Friday, July 27, 2007

Back home!

Whew!

Keri Lynn and I got back home this morning a little the worse for wear! But we are back. Keith picked us up from the airport, took us home and then headed back to work again. The kids were more than happy to see me back -- especially Kristofer!

Keri Lynn is doing well.

Bear with me if I am repeating myself . . .

Keri Lynn did fracture her skull at the back of her head and then the brain bounced off the the back and hit the front of the brain in the impact (like in a car accident), so the front of her brain has some small contusions. In the course of all of this, she was seen by an ER doctor, a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, a cardiologist and the PICU doctor. She had two CT scans, several EKGs, a very cool looking EEG, a 24-hour halter monitor for her heart rate, several bags of IV fluids, and a chance to rest in a hospital bed.

I joined her at the hospital in Miami on Tuesday morning and we didn't leave that hospital until Thursday afternoon. Most of the reason we stayed so long was so that her heart could be monitored. Her heart rate got really low, so they wanted to make sure she was stable enough to go home. Doctors and nurses would look at her heart rate and would ask, "Are you an athlete?" because it was so low. However, one of the doctors did explain that it's common for people with head trauma to have low blood pressure and heart rates for a while, while the brain recuperates.

Now, she just needs to take it easy for three of four weeks while her head heals. We've told her that it's "all in her head". Ha ha ha!

Anyway, yesterday, Keri Lynn and I made a mad dash to the airport after FINALLY being discharged thinking we'd get on a flight back home. Instead we hung around the airport for about seven hours and experienced the "fun" of flying stand-by. We ended up going to a hotel room that night to sleep four hours and then go out on th first flight out this morning. Needless to say, poor Keri Lynn is pretty wiped out today. I'm not exactly Miss Perky myself either.

But we are both grateful to be home and thankful for everyone's prayers and phone calls and gifts and meals. A big thanks, too, to the mission trip leaders who stayed with her through the whole ordeal until I could get there, and for the use of a working cell phone (mine did not work in the hospital), and rides to and from the airport, prayer, etc. A big thank you to our church! We love you guys!

9 comments:

Pen of Jen said...

I am so glad that you are home and that so many have been supportive! I am going to say a prayer right now for you and the family and Keri Lynn.

Qtpies7 said...

Oh my goodness! What a crazy trip! Poor Kari Lynn! I bet she's so bummed to have missed out on the mission trip.

Theresa's Notes said...

have not heard any thing new. I hope and pray all is going well with you all.

Qtpies7 said...

How is Keri Lynn doing?
Hope all is well!

Oz said...

Glade to hear that you are home.

Let us know if we can do anything.

Anonymous said...

I am very glad to hear that Keri Lynn is felling a little better. she probably has a wopper of a headache. I will continue praying for a speed recovery. Tell her that there are other ways to get attention. HA! HA!.

Anonymous said...

Dear, dear friends,
Oh, my. SOOOO scary. I am glad for the good medical care you got.
Keri Lynn, you are just getting stronger and stronger for what God has for you!
I've got to have surgery on my shoulder so I now know those big machines, too.

TO BECOME said...

I am so glad that you are both home and that Keri Lynn is doing well. I will continue to pray for her as well as you. God bless you and your entire family. connie from Texas

Jackie said...

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your prayers, love and concern. What a blessing you all are!

Keri Lynn is doing well, getting antsy just sitting around.

We've all been busy with houseguests -- three sets since Sunday and to the end of the week. Not all at the same time! Will update soon.

Jackie