Thursday, November 13, 2008

Unexpected surgery

This morning I was getting ready to go to the hospital to see Rob when I got a phone call from ICU. They said that Rob had had quite a bit of bleeding from his lower extremities and they were taking him to emergency surgery. I gave my consent for surgery over the phone so they could take him right away. When he was out, I went over to see him. I guess what happened is last night around 11pm, the night nurse noticed a small amount of bleeding from his right leg. She called the dr and they reinforced the dressing. Then this morning, they noticed more bleeding from that leg. All of a sudden, his blood pressure started to drop really low. They looked at his left leg and he had a large amount of blood coming from it. They suctioned out the blood and gave him some fluids to replace the volume he lost. He also received 2 units of blood. He lost a total of about 600ml's of blood. At first they were concerned he had an arterial bleed but when they got back to surgery they decided that it was from the wound vacuums. Apparently, the vacuums weren't strong enough to support the amount of wound he has. So they took him off the vacuums and hooked him up to a different kind. The nice thing about the first vacuums is that it is very good about preventing infections. So, they will be monitoring him very closely for any signs of infections. Hopefully if all goes well with the wounds, he won't have to return to surgery until Monday. That would be a nice break. The dr told me that prior to this last surgery, he is really happy with the progress Rob is making. Even after the surgery, he was alot more awake today. He's still off his sedation medicine and had his eyes open quite a bit. However, he still has a blank stare. I just pray that this is part of the healing process and he will become more responsive and alert in time. The night nurse told me that when she worked last night and was giving him a bath, he had his eyes open the entire time-approximately 20 minutes. She talked to him the entire time and showed him pictures of Julia and Eva that are on the door. The nursing staff has been really great and I know they really care about him. Please, please keep praying. I've been told that this waiting period is the hardest. I believe it. The unknown is so scary.

51 comments:

Long-time RN said...

Fortunately the bleeding was discovered and stopped. We'll certainly pray Rob stays infection free and will soon focus his eyes to see those who love him. Prayers for Rob's caregivers as well. Hang in there through this bump in the road, Dena.

Anonymous said...

That is great they got it fixed. Glad to hear he is opening his eyes more. I am sure he will snap to for you soon. Hopefully he gets the weekend off like you were saying. I think it would be a big help for him. I am greatful to the nurses and staff for taking great care of him and doing their part to serve this country. Your doing a great job Dena.
Take care,
Tator (Rob's cousin Nate)

Support the Troops said...

Dena,

We are making tremendous progress on socks and other winter gear for B Troop and others in the 6-4 CAV. When the time seems right, please tell Rob we are going to help look after his troopers while he recovers. Please know that we have you and your entire family in our prayers and thoughts each day. I have my own CPT in the fight in Afghanistan. Hang in there........Bob

Chris said...

Sounds like a rough day for you and Rob. Rest assured you have our prayers!

Tammy said...

Glad to hear the update on Rob, I hope the bleeding will stop now. I think the staff is really on their toes there. Hang in there, were still here in Fort Worth praying everyday for you Rob and your family. Thanks for keeping us updated Dena, you are a very strong woman, I'm sure Rob appreciates all those hand squeezes, keep up t he fight!

Unknown said...

Dena,

Christian and I think and pray for you and Rob every day. Thank you for writing these updates, it is amazing to be able to read how Rob is doing each day. I look forward to the update, and I know it will come very soon, when you tell us that Rob is completely awake and talking.
Love,
Shanna and Christian

The Morrow Family said...

Dena, each night before I go to bed I look forward to reading your blogs and hearing how upbeat that you are and how well Rob is doing. Unfortunately you have hit that proverbial bump in the road but I am more than certain that this will smooth out and be better real soon. God is holding your family in the palm of his hand and is leading and guiding the doctors. I just know that Rob will be getting better soon. Take care of yourself and know that there is a world of people praying for all of you!!

Anonymous said...

So glad that the doctors and nurses are so on-top of it and Rob is in the best of care between them and you by his side! And of course his Ultimate Healer is always with him - Rob and He are working hard together day by day, hour by hour and are soooooo letting us see the results! YOU GO GOD and Rob!

Thanks again Dena for the so informative update. You get some rest now and tomorrow is a new day and with that many new miraculous possibilities! You are doing such a wonderful job!

Love you all,
Karen and Craig

Tree said...

Dena,

It's wonderful to know that Rob has the best team of nurses and ancillary staff there to help Rob get better. I hope you're taking time for yourself too.

Keeping all of you and Rob's unit in my prayers.

Theresa O'Neill

Jaime Pachta said...

Dena,
I feel for you right now. I wish I could reach through this computer and give you a (((hug)))! There are no words that I can say except that we are praying, praying, praying. We have a church youth group that comes to our house every Wed. night, and we prayed for Rob. They said they talked about him in class on Veteran's Day. They didn't know that who they were talking about was my cousin's husband. They couldn't beleive it. So just keep remembering that so many people are touched by Rob's story and he is getting many prayers said for him. Keep your chin held high and hopefully soon he will respond to you. It is amazing what they can do in modern medicine, he is in good hands, I'm sure. Also remember you are in the best hands of all...God's hands. Take Care. Love, Dan, Jaime, Ashley, Nicolas, & Mitchell

Wendell said...

All our love and prayers are with you. Along with our hugs and thoughts! Hang in there we are all behind you!!
Uncle Wendell Aunt Jonell
Haylie and Emily

Anonymous said...

Dena hang there girl. It sounds like they are on topof things and he is good hands.Try and get some rest Rob and you all are in my prayers. Love Carol

Anonymous said...

Dena & Rob-As always I'm reading your blog right before I go to bed--so sorry to hear of the small setback, but so GOOD to hear Rob is opening his eyes more. I just know it won't be long until he'll respond to you with feeling in his eyes! I hope you can take care of yourself & rest--also your Mom and Rob's family. I'm so glad you all have each other---can't imagine what you're dealing with each day! Just know you ARE NOT ALONE! You are surrounded with love from people all over the world, and best of all our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who will never let us down! Take care and hang in there! Love and prayers--Jackie & Joe.

Maggie Goff said...

Still praying...for you all. God bless you.

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Still checking your blog daily and praying that Rob wakes up for you and the girls soon. Hang in there. I can't imagine what you're going through with this waiting period.

Julie McGahey

brittneyjackson said...

I have to say that I am at a loss for words after reading that update. I can say that I'm praying for Rob and your whole family. Take care of yourself Dena and keep your head up. You have so much faith and it is inspiring to see. I love you.
Brittney

Anonymous said...

We have no doubt that the medical staff is growing attached to Rob -and to you too Dena. They are keeping a watchful eye for problems and will encourage him every step of the way. We were strengthened and comforted by Rob's Grandma Esther's letter to the Lincoln Journal Star. Know you will be counting down the days to see those beautiful little girls.
Hugs and prayers!
Mitch and Vicki :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Dena...

Although words seem to say so little,I hope they help in some small way to ease some of the aching in your heart that you’re experiencing today.I can "feel your heart" when you wrote that the unknown is scary!I so want to reach out and give you a big hug and, to lift your spirit and make everything better! With all the trauma that Robs poor body has gone through and all the surgeries he has endured, I really believe this IS part of Robs healing process & he will become more responsive and alert in the RIGHT time! Gods timing is ALWAYS perfect! I just know that we have an AWESOME God and he hears the MASSIVE amount of prayers that are going out for Rob...keep remembering that you ARE NOT alone...xoxoxo I Love You to pieces...Aunt Nancy

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Anonymous said...

Dena,

We're still praying for you and your family. I am sorry for the setback but I am thankful for the care it sounds like you are getting. Please continue to keep all of us posted.

Rob, keep fighting.

The Turners

Marianna said...

My thoughts & prayers are with you...

M~

Anonymous said...

Hey there,
thinking of you guys every day. Thank goodness for the great nursing care you have and for your personal strength. I am waiting for the blog entry that says Rob is alert and talking. I know it will come. Hang in there
love and prayers
Ginny and Ian lee

Andy Boston said...

Dena - Sorry for the scare. we are still praying and thinking of you guys every day. I will be in Washington in December and would like to see you both. I'll call.

Andy Boston

Anonymous said...

I am glad to hear that the surgery was a success and that the wounds were closed up. It must have been hard to get that phone call and go through the "waiting game" again during his emergency surgery, but I am glad they were able to corect the problem immediately. I continue to pray for Rob's healing, the wisdom and steady hands of the doctors that care for him and especially for strnegth and resilience for you, Dena, and the rest of your family. You are all exhibiting such grace under enormously challenging circumstances and I respect that.

You also mentioned the compassion of the nurses that are caring for Rob, which is very encouraging news as well. You may know, November is "Warrior Care" month in the Army and healthcare professionals around the country have been participating in various campaigns to recognize the importance of caring for our wounded Soldiers. A recent survey showed that 95-96% of Soldiers were satisfied with the healthcare that they received in the military, compared the the average citizen, who reported only about 60-65% (can't remeber the exact number) satisfaction in their care. I hope that you can draw some comfort in knowing that Rob's care is in the excellent, skilled hands of doctors who have treated these injuries over, and over and over, and Rob is also in the skilled hands of the nurses you desribed who assist these doctors and provide compassionate care around the clock. As a nurse yourself, I am sure you are aware :) Keep up the good work, Dena. I am thinking about you daily and continuing to pray.

Jenn said...

Dena, Rob and family, all of you are in our prayers and thoughts. Dena, you will have a special place in my heart. I am so glad that the staff at the hospital are so observant and on top of everything. Keep the faith.....he will "see" you and respond soon I am sure!
Remember Phillipians 4:13!

Anonymous said...

Dear Rob and Dena,
We have been following this incredible journey you are on and praying for all of you. We knew Rob when he was "Bert" in Xela at IAS. Please give our love and greetings to Barb and Otto who were a special part of our lives for the 12 years we were there.
May the God of hope strengthen and sustain you.
Averill and Kathy Allen

Anonymous said...

Dina, we are always thinking of you guys and Rob is always in our prayers.I will check this every day while I am over seas. God bless you and your family. "Rangers Lead The Way"

Anonymous said...

Dena we just wanted you to know we are ( praying for you both everyday. We are here with you even though it's from a distance. Our hearts go out to you and Rob. Hopefully very soon this will all be just a bad dream and you'll all be together again and laughing and loving each other.
Love you and praying for you,
Mike and Ardi (Brittney Jackson's parents)

cary said...

Praise God for fast-thinking and -acting nurses and doctors!

Continued prayers for his recovery.

Hang in there, Dena - a whole lot of people are supporting you!

Anonymous said...

Hugs and prayers! Take care of yourself too. Make sure you're getting enough rest. I'm glad his eyes are opening more, I hope his responses continue to improve.
~Christy

Anonymous said...

Dena,
We are offering our daily prayers for Rob and your family. We are also praying for his medical staff, and it is heartening to read how caring and attentive they are. I pray that you feel God's loving warmth around you and your family. May God Bless you and keep you and your family.
The Kruse Family in Lincoln, Ne

Liz said...

Hoping today is a much better day. We promise to continue to pray. Thanks so much for keeping everyone updated.

Household6 said...

I'm sure you just want to smack him and tell him to fully WAKE UP!! I'm so sorry Dena. Still praying that this is just part of the healing process and Rob will really wake up and be himself very soon.

The Spencers

About The Caddo Tribe said...

We will keep praying for your family~for Rob to become more alert and not have anymore unexpected bumps in the road.

Shani and Mike Ginani

Anonymous said...

Prayers from Dublin, Ohio. Hang on tight thru the bumps and twists and turns.

Anonymous said...

Dena...I Woke up this morning and Rob and you were the first thing as always on my mind!
I just KNOW it is going to be a GREAT DAY today for all of you!
Love, Aunt Nancy

Anonymous said...

Continuing to pray...

Anonymous said...

Dena and Rob,
You are doing such a good job - writing, praying, watching, and yes waiting. God will grace you in everything you need. For those calls, for the waiting. Faith, girl. And when your's wanes, there are thousands across this world to lift up your hands.

When I read this post, about Rob's eyes open for those 20 minutes, God took me to Denver where I was last week playing with Jeremy's kids. His youngest is 6 weeks and last week as I looked into his eyes, there was little Eli. No longer blank stares. Rob will be there too.

I am praying also Ps. 23:3. (Been there a lot lately)"He restores my soul." We know that the soul is the mind, will, and emotions. What makes Rob - Rob. So Lord we call on You now, that you would restore Rob's soul. Gently, tenderly. Jenn and I have talked during her recovery that when people seem to be not responding, the brain is going through every area, healing.(I don't pretend to understand all of that!) So I pray for patience for you. That each day God is carefully healing those areas perfectly. We want the best healing, not just good!

Greet all for us. Hugs and love.

Bonnie

Anonymous said...

Dena,

We pray for Rob, Julia, Eva and you every day. We also thank God for the knowledge and compassion for everyone who administers care to Rob.

My daily devotions for November all focus on A Divine Encounter in Times of Adversity. I have found comfort and reassurance daily as each entry focuses on our faith in God's perfect plan.

"Never give up. When the struggle wearies you . . . give in to Christ and never to your circumstances. God promises to sustain you in your trials. He will never fail or forsake you."

I reread these next two sentences every day because they are so appropriate for you now. Dena. "God is for you and on your side. You can handle adversity because He can."

I hope you find comfort in the many Bible passages that your readers have shared. And, the power of prayer is awesome. We can't even fathom how many prayers are daily being uplifted for Rob's recovery.

God, the great physician, is listening. We all must be patient as He guides Rob's healing. Part of that process is when that blank stare will be gone as Rob looks into your eyes, Dena.

Much love,
Aunt Joyce and Uncle Doug

Anonymous said...

Dena, we are ALL with you, Sweetheart - just hang in there, keep that Faith strong - and thank you SO much for keeping us updated on Rob - he's So blessed to have you, and I pray he responds to you SOON!! God bless you all - With Love, Trish Benefield of The Silver Star Families of America - Rome, Georgia

Anonymous said...

I still praying for all of you, " y pendiente de la salud de Rob"

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of Rob, you and your family. Keep up the great attiude! Rob is very lucky to have you. We will keep you and everyone else in our prayers.

Dawn, Brandon, Haylee and Nikolaus Grubbs ( Arron's friends)

1776 said...

Dena,

I am always in awe w/the inspiration you give to me.

The waiting is the hardest part, please know and remember you are not alone, we are all waiting w/you and for you.

Your family is loved.

Hugs from Virginia
Mew

Unknown said...

We're keeping our prayers coming your way. Love, Kathy Jo and Dean

Nancy said...

I wish I could answer some of the unknowns for you guys, Dena. We're praying every day...


"If only I had a crystal ball..." ;) hehe...

Anonymous said...

Praying hard today here in Georgia for Rob to have a good day and a restful weekend. My thoughts are with you all.
Carol Dzurenko

Anonymous said...

Continuing to pray for you Dena, your girls, and for Rob to become aware of his surroundings in God's perfect time.

much love,
Cassie & the Woodsons in Tennessee

Anonymous said...

Dena...what a day you had. Thank God they found the bleeding and were able to stop it. Its great to hear that he is opening his eyes more and more everyday. Hang in there, everyone is praying for you, rob and the girls! Love you guys, Alyssa

Anonymous said...

The medical staff is amazing, please give them our thanks and blessings. It is a true testament on their care that he has made it this far. I truly hope this week-end can be "surgery free" and he can enjoy listening to happy memories and funny stories each of you share. Your positive energy and faith in God will surround him while he's fighting the battle to re-join his family.

Dena, thank you for your continued updates on Rob's medical condition.

Our prayers continue for Rob and family.

Love Aunt Julie(Schott)Davidson

The Winterbauer family said...

Dena,

Keep your chin up. Your strength still amazes me. God is watching over Rob using you and the medical staff surrounding him. Everyday someone new comes up to me at work and tell's me they and their church continue to pray for Rob and his family. Please let Mrs. Schott know, I have a wonderful catholic friend who has the Texas nun's praying for Rob as well. Tell Barb we continue to pray for her, Otto, Jennifer, Natalie, and Chris as well.
My thoughts and prayers remain with you daily.

Colleen

Anonymous said...

Sounds like there was a small bump in the road today. Glad to hear though that by the day was over there were improvements. It is always good to be able to look into his eyes atleast. We are all still praying for a full recovery and a Happy life for you and your entire family. So here is to an infection free recovery. May Gob Bless you and Keep you in this time of need.

Anonymous said...

You have THOUSANDS of family members, whom you've never met, that love you and who are praying for you. Keep fighting! Dave C.