Molly was moved from St Joseph's to Tampa General Rehab Center on Friday afternoon.
Her medical condition had stabilized and the Dr's wanted to get her to rehab asap to start this new phase. The rehab center sits on the mouth of the Hillsborough River so Molly has a view of downtown as well as the river. It is a view you would pay extra for if you were getting a hotel room!
Molly is apprehensive of the rehab. Everyone has told her how much it will hurt. So far, they have tried to sit her up in a wheel chair (but couldn't complete that assignment)have shown her some devices that will help her become a little more independent when she is able to lift her arms with some authority. In general she was introduced to the concept of rehabilitation.
Sat afternoon she went to her first session of rehab. She cried and cried but told the therapist to "do what has to be done"! We are proud of our trooper!!!
Praise God! The great news is that Molly is again able to move her right arm several inches off the pillow it rests on and move them (slowly and surely) to one side. The left arm is not cooperating yet since it was broken in two places. About a week ago Molly had been able to move her right arm some, but lost that ability until about 12+ hours ago.
Molly's aunt(Hunnypie)came down from Georgia and sat with her Friday and Saturday. It put Molly in a great mood! We are all hoping that the bad news will stop for awhile; everyone needs a rest and a dose of good news.
Thanks again for the letters, cards, and phone calls in support of our family! They are appreciated more than you can imagine.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
June 24, 2009
I received a call from a man today, COO of a Fortune 500 company. We have a mutual friend; he stated that he was calling me as a father to a father. The obligatory "if there is anything I can do, call me" was not there; there was only heart felt expressions of care for my family.
I was touched again when a man and wife brought a meal to my family today. It was a lovely home cooked meal (really, really good!!!) and certainly appreciated.
Another friend came by, several called, more e-mailed. One initiated an action within an organization and prayer chains. My brother called from Georgia, his church wants to do something specific which I welcomed also. Another friend and previous neighbor helped me put this blog together.
My point is this... MY FAMILY COULD NOT MAKE IT WITHOUT YOU! FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS I thank you, our support. This will be a marathon of many months, perhaps years, and we appreciate you.
Although Molly is not moving her limbs today, she feels better. There is a pain she can not endure for long without her meds, but she ate a meal for the first time tonight. Although we would not even call it a snack, it was a big step in my thinking. It was an attitude shift, a cognizance that it is time to start to work on the marathon.
I was touched again when a man and wife brought a meal to my family today. It was a lovely home cooked meal (really, really good!!!) and certainly appreciated.
Another friend came by, several called, more e-mailed. One initiated an action within an organization and prayer chains. My brother called from Georgia, his church wants to do something specific which I welcomed also. Another friend and previous neighbor helped me put this blog together.
My point is this... MY FAMILY COULD NOT MAKE IT WITHOUT YOU! FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS I thank you, our support. This will be a marathon of many months, perhaps years, and we appreciate you.
Although Molly is not moving her limbs today, she feels better. There is a pain she can not endure for long without her meds, but she ate a meal for the first time tonight. Although we would not even call it a snack, it was a big step in my thinking. It was an attitude shift, a cognizance that it is time to start to work on the marathon.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Jun 23, 2009
Tuesday...
Julie and I are playing tag to give Molly maximum "sitting with" coverage and comfort here at the hospital. Julie relieved me at 5 am and I got back here at 5pm. We'll determine the method we need to use as we go.
Molly has had a rough couple of days. She just had the blas Sun & Mon and then Mon night while I was here her temp spiked to 103+. (Currently almost normal!) Had to be packed in ice again.
There are several goals to be met before Molly can be released to rehab.
One of the goals for her medical stability is to keep her temp normal. Every couple of days her temp has gone through the roof. They are still looking for the reason. Another goal is to get her breathing without the aide of the respirator; she had to use it most of the night and into today. Yet another objective is for all of Molly's organs to function properly; she had not had a bm for a number of days and the Dr said this morning that it was essential that a movement take place.
Praise God it happened this afternoon after much prayer was offered.
Now friends.... I did not think that I would be praying for such an act, but the insistence of the Dr that it had to take place for the medical well being of Molly;and Julie and I prayed in unison, bound it on earth and heaven...I asked many of you to pray and you did.... I now see God's humor. I also see that He is in charge and was reminding us that He will answer prayer when we ask... even prayers that we would not normally ask for!
Molly wants to thank all for the prayers and outpouring of goodwill everyone has shown for her and our family
Julie and I are playing tag to give Molly maximum "sitting with" coverage and comfort here at the hospital. Julie relieved me at 5 am and I got back here at 5pm. We'll determine the method we need to use as we go.
Molly has had a rough couple of days. She just had the blas Sun & Mon and then Mon night while I was here her temp spiked to 103+. (Currently almost normal!) Had to be packed in ice again.
There are several goals to be met before Molly can be released to rehab.
One of the goals for her medical stability is to keep her temp normal. Every couple of days her temp has gone through the roof. They are still looking for the reason. Another goal is to get her breathing without the aide of the respirator; she had to use it most of the night and into today. Yet another objective is for all of Molly's organs to function properly; she had not had a bm for a number of days and the Dr said this morning that it was essential that a movement take place.
Praise God it happened this afternoon after much prayer was offered.
Now friends.... I did not think that I would be praying for such an act, but the insistence of the Dr that it had to take place for the medical well being of Molly;and Julie and I prayed in unison, bound it on earth and heaven...I asked many of you to pray and you did.... I now see God's humor. I also see that He is in charge and was reminding us that He will answer prayer when we ask... even prayers that we would not normally ask for!
Molly wants to thank all for the prayers and outpouring of goodwill everyone has shown for her and our family
Friday, June 19, 2009
June 19, 2009
Friday...
Molly was very perky today for the most part. There are times that she starts to cry and start feeling depressed. We are trying to keep her out of that.
She said her arms feel like lead today. We worked physical therapy (simple stuff) about three or four times today. When I bend her foot (toes toward her shin) I get a muscle reaction. Don't know what it means but it feels good.
I made Molly exercise more today with her right arm. She is pretty good at moving it towards her but can't get much of an outward movement. We're so proud of her working hard.
Her breathing continues to improve. She is leaving the oxygen off more and more. The pulmonary (sp?) doctor says she is making great progress.
Her temp is now down to a steady 101.3. So much better than the 104.7 couple of nights ago.
Dr Kumar, who was one of the neurologist in surgery, came by to talk to Molly today. Molly has decided that her definition of total recovery is different from the good Dr.
He stated that her brain is good, her lungs are making a full recovery and other organs are in good shape. But he still does not hold out much for her arms and legs working well in the future. Molly says she wants to be walking and holding Chace again. She further stated that she did not have to run that marathon she was thinking about nor being a sprint champion. There are other important things in life.
Nurse says that with a day or more improvement, she will be taken out of ICU.
Molly was very perky today for the most part. There are times that she starts to cry and start feeling depressed. We are trying to keep her out of that.
She said her arms feel like lead today. We worked physical therapy (simple stuff) about three or four times today. When I bend her foot (toes toward her shin) I get a muscle reaction. Don't know what it means but it feels good.
I made Molly exercise more today with her right arm. She is pretty good at moving it towards her but can't get much of an outward movement. We're so proud of her working hard.
Her breathing continues to improve. She is leaving the oxygen off more and more. The pulmonary (sp?) doctor says she is making great progress.
Her temp is now down to a steady 101.3. So much better than the 104.7 couple of nights ago.
Dr Kumar, who was one of the neurologist in surgery, came by to talk to Molly today. Molly has decided that her definition of total recovery is different from the good Dr.
He stated that her brain is good, her lungs are making a full recovery and other organs are in good shape. But he still does not hold out much for her arms and legs working well in the future. Molly says she wants to be walking and holding Chace again. She further stated that she did not have to run that marathon she was thinking about nor being a sprint champion. There are other important things in life.
Nurse says that with a day or more improvement, she will be taken out of ICU.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
June 10, 2009 A Journey Begins for Molly and her family.
This blog begins logging the steps of a new journey for Molly and her family. The entries will be posted by Tom (Dad).
Newspaper Notice
Wednesday, 10 Jun 2009, NORTH TAMPA - Troopers say a woman and a baby were injured when a pickup truck rolled over on I-275 early this morning.
The truck was heading north on the interstate when it left the road, and flipped several times near the Bearss Avenue exit in North Tampa, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The driver was flown to St. Joseph's in Tampa. Molly Santiago, 25, is listed in serious condition.
The 4-month-old baby, who was still strapped into a car seat, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, troopers said.
Dad begins his notes....
Molly fractured three vertebrae 2,5,6 the spinal cord was severely damaged. Right now she has no movement of anything below the neck. Only a small tingling sensation in the right hand occasionally. There was a small twitch in her fingers... involuntary? All the Drs we have had conferences with have given no hope of recovery; 3-6 months at the hospital and rehab then I was advised to prepare a place in my home for long term care. In addition, she has a collapsed lung, left shoulder broken as well as left elbow. Chace, her 4 month old received some bruises and scrapes and is still under observation, but Dr says he is fine, he's hungry. Julie and I do not receive this... science has presented the facts and their limitations.
Now is the time for God to show up and do his miracles! Molly has the will ... it is the perfect opportunity to praise God and I am starting right now
Newspaper Notice
Wednesday, 10 Jun 2009, NORTH TAMPA - Troopers say a woman and a baby were injured when a pickup truck rolled over on I-275 early this morning.
The truck was heading north on the interstate when it left the road, and flipped several times near the Bearss Avenue exit in North Tampa, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The driver was flown to St. Joseph's in Tampa. Molly Santiago, 25, is listed in serious condition.
The 4-month-old baby, who was still strapped into a car seat, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, troopers said.
Dad begins his notes....
Molly fractured three vertebrae 2,5,6 the spinal cord was severely damaged. Right now she has no movement of anything below the neck. Only a small tingling sensation in the right hand occasionally. There was a small twitch in her fingers... involuntary? All the Drs we have had conferences with have given no hope of recovery; 3-6 months at the hospital and rehab then I was advised to prepare a place in my home for long term care. In addition, she has a collapsed lung, left shoulder broken as well as left elbow. Chace, her 4 month old received some bruises and scrapes and is still under observation, but Dr says he is fine, he's hungry. Julie and I do not receive this... science has presented the facts and their limitations.
Now is the time for God to show up and do his miracles! Molly has the will ... it is the perfect opportunity to praise God and I am starting right now
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