it is. Theories right now range from infection to just plain tired... Lee has gone quiet for days at a time before, during this journey, only to suddenly wake up and be herself, so I'm pretty relaxed, while the professionals do their thing. As always, I am more than pleased with the care and dedication they show to her, and I'm confident they'll figure it out. Until then, she is stable, responsive, just really tired and quiet.

The journey continues... thanks for being there for her.

So she is on her 3rd shunt? Is that correct? So do they think the shunts have a defect or is there something mysterious in Lee's problems that is in some way making the shunt's fail? Well she is in the right place and her doctors will leave no stone unturned. Is this a teaching hospital? I think they will need to start a new class..LEE101. Take care .

 

[Simone411]

@Gerry, I'm so glad that that the doctors realized the valve wasn't working properly and replaced the shunt. I admire you and Lee so much for the strength that you both possess. Still keeping Lee and you in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless. <3

 

[NeilJLeonard]

Incredible! Just hang in there. She seems to be getting superb care and she is a fighter so keep the faith that all of this will turn out positive.

NJL...

 

[Lizziebeth]

Gerry, thank you for the progress report. I hope that the new shunt works and Lee perks up again soon. Your family is an inspiration to us all.

 

[Jayar]

Well, shit. There's nothing else I can say beyond that. I keep hoping to come here, read that there has been a miraculous recovery, and that she is back teaching and here snarking over the Cup of Russia results with the rest of us. @Gerry, I know that you must be tired, so thank you for sharing an update with us. Please send my love to Lee and to all of your family.

 

[pat c]

This is still the right address to get cards to Lee:

Cards_4_Lee
Bentley School
Box 299, 5314 - 49 Street
Bentley, Alberta,
T0C 0J0

Can we add The staff at:
Rimbey Hospital Acute Care Center,
5228 - 50 Avenue,
Rimbey, AB
T0C 2J0

 

[skatfan]

Adding prayers for this long journey. May light stream down on both of you!

 

[Japanfan]

331 days! WOW.

Lee (and Gerry) are so patient. If I imagine myself in Lee's situation, I think I'd just be terribly wanting for it all to be over so I could go home.

 

[FreeAgent]

Ok... almost a year and the battle is still raging. Obviously this is not a sprint but a marathon and the end is not yet visible but as small a consolation as this is, we're with you and Lee, Gerry. I'm confident in saying that prayers and support will continue as needed.
Also, know that you are not required to come here and update us on a schedule... only when you can and feel that you can.

Blessing to you, Lee and all the hospital staff.

Barbie

 

[victorskid]

I'm hoping that @Really will be up to watching some of the CTV/TSN coverage of Skate Canada International as she continues taking forward steps.