You’re right, JJ, this is a crazy case. The hospital where BigDay is now just treated someone with WestNile. We spoke at dinner about those getting WestNile and how sometimes they only get a cold. If only this were the case. Deet will be my new best friend in the future! We are all happy he’s closer to his family now. Keep praying. Keep fighting BigDay!
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Talking to BigDays Mom now and she said BigDay gave a thumbs up today. I can’t wait for MMAChickas caring bridge update tonight/tomorrow!
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Wow!!!Comment -
Fantastic news Rollie.
Looking forward to to the next updateComment -
Fukk yeah!!Comment -
You got this broComment -
Balancing Life
Journal entry by Mindy McBride — 14 minutes ago
You know the one thing I have always strived for is to balance life... I mean who doesn't! I am so glad to be back in MN AND finding the balance is hard. I want to be next to Andy every waking moment so I don't miss a thing the doctors say, a procedure they complete, ideas or questions they may have. The other side of the coin is the balance of self care and our beautiful daughters. Yesterday, Elsa kept asking when she would see me again (insert breaking heart). Today I had the opportunity to tag out with Lynn (Andy's mom) while I went and did some self care. My self care included lunch with an amazing couple (Jeff and Alena), and a mani/pedi. Then I got to get the girls off the bus, chat with some neighbors and have dinner with another amazing couple (Chris and Kristi), they even came over and cooked for me!
While I was away, Andy was busy as well! He completed a CT scan, physical therapy and sat up in a chair/bed! Currently the guy is out cold! He worked really hard today and his mom got to see it all in action. Dave, his dad came up as well and was able to see the EMG take place. It truly takes a team to support Andy and each other. I am so grateful for #TeamAndy God is good and we will continue to pray for Andy to make gains and for the team to stay strong!Comment -
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Great news for progress!!!!!!!!!!!!Comment -
Up!
Journal entry by Mindy McBride — 6 minutes ago
Yesterday the PT team jumped in and had Andy sitting on the edge of his bed with the assistance of 3 physical therapists. Today he sat up again with the team supporting him and he demonstrated more strength! After he completed his physical therapy they sat him up in a bed like chair for about 3 hours. Andy has been lightly sedated today and looking around much more. They also gave him lung exercises to build up his strength. Today was a step forward as I saw him grow stronger and the antibiotics seem to be helping him with the pneumonia in his left lung. Keep those prayers coming!Comment -
wow
finally some good news, can he talk at all or no energy?
This poor kid going through hellComment -
Awesome news with the latest caringBridge update!Comment -
It’s quite possible once he gets rid of the tubes he’ll be walking around slowly
BattlerComment -
He will be back in no timeComment -
Incredible news Bigday,incredible!!!!!!!Comment -
Pound for pound the toughest poster on the planet....God speed Elk!
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great news!!
he has probably lost a shitload of weight?
once he joins us back on the forum, might need to change name to LILDAYComment -
Help put the weight on real fast that’s the easy partComment -
Couple of pork butts in the smoker and beers from the kegerator and he'll be back to fighting weight. Great news - incremental progress, but we are moving forward.Comment -
C'mon Bigday, one time pal!!!!Comment -
He's getting stronger by the day it seems. I'm glad he is outta Las Vegas hospital and in his homeland. They are more on the ball when dealing wth his illnessComment -
One day soon I’m going to check into these threads and see a bunch of dancing bananas posted by the man himself!Comment -
Plans and Prayers
Journal entry by Mindy McBride — 32 minutes ago
Today I was able to go run errands and spend a little time with my best friend Tia and the girls. Andy had a good work out with the PT team this morning and was then spoiled with massage therapy. Andy has always enjoyed massages and I think this one was well deserved!
Tomorrow they will be completing a renal artery doppler ultrasound to try and understand the reasoning behind Andy's high blood pressure. This test will ensure everything is flowing the way it should be.
Tomorrow afternoon Andy will have a couple procedures which include a tracheotomy (A tracheostomy provides an air passage to help you breathe when the usual route for breathing is somehow obstructed or impaired. A tracheostomy is often needed when health problems require long-term use of a machine (ventilator) to help you breathe.) and a PEG tube (Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is an endoscopic medical procedure in which a tube (PEG tube) is passed into a patient's stomach through the abdominal wall, most commonly to provide a means of feeding when oral intake is not adequate)
Andy has been fighting the fight and giving it his all! I am amazed by his strength and determination, it makes me being his cheerleader such a joy. Although there are two big procedures for him tomorrow, I am excited for the outcomes. These two procedures will allow him the opportunity to move more freely, begin to use his voice when he is ready and help make him stronger! Please keep #TeamAndy in your prayers.
We would also like to say thank you to all that have reached out and showed your love and support! We couldn't do this journey without you!
With gratitude,
MindyComment -
Keep fighting, BigDay! Can’t wait for an update tomorrow on his procedures! You got this, Andy!Comment -
It seems still complicated but there is some improvement, tomorrow seems like an important day.Comment -
Surgery Phase 1
Journal entry by Mindy McBride — 1 hour ago
Today we were postponed for Andy's tracheotomy surgery due to the surgeon being behind and the wait was challenging. Today near the 3 o'clock hour he was able to finally get the trach placed and is doing well (near 7pm). The PEG tube was not completed today due to the delay in his surgery.
Andy continues to demonstrate his fight as he continues to be challenged with his blood pressure. The team is working diligently to find answers. The PEG tube should be placed tomorrow and another step in the healing direction.
#TeamAndy
Keep fighting the fight,Bigday!
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C'mon Andy.Comment -
Surgery Phase 2 complete
Journal entry by Mindy McBride — 43 minutes ago
Today I had the opportunity to shower! Yes, we celebrate the small things around here. On my ride home and the half hour I had before Maisie arrived home off the bus gave space for silence. I don't hear silence much, typically it is the hustle and bustle of nurses, the high pitch sound of the vent or the gargling sound as Andy adjusts to his trach. In today's silence space I think, I wonder and I cry. I struggle with what to say- if you know me well you know that I don't sugar coat much, yet I try to come from a very positive way. In each post I try to be honest and yet positive. Today I want to share some facts to paint the picture.
-Andy is fighting so hard!
-He had PT this morning and again in the afternoon with some OT in between! With PT they are working his large muscles and making sure they aren't getting to tight. Today OT had him trying to open and close his hands (more fine motor type exercises). Andy is activating his muscles and trying really hard and making gains. He loves to see his legs moving while sitting in his 'chair', which happened most of the day.
-The respiratory therapist gave him another breathing trial, this time for 2 hours, which he did well with! His oxygen numbers were great! Sounds like they want to go longer tomorrow!
-He had his feeding tube (PEG) placed late this afternoon and it was successful. YEAH! Nutrition while healing is always way easier and gives you strength for the fight!
- His blood pressure continues to be a puzzle and we are medicating him for comfort.
- Andy is no longer 'sedated' he is on pain medication which can make him tired and help control the pain.
-Andy is also getting a pain medication to help with his nervous system as he begins to activate his muscles again.
-As we move forward we have been told about options for Andy. Early next week we will evaluate how he is doing and next steps for care. If Andy is able to be off the ventilator then he can stay in acute care here at Regions, if he still needs the ventilator then we will look at long-term acute care at Bethesda. Both options are good and the educator in me would like to have less transitions.
Today we were blessed with an another amazing meal from the Meal Train, friends and family checking in on us which included hugs and tears, a visit from the Chaplain, and I was able to spend some time with the girls which also included hugs and tears. God is good and we are staying strong #TeamAndy
Thank you again for all your support during these trying times. ��
With love,
MindyComment
