Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Driveline Infection...
Getting a driveline infection is a huge concern for an LVAD patient....it is something you do not want to get. I have been so careful with Todd's daily dressing changes and became concerned when I saw this little crusty build up around the site. It wasn't inflamed, smelly, hot and there was no drainage...all things they tell you to look for, but it still didn't look quite right. Our VAD coordinators always said to let them know right away if we had any questions so we took a picture and sent it right away...almost immediately we got a response from Kevin saying it looked good and it was all part of the healing process and NOT to pick at it, make sure we rinsed it well and keep doing what we are doing. Whew...we were relieved, we definitely did not want to go down that road. The amazing thing is that our VAD coordinators and Doctors are so awesome at the University of Michigan, they take the time to get right back with you and actually care about their patients...we have been so pleased to be involved with this hospital that we cannot say enough great things about them!!!! Please don't hesitate to call your coordinators if you think that there is a problem, they are there to help you!!!
DONATE LIFE!!!!!
We made it into our local newspaper this week. I was hoping the reporter would mention Donate Life, since he didn't, I will here! This is the link to our story...
http://www.tctimes.com/news/fenton-man-dies-twice-recovers/article_962c83b4-38ad-11e1-b013-0019bb2963f4.html
Currently more than 110,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants to save their lives. Thousands more are in need of tissue and cornea transplants to restore their mobility and sight. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor today and provide hope to those who wait.
Fact: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.
Fact: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.
Fact: When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information, not your financial status or celebrity status.
Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.
Fact: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.
Have you registered yet? It's super easy to do...
http://donatelife.net/register-now/
http://www.tctimes.com/news/fenton-man-dies-twice-recovers/article_962c83b4-38ad-11e1-b013-0019bb2963f4.html
Currently more than 110,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants to save their lives. Thousands more are in need of tissue and cornea transplants to restore their mobility and sight. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor today and provide hope to those who wait.
Learn the Facts
Despite continuing efforts at public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation persist. Learn these facts to help you better understand organ, eye and tissue donation:Fact: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.
Fact: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.
Fact: When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information, not your financial status or celebrity status.
Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.
Fact: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.
Have you registered yet? It's super easy to do...
http://donatelife.net/register-now/
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
WELCOME 2012! I am looking forward to a New Year! We had a busy 2011 with lots of changes to go along with it!
My Mom started her battle with colon cancer and her trips to the chemo clinic were an eye opener for me. If you ever even think you are having a bad day you will quickly change your mind when you go up and sit in the clinic for 5 or 6 hours and see what others are struggling with on a daily basis. My Mom...she is fighting this with humor and dignity.
We added another member to our family in February when our daughter Ali was married to Brandon!! Happy times!!
We had a great summer with our 35th class reunion taking up a large part of our time planning and getting re-acquainted with old friends. Todd was in a kayak race, in which he proudly took 3rd place, something that he had been wanting to try for a long time...Way to go Todd!!
I am beginning to think this is staring to sound like one of those Christmas letters and I don't like those so I will get to the point!! I am looking forward to Todd's health continuing to improve and hopefully getting a new heart, We are also expecting a new Grand daughter from our daughter, Ali, in May and are thrilled to welcome a new baby into the the family. Our son, David, is changing jobs and wish him continued success in his career. Our son, Zachary, is opening a new barbershop and feel he will be successful in his endeavor. I wish my Mom peace and comfort, her goal is to see Ali's new baby and Todd get his new heart, I hope that comes true for her. As for me, I am hoping to continue to adjust to the changes in our life and stay strong for our family, to be a better wife, caregiver, Mother and Grandmother. Good things to come in 2012!!!
My Mom started her battle with colon cancer and her trips to the chemo clinic were an eye opener for me. If you ever even think you are having a bad day you will quickly change your mind when you go up and sit in the clinic for 5 or 6 hours and see what others are struggling with on a daily basis. My Mom...she is fighting this with humor and dignity.
We had a great summer with our 35th class reunion taking up a large part of our time planning and getting re-acquainted with old friends. Todd was in a kayak race, in which he proudly took 3rd place, something that he had been wanting to try for a long time...Way to go Todd!!
I am beginning to think this is staring to sound like one of those Christmas letters and I don't like those so I will get to the point!! I am looking forward to Todd's health continuing to improve and hopefully getting a new heart, We are also expecting a new Grand daughter from our daughter, Ali, in May and are thrilled to welcome a new baby into the the family. Our son, David, is changing jobs and wish him continued success in his career. Our son, Zachary, is opening a new barbershop and feel he will be successful in his endeavor. I wish my Mom peace and comfort, her goal is to see Ali's new baby and Todd get his new heart, I hope that comes true for her. As for me, I am hoping to continue to adjust to the changes in our life and stay strong for our family, to be a better wife, caregiver, Mother and Grandmother. Good things to come in 2012!!!
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