Just visited Neil. We saw both doctors this morning. The good news is Neil is doing very well. Neil's lungs continue to improve as done his abdomen. The news that discouraged Neil a bit is the doctor said the recovery process will be approximately 9 months. He anticipates Neil will have to have the colostomy for at least 6 months. I guess we should have realized this, but honestly we had not thought of the process in this time line. However, isn't this a good problem to have? Neil has been on the trach collar since 10:20. He is going to wear this as long as he can today. He was nauseated and the nurse gave him medication for this. Neil coughs a lot when he is on the trach collar. He does a great job but often this causes him pain in the side. The orthopedist is not as pleased as he had hoped with the healing of Neil's right lower leg. The orthopedist tightened the external hardware to keep the leg straight. The femur seems to be healing nicely. The orthopedist said Neil must stay here in SICU for at least about another week. He is also saying he may have Neil moved to a room here. As we understand it, Neil cannot move to a room on the floor until he is off the ventilator. (Please know we listen, ask questions and try to understand. We are so far out of our level of expertise.) DeAnn is back with Neil now. The bone stimulator is on the fractures for 20 minutes at time. We hope the nurses will let her stay a while longer. Please pray for Neil.
Please pray for the full recovery of Sue, Shannon and our other friends here. Today is the beginning of a new week and we expect great things for Sue and Shannon.
I have referred to several days as "Banner" days, but I am afraid I did not mention a real "Banner" day. Friends from Troy University came and brought the most wonderful banner you can imagine. It says "Get Well Soon Neil" from Troy University. It is signed with good wishes from a host of Trojans. We were told this banner has been all over campus. Neil had the pleasure of working with Quik Copy when he was in school and this department became part of his family. The banner is in SICU and all the nurses and doctors have admired it. The notes from the Troy family have meant a great deal to Neil and all of us. We are indeed blessed.
What a pretty day. Hope you all are having a good Monday. Thank to each of you for your support.
Please continue to love and support the Andress family. Without your love and support, we could have never managed this experience.
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9 comments:
I continue to read every update and say a prayer everyday. Neil is always in our thoughts.
Thinking of you in Savannah,
Stephen Smith
Thanks so much for keeping us all informed on the GREAT job Neil is doing. Just wanted you all to know you are always in my thoughts. Please give Neil my love. Hope to see you soon and hope you all have a good week.
Always,
Patty Jo
Hang in there Neil!! You will be better before you know it. Just keep concentrating on the next step and don't worry so much about the timeline. Take one step at a time and be encouraged with the progress that you are making. Still thinking about you all the time!!
Leigh Locklar
What a blessing to read the "Road to Recovery" updates! I am so excited that Neil is continuing to improve. We are blessed to have him here! Our God is such a loving God.
Liz
Keep up the good work Neil! We are so excieted about the progress that you are making! Hang in there and remember that you are in our thoughts and prayers every day!
Love,
Rachel, Chandler and Hunter
Hi Neil,
Well I know if they say 9 months, you will do it in 8 (I bet 7). Because of all the hard work (ha, ha) you used to do in Quick Copy has made you a stronger person today.
I also had a "Banner Day" Friday and every time I think about it I still get something in my eye. You looked great. If you need to hold my hand, call me anytime because you know we will be there.
I Love You,
Bonnie
It is so great to read each day of the wonderful improvement Neil is making. He is such a fighter. Keep up the great work, Neil. We are still praying for you daily and know that God is still at work. You all are in our prayers. We love you.
Wayne & Linda
God is still at work and he knows all about "SPEEDY RECOVERY".We continue to praise him for all he has done and is going to do,and in such a way the doctors will be amazed at the time it took. Hang in there, Neil.Lucia we think of you often. Love,Linda Hollis
Hey, Neal has proved over and over that he's not your usual person!! He always defeats the odds against him and he will continue to do so. He will make those doctors shake their heads in disbelief, as he continues to improve so much quicker than they have anticipated. He has such a great attitude and fighting spirit--and that's the key to success!!! With the wonderful support team behind him, especially DeAnn, Lucia, Kenneth and Reese--How can he not succeed!!!! Love Yall,
Betty Lawford
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