Our Mom tonight

Mama has had some very serious complications with the issue of fluid around her lungs but the doctor thinks it is under control. It is one of the complications of the open heart surgery. We are all hopeful that she is again mending. She is resting in ICU tonight, please remember her in your prayers.

Sharon

September 29 update

I spoke with Marlene at 10:00 am and she said the procedure to drain fluid from Mom's chest was postponed because her blood was still too thin. They may be able to do it later today. Greig

September 29

I talked with Mom at 8:00 am today and she said they were going to take her down to drain some fluid from one side of her chest shortly. She will probably have the other side done tomorrow. They gave her platelets to counteract the coumadin which thins her blood so that this procedure could be done asap. She might be in the hospital until Friday, Oct. 3rd. Greig

Hospitalized

Mama has been taken back to the Midland Hospital by ambulance. Marlene, Greig, Susan and Don are there. Dr. Jones has been notified, and has contacted her attending physician. She was admitted this evening. Susan says she is in good spirits, I am sure your prayers are needed and appreciated. Thanks again. I think Greig or Don will fill in details for you.

Sharon

September 27th

Yesterday Mom was having a hard time when I was there at 2:00 pm. Her legs and feet were swollen as big as I'd seen them. I went back at 7:00 pm and although the swelling in her legs and feet had gone down slightly, her breathing was worse, very shallow and her face was very pale.
I talked to Mom's nurse about the fluid buildup around her lungs after her surgery and the nurse came down to take her vitals and I don't remember them all but her pulse/ox dipped to 87 at one point. She had a standing order for oxygen so they hooked that up and she got some relief but her respirations remained high and her color didn't improve either.
Susan and Don stopped by around 8:30 pm and the Doctor finally called back a few minutes later. She prescribed 40 mg of lasix to help Mom get rid of excess fluid. Susan and Don stayed overnight with Mom and are still there--12:30 pm. They called at 8:30 am and told me the day nurse called the doctor about getting a chest xray (they have it done right in Mom's room) to see if there is fluid around her lungs again. If she needs to have fluid drawn from her chest again, she will need to be off coumadin for at least 3 days. She is still in good spirits considering everything that's happening.
Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Greig

Luncheon Date

Today I learned from a social worker at Stratford that on Monday, Sept. 29, mom will be going with a group on a luncheon trip. The time for the trip is 10:45 am--1:30 pm. The lady did not say to where they would be going, but trips like this are an ongoing thing. Sounds like a good idea to me. It also sounds like mom is beginning to regain some strength. And like Martha says, "It's a good thing".

Don

MAMA said

I tried several times tonight and finally got to talk to Mama! She sounds good, and Susan and Don, who were visiting, called later to tell me she looks just wonderful.
Mama says she has therapy in the morning, lunch, rest, and then her and her nice room friend were invited to go to somewhere, where they made a craft.

Lets see, two weeks ago tonight we were talking with the lung doctor, who told us her chances of coming off the respirator were 50/50! Mama's answer to him was to ignore that, and trust in whatever decision God had in mind. She knew she needed the surgery, and He knew we needed her here for a purpose.

Susan likes the nursing facility staff and feels better about Mama's decision to continue her therapy and healing there. Mama is clear about her choices when she decides to make them. If she wants our opinion, we give it, but she makes her own decisions whenever she can.

She gave me good advice the night she was so ill, I was trying to make her comfortable, and in my joy that she was responding to my questions about blankets, needles, cold feet and water, I lifted her Oxygen mask so that I could understand her words.

She said clearly, "Too Many Questions"

Now she would probably tell me "Too Many Words!" Did I mention I write too much when I am happy??

Susan says she now has doctor appointments and ultrasound in a week or so with Dr. Jones. She is not ready to deal with her cell phone yet, and looks forward to a note or card. Thank you to all who have sent the lovely cards and letters.

I told Mama good-night!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Sharon

Greig Said

I talked to Greig tonight, he spent a lot of time with Mama today, and he said she is feeling much better. I think it was stressful to unhook from the big hospital and jump into an unknown place but she had a few blessings there also. Her room mate is, by all reports, a very nice lady and they seem compatable. That's great. Greig reports they are friends already.

He also says that the great nurse who has cared for her for two days finally realized that Mama is Mrs. Grey, the playground aid who looked out for her when she was a student at Amble Elementary! What a small world. Its the little quirks of fate that add to our life, isnt it? Anyway, Greig said she was a great nurse before we found out she is practically 'related, so that is nice, also.

Greig scoped around the home and said that the staff treats all of the residents with respect and kindness and he was well pleased with the general overall facility. Believe me, if Greig says things are good, they are ok with me as Greig is a very good judge of medical institutions. We trust his intuitions and Marlene's medical expertise, and Susan's Compassion and Creig's keen eye for hunting sites. (smile)

So tonight we can rest knowing that mama is safe and relaxed about her new 'home' and is eating well and has new people in her life whom she enjoys, and
tomorrow she will be rested and ready to again work on her healing and mobility issues! And I will stop whining and get out my walking shoes.

I think I can sleep tonight.

Sharon

September 23..3:44 pm

An update on mom. I stopped there today and she was up in a wheel chair, and said she was doing quite well. She had breakfast and a workout with the rehab people. Her left hand has lost some of the swelling, but her fore arm is still swollen. The nurse said it would probably take a little more time for the swelling to go down. Also, the swelling in her feet has gone down (not sure how much), and she has her shoes on.

That's about it for now..........Don

Good night, Mama

I talked to Greig, and to Don, then to Susan. Mama doesn't have her phone set up yet but will tomorrow. She seems just fine from reports, but I don't know if I can sleep because I didn't tell her good-night!!

Funny how we are such creatures of habit. So Good-night everyone!

Our Cousin Karen Nunn wrote

Was so glad to read your mom's blog & I forwarded to my brother so he has been reading & looking at the pictures also.

Thanks so much for thinking of us. Hope your mom continues to progress & we will certainly be thinking about you all.

I tried to comment on the Blog but couldn't find it later so I don't think that it updated...

Anyway, Hope all stays well & tell everyone "HELLO" & for Nellie to hang in there & continue her recovery.

Karen Nunn

Moving on Out

It's Monday and moving day..........

Greig just called me and said Mom, with Don's assistance, got moved today to Stratford Village. She is in room 245, bed B........ I think. They didn't have a private room available right now. Greig said he was headed over there about 5:30- right now Mom was tired out and trying to sleep.

I remember Connie and I moving more than once where Mom and Dad were there to help us out with it. At the end of the day Mom always made sure our bed was made so we had a place to put our heads- she was and is awesome!

Creig

September 21...8:41

Just an update on mom. Susan and I went to hospital today, and mom is doing real well. She had a good supper while we were there, showing that her appetite is getting a little better. Her left arm is still a little puffy, but there doesn't seem to be any hardness or soreness with it.

We are awaiting the call to let us know what time she will be going to Stratford on Monday, if that is what Dr. Jones wants to do. At this time it looks like everything is good to go, but we won't know until we hear from them.

We will report later.............Don

One more

Now this is Definitely the 'going home 'photo.

The P.A. says probibly mama will stay in the hospital until Monday. The S.W just checked with Stratford andd they will hold a room for her until then.

Creig, where were you when I needed help with the photo thing???

New pictures

Now for pictures!

New procedures

Mama had some fluid which her body had collected, not in her lung. Dr. Jones says this happens in 20 to 30 per cent, and his PA says sometimes the body collects fluid to flush out bits of impurities from surgery. Maybe your heart can't keep up with this, and needs help. The first was done last night, and again this am, each time about a liter was taken out. they locate it with ultrasound, freeze a spot and go in with a needle. Big needle. Her left arm is a bit swollen but the PA came in and checked it and since it is not hot nor solid, but soft, feels this is due to bruising and all of the needles but they will watch it. For now she thinks its ok.
Mama said yesterday it was a relief and she could breath much better, today she is again eating pretty well-small amounts but good variety-and she says her back does not hurt, and she is taking absolutely nothing for any pain. -------
Is this our Third Blessing or our fourth or fifth???

I am not real sure that she is just not a lot tougher than I am, and we had a nice chat today and she reminded me that when she was 12 months old, she weighed 11 pounds, and probibly had been born with a bad valve at a time when there was nothing to do but pray.

She told me that at one time, Dr. Koulter had her take digitalas, and he taught her to do it herself as her mama was so busy. One drop in her little glass of water, then 2, and so on. What a gal!

So to prove that I am not fibbing, I am enclosing mom's picture, she says her hair is a mess. I got a smile by saying"pretend you're going home"

Now will that be Blessing number 5 or six??????//

By the way, if we look confused, remember that Mama has been in 7 different hospital rooms, and we are not counting the one where they took her and her things down and said'oops, this room is for someone else!

I have to run now, before they move her again!

Sharon, Jim too

Friday September 19

It's about 10:37, Greig called a little while ago. Sharon had called him to report that mom had returned to her room after having another liter of fluid removed. Dr. Jones said this should not occur again. She is doing well, according to Greig. I'm sure Greig or Sharon will give further updates....Don

Thursday 5:40

Sharon called and said that mom back in her room, and is feeling well. She is eating and is ready have the next round of drainage done tomorrow.

That is it for now...Don

Thursday 4:53

Another update on mom. Sharon called and said mom is returning from having fluid removed . They took 1.1 liter from 1 side. Tomorrow they will do the same thing from the other side of diaphragm area. Mom is doing fine with it after they (?) told her that it is not a big deal.

That is all that Sharon said...........Don

Thursday

An update on mom. She has gone in to have fluid removed from under her diaphragm. She had called earlier today and told me she was going to have it done, and she would not be leaving the hospital until Saturday at the earliest. She went in at about 3:15 ? or so according to Sharon, who is with her at the hospital, along with Greig. I will update when more information comes to me.

Don

September 17

Mom had a stressful day today. She had been moved once, but they decided the room belonged to someone else and returned her to icu. However, she was still slated to move again tonight, but had not when we left at about 7 pm. She feels, and looks good, and is ready to move on whenever the hospital is ready. Dr. Jones wanted her to stay, so we don't know yet as to when she will be going to the nursing home. Her second walk today was about 30 ft. further than her first, so she is making progress on that issue. I think her strength will progress the more she is able to walk, but it has to be when she feels able. We will see what tomorrow brings

Don

September 17

Just to let you know mom is not going to Stratford today. Dr Jones said she will be in progressive care at the hospital, D Floor, at least until tomorrow. She does have a reservation at Stratford Though, so there is no worry about finding a place for her rehab.

That is all the information we have at this time

Don

MEN!

Now just wouldn't you know thats how my brother would judge a nursing home for Mama! The only problem here is, if I complain to her about it, she will probibly agree with the 'good deer area' idea!
I'm calling my sister's!

Sharon

Stratford Village

Connie and I did a drive by tonight. It is a really good deer area!

http://www.midmichigan.org/consumer/maps/FacilitiesResults.asp?Facility=C40210AE8FC448A8BF6C17AA0F8ED440&Type=Nursing+Homes&s=5&City=C52F735CA5CB4A2F8293219FA4B20CB6

When I worked in Midland a few in the area were always trying to stay ahead of me. Several actually did..............

Creig

Off, Up, and Away!

I just talked to my sister Susan, she just got to the hospital. Mama is up out of bed, all noodles, bells and whistles are unhooked, and she is leaving the hospital tomorrow!!!

She will be re-habing and re-building her new life either at the hosptal rehab or something called Stratford house.??anyone knowing of this, call me at 231-723-4676. or blog something.

Wow, lets see, its 4 days since open heart surgery, at age 85>>we must be doing something right to get a blessing like this.

We will keep all of you posted on where she is, and her address etc. I am sure Don will add something tonight. I'm off to scope out Stratford house!

Sharon

Nurses wearing 'sock hats??

The night before mama's surgery, her nurse, Christina, in a conversation with mama, confided that she was indeed expecting something besides cold weather this winter! Mama told me this. I knit baby hats, and I started one for her baby when mama went in to surgery. I can pray and knit!

Today I left the little hat at the nurses station down where mama was for last week with a note for her, not knowing she would be mama's nurse tonight.

Do I know how to get the best care for my mother or what?

Christina prepared mama for surgery all during the night before surgery and the beginning of my mother's new life with a healthy heart, and I am sure she will expertly usher her one more step toward her goal of living life for the first time with a healthy heart that is pumping blood properly. I cannot wait!

Monday 15

This evening Susan and I went to see mom and she looked really well. Her color was excellent (pink cheeks , etc.). She was sitting in a chair, had dinner, and took a short walk. The Dr. came in and was pleased with the progress. There are only 2 drip bags hanging. That's a long way from the 11 she had to begin. Christina is her nurse tonight. She is the same nurse mom had the night before surgery. Christina is thrilled with the hat that Sharon made her. Susan told her that Sharon started it during surgery, and momma said she finished the tassel in her room today. She said she can't wait to see it on the baby.

After she walked mom said she was ready to get back in bed. She doesn't seem terribly uncomfortable, even trying to maneuver into bed. She loves the blogs and hearing the comments.

Don

Monday at One

We arrived about noon and mama was in the shower room getting pretty. She is now in her chair and just had her lunch. She spilled a bit of shake from her lunch on her pillow and and we all scurryed around and got it clean. So far, 2 nurses and 3 doctors have autographed it.

Mama is coughing a bit, as she should, and she holds her heart pillow to her chest. She has used her spyrometer twice since we have been here. She is visiting and ate most of her lunch .

Mama says to tell everybody to hang in there because she is. She thinks everybody is doing just what they need to do and to keep doing the internet deal.

I read Mama all of your comments, some of them she had me read twice. She likes to hear the comments and is glad that Connie is saving all of it.

We will be heading for home soon, and Greig is coming to visit this afternoon, and Susan and Don I think tonight and we don't stay too long as she needs sleep, and her exercises make her tired.

A volunteer who has gone thru all of this is talking to Mom now, and is very encouraging. She is telling him all of the routine.

Keep up the comments! Its nice to see what all of you have to say.

Love to all, Sharon-Jim, too.

Sunday Evening

It's quiet now in the hospital. Shifts are changing and Greg just stopped and said good night. We will let the new nurse get everything situated and then tell Mama goodnight. All of the kids were here today and they are all headed for their homes and their work except Jim and I, who have no "work".

Tomorrow will be an important milestone again in the healing process. They took the Chest drain tube or tubes out today and mama ate a little bit of supper. Not too much, perhaps her appetite will be good for tomorrow. She has a good sense of humor and recall and we had a nice visit with her .

So good-night or good morning to all of our big family and friend circle, its time to say 'by for now.

Sharon

Editors Note

Well, Greg (he says one G) corrected my spelling, and mama wants to tell you this.

"I think I'm going to make it and my 5 kids and the other 60 followers are a big reason. I am feeling better already."

Mama is busy now telling Greg the story of how she got to the hospital the night Our Greig's caregiver discovered mama was white as a ghost and not getting enough oxygen. She put mama in the car and drove her to the ER, and Greig followed shortly with another caregiver. Now Susan is telling the story, of how they thought she was a goner on that Saturday a hundred years ago, mama likes the story because if you believe in Miracles, this whole story makes perfect sense. This whole story puzzles the doctors, but we just don't argue with success.

Mama says 'Anyhow, I'm here, and I guess that's "the rest of the story. " She is adding that she was glad we were all here and she is glad all of that is behind her. I am sitting in her room, it is large, and she has her own nurse. I think this will change as she gets better. She slept most of yesterday and was up in her chair eating this morning. The dinner order lady is here, and she is going to order now. She wants Vegetable soup, in fact, 2 vegetable soups, no crackers. She would also like one of the soup's blended.

She is going to be fine!

Sharon

Pictures of Mama-After and before

This is Mama and her new best friend. I was referring to her pillow, but a close second is her nurse, Gregg, who looked after her right after she came out of surgery. Her blood pressure wanted to go up and down and I am sure we are happy to have had his expert care.

The last photo is a while back at Samantha's party, showing he great grandaughter Sarah, and cuddled down on her mother's lap is Hailey, Great great Grandaughter!

Saturday Night

Hello,

I just talked to Greig who had spent part of the day with Mom and the other kids. Mom had a pretty good day and had gotten up in a chair.

She was getting pretty attached to her nurses and was kicking everyone out for the night. So her kids will have to "fuss" somewhere else. I'm kind of glad because we all are a little weary.

Sounds like Susan and Marlene are planning on heading to work on Monday right now. I am planning to go in to work as well. Right now Mom's got pretty intense care and frankly it's all pretty much over our heads technically. When I left this morning I counted 11 IV bags in the air- but there could have been more..........so us getting back into our own routines should be good.

Mom is still showing the effects of the anesthesia- Greig said she was telling her nurse about a child of someones who had whooping cough, from somewhere out of the past. This morning early she thought she was going to get a tooth pulled because it was infected..........she had a suction wand in her hand for mucus and didn't have her teeth in- I suspect those two things may have started the storyline...............

Keep her in your thoughts and prayers and thank you for them over the past few days. The support helps Mom and all of the family.

Creig

Encouragement

I got a chance to talk to Doctor Jones, the surgeon who preformed Mom's surgery. He said everything looks good right now but made several suggestions;

• Encourage Mom that she is doing well
• Encourage Mom to use the breathing machine and to use it properly
• Encourage Mom to get moving- when her program calls for her to move

I stayed the night and sent everyone else home. The night was pretty quite- the staff began getting her off the vent about 5AM- at 6AM they drew a blood gas and it was below the number to remove the vent. By 8:30 those numbers were OK and by 9AM she was breathing on her own.

Marlene showed up about 9:30 and I am home getting a little rest now. Mom was getting Greg the Nurse used to setting up her pillows! He was talking about rolling her on her side.........She is hoarse but otherwise Mom............

Creig

September 13

Good morning ,

About 9 AM Mom is breathing on her own. The vent has been removed! Praise the Lord! Things went as Dr. Jones said they would thus far. She had a good night, finally got some rest after 19 days in the hospital. We knew that she would make it since her outlook has been better than most of us. Her spirits were really good! That seems to make a big difference in a person's recovery. So does prayer!

See you later..Don

Aunt Ruth, Uncle Ralph and Doreen wrote:

Good for her!!! Let her know her little brother is doing pretty good too. He has been at Troy Beaumont for low blood pressure all week with hopes of getting discharged today.His room had been right outside a huge construction project that the hospital has been doing and he gets a birds eye view!! He even likes the food!! I'll make sure he knows how well Aunt Nellie is doing. Will we get to see her new valve and the next family reunion??? Make sure she knows we have been keeping her in our prayers for a quick recovery. Love Ruth Ralph and Dorene
--

Starting to Wake Up

Mom is starting to wake up-slowly.............

The anesthesiologist stopped in and said Mom is starting to wake up and showing some signs of breathing on her own! VERY COOL............

He thinks she could be off the vent tonight but if it's after midnight they'll wait until morning to take it out............so they have enough help to handle any problems.

We've kind of laid out a schedule; Susan, Don, and I are sticking around over-night. Everyone else is going to bed.......

Creig

Still Sleeping

We've been able to get in the room with Mom. Her nurse, Greg, just said everything still looks good.

They are not giving her anything right now to sleep or keep her drowsy- she will just wake up when she's ready..........

Greig went home to take a break...........Sharon and Jim are snoozing in their car............and Susan and Don are headed to their car for a cat nap too.........

So Marlene and I are left to "manage". This morning actually went by faster than I thought.........

Creig

Respiratory Update

One of the big concerns with Mom is that she has a diminished lung capacity. She's on a ventilator and the quicker she gets off the better!

Marlene bumped into the Doctor who's managing Mom's breathing and found out the following.

• Most all her numbers look good
• Her kidney function is somewhat diminished
• One key number to get off the vent has gotten better than before the surgery
• Mom is still sedated and will be for a few hours
• She was stable all through surgery
• She is in her room and has lots of staff.

Don't try to call her room yet.......

Creig

What a relief

Mama is headed back to her room in the cardiac wing, where she will remain for the next few days. Her surgeon's PA came and assured us Dr. Jones was on his way. He came in with a confidence only a successful operation must bring to a Doctor who loves what he does, and assured us that Mama did wonderfully well.

Her valve was very badly damaged and was replaced with a "medium Pig Valve" and is working well.

He said she had no problem coming off the heart lung machine, that they did the procedure in her heart to stop the Atrial Fibrillation, and she is now in a normal sinus rythem for the first time in 5 weeks(I think). That brought a roar and a wave from the crowd, and a big thank you God from ALL of the fans.

The next five or 6 days will be critical and tough ones and we thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts and ask that you continue to remember her. Her Pastor, Tony I think, has been here with us most all of the time

Dr. Jones was bearing six color photograph's of the new valve being placed in the heart, he left them for Connie's Scrap book I guess. She prints off all of the Blog entries and the comments so mama will have a copy to help her recall these tough days. All of my siblings are up on D floor in the waiting room, and you can call to the waiting room if you need to, someone will find us.

I guess thats all the stuff I can recall, I am using my computer from the cafeteria here in the hospital. We will be looking for your great comments. Please excuse my skips as my keys seem sticky today

Sharon

Surgery Update

We just met with the doctor and Mom did fine. She should be headed back to her room in 1 to 1 1/2 Hours.

Creig

Surgery Upate # 1

We were just called and told Mom was placed on the heart bypass machine at 7:48 AM. This means they are well into the procedure.

They should be updating us in about 2 hours. Mom was stable and doing fine.

Creig

Surgery

Mom was alert and ready for the next steps in her journey as she just left into the operating room. Her Pastor is here which she really appreciates the support. The staff told us they would let us know when the surgery begins and that it would take about 3 hours or so........

Us kids are all here along with Jim and Don. They have a computer set up in the waiting area so I'm sure we will keep you in the loop.

Creig

Surgery Eve

My brother, sisters, and I met with Mom tonight. She wanted to discuss the surgery and make sure we were all on the same page. Always taking care of us even though she's the one needing care- we love you Mom.

Surgery is scheduled to come pick her up about 5AM. She'll be undergoing a few "procedures" through the night getting prepped. So getting some rest is probably wishful thinking...................

Mom was a little anxious as were the rest of us. I think we all realize the risks and the long road ahead in recovery.

Her color we good as were the rest of her vital signs. She looks very good and was wondering about doing her hair in the morning.

That's it for now but I'll make sure we update through the day tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and support. It means a lot to Nellie Grey and her kids, and their kids, and their kids, and their kids, and all the significant others. All sixty-five..............

Creig

Email from Laurel

Thought I had better share this with mama and all of you




Sharon, please tell that doctor that your Mother has a big party
coming up that she needs to attend and to quit moving the date back.
She need time to recoup. Also tell her I miss her and aunt coral at
booked for lunch and we will work on getting that back on program.
Thoughs are with you all, Laurel

Wednesday night and all is WELL

I called Mama tonight and she greeted me with something like "Well Hello you ole sweetie" and I was pleasantly amazed! She sounds stronger. Marlene and Susan and Don were with her today and report she is walking back and forth to the bathroom. She had a shower and shampoo this morning, Nebulizer treatment, and uses her spyrometer (I think that's the name of the little doo-dad they make you blow into and measure your 'breath strength with) religiously every hour.

PT came up and took her for a walk in the hall but said my sisters should not take her as she is a little unsteady. She was taken down and a 'pick line?-was put in her upper arm so they can get blood without poking for a vein-mama has always had "rolling" veins and they are difficult to get into. I am probably not stating all this just technically correct and I could ask Marlene to clarify but she has too many important things to think about so I will eventually get corrected by someone if I am wrong.

But the best report of all was from Mama-she told me that she feels much stronger every day and that is good news for me and my siblings!

We will be leaving for Midland in the morning and I will take my computer.

Again, Thanks all of you, and good night.

Sharon

September 10
Hello, Today was a good day at the hospital. I talked with Dr. Deihl and asked him if everything was good to go on Friday. He said the schedule was still on, and I questioned him whether mom was good to go. He said he was very pleased with what he saw on the charts.

Marlene and Susan talked with Dr. Neal. She seemed not too pleased that mom was in bed, and not sitting, or walking to build her strength. There seemed to be a lack of communication between the nurses as to who or when the walks should be done. We asked if we could walk along with her to make sure that she was getting what she needed. Neal said yes, it could be the nurses or us, but the physical therapist said, "no, it should be the nurses or her", so that is the way it is going to be. Mom needs 1 more walk this evening, and 2 tomorrow to prepare her for surgery.

Her spirits are real good and she actually looks like she does not need the surgery, but that is where looks cannot be used for evaluation, otherwise they would have me on the bed for surgery. She also had port put in her right arm for intervenous
purposes. It is much better than what she had, since those who were trying to find a vein had difficulty, to say the least!

That is about all for now....See you later....Don

Tuesday night news

We are all amazed at this last re-schedule, again, because of more urgent cases. She is now scheduled for surgery on Friday . Marlene has researched Mama's value's and requested that her cardiologist review it as she saw some respiratory problems creeping in.

Dr. Deil ordered some new treatments for her lungs and some new meds. Marlene is monitoring things very carefully. I have absolutely no idea how families survive who don't have their own version of Marlene. Because of her we are aware of state of the art care and we try our very best to be sure that we get it. So far, we have incredible success stories to tell, and we thank God for every single one of them.

Thru all of this, Mama seems in good spirits according to Greig, and looks better than she did this morning. They will be putting in some sort of port (Marlene's Idea) tonight so they can get blood and start meds without trying so many times. They got someone up from anesthesia to start a line tonight so Greig says.

So Mama is resting tonight and we will all get a good nights sleep hopefully. Please Please continue with your prayers as we are not 'out of the woods yet, and you are all such wonderful support for her and for all of us.

Thanks for the comments, keep up the good work. Connie is printing all of this into a notebook for mama to read while she is rehabing, but we will keep her posted in the meanwhile.

Good night all,

Sharon

September 9, 5:03 pm

Sharon called and said that Marlene told her that mom's surgery has been postponed again.
It is now scheduled for Friday (?).
Talk to you later...Don

September 8

Good Afternoon:
There has been an update to mom's surgery. It will not take place on Tuesday as planned, but will be done on Thursday (11th). Greig called and said that it had nothing to do with mom's condition, but an emergency surgery came into the hospital so a change in schedule was needed.

If I get more info., I'll pass it on to the "Blob as mom calls it".
Don

By the Numbers.........

When does 5 + 12 + 27+5 equal 65? When they're Nellie Grey's five children, twelve grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, plus the spouses- that's when..........

Today is the anniversary of the birth of Nellie's husband and my father, Perry. Dad was born 95 years ago- it's hard to believe he's been gone 8 years.

I stopped in tonight about 6PM and had a nice visit with Mom. She said she had a great day and was up in the chair most of the day.

I spoke with her nurse Kathy about how the day went- she said Mom had a great day as well. Her vital signs was looking good and the plan is that Mom is in the "First Spot" for Tuesday. This means she will be leaving her room between 6:15 and 6:30 AM.

I think we'll have to be careful she gets "some" rest on Monday- so she's got all the energy she can muster for the surgery. Her spirits were high tonight and she looked great as well.

Creig

Sunday 4:15 pm

Hi,
Susan and I spent some time with mom. She was feeling very well and had her walk with a nurse. She walked 60 feet, which is 20 more than previously. Should we subtract her two feet, making it 58 feet, or include them to make the total of 60? Just some food for thought.

Thanks for the time....Don

Sunday at Two

Just talked to Mama on the phone and she said she is doing just fine. She said she is trying to be sure she eats a little better, its so hard without some exercise and in a strange place I am sure. Maybe Susan and Don will take her for a ride in her wheelchair today and see the wonderful hanging gardens, the moss covered brook and stunning waterfalls in the general area. OR the rooftop view from the big waiting room and the endless halls full of effecient personnel. Don't look for the first one too hard!

We will see Mama tomorrow.

I will be printing these post's off tonight and taking them down to read to her, be sure you all get yours in and as we say below the M/D line, 'yall's.

Sharon

A note tonight

It's Saturday night and I just talked to mama. She sounds stronger, and said she just got into bed after being "Up" all day. She said she will try to stay up if that will help her to get stronger. She really takes her healthcare seriously and is very good about listening to her caregivers in the hospital.

The Cardio Thorasic surgeon, Dr. Jones, said the reason she is a good candidate for the surgery is her spirit and her life quality and her familiy support and he has every reason to expect the best. We still don't know his first name,but have heard nothing but great reviews of him.

I've told Mama goodnight, so goodnight John-boy and all!

Sharon

Saturday

Mom was in her chair watching dog shows this morning when I stopped by. Her spirits were good, especially since they had some problems drawing blood and starting an I.V. last night.
She said Dr. Jones stopped by and talked with her this morning and told her she was still on for surgery Tuesday at 7am unless someone more serious came in.
She had a few bites of salmon for lunch but had ate a good breakfast.
She asked me to post her address in case anyone wanted to send her a card or note. Greig

Mid Michigan Medical Center
C/O Nellie Grey Room D-306
4005 Orchard Dr.
Midland MI 48640

Home tonight

This week has been busy for me and I am now writing from home in Manistee. Jim came and got me this morning. It is good to get home but my heart is back in a busy hospital wing in Midland with much of the rest of my family. I will return on Monday if all goes well, I will try to stop Greig from bringing in a crockpot of venison, stop Susan from writing frankly snippy notes on the chalk board even though they were deserved, keep Marlene from ordering a helicopter if we wait over 14 hours for one more doctor, and keep Creig writing his great notes in our 'Blob. We try to keep our spirits up and keep Mama's up, which is sometimes tough at such a serious time. We feel the support of not only each other, but of all of you with your prayers and support.

Do sign up and let us know you are out there and send a message to Mama, she just loves it and looks forward to your posts and your cards. Thank you so much. If you have a Mom, give her a hug for me.

Friday Night Orders

I went after work to see my mom. Her spirits were good as were her vital signs. Her temp was 98.4- up from her norm of 96.8 but better than it was........ A Doctor came in while I was there and said her chest xray was clear. I asked why they had did it and he said to make sure she was not coming down for a problem.

They also have her on a small breathing device. The nurse told Mom how to use it and that she needed to inhale on it 10 times every hour she was awake- then looked at me as to say I need to make sure it happens. 10 inhalations every waking hour.

Mom was eating when I got there in her bed. She said she has been eating in a chair and expressed that's where she would rather eat. After dinner she got into the chair as we visited.

As the visiting hours were ending her nurse was working on a new IV stick without success. This was to replace the one in the back of her right hand even though she has nothing hanging. The nurse helped Mom move into the bathroom- I offered a bedside commode, but the nurse was clear that Mom needs to move as much as possible. I got out of the way!

I talked to Marlene briefly before I left. I told her I need to work Monday if possible. She said she hoped to work until about Noon on Monday then head for Midland. She also mentioned she had tried to call Mom's room several times with no answer. While I was there I did here what now I think was the phone- though it sounded more like a cell phone on vibrate...........we'll have to check it out. I plan on heading back tomorrow afternoon being there by 1PM.

Oh yea........Mom said last night to tell Micheal thanks for the "blob"!

Creig

September 5
Hi,
An update on Mother. Yesterday (4) there was a problem with the heat and water in mom's room. The nurses bathed her in cold water, which was not the right thing to do. It seems that they did not know how to operate the system to get the warm water to work. While that problem was solved, the heat was not, and she had to be moved to another room (D306).

A nurse will be with us later today to explain what we need to expect from the surgery and the recovery, and therapy, etc. We are not sure of the time of this meeting, but she wanted to give enough notice so we could plan to be there.

The surgery is going to be scheduled for Tuesday (?).

Check back for further updates

Don

September 5th

Hi everyone

Mom met with the surgeon (Dr. Jones) last evening at 6:45. He wanted to hear from her that she wanted the operation and she assured him that she did. He was planning on operating on Mom at 7am Monday but has moved it to Tuesday tentatively due to a slight fever yesterday possibly from a u.t.i.

Also, Mom moved to room 306 this morning because there were problems with the thermostat and she couldn't get warm.

Greig

September 3

Hello,

My mom has been in the hospital in Midland since August 24th. She went in with a heart problem that is technically atrial fibrillation.

Last Saturday afternoon things got very worse and Mom was diagnosed with a severe heart attack. We were told she would not last the night. We were all shocked the next morning as she sat up and ate her breakfast! The tests turned out wrong and the Doctors missed the diagnosis- or another physician had his hand on her all the time............

Labor Day she had a heart catheter which showed that her heart murmur is much worse. This means her mitral valve in her heart is leaking severely. The other kids met with her and the surgeon today which laid out two options.

One is to do nothing and her next heart incident is apt to be catastrophic. Two is to replace the valve through open heart surgery. Mom told the other kids she planned on going ahead with the surgery but wanted to talk to me. I got there about 7PM and we all discussed the plans. I believe she will give the OK for the surgery in the morning- and it will probably be scheduled for next week.

Mom looked quite tired tonight as did Greig and Susan and Marlene and Sharon. We are working on a plan to get everyone home for at least a few days before the surgery- except for Mom. She'll have to stay!

We will try to keep this up-to-date and not too technical. But we will be using this as a means to communicate to each other as to what is going on with Mom but we'll be respectful...........

Anyone who knows Nellie Grey know how central God is in her life. I am sure she would want me to thank you for your prayers over the last few days. More than once I have heard the term, "Divine Intervention" in the last few days- once was from the treating Doctor!

Please share this site as you each see fit.

Creig