Tim was discharged this morning and was in bed by 12:15pm. He is resting comfortably now, but wakes up every 10 minutes to remind me what time he is supposed to get his next dose of pain medication. His Mom spent the night with him, once again, and called me this morning to let me know he was doing a lot better. She said he even took a few laps around the main floor without the walker. By the time I got there, he was already dressed and ready to go. He was even concerned about not having gel for his hair. Thank God for his Mom..she had lots of hair products. How do you fit all that stuff in your purse, Mom? Better yet, how do you manage to get a purse with so much stuff, over your shoulder without falling over?!
Walker and Christian are up at Gramita and Grandpapa's house for awhile. Miguel, Karizma, and Zack are hanging out at home with us. I know the boys will have a blast up in the mountains. Thanks so much to my Mom and Dad for their help, too. I know that it takes someone with a lot of love to change one of Christian's infamous diapers.
On a proud mommy note, Zack sat up by himself yesterday. He did it a few times, then gave us a look that said, "I have had enough." He is growing up so fast. They always do. That is why I am so adament about holding them as often as possible. I know many people think that it's not the best thing for a baby...but I have learned that they don't expect for you to hold them all the time once they reach the age of being able to get around on their own. So, I will just hug my little guy as much as possible. Children truly are a gift from God!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Hiccups
Yesterday was a really, really good day. Except for the hiccups, right Timmy? Tim was more himself yesterday. We even watched a couple of Seinfeld espisodes together. When he laughs it sounds like he is in lots of pain, so he tried not to. He was out of ICU by 11am and back into the same room on the main floor. He had great care on the main floor this time. The day before that was not one we want to remember. He took several laps around the floor today and the pain is being managed really well. Again, except for the hiccups. (Everytime Tim tried to eat today-breakfast, lunch, dinner-he would get this VIOLENT case of hiccups. The doctor came up to check it out. So Tim says to him, "It happens each time I take a couple of bites. Within seconds the hiccups start. Want me to take a few bites so you can see?" The doctor said yes, he took lots of bites, but of course they did not return. I hate when that happens. It happens each time I take my car to my Dad with a funny 'sound'. I tell him it is making this or that noise, and he sits in my car, and of course...nothing wrong with it while he is in it. Then I drive home and it starts again. I go back to my Dad, etc...it is a vicious cycle. Tim was upset that they, the hiccups, did not return for the doctor. I told him as long as they never come back, who cares. Matter resolved. We will have to see how breakfast goes.) He had a chest xray taken earlier in the day and it came back clear. He is really determined to make it home by Sunday which is our 6th Anniversary. When I take a look back at how much we have gone through together, in those 6 years...it blows my mind. We are so blessed!
I am so amazed at how many people have been praying for him. Too many for me to count or even know personally. He has several church groups, women's bible studies, familes, friends and their families and friends praying for him all the time. I am here to tell you that prayer works. What could have been a truly stressful time for me, God made a peaceful one. Of course I had my moments, but I would just quickly retreat back to thanking God instead of whining and that peace would consume me yet again. Plus, the kids have been so wonderful. We now look forward to his coming home really soon. The doctor just removed the chest tube this morning. He will have another chest xray tomorrow morning, then they will get him used to taking oral pain medication. Soon after that he should be headed home. Yahoo! I am sure that is when the fun will start.
Before I forget, remember how I had mentioned the man-nurse on the previous entry? Well, come to find out he was named "Nurse of the Year". Hmm, guess now that he has the award, no use in keeping it up? Tim and I did not care for him. His Mom is much more forgiving and found the good in him. Once again, Mom saves the day. She is the true gem in our lives. Maybe that is why she is so successful in the jewelry business..takes one to know one (Gems, that is). She has been the rock of the family during this whole ordeal(Get it? 'Rock', like diamond? OK, Tim would want me to stop now). Thank you Mom, for everything. It would take me weeks to list all the wonderful things you have done for our family. Just know that we all appreciate and love you very much.
I am so amazed at how many people have been praying for him. Too many for me to count or even know personally. He has several church groups, women's bible studies, familes, friends and their families and friends praying for him all the time. I am here to tell you that prayer works. What could have been a truly stressful time for me, God made a peaceful one. Of course I had my moments, but I would just quickly retreat back to thanking God instead of whining and that peace would consume me yet again. Plus, the kids have been so wonderful. We now look forward to his coming home really soon. The doctor just removed the chest tube this morning. He will have another chest xray tomorrow morning, then they will get him used to taking oral pain medication. Soon after that he should be headed home. Yahoo! I am sure that is when the fun will start.
Before I forget, remember how I had mentioned the man-nurse on the previous entry? Well, come to find out he was named "Nurse of the Year". Hmm, guess now that he has the award, no use in keeping it up? Tim and I did not care for him. His Mom is much more forgiving and found the good in him. Once again, Mom saves the day. She is the true gem in our lives. Maybe that is why she is so successful in the jewelry business..takes one to know one (Gems, that is). She has been the rock of the family during this whole ordeal(Get it? 'Rock', like diamond? OK, Tim would want me to stop now). Thank you Mom, for everything. It would take me weeks to list all the wonderful things you have done for our family. Just know that we all appreciate and love you very much.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Out of Surgery...again.
Thanks be to God! Tim's surgery went really well. It took a lot longer than expected, so it was another long wait for good news for myself and his parents. When the doctor came out he said they did not have to spread the ribs apart this time and that they just went through the same incision as before. He said that they removed all the blood, fluid, and debris they found. (Tim had told me earlier that both surgeons had told him they had never seen anything like it...leave it to my Timmy to stump the doctor's, huh?) He did mention that they were going to keep a close eye on Tim because it seems that he was bleeding more than most do. He does have the chest tube back in and it will probably be in for a couple of days. Tim's parents and I went to have dinner in the cafeteria while we waited for him to be brought back to ICU from recovery. Can I just tell you that dinner was exceptionally good? Tim's parents really liked it, too. We had a salsa Talapia dish. It was so yummy. Maybe Tim and I can start adding the hospital cafeteria on the list of places to go on our Friday night dates :0).
Tim was back in the ICU at about 8:10pm. He looked a bit pale, but I am sure that is to be expected. He is very, very concerned about the way pain will be managed. We all are. He was so pro-active this time and did discuss with the surgeon that he expected better pain management this time around. He is really on top of it. He is so hungry because he hasn't eaten since yesterday at dinner. He has to wait until breakfast. I must say that he has had the nicest nurses through out this ordeal, but he got a man-nurse this time that isn't very sympathetic. I thank God for his Mom. She is so vigilant and is Tim's faithful advocate. The man-nurse (no offense to men nurse's, ok?!) tried to tell Mom that she did not need to stay. Nice try man-nurse. Don't you dare mess with Mamma White! She said very clearly that she would NOT be leaving his side. I would not have messed with the fury in her eyes. He backed down. I pray he doesn't give them a hard time tonight. Today was a bit tough because the care wasn't as great as before, but I reminded Tim that this is just a clear reminder for us to give it ALL to God. Man will always disappoint us. God will never fail us. We are so grateful that he came out ok. The tell tale will be tomorrow and how his well they take care of the pain.
On a side note, Tim and I knew Jordin would win tonight. Yay! Karizma is not very happy. She was a big Blake fan. I made sure Tim did not mind my leaving him so I could watch the big annoucement. I made it at the absolute perfect time. They were just about to announce the winner. I am so glad I got to share that with the kids. American Idol has been a fun family tradition since Kelly Clarkson.
Tim was back in the ICU at about 8:10pm. He looked a bit pale, but I am sure that is to be expected. He is very, very concerned about the way pain will be managed. We all are. He was so pro-active this time and did discuss with the surgeon that he expected better pain management this time around. He is really on top of it. He is so hungry because he hasn't eaten since yesterday at dinner. He has to wait until breakfast. I must say that he has had the nicest nurses through out this ordeal, but he got a man-nurse this time that isn't very sympathetic. I thank God for his Mom. She is so vigilant and is Tim's faithful advocate. The man-nurse (no offense to men nurse's, ok?!) tried to tell Mom that she did not need to stay. Nice try man-nurse. Don't you dare mess with Mamma White! She said very clearly that she would NOT be leaving his side. I would not have messed with the fury in her eyes. He backed down. I pray he doesn't give them a hard time tonight. Today was a bit tough because the care wasn't as great as before, but I reminded Tim that this is just a clear reminder for us to give it ALL to God. Man will always disappoint us. God will never fail us. We are so grateful that he came out ok. The tell tale will be tomorrow and how his well they take care of the pain.
On a side note, Tim and I knew Jordin would win tonight. Yay! Karizma is not very happy. She was a big Blake fan. I made sure Tim did not mind my leaving him so I could watch the big annoucement. I made it at the absolute perfect time. They were just about to announce the winner. I am so glad I got to share that with the kids. American Idol has been a fun family tradition since Kelly Clarkson.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Tim's #2 Surgery
Today Tim worked very hard on his walking and breathing excercises. However, at about 6pm he got a call from one of the surgeons letting him know that he found a blood clot on the bottom of his right lung and they will have to take him back into surgery tomorrow (at noon) to remove it. As you can imagine it was a devastating blow to us both. But especially to Tim. I know he must have gotten a rush of memories reminding him of how difficult the last week has been. I just miss him so much. Today felt like the first day he was semi coherent, and now he will have to start the process over. I was so upset about it, but then I put it all into perspective. We are so blessed that they found the clot and will remove it so quickly. I know he has a long road ahead of him, but I pray that it will all be worth it.
Miguel and Karizma have been so instrumental in helping us with the boys. The boys do really well with their older brother and sister. This helps them maintain some normalcy. I am so grateful for these wonderful children. They took the news rather well. At least as well as can be expected.
The surgery should be 1.5 hours or so. He will most likely go back into the ICU. (which I will gladly accept b/c the care there is 100% better than on the main floor) My Sweetheart is definitely one of the toughest, strongest, most courageous people I know. I am so blessed to call him my husband.
Miguel and Karizma have been so instrumental in helping us with the boys. The boys do really well with their older brother and sister. This helps them maintain some normalcy. I am so grateful for these wonderful children. They took the news rather well. At least as well as can be expected.
The surgery should be 1.5 hours or so. He will most likely go back into the ICU. (which I will gladly accept b/c the care there is 100% better than on the main floor) My Sweetheart is definitely one of the toughest, strongest, most courageous people I know. I am so blessed to call him my husband.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Tim's Surgery
Tim had spinal surgery on May 17th.
The day of surgery: Tim's parents and I sat in the waiting room for 7.5 hours. My sister drives the baby to the hospital to me twice so I can nurse him. It was great to see the surgeons tell us that they feel the surgery will be a success.
Day One: In ICU. Chest tube in his side used for draining fluids from the surgery site is causing Tim EXTREME pain. It is so hard to see him suffer. I feel so helpless. He has large amounts of fluids coming out from the tube and the doctor's are concerned they may need to reopen the incision and see what is going on. I pray to God that this is not the case. I don't know if he can bare it. He is doing better by noon time. By evening the rages of pain are very difficult to watch. The doctor gives him some extra pain medication and some shots into his shoulder, which seems to be the most painful area for him right now. I have such a hard time leaving him, but I must go nurse the baby. Thank God for his Mom being there, almost on a constant basis. I have to just give this guilty feeling to God.
Day Two: This morning is just as bad as last night. His heart rate is up to 165. He is having a hard time breathing. The doctor's decide it would just be better to remove the chest tube since it seems to be the main cause of pain. Once the tube is removed (you can imagine that was not easy for him) he feels much better. The doctor says it probably removed 75% of his pain. Now he just has to deal with nausea and lightheadedness. He takes a 50 foot walk today. That seemed like it would be impossible the day before.
Day Three: He did not sleep much last night. He has been coughing and says it feels like the incision is being ripped open each time. OUCH! He is so tough and ends up doing a 450 foot lap around the ICU. Later in the day he walks down to the first floor for a catscan. He is making progress, slowly but surely. He is still in a lot of pain, but nowhere near what the first two days were like.
Day Four: He is still in ICU. His Mom said he slept pretty well last night. She is his constant night companion. She is also the person he seems to deal best with. I know I love having my Mom around when I don't feel well. I tell him how much the children miss him. He does 2 laps around the ICU this time. Awesome! He is doing a lot better. He should be getting out of ICU today. I am so exhausted, mentally drained, and miss the kids beyond words, so I am going to stay the evening with the kids tonight. We are having Grandmom's yummy chili for dinner. Tim's Dad will keep him company. I am not having as much issues with guilt as I did the first couple of days. I can't be any good to anyone if I am this tired. I need to have some time to recollect. Hopefully he will sleep well tonight. (change of plans: later at night he was moved to the main floor so the kids got to go visit Daddy. It was so cute to see Zack light up at the sight of Tim. He has been saying da-da since 4.5 months, he's 5.5 months old now, and said "Dad-Dad-Dad" with his huge grin when he saw his Daddy. We had no idea that he knew what that meant. I know, genius, right?!? Modesty has never been my strong suit.)
The day of surgery: Tim's parents and I sat in the waiting room for 7.5 hours. My sister drives the baby to the hospital to me twice so I can nurse him. It was great to see the surgeons tell us that they feel the surgery will be a success.
Day One: In ICU. Chest tube in his side used for draining fluids from the surgery site is causing Tim EXTREME pain. It is so hard to see him suffer. I feel so helpless. He has large amounts of fluids coming out from the tube and the doctor's are concerned they may need to reopen the incision and see what is going on. I pray to God that this is not the case. I don't know if he can bare it. He is doing better by noon time. By evening the rages of pain are very difficult to watch. The doctor gives him some extra pain medication and some shots into his shoulder, which seems to be the most painful area for him right now. I have such a hard time leaving him, but I must go nurse the baby. Thank God for his Mom being there, almost on a constant basis. I have to just give this guilty feeling to God.
Day Two: This morning is just as bad as last night. His heart rate is up to 165. He is having a hard time breathing. The doctor's decide it would just be better to remove the chest tube since it seems to be the main cause of pain. Once the tube is removed (you can imagine that was not easy for him) he feels much better. The doctor says it probably removed 75% of his pain. Now he just has to deal with nausea and lightheadedness. He takes a 50 foot walk today. That seemed like it would be impossible the day before.
Day Three: He did not sleep much last night. He has been coughing and says it feels like the incision is being ripped open each time. OUCH! He is so tough and ends up doing a 450 foot lap around the ICU. Later in the day he walks down to the first floor for a catscan. He is making progress, slowly but surely. He is still in a lot of pain, but nowhere near what the first two days were like.
Day Four: He is still in ICU. His Mom said he slept pretty well last night. She is his constant night companion. She is also the person he seems to deal best with. I know I love having my Mom around when I don't feel well. I tell him how much the children miss him. He does 2 laps around the ICU this time. Awesome! He is doing a lot better. He should be getting out of ICU today. I am so exhausted, mentally drained, and miss the kids beyond words, so I am going to stay the evening with the kids tonight. We are having Grandmom's yummy chili for dinner. Tim's Dad will keep him company. I am not having as much issues with guilt as I did the first couple of days. I can't be any good to anyone if I am this tired. I need to have some time to recollect. Hopefully he will sleep well tonight. (change of plans: later at night he was moved to the main floor so the kids got to go visit Daddy. It was so cute to see Zack light up at the sight of Tim. He has been saying da-da since 4.5 months, he's 5.5 months old now, and said "Dad-Dad-Dad" with his huge grin when he saw his Daddy. We had no idea that he knew what that meant. I know, genius, right?!? Modesty has never been my strong suit.)
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
My first post!
Well, so much to be thankful for. My health, the children, my husband, our home, our salvation...so many things we forget to thank God for, too. I was going to wait until after Tim's spinal surgery to make my first post, but thought it would do me good to post once before. We are looking forward to Tim's surgery. We have really placed all hope in the Lord and are excited at the prospect of Tim being pain free once again. What a year it has been. We have all had to learn to adjust to Tim not being able to do pretty much anything due to his back pain. We all miss our Tim. The one that could swing the boys over his head. The one that loved playing soccer with Karizma barefoot. The one that loved riding rollercoasters with Miguel. We pray that he can once again enjoy all those things. Also, to start enjoying them with his boys. I am being completely honest when I say that I am totally at peace with the surgery and all that it entails. Tim is also handling it well. We have put all our concerns, worries, expectations in God. He carries our burdens.
I am so blessed to have my Mom watching the kids during this ordeal, and Tim's parents there to help with Tim. I can't imagine what life would be like if our parents weren't around. I count on them for so much. My Dad is our handyman. Tim's Dad is our go to guy. My Mom our constant babysitter. Tim's Mom our go to girl. For those of you that need to know what 'go to' means....well they just do it ALL. Thank you Moms and Dads for everything.
I ask that you all please keep Timmy, the kids, and I in your prayers. We have a long 6 weeks coming up and we can use all the support we can get. Here's to my Timmy getting all better!! God willing!
I am so blessed to have my Mom watching the kids during this ordeal, and Tim's parents there to help with Tim. I can't imagine what life would be like if our parents weren't around. I count on them for so much. My Dad is our handyman. Tim's Dad is our go to guy. My Mom our constant babysitter. Tim's Mom our go to girl. For those of you that need to know what 'go to' means....well they just do it ALL. Thank you Moms and Dads for everything.
I ask that you all please keep Timmy, the kids, and I in your prayers. We have a long 6 weeks coming up and we can use all the support we can get. Here's to my Timmy getting all better!! God willing!
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