Liz Ann is out of ICU and has moved into a “corner suite” upstairs, room 522. She made the move in a wheelchair, sporting her new cheetah-print body-cast and a grin (yes…she managed a smile or two despite her intense concentration and bouts of dizziness). She also enjoyed a few minutes outside in the sun while moving from ICU to the new room. When she was settled into her new bed, the PT asked her how she felt and she said, “Good. Dizzy. Actually it was really good to get out of bed.”
Of course Liz Ann is the first person at St Vincent’s Hospital to be sporting a cheetah print body cast.
While she continues to humble us with her humor, determination, and acceptance…her journey will not be without bouts of fear, anger, despair, frustration, and grieving. She had a difficult morning. Some of the initial shock has begun to dissipate and the intense reality and seriousness of her injury is becoming more blaringly real. She mentioned the emotional rollercoaster…and knows she’s in for quite the ride.
Her case worker at the hospital arranged a session with an energy-worker/healer this afternoon. She said it was her gift to Liz Ann. Liz Ann was impressed with the treatment, she really felt the energy work. Other forms of alternative healing and health have been discussed and will be pursued.
She can have flowers and phone calls in her room now:
Phone # 406-237-7522
St. Vincent HealthcareAttn: LizAnn Kudrna- patient #522
1233 N. 30th StBillings, MT 59101
She can also have visitors. We encourage people to see her. We are not sure yet when she will be going to rehab but will most likely be going to rehab out-of-state within a week or so. When visiting, please be conscious of her need for rest.
I will close with one poignant image from the day with Liz Ann…a simple snapshot of her strong tan hand on the glistening chrome of the wheel chair…three bracelets jingling on her tiny wrist…one or two of the bracelets wrapped around the i.v.needle and tape on her arm…cheetah print body cast in the background.
-Amber Jean
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Update - August 21, 2008 12:47 AM
Liz Ann really “sparked up” this afternoon according to her brother John. She was able to eat (well…drink some shakes). The food was the first for her since she ate while on the summit Sunday afternoon. She did some rehab today and met with the occupational therapist and the physical therapist. They had her sit up. She has shown amazing strength and is doing exceptionally well in her circumstances (why are we not surprised?) She may be out of the ICU as early as tomorrow evening.
Her family has been diligent and thorough with their research into rehab centers for Liz Ann. Liz Ann talked with Beth Livingston for about 20 minutes today (Beth is a dear friend and well-known paraplegic athlete who lives in Bozeman). Liz Ann’s siblings also talked with other people and friends who have spinal injuries. After discussing the pros/cons and various options, they have a “slam dunk” decision for Liz Ann to go to Craig Rehab in Denver. The center is very intensive and focused on empowering people. John will be setting things up with the center tomorrow (there is a waiting list to get in…we’ll keep you posted).
Liz Ann will be able to have company this weekend and just a few visitors tomorrow and Friday. Please e-mail (or call me 223-6669) if you are interested in going to Billings Thursday as we may have a list of things to bring from Bozeman.
Also…the blog is set to receive your input. The blog is free to use and anyone can upload comments to the site with the simple click of a button. I do not plan to upload your e-mail responses to the site but will continue to print the e-mails and give them to Liz Ann until she is able to access e-mail herself. Updates, links, resources, quick info, etc. will be on the site as a resource for all friends and family.
I accidently deleted the Distribution List for this e-mail group earlier tonight. I believe I set it back up with everybody but if you or someone you know hasn’t been getting the e-mail then direct them back to me to be added again. My apologies. Also…the updates will be posted to the blog so you can check there for any missed updates.
-Amber Jean
Her family has been diligent and thorough with their research into rehab centers for Liz Ann. Liz Ann talked with Beth Livingston for about 20 minutes today (Beth is a dear friend and well-known paraplegic athlete who lives in Bozeman). Liz Ann’s siblings also talked with other people and friends who have spinal injuries. After discussing the pros/cons and various options, they have a “slam dunk” decision for Liz Ann to go to Craig Rehab in Denver. The center is very intensive and focused on empowering people. John will be setting things up with the center tomorrow (there is a waiting list to get in…we’ll keep you posted).
Liz Ann will be able to have company this weekend and just a few visitors tomorrow and Friday. Please e-mail (or call me 223-6669) if you are interested in going to Billings Thursday as we may have a list of things to bring from Bozeman.
Also…the blog is set to receive your input. The blog is free to use and anyone can upload comments to the site with the simple click of a button. I do not plan to upload your e-mail responses to the site but will continue to print the e-mails and give them to Liz Ann until she is able to access e-mail herself. Updates, links, resources, quick info, etc. will be on the site as a resource for all friends and family.
I accidently deleted the Distribution List for this e-mail group earlier tonight. I believe I set it back up with everybody but if you or someone you know hasn’t been getting the e-mail then direct them back to me to be added again. My apologies. Also…the updates will be posted to the blog so you can check there for any missed updates.
-Amber Jean
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Update - August 20, 2008 10:40 AM
Liz Ann did well during her long surgery yesterday. She was in surgery from @ 3:00 - @ 10:00. The neurosurgeon fused her spine with rods from T-2 to T-9, three levels above and below the spinal cord injury. The extensive fusion will increase her rigidity but stabilize her spine in an effort to maximize her upper body mobility. They accessed her spine from the backside and were glad they did not also have to go in from the front.
Liz Ann does not have any feeling from mid-chest down. Right now she is focused on post-surgery healing. She will be able to begin eating. She will have a special body cast made to use when she is in an upright position and will need the cast for about 3 months. ICU nurses have limited visitors to only one at a time. Her brother, two sisters, and Glenn have been taking shifts with her since she came out of surgery and will continue to be there for her during the next couple of days. She will be able to have visitors this weekend.
She is not allowed to have flowers and plants in ICU. We will let you know when she has been moved to a room as we know she will appreciate flowers/plants. She will be in recovery in Billings for at least a week, maybe 10 days. Her family is working together to diligently research options and make a decision with Liz Ann as to where she will go for 10-12 weeks of rehab. Liz Ann does have insurance (many of you have asked).
Cards, etc. can be sent to:
St. Vincent Healthcare
Attn: LizAnn Kudrna- patient ICU#212
1233 N. 30th St
Billings, MT 59101
You can continue to send e-mail messages to me or Bobbi Jo to print and fax to Liz Ann until we set up another system of contact. JoJo and I will set up a blog this afternoon. We believe this may be the best way for everyone to keep in touch, support each other and Liz Ann during this journey. The extensive impressive network of friends Liz Ann has is a testament to the character, beautiful soul, and inspiring bright light she has been for so many.
Thank-you for sending such caring energy.
Amber Jean
Liz Ann does not have any feeling from mid-chest down. Right now she is focused on post-surgery healing. She will be able to begin eating. She will have a special body cast made to use when she is in an upright position and will need the cast for about 3 months. ICU nurses have limited visitors to only one at a time. Her brother, two sisters, and Glenn have been taking shifts with her since she came out of surgery and will continue to be there for her during the next couple of days. She will be able to have visitors this weekend.
She is not allowed to have flowers and plants in ICU. We will let you know when she has been moved to a room as we know she will appreciate flowers/plants. She will be in recovery in Billings for at least a week, maybe 10 days. Her family is working together to diligently research options and make a decision with Liz Ann as to where she will go for 10-12 weeks of rehab. Liz Ann does have insurance (many of you have asked).
Cards, etc. can be sent to:
St. Vincent Healthcare
Attn: LizAnn Kudrna- patient ICU#212
1233 N. 30th St
Billings, MT 59101
You can continue to send e-mail messages to me or Bobbi Jo to print and fax to Liz Ann until we set up another system of contact. JoJo and I will set up a blog this afternoon. We believe this may be the best way for everyone to keep in touch, support each other and Liz Ann during this journey. The extensive impressive network of friends Liz Ann has is a testament to the character, beautiful soul, and inspiring bright light she has been for so many.
Thank-you for sending such caring energy.
Amber Jean
Update - August 19, 2008 6:26 pm
Liz Ann is currently in surgery.
Typical to her character and ability to focus and align herself for challenge, she chose to listen to a meditation tape prior to the surgery. Her sister Kristen arrived this afternoon and was able to see Liz Ann along with a number of her friends. Her brother, her sister Jane, and her fiancé Glenn have been with Liz Ann since yesterday. An update of her post-surgery prognosis will be sent later tonight or first thing in the morning along with an address for a place to send cards and letters of support.
Liz Ann has an impressive extensive number of friends and supporters, many of you have been forwarded messages through friends. I have just put together an official “mail group” to keep everyone updated. If you would like to be added directly to the list just e-mail me (amber@amberjean.com). If you would like to be removed from the list, then e-mail me at the same address. Feel free to continue to simply forward e-mails to others if that works best for you.
I will paste the first two e-mails describing Liz Ann’s accident and updates below in case you have just requested to join the group and have not received the previous e-mails. Liz Ann deeply appreciates your continued support and positive energy.
Thank-you
Amber Jean
Typical to her character and ability to focus and align herself for challenge, she chose to listen to a meditation tape prior to the surgery. Her sister Kristen arrived this afternoon and was able to see Liz Ann along with a number of her friends. Her brother, her sister Jane, and her fiancé Glenn have been with Liz Ann since yesterday. An update of her post-surgery prognosis will be sent later tonight or first thing in the morning along with an address for a place to send cards and letters of support.
Liz Ann has an impressive extensive number of friends and supporters, many of you have been forwarded messages through friends. I have just put together an official “mail group” to keep everyone updated. If you would like to be added directly to the list just e-mail me (amber@amberjean.com). If you would like to be removed from the list, then e-mail me at the same address. Feel free to continue to simply forward e-mails to others if that works best for you.
I will paste the first two e-mails describing Liz Ann’s accident and updates below in case you have just requested to join the group and have not received the previous e-mails. Liz Ann deeply appreciates your continued support and positive energy.
Thank-you
Amber Jean
Update August 18, 10:32 pm
Monday 8/18 10:32 pm
We know Liz Ann to be both an exceptionally gracious and admiringly straight-forward person. She wishes for her friends to be kept appraised of her diagnosis without any “fluff.” Per her request… the straight scoop:
Liz Ann’s spinal cord has been completely severed between T-5 and T-6. There is no need for emergency surgery. She will undergo surgery tomorrow afternoon at St. Vincent’s in Billings at @ 3 pm to stabilize her spine and excavate bone shards. They will be prepping Liz Ann @ 1:00. Her sister Jane and brother John were with her when the neurosurgeon gave Liz Ann his prognosis. Liz Ann was not surprised and admitted that she had very purposely stayed awake during the bright nearly full moon night on Mt Cowen to fully experience the beauty since she knew she would never be back there again.
Liz Ann can actually receive visitors tomorrow mid-morning for awhile. Anyone is welcome. She will not likely be up to having visitors for at least a few days after the surgery. I will send an update with more details after I return from Billings tomorrow. You may also phone me and I will pass along any personal messages you have (223-6669).
Those of us involved closely with her these past days continue to be humbled and deeply admire Liz Ann’s strength and clarity.
She is appreciative and aware of your outpouring of support.
Amber Jean
We know Liz Ann to be both an exceptionally gracious and admiringly straight-forward person. She wishes for her friends to be kept appraised of her diagnosis without any “fluff.” Per her request… the straight scoop:
Liz Ann’s spinal cord has been completely severed between T-5 and T-6. There is no need for emergency surgery. She will undergo surgery tomorrow afternoon at St. Vincent’s in Billings at @ 3 pm to stabilize her spine and excavate bone shards. They will be prepping Liz Ann @ 1:00. Her sister Jane and brother John were with her when the neurosurgeon gave Liz Ann his prognosis. Liz Ann was not surprised and admitted that she had very purposely stayed awake during the bright nearly full moon night on Mt Cowen to fully experience the beauty since she knew she would never be back there again.
Liz Ann can actually receive visitors tomorrow mid-morning for awhile. Anyone is welcome. She will not likely be up to having visitors for at least a few days after the surgery. I will send an update with more details after I return from Billings tomorrow. You may also phone me and I will pass along any personal messages you have (223-6669).
Those of us involved closely with her these past days continue to be humbled and deeply admire Liz Ann’s strength and clarity.
She is appreciative and aware of your outpouring of support.
Amber Jean
Accident Account, 08/18, 4:22 pm
Following is an email Amber Jean sent out to friends on Monday August, 18th 4:22 pm
(edited slightly for this post)
Liz Ann was injured in a hiking accident yesterday (Sunday, August 17) while descending Mt Cowen in the Absaroka/Beartooth Range. She had summited Mt Cowen around 1:30 PM with Jo Jo (Joe Josephson) and Leslie Bahn (friend from Jackson/Bozeman) via the classic Northeast Ridge route. After a euphoric summit celebration, the party navigated the ledges and were hiking down the steep decent gully.
Jo Jo was first, Leslie 2nd, and Liz Ann 3rd….they were near the end of the gully. Liz Ann dislodged a large (TV-size) rock which hit her in the chest and smashed her against another rock, after which she plummeted head-first into another rock and continued to free-fall. Jo Jo was directly below her and was able to leap into her path in a successful attempt to position himself under Liz Ann and protect her head. They tumbled together and came to a stop. Jo Jo’s injuries were superficial (broken nose). Liz Ann sustained head, chest and back injuries. She never lost consciousness and was both cognizant and alert during the whole situation. The accident happened approximately at 2:30 P.M at about 10,600 feet.
Leslie went for help while Jo Jo stayed with Liz Ann. Leslie managed to quickly negotiate several thousand feet of difficult terrain around snowfields, rock slabs and waterfalls to reach Elbow Lake at 8,500 feet. There she left a note for two friends, Dustin Gaines and Pete, with whom they shared a camp at Elbow Lake. Leslie then ran eight miles out to the Trailhead. Leslie was able to phone 911 at 6:22 PM when she emerged from Mill Creek canyon into cell phone range. Leslie contacted me as well, and I was able to contact Pat Callis of the Gallatin County Search and Rescue mountaineering unit. A full rescue was quickly launched which involved 3 agencies.
Dr. Alan Orem, an experienced mountain rescue medic and ER doc, was air-lifted and left below the accident scene just as it was getting dark. He was able to join Liz Ann and JoJo after an hour of climbing. Liz Ann was in stable condition, but it was dark, and so the helicopter efforts were postponed until daylight. JoJo and Alan dug out a platform and moved LizAnn into a sleeping bag that Alan had brought so she'd have a more comfortable place to spend the night. A SAR team of seven were sent in by foot last night to camp at Elbow Lake and assist in the a.m. Meanwhile, Dustin and Pete discovered Leslie's note upon returning to camp at 8:30 after 16 hours of climbing a different route near Elbow Lake. They immediately headed back up the mountain with four sleeping bags and a stove and climbed several hours up to the gully where Liz Ann, JoJo and Alan were. Dustin and Pete's effort was critical as they were able to make hot water bottles to help keep Liz Ann warm in the sleeping bag. Dustin and Pete also happen to be master trail builders and got busy early in the morning to build a shelf to give the helicopter medic an insertion point as close as possible to Liz Ann. Shortly before the helicopter arrived, they all "packaged" Liz Ann into the vacuum splint Alan lugged in. This becomes completely rigid acting as a backboard and was critical since due to the weight and elevation, the helicopter would have had a difficult time reaching them with a separate backboard and litter.
Once the helicopter and medic arrived from Yellowstone National Park, all five of them worked together to put Liz Ann onto a "Scoop" (a collapsible board) and a "Bowman Bag" (a large canvas bag with straps and harness that attaches to the short line underneath the helicopter). This all took about 8 minutes after which Liz Ann and the medic, Blake Chartier, were short-hauled to the staging area (Mill Creek and East River Road intersection). The air ambulance was waiting for her to take her to Billings and left about 10:30 this morning. Liz Ann’s brother John was there to see her. Leslie and I talked with Liz Ann as well. She was very much alive, alert, and together.
Liz Ann’s head wounds are superficial…and one chipped tooth (they’ve already stapled her up). The neurosurgeon has confirmed pretty significant compression fractures on T-5 and T-6. Liz Ann has not had feeling or movement from her waist down since the accident occurred yesterday. They will be operating tonight or tomorrow. The good news is that the CT scan is good…no brain hemorrhage. There is no thoracic or abdominal hemorrhage. We do not want to jump to conclusions about the rest of her prognosis.
She is a super fit, amazingly strong woman who has an impressive large network of friends. John is dealing with the family and Liz Ann’s direct care. Her sister Jane was in California and will be arriving in Billings this evening. Her other sister will arrive tomorrow. Glenn (her fiancé) is on his way to Billings and will arrive this evening. Questions, concerns, and well-wishes can be directed to me (222-9251 or 223-6669) or Mary Lee (587-4925). Please do not call the hospital or John. Bobbi Jo will be in charge of an e-mail network for friends. We will do our best to keep everyone updated. Right now, the family would rather have us field calls and have asked that we do not travel to Billings until further notice (she may even be moved elsewhere…we will keep you posted).
Both Leslie and Jo Jo are experienced climbers with training in wilderness first response and rescue. Liz Ann was very lucky to be with the two of them as well as the two climber friends who happened to be in the area at the time of the accident. The night was warm and calm, the rescue efforts well-coordinated, and other factors entered in for which we can be grateful. (the rescue is the largest scale, most difficult terrain experienced in this county (and Gallatin). Mt Cowen is remote, high elevation, and rugged. The rescue took about 19 hours which is actually pretty good considering the extreme terrain and remoteness. Time was not a factor in Liz Ann’s injuries.
We all know Liz Ann is spirited and strong. She needs our positive energy. E-mails will be printed and given to her in intervals…hopefully we will all be seeing her soon as I know you all love her and want to help see her through this.
We believe e-mail will be an efficient way to keep everyone in the loop but do not hesitate to call.
Amber Jean
(edited slightly for this post)
Liz Ann was injured in a hiking accident yesterday (Sunday, August 17) while descending Mt Cowen in the Absaroka/Beartooth Range. She had summited Mt Cowen around 1:30 PM with Jo Jo (Joe Josephson) and Leslie Bahn (friend from Jackson/Bozeman) via the classic Northeast Ridge route. After a euphoric summit celebration, the party navigated the ledges and were hiking down the steep decent gully.
Jo Jo was first, Leslie 2nd, and Liz Ann 3rd….they were near the end of the gully. Liz Ann dislodged a large (TV-size) rock which hit her in the chest and smashed her against another rock, after which she plummeted head-first into another rock and continued to free-fall. Jo Jo was directly below her and was able to leap into her path in a successful attempt to position himself under Liz Ann and protect her head. They tumbled together and came to a stop. Jo Jo’s injuries were superficial (broken nose). Liz Ann sustained head, chest and back injuries. She never lost consciousness and was both cognizant and alert during the whole situation. The accident happened approximately at 2:30 P.M at about 10,600 feet.
Leslie went for help while Jo Jo stayed with Liz Ann. Leslie managed to quickly negotiate several thousand feet of difficult terrain around snowfields, rock slabs and waterfalls to reach Elbow Lake at 8,500 feet. There she left a note for two friends, Dustin Gaines and Pete, with whom they shared a camp at Elbow Lake. Leslie then ran eight miles out to the Trailhead. Leslie was able to phone 911 at 6:22 PM when she emerged from Mill Creek canyon into cell phone range. Leslie contacted me as well, and I was able to contact Pat Callis of the Gallatin County Search and Rescue mountaineering unit. A full rescue was quickly launched which involved 3 agencies.
Dr. Alan Orem, an experienced mountain rescue medic and ER doc, was air-lifted and left below the accident scene just as it was getting dark. He was able to join Liz Ann and JoJo after an hour of climbing. Liz Ann was in stable condition, but it was dark, and so the helicopter efforts were postponed until daylight. JoJo and Alan dug out a platform and moved LizAnn into a sleeping bag that Alan had brought so she'd have a more comfortable place to spend the night. A SAR team of seven were sent in by foot last night to camp at Elbow Lake and assist in the a.m. Meanwhile, Dustin and Pete discovered Leslie's note upon returning to camp at 8:30 after 16 hours of climbing a different route near Elbow Lake. They immediately headed back up the mountain with four sleeping bags and a stove and climbed several hours up to the gully where Liz Ann, JoJo and Alan were. Dustin and Pete's effort was critical as they were able to make hot water bottles to help keep Liz Ann warm in the sleeping bag. Dustin and Pete also happen to be master trail builders and got busy early in the morning to build a shelf to give the helicopter medic an insertion point as close as possible to Liz Ann. Shortly before the helicopter arrived, they all "packaged" Liz Ann into the vacuum splint Alan lugged in. This becomes completely rigid acting as a backboard and was critical since due to the weight and elevation, the helicopter would have had a difficult time reaching them with a separate backboard and litter.
Once the helicopter and medic arrived from Yellowstone National Park, all five of them worked together to put Liz Ann onto a "Scoop" (a collapsible board) and a "Bowman Bag" (a large canvas bag with straps and harness that attaches to the short line underneath the helicopter). This all took about 8 minutes after which Liz Ann and the medic, Blake Chartier, were short-hauled to the staging area (Mill Creek and East River Road intersection). The air ambulance was waiting for her to take her to Billings and left about 10:30 this morning. Liz Ann’s brother John was there to see her. Leslie and I talked with Liz Ann as well. She was very much alive, alert, and together.
Liz Ann’s head wounds are superficial…and one chipped tooth (they’ve already stapled her up). The neurosurgeon has confirmed pretty significant compression fractures on T-5 and T-6. Liz Ann has not had feeling or movement from her waist down since the accident occurred yesterday. They will be operating tonight or tomorrow. The good news is that the CT scan is good…no brain hemorrhage. There is no thoracic or abdominal hemorrhage. We do not want to jump to conclusions about the rest of her prognosis.
She is a super fit, amazingly strong woman who has an impressive large network of friends. John is dealing with the family and Liz Ann’s direct care. Her sister Jane was in California and will be arriving in Billings this evening. Her other sister will arrive tomorrow. Glenn (her fiancé) is on his way to Billings and will arrive this evening. Questions, concerns, and well-wishes can be directed to me (222-9251 or 223-6669) or Mary Lee (587-4925). Please do not call the hospital or John. Bobbi Jo will be in charge of an e-mail network for friends. We will do our best to keep everyone updated. Right now, the family would rather have us field calls and have asked that we do not travel to Billings until further notice (she may even be moved elsewhere…we will keep you posted).
Both Leslie and Jo Jo are experienced climbers with training in wilderness first response and rescue. Liz Ann was very lucky to be with the two of them as well as the two climber friends who happened to be in the area at the time of the accident. The night was warm and calm, the rescue efforts well-coordinated, and other factors entered in for which we can be grateful. (the rescue is the largest scale, most difficult terrain experienced in this county (and Gallatin). Mt Cowen is remote, high elevation, and rugged. The rescue took about 19 hours which is actually pretty good considering the extreme terrain and remoteness. Time was not a factor in Liz Ann’s injuries.
We all know Liz Ann is spirited and strong. She needs our positive energy. E-mails will be printed and given to her in intervals…hopefully we will all be seeing her soon as I know you all love her and want to help see her through this.
We believe e-mail will be an efficient way to keep everyone in the loop but do not hesitate to call.
Amber Jean
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