After a smooth and beautiful flight, Liz Ann arrived at Craig in just under two hours. One of the first things John said tonight was, “Liz Ann is in the right place.” He reported that the staff was “immediately upon her.” Nurses and doctors wear street clothes, making the atmosphere feel somehow like they are all in this together, and less “hospital-like.”
She is in the hospital part of Craig right now. Multiple tests…not unlike the first day in ER were performed. The doctor is very thorough. Liz Ann has been having some trouble with her lungs while in Billings, and rather than improving, they seemed to be getting worse. We were told by the staff in Billings that her symptoms were normal for a patient with her injuries. Today a pulmonologist from Craig investigated…chest x-ray and cat scan. Turns out she has a few liters of fluid in her left lung which will be removed in a mini procedure tomorrow (sliding a needle in). More tests will be done tomorrow (Wednesday). The staff has been actively turning her every two hours…just excellent attention and care.
Both John and Liz Ann feel strongly that they are in the right place. The day was busy and long. She’s settled in for the night. We’ll get more details out to everyone soon.
Thanks for your patience.
Amber Jean
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Liz Ann et al - had such a great visit with your sweetie yesterday, though I think with 3 of us cramming him with info he left with his head spinning. Sorry, Glenn. While we were not at Craig, but at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, we too found the first week test after test, and though we appreciated the thoroughness, we were about to scream with frustration at therapy hours lost.
Port too had the mini procedure to remove more than a liter of fluid from his lung cavity. Gave him a lot of relief. Ask for all the respiratory therapy you can get - they have great tools and an aggressive approach can really help. Plus the RT's seemed so happy to be so appreciated.
I told Glenn so many things, but one in particular I recommend, and you have to ask, or at least, let them know you are interested. They usually provide free counseling, and we made use of every second we could get. No where else will you find therapists who are so familiar with what you are going through. Ask if any one on your team can use the service too - you all have so much weighing on you.
It's a tough transition, at least it was for us, leaving our cocoon of 3 weeks in ICU and coming into a new place, regardless of the excitement of the next step. We felt so at sea, and all the other patients seemed so ... settled. But that quickly passed, at least in retrospect. Everyone was so nice.
Our very best to you and and all your team.
Ann-Toy
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