Wednesday evening...Pitt Memorial Hospital

I haven't posted in a couple of days, because things have remained basically the same in terms of Frieda's stability, etc. We had been waiting for word that the ventilator would be removed, but for several reasons, it simply has not been "time." We learned earlier today that at some point this evening, Frieda would be recieving a tracheotomy. This will give Frieda's throat and airway time to heal properly from having been intubated for as long as she has.
So, for the past couple of days, Frieda has rested and slept quietly.
At this point, Nancy, Marah and I are in the waiting room waiting for the call that Frieda will go into surgery. The procedure should last about 30 minutes and we know she will be much more comfortable.
This will be a continued post, so it will be in segments.
---At 7pm, Frieda went into surgery for a tracheotomy. We are waiting to get word that she has come through everything ok. I am guessing she will be moved back into her room after a short period in recovery, etc.
---It's now 12:07 am and we're back at home. Frieda came through the surgery nicely and was resting and breathing COMFORTABLY when we left. She was asleep and well she should be. It's been a tough haul as we all know. Young Nancy, Wayne, Marah and I stayed while the procedure took place and spent time with Frieda after she was returned to her room.
Her face was a bit red, but after a bit of wondering, I determined that I hadn't seen her face in its entirety since the stroke happened. There had been lots of tape, etc. covering the ventilator, so I'm sure the redness is nothing more than irritation.
I feel that the tracheotomy is a step in the right direction. At least her mouth is now pretty much free. There is one suction line, but that is it.
Frieda looked peaceful and comfortable. She was breathing deeper than I have seen her breathe through this whole event. That was a good sight. There is something about "peaceful breathing" that puts the mind at ease.
Young Nancy was told earlier in the day that this procedure would actually expedite the process to move to a step down unit, or intermediate care. At that point, rehabilitation can begin, which will be a welcome sight.
Frieda has had excellent care and it shows. For that, I am so thankful. One nurse, in fact, has been with Frieda basically since she got to Pitt. Even when she has been taking care of other patients, she has yet to fail to come and check on Frieda, find some of us folks waiting there and let us know she's keeping an eye out. Young Nancy's friend, Danielle, also an ICU nurse at Pitt, has been a wealth of support, comfort and information. She has been someone we could all call on to explain things, give information on how care is given for Frieda's condition, etc. Danielle is both a caring friend and someone who knows exactly what should be expected and she is excellent at what she does. That in itself has been so wonderful to have at our fingertips. We don't have to question anything, for very long at least.
I was thinking as I was driving back from Greenville this evening that any time a catastrophic event happens, first comes the shock, then the word travelling about, and next, the initial and wonderful outreach of support and prayers, At some point, I know that lives are busy and they fall back into the routine of things. Basically we all crave what we know to be "normal." Given that, I know that this is a long road back for Frieda. It's a very do-able road, but a long road, nonetheless. I feel it is important to ask for continued prayers and emotional support for Frieda and her family as they all transition in the the varied phases of her healing process.
I do not feel that personal visits are in order at this time. There will be plenty of time for that. For now, Frieda and her family need your prayers and your support in other ways. I know how grateful each and every member of Frieda's family is. They have been so touched and so deeply appreciative of every card, every call, and every means of outreach during this time of uncertainty, illness and simply having all their worlds turned upside down. I hope as Frieda progresses and is able that this won't be "old news" and that those who wish to visit now will have the same wish to visit when the time is right. As we all know, as outgoing as Frieda is, she is equally as fiercely private. She takes life on her terms and accepts no less than that. My wish is that she be given that same dignity as she recovers as we all were giving her two weeks ago. Please know that every note, every and every post card is hanging as I type this, in Frieda's room. Because there has been such support in that area, Young Nancy bought a cork board this evening because all the wall space is filled!!! Young Nancy says that while no one is "expecting" flowers, etc. once Frieda is moved to intermediate care, she can receive them. Nancy also wanted me to let you know that in lieu of personal visits for now, please help us by filling Frieda's room with anything that you would like her to see. Pictures, cards, flowers, letters and the like will be wonderful things to surround her with. I know Frieda will love that.
I'll be back at the hospital first thing tomorrow and will post again with how things are going.
I would love to thank everyone personally for all the emails that have come to me. I have tried to answer each and every one personally. If I missed one somewhere along the way, please accept my apologies. Don't hesitate to email me with any questions and comments you wish to convey to the family. I'm happy to pass them along.
I am learning so many lessons. Strokes or any other catastrophic illness does not affect simply the person affected. It affects every facet and every aspect of anyone connected to that person. I have seen so much love, healing, connection, forgiveness, kindness and strength. Of all those things, Frieda will be so very, very proud. You can email me directly at: annehaley@hughes. net.
Comments are so welcome here on the blog. I am keeping everything. I feel in my heart there will be plenty of time for Frieda to see this outpouring for herself when she sees all that several of us are keeping documenting for her.
Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep supporting.
As always, I appreciate each reader for visiting my blog. It has meant so much to me to be able to share with you these events as I have watched them unfold. My very best to you all!! And I'll see you tomorrow!

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