Day 4, morning
I saw Kathy several times yesterday, and again this morning, and was allowed to hold her hand. I’m happy to report that no progress has been made, which apparently is a good thing. Any significant change at this stage of her treatment means that one or more of her monitors will have left baseline, and, through delicate intervention, would need to be corrected.
The anticipated vascular spasms, which I’m told typically start around day three but might not occur until much later, so far have not shown their shudder. But they are almost certainly sure to show. So I suppose that’s a neutral day 4 outcome.
By all appearances Kathy is unresponsive. That’s because she is being held under the deepest sedation possible, which is normal for Kathy’s condition type. But being visibly unresponsive doesn’t mean she hasn’t registered the whispered love that she has now received from your concerned messages. It must be true, it just has to be: the deeper the sedation, the more profoundly felt is the subterranean flow of warmth. Immeasurable thanks to all of you for your posts and emails, they are truly a steadying influence.
Nurses can sometimes be demanding in their need to know what normal people know not to know. I know. I’m married to one. I’ve heard from a few of them in the past few days. So those of you not in the profession might want to skip the following paragraph.
Okay, so it was a subarachnoid hemorrhage brought on by a ruptured aneurism in the right frontal lobe, where most of the bleeding still shows but is draining as well as can be expected, with minimal, treatable clotting. This morning they’re going to try to insert another draining tube, this time left frontal, to help assure that if one clogs, the other will maintain the flow. For more information on what the above means, talk to one of your neuro friends in the hospital.
Hospitals are unique and inspiring places. They are democratic – people from all walks of life, each one given respect by all others. Conversations among small and large groups are, in general, more meaningful and intently conducted than elsewhere. Eyes of people grappling with life-rocking change. Overwhelming sadness and joy pervade the atmosphere.
And for this I am most grateful: tears are looked upon as normal.
16 Comments on Day 4, morningI saw Kathy several times yesterday,
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Love and kisses and prayers. SEE U BOTH SOON!!! –Netta
Richard,
I’m there with you. Stay strong.
Torg!
Oh Kathy! I know all the love and wonderful careful care you have given through your career is going to be given to you now. You are such a wonderful person who has touched so many lives in ways both big and small. I also know you have amazing strength and can face this huge challenge and show us all how it’s done. I am so sorry you have to go through this. My love, and Kurt sends his too. ( Thank you Richard and stay strong and get rest and food and the things you need too! )
Hang in there bud, the East Coast is praying nonstop for all of you. Call when u feel like talking.
Thank you Richard for doing this blog and keeping us all up to date on Kathy’s progress. We all LOVE her! Just last week Kathy was here at the desk saying that her sister and brother in law have the happiest marriage of any that she knows of except hers and yours. Last month she was at our staff meeting saying that we are all like family,…we love, respect and care for each other even though we are all so different. We all feel that way about our Kathy! Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Wendi Bennett
Kathy O as we call her up in L and D at Sierra Vista is one of the most beautiful and amazing Nurses I know. I am honored to work along side of her and am praying for a quick recovery. She has brought joy and laughter to my job and I love her for that 🙂 Be sure to tell her not to worry I got rid of the computer for her JK but she will know what that means 🙂 Luv u bunches KO
Dick, thank you for the update. Sally was remembering the time Kathy gave her a box of fruit flavored altoids, she ate the whole box, and then you and Paul were going to take her canoeing, but the canoe was missing. Please tell Kathy we love her and are thinking of her all day long. I spoke to Paul this morning and he said to make sure I tell you he sends his love to Kathy and you. If you need any help, anything we can do, please let us know. Day 4 hugs to Kathy and you.
Yes, Day 4 Love and Hugs.
Richard, thank you so much for your beautiful words and thank you for loving your Kathy so beautifully and well all these years. Tell her the image I have in my head and heart and soul of her is dancing gracefully and sweetly and with such a wonderful smile always. The first time I saw her in that state was 25 years ago and, even though I don’t get to share those dancing times as often as I used to, I plan to again. Mitch sends his love and prayers your way. We aren’t usually praying people, but we are now. May the Goddess shine her light and surround you both with all our love.
DiD you Do a beautiful job of writing
Hey Richard, all my love to you guys. I will keep following your posts and hoping for the best along with everyone. Wish I could give you a hug man.
You know how when you are a kid, especially a little girl, you are in AWE of your mom? She is the most beautiful woman ever born, she is the most brilliant person alive and she is so strong that she almost seems to posses super-human powers. What she says is gospel and as long as she is near there is absolutely nothing that can hurt you. She is an angel!!!
I feel that way even more so now!!!
Hi Richard!! I love the “tears are normal” statement!! I love you for writing this blog! We call YOU “The Gold Standard” when it comes to mates for us rowdy nurses!! I imagine Kathy lying peacefully on a bed of LAVENDER with you holding her hand!!
Kathy, I am praying to our Heavenly Father on your behalf! I am also praying for Richard to maintain his strength ,physically, spiritually ,and emotionally . I’ve asked several of my friends to lift your name up in prayer. Remember Arlene Robertson ( Martinez )? She called from Japan last night for an update on you! She too send her love and prayers!
Hi Richard and Kathy – I’m just sending a little Sunday night note to you both. Kathy you keep having that deep, deep slumber which helps you get better every day – with your Richard by your side every step of the way. Richard, you too take care of yourself, and sleep well and peacefully. ‘Night~ Pam
well, just thinking of you both today. Kathy, you are such a nature lover, I bet you are having beautiful dreams of coast and sand, trees and trails while Richard holds your hand. I bet Richard has some great memories of some of your hikes and outdoors adventures, and wonderful moments right there in Morro Bay, and will continue to share those with you. hugs Pam