Update on Terri T

Greetings everyone: Bottom line: "She is improving at warp speed" First, she was removed from the ventilator yesterday. The trach tube is still there just in case it's needed. But I dont see that happening. She is getting some supplemental oxygen over her trach tube. The rattle of mucos in her lungs sounds like a grizzly bear. Today, she was removed from the ICU ward and is now on the 10th floor. She was sitting upright in a chair tonight, and has a walker to help her move to her bed, which folds into a chair (wish I had a bed like that). She had the dye test today to check for leakages, she had none. They are going to run some tests on her lungs again to make sure there are no problems. She is eating a coupious amount of ice chips as her mouth has been so dry from not having anything in it. I know she is feeling better due to the fact she is busting my chops on occaision She has absolutely no idea what has been happening. She asked me when she went to the hospital and what day it was today. To her it only feels like several days have past, when in fact its been 42 days. She also wrote in big letters "What happened to me?" So I told her. We opened up all the cards for the first time. She read them all and wishes to thank each and every one of you. She was quite blown away. I was unable to talk with her doctor today. She is getting closer to being discharged from St. Francis and now we will turn our attention towards a rehab center near home. I dont know how long they will keep the trach in, but I suspect it wont be much longer as she can breathe on her own now. Not much longer now! Sincerely, Pete

YESSSS! I am crying tears of joy. Oh goodness, I am so happy to hear this news. God has been with your family through this, that I am sure of. You are blessed. I am happy to hear she is out of ICU and walking with assistance. So now it only gets better. Thanks Pete! Wonderful news!!! Tara

Pete, I am sooooo happy to hear the good news!! You are right warp speed it is. Please let Terri know that we are all praying for her and behind her 110%. You may have to repeat the story of what went on a few time for her down the road because I am sure she has no memory of all that transpired and it is alot to take in. May you and your family have a great weekend and enjoy all the sucess. Thank you again for giving us these updates. Linda

YAHOO! Pete, you made my day!! Tell Terri we're all thinking of her and can;t wait for the day to come where she can introduce herself on the boards! -Smiling Deb

That is just fabulous!!! Terrific to know that she's doing well and on the road to recovery. We'll all be cheering her on. God bless! Kathy F.

Hi Pete Knowing she is busting your chops, only goes to show that she is really getting better. They do that all the time, don't they. LOL. That is great news thou. Getting out of ICU and into a room. Prayers are being answered. Good luck and give her our best. Luis

Pete, Thanks so much for updating us on Terri again. We really appreciate that you take the time to keep us posted. She has been in my prayers, and I'm delighted to hear that things are moving along well for her now. I'll continue to pray that everything continues to move forward for her. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -98 lbs.

HI PETE!!!!! I AM JUST OVERFILLED WITH JOY FOR TERRI, YOU, AND YOUR FAMILY!!! TARA IS COMPLETELY RIGHT-GOD HAS BEEN THERE THROUGHOUT THIS WHOLE JOURNEY FOR ALL OF YOU. I HOPE FOR THE BEST HERE ON OUT THAT TERRI CAN LEAVE ST. FRANCIS RELATIVELY SOON AND YOU FIND THE APPROPIATE REHAB CENTER FOR HER. AGAIN FOR MY TWO CENTS WORTH, I HAVE TO JUST SAY, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PLEASANT EXPERIENCES WITH GAYLORD HOSPITAL. YOU GUYS WILL REMAIN IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND EVENTUALLY TERRI WILL BE ABLE TO REAP THE POSITIVES AND THE BLESSINGS OF THIS WONDERFUL TOOL DR. BARBA HAS GIVEN HER. TILL THEN TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS!!! MARY

Wonderful, Wonderful news. I am so happy for your family. Thank you for the update. Maggie

I am fairly new on the board. What happened in Terri's surgery?