Suzanne 7. 1/26 - 3/6/03

Suzanne's Status as of 10:00 PM (EST) Sunday 1/26/2003 - DAY 38
We had a great time at Northpoint Community this morning, we were challenged and encouraged. We had Sushi rolls and chicken teriyaki for lunch ($1.00 for 3 piece rolls, what a deal). She took a nap when we got back and we have been watching the Superbowl. She just said "I'm used to watching the Superbowl at 2pm in Alaska, now we are watching it at 6pm." We are waiting on her pain medicine, she has been hurting some this evening, her leg gets numb like as if it fell asleep, her neck and elbow hurts.

I just read today's messages to Suzanne and she said "tell Robyn Wilson (Olson) happy birthday, I've been thinking about you! :)
Thanks everyone for reading the updates and writing messages, it has been very encouraging to read all of your loving words."

Suzanne's Status as of 2:30 PM (EST) Monday 1/27/2003 - DAY 39
Suzanne is walking a little better today. She had some psychological testing then Occupational therapy after lunch. She changed sheets on a bed and seemed a little tired mentally and physically, she's building up her endurance. She is working on planning for cooking some of her yummy wheat rolls maybe on Wednesday. She's in speech therapy now.

We should be at this address through Feb 4th or 5th
Shepherd Center
TBI Unit - Suzanne Presley
2020 Peachtree Rd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30309


Suzanne's Status as of 7:50 PM (EST) Monday 1/27/2003 - DAY 39
Things have been good here in Atlanta. We've been fed and keep going! I miss everyone. I miss being home and sleeping in my bed. I have many flowers in my room, they make me happy. We got some DVD's from the Furmans and are very thankful for those! There are so many crocheted snowflakes hanging in my room. Thank you Bouchards! I am so thankful for everything in my room.

I am a very thankful person. Jeff told me what happened to me, I don't remember it. I can't believe what happened and I'm so thankful I'm alive. Thank you for all your letters and encouragement. I've been using a wheelchair and my face had some marks on it. Plus my bangs are shaved and the side of my head is shaved. (Jeff said they put a tube in right there.) But other than that you can't tell what I went through. Just wanted to keep you up on what's going on with me.

"I can't do it, but God can" Gen 41:16

Suzanne's Status as of 10:10 AM (EST) Tuesday 1/28/2003 - DAY 40
Suzanne met with PT 8:00 this morning and seems to be doing well. She had an o.k. night last night. She woke up frequently with a lot with pain. I've been waiting to see the doctor for a while, they didn't see her yesterday. Her regular doctor went on vacation Thursday. We are waiting on her pain medicine now, seems as though the prescription ran out. She is taking a quick nap now and will have more therapy starting at 10:30.

Suzanne's Status as of 11:55 PM (EST) Tuesday 1/28/2003 - DAY 40
No big news today, she is doing well and steadily progressing. She is going to get to bake some of her wheat rolls tomorrow. Suzanne is enjoying the therapy here!

On the not so good side, we have consistently had a great deal of difficulty getting pain medicine (without waiting 2-3 hours in excruciating pain.)

Suzanne's Status as of 5:40 PM (EST) Thursday 1/30/2003 - DAY 42
Yesterday was a pretty good day. I talked with our case manager here at Shepherds for a while and got to talk with Dr. Ripley around 5:30 PM. Yesterday and today, I've spent most of the day working on discharge planning and finding the best place for Suzanne's needs. We are trying to get her into a day program that specializes in brain injuries. Suzanne needs more than the traditional basic Speech, Occupation & Physical therapy. With some of the injuries being in the front part of her brain which requires more help with the executive functioning skills; Cognitive retraining, attention, recalling, problem solving, multi-tasking, fatigue, gauging herself, safety, judgment, etc. Suzanne is doing really well and is doing better than most at this point.

They have diagnosed her with RSD or CRPS complex regional pain syndrome. The pain is often described as a burning feeling and is much worse than expected for the injury. This causes her to experience pain coming from places like her right foot that are more than just soft tissue damage.

Today Suzanne had a busy day in therapy and I got to go through family training with all of the therapists.

Suzanne's Status as of 5:00 PM (EST) Friday 1/31/2003 - DAY 43
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY!!!!!!!! I've been thinking of you today! Love, Suz

We went on a tour of the Coca Cola plant. We tried all of the international flavors for free. We watched a movie of all the places where Coca Cola is offered. We ate lunch at the Spaghetti Factory and just got back from our day trip. My stomach scar is healing. I'm walking well with a cane and didn't need my wheelchair all day while we were out.

The Ultram medication is working for pain relief and it works faster than the Percocet (which is a narcotic), so that is good news. The doctor just told us that Suzanne should start receiving the Ultram at 5:30 PM every night; they are switching the Percocet with the Ultram. Suzanne loves to get mail and packages; she had 3 things waiting today for her. She was very thankful for the goodies and care packages. Yesterday we received a couple also. Thanks for all of your prayers and loving support! 2 Cor 9:12

Suzanne's Status as of 7:15 PM (EST) Sunday 2/2/2003 - DAY 45
I have lost 23 pounds since the wreck happened. I have gained back 5 pounds in the last few days, due to Jeff's pursuit of non-hospital food. We got to eat wraps yesterday for lunch and Mexican last night. Atlanta Bread Company today for lunch and Chinese for dinner. We got to do a little shoe shopping, because my shoes don't fit my sensitive foot. We attended Northpoint again, they have been talking about Jonah. They made a funny little preview video at the beginning. He said that there is hope for runners (defined as all of us who at some point tell God to 'stay' then run in the opposite direction.) Jonah 2 gives us good news; God will give runners more chances if we will keep turning back to Him. He will listen to our prayers even when we have run from the One who is the source of what we were looking for all along.

Tomorrow I get to make BBQ chicken pizza as part of my therapy. The pain situation is much better. The Ultram works well and I've been getting my medicine on time which is great news. I got to meet Dawn (Jenn Pierce's friend from graduate school) yesterday, she was my speech therapist. I should be moving from 'inpatient' to 'day program' on Thursday. Tomorrow Jeff is going to tour the Shepherds day program facility, it is 30 miles away.

Mary is the really nice charge nurse on the weekend night shift. She was telling us how much progress I have made just in the past week. She said that my personality and smile were encouraging. Similarly, my P.T. Margaret said that it looked like a fog had been lifted. That makes me feel great! (said in a Tony-the-Tiger voice)

Suz

Suzanne's Status as of 10:00 PM (EST) Monday 2/3/2003 - DAY 46
Today Suzanne had a great time making Pizza and giving it out to the therapists. It was sunny outside and we got to walk about a block away to the drugstore in a group. We will get to tour the outpatient facility and apartment they provide tomorrow afternoon. I got Suzanne Sushi and a Pina Colada smoothie with weight gainer for dinner. We watched a DVD tonight. Suzanne is spunky and was more decisive today than ever. Suzanne was very happy and humbled to hear from Tiffany a high school friend who has been touched by this site and your messages. She left a few messages to Suzanne roses arrived today from her. Thanks for the package from the Holbrook's too! Thanks to everyone who sent care packages and sent up prayer packages :)

Suzanne's Status as of 8:00 PM (EST) Tuesday 2/4/2003 - DAY 47
We visited the Shepherd Pathways outpatient day program in Decatur. We will be moving there tomorrow afternoon. The address is:
Shepherd Pathways
1942 Clairmont Road
Decatur, Georgia 30033

Suzanne's Status as of 7:00 PM (EST) Wednesday 2/5/2003 - DAY 48
Today has been a busy day getting prescriptions made and taking care of details. We moved Suzanne out of Shepherds Center in Atlanta. Suzanne wanted to get a picture of her therapists and say goodbye to everyone who worked with her at the inpatient program. I just finished moving her stuff into an apartment provided by Shepherds Pathways in Decatur GA, about 20 minutes away. It will be nice for us to be able to get back to a fairly normal lifestyle together here. Suzanne has gained about 5 pounds but has 20 more to go to get back to her previous slender size. She said that she had to run around in the shower just to get wet (just kidding) She is taking a nap now; she is a tired little camper. Suzanne's parents, Ray and Beth are coming to visit, they arrive Friday night.

Suzanne's Status as of 11:00 PM (EST) Saturday 2/8/2003 - DAY 51
Things are going well, thanks for all of your prayers and thoughts!
Suzanne is doing great and progressing fine with everyone's help at Shepherds Pathways. She likes all the people that we have met. Her foot continues to hurt but the medication helps her manage to slowly get around. She is using a cane and is working on strengthening her muscles and stretching her ankle and leg.

Ray & Beth (her parents) arrived last night from Alaska. We went to a science museum today and went out for lunch. Tonight we cooked and watched an old movie. Tomorrow we get to listen to Ravi Zacharias speak and then go to Northpoint Community again. We'll do a little sight seeing around Decatur. We are glad that we were able to get out to Decatur just in time. Atlanta has 3 huge events going on this weekend, so the city is experiencing crazy traffic challenges and NBA 'All Star gridlock'. Lots of famous people in town, Suzanne was patient with everyone asking for her autograph :)

Just saw on the news that they shut down some of the ramps that we had used. Hopefully we'll fend well getting around tomorrow :)
We are happy campers.

Suzanne's Status as of 6:00 PM (EST) Monday 2/10/2003 - DAY 53
'In the evening, my foot is swollen. It goes down in the morning. Please pray that we'll be able to make an appointment with our doctor. I need to get the glass out of my face, my trach scar has attached to my throat and it hurts to swallow, I need to get the stitches out of my side.

I did arm exercises today and my arms are really sore. I did reading comprehension and I did well. I talked with 2 girls at lunch today and heard their stories of their recovery. They are both doing well.

I was so excited; I got lots of packages today, socks and a bear from Jeff's mom. Kelly Stelling sent a big card on poster board with pictures and notes from my former Sunday school kids. I got a jewelry box, cinnamon, hanging harts and painted candles from Lynette Burns.'

Ray & Beth and I (Jeff) went to visit Suzanne at Shepherds Pathways today, our case manager Kendra showed us around and updated us on everything. She has given us lots of good ideas on places to visit and sites to see. We got to sit in on some of Suzanne's Occupational therapy. Ray & Beth were glad to see that Suzanne was doing so well and has made so much progress on looking close to 'back to normal.'

Suzanne's Status as of 10:30 PM (EST) Wednesday 2/12/2003 - DAY 55
As nations brace for possible terror attacks, we're praying for leaders and that we would turn our hearts toward God. Many times He has used a hostile world to refine and even judge His people.

Suzanne is doing very well in therapy. In Physical Therapy she uses an advanced NeuroCom Balance machine. It's like a real-time virtual reality game that provides visual assessments while increasing balance and strengthening her legs. The floor moves and she has to lean in various directions to keep the screen centered.

We have a doctor's appointment for next Wednesday. Our case manager, Kendra scheduled it for us, she is really nice and caring, and has been giving us tips on restaurants and activities. We haven't had much chance to get out and explore. Suzanne is usually tired after her therapy and was nauseated tonight.

It was very encouraging to read through so many recipes and cards that you all sent to Suzanne for her birthday. Suzanne has made many friends and impacted so many people's lives. I really admire her, reading the notes and seeing how people know her and hearing how many people have been encouraged by her. In this same thought, Suzanne came to mind as I was reading Isaiah 58 (Some background on this chapter: One may do outwardly religious things, but they don't have any impact on personal relationships with others. They were spiritually naked and needy, left insensitive to the needs of others. Trying to hide spiritual nakedness with the fig leaf of religious activity, God is not fooled.)

In contrast, vs 10-12 seem to describe Suzanne's desire and impact on others. Something we have noticed through the Spirit's work in and through her. True spirituality leads to humility before God and ministry to others. It is only when we pour ourselves out on others that, out of our loss we might recognize gain.

'And if you give yourself to the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness
and your gloom will become like midday.

And the LORD will continually guide you,
and satisfy your desire in scorched places,
and give strength to your bones;
and you will be like a watered garden,
and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.'


Suzanne's Status as of 4:00 PM (EST) Friday 2/14/2003 - DAY 57
Happy Valentines Day!

Yesterday, Suzanne said 'I felt like I walked steadier today. My P.T. gave me independence getting to classes on my own - without assistance of a therapist. I also felt clearer, faster and more efficient with math; Melissa said I did better too.' She said that her toes on her right foot won't bend; she is looking forward to talking with a doctor. We ate dinner at a Jerusalem cafe.

Suzanne's right leg is feeling much stronger today and she was walking better. The lunch room was packed, she had helped decorate and bake for today's valentine's party at Shepherd's. She has been working diligently in all of her therapy. We are so thankful to the Lord for her progress.

We received a substantial check today from one of our clients; this is a huge answer to prayer!

I'm getting ready to pickup Suzanne and take her to a bed and breakfast called Chateau Elan for Valentines day. She is going to be very surprised. It will be a good change of scenery for her.

Suzanne's Status as of 4:00 PM (EST) Saturday 2/15/2003 - DAY 58

Jeff was so sweet to me and took me to a castle last night. It was wonderful. It was as beautiful as the website shows. He came to the apartment and packed our things and then picked me up at Pathways at 3:30. We got to the castle that evening. I was sick on the way there and then when we got there. But I still had a nice time. We talked for a long time, and that was really good. We snuggled and had a nice view of the woods. I got sick again before we left and then again when we got home. I think that seeing the moving cars contributes to my sickness. It seems like the times I've gotten sick where after I was in the car. It's good the castle was only 40 minutes away. I closed my eyes on the way home.
Jeff has been cleaning the apartment from the clutter just lying around. He's been doing the laundry too. He's such a wonderful man. I'm very thankful to be married to him. Thank you for reading our updates and for praying for us. I think that is the reason I have been improving so fast. Have a super day!!!!

Suzanne's Status as of Monday 2/17/2003 - DAY 60
We had our first family meeting with all of the therapists and our case manager. Everyone was very positive about Suzanne's progress. We are looking into rehab facilities in Memphis and will be returning in the next couple of weeks. Yipee!
Suzanne is looking forward to sleeping in our soft bed and being back at home.
Friends have really helped us out by sending our mail from Memphis and watching out for our house. Thanks!

Suzanne's Status as of Tuesday 2/18/2003 - DAY 61
Suzanne has not been nauseas since Saturday. It seems to have been caused by the long drive.

We saw Suzanne's rehab doctor and got a few questions answered. He has been on vacation while we have been at Shepherd's Pathways day program. He is going to get back with us on some of the issues such as the length of medications, RSD recommendations, etc. He is also going to look at her CT Scans to tell us if she can fly on a plane when we are ready to go back to Memphis or away for a weekend.

Suzanne's Status as of Wednesday 2/19/2003 - DAY 62
We are glad that Kendra scheduled our appointments today to get the glass removed from Suzanne's face and to see an ENT doctor about pain swallowing and possible problems in her throat due to the scaring of the trach. This was the first time that we hit their radar screen and now after 5 weeks, we are just getting the surgery process started. (Suzanne's throat problems got lost in the shuffle when Dr. Leslie went on vacation at Shepherd's Center and then as soon as we got to Pathways, Dr. Ripley went on vacation.)

Suzanne did get the glass removed from her face. It was sticking out and hurt to lay her face on the pillow. It started bleeding this morning when she put her shirt on, the glass had been at the surface for a long time so it was easy to get out. We saw an ENT doctor yesterday afternoon. Suzanne needs to have a few tests run on her throat and she needs minor surgery. The plastic surgeon can't fit her in until March 19th but will try to do it sooner. They have to coordinate with the ENT doctor to be present at the surgery to do a procedure.

Suzanne's Status as of 10:00 PM (EST) Thursday 2/20/2003 - DAY 63
Last night we ate dinner with our neighbor. He is a software developer here in Atlanta. His wife and child went home to India for a month. We really enjoyed getting to spend time talking and hanging out with him. We are going to go to his temple with him on Sunday.

Suzanne made quesadillas in therapy for lunch and they got to go bowling. Suzanne is doing great and staying encouraged. She is getting stronger each week and isn't as dependent on her cane.

Since Suzanne is doing so well, we'll try to do an update once or twice per week.
Thanks for the Prayers, I really needed them today!