Jeannierides update

[jeannierides]

Ladies

This post is from Jeannie’s SO, John. I want to update everyone on Jeannie’s progress. First I would like to thank everyone for the cards, gifts, calls, and or, for reaching out in spirit to support Jeannie. This has been a very difficult time!! I cannot begin to tell everyone how much this show of support has helped. In light of yesterdays doctor visit, I encourage everyone to continue with the positive energy.

Jeannie had her follow up appointment with the orthopedist yesterday. The experience was considerably more difficult than we imagined. The doctor indicated that he could see improvement, but set out to defeat every sense of hope that Jeannie and I could muster. He went through a long dissertation about how she would never be the same. The doctor told Jeannie that she should make plans to reinvent her entire life, leaving no stone unturned. He suggested she will “never” return to her previous activities. He stated directly that our optimism about the future was unrealistic. It went on and on, heartbreaking word after heartbreaking word. Needless to say, Jeannie was in shock. The bottom line according to him was to expect the worst. Obscured by the negative were two positives. Jeannie was cleared to begin limited weight bearing therapy and in a passing remark the Doctor acknowledged that stationary cycling could be a beneficial therapy.

Fast forward back to the extended care facility, Jeannie’s PT team came to visit and the proverbial sh*t hit the fan. As a team, they rallied around Jeannie and dismissed every claim asserted by Dr Negative. The staff Orthopedist, DR Q, came by and was astounded by this unrealistic prognosis. He told Jeannie to consider that no Doctor is God. The Doctors negative estimates are just that, estimates. He commended Jeannie for her fighting spirit and notable progress. He encouraged her about future prospects and dismissed the negatives as just speculation.

This whole ordeal was then put to bed in spectacular fashion. The PT Staff gathered around and encouraged Jeannie to stand for the first time since Feb 23. She stood up and sat back down with minimal physical assistance. With the enthusiasm and support generated by the group, Jeannie stood up a second time and was able to move her feet. Walking will be next !!!

[mimitabby]

thanks for writing. I am glad you guys have a great supporting staff around you.
A man I knew suffered a devastating accident after he collided with a car. I visited him in the hospital where they were whispering things like you just described about Jeannie. I saw the leg with 34 pins in it, and the arm, and the other messed up leg as well. I couldn't imagine ever seeing that guy walk comfortably again, let alone ride.
This winter, about 2 1/2 years later, i saw him again. I am very attuned to people's gait and he walked in without a limp. his posture was erect, and he's riding. I imagine he'll never be the same again, he's got to have lots of scars and metal permanently implanted in his bones, but it doesn't stop him.

good luck. when there's life there's hope. Jeannie has impressed me with her positive attitude. I think you guys need a different doctor.

[Ninabike]

To Jeannie's SO, I can't believe a doctor could be so negative. Healing has as much to do with mental positiveness as anything else and it should start with encouragement from her treating physician!! Jeannie WILL recover; WILL ride that beautiful new bike and, who knows, may be even stronger and more resolute than before. Not only that, she will be an example to others. BTW, thank Jeannie for her card.

[IFjane]

Oh my god John - I cannot believe what I just read! I am sitting here with tears in my eyes in amazement that a doctor could tell you both those horrid things, as if to shred any hope you had. I agree with mimi - you need to look for another doctor!

I will be in touch soon. We love you Jeannie!!!

[Kitsune06]

Jeannie and John, people are capable of amazing things through will and determination. In the end, I think those two, combined with faith (in yourself, in God, wherever it needs to be placed) are the most defining factors in anyone's future, much less recovery from an injury like that. To have a doctor say that is a terrible thing- what could more drastically damage one's faith in their ability to recover? What could be more self-defeating than to believe it? Let it steel your resolve.
Bear in mind- things may never 'be the same'... but what some would view as a 'tragedy' could in a matter of a year or two or three or more become simply another thing to overcome- a quirk that needs to be minded but not fretted over, a reminder of what you've been through and your own internal strength to persevere.
All of life is a matter of perspective, there will be ups and downs, but don't become too discouraged. There is always hope in another day.
I want to offer you both warm hugs and my best wishes for a swift recovery.

[KayTee]

This dr. is a surgeon, right? They are good at what they do, but (despite what some of them think) they are not experts on rehabilitation. Jeannie is an amazingly strong woman, and so is her wonderful spirit. I have every confidence that Jeannie, with the support of her rehab therapy team, her wonderful SO and family, and all her friends, will prove this jerk's "prediction" wrong. Heck, she's already gotten a start on it!

[Velobambina]

With all that love and support around her, Jeannie will be just fine. Please let her know that I'm thinking of and praying for her.

[bmccasland]

Obviously this surgeon isn't known for his positive bed-side manner. There's being realistic, and maybe to him that's what he was doing. But still there ought to be encouragement for getting better. Thank goodness for a terrific PT staff and Dr. Q. I've heard of sticking pins in Voodoo dolls, but how do you give a man a heart? ;)

Big hugs and encouragement to Jeannie and John for her continued recovery!

[Jo-n-NY]

Everyone here gave such wonderful words of encouragement. Consider them repeated in my message here along with, to just hang on and keep in your head the enthusiasm of the pt staff and through out what the orthopedic said. Please just keep the postive, upbeat attitude!!!

~ JoAnn

[sbctwin]

Jeannie and John, hang in there. We are all pulling for you on this end and will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

[IFjane]

Hi all - I have an update-to-the-update! I talked to Jeannie this afternoon and she is one amazing woman. She has used all the negativity to make positive energy and she is forging ahead with her rehabilitation. Today she walked, with the aid of a walker, across the gym AND 75 feet down the hall!!!

Everyone, please join me in a huge cheer for Jeannie!!! I only wish I could be half as strong as she is.

[SouthernBelle]

Give 'em hell, Jeannie!!!

[LBTC]

Wow! I've got tears rolling down my cheeks right now, telling DH about this and being amazed at Jeannie! That took courage, strength, faith, love, butterflies(?), and all of the positive energy anyone could have!

I can not excuse that miserable specialists behaviour, but I have to note that it really does take negative for us to focus so strongly on the positive. Jeannie's reaction, and all of the fabulous PT staff, was so full of energy and positivity as to be unstoppable!

Down the hall! Yahoooooo!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Mr. Bloom]

I encourage you to respect the challenges that face you, but don't fear them.

While you can't ignore what the doctor fears, only you can define your limits.

[margo49]

Yeah, I had something like this happen to me.
The Orthopedic Surgeon delivered me a similar speech - casually, over his shoulder, half inside and half outside the curtain around my bed in the ER.
I was furious! There were a few people there incl SO and a friend who is a very senior nurse at the hospital. In this really deep, projected tone of voice (which you get when you are real determined) I said. "Wait a minute! You don't know me. I'll show you, I'll show you, I'll show you" And my nurse friend said to this guy, "She is something special . Watch out"
And show him I did.
Go for it Jeannie! They don't predict the future!

Btw, I heard a few months later he was using me as an example of patient motivation in his rounds. A couple of years later I had to see him about complications with the metallica and he invited *all* the ER doctors on duty to see the old x-rays and the "outcome" (i.e. me!)

[Trek420]

Hi all - I have an update-to-the-update! I talked to Jeannie this afternoon and she is one amazing woman. She has used all the negativity to make positive energy and she is forging ahead with her rehabilitation. Today she walked, with the aid of a walker, across the gym AND 75 feet down the hall!!!

Everyone, please joine me in a huge cheer for Jeannie!!! I only wish I could be half as strong as she is.

Yeah Jeannie!! To go from first time standing upright to walking 75 feet the next day is awesome and inspiring.

Don't listen to the Dr. Egomania may be a good trait if you're poking around in peoples bodies but he's not a "people person".

Sounds like he got Jeannie riled up to prove him wrong and I know she will.

Addendum: Hi, this is Knot posting. (well, actually, Trek and I have kinda been sharing this post, but this is me by myself) I wanna expand on the egomania thing. It really is a GOOD trait in a surgeon. Someone with a giant ego is going to have the self-confidence to do a great job in surgery. But, that know-it-all ego makes them either come across as cold or as ***holes in the outside world. Listen to the PT team. They know rehab! They know YOU! Kick some ***, girl!:D

[wannaduacentury]

This dr. is a surgeon, right? They are good at what they do, but (despite what some of them think) they are not experts on rehabilitation. Jeannie is an amazingly strong woman, and so is her wonderful spirit. I have every confidence that Jeannie, with the support of her rehab therapy team, her wonderful SO and family, and all her friends, will prove this jerk's "prediction" wrong. Heck, she's already gotten a start on it!

Yes and when Jeannie rides her bike again in her first event. Invite that surgeon to come watch her cross the finish line. Keep going Jeannie, we're rooting for you. Keep the faith. Jennifer

[KayTee]

Jeannie is an inspiration. Her determination, courage and grace throughout her recovery so far and this latest challenge have both awed and moved me. I have no doubt that she will soon be able to ride her gorgeous new bike and do anything else she wants to do. And we'll get pictures to document it!!

As an aside, I've been wondering if that comment her surgeon made might have been deliberately issued as a challenge to make her angry and show just what she can do to disprove his prediction. Margo49 and some others seem to have encountered this, too -- whether it's pure ego and rudeness, deliberately done to evoke response, or a little of both, I don't know. I told Jeannie about a now retired colleague of mine who was paralysed when the elevator she was in fell 4 1/2 floors, informed repeatedly by her drs. that she'd never walk again, yet several years later was not only walking and hiking but had changed the focus of her research to gait analysis and rehab after traumatic injury. Do any of you think this Dr. Egomaniac might have had a plan, or is that just too unbelievable? :confused:

[margo49]

I think they say it so you don't come back at them later (especially in litigation conscious countries eg USA ). I don't think they do it as a challenge 'coz 99% of the time they don't know you well enough to use such tactics.
(my $0.02)

[Mr. Bloom]

when Jeannie rides her bike again in her first event. Invite that surgeon to come watch her cross the finish line.

Silver had a top orthopedic surgeon tell her nothing was wrong with her foot.

Silver doubted herself for feeling pain.

6 months later, a podiatrist found the bone sliver on an x-ray that he took the time to do himself!

6 months later, Silver had the sliver removed to a full recovery. I told her to sent the first guy the bone chip...

A special humorous footnote:
The podiatrist's name was Dr. Love. How would you like to answer the phone to hear "This is Dr. Love, calling for Elaine. Is she available?"

So, I hollar downstairs to Silver "There's a Dr. Love on the phone for you!"

SilverSon, who is about 11 at the time, starts laughing and says "Huuhhhh?!?!"

[jeannierides]

Posted by John, Jeannie's SO.

Hey everyone. I wanted to thank everyone for keeping Jeannie's spirits high. It has actually been a great week.

Progress has really been remarkable. Jeannie stood for the first time only a week ago. Last night she stood up and walked with a cane. She started the week on a walker, quickly moved to crutches, and now a cane. I can't even begin to tell you what it is like to watch this happen.

Tuesday , the girls at Jeannie's work had their "Ladies Night Out" with a surprise party for Jeannie. They all brought food and drink and set up a party in the facility dining room. This included a Silpada jewelry party. I did not know about this ahead of time and went with her to the dining hall. Jeannie beamed. It was so nice to see her laughing and socializing with her lady friends. I have to say this freaked me a little at first because I wasn't sure Jeannie was ready for all of this activity. I guess that was a little foolish considering her constitution! I left the festivities to the ladies and headed home. An exhausted Jeannie headed back to her room a couple of hours later.

The next week or so promises some new challenges. Jeannie's birthday is next Friday and I think this will be difficult emotionally. As tough as she has been, I think this is a sticking point for her. I guess no one wants to mark a milestone like this in rehab. Additionally, I am having surgery on her birthday and will not be able to visit for a few days. She has indicated that this is "ok" but her vocal endorsement lacks a conviction that reassures.

On a more positive note, I feel stongly that Jeannie will be going home soon. There is not a specific date, but based on her progress, it will be soon. A whole new set of challenges! I'm sure that the simple comforts like home cooked meals, fresh brewed coffee, familiar bed, and TE access will improve her healing by leaps and bounds.

Thanks again for the positive energy!!!

[mimitabby]

would you post the address again please so we can send bday cards?

[KayTee]

John - Many thanks for posting this update on Jeannie's incredible progress! Those of us who have come to know her via this forum and/or in person should not be surprised at her strength and determination. She is an inspiration.

I will make plans to visit her next Friday. I'd planned to take off work that day for an afternoon commitment anyway and will go by there beforehand to spend some time with Jeannie on her birthday. Best of luck with your surgery in the meantime, and I know her that friends will continue sending renewed thoughts, prayers and positive healing energy through cyberspace to you both.

[KayTee]

Mimi et al., here's Jeannie's address in case anyone would like to send a birthday card or other snailmail:

Jeannie Tripp Rm 911
C/O
Manor Care Stratford Hall
2125 Hilliard Rd
Richmond, Va 23228

[deena]

Jeannie -

On your way home, plan some time to WALK by Dr. Mean's office and set the record straight (and then let us know how it goes). ;)

Good luck with your exciting transition home!

[Ninabike]

Yeah Jeannie!! Non-cyclists just underestimate the endurance and determination of cyclists. Happy birthday!!

[7rider]

Sounds like these Dr. Feel-No-Goods have a plan.....to goad you into pushing yourself just to prove him wrong. :rolleyes:
Worked for Margo49. Worked for others. And, I suspect it will work for Jeannie.

You go get 'em Jeannie!!!
Congrats on the progress. Wishing you steady progress in your rehabilitation and I hope that soon you'll be HOME!

[IFjane]

Wonderful news!!! When I last talked to Jeannie she said she would call me in a few days & let me know how she is doing. Clearly she has been way too busy to talk on the phone!!! Yay, Jeannie!!! {{{{huge hug}}}}

KayTee - let's talk tomorrow & maybe we can both visit next Friday. I don't go back to work until the 14th...

[spokewench]

I'm so glad Jeannie is getting better - and I hope she does not lose faith! Doctors often tell you the worst. After I broke my back in my 20's, I had a doctor tell me that I would NEVER ride a horse again, NEVER ride a bike, Have to change my life, NEVER be able to carry a baby , etc., etc.

What a disbeliever! I ride and have raced mountain bikes, road bikes, road a horse, hike the Grand Canyon, play tennis, etc., etc. Sometimes, there is some pain, but so what - Life is a journey and without pain there is no glory!

(LOL, the only thing he was right about was the baby thing! But, that was only because it was a decision, not because I could not do it.)

So, Jeannie, I wish you well. Sometimes, it is really hard! and, you get frustrated cause you think it will never get better. If you keep working, it will get better! Believe in yourself and just go with the flow when it seems like everything is at a standstill. Things will come around for you. Hugs and lots of tenacity coming your way.

[han-grrl]

I am choking back tears, from the negativity of that surgeon, to all the wonderful messages, all the best to you Jeannie, celebrate life and all the wonderful people around you. Many hugs

Hannah

[KayTee]

This afternoon I was able to visit Jeannie for a few minutes. I found her in exercise therapy and got to watch her strut her stuff, i.e. get up off the PT table unassisted, use her cane to walk over to the exercise bike that's like a recumbent stairstepper with arm poles, get on the bike and ride it for 20 minutes! She told me she started using that bike for the first time yesterday. Then she got up, walked to the wheelchair, sat down, and I had to just about jog to keep up as she accelerated down that endless corridor to her room, cornered on a dime and rocked a 3-pt turn to park the chair in a tiny space so she could climb onto her bed, all unassisted. NASCAR's got nothin' on our Jeannie, and ole Dr. EgoMan won't know what hit him. Obviously he's not used to encountering people with the strength and resolve of Spokewench, Margo49, Jeannie, and the rest of the TE gang. ;)

[spokewench]

Please tell Jeannie she is just AWESOME - although I'm sure you already have. I'm so impressed. It will be no time and she will be home and happy.

[Ninabike]

So glad to see your post KayTee. I knew when I saw the picture of Jeannie that IFjane posted a while back that Jeannie was going to do just fine. I say this because, in my "previous life" I was an RN; my DH is an MD - the positive kind who talks to his patients from home in the evenings to keep their spirits up - and I have seen so much in the way of injuries and illness. Positive attitude is "where it's all at!!". Go Jeannie - and all her positive friends!! Never underestimate a cyclist!!

[IFjane]

Isn't this the most awesome thing you have ever heard??? GO JEANNIE!!!! I can't wait to talk to her. And I definitely plan to go down there on Friday for her birthday. (and I won't forget the camera :rolleyes: )

[Bikingmomof3]

Tell her what an awesome job she is doing. :cool: Go Jeannie!!! :D

[KnottedYet]

Go, girl, GO!!!!!!!:D

[deena]

Jeannie -

On your way home, plan some time to WALK by Dr. Mean's office and set the record straight (and then let us know how it goes). ;)

Good luck with your exciting transition home!

Can I alter my previous post? What would Dr. Mean say as you RIDE by his office door? :D

[margo49]

Too much logistics!
Just go to your check-up with your helmet slung over your left wrist. And be casually pulling off your gloves as you walk thru the door!