The Field Trip

Well, yesterday Joanne got her first past to venture outside the hospital. We left at about 11. Getting her in and out of the car was a breeze. We had practiced for an hour earlier int he week so everything went just as practiced. We headed for P.F. Chang's. No car sickness on the way there but it was clear that all the stimulation of being in the car was a lot for Joanne to handle.  

We got the P.F.C. and they had a great table for us and flowers for Joanne. How cool is that! We had a great lunch but again, there was so much noise and activity that it was clearly difficult for Joanne to take it all in. When it was time to take care of the bill our server told us that it had all been taken care of! How cool is that! I am now a P.F.C. fan for life. 

Fromt here we headed to to house so that Joanne could hang out with Joey the cat. We got her there and inside and Joey preformed perfectly. He jumped up on her lap and they snuggled for much of the next hour. After that, Joanne told me that she was ready to go back. So got her loaded back in the Expedition and headed out. Unfortunately we hit traffic and the stop and go motion got the best of her and she got car sick. Felt terrible that her outing had to end that way. 

Got her back to the hospital and into her room. Got her changed out of her clothes and into PJs. Her outfit was covered in cat hair thanks to snuggle time with Joey. She spent the rest of the afternoon resting. 

So that was our outing. I think we all learned a lot of lessons. Joanne has been in very low-stimulation environments for the last three months. Being out in the world is a lot to take in. It clearly had an effect on her. Also, it takes a lot of effort for her to get around. We tried to use the wheel chair as much as possible , but when she had to do some walking (around the house) it really takes it out of her. The takeaway is that I think Team Joanne has a better idea of what progress we are looking forward to in therapy. And even after that, it'll be a while before she is ready to take in the constant noise and movement of the big wide world. We'll have to ease her into that. And fortunately she has time to get stronger before coming home. 

So that's about it for our day out. Today it'll be back to normal. Gran and Papa are at the hospital this morning. Emma is watching Mythbusters, and Audrey is still asleep. I am having a casual cup of coffee, which is a rare pleasure. I am usually guzzling it down before heading out the door in the morning. We will all meet for lunch at the hospital--it's prime rib day! Then some combination of us will spend the afternoon with Joanne.  

Then tomorrow we'll be right back at it.

Prayer requests:

1. Joanne's shoulder is still in significant pain. And the clock is now ticking toward her release and we really need to figure out how to get her out of pain before she comes home. It definitely effects her ability to function.

2. Endurance is going to be a big deal. In order for her to get around the house she needs to get stronger. 

3. Please pray for real progress in therapy. Having been out in the world I think we have a better sense of how Joanne needs to improve to function well at home. It would be great if her therapy over the next couple of weeks can get her to that point.

Toben

Comments

[Maribeth]

Reading this with tears in my eyes, I know what a blessing this day was. A few short months ago, we didn't know if she would get this far.
Continued prayers, Toben, for Joanne's recovery. It's a long hard road! But the good Lord is with you and Joanne and the girls!

[Penbleth]

I am so glad Joanne was able to get out and so sorry she was sick on the way back. It's good to have a clear idea of where Joanne is in terms of being ready to return home. Prayers for continued progress in therapy and increased tolerance of higher stimulation as well as getting to the root of the shoulder pain.

[Mary @ Redo101.blogspot.com]

I am sooo glad Joanne got to come home and snuggle with the cat, and I'm with ya - PFC rocks! Thinking back to where she was a coupla months ago - huge progress! The Lord has a plan and we'll keep praying and see His hand. My prayer is that He will use this for his glory, over and over again. Hugs to Joanne and the kids, and give the cat my fondest appreciation :)

[Susan]

I have essential tremor and in the last issue of "Tremor Talk" there was an article on Acupuncture for Neurological Conditions by Clare Donnelan. I don't know if you've already considered or tried it, but I thought it might be something to consider for the shoulder. Her book is available at www.elsevier.com in case you are interested.

Prayers and best wishes!

[Lynn]

Hello Joanne
My stroke was due to migraine and very small compared to what you have experienced. I have followed you and prayed for you from the start. I am so pleased that yesterday went well. I think you did fabulously well - to go out to lunch on your very first outing is phenomenal- really and then to go home too - wow - this is incredible progress. The stimuli you would have experienced is just mind blowing really. I can remember feeling very disorientated shopping - the bright lights, the colours of all the fabrics, the music and tannoy announcements, the people rushing around, the touch of the clothes, the smells. It was all mind boggling.
Well done Joanne - you have done so well - gosh does that sound patronising - I don't mean it to :)
I know some of what you may be feeling. God bless you, my love. Keep up the good fight - and I will keep on praying.
It gets better, Joanne, really it does. The muddledness lessens, the disorientation lessens, you learn to cope. You teach yourself little coping strategies I guess but suddenly you find yourself in situations and you're doing just fine and you just grin to yourself and think "yes I did it" and those times happen more and more often.
Much love,
Lynn.x.

[lisa walker]

Hoping that today is a happy restful day for you all. What an incredibly exciting and exhausting day for all of team Joanne yesterday! Many prayers for continued strength and progress. Really thrilled to hear rumors and talk of a release date!!!Blessings and love to you this Palm Sunday....Lisa

[Auntie Mip]

Time is such a fickle friend. We wish and pray with all our might that it would just speed up bringing us closer to what it is we desire. Or it moves so fast and we are flying toward that all important goal that we secretly wish it woud slow down.

Yesterday sounds all at once glorious and a little sobering. I imagine it was difficult sorting out feelings of joy and sadness at the same time. I imagine that happens a lot for you all. Wanting so much to have Joanne back home. Moving faster through these therapies. Not wanting to rush. A list a mile long of what needs to be done vs. what would be nice to have done prior to her forever homecoming. It is all so exhausting mentally, physically, spiritually.

But here is the beautiful thing about time. Time really does heal all wounds and God's timing is perfection. It sounds like your time together at home was just what Joanne needed. What you all needed.

At Palm Sunday Mass last night I said a special prayer for you all. The image of Jesus' triumphant return as King, the waving of palms as He passes through the city on his way home. Such perfect timing for Joanne's first trip back to her city. Perfect timing indeed. It is true what they say. There really are no coincidences.

[Kim Feth]

Giving prayers of thanksgiving that the day went as well as it did and that Team Joanne now has a vision for what to focus on before discharge. Continuing to pray your requests. It is an honor to pray with the other warriors following Joanne's story.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC

[Stephanie]

I know that Joanne is getting excellent care, but sometimes the simple things can be overlooked. Please ask her doctors to check a few things that could make a big difference in her endurance level and her recovery. For example, a ferritin level and an iron profile can help the doctors know whether or not she is iron deficient. After the surgeries, this is a definite possibility given the blood loss she probably experienced. It is very possible for a person to be iron deficient but not anemic. Doctors usually only check a hemoglobin and hematocrit to assess for iron deficiency anemia. So she specifically needs a ferritin level and an iron profile. Her ferritin should be at least 50 ng/mL and her percent iron saturation should be 20-50%, but ideally 30-40%.

Secondly, she should have a 25-hydroxy vitamin D level checked. Considering that she has been indoors almost constantly over the last 3 months, she is likely deficient in vitamin D (UV B rays from the sun stimulate production of vitamin D in the skin--this is the most important source of vitamin D). It is almost impossible to get enough vitamin D from food alone. Her level needs to be at least above 30 ng/mL but ideally above 50 ng/mL. Please google "vitamin D council" for more information on vitamin D.

[Sharon Brumfield]

So thankful to our Father for the beautiful day you had together.
Continuing to pray for full recovery.
Love...from a sister in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. :)

[Karene]

So much progress! I'm so glad Joanne got some time with her beloved cat. She and all of you are in my prayers constantly.

[Charlie]

I've been waiting for your update on Joanne's field trip and excited to read how it went. It sounds as if you really made the most of your time out of the hospital! So looking forward to hearing about the huge positive learning curve I know Joanne is now on. Lots of prayers to you all.

[Karen]

It does get easier, time heals. The world becomes familiar again in a slow process and four years later, I can tell you that all is normal again. Really. There may be a new normal which means a few disabilities, but you learn to work with them and they become less and less as time goes on...and life feels "normal" again.

[seaweedandraine]

So glad that for the most part the outing was a raving success! I'm sure Joey loved snuggling with Joanne. I'm thinking that just like you learnt to adapt to a new way of doing things when you had babies, you and Joanne will adapt the way you do things to make them work for you. Going out is quite the mile stone - What a wonder woman! :)

[Ellen]

We (our family) have been praying for Joanne and all of you since I read about her stroke in another blog.

We are so thankful along with you about her progress and the fact she was able to have a pass for the day. A blessing! (Not that she was carsick of course)

Continuing to life you all in prayer. may you feel the Lord guidance and love and you continue this journey. ♥

[Michelle from Australia]

Australia doesn't have PF Chang's. But I will have to add 'visit PF Chang's' to my to do list on my next visit to America.

I am pleased Joanne had the chance to go out. That is WONDERFUL news. She is doing so, so well. God Bless her and all of you who love her.

[Ellen]

EEK typos...sorry bout that
*meant to type...Continuing to lift you all in prayer. May you feel the Lord's guidance and love as you continue this journey.

[Pam Houston]

So proud of you all! "Yea, Team Joanne!" What a fighter she is, and making steady progress judging from your post. Sounds like it was a huge day and lots of stimulation, that's for sure. Praying and cheering you on in the Marathon,as each day she is moving forward in life's journey. Today being Palm Sunday, it is a double blessing for these monumental breakthroughs...we've just got to praise Him, and will continue to give God all the glory for His plans and purposes to be fulfilled in your lives. Praying too for relief of the pesky shoulder pain for Joanne. Thank you again for taking all the time to fill us in out here in blogland.
Blessings and prayers,
Pam H.

[Ellen Jones Athens, GA]

I had a stroke (ruptured brain aneurysm) 11 years ago. Tell Joanne that it is expected and normal to be bothered by extraneous stimulation and to be exhausted after even just a little exertion. It took me a good year to get back to my normal energy level. Crowds and too much noise still bug me- stinks for me as I am a middle school teacher! :-) Tell her to be gentle and patient with herself. Healing for an assaulted brain takes time.

[Theresa Roach]

I am happy that Joanne was able to get out and enjoy a nice dinner! PFC-WAY TO GO! Love it that the kitty cooperated and gave some love!

I'll be praying and hopefully each time you all get out will get easier and easier for ALL!

Have a blessed day, HUGS from Georgia!

[Beth Jones]

Joanne, so excited about your field trip for Chinese (yum!) and that you got to snuggle with your cat Joey. That is awesome how P.F.C. took care of yall (plus the flowers!). I am sorry you got carsick and am praying that will stop, and praying for wisdom for the doctors about your shoulder, & that God will heal whatever is wrong. I'm sure the noise, lights, stimuli was a lot to take in after being in the hospital so long. It will get better! I've been following this blog, praying for you. I have problems with insomnia, so sometimes I pray for you in the middle of the night. :) I'm amazed at all God is doing in your lives - and that He will CONTINUE to do. Toben, praying for God to give you the strength and endurance you need. Thank you so much for keeping us continually updated.

[Allie Kondracke]

So happy to read about the field trip but sorry Joanne had to experience the dreaded car sickness. It makes sense that her first outing would be overwhelmingly exhausting, both physically and mentally, but she did it! I LOVE PF Chang's, and what they did for Joanne and your family was really nice, but I have to say...the best way to enjoy their food is by ordering carryout. I find the noise and chaotic atmosphere of the restaurant to be so distracting and annoying that I refuse to eat inside. Carryout only. I pray that Joanne will get relief from her ongoing shoulder pain and that God will give her and your entire family strength, patience, and peace of mind. God bless you all.

[Mary Lou]

What blessed news on all the good stuff that happened and all that you learned from her field trip. As I read your post and your prayer requests the words that kept popping in my mind..."everything is in His hands and in His perfect timing all things will smooth out".....it's all in the timing. Praying for much wisdom and discernment and physical strength and endurance for Joanne and for all of you taking such wonderful care of her. Blessings from TN....

[Jessica VM]

How exciting! What a blessing PFC was! We will pray that Joanne continues to improve with her rehab. And just a question about her shoulder - could it be her gall bladder? Didn't know if that was something else that could be causing the shoulder pain. And maybe that's dumb, but I thought I'd put it out there. Glad you had a good time out together. Praying for your girls to finish out the school year strong.

[Cynthia Herron]

I have been following your blog for a long while, and have never commented until now. I just wanted your beautiful family to know that I am continuing to lift ALL of you up in prayer!

[caroline]

What an exciting post! Praise God for such amazing progress and success. Team Joanne rocks!!! And Toben, I just have to say that you are an AMAZING man of God. What you are doing for J and for your family is a true testimony of love. And then, you share it all with us. WOW! Thank you so, so much!
Hugs and prayers from Vancouver, WA!

[Janet]

Toben, if you happen to read this...you may have already tried this, but with some of my patients who have nerve pain, we put a lidocaine patch on the site (especially for siatica). Again, if you have already tried this, then nevermind, but I just wanted to mention it, just in case. Praying for Joanne's shoulder.

[Child of God]

I am so glad to hear that Joanne had a great outing. Will continue to pray and pray for this sweet girl of yours!

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[Annie from Oregon]

I am thrilled your outing was such a success Joanne =o) From PF Chang (Yay for all they did) to Joey snuggling, I pray you are excited and encouraged too!! After I had surgery, I was astonished that it actually took huge energy just to Listen: to hear music, voices, clatter of BP cuff on the tray. It took so much energy just to process it. So I am grateful that Toben embraced and understood that - he loves you so much and is so attuned to you! Praise God for everything this outing brought to/for you! Keepin' on praying for you!

[Jenny]

Thank you for continuing to let us know how to pray for you, Joanne and your family.
I don't know what kind of reading you all are doing, but I happened to have just read an online magazine I enjoy and this month's theme is endurance. When I read your second prayer request I thought I might send it along: ungrind.com

In continued prayer and praising,
Jenny

[Jenny]

forgive me, it is ungrind.org not .com.

[Sara G]

Praying for you Joanne and your family. As we both go through therapy, you inspire me and I love hearing how you are doing. I'm coming up on 1 1/2 years since my stroke and speaking about getting out, I am so happy you got to have an adventure. I understand about car rides and sickness. It does get better! This time will pass and I pray with you for managing those car trips/van trips. I had to close my eyes my first trip as I sat on the backseat of a suv vehicle. I definitely do better up front and even now sometimes still have a random visual but it goes away quickly.
I know this post isn't about steps but keep it up! Yesterday I did 5 steps, one foot on each step, unlike my one step at a time. Good luck to both of us! Love you Sister -
Sara G

[Jenn]

I had dropped out of blogging some time back. Then,came back recently. I was looking at a post and saw Joanne's picture and prayer request. My heart just melted. I hadn't visited much w/Joanne but enjoyed the visits we had and so sorry to hear she suffered a stroke. I read the latest post and understand the foibles of reintroducing her to the world at large. It is indeed a noisy world, especially when seriously out of it for a while. I hope she's come home and that everyone is adapting. Snuggle time with all is probably hugely important. Before I signed off here, I brought you all before the Lord in prayer. Ps 62:1-2 and 5-8, especially 8 came to mind. "Pour out your heart before God ... He's our refuge". Hang on. Hang in there. Persevere. Love, Jenn