06/12/09 (Friday):

This morning Judy had the IVC filter procedure completed. She still has pneumonia and they plan to increase the dosage of antibiotics. Judy’s temperature is being regulated with Tylenol. She appears to be much more comfortable with the ventilator tube removed, but she is not responding at present.

6:30pm update: The PEG procedure was performed (bedside) around 3:30pm today and went well. Judy is sedated due to the recent activity, and we are praying that she is given some relief over the weekend from the poking, prodding and cutting. They also removed the additional monitoring wire she had in her heart.

9:00pm update: David spoke with Judy’s current nurse, who advised that her temperature is normal and that she is resting tonight. Per blogger Linda Minnich’s previous post (thank you Linda!), he inquired about Judy’s oral hygiene routine. When the ventilator tube was in place, Judy’s mouth and teeth were cleaned every four hours. Now that Judy has the trach, it will be up to each nurse as to how often her mouth is cleaned (less than with the vent tube, but at least twice per day). Also a big thanks to cousin Erin for her information on working past the trach procedure! If anyone has additional feedback or information on the procedures that have been posted, or anything else we may not be aware of that would be of help, please feel free to let us know.

15 responses to this post.

  1. Posted by Bob, Becky & Whitney on June 12, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    Stalnaker family,
    With God all things are possible. Keep praying as we are. You are in our thought each day.

    Becky, Bob& Whit

    Reply

  2. Posted by Kevin Cain on June 12, 2009 at 4:19 pm

    As soon as Judy rests a bit from all of these recent procedures, I am sure she will be looking around the room again in search of your voices. We can’t wait to hear her talking and laughing again. She is one strong lady. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as well. Get some rest so you can stay strong.

    Kevin and Chris

    Reply

  3. Posted by Stephen Boilon on June 12, 2009 at 5:12 pm

    Hi everyone. Thank you again, Gretchen, for setting up this blog so that we can get news about your mom. Any news is good news when you are so far away. Each of you have to be so overwhelmed as each day goes by. Try to take comfort in knowing that there are so many people who love you and are praying for a bright outcome in this situation. I know all of the cliches are corny, but they are well meaning. As numb as you get, it’s the small words of encouragement that are often the bright spot of each day. They were for me. and I do feel that there’s a positive energy in everyone’s prayers. I’m glad Jude’s trach surgery went well and that she is resting more comfortably. Ventilators are so stressful for everyone involved. Hopefully, Jude will become more responsive once she’s rested from all the procedures. Keep talking to her; mom said she heard us! Sending lots of love from California!!!

    Stephen

    Reply

  4. Posted by Anita Toth Simpson on June 12, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    I agree, Judy’s just resting. You’ll be hearing her voice in no time!

    Reply

  5. Posted by John & Anne Brown on June 12, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    All, We are praying along with everyone else. If there is anything at all you need, please call us 740-896-3323.
    Hang in there. We think about you every day.

    Reply

  6. Posted by Roger & Jeane Kennedy on June 12, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    You are all in our prayers…….with God all things are possible, for he is the Great Physician…Amen

    Reply

  7. Made it home okay. Thanks for letting Maizey stay at the cottage so I could visit. I know Jude hears us, just keep talking. There were flowers at the cottage when I picked up Maizey. Very pretty. Glad all the procedures are over for awhile. Still praying and knowing she will wake up soon. Need to schedule that spa day. Love and hugs. Annie

    Reply

  8. Posted by Linda Minnich on June 12, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    Be sure they are vigilent with oral hygine for Judy. This can be the source of bugs for additional infections and it can be much more easily done with the tubes out. Also, keeping her head of the bed elevated to 45 degrees and frequent turnings will decrease the chances of additional pneumonia. As Judy moves from ICU to step down her nursing time will decrease – so be vigilent that these seemingly minor nursing things are done. We continue to pray for all of you.

    Reply

    • Posted by Stephen Boilon on June 12, 2009 at 11:41 pm

      Linda, this is Steve Boilon. You are absolutely right. Before mom passed, we were told to do the same things, and they worked. Each nurse has so many patients and they are often overloaded, but these are the things that family/friends can do to keep Jude from any setbacks. Elevation, frequent turnings and a pillow stuffed here and there are ever so important.

      Reply

  9. Posted by Anita Toth Simpson on June 12, 2009 at 11:59 pm

    I’ve spent a lot of time at the hospital with Freddie. I eventually learned to keep a diary of everything. I wrote down every doctor and nurses name, the meds and the time administered, the x-rays, everything. The nurses do mess up sometimes.

    Quite honestly, someone should be there all the time. I assume that they will let one of you stay in the room at night when she goes to step down. In the future, there will be times when Judy might just need a drink of water. You don’t want her to have to wait on a nurse for things like that. Take turns, it can be hard to sleep in a hospital. I would have hospital dreams for weeks after Freddie went home!

    Reply

  10. Posted by Debbie Grooms on June 13, 2009 at 12:14 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday. All things are possible with prayer. We send our Love to you David and the Girl’s. Stay strong in your faith.

    Reply

  11. Posted by Traci on June 13, 2009 at 2:46 am

    You all remain in my thoughts every day. I feel certain that Jude will pull through and be the same fun-loving lady we all know. I hope you know that each of you have always been like an extended family to me. If you nee ANYTHING, Sue Ann knows how to reach me.
    Love and prayers,
    Traci

    Reply

  12. Posted by Lorelei on June 13, 2009 at 11:16 am

    God’s Speed to Judy and God does perform miracles even when things reach their darkest hour. Know this and know there are a lot of people praying for her recovery. I know how hard and stressful this has to be for you but please take care of yourselves too. Stay strong and keep the faith.
    God Loves You All and through him, all things are possible. Don’t forget that and hope is one of the best things we have to hold on to so, I know you will never loose hope and neither will we. I called Raymond and let him know what the latest information was and he said to tell all of you that you are in the thoughts of he and Donna as well.
    We love you all and take care.
    Lorelei, Keith, Raymond & Donna.

    Reply

  13. Posted by Joanna on June 16, 2009 at 8:01 am

    I’ve been keeping up with the blog to check Judy’s progress. This has been a great way to reach out and get updates. I have known Judy for a little over five years in the education field. It is a joy to work with her as a parent and now colleague through GSC. Judy and her family will continue to be in the thoughts and prayers of my family and friends atLCHS. So pleased to her of her progress thus far.
    Joanna Forinash Barnette

    Reply

  14. Posted by Tiffany Goldsmith on June 18, 2009 at 10:36 am

    I didn’t personally know Judy, but my mom did. We pray that everything gets better and the recooperation is fast and peaceful! My family and I will pray at Bible School and Sunday school and even our nightly prayers for your family.

    Sending Love From Goldsmith Racing Family and the Isenhart family,

    Tiffany Isenhart-Goldsmith ❤

    Reply

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