Thursday, October 11, 2007

The Day After (Revised)

Liza had a really rough night last night. She laid still most of the time, but said she was in "constant pain." About 2 hours and she would to push the call button for more meds. That would startle me out of my painful sleeping position and I would pop up and offer my feeble smile. Personally I feel like I just had a bad plane ride over the Pacific - Australia...is that you? But I do think Liza is getting better, very slowly. The nurse said early this morning that she was pushing the call button less frequently with more time in between. We all thought that was good. They kicked me out about 6:20 AM for the shift change and I came back a bit after 8 (The only time visitors have to leave is from 6-8, both AM and PM, in the ICU). The doctors are doing rounds now and I think they have given orders to move Liza to a regular hospital room. PRAY for a private room so that I can stay with her. Although, we have to make sure than she is ready to be moved out of the ICU. Pain management is the only meter I'm really concerned with right now. She sat up in the night, fearing another vomitting episode that turned out okay, but I got to see her neck. It too is covered with a large bandage but the site is small and they didn't have to shave much of her head. So again, we'll just trust and pray (and nag) our way through today, moment by moment.

She actually just sat up and moved! She felt like she needed to go to the bathroom after they removed the "automatic" kind, so she sat up and walked over to the toilet - about three feet from the bed. Then she got back in. It hurt really badly (I could see it on her face), but I was very proud. It seems like everything she does, even shifting in bed, puts pressure on her head and neck, making the pain more intense. Continue to pray for less and less pain - that's the big one right now.

Those who have commented on these posts have really encouraged Liza. Please write a short note to her that I can read to her later. Thank you all so much.

21 comments:

Susan Bartram said...

Liza,

I am so proud of you!! Your faith in our Creator has been incredible and such an inspiration to me. When I think of you, I think of your beautiful smile that just lights up a room and your shining bright eyes that are so caring and compassionate. You are such a beautiful women inside and out. I know that God has such great things in store for you....this "adventure" is just a step in the path that God has planned for you. You have constantly been in my prayers and will continue to be. Love you and hope to see you in the next few weeks. Susan

Anonymous said...

"...He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." (Ps. 121:3-4) What comfort in knowing He was never off-duty last night ... and He awakened this follower to pray with you throughout the night! Our family is lifting you (all) before the throne of grace.
Rosie Gerbrecht

Anonymous said...

Liza,
I'm so glad that everything went well. We've all been praying for you, and we miss you at dance. You've been such a blessing to me over the years, and I owe half of what I know about dance to you. The other half is due to your wonderful mother and Miss Deana. You've been such an inspiration to me and everyone else at excelsior. Whenever you dance, I can see God through you. I pray that you will have a good recovery, and get better really soon. luv ya lot's!
In Christ,
Lauren

Jochelle Demmer said...

Our sweet Liza,
Know you are in our prayers and thoughts. Gods glory shines through your strength. Not only yours but Scot's also. I'm sure you are familiar with the scripture Jer.29:11-14. This gives us so much hope. Our God is so merciful. I keep thinking of the suffering you are enduring as being on the cross of Christ. You are never alone on the Cross.
I love you and really long to see you. But know that you will need your space and time. As Susan said you are such a beautiful person inside and out.Hang in there with Jesus. As you rest feel His arms embracing you.
I love you sweetheart.
I hope to see you soon.!!
Jochelle

Anonymous said...

Liza and Scot,
I have kept you in my prayers and I praise God that you have done so well in and post surgery.Neuro ICU nursing was part of my past nursing jobs. Your(both of you) faith is such a beautiful testimony to me. We at Children of the Woodlands school prayed for your complete healing, ease of pain and out to a private room soon. May God bless you both with a restful day.
Paula Gamwell

Courtney Smith, in Montana said...

Hey Liza,

I love you and miss you so much! I am so happy to hear how well things are going since the surgery. I have been praying for you constantly. My family and church are all praying too. I pray that God will grant you a quick and painless recovery.

I am so proud of you! I know this was a very hard thing to put yourself through. But you are trusting God, which puts Him in absolute control. And that is the best place to be in! Keep your chin up Liza. Your best days are yet to come.

I look forward to hearing more wonderful things about your recovery. I love you and can't wait to see you in November!

Love,

Courtney

Tisha said...

Liza,

We have been thinking about you constantly and praying that your pain will soon be gone. With your strength and faith in God, who is an awesome and loving God, you will get through this rough time. Please know that we love you and will continue to pray for your courage and strength. Take care and we will see you soon.

Love,
Tisha

P.S. I'll make you some pecan brittle when you're feeling better.

Anonymous said...

Scot and Liza,
We continue to pray for you today. I pray that you will be filled to overflowing with His Holy Spirit and he will sustain you through today's challenges.
Sydney and Grace want to remind you that God is bigger than the boogey man, AND this! I hope that TUNE is stuck in your head all day now.
Lovin you in Christ,
Sonya, Sydney and Grace

Anonymous said...

Hi Liza and Scot,

We are so glad to hear that you are 'on the mend'...We will keep lifting you up in our prayers. Be strong in the courage of His mighty strength!

With love and hope in Christ,

Linn and Ernie Contreras

Melissa Clouthier said...

Liza,

Good morning, sunshine!

You made it through the toughest night. Today will stink, too. But it will get progressively better, and, thankfully, under the haze of morphine, the memories will be like a cloudy dream. That's a good thing!

I'm thinking of you constantly. And I'm feeling Scot's pain--all curled up in the ICU.

The prayers of many are being lifted up for you both. Every minute you are getting stronger and better.

We love, love, love you! The kids say hello and can't wait to see you. Also, I've posted about you in my blog, so a couple hundred people are praying for you who you don't even know. (Some I don't even know!)

Be of good courage, God is with you always!

Melissa

Growing Up Claire said...

Precious Liza,
You are the apple of His eye. He is carrying you through this trial and understands how you feel. The Great Physician will show you true compassion and treat you with the riches of His grace. This will pass and you will be healed completely. We stand against pain, nausea, infection, and all complications in Jesus Name! We claim peaceful rest, normal intracranial pressures, normal drainage of CSF and the strength to endure in the Name of Jesus!! We are so proud of you, Liza. You are more loved than you will ever know. Remember every moment is just a breath. This will pass. Prayer warriors across the world are lifting you up to the one who heals.
Love,
Shane and Emily

Anonymous said...

We're praying for your speedy recovery. Hang in there, each hour will be better. Love, Carolyn and Michael

Kate Hillegeist said...

Are you kidding, you want notes???? We'll inundate you with them baby! Scot, we love you and appreciate being right there with you all through these updates. We literally are checking them hourly, and even in the night to keep updated on how to specifically pray from moment to moment. SO THANKS!! (Greg hopes that things will be cool enough to make a stop by today, but COMPLETELY wants to give you both the distance you need. We understand, and as said before feel like we are there through the blog. Isn't technology a cool thing? Liza, sweetie, we are praying, in all the ways you post and that God gives to mind. We are praying for your rest, and the ability to do so through the pain. Why don't they tell you just how hard it is to go pee the first time? It was a serious come to Jesus meeting for me just after the C-section! So I can imagine with every thing else for you thats got to have been a very fun moment for you indeed(not that there is a comparison to your present pain). You know I think you are the bravest little kangaroo at the moment and we are so proud of you. We are thinking of you constantly and will keep writing you. You'll say, "oh another note from them?????" An encouragment,"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 I am so glad He is with you there....LOVE YOU LIKE CRAZY, the Hills

Anonymous said...

"Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst in song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones." (Psalm 49:13) May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand, and grant you comfort, quick healing, and rest.

Angel

Kaitlin L. said...

Liza,

We are all very excited that everything went as planned - Our God is awesome! We are continuing to pray for speedy recovery, no/less pain, and that you will be up and about in no time! Thank you for the updates, Scot - we've really appreciated knowing how to pray for you guys!

Keith, Kaitlin, Maddie & Logan

M & M said...

Liza,

We are so happy you are on the other side of this! Now we can anticipate seeing you dance again instead of anticipating surgery. In the midst of your pain it's probably hard to feel joyful but we are so joyful that you are on the road to recovery (however long that road maybe). We know your current pain is unimaginable. We are praying for you and thinking about you daily. We love you and can't wait until you are home and ready for visitors to stop by!

Love,
Chris & Laura & Molly


PS - Molly is wearing Isabel today, hopefully that comment doesn't make you laugh!

Anonymous said...

Good girl, Lizzie. You got out of bed. This is a new type of 'training'. Your muscles have to work around your injuries... take it slowly and push through the pain.
You are my favourite niece, darling - or is that only niece? -I love you - Janine
Rory says baaaaaa

Anonymous said...

Liza,
I love you and am so proud of you! You are always so brave and strong in the midst of trials and I can't wait to see you up and about in no time. We are praying for you and your entire family. Stay strong and let us know if you need anything at all (dinner, babysitter...anything).
Love,
Christina, Cheyenne, Sera, and Julia

Anonymous said...

Dear Liza,

I've told my kids about your surgery. We all continue to pray for you. I am the Mom whose little puppy you adored. My daughter loves your school and I am so glad our friends told us about your place.

I pray for God's closeness, peace and comfort for you, Scot and the kids. If we can help with meal preparations, taking care of the kids, or anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask. I am not working so I am available to help if I am needed.

Best wishes,
Viola Jaynes
www.spiritualthingsmatter.com

Roseann said...

Liza and Scot,

You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so thankful that the surgery went well yesterday. We will continue to pray for relief from pain and a speedy recovery.
Thank you so much for the updates. They are a blessing!

Love,
The Matheny Family

KailAnn said...

hey Liza!
I wanted to let you know that I have been praying for you! I check this web site like every hour!!! You have been the biggest inspiration to me and I hope the pain goes away soon!! I will continue to pray for you.
Love you!
KailAnn:)

PS. I told my mom yesterday that I really wanted to come see you, but she said that you needed to rest! Hehe but I will come and see you when you get to feeling better! :)