June 29 7:00pm

Hey Guys, I have had a lazy day. It has been rainy here in Montgomery. I am really looking forward to getting back to rehab tomorrow. I hope to talk to the right people about trying to do this work as an out-patient. We are going to try to get a car early in the week to look at transferring to the car. I think once I can successfully transfer to the car, there should not be a need for me to stay the nights at the facility. That is one of several things we have to check on. Hope everyone had a great weekend and is looking forward to the short work week as I am. Good night and hope I will have more to talk about tomorrow. JR

June 28 3:45 PM

Good Afternoon Guys and Gals,

Dad and I are sitting on the porch taking in a cool breeze. I had a full morning of rehab and had lunch with Mom, Reese, DeAnn, and Uncle Daniel. Then we went back to my room and visited, then went to rehab for some extra work. Mom and Dan left after that going to Atlanta to see Oklahoma at The "fabulous" Fox Theatre. I did get the ok from my WC nurse to have a daypass on the 4th. I am very excited about the thought of DeAnn and I breaking out of this joint if not only for a day. As I said yesterday tomorrow is a day of rest and that is pretty dang exciting too. I know this is a pretty short blog, but there isn't much to report.

I also want to say congrats to our good friends Troy and Marsha on their wedding today, sorry I can't make it guys, I'm thinking about ya'll.

Later and fins up,
JR

June 27 6:30

Hey Guys,
It's me again. Sorry that ya'll had to her about my day from DeAnn, but I was so tired last night. Today was much the same therapy-wise except I am physically tired and worn out. We got some great news today, I might get a daypass next friday if I can transfer into a car. I know what ya'll are thinking that must be so easy well it is getting easier but I was down for a couple of days. So the weekend is here and I have half a day tomorrow and then rest on the Sabbath.

On to my main focus of the blog. I know what I'm about to say will not surprise any of you. I have the the GREATEST family in the world and our friends aren't to shabby either. I keep thinking everyday the the thoughts, prayers, calls, and letters will end, but they haven't and I firmly believe with all my faith that is why I'm here today.

Lastly, I can't say enough about my beautiful wife, she amazes me everday with her unending support. She is my Rock. DeAnn I Love you more everyday.

Later and fins up,
JR

June 26, 2008

Good evening! This is DeAnn tonight because Neil is asleep. He had a great day full of good therapy. He really has taken some great steps. He stood up today for two minutes with some assistance. He has been rolling up and down the halls in his wheel chair. He sat outside for about 45 minutes so he could work on his tan. He made the comment that it was good to hear the birds sing. It's amazing what we all take for granted in our everyday life. Please pray for Neil's therapy and sore muscles. Good night from HealthSouth!

June 24, 2008 3:00 PM

Hey guys,
I have completed my first full day at HealthSouth. DeAnn and I were first waken at 5:15 am. We went to breakfast at 7:00 and then on to OT at 8:00 and PT at 9:30. We ate lunch in the cafeteria and went back to the room and rested until 2:00 for more PT. I'm now in the room and D has gone to shower while I play on the net. Thanks and love you all.

6/23/08 6:30 PM

Hey Everybody. This is Neil from Health South. We finally got here about 4:30. So far everybody has been very nice and we got the great news that DeAnn gets to be my roommate. That's really all we know at this point. I will have a full morning of new things. I know some of this gets a little repetitive, but I want to thank each of you for all your thoughts and prayers. I also can't say enough about my feelings for all staff at Baptist. South. I also want to thank my boss, Denny Sanford, for his continued support. I will let you know more tomorrow after I find out the routine. Good night from Health South.

June 22 7:30 pm

Hello everyone, Neil is napping as I write this. He has had a good day. Maybe this is his last Sunday here at Baptist South. He has not had any temperature since last Monday. His right elbow is swollen and has been since they removed an IV from there. The doctor came by and wanted the arm x-rayed just to be sure it was nothing else. He started Neil on an anti-inflammatory to see if this will help. We know they will put a PICC line in tomorrow so Neil can complete the IV antibiotics. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please continue to pray for Leah Killingsworth and her family. Today, Leah is 23 weeks into her pregnancy. She will stay at UAB and hope to go several more weeks before the birth of her baby.

We continue to hear good things from Sue. We are so happy she is home and pray things go well for her.

Please pray for the full recovery of Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Thanks so much for sticking with us through thick and thin. We so appreciate all of you. Please continue to love and support the Andress family.

June 21 7:00

Good afternoon, We are thinking this is Neil's last Saturday here at Baptist South. (I know we said that last Saturday, but we are thinking it again today.) Neil has had a very good day. The doctor came by and said he is pleased with Neil's progress. He said they would put in another PICC line Monday morning for Neil to complete the IV antibiotics. Everyone seems to think Neil will be able to leave at some point Monday. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please continue to pray for Neil's recovery.

We saw Rebecca Edgar's daughters today and they said Rebecca is still in the unit, but is improving. We are so pleased for all of them. Please continue to pray for Rebecca.

Please continue to pray for the full recovery of Shanna, Lily Grace, Leah and our other friends here.

Thanks so very much for your love and support.

June 20 6:00 pm

Good afternoon, Neil has had a good, busy day. He went out to the wound care doctor's office this morning and had the dressing for the skin graft changed. This looked very good and Neil has another appointment next week. (It seems Neil will have to go once a week.) The infectious disease doctor came by and changed the antibiotic and said it sure suited him for Neil to go to Health South on Monday. The Health South folks are ready for Neil to come over on Monday. The orthopedist is ready for Neil to go on Monday. He sent a nurse down to take the remaining staples out of Neil's leg. All systems are go for Neil to be moved to Health South on Monday. We will wait and see. Hope all of you are having a great Friday. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please pray for the full recovery of Shanna, Lily Grace, Rebecca, and Leah.

We so appreciate your love and support.

June 19 9:00 pm

Hey Everyone, Another good day for Neil. This morning he went downstairs to the barbershop and got a haircut. He was in the wheelchair for several hours. The doctor came by and said that Neil going to Health South was on the radar for Monday. Neil is getting Vancomycin 3 times a day through the IV. He has not hand any temperature since Monday. Yea!!!!! We cannot wait until tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Rebecca Edgar is still in ICU. She has had a restful, healing day. Please pray for her full recovery.

Please pray for Leah Killlingsworth and her family. Leah is pregnant, having complications and is at UAB where she and her baby can be treated. Please pray for this family.

Please continue to pray for the full recovery of Shanna and Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Thanks so very much for your love and support. Please continue to surround the Andress family with love.

June 18 3:00 pm

Good Afternoon, There is good news and not so good news. I hope soon we only have good news. The bad news is Neil has a staph infection. The doctor is watching the culture to determine the exact type of staph and what medication is needed. He thinks this is from the PICC line and it has been pulled. Neil's veins are not what they were before the accident and it took several tries before they could get the IV going. They are going to start Neil on vancomycin and change this if necessary. The good news is Neil feels good. He does not have a temperature. He was in a wheelchair for a couple of hours and was able to do a brief tour of the hospital. He went down and met our friends at Chappy's and at the barbershop. He also checked out the SICU waiting room where we all stayed waiting to see him. The other good news is that Neil might be able to go to Health South Monday. (Again, we are not packing yet. )We cannot wait until tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please continue to pray for Rebecca Edgar. She had to go back to CICU. We visited with her daughters and they are so optimistic.

Please pray for Rae Walker. We visited with her and she hopes to go home tonight or tomorrow.

Please continue to remember Sue in your prayers. Also, please pray for Shanna's full recovery and for Lily Grace to go home with her mom.

Our quote for the day. The doctor's physician assistant said that with Neil they do not go day by day, but rather Monday to Monday. Thanks so much for your love and support.

June 17 6:00 pm

Yea!!!! Neil is much, much better. He has not had any temperature today. The doctor is saying Neil can go to Health South in a day or two. We are so grateful Neil feels better. He sat up for a while today. Please pray for Neil's recovery.


We have another praise report. Rebecca Edgar is much better. In fact, she is so much better, she was moved to a room. Her sweet daughters are thrilled. Please pray for Rebecca's full recovery.


Rae Walker had surgery here today. Please pray for her complete recovery.


Let's all pray for Shanna to keep waking up and for Lily Grace to be able to go home.


We can never express our gratitude to all of you. You have been so faithful with your love and support for us. Today is 16 weeks since Neil's horrible accident. At times it seems like yesterday and then again it seems like forever ago. Since Neil has been here, the weather has changed dramatically, from snow, tornadoes to 100 degree days. Throughout the ups and downs, you all kept praying and blessed us with your love. You were willing to respond to our many prayer requests as our paths crossed with many families as scared as us. Because of your prayers, we have witnessed many miracles for Neil, Sue and others. Thanks so very much. We sure look forward to tomorrow.

June 16 7:00 pm

Good Afternoon, Neil has felt better today, but is still not 100 per cent. He has not had any fever since this morning until about an hour ago and it was 99.5. Neil's white cell count is good so it does not seem to be an infection, thank goodness. The doctor ordered a chest x-ray and blood cultures. We are still hoping this is a virus. The best guess is maybe Wednesday might be the Health South day. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

I saw Lily Grace's mom today. Lily Grace continues to make progress and is able to take two bottles a day. The goal is for her to take eight bottles a day. Please pray for Lily Grace to be able to go home with her family.

Please pray for the full recovery Shanna.

Please say an extra prayer for Rebecca Edgar today. She is in CICU following open heart surgery. Her sweet family loves her so much.

Thanks for each prayer you have said for Neil and all our friends. Your love and support continues to sustain all of us.

June 16 12:00

Hello Folks, The good news is Neil feels a bit better. The bad news is he still has some temperature. Last night his fever spiked to 103. It is hovering around 100 today. The doctor ordered blood work so we are waiting to hear what they think. The move to Health South is off the table for now. We will keep you all posted. Please pray for Neil's temperature to return to normal.

Rebecca Edgar is out of surgery, thank goodness. The doctor was able to do 3 complete bypasses. This is great news. Please pray for Rebecca's complete recovery.

Please continue to pray for the complete recovery of Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Thanks so much for your love and support.

June 15 7:30pm

My goodness, I missed posting again. I am so sorry. Hope all of you have had a great Father's Day. Yesterday Neil and his Dad spent all afternoon together watching the golf tournament. It was "Boys Day Out" and they had a wonderful time. They both agreed this was the best Father's Day ever. That is the good news. The not so good news is Neil has had a fever today. He woke up feeling lousy. His temperature was 101.3, but went away a couple of hours later. Neil said he had been here well over 100 days and this was the first day he had felt "puny". He has not had any more temp late this afternoon and we are hopeful it is gone. We still are thinking this is Neil's last Sunday night at Baptist South. DeAnn has everything ready to go to Health South but we are NOT loading the car until Neil is on his way. (We are smiling when we say that.) We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

I went by and visited Shanna yesterday. I missed seeing her sweet parents but will get back by there. Shanna looked beautiful and her room is fabulous. Please continue to pray for Shanna to fully recover.

Last week when we talked about all the wonderful staff here, I completely left out one very important group, the respiratory therapists. My goodness, not only were they so very competent, but they care so much for their patients. I cannot tell you how impressed we are by this group of professionals.

Thanks so very much for your love and support.

June 13 5:00 pm

Good afternoon, Now, we are thinking this is the LAST Friday Neil will spend at Baptist South. I know, I know. I said that last Friday, but maybe it is true this week. Neil went to the doctor this morning and he said he wanted Neil to remain still, on his back through Monday. Apparently the middle of the Apligraf was not exactly as he wanted it. Later, the orthopedist came by and took out half of the staples on Neil's leg. He took out every other staple and week after next he will take out the remaining staples. He was very pleased with the incision. So, this will be another slow weekend in the hospital. The good news is the US Open is on and Neil is sure enjoying that. This is a great change to the usual television shows on day and night which have little to offer in the realm of enjoyment. Neil's spirits are good and he sure looks forward to the possibility of going to Health South on Monday. (Maybe, but we are not packing until they come to get Neil, HA) We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

I went by to see Sue today. What good fortune as I was able to see both of her sweet daughters. Sue is back in her apartment and is doing great. She is somewhat of a STAR as everyone wants to see her. This quick visit sure was a boost for me and I was able to share with Neil, DeAnn and all. Please continue to remember Sue in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for the full recovery of Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Please pray for the family of Mr. Bill McCraney. He was involved in a tractor accident two weeks ago and passed away today. His family is precious and loves him so much.

Thanks so very much for your love and support. Hope you all have a good weekend planned.

June 11 9:00 pm

Hey Folks, Sorry we did not post last night. The last two days have been "healing" days for Neil. He cannot move his abdomen so that basically means flat on his back. He is able to watch TV (he repeatedly says there is nothing to watch) and read. Neil feels better and better. The pain medication is fairly effective. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

We sure do like for friends to visit here at Baptist South, but we DO NOT like for friends to be admitted here. Rebecca Edgar is here and will have heart surgery Friday or Monday. Her sweet daughters are taking good care of her. Please pray for Rebecca's full recovery.

Sue should be settled in her apartment by now. Please know you all prayed her home. She is a miracle and she and her family have blessed us many times over.

Please continue to pray for the full recovery of Shanna , Lily Grace and our other friends here. Please remember the family that is still in SICU. The father was injured in a tractor accident.

Please remember the Rex Killingsworth family in Elba with your love and prayers.

We send our love to each of you. We continue to be amazed at how all of you have stayed with us each day. We so appreciate you.

June 9 5:00 pm

Good Afternoon, As I said the other day, we are not gone until Neil is discharged and that is not happening today. He just got back and has the Apligraf on his abdomen. What we did not know is that he cannot move his legs or abdomen until he goes back to see the doctor Friday. At that time, the doctor will determine if Neil can be mobile. Neil is back in his room and we have moved everything back in. We have decided we will not move out again until Neil has left the hospital. Everyone here is so gracious and have accepted us back. Neil's spirits are good. He is disappointed but understanding of the situation. Thanks to all of you for your love and support. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please pray for Sue, Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Please continue to support the Andress family with your love and prayers.

June 8, 2008

Hey guys! This is Neil and DeAnn doing the blog tonight. As our time here at Baptist South is drawing to a close, we look back with much appreciation for the many blessings we have received. One of the greatest blessings has been the staff here at Baptist South. It is clear to us that without some of these people the road we have traveled would have been a lot bumpier. Another blessing has been the relationships we have formed with some of the other families here. We both can honestly say that this experience is one that no one should have to go through alone. During our last day (hopefully) here Neil rested well, and we all did a little packing. It's hard to believe that Monday will be 105 days here, but we can think of a lot worse places to be. Once we get settled into HealthSouth we will let everyone know when visiting times are. Please continue to pray for us as we make the big move tomorrow along with skin graph on Neil's abdomen. Goodnight from Baptist South!

June 7 8:30 pm

Hey Folks, Hope all of you have had a good Saturday. Neil has had a good day. He has been "nappish" much of the day. It gets very quiet in the hospital during the weekends. We hope this is the last Saturday Neil has to be in the hospital. The target day to go to Health South is still Monday. We are clear it is not a done deal until he is discharged from here and admitted there, but it is on the radar. During this journey all of you have been a blessing to Neil and all of us. We could not have made it this far without you. Your prayers and love have provided countless miracles and blessings for all of us. We recognize how far Neil has come from the night his oxygen sat dropped all day, but then started back up with no explanation. We know that was one of many miracles. We still smile when we think of the day Neil opened his eyes, the day he spoke, the day he left SICU and many other milestones. You all were with us each step of the way and we humbly say thank you. Each day we have asked you all to pray for Neil, Sue, Shanna, Lily Grace and all the others and you have all done that without fail. We have made friends here that will be in our lives forever. The doctors and nurses have been so professional and in the same breath so caring. In SICU, Neil could not have received better care any where in the world. All of Alabama can be proud of Baptist South and all of its doctors, nurses, techs, security staff, and other employees. We are convinced one of the miracles for Neil was that he was brought here. We so look forward to tomorrow. Please continue your prayers for Neil, Sue, Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here. From Neil and all of us, "Night, night from Baptist South.

June 6 8:00

Good Evening, We hope this is the last Friday Neil is here at Baptist South. The doctor said the plan is for Neil to go to Health South Monday. He has had a good day. They changed the dressing on his abdomen and the wound looks great. We have not heard a word from the culture so that means there is no problem. Physical therapy came in twice today and Neil is getting stronger and stronger. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please pray for Sue, Shanna and our other friends here.

Thanks so very much for your love and support.

June 5 8:00

Hey Folks, Neil has felt better today, thank goodness. They have changed some medications and this seems to help. Also, he just got back from a CAT Scan. This was ordered just to be sure nothing was wrong. We do not know what it indicated, but they told Neil he could eat and drink anything he wanted. He has been on a liquid diet since yesterday afternoon. Physical therapy came by twice today and this worked well. Neil is having dinner as I write this. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's full recovery.

Please pray for Sue, Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Thanks so very much for your love and support.

June 4 10:00 pm

Hey Folks, Sorry I am late posting. Neil had a very good day until about 2 pm. Since then his stomach has hurt. The doctor and others are considering all the possibilities and are trying several things. It is some better right now, thank goodness. Physical therapy came in twice today and Neil had good workouts. We cannot wait until tomorrow. Please continue to pray for Neil's recovery.

Please continue to pray for Sue, Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Thanks so much for loving us. Please continue to surround the Andress family with your love and support.

June 3 8:00

Good afternoon, Neil has had a good day. The doctor came by and said someone would be by to change the dressing on his leg. He was pleased with Neil's progress. The dressing was changed and the Neil's leg looked very good. They did a culture just to be extra sure there was no infection. Physical therapy came by and Neil sat on the side of the bed and exercised. Neil had a consultation regarding the prosthesis he will get in the future. This was very informative. It seems that Neil will remain here until Monday or Tuesday. He will get the skin graft on Monday and will have time to be sure all the medications are effective. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

We met April Kirkland today. Her baby girl, Lily Grace, was born at 25 weeks (March 26) and has been in the NICU since then. She will be here probably until July. Lily Grace continues to improve. Please pray for the full recovery of Lily Grace.

Sue's son-in-law, Ed, came by. He takes such good care of us. He said Sue was having a good day. Please continue to pray for Sue.

We so appreciate your love and support. We could have never managed this without you.

June 2 8:00 pm

Wow, Neil has had a busy day. He started the morning off by going outside to the Wound Care Clinic. He went by wheelchair and the sun was on his face for the first time in almost 14 weeks. They were not able to do the skin graft because the wound had some hyper-granulation. They put a special dressing on this to take care of the granulation. The dressing will be changed on Thursday and Neil will go back on Monday for the skin graft. Then at 1 pm Neil had an appointment with the Pain Management folks. This was another trip in the wheelchair. The doctor reviewed all of Neil's medication records and ordered a Duragesic Patch and other medication for break through pain. The doctor said he was confident this was make the pain manageable and could tweak this if it was not effective. This has been a good day. The orthopedist had said Neil might be ready to go to Health South by Wednesday. We are not writing that day in our calendar yet, but at least Neil is a lot closer. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's full recovery.

Susan, Sue's daughter, came by today. Sue has been doing very well but has an urinary infection. With all things being equal, Sue should be able to return to her apartment next week. Please pray for Sue's full recovery.

Please continue to pray for Shanna. We are so optimistic her progress will remain constant.

Thanks to all of you for your love and support.

June 1 9:00 pm

My goodness, I forgot to post this and I am so sorry. Sunday has been a good day. Neil has had some pain but there are a couple of medications that help. He was sitting in the chair was about 2 hours. This has been a day of healing. We so look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please pray for Shanna to completely wake up. Please continue to pray for Sue and our other friends here in SICU.

Thanks so much for your love and support.