Monday, Oct 25, Day 17-
We had such a great weekend!! Jed is just tearing it up in therapy. He can walk all by himself with no cane and support! This morning he got out of bed this morning and came and kissed me while I was sleeping and said "Good morning sweetie" He's such a cutie. But when the Dr found out that he was walking around on his own he really scolded Jed and told him he needs to use the cane with someone always next to him for the next week or so. The last thing we want is to have him fall and hit his head or break a bone, so we understand. Jed is just really anxious to be all better and back to normal. His balance and focus still need practice. They are teaching him to do things with one hand until he gets his left arm working again. He can completely dress himself from top to shoes all by himself and can button up a dress shirt and tie a tie all one handed! It is not easy what he's going thru, he has his moments where he says- this really sucks. But most of the time he has a positive attitude and is willing to do whatever it takes to get better and stronger. It's a good thing that he's worked out so faithfully for the last 10 years cause that habit and routine is helping him do so well in therapy and it helps that his right side is strong already to do what the left side can't. On Sunday we went to a 30 minute sacrament meeting in the hospital and Jed really loved it. He said thats how all sacrament meetings should be- short and sweet and just a half an hour :) The BYU young ambassadors came to our floor and sang some beautiful hymns that evening. Jed was so touched and was trying so hard to control the crying. I think he used up the whole box of tissues. But I think everyone in the gathering room was crying so no one would have noticed- it was very spiritual. The songs we heard were " I Need Thee Every Hour", "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "I am a Child of God". And to end the night Jed wiggled his toes on his left foot! We were so excited! Now if he could just wiggle those fingers! Today went great- I don't know if I mentioned this before but we get to go home tomorrow! (Tuesday) I can't describe how happy we are to go home. I never knew how much I loved our little apartment until all of this. It really makes you appreciate all the stupid things you took for granted. It feels better than Christmas Eve tonight.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Day 14
Friday, Oct 22, Day 14-
Jed slept so good last night, therefore so did I! He did so good in PT today! He walked with just the cane and nothing else and then he lifted up the cane in the air and kept walking! So he walked on his own for the first time! Since he has that down, he worked on walking side ways and backwards which is still really difficult. His legs still have a long way to go, but we're so glad that he's walking :) We had a pizza party tonight which was really fun. Jed and I have a tradition of always getting Little Caesar's on Friday nights so Little Caesar's it was! I brought Ammon to the hospital tonight and it was fun to have our whole little family there. Ammon has been so good thru all of this and always gives Jed a big love and pats him softly when he goes to him. It's really cute, you can tell that he knows his daddy isn't feeling good. Well I guess thats it for today-goodnight..
Jed slept so good last night, therefore so did I! He did so good in PT today! He walked with just the cane and nothing else and then he lifted up the cane in the air and kept walking! So he walked on his own for the first time! Since he has that down, he worked on walking side ways and backwards which is still really difficult. His legs still have a long way to go, but we're so glad that he's walking :) We had a pizza party tonight which was really fun. Jed and I have a tradition of always getting Little Caesar's on Friday nights so Little Caesar's it was! I brought Ammon to the hospital tonight and it was fun to have our whole little family there. Ammon has been so good thru all of this and always gives Jed a big love and pats him softly when he goes to him. It's really cute, you can tell that he knows his daddy isn't feeling good. Well I guess thats it for today-goodnight..
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Day 15
Thursday, Oct 21, Day 15-
Jed kind of had a rough night again and didn't get very much sleep. I think that's one of the reasons he was down today. He did great in PT and walked without anything supporting his foot and just the cane. He's getting better and better at it, he still has to have someone holding onto the back of him for balance but will probably not need that too soon! He really gets discouraged in OT and sometimes Speech. His arm still is coming slow but she said she can feel his shoulder getting stronger and thats common to be the first muscle to come back. He had her put a dumb bell in his hand to trigger his brain to move something familiar, but no luck. In speech therapy they ask him some problem solving and sequencing and math equations type of things. He gets them right, but has to think about it for a little bit. He gets frustrated because he said he never had to think about those things before, they just came. But they said the brain is still healing and that he's showing great improvement everyday. Since I stayed the night with him, I left after his morning sessions of therapy. I could tell that Jed was really sad and I left feeling really sad myself. I try not to reflect his mood but when he's down, trying not to show it-I'm down. I had the afternoon to spend with Ammon and I took him home and tried to both take a nap. Before I did, I got on my knees and plead with the Lord to please give us comfort. To give us some hope that Jed's arm will do something without stimulation. About 30 minutes later, Jed called me and sounded really happy. I asked how therapy went and he said "great! I did a push up!" I couldn't believe it- I was so excited! It was on his knees of course but it was so huge to me. I really felt like it was an answer to my prayer. Then we got permission to go to out for a couple of hours. I dropped Ammon off at my best friend Brianne's house, who has been helping watch him during all this, (my sweet, dear parents have had him most the time) and met Jed and his mom at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries in Sandy. Jed LOVED it and then we went to my dear old Sonic (I worked there in high school, and yes I skated) and got some milkshakes. Then we went up to my parents and they brought out my sister's new baby and Jed got to hold her for a little bit in the car. Our outing really brightened our day and we had a great rest of the evening together talking about all the things we're going to do when we get home, and when Jed gets better, and how we're going to do so many more things in life. One of the things that we didn't really do before was we hardly ever said family prayers together. We did when we first got married, but I think it only lasted a week! We have had family prayer everynight since we've been here and it has been very special to us. Together we listen as one of us speaks to the Lord and thanks him for our blessings and petitions for his continued help thru this. Jed gives the most incredible prayers. I told him tonight I wish I could write them down, they're so pure and they touch me so deep. He never forgets to express his gratitude for all that we have been blessed with, and never forgets to ask blessings on those who are on this floor or others in need and for all those that have helped us during this time. I'm staying the night with him again and will cross my fingers that we both sleep!
Jed kind of had a rough night again and didn't get very much sleep. I think that's one of the reasons he was down today. He did great in PT and walked without anything supporting his foot and just the cane. He's getting better and better at it, he still has to have someone holding onto the back of him for balance but will probably not need that too soon! He really gets discouraged in OT and sometimes Speech. His arm still is coming slow but she said she can feel his shoulder getting stronger and thats common to be the first muscle to come back. He had her put a dumb bell in his hand to trigger his brain to move something familiar, but no luck. In speech therapy they ask him some problem solving and sequencing and math equations type of things. He gets them right, but has to think about it for a little bit. He gets frustrated because he said he never had to think about those things before, they just came. But they said the brain is still healing and that he's showing great improvement everyday. Since I stayed the night with him, I left after his morning sessions of therapy. I could tell that Jed was really sad and I left feeling really sad myself. I try not to reflect his mood but when he's down, trying not to show it-I'm down. I had the afternoon to spend with Ammon and I took him home and tried to both take a nap. Before I did, I got on my knees and plead with the Lord to please give us comfort. To give us some hope that Jed's arm will do something without stimulation. About 30 minutes later, Jed called me and sounded really happy. I asked how therapy went and he said "great! I did a push up!" I couldn't believe it- I was so excited! It was on his knees of course but it was so huge to me. I really felt like it was an answer to my prayer. Then we got permission to go to out for a couple of hours. I dropped Ammon off at my best friend Brianne's house, who has been helping watch him during all this, (my sweet, dear parents have had him most the time) and met Jed and his mom at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries in Sandy. Jed LOVED it and then we went to my dear old Sonic (I worked there in high school, and yes I skated) and got some milkshakes. Then we went up to my parents and they brought out my sister's new baby and Jed got to hold her for a little bit in the car. Our outing really brightened our day and we had a great rest of the evening together talking about all the things we're going to do when we get home, and when Jed gets better, and how we're going to do so many more things in life. One of the things that we didn't really do before was we hardly ever said family prayers together. We did when we first got married, but I think it only lasted a week! We have had family prayer everynight since we've been here and it has been very special to us. Together we listen as one of us speaks to the Lord and thanks him for our blessings and petitions for his continued help thru this. Jed gives the most incredible prayers. I told him tonight I wish I could write them down, they're so pure and they touch me so deep. He never forgets to express his gratitude for all that we have been blessed with, and never forgets to ask blessings on those who are on this floor or others in need and for all those that have helped us during this time. I'm staying the night with him again and will cross my fingers that we both sleep!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Day 14
Wednesday, Oct 20, Day 14-
Wow, it has been a week today that Jed started rehab- and I am amazed at how far he's come. He walked up a whole flight of stairs and down with hardly any help, and his walking is looking better and better. He still uses the cane and the therapist holds his belt, but his balance is looking better and his foot is picking up more. He kind of felt pretty discouraged in OT because his arm isn't moving like his leg is. They can't tell us if it will return or not but Jed and I are trying so hard to hold on to that hope. Hope- is my favorite word I decided. It has so much power and influence that I never knew until now. If I ever start to lose hold of it I can tell, and it feels terrible. What keeps my hope alive when I feel it start to fade- is faith. I have faith that everything happens for a reason and so does Jed- we had a good talk about that tonight during our family scripture study. We have had so many blessings and miracles during this trial and He's not going to abandon us now.. "Hope and faith cannot exist without the other" I never understood that scripture until now. I always thought they were they same thing, but I have learned how different they are. Tonight we also read one of my favorite scriptures in Prov 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. Acknowedge Him in all thy ways, and He shall direct thy paths."
Today was special because it was just Jed and me. We have had so much support that someone else is usually here, which we absolutely love- but it was nice to just have time together alone. We had a little nap together, and then I took Jed down to the cafeteria and we had dinner together and then watched a movie. It was the new Karate Kid, Jed was so cute he cried a lot thru it :) He said it motivated him and is ready for tomorrow! Thanks for kicking Jed out of St. George Bonnie! I think he's to Filmore maybe, he acted so Jed today. Its still really hard for him to focus sometimes, but he really is doing so great and I see it get better everyday. We also had some good news today- that they think that Jed will be able to walk on his own by next week and if so we will go home on Tuesday. Jed wants to go home so bad- and I can't wait till our little family can be together again. Then a Home Care called Rehab Without Walls is going to come to our house and work with Jed almost everyday! It will be more one on one, more hours, and they specialize in brain related rehab. The biggest blessing of it all is that its unusual for insurance to cover this but another tender mercy- ours does. The only thing that would have made this day better is if I had my little Ammon with me :( I haven't seen him since this morning and I'm spending the night with Jed so I can't wait to see him tomorrow....
Wow, it has been a week today that Jed started rehab- and I am amazed at how far he's come. He walked up a whole flight of stairs and down with hardly any help, and his walking is looking better and better. He still uses the cane and the therapist holds his belt, but his balance is looking better and his foot is picking up more. He kind of felt pretty discouraged in OT because his arm isn't moving like his leg is. They can't tell us if it will return or not but Jed and I are trying so hard to hold on to that hope. Hope- is my favorite word I decided. It has so much power and influence that I never knew until now. If I ever start to lose hold of it I can tell, and it feels terrible. What keeps my hope alive when I feel it start to fade- is faith. I have faith that everything happens for a reason and so does Jed- we had a good talk about that tonight during our family scripture study. We have had so many blessings and miracles during this trial and He's not going to abandon us now.. "Hope and faith cannot exist without the other" I never understood that scripture until now. I always thought they were they same thing, but I have learned how different they are. Tonight we also read one of my favorite scriptures in Prov 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. Acknowedge Him in all thy ways, and He shall direct thy paths."
Today was special because it was just Jed and me. We have had so much support that someone else is usually here, which we absolutely love- but it was nice to just have time together alone. We had a little nap together, and then I took Jed down to the cafeteria and we had dinner together and then watched a movie. It was the new Karate Kid, Jed was so cute he cried a lot thru it :) He said it motivated him and is ready for tomorrow! Thanks for kicking Jed out of St. George Bonnie! I think he's to Filmore maybe, he acted so Jed today. Its still really hard for him to focus sometimes, but he really is doing so great and I see it get better everyday. We also had some good news today- that they think that Jed will be able to walk on his own by next week and if so we will go home on Tuesday. Jed wants to go home so bad- and I can't wait till our little family can be together again. Then a Home Care called Rehab Without Walls is going to come to our house and work with Jed almost everyday! It will be more one on one, more hours, and they specialize in brain related rehab. The biggest blessing of it all is that its unusual for insurance to cover this but another tender mercy- ours does. The only thing that would have made this day better is if I had my little Ammon with me :( I haven't seen him since this morning and I'm spending the night with Jed so I can't wait to see him tomorrow....
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Day 13
Tuesday, Oct 19th, Day 13-
Today was so good. Jed had a good night's sleep and did great in therapy. He walked with assistance to balance with just the cane :) His walking is looking better everyday. He's still struggling to get that foot up with his stride. He can only move his leg when he walks though so its still hard for him to do a lot of things. His Occupational therepay is the tough one. His arm is getting a little better everyday but its very little. They told us the arm is kind of the last thing to come so we're trying to be patient and stay positive. Jed is keeping a great attitude and works hard to try to move it. He says it like staring at your fingernail and telling it to move. I couldn't imagine how strange and difficult that would be. What a trooper he is. His emotional control is getting better- he only cried twice today! And its not out loud, its just kind of silent. One was when the therapist asked him how long we've been married. He can never answer that question without crying. The other was when we found out my sister Toniann had her baby and that it was a healthy baby girl. His hero from the Bureau, Mr. Porter came by and visited him again and Jed loved loved it so much. Thats really nice of him to come by when he's so busy. We were able to take Jed out again today, I have volleyball games that I play in every Tuesdays that Jed always goes to. He missed last weeks of course although he made me go. Not even the best sport in the world was fun without Jed there. I think he thought it would help me feel better if I played but it was kind of just torture being away from him. So he came to my games tonight and I think he really had a good time. I wore my spandex per his request :) Then we went to Cafe Rio after with both our parents, my brother Trevor and his wife Misty, and Jed's brother Jason. It felt like life was normal for a minute as we sat there eating and laughing and having a good time. It was weird that he was going to have to go back to the hospital after :( He looked so cute tonight and he is looking and acting more and more like himself everyday.
Today was so good. Jed had a good night's sleep and did great in therapy. He walked with assistance to balance with just the cane :) His walking is looking better everyday. He's still struggling to get that foot up with his stride. He can only move his leg when he walks though so its still hard for him to do a lot of things. His Occupational therepay is the tough one. His arm is getting a little better everyday but its very little. They told us the arm is kind of the last thing to come so we're trying to be patient and stay positive. Jed is keeping a great attitude and works hard to try to move it. He says it like staring at your fingernail and telling it to move. I couldn't imagine how strange and difficult that would be. What a trooper he is. His emotional control is getting better- he only cried twice today! And its not out loud, its just kind of silent. One was when the therapist asked him how long we've been married. He can never answer that question without crying. The other was when we found out my sister Toniann had her baby and that it was a healthy baby girl. His hero from the Bureau, Mr. Porter came by and visited him again and Jed loved loved it so much. Thats really nice of him to come by when he's so busy. We were able to take Jed out again today, I have volleyball games that I play in every Tuesdays that Jed always goes to. He missed last weeks of course although he made me go. Not even the best sport in the world was fun without Jed there. I think he thought it would help me feel better if I played but it was kind of just torture being away from him. So he came to my games tonight and I think he really had a good time. I wore my spandex per his request :) Then we went to Cafe Rio after with both our parents, my brother Trevor and his wife Misty, and Jed's brother Jason. It felt like life was normal for a minute as we sat there eating and laughing and having a good time. It was weird that he was going to have to go back to the hospital after :( He looked so cute tonight and he is looking and acting more and more like himself everyday.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Day 12
Monday, October 18th, day 12-
I stayed with Jed last night and it was a rough one. I think he only got about 4 hours of sleep. The medication they are giving him makes him have bad dreams and it wakes him up. Plus, he can't turn on his side by himself so he needs help just to turn in bed. He had a good day today though. I think I finally fell asleep at 6 am and at 8:30 Jed said good morning honey! We went to PT and Jed used the cane to walk and needed help balancing from behind. He is advancing everyday with his walking! He had Speech therepy and was being silly. Some of the questions they ask in there are pretty stupid. One of them was a picture of a person chasing a bus. The therapist asked Jed, "do you know why she is chasing the bus?" Jed said, "to tell him that the town is that way" (from Dumb and Dumber) I laughed and I don't know if the girl got it. But thats an example of the silly things he always does. Which is so good for me to see that he's still Jed. He's not totally back yet but he's close. I'd say he's maybe in St. George right now. He also kicked butt in OT and got that shoulder to move a little! He still has such a positive attitude and wants to go home so bad. He asked me today with tears in his eyes if I thought he'd be out of here by our 5 year anniversary, which is November 18th. I told him at the rate he's going and how hard he's working he might be out of here by Halloween! I'm so so proud of him.
I stayed with Jed last night and it was a rough one. I think he only got about 4 hours of sleep. The medication they are giving him makes him have bad dreams and it wakes him up. Plus, he can't turn on his side by himself so he needs help just to turn in bed. He had a good day today though. I think I finally fell asleep at 6 am and at 8:30 Jed said good morning honey! We went to PT and Jed used the cane to walk and needed help balancing from behind. He is advancing everyday with his walking! He had Speech therepy and was being silly. Some of the questions they ask in there are pretty stupid. One of them was a picture of a person chasing a bus. The therapist asked Jed, "do you know why she is chasing the bus?" Jed said, "to tell him that the town is that way" (from Dumb and Dumber) I laughed and I don't know if the girl got it. But thats an example of the silly things he always does. Which is so good for me to see that he's still Jed. He's not totally back yet but he's close. I'd say he's maybe in St. George right now. He also kicked butt in OT and got that shoulder to move a little! He still has such a positive attitude and wants to go home so bad. He asked me today with tears in his eyes if I thought he'd be out of here by our 5 year anniversary, which is November 18th. I told him at the rate he's going and how hard he's working he might be out of here by Halloween! I'm so so proud of him.
Day 11
Sunday, Oct 17, Day 11-
Sundays are my favorite day of the week. I spent the night with Jed and he slept so good thru the night, which doesn't happen very often. In the morning we watched Music and the Spoke Word and 2 older couples came by and gave us the sacrament. One of the ladies, Kathy, told Jed she had suffered a stroke 6 months ago and couldn't feel her left side. She was totally fine now and told Jed to be patient and know that it will come. She told him she felt like that happened to her so she can help other people going thu something similar things and give them hope that they can get better too. and to trust in the Lord. She hugged Jed and they both cried. The other sister that was supposed to sing the hymn only sang the first line of the song before she was too choked up to sing the rest. They passed us the sacrament and it was so special to us. Then Jed had PT and walked with one person on each side without a walker. He was doing so awesome! He told the Phy Ther. that he wanted to get out of here and he said, "Well why don't you? You should go for a drive or something." We were so excited to get Jed out and they helped Jed walk out to the car and I took him for a nice Sunday drive. It felt like we just escaped from prison! It felt so good! We went home and got Rudy. Jed hadn't seen our dog since the surgery so he of course was pretty emotional when Rudy jumped in the car and licked and hugged him. Then we went and got Ammon from nursery and had lunch in the car and then drove up Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is only 5 minutes from our house, and looked at all the beautiful fall colors while listening to Sunday music. Jed was pretty much emotional the whole time but he said he loved it. When we got back to the hospital Jed had OC and this time his brother played ACDC "Back in Black" (kind of a drastic change from earlier) for him while he tried to move his arm on the arm board and it was amazing the difference it made! He was moving his arm so good. She had to stimulate his arm with the massager but he moved some of it all on his own. We had some visitors and then the Guy in Charge at the bureau, Mr. Mctye, came and visited Jed. I could tell it meant so much to him. I can't believe the support that we have had from Jed's work. It is hard to express the gratitude we feel for them. Since Jed just started with them in August, he hasn't acquired enough PTO to cover his absence although he is under the medical leave act. We just recently found out that people at the bureau have donated their own PTO to Jed and he will have enough to cover him until Christmas! Jed and I both cried and said a prayer of thanks when we found this out.
We have been through the hardest, most difficult times of our lives and we have gone thru things that we never would have imagined, BUT... we have never been closer to each other and to our Father in heaven and Savior Jesus Christ. We have learned to never take a moment together for granted. To cherish every hug and kiss. I look forward to the day when Jed can pick me up and hold me in his arms again. But I am grateful he is alive. We have learned that if you put your trust in the Lord and keep that faith, that He will never leave you. We have never had so many trials, yet we have also never had so many MIRACLES. We have seen His hand in our lives and will dedicate the rest of our lives to Him and to helping others. We still have a long road ahead but we know we aren't alone, and that we are being refined as we go thru this trial. Never forget that "God is Always Good."
Sundays are my favorite day of the week. I spent the night with Jed and he slept so good thru the night, which doesn't happen very often. In the morning we watched Music and the Spoke Word and 2 older couples came by and gave us the sacrament. One of the ladies, Kathy, told Jed she had suffered a stroke 6 months ago and couldn't feel her left side. She was totally fine now and told Jed to be patient and know that it will come. She told him she felt like that happened to her so she can help other people going thu something similar things and give them hope that they can get better too. and to trust in the Lord. She hugged Jed and they both cried. The other sister that was supposed to sing the hymn only sang the first line of the song before she was too choked up to sing the rest. They passed us the sacrament and it was so special to us. Then Jed had PT and walked with one person on each side without a walker. He was doing so awesome! He told the Phy Ther. that he wanted to get out of here and he said, "Well why don't you? You should go for a drive or something." We were so excited to get Jed out and they helped Jed walk out to the car and I took him for a nice Sunday drive. It felt like we just escaped from prison! It felt so good! We went home and got Rudy. Jed hadn't seen our dog since the surgery so he of course was pretty emotional when Rudy jumped in the car and licked and hugged him. Then we went and got Ammon from nursery and had lunch in the car and then drove up Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is only 5 minutes from our house, and looked at all the beautiful fall colors while listening to Sunday music. Jed was pretty much emotional the whole time but he said he loved it. When we got back to the hospital Jed had OC and this time his brother played ACDC "Back in Black" (kind of a drastic change from earlier) for him while he tried to move his arm on the arm board and it was amazing the difference it made! He was moving his arm so good. She had to stimulate his arm with the massager but he moved some of it all on his own. We had some visitors and then the Guy in Charge at the bureau, Mr. Mctye, came and visited Jed. I could tell it meant so much to him. I can't believe the support that we have had from Jed's work. It is hard to express the gratitude we feel for them. Since Jed just started with them in August, he hasn't acquired enough PTO to cover his absence although he is under the medical leave act. We just recently found out that people at the bureau have donated their own PTO to Jed and he will have enough to cover him until Christmas! Jed and I both cried and said a prayer of thanks when we found this out.
We have been through the hardest, most difficult times of our lives and we have gone thru things that we never would have imagined, BUT... we have never been closer to each other and to our Father in heaven and Savior Jesus Christ. We have learned to never take a moment together for granted. To cherish every hug and kiss. I look forward to the day when Jed can pick me up and hold me in his arms again. But I am grateful he is alive. We have learned that if you put your trust in the Lord and keep that faith, that He will never leave you. We have never had so many trials, yet we have also never had so many MIRACLES. We have seen His hand in our lives and will dedicate the rest of our lives to Him and to helping others. We still have a long road ahead but we know we aren't alone, and that we are being refined as we go thru this trial. Never forget that "God is Always Good."
Day 10
Saturday, Oct 16th, Day 10-
Today was another good day. Jed used the hemi walker again and was doing even better than the last time by a long ways! His arm is still being really stubborn. His spirits are good and he is still making me laugh, even when he is going through all this. I've never met someone with such a positive attitude and determination. I don't think I've ever heard him complain. The most uncomfortable thing for him right now besides that he can't move the left side is that is gets really tight and sometimes gets crazy muscle spasms. We try to stretch him as much as we can, but it seems to never ease up. My brother Trevor and his wife Misty brought Jed some Cafe Rio shimp tacos for lunch and he loved them! We can't watch any uplifting or motivational movies yet because we can't get past the beginning credits before Jed starts to cry. We tried Rocky and it didn't get far at all. So we watched Yes Man today and I'm looking for some other funny ones to bring.
Today was another good day. Jed used the hemi walker again and was doing even better than the last time by a long ways! His arm is still being really stubborn. His spirits are good and he is still making me laugh, even when he is going through all this. I've never met someone with such a positive attitude and determination. I don't think I've ever heard him complain. The most uncomfortable thing for him right now besides that he can't move the left side is that is gets really tight and sometimes gets crazy muscle spasms. We try to stretch him as much as we can, but it seems to never ease up. My brother Trevor and his wife Misty brought Jed some Cafe Rio shimp tacos for lunch and he loved them! We can't watch any uplifting or motivational movies yet because we can't get past the beginning credits before Jed starts to cry. We tried Rocky and it didn't get far at all. So we watched Yes Man today and I'm looking for some other funny ones to bring.
Ammon's visit Pics
The top picture is with Jed's brother, Jason and his family.
One of Ammon's visits- he loved that foot rest that he turned into a slide!
Day 9
Friday, Oct 15th, Day 9-
Today was another good day. Jed did so good on the walker that they moved him to the hemi-walker, which means half a walker. So he only uses support on his right side. I can't believe how fast he is progressing with his legs! His arms are seeing a little improvement as well but a lot slower and its a lot harder for Jed. But we've seen a little improvement everyday. Jed's getting better with doing more things himself and getting good at using his right side. They say its kind of a good thing he's left handed, because it will force his body to use it. But right now its really hard for him to to the simple things that we take for granted everyday. Jed always talks about how much this experience has changed his life. He will never take any thing for granted again- and when he gets better he wants to try and do so many things. Since the weather's been so nice we've been able to go outside and get some fresh air. Jed has really enjoyed that. I forgot to mention that since we moved to rehab Jed has wanted to watch Nacho Libre everyday. I don't know what it is about that movie that is so funny but it makes me happy to see him laugh.
Today was another good day. Jed did so good on the walker that they moved him to the hemi-walker, which means half a walker. So he only uses support on his right side. I can't believe how fast he is progressing with his legs! His arms are seeing a little improvement as well but a lot slower and its a lot harder for Jed. But we've seen a little improvement everyday. Jed's getting better with doing more things himself and getting good at using his right side. They say its kind of a good thing he's left handed, because it will force his body to use it. But right now its really hard for him to to the simple things that we take for granted everyday. Jed always talks about how much this experience has changed his life. He will never take any thing for granted again- and when he gets better he wants to try and do so many things. Since the weather's been so nice we've been able to go outside and get some fresh air. Jed has really enjoyed that. I forgot to mention that since we moved to rehab Jed has wanted to watch Nacho Libre everyday. I don't know what it is about that movie that is so funny but it makes me happy to see him laugh.
Day 8
Thursday, Oct 14th, Day 8-
I can't believe it has been a week since Jed's surgery! It seriously feels like its been at least a month. All the days seem to be all blurred together. But I can't believe how far Jed has come in just a week! He is doing SOO much better than he was a week ago and we are seeing a little progression everyday. He rocked it in PT today and was doing so good on the bars that she moved him to the walker. He tore it up! Its a good thing Jed has worked out his whole life and is used to the gym atmosphere and working hard. Its really helping him and he is never ready to stop when the session ends. He says swear words when he's doing therapy which is so weird for me to hear but he's entitled to it, even though he can't control it. OT was a little better today and he was able to move his arm a little with the help of a massager ball. He gets anxiety at Speech Therapy because he hates tests and is worried about failing them. He still doesn't have control over his emotions so its still hard on him, although its getting a lot better. I'm starting to see my Jed more and more. I think he's in Kansas or something close to that. A little closer everyday! The thing I'm struggling with most right now is balancing my time between my husband and my son. I feel anxiety when I leave Jed but excitement that I'm going to see Ammon, and sadness when I leave Ammon but anticipation that I'm going to see Jed. No matter who I'm with I always miss the other. Jed has been understanding when I have to leave, but I spend most the day with him and some of the nights as well. I'm worried that Ammon doesn't understand and my biggest worry is that he thinks I don't love him. He is with my parents so it helps to know he's in good hands and has fun there. I just pray that Jed can get better soon and that we can be our own little family again. I've already almost forgotten what that feels like, I can't believe its only 1 week!
I can't believe it has been a week since Jed's surgery! It seriously feels like its been at least a month. All the days seem to be all blurred together. But I can't believe how far Jed has come in just a week! He is doing SOO much better than he was a week ago and we are seeing a little progression everyday. He rocked it in PT today and was doing so good on the bars that she moved him to the walker. He tore it up! Its a good thing Jed has worked out his whole life and is used to the gym atmosphere and working hard. Its really helping him and he is never ready to stop when the session ends. He says swear words when he's doing therapy which is so weird for me to hear but he's entitled to it, even though he can't control it. OT was a little better today and he was able to move his arm a little with the help of a massager ball. He gets anxiety at Speech Therapy because he hates tests and is worried about failing them. He still doesn't have control over his emotions so its still hard on him, although its getting a lot better. I'm starting to see my Jed more and more. I think he's in Kansas or something close to that. A little closer everyday! The thing I'm struggling with most right now is balancing my time between my husband and my son. I feel anxiety when I leave Jed but excitement that I'm going to see Ammon, and sadness when I leave Ammon but anticipation that I'm going to see Jed. No matter who I'm with I always miss the other. Jed has been understanding when I have to leave, but I spend most the day with him and some of the nights as well. I'm worried that Ammon doesn't understand and my biggest worry is that he thinks I don't love him. He is with my parents so it helps to know he's in good hands and has fun there. I just pray that Jed can get better soon and that we can be our own little family again. I've already almost forgotten what that feels like, I can't believe its only 1 week!
Day 7
Wednesday, Oct 7th, Day 7-
Today was great. Jed started his rehab and does physical, occupational, and speech therapy twice a day in 30 minute sessions. He is also looking and acting a lot better too. I think he's back in the US again, just not to Utah yet. He did really well with PT (physical therapy- legs)and walked on the bars. His foot is hard to move but you can tell the muscles in the hips and legs are starting to remember what to do. Jed was really disappointed when it was time to stop. He wanted to keep going. He wants to get better so bad and says everyday how much he wants to go home. His OT (Occupational therapy- arms) was a lot harder for him. They put a lot of muscle stimulators on his arm and it was the only thing really making his hand move. He is really working so hard and I'm so proud of him. All the staff likes him already. Every floor we have been on, Jed is loved very quickly. There are incredible people at this hospital that do so much good. We are so grateful for people that make such a big difference in other people's lives.
Today was great. Jed started his rehab and does physical, occupational, and speech therapy twice a day in 30 minute sessions. He is also looking and acting a lot better too. I think he's back in the US again, just not to Utah yet. He did really well with PT (physical therapy- legs)and walked on the bars. His foot is hard to move but you can tell the muscles in the hips and legs are starting to remember what to do. Jed was really disappointed when it was time to stop. He wanted to keep going. He wants to get better so bad and says everyday how much he wants to go home. His OT (Occupational therapy- arms) was a lot harder for him. They put a lot of muscle stimulators on his arm and it was the only thing really making his hand move. He is really working so hard and I'm so proud of him. All the staff likes him already. Every floor we have been on, Jed is loved very quickly. There are incredible people at this hospital that do so much good. We are so grateful for people that make such a big difference in other people's lives.
Day 6
Tuesday, Oct 12th, Day 6-
Today was good. We moved to the 12th floor for Rehab and will stay here until Jed recovers. We really like it here and heard it is "the place where miracle happen." Jed's next door neighbor came by and said hi. His name is Christian. He looks like he's in his late 20's. He was in a really bad mountain biking accident and broke his neck. He is a quadrapolegic, but you would never have known that because he was moving his arms and his legs. He has only been here for 5 weeks and is already walking. That is truly a miracle. It really gave Jed hope to see someone that was worse off than him doing so well in such a short period of time. They said they think we will be here 2-3 weeks depending on how well Jed does. When the Phys. Therapist was in, Jed moved his foot a little so we were way excited! Jed was kind of down before I was about to leave to go home and I felt bad leaving him when he was low in spirits. My uncle Ken called as I was pulling out and asked if he could see Jed. I told him that would be great- he could really use some words of comfort and encouragement. My uncle texted me later that the visit went well and that he thinks Jed is doing better. Jed called me and told me he was feeling better and that Ken was a good man. I was grateful that he followed the spirit and visited Jed, he really needed it. Today was also the first day I was finally able to eat something compared to only being able to have a couple bites of something. I have really had a hard time eating through this all because I just can't eat when I'm sick with worry, and honestly food just has no taste right now. But seeing Jed's little progresses everyday is helping so much. I think he's back on Earth again- just not in the United States yet...
Today was good. We moved to the 12th floor for Rehab and will stay here until Jed recovers. We really like it here and heard it is "the place where miracle happen." Jed's next door neighbor came by and said hi. His name is Christian. He looks like he's in his late 20's. He was in a really bad mountain biking accident and broke his neck. He is a quadrapolegic, but you would never have known that because he was moving his arms and his legs. He has only been here for 5 weeks and is already walking. That is truly a miracle. It really gave Jed hope to see someone that was worse off than him doing so well in such a short period of time. They said they think we will be here 2-3 weeks depending on how well Jed does. When the Phys. Therapist was in, Jed moved his foot a little so we were way excited! Jed was kind of down before I was about to leave to go home and I felt bad leaving him when he was low in spirits. My uncle Ken called as I was pulling out and asked if he could see Jed. I told him that would be great- he could really use some words of comfort and encouragement. My uncle texted me later that the visit went well and that he thinks Jed is doing better. Jed called me and told me he was feeling better and that Ken was a good man. I was grateful that he followed the spirit and visited Jed, he really needed it. Today was also the first day I was finally able to eat something compared to only being able to have a couple bites of something. I have really had a hard time eating through this all because I just can't eat when I'm sick with worry, and honestly food just has no taste right now. But seeing Jed's little progresses everyday is helping so much. I think he's back on Earth again- just not in the United States yet...
Day 5
Monday, Oct 11th, Day 5-
Today was going good at first. Jed was able turn in bed on his own and shows more strength everyday. When the physical therapist was in, Jed's legs showed some resistance with him so we were way excited! He also laughed for the 1st time, it was actually at himself. He's been funny through all this and still does voice inpersonations. His nurses name is Cindy and he said
"I like you Cindy" like Arnold on Kindergarten Cop. (Except kind of monotone) Also, whenever they give him his medicine he always says "Pills are good!" from Dumb and Dumber. He is a little more himself today too. Then the surgeon came in and told Jed he was going to have him go to the 12th floor for rehab on Tuesday and doesn't see any reason why he shouldn't regain movement on that left side again. We asked him if he knew the results of the type of tumor yet and he looked it up on the computer to see if it was posted yet. He read it and said "Looks like it was a Grade 2 Astrocytoma. You will need to follow up with us in a couple of weeks and we'll have watch it." And then started to walk out. Jed and I were both really scared and asked him what that meant. He said that it wasn't a 3, 4, or 5, and that was what is really bad. And then he left. Jed told me he was scared and I tried to comfort him while I myself was ready to throw up. I of course looked it up on the computer and was not comforted with what I found. Jed's slow recovery was enough for me to handle that I didn't think I could take anything else. I went outside in the hall and then got a unknown phone call. It was the Head Guy in charge at the Bureau. He asked about Jed and I told him what we had just found out. He told me not to worry and that a lot of prayers were being said for Jed. That he was able to meet with him before the surgery at work and was so impressed with him. And that if anyone could get through this that it was Jed. He asked when would be a good time to come see him and I told him Sunday would be great. After I hung up with him I went and told Jed about it and I think it cheered him up. It made me feel better, it was really good timing when he called. I decided that I was just going to focus on Jed getting better right now and that I'll deal with that if I have to later on. When I remember all of the blessings that Jed has been given, it gives me comfort and reminds me that he is in the Lord's hands and to trust Him.
Today was going good at first. Jed was able turn in bed on his own and shows more strength everyday. When the physical therapist was in, Jed's legs showed some resistance with him so we were way excited! He also laughed for the 1st time, it was actually at himself. He's been funny through all this and still does voice inpersonations. His nurses name is Cindy and he said
"I like you Cindy" like Arnold on Kindergarten Cop. (Except kind of monotone) Also, whenever they give him his medicine he always says "Pills are good!" from Dumb and Dumber. He is a little more himself today too. Then the surgeon came in and told Jed he was going to have him go to the 12th floor for rehab on Tuesday and doesn't see any reason why he shouldn't regain movement on that left side again. We asked him if he knew the results of the type of tumor yet and he looked it up on the computer to see if it was posted yet. He read it and said "Looks like it was a Grade 2 Astrocytoma. You will need to follow up with us in a couple of weeks and we'll have watch it." And then started to walk out. Jed and I were both really scared and asked him what that meant. He said that it wasn't a 3, 4, or 5, and that was what is really bad. And then he left. Jed told me he was scared and I tried to comfort him while I myself was ready to throw up. I of course looked it up on the computer and was not comforted with what I found. Jed's slow recovery was enough for me to handle that I didn't think I could take anything else. I went outside in the hall and then got a unknown phone call. It was the Head Guy in charge at the Bureau. He asked about Jed and I told him what we had just found out. He told me not to worry and that a lot of prayers were being said for Jed. That he was able to meet with him before the surgery at work and was so impressed with him. And that if anyone could get through this that it was Jed. He asked when would be a good time to come see him and I told him Sunday would be great. After I hung up with him I went and told Jed about it and I think it cheered him up. It made me feel better, it was really good timing when he called. I decided that I was just going to focus on Jed getting better right now and that I'll deal with that if I have to later on. When I remember all of the blessings that Jed has been given, it gives me comfort and reminds me that he is in the Lord's hands and to trust Him.
Day 4
Sunday, 10/10/10, Day 4-
Today was a good day. Although the night was rough, he is doing better than yesterday. He napped a lot this morning and afternoon. We were told that our ward and many others were fasting for Jed and we know that it really blessed him and helped. He started to come out of it about noon and it was so good to see him be more like himself. His strength was even better too- he could sit up longer and even stood up with the physical therapist holding him. He started to talk better with a little more fluctuation in his voice and not so quiet. And hasn't said anything too off the wall today! It looks like he is finally starting to really make progression since the surgery. Tonight Ammon our little 19 month little boy came and Jed saw him for the 1st time. He tried so hard not to cry but couldn't help it and it really startled Ammon. He wouldn't give him a hug and was really confused seeing Jed like that. Jed was so happy to see him though even though he wouldn't let him hold him.
We're so grateful for all the prayers, fasting, and thoughts that have been in behalf of our family. We really can feel them and know that the prayers are being answered. We couldn't get through this without all the support and love we have been given, and especially without the help of our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. This is by far the biggest trial we have ever been through and I'm still scared but we have never felt alone and I feel peace that everything is going to be ok. It just might take some time. Thank you all so much.
Today was a good day. Although the night was rough, he is doing better than yesterday. He napped a lot this morning and afternoon. We were told that our ward and many others were fasting for Jed and we know that it really blessed him and helped. He started to come out of it about noon and it was so good to see him be more like himself. His strength was even better too- he could sit up longer and even stood up with the physical therapist holding him. He started to talk better with a little more fluctuation in his voice and not so quiet. And hasn't said anything too off the wall today! It looks like he is finally starting to really make progression since the surgery. Tonight Ammon our little 19 month little boy came and Jed saw him for the 1st time. He tried so hard not to cry but couldn't help it and it really startled Ammon. He wouldn't give him a hug and was really confused seeing Jed like that. Jed was so happy to see him though even though he wouldn't let him hold him.
We're so grateful for all the prayers, fasting, and thoughts that have been in behalf of our family. We really can feel them and know that the prayers are being answered. We couldn't get through this without all the support and love we have been given, and especially without the help of our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. This is by far the biggest trial we have ever been through and I'm still scared but we have never felt alone and I feel peace that everything is going to be ok. It just might take some time. Thank you all so much.
Day 3
Saturday, Oct 9th, Day 3-
We got moved to the 14th floor today and are so happy to be out of the ICU. Hopefully Jed will have a better sleep not being hooked to all the moniters and having an IV in. The view in our room is beautiful and overlooks the Wasatch Mountains. Jed's doing a little better today, he has more strength and can stay sitting up for just a little bit. He can't turn in bed without help and can't do a lot on his own yet. He's still very emotional and still doesn't look like himself yet, but looks a little better compared to yesterday. He has had a lot of visitors and is touched everytime someone comes. We can't believe how much support we have recieved from our family, friends and his work and its been fun to meet a lot of his co workers. One of his hero's from the bureau, Ken Porter, came by, and it just made Jed's day. He was very very emotional when he saw him but he kind of started to make more progress after that visit. It kind of ignited him.
The surgeon still can't understand no movement and says if he doesn't see improvement we will be going to rehab. He still has some anxiety and they gave him something to help which caused him to have really crazy dreams and to be confused between dreaming and real life. I stayed with him that night and he told me he had a confession- I thought maybe I was finally going to get some dirt on him! He told me he lives other secret lives as a pilot and a bus driver. He also thought we were jumping through different time era's and thought we were in the 20's, that he was 80 years old, that he was wearing a woman's dress, and he woke me up once telling me he was in the cockpit ready to fly. It was another long and interesting night. I think I've cried so much that I can't cry anymore. It feels like my husband went on a trip to another planet and hasn't come back to Earth yet. I really miss him so much and hope he comes back to me soon. They told us that his brain is really swollen and that with the combination of the trauma of the surgery and meds that it will take some time before he is with it again. Patience is not my favorite virtue...
We got moved to the 14th floor today and are so happy to be out of the ICU. Hopefully Jed will have a better sleep not being hooked to all the moniters and having an IV in. The view in our room is beautiful and overlooks the Wasatch Mountains. Jed's doing a little better today, he has more strength and can stay sitting up for just a little bit. He can't turn in bed without help and can't do a lot on his own yet. He's still very emotional and still doesn't look like himself yet, but looks a little better compared to yesterday. He has had a lot of visitors and is touched everytime someone comes. We can't believe how much support we have recieved from our family, friends and his work and its been fun to meet a lot of his co workers. One of his hero's from the bureau, Ken Porter, came by, and it just made Jed's day. He was very very emotional when he saw him but he kind of started to make more progress after that visit. It kind of ignited him.
The surgeon still can't understand no movement and says if he doesn't see improvement we will be going to rehab. He still has some anxiety and they gave him something to help which caused him to have really crazy dreams and to be confused between dreaming and real life. I stayed with him that night and he told me he had a confession- I thought maybe I was finally going to get some dirt on him! He told me he lives other secret lives as a pilot and a bus driver. He also thought we were jumping through different time era's and thought we were in the 20's, that he was 80 years old, that he was wearing a woman's dress, and he woke me up once telling me he was in the cockpit ready to fly. It was another long and interesting night. I think I've cried so much that I can't cry anymore. It feels like my husband went on a trip to another planet and hasn't come back to Earth yet. I really miss him so much and hope he comes back to me soon. They told us that his brain is really swollen and that with the combination of the trauma of the surgery and meds that it will take some time before he is with it again. Patience is not my favorite virtue...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Day 2
Friday, Oct 8th, day 2.
After the rough night of Jed not sleeping and being really uncomfortable, it didn't really lead into a good day. He was so tired and out of it that at first he couldn't even open his eyes. He couldn't move his face to the left and he couldn't even move his eyes to the left because of the left sided weakness. He was really hating the catheder and offered the night nurse $200 if he would take it out. When the morning nurse came in, he said,
"I"m going to make you the same offer I made the last nurse, I'll pay you $20 bucks if you take this catheder out."
I said," Jed you lowered your price!" and the nurse laughed. She then did an assessment on him and said,
"Jed, do you know where you are?"
"Hell." he said back.
She laughed and then said, "I'm going to listen to your heart ok?"
"Can you hear what its saying?" he said, "Take the catheder out."
The nurse was loving Jed already. And yes, he got his catheder out and was very happy about it.
The surgeon came in early to see how he was doing and said that he should be moving by now, but still nothing. He pinched his arm really hard, and Jed flinched! So we were happy to see that. It actually left quite a good bruise on his arm- no wonder it moved! They took him to get an MRI to make sure the tumor was all gone. We were pretty nervous waiting, we didn't want anything left of that dang thing. Thankfully, the results showed that it was all gone as far as they could tell. Jed was really weak and couldn't even lift up his head. He talked really monotone and soft and he just didn't look or act like himself at all, except that he still had an appetite and scarfed his food when it came. He was still extremely emotional where he would cry out loud. It didn't matter if he was happy or sad. When someone would visit him he would always cry because it meant so much to him. He is left handed and so it was hard for him to hold the utensil in his right hand, he gave up pretty fast and just picked up the food with his hands and shoveled it into his mouth. It reminded me of how a little kid would eat. Later that night I heard Jed swear for the first time that I've ever known him... We had to leave for a couple of hours again for shift change. Jed started to have an anxiety attack when I left and pressed the nurse button a lot because he was scared or uncomfortable. The nurse, Josh, got upset with him for pressing the button so much and they got in a little tiff. When I got back to Jed after the change was over, Jed told me that his nurse was an A-hole but really said the word. That was the beginning of the swearing, and I'm sure Jed will never forget that nurses name, since he mentioned it quite often the next couple of days. We were later told that part of not being able to control your emotions is also saying whatever is on your mind. So if a swear word comes to Jed's mind- it just comes out. I haven't heard the F word yet though thank goodness. :) Actually, besides the one incident with Josh, which I don't really blame him for, Jed has really been a sweetheart and has never gotten upset or mean to anyone. That just shows what a good guy he is- isn't even mean when he can't control whatever comes to his mind. So far, this is not what Jed and I were expecting following his surgery and it was a really rough day not knowing what was going on or why. Mentally and physically- Jed was barely there.
After the rough night of Jed not sleeping and being really uncomfortable, it didn't really lead into a good day. He was so tired and out of it that at first he couldn't even open his eyes. He couldn't move his face to the left and he couldn't even move his eyes to the left because of the left sided weakness. He was really hating the catheder and offered the night nurse $200 if he would take it out. When the morning nurse came in, he said,
"I"m going to make you the same offer I made the last nurse, I'll pay you $20 bucks if you take this catheder out."
I said," Jed you lowered your price!" and the nurse laughed. She then did an assessment on him and said,
"Jed, do you know where you are?"
"Hell." he said back.
She laughed and then said, "I'm going to listen to your heart ok?"
"Can you hear what its saying?" he said, "Take the catheder out."
The nurse was loving Jed already. And yes, he got his catheder out and was very happy about it.
The surgeon came in early to see how he was doing and said that he should be moving by now, but still nothing. He pinched his arm really hard, and Jed flinched! So we were happy to see that. It actually left quite a good bruise on his arm- no wonder it moved! They took him to get an MRI to make sure the tumor was all gone. We were pretty nervous waiting, we didn't want anything left of that dang thing. Thankfully, the results showed that it was all gone as far as they could tell. Jed was really weak and couldn't even lift up his head. He talked really monotone and soft and he just didn't look or act like himself at all, except that he still had an appetite and scarfed his food when it came. He was still extremely emotional where he would cry out loud. It didn't matter if he was happy or sad. When someone would visit him he would always cry because it meant so much to him. He is left handed and so it was hard for him to hold the utensil in his right hand, he gave up pretty fast and just picked up the food with his hands and shoveled it into his mouth. It reminded me of how a little kid would eat. Later that night I heard Jed swear for the first time that I've ever known him... We had to leave for a couple of hours again for shift change. Jed started to have an anxiety attack when I left and pressed the nurse button a lot because he was scared or uncomfortable. The nurse, Josh, got upset with him for pressing the button so much and they got in a little tiff. When I got back to Jed after the change was over, Jed told me that his nurse was an A-hole but really said the word. That was the beginning of the swearing, and I'm sure Jed will never forget that nurses name, since he mentioned it quite often the next couple of days. We were later told that part of not being able to control your emotions is also saying whatever is on your mind. So if a swear word comes to Jed's mind- it just comes out. I haven't heard the F word yet though thank goodness. :) Actually, besides the one incident with Josh, which I don't really blame him for, Jed has really been a sweetheart and has never gotten upset or mean to anyone. That just shows what a good guy he is- isn't even mean when he can't control whatever comes to his mind. So far, this is not what Jed and I were expecting following his surgery and it was a really rough day not knowing what was going on or why. Mentally and physically- Jed was barely there.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
D-Day
Thursday, Oct 7th we checked in the hospital at 7 am. They got Jed prepped and all ready and the nerves were pretty strong. Jed was mostly nervous for the After part but I told him not to worry- once the surgerys over, we can move on from this and just rest. They took him in at 11:40. I went to the car and got a good cry out and went back into the waiting room with both of our parents and family. It was only a 3 hour surgery and they had us go up to the ICU for news. The surgeon said that the surgery had gone very well and that the tumor was the size of a large egg! He said it didnt look to be cancerous and was happy with the surgery. They then took me back to see Jed. You always forget that everyone looks really bad after they've just had surgery. His face was really pasty yellow and he had an oxygen mask on still. He was awake and seemed to be really upset, and was sweating really bad. He asked me what went wrong and what was happening to him. I told him that the surgery had gone really good and not to worry and that everything was ok. He was panicking and having a really hard time breathing and kept telling me that something was wrong, that he felt like something was really not right. I hummed him some hymns to help calm him and he started to cry out loud. I wasn't prepared for this and was wondering myself what was going on. I later found out that the part where his tumor was removed controls your emotions and that its very common for patients to be very emotional after a brain surgery. He was also very drugged and was saying some pretty crazy things. Everything he said he was crying out loud while he said it. Some of them were funny and some of them kind of made me feel kind of worried but here are some of the things he said:
"Do you think President Monson will come visit me?"
"Am I holding Jesus's hand?"
"Is Jesus in the room? And aunt Chris and Grandad?" (that actually really scared me)
"I wish I could win the lottery!"
"I LOVE my job! I want to help people. There's so many bad people out there, I just want catch them all"
"I haven't told any secrets have I?"
(to the nurses) "You guys are going to be so blessed for what you do. You help people!
Another funny thing is that he called me Melisa when I first came in and for the rest of the time pretty much. Which is pretty funny cause he doesn't usually call me that even though it is my name, its just always been Missy.
He hated the catheder and was also in a lot of pain. The rest of the day in the ICU was pretty rough. He had some visitors and they were probably alarmed by Jed's appearance. His eyes were kind of dazed. Kind of like how a person who is blind would look at you, his mouth was kind of always a little open, and his left side of his face was pretty droopy. He definately wasn't looking like my Jed. He would cry when anyone would come in the room and wouldn't let me out of his sight. The surgeon came in checked on Jed. He had him wiggle his toes and only his right foot moved. Then he had him lift up his arms and only the right one went up. We were both wondering what was going on but the doc said he was suprised he wasn't moving but that he should be fine by tomorrow. So Jed could feel his left side but could not move it at all. They made us leave for shift change but came out and got me out of the waiting room because Jed was having a panic attack after I left. I stayed with Jed that night and It was one of the longest nights of my life. Jed couldn't sleep and had a lot of anxiety. He was always asking me to caress his face, rub his feet or his hands or anything else that would calm him. Not a fun day.
"Do you think President Monson will come visit me?"
"Am I holding Jesus's hand?"
"Is Jesus in the room? And aunt Chris and Grandad?" (that actually really scared me)
"I wish I could win the lottery!"
"I LOVE my job! I want to help people. There's so many bad people out there, I just want catch them all"
"I haven't told any secrets have I?"
(to the nurses) "You guys are going to be so blessed for what you do. You help people!
Another funny thing is that he called me Melisa when I first came in and for the rest of the time pretty much. Which is pretty funny cause he doesn't usually call me that even though it is my name, its just always been Missy.
He hated the catheder and was also in a lot of pain. The rest of the day in the ICU was pretty rough. He had some visitors and they were probably alarmed by Jed's appearance. His eyes were kind of dazed. Kind of like how a person who is blind would look at you, his mouth was kind of always a little open, and his left side of his face was pretty droopy. He definately wasn't looking like my Jed. He would cry when anyone would come in the room and wouldn't let me out of his sight. The surgeon came in checked on Jed. He had him wiggle his toes and only his right foot moved. Then he had him lift up his arms and only the right one went up. We were both wondering what was going on but the doc said he was suprised he wasn't moving but that he should be fine by tomorrow. So Jed could feel his left side but could not move it at all. They made us leave for shift change but came out and got me out of the waiting room because Jed was having a panic attack after I left. I stayed with Jed that night and It was one of the longest nights of my life. Jed couldn't sleep and had a lot of anxiety. He was always asking me to caress his face, rub his feet or his hands or anything else that would calm him. Not a fun day.
The Day Before
The day before the surgery my family and Jed's family went to a great session at the temple. It was the best one I've ever been to and I felt the spirit so strong. After the session, we met at a church to give Jed a priesthood blessing. Before we began my Grandpa gave a beautiful prayer and Jed said a couple words to everyone. He told us he'd had a very special experience in the temple and told me once more that everthing was going to be alright. Jed's brother Jason gave him the blessing and I don't know if there was a dry eye in the room. It was very comforting and Jed was promised that we would be ok and the surgeon would get the whole tumor out and that the surgery would go very well. I felt peace that everyting was going to be alright. We then went to Village Inn since it was the only place open and had a great dinner with all of Jed's family.
The News
On Sept. 15th we had our appt with Dr Reichman, the neurosurgeon. We felt so blessed to be able to be referred to him and had heard incredible things about him. He had perfomed more brain surgerys than all the surgeons in Utah combined. He showed us the film of Jed's MRI results and told us that it looked like a low grade tumor., and that it was causing the seizures. We weren't completely shocked because we knew that something was there and couldn't figure out what else it could be. We were pleased that it looked to be a low grade one and not cancerous and that it was in a pretty good spot to operate. The Dr said it was in a quiet area and on the top so it should be a pretty simple surgery with just a few days in the hospital and a couple weeks to just rest. He scheduled Jed to have surgery in 3 weeks, Nov 7th. So although we had just been told that Jed had a brain tumor, and that he was going to need brain surgery, we felt lucky that it wasn't worse, and walked out feeling blessed. (and extremely scared ha ha!)
"Thy Faith Shall Make Thee Whole"
On September 6th, we were at a family reunion in Pinto, Utah (near Enterprise) when Jed had his 3rd and by far, scariest seizure. It was a Sunday, and we were having our own little testimony meeting out on the lawn at the reunion. This particular meeting was special to us because Jed and I were really feeling really uneasy about the future, but the things that people said in their testimonies really helped us feel peace and we felt God's love for us so much. I bore mine and Jed got up after me. I think it was only his 2nd time since we've been married bearing his testimony at the reunion so I think he was extra nervous, but he bore the most beautiful testimony and the spirit was so strong. He told me that he was going to be ok, and talked about God's love for us. He paused, and then before he ended, told the men to always honor the priesthood and be worthy to hold it, because you never know when your going to need to heal someone. He closed and the sat down next to me. I was telling him what a good job he did, when I noticed that something was not right. His eyes were rolling to the back of his head, his jaw was flexing forward, and he was started to slightly shake. Although I'd never seen one, I knew immediately he was having a seizure. I started saying his name louder and louder and my family was sitting by us and quickly took him and laid him on his side. Before they laid him down the seizure was really getting intense and I will never forget his face and how bad it scared me. They layed Jed on his side and at that point he had completely stopped breathing and was starting to turn dark blue. I was immediately being held and hugged by my sisters, cousins, and Grandma and Mom as I realized I was crying hysterically and that I wasnt the only one. I could see the panic in their eyes of the people surrounding him. My uncle Ken who has worked in the ER for years said he's seen many seizures but never one that scary where he himself thought that Jed might not make it if he didn't breathe soon. The priesthood holders immediately surrounded him, laid their hands upon him and my uncle Ken, who is also a stake president, commanded Jed to breath. He immediately breathed. I was able to go to him once the seizure had stopped and I Jed held him and cried. Although it was THE scariest moment of my whole life, where I had thought for a few moments that I just lost my husband, it was an amazing experience to see someone's faith in the priesthood make them whole. Jed is an incredible guy and I admire his faith so much.
August 9th "Officer Down"
On August 9th, a Thursday, Jed had just finished his last day at his work at School Improvement Network, and was at the police Acadamy doing a scenario when he suddenly went into a seizure. I was home and didn't hear my phone ring but my mom had been contacted, so she came over and told me that Jed had had a seizure and that he was at the hospital. At first I didn't believe her, but went to the hospital and was able to be with Jed in the ER. The officers at the police academy said it was for sure a seizure and luckily knew what to do. We at that point, were scared and confused. Was this a result of the boating accident? Or is this what caused the boating accident? We were referred to a neurologist and an MRI was ordered along with an EEG. During the middle of all this, Jed started his dream career with the Bureau and with a huge miracle had his insurance with them start immediately. What a huge blessing that was. The EEG came back normal but the MRI showed that there was something in the front right frontal lobe of his brain and we were referred to meet with a neurosurgeon, Dr, Reichman, about what it could be on Sept 15th. So we just had to wait...
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
July 8th- Out of the "Blue"
So it's been over a year since we wrote in our blog, but we thought this would be a good time to resurrect it so we can keep everyone up to date.
On July 8th Jed went boating for a work activity. He was then going to drive to St George after to test with the St George Police Acadamy. At about 5 PM, I got an unexpected phone call from a paramedic (something I've always been afraid of getting). He told me that he had Jed in the ambulance and that he had a water skiing accident but that he was ok. They took him to Utah Valley Regional Hospital and he had to spend the night because he had aspirated water. He was knee boarding and went down and when the boat turned around to get him, he was lying face down in the water shaking. His boss Nick and his coworker Johnny Harlene (BYU) jumped in and got him out. They thought he was acting really weird when he came to, but thought he must have hit his head hard. So it was really scary but we were just grateful that Jed was ok and didn't think anything more of it.
On July 8th Jed went boating for a work activity. He was then going to drive to St George after to test with the St George Police Acadamy. At about 5 PM, I got an unexpected phone call from a paramedic (something I've always been afraid of getting). He told me that he had Jed in the ambulance and that he had a water skiing accident but that he was ok. They took him to Utah Valley Regional Hospital and he had to spend the night because he had aspirated water. He was knee boarding and went down and when the boat turned around to get him, he was lying face down in the water shaking. His boss Nick and his coworker Johnny Harlene (BYU) jumped in and got him out. They thought he was acting really weird when he came to, but thought he must have hit his head hard. So it was really scary but we were just grateful that Jed was ok and didn't think anything more of it.
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