Finally I feel able to manage a full update!
It's been 4 days and a bit now since Sara's bicycle accident, and almost 3-1/2 days since her surgery. We've been very blessed by her survival and progress, and by the prayers and concern shown by so many, including so very many here at FR.
Today's been the first day that felt like we were no longer in the midst of a huge, urgent crisis. The tornadoes of night-before-last probably prolonged the major stress some... after being up until 3 am with those (on top of everything else) I spent yesterday just about wiped out. But last night I was able to get a decent night's sleep for the first time since the accident, and (thank God) Sara's condition has continued to improve.
Her surgeon said again that this was a really serious accident, but that she was making very good progress. I didn't realize until this evening though that if things had been just a little bit different, Sara could've bled to death within minutes. Instead, she is solidly on the road to recovery.
I also learned from Sara herself today that the original plan after her surgery (which in itself went well) had been to keep her in pediatric intensive care for two days. She made such quick progress, though, that she made it through the PICU in just one day. Again, I credit her spirit, the doctors' and nurses' skill, your prayers, our love, and God's help for her quick progress.
Sara now has the annoying tube out of her nose/ stomach, so we are down to 4 tubes of various kinds. She has a morphine epidural but has never used it quite as much as they expected, again a sign of things going really well. The epidural may come out tomorrow, in fact.
She is supposed to get out of bed 4 times a day; most of her get-ups were very brief today but this evening I walked with her for about half an hour. Sara's younger sisters and I went with her to look at the fish in the pediatric aquarium, then back to the room to fetch her two borrowed movies, return those to the movie kiosk and borrow two more.
One interesting comment: Yesterday Sara was fielding a few questions from a family friend via phone, who asked what happened. Her reply: "I hurt myself on my bicycle."
My immediate thought: wow, no hint of casting about for someone or something to blame for this unprecedented tragedy in her life, just "this is what I did and this is what happened as a result." It made me feel that already she is assuming a lot of responsibility for her own life, and I think that approach to life will serve her well.
The way things are going now, it's looking like we could be out of the hospital by the end of this week. I'm still a bit concerned about pancreas function, but it looks to me as a layman that there are maybe some encouraging signs also with that. By that, I mean that today she was allowed something more than ice chips for the first time since the accident. They've been giving her bits of jello, popsicles, grape and apple juice - all things with sugar.
So it looks to me as a layman that either they think she can handle it with zero problems, or they think it's good to get the pancreas to adjust to having some sugar right off the bat. But I don't know anything about these issues so maybe somebody who does can give some feedback? (Incidentally, thanks to griffin for the info about a girl who had such a similar incident!)
To sum up, we're all very encouraged, and I wanted to let everyone who's prayed for us know the excellent results of your prayers. Assuming all goes smoothly from this point, I hope to do one more update that, God willing, will be the final one, when Sara gets out of the hospital. For that, I'll probably see if Sara herself might be willing to also contribute a bit from her own perspective. I know that she appreciates all of the prayers and concern.
Thanks again, "Luke"
So, she's getting better and she's wonderful... When I read your words, I feel happy. Thanks for the sunshine -- glad the prayers and love worked.
Thanks for the good news. Sounds like you have a very special little girl. Sounds too like God did not want her to grace heaven quite yet. Thank God....
Thanks for the encouraging update. Prayers for continued healing.
Praise God. All our best to you and your family Luke!
Great news! We'll all still be praying for Sara and your family.
Excellent. Thanks for the update. God is good.
Hooooooorah!
Thans for the update and hang in there! Continued prayers said for you all
Wonderful news!!! Time to thank God for answering prayers, and time for you to get some rest! It brought tears to my eyes to hear what Sara said when she was asked what happened. You tell her that there are alot of folks today who are smiling ear to ear because of her healing and bravery. I know I am! :) chena
Just read your latest update--all praise be to God and Sara and her strong family!
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! May He continue to strengthen and preserve Sara and the entire family.
I am no expert but I would assume you would want her to be aware of sugars and white flours (try for whole wheat breads) in the food she eats, and to try and limit them to after protein meals. This will help greatly. I would guess that you would want to make life as easy as possible on her pancreas, and this is the way all people with borderline sugar problems should eat.
Absolutely no sodas or other sweet drinks on an empty stomach. Ever. She should learn to enjoy water with no added sugars for her daily drinking. Limit orange juice to a small cup WITH a protein-rich breakfast (have a few bites before the first sip of juice). Drinking sugar (in the form of drinks) is the hardest thing for the pancreas. The easiest way to handle sugar is after protein. Thus, dessert. I hope that helps. She can still satisfy her sweet tooth but wait until protein is first eaten.
Hallelujah! great news! Praise God!
Good news! Glad to hear it.
t.
The best of updates that we might have expected under the circumstances, and I, for one, am glad for it!
Blessings and prayers for Sarah's continued recovery and responsible, sunny disposition.
A.A.C.
Thanks for the wonderful good news update. Prayers that all continues to go well for Sara and everyone involved does well.
Great news Luke!
I am happy for you.