Thursday, December 2, 2010

Update on Luisa

Hello everyone. I'm back in Ireland. We just beat the really dreadful snow in the UK and flew back from Gatwick airport as the snow was just starting. Here it's not too bad except for the ice which is treacherous. We have the heating going at full belt and are keeping warm in the minus temperatures. Gatwick airport was closed yesterday!

Luisa

K stayed in Sheffield overnight last night because of the deep snow. She put this update on her blog just now, so I've copied it for you all:

Yesterday was both glorious and dreadful. Her skin is totally back to normal, all swelling gone, yay. She looks more like herself again, and although she still has septicaemia, it's finally turning around, whoop! The wounds are being treated well and are going to heal, just take time.

Basically all news was positive except that she still struggled to breathe, really badly. So, another scan was arranged, of her chest again but this time particularly to look for any other problem than the chest infection.

Bingo! There was massive fluid gathering at the base of her lungs, no wonder she couldn't inflate her lungs! The answer was a really dreadful but truly miraculous big needle shoved between her ribs, to drain the fluid. Scanner was brought in and the surgeon did his job there and then, poor Lu was roaring with pain but then.. Omg it was amazing.

The fluid came rushing out and within minutes of that I realized the sound of panting and gasping we'd so got used to this past fortnight... had gone. I looked at Lu and smiled and said, do you realise you're not struggling to breathe? She raised heh eyebrows and smiled saying, without gasping... you're right!

Awhile later, morphine relieved and smiling, she slept properly for the first time. Still on a facemask but with her chest rising and falling almost normally. I laughed out loud and woke her accidentally when she snored! Bearing in mind she's not been able to blow her nose, cough, hold anything for lack of breath.. to hear her snore was beautiful and amazing!

Well I managed to type all that out so not bad. Sorry for the delay. Last night I just hurt all over, hardly surprising.

Off into the snow again soon in order to get there again today, and I'm really hopeful that she'll be feeling lots better now she can breathe!

-doffs cap-
DK

So apart from the nastly needle, it's all looking so much better. Phew! It's been a rocky road, up and down with her temperature, the infection, her scar and white blood cells. Now I can truly say I think Lu is really over the worst.

Thank you to everyone who has been thinking and praying for Lu, K and Rachel and me too. It's really meant a massive amount to us all. I hope to be able to catch up with some blogs soon, please forgive me for my lack of visits.

Much love to all

Gina
xxxx

16 comments:

Susan said...

So very happy to hear this, & glad you made it thru all this snow safely. Keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers still during this wonderful recovery!

Anonymous said...

I am so very happy to hear this wonderful news. I have been praying that the doctors would have wisdom in treating Lu and I am thankful that she can breathe easier now. I know you all must be so tired and I am sure the snow has been miserable to travel in. Hope you can get some rest now and we'll hope Lu just gets better and stronger! Love ya.

Mim said...

so glad to hear the news - what a rocky road this has been for them! and glad you are home and not snowbound

Lisa at Greenbow said...

It is good to hear that Luisa is over the hump now and can heal. My gosh just to be able to breathe will enable her to heal faster. Blessings.

I have read snippets here and there about the big snow over your way. I wondered if it had affected your area. Be safe.

Unknown said...

What wonderful news! Prayers do work.

Arija said...

So glad that things are looking up for Luisa!
Thanks for letting us know.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Hi Gina - you must think me awful not to have sent you my love and prayers during your recent crisis - truth is that I have been in hospital seriously ill myself. Am now on the mend so am sending me love to you a little late - but no less well meant.

aims said...

'smiling over here'

Bernie said...

Great news.....:-)Hugs

BT said...

Thank you all for the lovely comments. I have emailed everyone.

Heather said...

What a great relief for you all, and I hope Luisa continues to make good progress.

Bea said...

So scary. I'm glad to hear that things are turning around for her.
I am still keeping her in my prayers and mediations. :)Bea

Pam's English Garden said...

Dear Gina, Thanks for the great news. I pray for Luisa's continued healing. Pamela x

Jason said...

Great news, xx

DK said...

thank you momma, for being here, being you, and for sharing this with so many more lovely people who've prayed for her too.

Love you, look forward to seeing you in a month xxx

D.J.Kirkby said...

Wow, I had no idea this was going on! So glad to hear Luisa is starting to feel better!