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!

[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