Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Update on Vivian - 7/7

Today has been my toughest day so far in the 16 years of Vivian's life.

Vivian was agitated all night long. Robert stayed up at the hospital and was scarcely able to sit down during the 12 hours he was there because he was constantly standing by her side to comfort her. When I arrived to relieve Robert, I found myself frequently lying in bed with Vivian trying to hold her arms and console her. Early in the afternoon Dr. Fanning reinstated some of her sedative drugs, though at a lower level, theorizing that perhaps we had removed them from her too quickly. Vivian finally settled down and was able to sleep, though she often opened her eyes restlessly.

Most upsetting, though, was Dr. Fanning's comment to me this morning that Vivian had surely suffered some sort of brain injury at some point during this traumatic episode, that her mental state post-sedation was not consistent with what he usually sees in this situation. He told me it was too early to tell how extensive the injury was or to what extent she would be able to recover. I was unspeakably distraught at this news. My sweet mother-in-law arrived shortly after this, and I was so thankful to see her that I nearly collapsed in her arms.

Just before Robert, his mother and I left to come home tonight, Dr. Riela, Vivian's longtime neurologist, called and spoke to me. He had come by to see Vivian last night but was calling to say he wouldn't be back again until after Vivian's EEG tomorrow. I relayed to him how upset I was to hear that Vivian had suffered a brain injury. He told me he thought that the jury was still out on that and that we should know more after the EEG test. I took some encouragement from his comments, but I am still pretty devastated.

PLEASE join Robert and me in pleading for God's mercy for Vivian. Pray that her EEG results are similar to those from the EEG Vivian had two years ago at this hospital. Pray that Vivian's current state only reflects her confusion from being sedated for so long, from awakening in a strange and unfamiliar setting and from pain and discomfort related to her arm surgery.

I love and appreciate each of you. We need and covet your prayers right now.

Eloise


"Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings." Psalms 36:5-7

54 comments:

Maggie said...

Praying hard for Vivian's recovery and for your sense of hope and peace.

Jan M said...

I am so sorry to learn that today was such a difficult day. May you feel a sense of peace tonight as we all hold you in our prayers. The waiting for healing and test results is the hardest. May the answers come quickly and joyfully.

Beth said...

Standing in the gap for her complete healing, and for strength and courage while you all face this situation.

Psalm 34:17-18, “the righteous cry out and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Sherrie said...

I am so sorry that Vivian's (and your) was so rough. I will continue to pray to healing and the restoration of her body as well as her mind.

Amy said...

It probably doesn't make it any easier, but I was at a bible study tonight on the book of Esther and we spoke about being called to a place and circumstance for "Such a time as this," (Esther 4:14).

My family and I will pray for peace for Vivian, you and Robert and for the news of the EEG to be positive.

Sharon said...

Continuing my prayers for you, your family and your sweet Vivian. Miracles do happen.....Sharon

DawnW said...

Eloise, Still praying for your family and sweet Vivian. You all are on my mind constantly. Hang in there!

Dianne said...

Praying very hard. God grant you all peace and strength and wellness! As a mother I feel your pain. I so wish there was more I could do for you.

Hopsy said...

I was simly devastated as I read your email tonight. I am praying for you all Eloise! I am praying that the mighty God we worship will bring peace to your heart this evening and that her EEG results are consistent with what her doctors have seen in the past.

"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles."
Psalm 34:17

Rob & Lindsey said...

I have been keeping up with all the info you share on here and have been thinking about you guys. I am praying for Vivian and your whole family.

Sandra said...

Yes, I will definitely have you and your family on my prayer list tonight. So sorry that your day was so difficult. I know you are simply exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Just remember that God is holding you. xoxo

Tami said...

Oh Eloise, I felt so badly for you as I read this post. You, Robert and Vivian have been through so much. I will be praying for each of you tonight, for strength, healing, courage and peace.

take care-

Katy said...

Praying for sweet Vivian's recovery!

Anonymous said...

I'm praying with you, Eloise & I hope tomorrow's EEG will bring long awaited comfort to you & your family! hugs, Mandi

NTTW said...

Eloise, I'm a friend of a friend, and just want you to know you and your husband and Vivian are in my prayers. May our loving Father heal your dear daughter, and tenderly wrap each of you in His comfort,love and care.

Big Happy Family said...

Hugs and prayers.

Town and Country House said...

I just found your blog through Hopsy's. I pray that sweet Vivian will be healed and that God's comfort and peace will be all around your family in very tangible ways. May the God of hope grant you peace as you trust in Him.

Jackie said...

Saying a prayer for you and yours. I know you're taking it hour by hour right now, but hope is still there. Praying and hoping that she comes out of this okay. Praying and hoping that you come out of this okay too, but from what I've read, I know you will. She will too. Believing that for you right now.

"Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul..." Invictus - William Ernest Henley

Jenny said...

I am so very sorry that Vivian and you and Robert have had such an awful day. My heart just hurts for you-- we are praying!!!!! Love and hugs, Jenny

suixijiangxi said...

Have followed your blog for a little while....We will continue to pray for your daughter....Keep the faith as I was in ICU 4 months ...The news was always dismal in relation to the future...and damage from .....so many things...slow recovery....with rehab...went back to teaching....all things are possible....just at His pace...

Sending prayers and positive vibes.
g. parker

Susan R said...

Dear Friend
Our prayers are with you. Prayer knows no boundaries and you have a lot of people praying for your family and your sweet Vivian. God is merciful and He makes all things beautiful in His time. I try to remember "Not my will, but Thine be done" in all things when I'm praying.
Love and Best Wishes
Susan

Ruby's Fairy Godmother said...

Eloise,
I am praying for complete healing for Vivian. I am praying for the peace that passes all understanding for you and Robert.
I am joining you and countless others lifting Sweet Vivian in prayer.
Norah

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God."
Phillippians 4:6 NIV

The Mrs. said...

Oh my goodness I will be praying. It's a testimony to your strength as a Mother how you have not fallen apart. I am here for you.

Cindy said...

Praying for Vivian and your family as well pray God will give you sense of peace serentiy and bless each of you
saw this and got the info off 3 peanuts
KIM IS SO KIND!

Blessings to yiu all CIndy

Cindy said...

Praying so hard for Vivian May God be with you and give your family comfor too-
saw this on 3 peanuts
blessings Cindy

AJLinBoston said...

Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way . . .

Anonymous said...

Raising prayers for Vivian's recovery.

Kate said...

The road is long...but you are not alone!! I will be praying for you all. Always praying...

Jessica Ryan said...

Eloise, my heart is breaking for you right now... into a million little pieces... I am so sorry you are all still going through this. I'm sending my love and heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family.

KK said...

Eloise, I am PRAYING, PRAYING, PRAYING!!!

ladybugsnkatydids said...

We are praying for your dear Vivian and your family. I hope that the doctor is being a bit calavier in his comments about Vivian's condition. Doctors are taught to always plan for the worst, so hopefully, he was just preparing you for a worst case scenario. However, you and I know that with God, miracles can and do happen. Peace be with you.

Jo said...

I will continue to raise your sweet daughter up in prayer as well as you and your family!

Jo

Maureen said...

Eloise,

You continue to be in my prayers. What heartbreaking news. Please know that you are in my thoughts daily and I continue to pray for Vivian's improvement and your strenght.

Be well.

Pam Darby Davis said...

Eloise, I am praying for God's comfort and mercy to overcome you and HIS healing touch to rest on Vivian. Love to you.

Wendy said...

I am so sorry the toll this is taking on all of you...and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Eloise. My heart breaks...and I know yours does as well. We will trust in our God..for he knows our every concern. I pray for your comfort, all of you and for wisdom for the Doctors. I am grateful that you are surrounded by praying family and friends and even more grateful for the Lord keeping you strong through this awful time. Sending this with love and concern.

Wendy said...

I am so sorry the toll this is taking on all of you...and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Eloise. My heart breaks...and I know yours does as well. We will trust in our God..for he knows our every concern. I pray for your comfort, all of you and for wisdom for the Doctors. I am grateful that you are surrounded by praying family and friends and even more grateful for the Lord keeping you strong through this awful time. Sending this with love and concern.

Wendy said...

I am so sorry the toll this is taking on all of you...and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Eloise. My heart breaks...and I know yours does as well. We will trust in our God..for he knows our every concern. I pray for your comfort, all of you and for wisdom for the Doctors. I am grateful that you are surrounded by praying family and friends and even more grateful for the Lord keeping you strong through this awful time. Sending this with love and concern.

Whitney and the Preppy Puppies said...

I'm sorry for the prognosis you received yesterday. I pray that Dr. Riela is right and that Vivian's EEG today goes well and brings you the answers you so covet. Hugs to you, Eloise, and your entire family. I've thought about you every day. xo xo

bevy said...

KkEloise,
I woke up at 4:30 his morning and couldn't go back to sleep so I picked up my Droid at saw you had posted again. As soon as I finished reading I turned it off and began fervent prayer at those wee hours.

I am in the mountains at our Episcopal conference center and have passed sweet Vivian to be prayed over. My mother is an amazing prayer warrior and she has Vivian on her list. We pray for miraculous news! Our God is an awesome God!

The Internet Cooking Princess said...

I'm thinking about Vivian, you, and Robert everyday, Eloise. I know this is an incredibly traumatic time for all of you, but I hope you take comfort in knowing so many people care about you and are praying the worst is over.

The Spillman Family Blog said...

I'm continuing to pray for God's miraculous healing to be poured out on Vivian, His incomparable comfort for your family, and wisdom for the doctors and nurses involved.

Pink Velvet Mommy said...

sending prayers and thoughts to your family and for a total recovery for your beautiful daughter. I can't even imagine how heavy your heart feels.....

Proudfeet said...

I have seen your story through several blogs, and had to add my sincere prayers for your precious Vivian. May peace be with you, and know that love from even Utah is being sent your way!
-Leah

JMW said...

Eloise, I so wish there was a way I could reach out to your family and provide comfort to Vivian. My family will continue to pray for all of you. Miracles do happen and prayer is powerful. May your sweet girl be blessed with comfort and healing.

Terri said...

I am praying for your family and precious Vivian.

The 5 Bickies said...

Oh Eloise, I continue to lift you all in prayer. I pray that Vivian can rest and that the EEG shows no change from two years ago. I pray especially for your strength as you continue to travel this road.

living4him5 said...

I found your blog thru 3 peanuts. Please know our family is praying for Vivian and for continued strength for your family.

God be with you all,
Amy <><

Emily said...

Helen shared your email me with me late last night and my heart aches for you and sweet Vivian. I have been praying that the EEG results will be positive and that God will bring healing and comfort to Vivian and strength, courage and peace for you and Robert.

Anonymous said...

I know we have never met but I have enjoyed reading your blog for the last year. I am a mother of 2 and cannot image what you and Robert are going through. Please know that there are many people like myself out there praying for you and your family. Vivian is a fighter from what I have seen and she will pull through. Hang in there and God Bless.

Anonymous said...

I continue to pray for Vivian's recovery, and for comfort and strength for you and your family.

amandaandjames said...

Eloise, I hope this story will help calm your fears. Two years ago, my mother suffered a heart attack, and was placed on a ventilator. After the ventilator was removed, she didn't meet the neurologist's expected milestones. We found that everyone is affected differently by the heavy sedation, and it just took her longer to get those chemicals out of her body. A few days later she was returning to her normal self, but it did take a while. I hope this will be the case with Vivian, and we continue to keep you all in our prayers.

Amanda

amandaandjames said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mrs. Expat said...

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

Lifting you up in prayer.

Tickled Pink And Green said...

Oh Eloise, you must be going through hell. I told my Robert about what's going on and we're praying for all of you.