We talked with Jenn and the PC today, and have a ticket for her to leave Pretoria on Monday, and will land in Atlanta on Tuesday morning. We are driving down Monday night to meet her at the airport Tuesday morning.
She asked "will you bring Rascal (her dog)? Yep.
If everything goes as planned, we will have her back here Tuesday afternoon, and start the long road back to recovery.
She was given a Pnuemonia shot today, and said "it's really wierd not to be able to use either one of my arms".
Later, I will post (with permission) an e-mail from Brian Conners, Acting Head of Country, Malawi, that details just how heroic their evacuation from Malawi was, and the very large number of people involved.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
JENN'S COMING HOME
Jenn has had her medical exit physical in Pretoria, and the doctors feel she will be well enough to possibly fly home over the weekend - home Sunday or Monday morning. We are still working on the details, the time difference makes it challenging.
She is very disappointed to have to leave Africa, knowing she can never return - but most glad to be leaving the Guest House and coming home. There's just no place like home!!
She is still in a lot of pain, especially her back, shoulder and teeth, and will take a long time to heal - but at least she will be here where we can help.
Brenda is off the next two weeks, so the timing is great - and only flys 9 days in February.
Thanks again for all of your thoughts, prayers and well wishes!! I know Jenn will be anxious to communicate with each of you as soon as she is able.
She is very disappointed to have to leave Africa, knowing she can never return - but most glad to be leaving the Guest House and coming home. There's just no place like home!!
She is still in a lot of pain, especially her back, shoulder and teeth, and will take a long time to heal - but at least she will be here where we can help.
Brenda is off the next two weeks, so the timing is great - and only flys 9 days in February.
Thanks again for all of your thoughts, prayers and well wishes!! I know Jenn will be anxious to communicate with each of you as soon as she is able.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
1/20/09 Update from Pretoria
I am sorry to be tardy in updating Jenn's blog - Brenda and I are both back at work now, and things are pretty hectic with work, running a household, keeping in touch with Jenn and the PC.
Jenn is doing ok, her voice is getting stronger, but she is still in a lot of pain - particularly in her back (where her ribs are broken) and her shoulders - they have not done anything yet for either of these, and are deciding whether or not to take care of them there, or send her back to the states.
She did have more sutures taken out from around her eye today, that the nurse missed, and they are looking back at her shoulder x-rays to see where the problem is.
Sunday, the "invalids" in the guest house went to the zoo for awhile - Jenn said the most interesting thing was a zebra-giraffe, and that it was good to get outdoors for awhile. They also get shuttled to the mall some, but Jenn can't stay long, and she is sleeping alot.
She still has not resolved her problem with outbound cell calls, but can receive incoming ones - the phone store is at the opposite end of the mall from where they are dropped off, and she is not strong enough to walk that far yet. She also has e-mail access, and is responding as she can to e-mails - I know she really enjoys receiving them.
Tomorrow she believes "Washington" will decide on her and Tim's fate - with his head injury, they may bring him back to the states, and they will decide on whether they will do Jenn's "medical separation" from the PC in Pretoria, or fly her back here and do the paperwork. She is pulling for back here, because she will be on the way three days more quickly, at least.
Jenn is doing ok, her voice is getting stronger, but she is still in a lot of pain - particularly in her back (where her ribs are broken) and her shoulders - they have not done anything yet for either of these, and are deciding whether or not to take care of them there, or send her back to the states.
She did have more sutures taken out from around her eye today, that the nurse missed, and they are looking back at her shoulder x-rays to see where the problem is.
Sunday, the "invalids" in the guest house went to the zoo for awhile - Jenn said the most interesting thing was a zebra-giraffe, and that it was good to get outdoors for awhile. They also get shuttled to the mall some, but Jenn can't stay long, and she is sleeping alot.
She still has not resolved her problem with outbound cell calls, but can receive incoming ones - the phone store is at the opposite end of the mall from where they are dropped off, and she is not strong enough to walk that far yet. She also has e-mail access, and is responding as she can to e-mails - I know she really enjoys receiving them.
Tomorrow she believes "Washington" will decide on her and Tim's fate - with his head injury, they may bring him back to the states, and they will decide on whether they will do Jenn's "medical separation" from the PC in Pretoria, or fly her back here and do the paperwork. She is pulling for back here, because she will be on the way three days more quickly, at least.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Update 1/17/09
We talked to Jenn today, she is still in Pretoria in the guest house. She has had a pretty rough week, a couple of bad days (from pain and discomfort) and a couple of good ones. After stitches, staples, and everything was removed, she was very uncomfortable, her stomach where her spleen was removed hurts a lot, she can't sleep on her stomach, left side (because of her shoulder) and it is uncomfortable to lay on her back (where her four broken ribs are).
She is still very hoarse, and her voice is weak - she says it doesn't hurt to talk, but it does take some effort. The docs say her voice should come back in a month or so. The biggest problem she has is clearing her throat - coughing hurts her stomach and her ribs, so it is a real effort. That could become a problem because of her lung injuries.
Jenn has been able to check e-mails, but hasn't written much, because it is hard to do so. She also is limited in how long she can sit at a computer - she is still very weak, and can't go very long without resting. She spends most of her time sleeping - which is a good thing.
Looks like Tim will be discharged back to Malawi on Monday, the other girl in the house that was in a wreck has already been discharged. We don't have any idea how long it will be before she can come home - she says that Tuesday was the earliest possible date, but doesn't think that is going to happen.
Jenn is very aware of everyone's thoughts, wishes, prayers, e-mails and calls - she just doesn't have the strength to do much yet, and is still sorting things out. Your e-mails and calls are a lifeline to her. By the way, she is having problems making outbound calls, but inbound calls work well, and are very welcome.
She is still very hoarse, and her voice is weak - she says it doesn't hurt to talk, but it does take some effort. The docs say her voice should come back in a month or so. The biggest problem she has is clearing her throat - coughing hurts her stomach and her ribs, so it is a real effort. That could become a problem because of her lung injuries.
Jenn has been able to check e-mails, but hasn't written much, because it is hard to do so. She also is limited in how long she can sit at a computer - she is still very weak, and can't go very long without resting. She spends most of her time sleeping - which is a good thing.
Looks like Tim will be discharged back to Malawi on Monday, the other girl in the house that was in a wreck has already been discharged. We don't have any idea how long it will be before she can come home - she says that Tuesday was the earliest possible date, but doesn't think that is going to happen.
Jenn is very aware of everyone's thoughts, wishes, prayers, e-mails and calls - she just doesn't have the strength to do much yet, and is still sorting things out. Your e-mails and calls are a lifeline to her. By the way, she is having problems making outbound calls, but inbound calls work well, and are very welcome.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pretoria Update 1-15-09
I received a brief e-mail from Jenn this morning - she had "everything removed" at the hospital yesterday, and, apparently, it was quite painful. Her e-mail was sent at about 8:30 am her time, and she stated "I am in quite a bit of pain. I am sorry that this is so short, but right now, all I want to do is go to bed".
She is very glad to be coming home - no date is set yet, but she indicated it would be "soon".
We will probably talk to her again on Saturday, will post an update then.
She is very glad to be coming home - no date is set yet, but she indicated it would be "soon".
We will probably talk to her again on Saturday, will post an update then.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
1/13 Quick update
No new news from Jenn today - and from what we understand, no news is good news.
I asked Jenn about mailing things to her, she said "I'm not going to be here that long. If anybody wants to mail me something, please send it to the house - I want to be sure I get everything"!!
If you want to mail Jenn a card, letter, etc., please send it to her at:
821 Coxboro Dr.
Brentwood, TN 37027
Thanks again for your thoughts, prayers and support. They have pulled us through.
I asked Jenn about mailing things to her, she said "I'm not going to be here that long. If anybody wants to mail me something, please send it to the house - I want to be sure I get everything"!!
If you want to mail Jenn a card, letter, etc., please send it to her at:
821 Coxboro Dr.
Brentwood, TN 37027
Thanks again for your thoughts, prayers and support. They have pulled us through.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Pretoria Update 1-12-09
Nothing new from Jenn today, talked to her late yesterday evening - she is in some discomfort, but healing, bored and ready to get on with things. She went back to the hospital today to have 35 staples removed, and I haven't heard how that went.
They are provided breakfast at the house, but have to provide other meals for themselves - they can either order in, or go to the mall - which they do usually, to get out of the house. Jenn still has a very strong sense of humor, the four in the house have all sustained injuries, and she said "we make quite a sight at the mall - one of us is using a walker, I scare them to death, and Tim doesn't know where he is".
As I hear stories from her and her mom, it seems more and more that what she has accomplished is remarkable. At the crash site, Tim and the driver were pulled out first, as they thought they were the most badly injured - when they pulled her out of the car, Jenn told her mom that Tim and the driver were laid out on the grass, and looked dead. As badly injured as she was, she said to herself "we are not going to die here - not here, not now" and went over to Tim and started screaming at him to wake up, knowing that sleeping with a head injury could be fatal. She kept after Tim to stay awake, and even in the ambulance on the way to Lilongwe, on oxygen, she helped the doctor with Tim.
Brenda believes that her dedication to helping Tim kept her adrenalin going, and gave her the strength and desire to save herself.
Great story, there is so much more but that will be up to Jenn to share at some future point.
She will be coming home in the next 2 - 4 weeks, don't have a definite date yet. She is quite anxious to come home, but dreading being "unemployed again at 24". She still needs your prayers and support to help her get through this.
They are provided breakfast at the house, but have to provide other meals for themselves - they can either order in, or go to the mall - which they do usually, to get out of the house. Jenn still has a very strong sense of humor, the four in the house have all sustained injuries, and she said "we make quite a sight at the mall - one of us is using a walker, I scare them to death, and Tim doesn't know where he is".
As I hear stories from her and her mom, it seems more and more that what she has accomplished is remarkable. At the crash site, Tim and the driver were pulled out first, as they thought they were the most badly injured - when they pulled her out of the car, Jenn told her mom that Tim and the driver were laid out on the grass, and looked dead. As badly injured as she was, she said to herself "we are not going to die here - not here, not now" and went over to Tim and started screaming at him to wake up, knowing that sleeping with a head injury could be fatal. She kept after Tim to stay awake, and even in the ambulance on the way to Lilongwe, on oxygen, she helped the doctor with Tim.
Brenda believes that her dedication to helping Tim kept her adrenalin going, and gave her the strength and desire to save herself.
Great story, there is so much more but that will be up to Jenn to share at some future point.
She will be coming home in the next 2 - 4 weeks, don't have a definite date yet. She is quite anxious to come home, but dreading being "unemployed again at 24". She still needs your prayers and support to help her get through this.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Update from Pretoria 1-10
Quick update - Brenda (Jenn's mom) and Micki (her aunt) arrived back home Friday morning, and are really glad to be back. Jenn called me Thursday morning from the guest house, and I received the e-mail below from her. That is the last update I have received - I think the e-mail explains why.
Thank you again to all of you who have been following our "saga" - and for your wishes, thoughts, and prayers.
Hey there, Just a quick note b/c internet is expensive here, but my phone died, and I don't have the right adapter for here. I hope mom and micki made it back alright; tell them thank you again--it's not enough, but it's all I've got for now. The guest house is beautiful; kind of like a 5-star very boring vacation, but it's weird to be staying somewhere so nice right now. The other volunteers are nice, and things are going well. I've got some pain, but I'm trying not to take any pain meds. At any rate, thanks for everything; I'll keep you posted when there's more to say and more time to say it.Love you lots,Jenn
Thank you again to all of you who have been following our "saga" - and for your wishes, thoughts, and prayers.
Hey there, Just a quick note b/c internet is expensive here, but my phone died, and I don't have the right adapter for here. I hope mom and micki made it back alright; tell them thank you again--it's not enough, but it's all I've got for now. The guest house is beautiful; kind of like a 5-star very boring vacation, but it's weird to be staying somewhere so nice right now. The other volunteers are nice, and things are going well. I've got some pain, but I'm trying not to take any pain meds. At any rate, thanks for everything; I'll keep you posted when there's more to say and more time to say it.Love you lots,Jenn
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Update 1-8-08
Jenn was moved out of the hospital early this morning, to a guest house where Tim and two other PCV's are staying. Yesterday, the doctor asked if she could walk, so she got up, and walked from one end of the hospital corridor to the other, then went down a flight of stairs. They did convince her to take the elevator back up. I talked to Brenda at 11:00 local time last night, Jenn wore them out trying to keep up with her.
The woman in the bed next to her gasped, and said "I don't believe my eyes". All of her doctors concurred that they couldn't find any reason to keep her in the hospital any longer.
Tim will be in the halfway house another two weeks, then returning to Malawi - Jenn will be there at least 5 weeks, it turns out - the docs said "are you kidding? Two weeks? Don't you know we just removed a tube from her lung yesterday, and just took her off of oxygen?" Perhaps we were a little overly optimistic.
Micki and Brenda are on a plane over Africa as I write, trying to make it home tomorrow - they may get bumped in Dakar at 3:00 am local time, bummer, but they thought this was their best chance - and they are ready to come home.
If you ever have to go through this ordeal, stay at the Centurian Forever Hotel near the hospital - they have treated Brenda and Micki like queens, a very nice experience. I am jealous - my Raz dog is the one that gets treated like a queen here, I am the cup bearer - as in a cup of dog food.
Jenn will have computer access at her guest house, if she feels up to it she may answer some e-mails, and, hopefully, she will take over her blog. Dad's blogging days are about to come to an end - hurray!! Jenn is much more interesting, and can give you a lot more insight into what has happened / is happening.
Thanks again for your support. Couldn't have done this without you.
The woman in the bed next to her gasped, and said "I don't believe my eyes". All of her doctors concurred that they couldn't find any reason to keep her in the hospital any longer.
Tim will be in the halfway house another two weeks, then returning to Malawi - Jenn will be there at least 5 weeks, it turns out - the docs said "are you kidding? Two weeks? Don't you know we just removed a tube from her lung yesterday, and just took her off of oxygen?" Perhaps we were a little overly optimistic.
Micki and Brenda are on a plane over Africa as I write, trying to make it home tomorrow - they may get bumped in Dakar at 3:00 am local time, bummer, but they thought this was their best chance - and they are ready to come home.
If you ever have to go through this ordeal, stay at the Centurian Forever Hotel near the hospital - they have treated Brenda and Micki like queens, a very nice experience. I am jealous - my Raz dog is the one that gets treated like a queen here, I am the cup bearer - as in a cup of dog food.
Jenn will have computer access at her guest house, if she feels up to it she may answer some e-mails, and, hopefully, she will take over her blog. Dad's blogging days are about to come to an end - hurray!! Jenn is much more interesting, and can give you a lot more insight into what has happened / is happening.
Thanks again for your support. Couldn't have done this without you.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
You ABSOLUTLEY won't believe this!!!
Jenn just called me from the hospital - she has progressed so rapidly, she will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow - Dr. Cedric, the PC Medical Officer, said it it almost unbelievable. She is extremely excited, they took the stitches out of the area around her eye today, there will be some scarring, but that should be easily fixed with plastic surgery.
Brenda and Micki went to see her in the hospital ward today - and she wasn't there! They had to hunt for her, and found outside enjoying the sun.
She will be staying in a halfway house with Tim for about two weeks, until they are well enough to fly, then Tim will be returning to Malawi, and Jenn will be coming home.
Jenn asked me to tell everyone how grateful she is to you for your support, your prayers, your calls, your e-mails, your text messages - she told me she would get back to each of you as soon as she could "get my head around all of this - it is pretty overwhelming, getting back into the world is going to be hard". She loves and appreciates you all.
Final note - Brenda and Micki will be trying to return tomorrow night, or Friday night - which means they will be home by mid-day Friday or Saturday.
Thank you all for everything you have done to support us during this time - you can never know how grateful we are that we, as a family, have friends like you. There are not sufficient words to express our appreciation.
Brenda and Micki went to see her in the hospital ward today - and she wasn't there! They had to hunt for her, and found outside enjoying the sun.
She will be staying in a halfway house with Tim for about two weeks, until they are well enough to fly, then Tim will be returning to Malawi, and Jenn will be coming home.
Jenn asked me to tell everyone how grateful she is to you for your support, your prayers, your calls, your e-mails, your text messages - she told me she would get back to each of you as soon as she could "get my head around all of this - it is pretty overwhelming, getting back into the world is going to be hard". She loves and appreciates you all.
Final note - Brenda and Micki will be trying to return tomorrow night, or Friday night - which means they will be home by mid-day Friday or Saturday.
Thank you all for everything you have done to support us during this time - you can never know how grateful we are that we, as a family, have friends like you. There are not sufficient words to express our appreciation.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
PHENOMENAL NEWS FROM PRETORIA 1/6
Jenn called me today from her hospital ward and we talked for 15 minutes her voice is still raspy, but clear, and she sounds more like Jenn - she has been moved out of High Care into a regular hospital ward, ALL of her tubes have been removed, and she has been taken off oxygen. When she arrived at the hospital, she had scabs covering most of her face - they have mostly come off, and the skin is normal underneath!!
She is looking forward to taking a shower by herself tonight, and wearing her own clothes - including a pink nightgown her mother took to her.
The eye doctor examined her vision thoroughly, and her eye is fine - stitches should come out tomorrow, and we'll know more about her appearance then. They also have a macular facial surgeon who will be looking at her soon.
Prognosis is that she will be in the hospital about a week longer, then move to a halfway house for two weeks, then be flown home.
Her mother said "her recovery has been amazing. It is happening so fast, that she may not realize how seriously she was injured". She also restated again how wonderful the hospital staff and hotel staff had been to them.
Brenda and Micki are planning on leaving on the 8th, Brenda hopes to be back home Friday morning. Jenn will be lonely, so feel free to give her a call - remember, it is 8 hours later there (central time).
She is looking forward to taking a shower by herself tonight, and wearing her own clothes - including a pink nightgown her mother took to her.
The eye doctor examined her vision thoroughly, and her eye is fine - stitches should come out tomorrow, and we'll know more about her appearance then. They also have a macular facial surgeon who will be looking at her soon.
Prognosis is that she will be in the hospital about a week longer, then move to a halfway house for two weeks, then be flown home.
Her mother said "her recovery has been amazing. It is happening so fast, that she may not realize how seriously she was injured". She also restated again how wonderful the hospital staff and hotel staff had been to them.
Brenda and Micki are planning on leaving on the 8th, Brenda hopes to be back home Friday morning. Jenn will be lonely, so feel free to give her a call - remember, it is 8 hours later there (central time).
Monday, January 5, 2009
Update Jan. 5
Jenn had a good day today - she still has a tube in one lung, but she has been walking around on her own power, and sitting up more - according to Brenda, a significant improvement.
Tim will be discharged to a halfway house tomorrow, which was upsetting, but he will be back and forth to the hospital, and can visit Jenn when he's there.
The doctors are talking about one more week in the hospital, then a move to a halfway house for Jenn for two weeks, then a trip home. She will not be able to return to Africa, because of the removal of her spleen, and that is upsetting, because she has worked so hard to get there, learned new languages, etc.
Brenda and Micki are still there, and have not made plans to return. They have been moved to a new room, 109, at the Forever Resort in Pretoria. They can be called in the evening (1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET) at 01127126446000, ask for room 109. Least expensive way is a land line with a calling card.
Tim will be discharged to a halfway house tomorrow, which was upsetting, but he will be back and forth to the hospital, and can visit Jenn when he's there.
The doctors are talking about one more week in the hospital, then a move to a halfway house for Jenn for two weeks, then a trip home. She will not be able to return to Africa, because of the removal of her spleen, and that is upsetting, because she has worked so hard to get there, learned new languages, etc.
Brenda and Micki are still there, and have not made plans to return. They have been moved to a new room, 109, at the Forever Resort in Pretoria. They can be called in the evening (1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET) at 01127126446000, ask for room 109. Least expensive way is a land line with a calling card.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Text me
Jenn's new cell phone has text messaging - so text her!! Her number is 01127798570961 - I don't know how soon she will be able to respond, but she would love to get messages!! Also, she has voice mail (once they figure how to make it work). At some point, when she is able to move about more, she will also have access to a computer, so she can read your e-mails.
Jan 4 update
Jenn called me from the hospital today!! She was hoarse, her voice was very quiet, but she was quite clear and lucid - and ready to come home!! No new news on her status - other than they are talking about moving her into her own room out of High Care. She said removing the tubes they have done so far has made her feel better, and she can't wait until all of them are out.
The eye doctor, as well as all of the other docs, will visit with her and her mom tomorrow, and we will know a lot more about her status.
At this point, her mom and aunt are staying "indefinitely", at least until they are satisfied that she is stable, and is past the immediate need for surgery.
Do send her e-mails if you can, as once she is able to move about, she will have limited access to a computer at the hospital. These mean a lot to her. I printed and sent some with her mother when she left, and they really helped Jenn.
I hope to have an address for cards and letters tomorrow.
Her aunt Judy sent over an ipod with pictures and music - Jenn says she listens to it constantly.
One other thing - they have recovered some of her belongings from the crash - don't know how, as there was nothing left at the site, but some of her things from the crash site are in Lilongwe.
More later - thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
The eye doctor, as well as all of the other docs, will visit with her and her mom tomorrow, and we will know a lot more about her status.
At this point, her mom and aunt are staying "indefinitely", at least until they are satisfied that she is stable, and is past the immediate need for surgery.
Do send her e-mails if you can, as once she is able to move about, she will have limited access to a computer at the hospital. These mean a lot to her. I printed and sent some with her mother when she left, and they really helped Jenn.
I hope to have an address for cards and letters tomorrow.
Her aunt Judy sent over an ipod with pictures and music - Jenn says she listens to it constantly.
One other thing - they have recovered some of her belongings from the crash - don't know how, as there was nothing left at the site, but some of her things from the crash site are in Lilongwe.
More later - thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Good News from Pretoria Jan. 3
Good news today - Jenn has been moved from Intensive Care to a "high care" room - which means she is improving. They removed one of the tubes from her lungs, and the tubes from her neck, and she has been taken off morphine - which is good and bad. She is beginning to feel the pain more, and they are really controlling her pain medication - and working toward taking her off of oxygen. With the reduction in her pain medication, her eye is beginning to throb, and she won't see the eye doctor until Monday.
Jenn did walk, with a walker, from one room to the other. In her new room, she has a little more space around her bed, a table, and can have some personal effects - hairbrush, tooth brush, etc.
They don't think she will be in "High Care" long, will move from there to a regular room, and then to a "halfway house", from which she will be transported to the hospital for treatment, until she is strong enough for a 30 hour flight.
She has a cell phone, 01127798570961. I don't know when she will be able to receive calls, will find that out later - least expensive way to call is from a land line using an international calling card.
Turns out the Tim had a punctured lung also, they just told Brenda that today - so he is in the hospital another day or so, and will be moved to a half way house.
Her mom is planning on staying through Sunday night, taking the Monday flight home, which means she will be here Tuesday evening.
Jenn did walk, with a walker, from one room to the other. In her new room, she has a little more space around her bed, a table, and can have some personal effects - hairbrush, tooth brush, etc.
They don't think she will be in "High Care" long, will move from there to a regular room, and then to a "halfway house", from which she will be transported to the hospital for treatment, until she is strong enough for a 30 hour flight.
She has a cell phone, 01127798570961. I don't know when she will be able to receive calls, will find that out later - least expensive way to call is from a land line using an international calling card.
Turns out the Tim had a punctured lung also, they just told Brenda that today - so he is in the hospital another day or so, and will be moved to a half way house.
Her mom is planning on staying through Sunday night, taking the Monday flight home, which means she will be here Tuesday evening.
Friday, January 2, 2009
January 2 update
Jenn's mom called, she is in better spirits today, and they had her up walking and sitting up more. Turns out that both of her lungs were collapsed, and she has tubes in both lungs - they may remove them tomorrow. The big concern now is pneumonia, which would be very dangerous for Jenn at this point.
The eye doctor visited her today, her eye is opening up more every day, and she can see out of it - there was some blurred vision at first, but that cleared up. She may have damaged an eye mussle, and may have torn a tear duct, either of which may require surgery - but the eye doctor said it would be at least a week before they would discuss that.
Most of her injuries - shoulder, collar bone, ribs, cheek - are on the left side, but a lot of cuts on the right, where she was pulled through the window of the car.
Although she complained about the Malawi diet of corn and rice, very bland, she isn't much more excited about hospital food - and has asked her mom to smuggle in a turkey sandwich!!
It looks like Tim will be discharged tomorrow to a half way house, where he will be shuttled back and forth to the hospital for doctor appointments.
They got a cell phone for Jenn today, but the sim card was damaged, so they have to get it replaced tomorrow. And then, she won't even be able to use it at first - they don't allow cell phones in ICU. BUMMER.
Jenn's mom and aunt are staying "indefinitely" at this point - at least until Jenn is out of ICU and a lower level of risk.
The eye doctor visited her today, her eye is opening up more every day, and she can see out of it - there was some blurred vision at first, but that cleared up. She may have damaged an eye mussle, and may have torn a tear duct, either of which may require surgery - but the eye doctor said it would be at least a week before they would discuss that.
Most of her injuries - shoulder, collar bone, ribs, cheek - are on the left side, but a lot of cuts on the right, where she was pulled through the window of the car.
Although she complained about the Malawi diet of corn and rice, very bland, she isn't much more excited about hospital food - and has asked her mom to smuggle in a turkey sandwich!!
It looks like Tim will be discharged tomorrow to a half way house, where he will be shuttled back and forth to the hospital for doctor appointments.
They got a cell phone for Jenn today, but the sim card was damaged, so they have to get it replaced tomorrow. And then, she won't even be able to use it at first - they don't allow cell phones in ICU. BUMMER.
Jenn's mom and aunt are staying "indefinitely" at this point - at least until Jenn is out of ICU and a lower level of risk.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year Pretoria Update
Jenn's mom and aunt have been able to visit her twice today, and are on the third visit now. Jenn had a rough night last night, as she is having difficulty clearing phlegm from her lungs because of her broken collar bone and shoulder. They had to get her up in the middle of the night to help her.
They should be able to remove one of her tubes tomorrow, which is a sign that she is progressing. Her mom and aunt are going to stay at least one extra day, taking Friday to do some shopping for her, buy her a cell phone, etc., and most likely will leave on Saturday now.
I have not been able to talk to Jenn, I am getting information from her mom when she can call me.
They should be able to remove one of her tubes tomorrow, which is a sign that she is progressing. Her mom and aunt are going to stay at least one extra day, taking Friday to do some shopping for her, buy her a cell phone, etc., and most likely will leave on Saturday now.
I have not been able to talk to Jenn, I am getting information from her mom when she can call me.
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