Update on Debbie....2nd week at NHC....9/24/11....by Charlie

Our Debbie continues to improve! Therapy tires her but her therapists say she is gaining ground each day. I spent this afternoon and evening with her and I think this is possibly her best day yet.
Week-ends are therapy free and Deb is more rested and therefore more interactive with visitors. Three ladies who sing with her in our church choir visited this morning and told me she was laughing out loud and talking with them. They even got in a couple of songs. (They are quite crazy so I would have probably been laughing out loud myself had I been there.) When I arrived at 3 this afternoon, Deb was ready to go outside. We spent some time in the fresh air and had a good evening of dinner and looking at cards and TV with some neck, foot and hand rubs included.
We are seeing improvements in her memory and communication daily, however, she still has a long way to go. She still must have hands on help with everything but her attitude is nothing short of amazing. Praises to our Lord for all of this.
Thank each of you for your visits, cards, gifts, but especially for your continued prayers for Debbie. We love you and appreciate everything you do.

Debbie's Update....1st week at NHC/Cookeville......9-17-2011..by Charlie

We are blessed once again. So far NHC Healthcare at Cookeville has performed above our expectations. Debbie seems happy and well-cared for there and the nurses and staff appear qualified, very friendly and always ready to help with whatever she needs. Tuesday thru Friday, Deb has been participating in quite a bit of therapy and was fatigued from it in the afternoon and evening but I know it is good for her.
There was no therapy today, however, and she was well rested when I arrived. We spent some time outside and a couple of friends came by and she enjoyed talking with them. Through the afternoon and evening, she was more responsive and alert than in the past and I can tell she is slowly improving. We enjoyed a good dinner together tonight while watching the Volunteers and Gators going at it. Debbie seems much more aware of what is happening around her. And she enjoys one on one conversation.
Our Lord is answering prayer and we continue to pray for Debbie's complete recovery and praise Him for what He has already done.
Thank each of you again for all you do. Have a blessed week!

Debbie's Update......COMING HOME......Sept 12, 2011 ..by Charlie

I'm typing this post on the morning of Sept. 13 after a night of rest in MY bed.
But, now back to our Debbie. Mary, one of our dear MUSC RNS, reminded me as Debbie was leaving the hospital for Tennessee yesterday morning, that she had been with them for 100 days as of the 12th. What a milestone.....one no one wishes to accomplish.
Debbie left Charleston, SC, by ambulance at about 7 a.m. eastern time. I followed in the car. She was awake and alert. We stopped about 150 miles into the trip and she was still happy and said she was enjoying the ride. After some food and refreshments, we were on our way. Another fuel stop and checking on Deb in NC all is well until just over the Tennessee line near exit 440 the ambulance had a left rear dual tire blowout. He was driving below the speed limit and stopped safely but after 2 1/2 hours with a wonderful state trooper, civil defense personnel, tire changing personnel and the promise of a helicopter if needed, we were on our way again.
Through all this, the only person not upset or stressed was our Debbie. She was smiling, talking, eating and having refreshments during the episode. She and I even got in some of her exercises while waiting. (Our main concern was for her to have to lay flat on the gurney too long but again she was my hero. Again, she comforted me.) The sergeant said he would have no problem summoning a helicopter and closing the interstate for Debbie's transport if I deemed it necessary, but thank our Lord, she handled the situation better than I did.
So, after replacing three tires, we were on our way and finally arrived at NHC in Cookeville around 4:30 pm central with Deb's Mom and Dad anxiously awaiting. And praise Him, our Debbie was still happy looked no worse from the trip.......In fact, I think she was more perky. Isn't God good!!!!!
After settling in with a hot dinner, she looked very comfortable when left last night......a hard thing to do.......but she told me to "go get some rest".
So our Debbie is in Tennessee now, close to home. I will be so happy when she is all the way home and that is our prayer that she continues to improve more and more each day. Debbie's address is NHC HealthCare, 815 South Walnut Avenue, Cookeville, Tennessee 38501.
I plan to continue updating Deb's blog on a weekly basis. Will try for Saturday to let you know of her progress the week before. You can never know how much your prayers and support and every act of kindness have meant to us on this long long journey. We wouldn't have made it this far without the grace of our Lord Jesus and you, his angels, who have helped us along the way. May He bless each of you over and over again. This is from Debbie, myself, Herb, Betty and our entire family. We love you all and thanks so much for your continued prayers and support and love.

Sept 10 By Herb.......and Charlie

Monday 12th is D-day for Debbie to transfer to the rehab center. I know she is looking forward as we are. Its been a long summer but well worth it to see her progress to her current state. Each day I can see her making strides toward normal and this makes me very happy. Now a safe trip will compete the first leg of our mission to recovery. God Bless.

In addition to Herb's comments, the ambulance is scheduled to depart MUSC in Charleston at 6:00 a.m. and arrive at Cookeville mid afternoon. Our Debbie had a restful night and ate a good breakfast this morning. Again, thanks so much for all you have done and for your prayers for Debbie's safe and comfortable journey home. We love you all and wish you a blessed week-end.

DEBBIE'S UPDATE.......Special Edition.....Sept 8, 2011....by Charlie

It's been a long three and a half months but DEBBIE'S COMING TO TENNESSEE!!!!! Unless changes are made, Debbie will move to NHC of Cookeville, Tennessee on Monday, Sept. 12 where she will be in rehab until she becomes stronger and then will be evaluated by The Shepherd Center of Atlanta, GA and hopefully be allowed to go there for the remainder of her rehab. I mentioned she would be seeing many of her friends soon and got a big smile. This move to TN will be tiring for Debbie so keep her in your prayers. I will let you know of any changes and post the address later. We continue to thank our Lord Jesus for his guidance.

Debbie's Update......Thursday, Sept 8.......by Charlie

Debbie had a good day yesterday with therapy and a hair shampoo and conditioning. Herb even dried her hair with her dryer. She was alert we had enjoyed company again last evening. (Dale and Susy visited again) A representative from Shepherd Center in Atlanta will visit Friday afternoon to access Debbie's condition for admission approval to their facility. If she does not meet their criteria at this time, we will come to NHC at Cookeville until such time as she improves enough and will try again at Shepherd. Thanks again for all your support in prayer for these decisions that must be made and for Debbie's continued healing. Our Lord's Will be done in all things. God bless you!

Debbie's Update.......Sept 7.......by Charlie

Today's update is a ditto of yesterday except Debbie had some most enjoyable visitors from Tennessee last night. Susy and Dale Watson from Crossville visited and I know Debbie enjoyed them, especially Susy. In reference to Debbie's hospital dismissal, she has been approved for NHC in Cookeville, TN but we have applied to Shepherd Center (a intensive care brain trauma re-hab facility) in Atlanta. We are looking for the BEST for our Debbie and they are highly recommended. Only heard of this facility last Saturday so please continue to pray that we will be guided to and accepted for the best possible care and rehabilitation for Debbie. May you all have a blessed day.

Deb's Update......Sept 6.......by Charlie

Another good night for Debbie with rest and normal temp. She was awake and beautiful when I left this morning.......and waiting for breakfast. Still examining rehabilitation facilities and will keep you posted. Love to all and pray for Deb's continued healing and guidance toward rehab. Thanks and God bless.

Debbie's Labor Day Update....Sept. 5, 2011`....by Charlie

Praise our Lord, Debbie has had a good week-end. She slept well and her temperature was 98.6 this morning. We are,as we know you are, praying for her continued healing. Thanks for all you do and to our Lord Jesus for what he does. Have a blessed Labor Day!

Debbie's Update......September 4, 2011......by Charlie

It's hard to believe but it's been three months today since our Debbie became ill. She has had several set-backs since the initial attack but her strength continues and becomes our strength. So far her condition has not changed since the removal of the antibiotics. She still sleeps a lot and sometimes it's hard to get her to eat enough. Debbie is a fighter and has come a long way but has a long way to go. We know our Lord Jesus can heal her mind and body completely and pray to Him continually for this. Please pray also for guidance concerning Deb's rehabilitation. Thank you all for your prayers and may you have a blessed Lord's Day.

Debbie's update.........Sept 3, 2011........by Charlie

After a "bla" day Friday and a ct scan that showed a better result than the last one, (praise the Lord) Debbie was feeling much better last night. She drank lots of liquids and had a good dinner and slept better overnight than I have seen. This morning she was awake and alert and her temperature after a full day without antibiotics was 98.2 degrees. WONDERFUL!! We continue to pray that this is a good sign that she is almost ready to come HOME. Love to you all and may you each have a blessed week-end.

Debbie's Update......Sept. 2.........by Charlie

Debbie ate a good dinner last night with apple pie and ice cream and had a good night's sleep. One of the patient care techs elected to give her another full shampoo and conditioning this morning because she was off duty for week and was afraid Debbie would be in Tennessee before her return. Debbie always enjoys a shampoo! And we thank all her caretakers for loving and caring for her so well. She was awake and alert and having breakfast when I left this morning. Deb is no longer on any antibiotics as of today and we are praying no temp or other problems will occur, but that her mind will become clearer as her body is free of them. Our Debbie has come a long way in recovery but still has a long way to go. She is already a miracle of our Lord and He will be with her always. Dr Varma is speculating that with no problems Debbie may get to return to Tennessee possibly the end of next week. Will keep you posted of when and where. And thanks to all you prayer warriors for your continued thoughts, prayers and support. We love you all.

Debbie's Update.....September 1, 2011.......by Charlie and Herb

It's hard to believe that September is already here and we're still in Charleston. But Debbie is only receiving one antibiotic now and so far no noticeable effects from the removal of the other three so maybe we'll be back in Tennessee soon. Deb did get to go down to the lobby yesterday but it was so hot and late in the day did not go outside. Herb is trying to get an earlier trip for her today because she rested well last night and it's only 80 here now and she tires easily so early is much better. We wish all of you a blessed Thursday the first of a new month.
The one remaining antibiotic will be removed tomorrow and the Doctors will monitor her over the weekend and if she does well, look out Tennessee here we come.
She was outside this morning and sat in the sun with the wind blowing in her hair for about 10 minutes and in the shade for another 10. Debbie seem to enjoy her outing but tired her so we returned to her room. God Bless