This is Tina again
Mitchell spoke with Brad this evening and said that Timothy's oxygen is improved. Timothy is cutting back on his pain medication in hopes of improving his oxygen levels. He was moved out of ICU this morning. This is awesome news! He's recovering nicely.
Brad said that Mitchell spirits are up and he sounded great.
That's the latest. Stay tuned!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday, October 18, pt 2
This is Tina again,
Mitchell just called back. He has his phone turned off because you can't use cell phones in ICU as it interferes with all the medical equipment. There are a lot of spots at the hospital that don't have good reception.
This is Timothy's 4th day in ICU and the doctors are hoping to have him out of ICU and into a regular room by tomorrow. They are still working on Timothy's oxygen problem and may have a plan. More on that later. Timothy is being very cooperative and doing everything the doctors and other medical staff are telling him to do. This is good.
He has been getting some really juicy bloody noses though but that's part of having that oxygen mask on. It dries out the tissues in the nose. So the sooner he can get his oxygen situation under control the better.
I asked Mitchell if he needed anything. He's concerned by the hospital bills as you can imagine. 4 to 5 days in ICU can't be bargain basement prices. So Mitchell's been handing out business cards and showing folks his stained glass art. One family from El Salvador seems interested. Once Mitchell gets back he's going to need to get moving at wharp speed to get these bills in control. He did sound more positive and uplifted than I've heard in his voice for the last few days though.
It's Sunday, so if you're pulling out all the prayer stops continue to pray for Timothy's recovery cuz it's working really great! and if you feel like you can add a little something extra over the top for Mitchell to be able to handle these bills that would be great. Once he get's through all of this trauma and gets home... he'll have all those finances on top of him. Main thing is that Timothy is on the healing side of this ordeal. Feels good to post good news. Have a great Sunday! Bye for now...Tina
Mitchell just called back. He has his phone turned off because you can't use cell phones in ICU as it interferes with all the medical equipment. There are a lot of spots at the hospital that don't have good reception.
This is Timothy's 4th day in ICU and the doctors are hoping to have him out of ICU and into a regular room by tomorrow. They are still working on Timothy's oxygen problem and may have a plan. More on that later. Timothy is being very cooperative and doing everything the doctors and other medical staff are telling him to do. This is good.
He has been getting some really juicy bloody noses though but that's part of having that oxygen mask on. It dries out the tissues in the nose. So the sooner he can get his oxygen situation under control the better.
I asked Mitchell if he needed anything. He's concerned by the hospital bills as you can imagine. 4 to 5 days in ICU can't be bargain basement prices. So Mitchell's been handing out business cards and showing folks his stained glass art. One family from El Salvador seems interested. Once Mitchell gets back he's going to need to get moving at wharp speed to get these bills in control. He did sound more positive and uplifted than I've heard in his voice for the last few days though.
It's Sunday, so if you're pulling out all the prayer stops continue to pray for Timothy's recovery cuz it's working really great! and if you feel like you can add a little something extra over the top for Mitchell to be able to handle these bills that would be great. Once he get's through all of this trauma and gets home... he'll have all those finances on top of him. Main thing is that Timothy is on the healing side of this ordeal. Feels good to post good news. Have a great Sunday! Bye for now...Tina
Sunday, October 18, 2009
This is Tina,
I just got off the phone with Mitchell. He said things are progressing pretty normally except for Timothy's oxygen level. It's supposed to be at 100 but dipped down this morning to 60. Doctors are trying to figure out why. Timothy will stay in the ICU until they resolve that problem.
Otherwise he's moving along pretty good on his recovery. They removed the drain tubes from his lungs and his lungs are clear. Good news! They also removed the other drain tubes from his neck and (I think he said) from the middle of the incision. Our connection dropped so I didn't get a chance to find out more. But the main thing is that tubes are coming out.
Timothy's a bit weak and easily tired. He's off the breathing tubes but he still has an oxygen mask. Mitchell said he's breathing really well. Nice and deep. That's good news too.
Mitchell sounds better too. So keep your prayers coming for both of them. I don't think Mitchell is eating right but it does sound like he got some sleep. Relief there. So keep praying that the staff not only is taking care of Timothy, which praise God he's getting the best of the best, but also pray they have an eye on Mitchell too. This is probably one of the hardest thing a parent has to face and he's been through more than his fair share. Keep praying for Mitchell that God continues to strengthen him and that he doesn't feel alone. And that Timothy continues to progress in his recovery and the oxygen issue is resolved.
Posted by Tina
I had more questions but the call got dropped. When he calls back I'll add to the post.
I just got off the phone with Mitchell. He said things are progressing pretty normally except for Timothy's oxygen level. It's supposed to be at 100 but dipped down this morning to 60. Doctors are trying to figure out why. Timothy will stay in the ICU until they resolve that problem.
Otherwise he's moving along pretty good on his recovery. They removed the drain tubes from his lungs and his lungs are clear. Good news! They also removed the other drain tubes from his neck and (I think he said) from the middle of the incision. Our connection dropped so I didn't get a chance to find out more. But the main thing is that tubes are coming out.
Timothy's a bit weak and easily tired. He's off the breathing tubes but he still has an oxygen mask. Mitchell said he's breathing really well. Nice and deep. That's good news too.
Mitchell sounds better too. So keep your prayers coming for both of them. I don't think Mitchell is eating right but it does sound like he got some sleep. Relief there. So keep praying that the staff not only is taking care of Timothy, which praise God he's getting the best of the best, but also pray they have an eye on Mitchell too. This is probably one of the hardest thing a parent has to face and he's been through more than his fair share. Keep praying for Mitchell that God continues to strengthen him and that he doesn't feel alone. And that Timothy continues to progress in his recovery and the oxygen issue is resolved.
Posted by Tina
I had more questions but the call got dropped. When he calls back I'll add to the post.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Surgery over...
Hi everyone, this is Tina
Mitchell's mom Barbara just called me. I've been on pins and needles waiting to hear about the surgery. I'm so gratefull she called. They are just wrapping up the surgery and it looks good. I'm sure Mitchell will share more when he get's his wits about him again. He's completely exhausted. He's headed back to the hotel for a little rest while Timothy's mother stays with Timothy at the hospital. That's all for now. I'm sure Mitchell will fill you in on the details later. I just wanted to let all of you know who have been anxious for the news like me that the surgery just finished and the doctors were able to repair the leak in the valve in Timothy's heart.
Mitchell's mom Barbara just called me. I've been on pins and needles waiting to hear about the surgery. I'm so gratefull she called. They are just wrapping up the surgery and it looks good. I'm sure Mitchell will share more when he get's his wits about him again. He's completely exhausted. He's headed back to the hotel for a little rest while Timothy's mother stays with Timothy at the hospital. That's all for now. I'm sure Mitchell will fill you in on the details later. I just wanted to let all of you know who have been anxious for the news like me that the surgery just finished and the doctors were able to repair the leak in the valve in Timothy's heart.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Ronald McDonald House
Timothy and I are staying across the street at the Ronald McDonald House. It is a very nice place and the staff is great. Timothy surgery is Thursday morning. Wednesday is going to be his rest day before surgery.
Cleveland Days
Monday Timothy Had :
9:00 -9:30am Lab Work Done
9:45 - 10:25 MRI
10:30 - 10:40 Radiology, Chest X Ray
10:45 - 11:20 Cardiology with Dr. Jubran
11:45 - 12:15 Pulmonary Fuction Lab
12:30 - 1:45 Echocardiograms
As a result, a long day for Timothy.
Tuesday Timothy Had:
8:30am - 10:30 Preoperative Clearance
10:45 - 11:30 Lunch
12:30pm - 1:30 Hospital Admission
2:00 - 2:45 Meeting with Dr. Navia, the Chief Cardiothoracic Surgery for the Cleveland Clinic
9:00 -9:30am Lab Work Done
9:45 - 10:25 MRI
10:30 - 10:40 Radiology, Chest X Ray
10:45 - 11:20 Cardiology with Dr. Jubran
11:45 - 12:15 Pulmonary Fuction Lab
12:30 - 1:45 Echocardiograms
As a result, a long day for Timothy.
Tuesday Timothy Had:
8:30am - 10:30 Preoperative Clearance
10:45 - 11:30 Lunch
12:30pm - 1:30 Hospital Admission
2:00 - 2:45 Meeting with Dr. Navia, the Chief Cardiothoracic Surgery for the Cleveland Clinic
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday night October 12, 2009
This is Tina again,
I just got off the phone with Timothy and Mitchell. They're both exhausted. Timothy said it was a hard day today. He had to have a lot of tests. I think he said 5 all together. He had to fast for his CT but then the CT got switched to an MRI so the fasting was not necessary. Then they gave him an IV then when he saw the doctor the doctor said he didn't need the IV. Which if you know Timothy he has a problem with needles. He said when they first went to take blood he almost passed out. Not eating due to fasting probably didn't help with that either.
Timothy said that tomorrow they meet with the surgical team at 8:30 a.m. Then at 2:00 is their meeting with the surgeon. They said the surgery could be Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Most likely on Thursday. So Wednesday they'll have some time to rest and relax.
Mitchell got on the phone and I had to drag information out of him. Fortunately I watch a lot of police shows and I know how to interrogate! He sounded completely wiped. He said he's been eating and sleeping. But I know Mitchell and the tone is the one he uses to keep me from being worried. It was hard on him watching Timothy go through the testing.
I heard from several of you today on Facebook and around and about town and I thank you for all your prayers and support. It really means so much. I relayed those comments to Mitchell on the phone. It made him feel good to hear it. Keep praying for Mitchell's strength as he watches his child go through this difficult and frightening time. I could hear in his voice that watching Timothy deal with the needles and all the hospital scene and the fear that comes with that, it's hard for him as the Dad to watch this and not be able to take it away. Keep praying that Mitchell sees that God feels the same way about him, Mitchell is God's child who is also in pain. Pray that God helps calm Timothy's fears and creates a deeper relationship with his father here on earth and in heaven.
Until Mitchell is able to gain computer access I suppose you're stuck with me for now on reporting the news. I'll keep you posted. Please freely share your comments here on the blog. Reading your thoughts and comments give the family strength.
I just got off the phone with Timothy and Mitchell. They're both exhausted. Timothy said it was a hard day today. He had to have a lot of tests. I think he said 5 all together. He had to fast for his CT but then the CT got switched to an MRI so the fasting was not necessary. Then they gave him an IV then when he saw the doctor the doctor said he didn't need the IV. Which if you know Timothy he has a problem with needles. He said when they first went to take blood he almost passed out. Not eating due to fasting probably didn't help with that either.
Timothy said that tomorrow they meet with the surgical team at 8:30 a.m. Then at 2:00 is their meeting with the surgeon. They said the surgery could be Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Most likely on Thursday. So Wednesday they'll have some time to rest and relax.
Mitchell got on the phone and I had to drag information out of him. Fortunately I watch a lot of police shows and I know how to interrogate! He sounded completely wiped. He said he's been eating and sleeping. But I know Mitchell and the tone is the one he uses to keep me from being worried. It was hard on him watching Timothy go through the testing.
I heard from several of you today on Facebook and around and about town and I thank you for all your prayers and support. It really means so much. I relayed those comments to Mitchell on the phone. It made him feel good to hear it. Keep praying for Mitchell's strength as he watches his child go through this difficult and frightening time. I could hear in his voice that watching Timothy deal with the needles and all the hospital scene and the fear that comes with that, it's hard for him as the Dad to watch this and not be able to take it away. Keep praying that Mitchell sees that God feels the same way about him, Mitchell is God's child who is also in pain. Pray that God helps calm Timothy's fears and creates a deeper relationship with his father here on earth and in heaven.
Until Mitchell is able to gain computer access I suppose you're stuck with me for now on reporting the news. I'll keep you posted. Please freely share your comments here on the blog. Reading your thoughts and comments give the family strength.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sunday Night, October 11, 2009
This is Tina, Brad spoke with Mitchell a little while ago and he's feeling pretty beat up from his travels so I thought I'd send out a note.
Mitchell and Timothy arrived yesterday in Ohio. They checked into a hotel last night. Fortunately tonight they were able to get into the Ronald McDonald house. This is good news and should help with the financial burden that this is putting onto Mitchell. As you can imagine. The hospital wants all their financial obligations up front. So for an open heart surgery you know this is huge. Every little bit helps. Being able to stay there will help them to focus on the task at hand. One less thing to worry about.
Brad said Mitchell sounded really wiped out. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. After they checked into the Ronald McDonald house they went grocery shopping. Mitch made dinner for Timothy and then Timothy went to bed to get some rest for tomorrows schedule.
Tomorrow, Monday October 12, 2009 Timothy will start going through the preliminary tests required before his surgery.
Prayer requests... Please pray for Mitchell to have the strength he needs. Ask that God would surround Mitchell with medical workers and others staying in the Ronald McDonald house that they would uplift and encourage both of them. Pray that Mitchell would sense God's presence and help him not to feel alone. Pray for Timothy to be strong and courageous though his pre surgical tests and that he will have peace knowing that it will be God overseeing the surgery. Stay tuned....
Mitchell and Timothy arrived yesterday in Ohio. They checked into a hotel last night. Fortunately tonight they were able to get into the Ronald McDonald house. This is good news and should help with the financial burden that this is putting onto Mitchell. As you can imagine. The hospital wants all their financial obligations up front. So for an open heart surgery you know this is huge. Every little bit helps. Being able to stay there will help them to focus on the task at hand. One less thing to worry about.
Brad said Mitchell sounded really wiped out. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. After they checked into the Ronald McDonald house they went grocery shopping. Mitch made dinner for Timothy and then Timothy went to bed to get some rest for tomorrows schedule.
Tomorrow, Monday October 12, 2009 Timothy will start going through the preliminary tests required before his surgery.
Prayer requests... Please pray for Mitchell to have the strength he needs. Ask that God would surround Mitchell with medical workers and others staying in the Ronald McDonald house that they would uplift and encourage both of them. Pray that Mitchell would sense God's presence and help him not to feel alone. Pray for Timothy to be strong and courageous though his pre surgical tests and that he will have peace knowing that it will be God overseeing the surgery. Stay tuned....
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Today, Saturday 10/3/09
(This photo is of Timothy on 7/4/09 creating a "special" firework that only Timothy could conceive! It made a fantastic kaboom and desimated the tin can it was in." Good times!)Today is the start of Timothy's surgery blog. The family will be traveling to a medical facility in Chicago that specializes in heart surgery. Please feel free to share your comments and support for Timothy and his family. This blog will be updated daily by Mitch Nelson, Timothy's father. It's purpose is to keep family and friends updated on Timothy's journey to Chicago, his surgery and recovery. This will be a difficult time of course and this blog will help them to keep us informed back home. The family will only need to repeat the story one time instead of receiving numerous calls. Plus it gives us a chance to show our love an support to the family and give us direction of how we can pray for the family.
Later, after Timothy has recovered, he can look back at this blog and see the outpouring of love and prayers while he was recovering. (Original posting by Tina Waddell, Timothy's Aunt - future posts will be by Mitch)
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