Going back to Denver!

I hope all of you had Blessed Christmas and the New Year brings with it faith, family and friends.  I'm looking back at the past 3 months and I am forever thanksful for the gifts of my faith, all of my family and all the friends that have lifted me up in prayer.

I feel like I'm going backwards a bit at this time because I am going back to the ENT doctor next Tuesday, January 4 on the advise of my neurologist friend and Dr. Frie, the doctor in Denver.  We can either rule out or confirm that I have a problem with my ears.  Then on January 11, I will have another angiogram in Denver.  Dr. Frie thinks I might have venous hypertension, that's where a vein is under a lot of pressure and could be causing pressure which in turn is causing the dizziness and imbalance.  Hopefully he is right.  We won't know until they can check out my brain again! 

Please pray for God's guidance and wisdom for the Drs and for Skip and I.  Please also pray for both our emotional needs; I'm not looking forward to more procedures and Skip is not looking forward to the waiting.

It is not over yet,  I have not given up hope. There is an answer.
 Is. 8:17  "I will wait for the Lord.....I will put my hope in HIM". 

Moving forward again!

I'm not giving up!!  I have spent the last couple of days getting medical release forms filled out and faxed to another neurologist; and yes we know this one.  She and her husband have a home out here on the ranch and are here part time.  She has a practice in Kearny NE.  They were here over the Thanksgiving weekend and I talked with her a bit.  She has a friend that has a practice in Denver so she was going to talk with him; which she did and we are hopeful that together they can find out why the dizziness and imbalance.  Jan feels there may be another reason ~ not that I want more problems but would be nice to find it now and have treatment rather than wait and find out that it could be treated.  God has been faithful throughout all of this and I know He will continue.  I beleive He placed Jan here at the right time and layed it on her heart to help.  Please keep praying together with Him, we will find the answer. 

Great is His faithfulness ~ His promises are new every morning.
Jeanne

Dr. appointment update

I'm not sure where to begin.  Today was futile exercise in a waste of time!!  The neurologist was of no help and was not interested in even exploring the possiblility that I might have another problem other than vertigo. His answer was to get more active and give "it" more time.  I'm not sure what we will do next.  Will keep you posted.

Prov. 4: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...     I will keep on trusting.

Update on plans

After having NO improvement in the dizziness and imbalance over the past 10 days we have decided (with the encouragement of my family physician) to see a neurologist to perhaps help us get a different perspective on my symptons and problem.  The imbalance has gotten worse since the last "procedure." My Dr. in Custer ran some tests and did a CT scan but everything seemed to come back "normal" ~ so I guess the good news is, we have ruled out some things.  I have an appointment Thursday morning, Dec. 2 with the neurologist in Rapid.  At least at this point I don't have do go back down to Denver!!! 

Please pray for God's wisdom for both us and the Dr. 
Ps. 62: 11.  " One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard, that you, O God, are strong, and the you, O Lord are loving,"  In this I will trust Him.

We'll keep you posted.  Thank you once again to all for your prayers, love and support.

Road to recovery

I have really been down the last couple of days with severe dizziness and head pain from the embalization.  Hopefully as the days go on the trauma on the nerves will settle down. I have to remind myself that once again the Doctors were probing in my brain for 4 1/2 hours and it will all take time to heal.  Please pray that the dizziness and vertigo will resolve as the days go by.  I do believe I am on the road to recovery.  The Doctor says he was able to embalize everything that they could see and a couple of new veins that had started to grow.  Hopefully, this will be the end of the "procedures". 

As I look back I can see God's hand is all of this and He will continue to guard, guide and strengthen me.  Thanks again for all your prayers.  God is Good!  And He is Great!

Ps. 121: 1-2  "I lift up my eyes to the hills~ where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth."  Its so good to be home in the hills!!

Home Again

Jeanne and I got home today about 4:30 this afternoon. The weather was good but the ride was not easy for Jeanne. She is very tired and has a headache, so she is resting on the couch. Tomorrow we will visit her family practice doctor and start working on getting her INR level back on target.

Jeanne will probably post something in the next couple of days.

Thanks for your prayers

Going Home

Great news, Jeanne is being released this morning. we will be staying in Denver tonight for sure and maybe trying to travel tomorrow. We will see how she feels in the morning. Also we need to watch the weather and pick a good day.

Prayer works! Thank you for your prayers.

Better Day

Jeanne's procedure was 4 and 1/2 hours today and she does feel much better than the last time we were here. We just finished talking with Dr. Frei and he expects to release her in the morning. (praise the Lord). If she is released we will stay in Denver for a day or two so Jeanne can rest because she will not get much rest tonight in the critical care unit.

Thanks for the prayers.

Skip

Waiting for Morning

Jeanne just got a call from the anesthesiologist and she is all set for Jeanne’s procedure in the morning. It was a little bit of a surprise when she told Jeanne she is scheduled for all day. That sounds like they are ready to do more than just the angiogram. We will know more when it happens. You will know more when I get a chance to post again. I will try to get on a computer as soon as we know something.

Please keep us in your prayers. It all starts at 7:30 tomorrow morning.

Travel Day

The trip to Denver went well for the driver. We did run into a little wet snow a couple of times but it never slowed our progress. Jeanne on the other hand fought the headache and the dizzy / vertigo problem.

With some of her symptoms being worse it is nice to know we are only minutes away from the medical center instead of 6 hours away.

We will continue to keep you updated.

Change in plans

We have decided to go to Denver tomorrow (Tuesday) rather than Wednesday.  I had a rough day today and am feeling some significant changes, some of the same symptons I had before the embalitzation.  Both Skip and I feel it would be better to be in Denver than 6 hrs away.  We will let you know if there is a change in the date of the angiogram or any other events!  I will be very happy if the doctors can relieve some of these symptons especially the dizziness and pressure on the temple and left ear.  Please pray for wisdom for the doctor, strength for both Skip and I and a safe trip to and from Denver. 

Thank you all for your prayers and support.  I know if where not for God's strength I could not get through this.  I am certain His promises are true.  I feel His strength and love and all of your support. 
Ps. 139: 10  ....Your hand will guide me and Your strength will support me.

Back to Denver

This is a quick update to let everyone know that Jeanne is going back to Denver. We are leaving on Wednesday for the 6 hour ride. The plan is to get there Wednesday and rest on Thursday. She will be checking into the hospital at 6 in the morning on Friday.

The doctors have her scheduled for a 7:30 angiogram. If everything looks the same they will probably send us home but they are prepared to continue and do more embolization if the AVM has grown since September. Some of Jeanne’s current symptoms would indicate that there has been a change.

Our prayers are:

Safe travel

Relief from the dizziness

A speedy return to good health

Thankful for another week at home

I'm beginning to think I do nothing that is simple and normal!!  Who would have guessed that I would have an upper extremity blood clot, certainly not me nor the doctors!  I am so thankful for the knowledge God has given the doctors and the drugs that are available for treatment. 

I will have to admit, the news of the blood clot and the hospitallization again was a set back for me (and Skip) both physically and emotionally. The thinner blood does complicate any further procedures that need to be done and possibly compromise the embalization that has been done.  Though this was a surprise to all of us, I am reminded that it was and is not a surprise to God.  I know that He is not only in control but He also with me through this.  I also know that there are so many faithful people praying for me and that is a great comfort.  I thank all of you for the phone calls, the visits, the cards, the comments and your friendship.  Its so good to be home again! 

This is my reminder when I am afraid and down:  Is. 40: 10  "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strenghten you and help you.  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 

God's blessings to all,
Jeanne
PS  The time with our daughter Andrea and granddaughter Fresca was be best medicine EVER!  I was sad to see them leave but so thankful they came! 

Visitors

Daughter Andrea and Granddaughter Fresca arrived today to cheer us up. I think it worked! A change of faces is good for both of us. They will be staying until Monday afternoon and then heading back to Naperville.

Jeanne has an appointment with a cardiologist in Rapid City tomorrow morning. We are getting her transfered from Denver to Rapid. I hope that is an uneventful trip.

Thanks again for all of the comments, email, and cards that continue to put a smile on her face.

Home Sweet Home

Jeanne is home! It was a long day. She didn't get released until 11:00 so we went to Taco Bell for a quick lunch and then on to Custer to meet with her primary care doctor. We had a very productive meeting with her. She will be coordinating our efforts between all of the specialists Jeanne has.

It is nice to be home again.

Going Home?

Right now it looks like I will get to take Jeanne home in the morning. Her INR today was 2.1 so we should be good to go. I expect a 2.3 or 2.4 tomorrow but 2.1 will get her discharged. Now we need to keep it from going higher. Heparin was discontinued this morning and I expect to have a reduction in the Coumadin for the next few days starting in the morning.

It will be a big day for her as we need to stop in Custer and schedule follow up with the clinic. I think they will draw blood and check the INR. On Friday she has an appointment with the Cardiologist and then he may take over management of the Coumadin.

Again thanks for the prayers.

Better Numbers

Jeanne was greeted with a 1.7 INR this morning so it is moving now. We need to get stable at 2.3 to go home. Maybe by Monday or Tuesday.

Jeanne was visited by friends from the neighborhood and friends from the easten part of the state today. All were a surprise, and all lifted her spirits.

It is a little late and I am tired so this is going to be short tonight.

Thanks for the prayers.

What A Day

Jeanne called me about 10:00 this morning just as I was approaching Hill City. The doctor told her that he was working on her discharge. Remember that she need s to get to 2.3 on the soup scale? Well she was at 1.4 this morning. What is this all about?

Jeanne and I talked to the nurse and she was more than a little confused at the doctors comment as well. I asked to see him and he came back about ten minutes later. When the conversation started I asked if it was his wife would he let her go home with me. I got a very quick NO. So why is it okay with you if I take Jeanne home. His answer was because she wants to go home.

Okay I now have it figured out. There is a cultural problem as well as a language problem here. Jeanne always tells the Doc that she wants to go home but he took it as a demand. Needless to say we have it settled and she is not going to be released until she hits that 2.3 number!

This event did give us reason to talk with the Docs assistants in Denver and just give them an update on Jeanne's condition. They asked a lot of questions and will get with her doctor there and give her a call on Monday with any thoughts they have. I think that did give her some relief that we are doing the right thing here.

It was a good afternoon and spirits were good.

Pray for a 2.3

The Numbers Game

I will refer to the "Alphabet Soup" number in this and future posts. That is because I can not remember the three letter abreviation. It is the test to check blood thinner levels. The magic number we are looking for is something greater than 2 and less than 3. Jeanne's Alphabet Soup number yesterday was 1.3. I think it was 1.1 when she entered the hospital last Friday. The Doc did increase the Coumadin intake from 7.7 mg to 10 mg on Wednesday but it only made a slight difference. I think that the Coumadin is somewhat cululative in the body so they need to move slow.

She can come home when we hit 2.3

Pray for 2.3

Some Progress

Today Jeanne's labs  showed some progress toward hitting the levels needed for a release. We are hoping she can be released on Friday or Saturday. She is ready to go and sit in her own recliner and sleep in her own bed.

That is all of the news for today.

The Mystery

The Docs are still trying to to get the blood thinner levels correct and by the end of day four have not been successful. It is dissapointing because Jeanne would much rather be home.

That is todays news.

Just Another Day

No change today. The Docs are trying to adjust the blood thinner levels and Jeanne is stuck in bed. She would like to be home. The normal headach and vertigo are still there but she can deal with that better at home. However she is going nowhere until she is off the Heparin.

Thanks for your prayers

Another Day Another Ice Cream

Jeanne had a good night of sleep last night so she felt better today. That is not to say that all of the regular symptoms are not there. The headach was managable and the dizzy vertigo is persistant. It is going to be a long haul to get back to normal. Does anyone know what normal is?

I did get Pizza for both of us for lunch today and a little ice cream in the afternoon. JK is eating well if it is not hospital food!

Again thanks for the prayers.

A Better Day

Not waiting in emergency all day and staying on the pain control has made for a better day. Jeanne does still have the headach but not anything like yesterday. They just told her they hve the Heparin regulated so they will not be waking her up so often tonight. That is a good thing!

She had visitors today which made it nice. It is good to be closer to home so people can come and see her. She does enjoy having someone to talk with other than me.

Keep us in your prayers please.

It Is Never Easy

Jeanne has not been feeling well the last couple of days. Today she had developed a swelling in the left side of her neck and it was painful to touch. After consulting with the Doctors in Denver we headed for the emergency room at Rapid City Regional Hospital. We spent 6 hours in emergency doing various test and at times doing nothing.

The end result was to admit her for treatment of a blood clot that runs from the neck down the left arm. She is expected to be in the hospital for 3 to 5 days. My guess is 5 days because that is the way we do it.

Almost 4 weeks

I realized today that its been almost 4 weeks since my  "procedure" in Denver.  I have to admit, it is nothing like I thought it would be, I feel more like it was an invasion into my brain and my brain is still trying to figure out what went on!  As Skip had posted, I am seeing some improvements and I am thankful for that.  I'm not one to sit very well, so that has been difficult not to overdue.  I am slowly learning to listen to my body.

I took a ride in the car on Sunday and that really seemed to aggravate the dizziness and the vertigo so that was a bit of a disappointment for me.  Many of you are familiar with Ps. 23 ~ The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want" ~ well I have to admit that I do want!  I am a very independent person, so the fact that I can't drive myself anywhere let alone ride in the car is  a "want".  I "want" to be able to turn my head without feeling like I just got off a merry go round!  I "want " not to have a headache most of the day!  But, once again, God lifts my spirit with His word.  He is my Shepherd, and a Shepherd takes care of all the needs of His flock, He even carries the one that is too week to walk (which is me!) And He says I shall not want, and if I think about it, He takes care of my needs and the wants are really insignificant.  I believe He is teaching me to be content at the point He has me and depend on Him to supply what I really need.  And He has, I have a husband who has been extremely patient (and is learning to do laundry and more), he has surrounded my with friends, family and Christian brothers and sister who continue to call, support, encourage and most of all lift me up in prayer.  Thank you, thank you thank you!

"I shall not want"!  He is my great Shepherd.

May you know His Blessings 
Jeanne

Getting Better Everyday

The weather here at the ranch has been great. Jeanne and I have been out for a walk the last three evenings. Today Jeanne walked a little over two miles in just over an hour. She is still using the cain for a little extra balance but I can see improvement everyday. She is determined to get back to normal.

Day 4 at home

It has been such a blessing to be at home!  I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to get up in the morning and watch the sunrise and see the sunset in the evening from my beautiful home! My sister Joy is here to help which is such a blessing to both Skip and I.   Each day I feel a bit stronger, thanks to 2 long naps a day, and just being in my own home.  The dizziness is still with me but I feel a little better each day.  I remind myself that even small changes in the right direction means I am moving forward. 

Once again, thank you all for your prayers and friendship and encouragement.  God is Good! 

Blessings,
Jeanne

I am home ~ and so thankful to be here!  I just kept thinking all the way home "Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being praise His Holy Name.  Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."  I was overwhelmed with gratitude when I saw the Welcome Home Banner and the persoanl greetings from my neighbors and friends!  I can't tell you how much that lifted my spirits to know that I am surrounded by such caring and concerned friends.

We were gone just under 2 weeks.  I never would have imagined we would be gone this long at the beginning of this journey.  At times it seemed I would never get back to my home in the Sourthern Hills.  But here I am this morning seeing the glorious view, watching the deer and antelope and breathing in the fresh clean air!  Again I say, Praise the Lord!! 

The ride home yesterday was pretty effortless on my part; just layed my head back, closed my eyes and slept most of the way (with the help of a couple of drugs!)  I am still very dizzy from the vertigo but they are telling me that the body will adjust and I will get better.  The pain from the emblolization is subsiding a bit each day and hopefully as those malformed vessels close down the dizziness will also decrease.  I am told by the doctors that the blood flow is having to re-route itself again so there will be changes for quite some time.  The body is an amazing thing and can compensate when needed.  Again, I am so thankful this was found and treated now ~ the "other" outcome could have been devastating.   I see God's hand in all of this.

Again, you all have been an invaluable support to me and to Skip.  When I really get back on my feet (when I don't walk like I'm drunk) we will celebrate!  Most of all thank you for your prayers!

Blessings,
Jeanne

PS  Call anytime; I'm back in the the Land of the Living!!!!  PTL

Home at Last

We got home about 8:00 PM and it was a welcome sight. Jeanne did well traveling. Sleeping and just keeping her eyes closed did the trick to avoid the dizzy feeling.

Jeanne will update more in the morning.

What an amazing journey I have been on!  More than ever I believe God is Great and God is Good! 

Who would have evern guessed I would be here this long and travel down this road but God!  In ways, as I look back, I can see that He prepared me to cling only to Him and get my strength only from Him.  I have always loved the Psalms and found myself reciting my favorites when the road seemed way too long and my strength all gone.  Ps. 91 was the one that continually came back to me: He who dewells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and fortress, My God in Whom I trust." 

The embolization procedure was more than I could have prepared for and more than the Doctors thought they would find.  The good news is, they got all the areas that were of immediate danger to me.  I didn't realize how close I was to the possibility of hemmorage or complete rupture.  It seems strange to call all this a "procedure" because it is so invasive and traumatic to the brain.  I woke up with what I can only describe as a "brain ache".  Only clinging to God's strength could I have gotten through the first couple of  days.  And then came the surprise! I can only say that God's Hand was there guiding and showing us the way.  I had the choice to be released on Saturday evening but decided to stay one more night.  (Thank you sister Joy!)  If I had not stayed and if there had not been a bed on the progressive floor unit, which meant I spent another night in CCU,  I am convinced I would not be here. 
th
Ps. 91:11 For He will command His angels  concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  .....vs. 14:  "Because she loves Me,"  says the Lord,  "I will rescuse her, I will protect her."  God indeed had His angels watching over me in three young nurses, Tovah, from a Jewish family, Rachael, a born again Christian, and Liz ~ not sure.  Their quick response and knowledge of what to do saved my life!  Liz was the one who took her fist and hit me on the chest which got my heart back to beating.  She said she always wanted to do that!!  I am convinced they were and are God's angels! 

So~ here I am!  The danger from the AVM Fistula is gone, my heart is kept at a steady 70 beats a minute and I am looking forward to coming back to my beautiful Southern Black Hills! 

I do have a prayer request (one more at least) that I can tolerate the long trip back.  I am left with a lot of dizziness (benign, positional vertigo) and the only way I can ride in the car is to keep my head back and steady, and my eyes closed. 

I look forward to seeing all of you and cannot thank you enough for all your prayers, comments and friendship. 

See you soon.
Blessings,
Jeanne

Jeanne is Out

Praise God Jeanne was released today. Just getting out of the hospital environment should do a lot toward  making her feel better. Maybe Jeanne will feel good enough tomorrow to update the blog herself.

We will be staying until Monday or Tuesday and then head for South Dakota.

Thanks for the prayers.

Skip

A Better Day Today

Thank you all for the comments and prayers this morning. I think the prayer is working. When I got to the hospital about 7:30 AM Jeanne was awake and had a smile on her face. She had slept better and was a little better rested. She is still dizzy but working with the exercise that was recommended to retrain the balance systems in the brain.

The exercise is not difficult for you and I but for her it is very difficult. It is a look left, look right, look up, look down and practice not getting sick. She has been  more aggressive with her medications and not giving the nausea a chance to get a jump on her.

We are very encouraged with the progress today. Jeanne is determined to get released and when Jeanne is determined THINGS HAPPEN.

Skip

The Thursday Report

It is 3:00 AM Friday morning and I can't sleep.

Yesterday was just another day. I don't think there was much progress in Jeanne's condition. She is still very dizzy which makes her feel sick. The headache continues. They have tried a number of medications to treat each symptom but nothing is giving much relief.

Mentally it is taking its toll on both of us. Jeanne had a couple of panic attacks Thursday thinking she could not get her breath. All of the charts looked good, the oxygen level was good, and so was the blood pressure so I think it is more of a mental issue. She is so scared right now! (So am I)

Having said this I will tell you she is a trooper. She did get up and walk a little in the morning, and with help she is making it to the bathroom. She has spent some time sitting in a chair. All of these things are major accomplishments at this point in time.

The nurses love her, so she does get good attention. She is very polite and always smiling when she talks to them. What else would you expect? That’s my girl!

Please pray. I think if we could pray for her to get her balance back that would allow her to be released. The doctor told her yesterday that the headache could go on for a few weeks. I believe that learning to live with the pacemaker is going to be a long process also.

We both look forward to your comments and support.

Thank You!

Every Day Brings us Closer to Home

I was just to tired last night to give a final update for the day. Jeanne is making progress. She was told that she can leave the hospital when she can walk down the hall. Physical therapy worked with her late in the afternoon but she was unsteady. She has the determination so she will get there.

Neurologically everything looks good. She was able to do all of the coordination tests. Her brain just needs to recalibrate for balance. Since she has been in bed for most of the last week and flat on her back for 4 of those days it is no surprise that she is a little wobbly on her feet.

Skip

One More Day?

Jeanne will not be released today. We are in the two steps forward and one step back mode. The ear is a little better and the headache is a little better, but she is very dizzy. There is no way I can handle her at the motel and no way she can take a long ride.

I am dissappointed and relieved at the same time.

Keep us in your prayers.

Wednesday Morning and Maybe Today

Jeanne was moved from CCU to Progressive care last night so we are a step closer to the door. Leaving the support system of monitors and medical professionals will have a scary side to it but it also means we are one day closer to home.

Again thanks for your prayers and comments.

More news this evening.

Skip

I Guess Not Today

It has been determined that we will be here one more day. Head Doc and Heart Doc are fine with her progress and will move her from CCU today. They want 24 hours of observation and some activity before they give her care to me. I think that is okay.

Jeanne still has a plugged up feeling in the left ear. They have decided to have the ENT Doc come and take a look to see if there is anything he can do to give her some relief.

Today we pray for relief from the preassure on the ear.

Again thanks for your prayers and comments. Jeanne asks me everyday if there were any new comments. She wants to get to a computer so she can read them all.

Thanks Skip

Maybe Today

I am about to leave the motel to go see Jeanne. Please pray there are no surprises and I can bring her back to the motel with me. If she is released tody we will stay here in Denver for a couple of days while she gains her strength back. I am sure that days of laying on her back will leave her a little weak.

I will update this blog later today.

Pacemaker is Working

Jeanne just came out of  "pacemaker surgery". Everything went as expected and she is resting. She is just wiped out after 5 days of this stuff. You never get any rest in CCU because they wake you up every 15 min to an hour to make sure everything is okay. If the staff is not waking you then a monitor goes off someplace.

Thank God for the staff and the monitor alarms.

Because Jeanne would not be here today without all three!

The Cardio team said they will release her tomorrow. I think the neuro team is also leaning toward a release tomorrow. We will see what happens.

Thanks for the prayers

Skip

Nothing Has Been Easy BUT Praise God

Last night when I wrote I thought that Jeanne could have come back to the motel with me. Praise God that she was not released! Around 6 AM this morning she had her heart stop. Thanks to the quick work of the CCU staff she came back. I would have never been good enough to handle the situation if we had been in the motel.

We have spent the better part of the day dealing with the heart issue. The cardiologists decided that the slow heart rate is “Long Q T Syndrome”. Basically it takes the heart too long to recharge and fire off another shot of electrical energy. So what does that mean? Well this afternoon they did a Angiogram to make sure that there were no blockage issues and there were not. While they were in the heart they pulled a wire for a temporary pacemaker. She will be on the temporary for the night. Sometime tomorrow she will get a pacemaker installed. They will do the combo pacemaker/defibrillator so she will be protected should this happen again. Her heart rate is now at 60 BPM rather than the 33 to 40 we have been watching for the past few days.

 Praise God we were in the right place!

Jeanne and I thank you for your comments and prayers. As soon as she is up to it she will be posting something thanking everyone.

The original issue with the Dural AVM has taken a back seat today. Her head still feels like it is "full" and the headache still persists. The Docs continue to tell her it was expected and it will get better.

Saturday News

Jeanne is spending one more night in the hospital. Last night her heart rate dropped to 33 beats per min. so there has been some concern about that and everyone felt that another night of observation would be good.

She is feeling a little better today but still has a headach. We are told that is expected and it could take several days to clear itself.

I do believe she will be released tomorrow. We will spend a couple of days just resting before trying the trip home.

Again thanks for the prayers.

Nightly Update

10:15 PM and I am back at the motel. Jeanne is doing better today but she is still very tired and light headed. She was sitting up in a chair having diner when we got there about 6:30. We planned to stay for an hour but she was doing good so we stayed until 8:00 PM.

Andrea and Nathan fly home in the morning. They both want to stay but they have family and work obligations. I sure have needed and enjoyed their support. Jeanne and I will miss them both. Sister Joy will be here for another day and then she will go back to Montana. Joy is planning to come to South Dakota when we go home just to be support until Jeanne is back to her self.

I will continue to update daily until we leave Denver.

Thanks again for all of the prayers.

Doctors Report

We spoke with the doctor this morning. His report is good and he is confortable that he has eliminated all of the dangers associated with the AV Fistula. There is one small area that he did not try to shut off the flow of blood to because it is too close to the nerve bundle that controls the face, vocal chords, shoulder movement Etc. He is hopeful that it will correct itself. The plan as of this morning is that he wants to see her in three months for a follow up. He will know then if there is something else he should do.

I don't believe she will be released today. The Vertigo and nausia are still bothering her. The six hour procedure has left her tired so the Doc is thinking about keeping her one more night. Andrea and Nathan leave for home tomorrow (Saturday). They have been a great comfort for both Jeanne and I. Sister Joy will probably be here for another day and then get ready to come to our house for a few days while Jeanne gets back to full strength.

We are looking at staying here in Denver until Monday to give Jeanne time to get past the sea sick feeling. A six hour ride would not be good in the current condition.

Again thanks for your prayers.

Skip

Awake

Mom is awake and eating breakfast. She still has a headache and a little vertigo but she's holding up very well. The day shift nurses are not nearly as nice as the night shift. They are only letting two of us in at a time. So dad and Andrea are taking the first shift. They tell us the doctor will be around about 11:30. Will let you know more after that.

Good morning

We went in to see mom in the ICU around 8:30 last night. She was very out of it and her head was in a lot of pain. But this was to be expected. Fortunatly we had a very wonderful. nurse who was willing to let us stay past visiting hours. We were there until Around 12:45 last night waiting to make sure mom was out of most of the after effects. She was very lucid but still had a splitting head ache. And of course they had to keep waking her up every 20/30 minutes to make sure she was ok. We have a meeting with the doctor sometime after 8:30 and he will let us know if we can take her home or not. It all depends on if she can handle the head pain without IV drugs.
Will update more after we hear from the doctor.
Nathan and the family

Thank You

Thank you for all of your prayers. Jeanne did well yesterday. It was a long day for everyone. We started at 9:00 AM with all of the check in and pre op stuff. We left Jeanne in the operating room about 1PM and started our long wait. They worked on her for about  hours. We finally got to see her in CCU about 9PM.. Abou t 12;30 AM she was doing well. and we returned to the motel for a little sleep.I t is 7AM now and we will be heading back to meet the doctor. I will give everyone more details later today. God is Good! Thank you for the prayers and the comments.

Skip

Recovery

About 20 minutes after our last post the doctor found us. Mom is in recovery, she is coherent and can follow commands. She does have a very bad headache which is to be expected considering how long they were working on her. The doc says they got 95%+ of it. And believes the rest will take care of itself. We are now waiting in a different waiting room before we go see mom in ICU where she will be staying the night. Will update more later this evening after seeing mom

Love the Kronemeyer clan

The long wait

Hello everyone. I know you've been praying and we appreciate it! Unfortunatly we don't have much news. We got a small update around 4 and they told us all was well but they were in the middle of the procedure. It's now 630 local time and unfortunately we have no news to share other than the fact that we are all getting restless. There aren't any fears that something has gone wrong. Just that it becomes a very long day staring at the same four walls without any idea whatsnreally going on. We are hopeful that well get some news in the next hour or so. As soon as I know something we will update you all through the blog. So hopefully well have something for you in an hour. Again thank you all for your prayers and concern. We can defenitly feel gods presence keeping us clam, though slightly restless.

Nathan and the rest of the family.

The day of.

Good afternoon,
This day started around 8:30 as we rolled out of the hotel and headed to the hospital. Our first stop was the admin desk where they checked us in and honestly our clerk was not the nicest we've ever met but fortunately only had to deal with her for a short time.
After that we were moved up to the ambulatory care unit where they did the usual blood pressure and IV routine. We waited a coupler hours and met the nursing staff the sleep drug doctor and the doctor whose doing the procedure. All of them were wonderfully friendly and informative. At around 12:30 they moved mom to the surgical floor where we said our goodbyes and prayed together and left her in the capable hands of the doctors.
We are sitting across the street now grabbing some lunch and will be updating this blog as we have more information.

Thank you all for your prayers this week and especially today. It will be a long day and procedure. Please keep it coming. There will be more updates after lunch.
Thank you
Nathan and the rest of the family.

Today is the day

We have lots of support here for Jeanne. Andrea, Nathan, sister Joy, and cousin Ellen, Oh yes and me. We will be meeting with the doctor in about an hour and a half. I will update everyone before the procedure this afternoon. Set your alarm for 1PM mountain time, and keep Jeanne in your prayers.

Safely in Denver

Tomorrow is the day!  I am supposed to be at the hospital at 9AM to meet with the doctor, have the "pre-procedure" check up and the procedure is scheduled for 1PM.  I talked with the Dr's office on Tuesday and I was told that they would re-do the angiogram  (ugh) before they make the determination that the Embalization is the right way to go.   I am glad they are being cautious!    It is so comforting knowing that there are so many people praying!  God's greatness and Goodness will be known!
Blessings to all,
Jeanne

Eldest children arrive.

Andrea and I have safely arrived in Denver today. Mom and dad picked us up at the airport. Hopefully this will give us all a chance to relax before tomorrows long day of procedures. We are slated to arrive at the hospital at 9:00 for the consultation.
Be proud of Andrea she made the entire flight from Chicago to Denver without a single tear or histeric outburst! And only three Xanax. We are very proud of her.

Thank You all!

As a Christian I know that God loves me, cares for me and holds me in His Hands.  How often that is done through caring, concerned friends and family!  All of you have lifted me up with your loving concern for me and for my family.  I am strengthened knowing so many of you are lifting (me) us up in prayer to our Gracious Heavenly Father!  He is indeed answering those prayers.  He is Great and He is Good!

Jeanne's post

When I was a child I learned a simple meal time prayer that started with "God is Great, God is Good" and as I reflect on this I realize that this is one of the greatest statements a Christian can make.Though things are uncertain at this time, though I face a "risky" procedure, I can trust God in all things.  He is Great and He is Good.  

I had an angiogram last Wednesday (my dear sister Joy was with me) that confirmed that I indeed had a Dural AV Fistula.  I have had symptons for many months but none of the doctors connected the dots until recently.  The dizziness and headaches have increased so I am happy to know what I am dealing with.  However, I know this is no surprise to God.  I look to Him for my strength through His grace. 

Skip and I will be leaving for Denver on Wednesday to be ready for the procedure on Thursday afternoon.  Andrea and Nathan will be there too!! Please pray for the Doctors, staff, my family and me.  Is. 65:24 "Before they call I will answer, while they are still speaking I will hear."

God is indeed Great and God is indeed Good.

Jeanne

The Answer to Dural What

Overview

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (abnormal passageways between arteries and veins) may occur anywhere in the body. Dural arteriovenous fistulas occur in the dura mater, the tough fibrous membrane that envelops the brain and spinal cord outside the arachnoid and the pia mater (the other layers of membrane that protect the brain and spine.)

Diagnosis

Some patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas hear noises that have no origin, their ears ring, or they have headaches or strokelike symptoms or seizures. Others have no symptoms.

Treatment

Large dural arteriovenous fistulas usually require treatment, which may include endovascular embolization (closure of the fistula from inside the blood vessel) or surgery to block the abnormal channel.

The Time and Place

Hello All,
Mom has scheduled her surgery for Thursday September 23rd at Swedish Medical center in Denver Colorado. Her procedure is scheduled 1pm. Andrea and I are planning on flying out there to be with dad and mom during the procedure and recovery. Dad will be posting some information about what the procedure is and what it is exactly mom is dealing with.

Thank you for your wishes
Love
Nathan and The Kronemeyer Family

The first time

This blog will be here to update family and friends about our mothers condition surgery etc. It will be updated by myself, sister, brother, father, and probably mom too.