Imagine This

Imagine Lori, in fuchsia scrubs (she's learned why so many medical types wear scrubs - they're comfortable!), with matching toe nails, wheeling her own chair down the hallway en route to the outside gardens, being greeted by various staffers, all pleased to see her up and about. Imagine Lori, laughing at the thought of herself, back at CNN, tilting her chair backwards every 1/2 hour to relieve pressure from her rear end, and what it might look like to passers-by. Imagine Lori, determined to do whatever it takes to get well and to avoid future medical problems. Can you see it? Then, you've seen Lori today. Yes, there are still problems and concerns and future anxieties. (healing of final pressure sore and flap surgery, unknown cause of elevated potassium levels, chair adaptations, etc.) But, beyond all hope, it's there, the possibility of recovery. You've been a part of it. You're important to us. She reads every card and so appreciates your thoughts and generous gestures of friendship. It's not over yet. But we can visualize the possibility of relative normality again. Thanks for taking this ride with us.

Always,
the Sneed's

Continued Progress

Today the Pulmonologist removed the cap from the hole where the Trach had been! This is really great!! In a few days, the nickel-sizeed hole should close on its own.

The elevated Phosphorous level is being studied by an endocrinologist. We don't think it is too much of a problem.

Thurs is supposed to be the first day to get back into the chair. 30 minutes is the goal.


thanks.
Love,
The Sneeds

hello everyone. Lori's been doing well.

1 more week of having to stay completely in the bed. Wound is healing. on Thurs, Lori will slowly start getting back into the chair. The goal is to add 30 minutes every day..

Nutrition - Still eating well. Trying to build strength. Slight problem with phosphorous levels. we'll see how that plays out.

Plug is still in the place of the Trach. Hopefully, that will come out soon.

Love,
the Sneeds

Another Good Day

Having another good day.
Still have lots of wok, but let's hope the good days continues.

we're flyin' high

Are you ready for some good news??

1. Lori's appetite is coming back and FOOD is one of our BIG topics. Sheperd is pleased that she's eating so well.

2. Uncle Bill saw some X-rays taken recently and he said her lungs look "great"

3. The Plastic Surgeon said the sacral sore has a 70% chance of healing on its own.

We'll take it.


THank you
LOVE,
the sneeds

GOOD DAY

Lori had a good day today.

Lori's Trach is OUT!

(Sorry, the post didn't work yesterday)

Removing the Trach was not painful (but it was "panic-ful"). ONce the doctors pulled it out, they placed a small plug in the opening to keep it open for a brief time. Not sure how long they'll need that.

The plastic surgeon feels the ischium surgery incision (12 inches long!!) is looking good. Medication relieves most of the pain. We've completed 1 week of the 3 weeks of being in bed. The doctor is still treating the sacral sore (the other pressure sore) with a suctioning bandage, and says he's 60% sure it will heal on its own. Let's hope there's no more surgery.

Lori is really making an effort to eat EAT EAT. The nutritionist is counting every little calorie. Doctors took the line out of her vein so Lori is own her own as far as nutrition.

thanks.
love,
the sneed

The Sneed Voice

The pulmonologist feels that Lori is ready for the next step in removing the trach. Instead of the hydro-filter, she is wearing a red "cap" over the trach opening. Her voice is strong and CONSTANT!!

Since the stomach tube began giving her problems post surgery on Friday, she has opted to take it out, and let the stomach opening close. Her challenge now is to eat enough food daily so she can stop the IV supplements that began on Friday.

thank you
love,
the sneeds

Surgery went well -- but with a small complication

Lori's doing OK after her surgery. however, the stomach tube was jostled in surgery and is not functioning correctly right now. so doctors are working to rectify that. a line will have to be inserted to give her nutrition.

Hoping things will be better later.

thank you

love,
the sneeds

Plastic Surgeon has scheduled Lori 1st up tomorrow (Friday) morning.
We'll let you know how things go afterwards.

THANKYOU
love,
the sneeds

________
Lori Sneed
Shepherd Center - Room 312
2020 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309 (sorry for the wrong zip in an earlier post)