Today was my first day back at work in five weeks. Went great--many hugs and prayers and warm wishes. Felt like a homecoming. Radio show went great. I tell you what, Ryan and I make a pretty mean team (if I do say so myself). Helps that we have known each other for ten years--there is just an easy give and take that (I think) makes for good radio. Plus our guest today was awesome. So, good to be back at it. Even enjoyed the commute down. I have 50 minutes all to myself to think and prayer and try to clear my head a little. Lots going on up there these days.
A little promotion here: Ryan adn I are going to be talkign about Joanne's stroke adn what the last month has been like ont he show on Friday at noon eastern. Check it out at Grounded Radio.
Drove from work to the hospital and Joanne had a surprise for me. They put in her Passey Muir valve (the one that allows her to speak) and she told me she loved me. Very quiet, very hoarse but definitely there. Not a bad way to celebrate Valentines day! She also wrote me a note asking if I would be her Valentine. Easiest quesiton I've ever been asked.
Joanne is still complaing of shoulder pain and said that she has been having headaches that don't seem to go away. So I talked to the nurse and they upped her pain meds and brough in x-ray to get a shot of her shoulder to see if anything comes up. I am wondering if she didn't hurt her shoulder when she fell in the basement when her stroke started? Anyhow, we should know something tomorrow. Also, it may be tomorrow that we find out if her infeciton is gone so that we don't have to wear these stylish yellow gowns and gloves in her room any more. What a treat that would be! Typing in lextex gloves isn't as easy as it would seem.
Tomorrow is an important day: Mom and Dad are going to look at Spaulding rehab. This will likely be Joanne's next stop on the road to recovery. I have heard good things about it and will anxiously be awaiting a call from them to let me know what they think. Each step of the way is so critical. Going to Littleton Adventist was sort of a decision made for us--they are a stroke hospital and that's where the ambulance went. But coming here was a choice we got to make and considering the alternative, it was a very good choice! Things here have gone well and most importantly her therapists really seem to know what they are doing.
At Littleton, it was all about the nursing staff. They made that a great experience, if you can call being in ICU for three weeks a great experience. But there are literally nurses there that our family will never forget. At this hospital, it's all about the therapists. The nurses still play an important role, but it is the therapy team that pushes Joanne's progress forward. And they have been top notch.
The next step, a rehab hospital, will be all about the therapists and therapy. It's this next facility that will bring Joanne the farthest in her recovery. I think I mentioned in a previous post that choosing these facilities is sort of like choosing a college. Tough decisions to make becasue so much is riding on it. A good theraputic program has the potential to change Joanne's life for the better...significantly better!
But today we will celebrate the firsts: first truly spoken words and sounds and first day at work. Both are blessings.
Prayer requests:
1. Pray that Joanne continues to progress in her therapy. She is making significant strides and we'd love to see that continue.
2. Please pray for good pain management for Joanne's shoulder and headaches and that we can find the casue of both.
3. Pray that her infection is gone.
4. This is the big one: please pray for a good visit to Spaulding tomorrow for Mom and Dad.
Toben
P.S. Joanne did get another popscle today. Going to maybe try her on some other liquids tomorrow and see how she does. I think if she could get a Sprite with a straw she would be over the moon!
Have Joanne's neck looked at too...I had terrible pain in my shoulder when I had bulging cervical discs--no pain in my neck, so it took awhile to figure out that the shoulder pain was actually radiating from the neck.
Praying for Joanne and all of you!
Posted by: Lina | February 14, 2011 at 05:22 PM
How special that Joanne was able to tell you she loved you on Valentine's Day! In addition to praying for Joanne's recovery and the girls' day at school, I also spent time asking God to energize you today Toben. I'm sure going back to work takes extra energy in the midst of all of this. Please know ALL of you are being prayed for.
Posted by: Shannon Primicerio | February 14, 2011 at 05:23 PM
I continue to be amazed and overjoyed at Joanne's progress.
I hate to have to ask, but how can we hear you on the radio? I had no idea you had a show. I just came here on a prayer link and have been following and praying since Joanne's first few days in the hospital. I've gathered that you've written some books, but had no idea you were on the radio. Is it national? (I live in Oklahoma.) What kind of show?
I know you have no time to answer questions, but maybe someone can post that info for all of us!! You have new fans! ;)
Posted by: Lisa J | February 14, 2011 at 05:33 PM
Sounds like your girl is doing great things! Congratulations on getting back to work. I know how tough it is for you to do this, but then...life goes on and just as the girls needed to go back to school, I think you going to work is important to.
I cannot believe the blessings that Joanne is giving you all! What and inspiration she is to all of us.
Praise, Praise, Praise!!!!!
Posted by: Maribeth | February 14, 2011 at 05:37 PM
Your post made me smile from ear to ear.
Posted by: angela | February 14, 2011 at 05:41 PM
Love it! I'm so excited to hear that she's doing so well. I've worked in TBI rehab and the next place you go is going to give her so much and you'll see tons of progress!
Posted by: Shelly | February 14, 2011 at 05:44 PM
That was just wonderful hearing that she was able to say I Love You and Be My Valentine! Perfect. Glad you were able to go back to work today, it must have felt good to have a little normalcy in your life. I'll continue to pray for precious Joanne and your family.
Posted by: Erin | February 14, 2011 at 05:52 PM
Wow! More miracles! Wonderful to hear! :)
Have you considered Craig Hospital near Denver for her rehabilitation? Excellent facility; state of the art. I have a close family member who did his rehab there after a spinal cord injury left him a quadrapalegic.
Thank you for the continued updates! We'll continue to pray for all of you here in Ohio.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Rachael
Posted by: Rachael D. | February 14, 2011 at 05:59 PM
Continued praise for the miracles and continuing to pray. I'm thinking there needs to be a "Joanne's Prayer Warrior" t-shirts to help offset some of the cost of her medical care. And could you see us bumping into each other at the grocery store? Or the alter for communion? Or the beauty salon? Hmmm ...
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | February 14, 2011 at 06:11 PM
As an OT I started to write about subluxed hemi- shoulders but I'm certain those therapists have already checked things out. sometimes it's just prolonged position of the shoulder....but here I go again talking about therapy.
May your whole family feel particularly close today on Valentines day; and may you continue to feel and see God's love each and every day. Blessings to you all!
Posted by: northern girl | February 14, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Hi Toben,
It is wonderful to hear you so upbeat and positive! Praise GOD!!! How about starting a card writing campaign. Have all of us who read your blog send cards. You could give her 5 new ones each day. They could be visually stimulating as well as uplifting. Ask those of us who are Christian and are following to send her a favorite Bible verse with a picture of our favorite flower. Flowers and a card? Very uplifting. That would bless her and us as well.
It's just a thought!
Blessings,
Shelley
Toledo, Ohio
Posted by: Shelley Davis | February 14, 2011 at 06:25 PM
What praises!!!What a wonderful Valentine's gift. God really was good to all of you today. Praying your prayer requests. Praising Him for going ahead of you and preparing the way....He is so all over all of this..What a Big God....still praying Big here in TN...
Posted by: Mary Lou | February 14, 2011 at 06:38 PM
What a sweet gift...to hear your love tell you she loves you!! Continued prayers:)
Posted by: Leah C | February 14, 2011 at 06:42 PM
What a precious Valentine gift to you from your precious one! Having followed (& prayed) since nearly the beginning, I feel that each step is a personal victory.
Posted by: SandyM (Raleigh, NC) | February 14, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Toben! I just look forward to reading everyday about Joanne's progress! Continue to pray for you, Joanne, Audrey & Emma everyday. I know everyone was excited to have you back at work :)
@Shannon Primicerio0 Toben's radio show is called "Grounded", you can listen on-line at http://www.groundedradio.com 12pm EST.
Posted by: Elizabeth Reiter | February 14, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Toben, thank you for being Joanne's advocate. It is such an important position to be in and you are doing a great job.
I pray that the choice for the rehab facility will be completely clear and obvious with giant neon signs on top of the building with Joanne's name on it.
Posted by: Tara (Bowers) Bain | February 14, 2011 at 08:27 PM
I cannot tell a lie. My heart leapt a little in my chest when you shared such a perfect and private moment, your Valentine telling you she loved you! You didn't have to do that. You were well with in your rights to keep that private, just between husband and wife. And yet you shared. And we rejoice. Each day is a day closer to home for Joanne. Each moment and victory a reminder that there is a miraculous power at play here. Each blog entry and Twitter update and opportunity to say thank you to the One in whom all things are possible. Rejoicing with you today!
Posted by: Auntie Mip | February 14, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Toben, I am so glad to hear that things went well for you at work today. You must be relieved. How absolutely wonderful for you to hear Joanne's voice today. So happy for you and Joanne. I will pray that Joanne's team figures out why her shoulder and head are causing her pain.
Blessings,
Erin
Posted by: erin | February 14, 2011 at 08:42 PM
Toben.....I don't have a blog, but somehow got caught up reading other people's blogs and have been following this one almost immediately. I am a "seasoned" Registered Nurse for almost 23 years and all I can say is PRAISE GOD for Joanne's recovery thus far. I wanted to tell you that you could very possibly be right about her shoulder when she fell. I was cleaning a closet in our home one day and slid on the hardwood floors and fell. I thought I had jammed my shoulder and it just kept on hurting. I went to the dr. and it DID NOT show up on a x-ray. It took about three trips and ten months later before they found on an MRI that I had a torn rotater cuff. Also, my husband had some ruptured discs in his neck one time and his neck didn't hurt it was his shoulder and arm. Sounds crazy/strange I'm sure but this is a true story. Since she fell there could definitely be something torn/broke. We will continue to pray God pours His blessings on Joanne, you and your precious girls!!!
Posted by: Tammy | February 14, 2011 at 08:42 PM
What awesome news, I got tears in my eyes reading that Joanne said she loved you!
I will be praying for you to keep up your strength to do all that you need to do to be everything your family needs!
Posted by: Kathy Stites | February 14, 2011 at 08:53 PM
I know things aren't easy for y'all, but it is so neat to hear of all the progress being made. She's writing! She's even making jokes! She has needs she can tell you about! Her mind is working and I am just so thrilled...God has been BIG and I thank Him.
What a difference Christ makes in our lives.
Praying for all the needs mentioned and for your time back at work. May God truly provide her with the care she needs.
Posted by: twinkle | February 14, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Thank you for sharing such special moments and keeping us updated. Praising God for answering BIG !!! I continue to hold your family before the Lord and praying for your specific requests.
Posted by: Sharon - Ontario Canada | February 14, 2011 at 09:51 PM
Can sprite be mixed with the ice chips for some flavor if Joanne isn't ready for liquids yet?
Still praying. And praising.
Posted by: merlin | February 14, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Amen to a Sprite with a straw!
Posted by: Melana Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Dip the popsicle in Sprite! :-) Thank you for taking the time to update the blog. You allow us all to walk with you through this. We would pray either way but your words put us there. Be strengthened brother. Yoke up! His yoke is easy.
You will find rest for your weary soul. You are loved with an everlasting love. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is MIghty! (Zep. 3)
Posted by: Kathy Rivera | February 15, 2011 at 01:22 AM
I think Shelley should start the campaign what a lovely idea :o)
Your such an amazing person to be now going back to work.. n caring in every way...and its praise to our AMAZING God who is enabling you...and given you supportive n close knit Family.
GOD BLESS YOU Toben.
Posted by: Love Ruthy :o) | February 15, 2011 at 02:37 AM
Toben so sweet that she was able to tell you that she loves you, awesome! I am so glad you had a great day at work and will continue to pray for your prayer requests, thanks for sharing, Sue in NC
Posted by: sue | February 15, 2011 at 05:26 AM
My chest is seizing up right now and I have tears that cannot figure out what to do with themselves.....I am so happy that you got such sweet spoken words from Joanne. Answer to prayer. I'm so sorry about her pain but in complete awe that she is able to express it. I'm continuing my prayers.
Posted by: melissa irwin | February 15, 2011 at 06:02 AM
How amazing! Joanne has made such amazing progress!! When I first starting reading your blog to now, it is just breathtaking!
Posted by: Tara | February 15, 2011 at 06:25 AM
What a wonderful post to read! I'm so encouraged to read about her amazing progress and look forward to the day when she is back writing on her blog. Thanks again for continuing to be specific in your prayer requests. I love being able to pray for your family. Continue to be blessed Heims!
Posted by: Christine H. | February 15, 2011 at 07:01 AM
Praise!!! Praise!!!! So glad she spoke that she loves you on Valentine's Day. What a gift!!!!
Posted by: Dianne Walters | February 15, 2011 at 07:14 AM
Oh Toben. I could sob over this one. My constant prayers remain with all of you. And yes..you and Ryan are a fabulous radio team.
Posted by: lisa @ the preachers wife | February 15, 2011 at 08:36 AM
Craig Hospital in Englewood is one of the best in the nation for both spinal cord and TBI rehab. Please don't make a decision until you've looked at that facility.
Posted by: Pam | February 15, 2011 at 09:12 AM
Wow what an awesome Valentines Day gift. Normally those three little words can mean a lot, but in Joanne's situation, it must mean the world for you to hear them now.... Will they let you use ice chips that are made from sprite??? So glad she got her coveted popsicle!!
Do the doctors know what brought on the stroke? I think about it every time I hop on the treadmill.
Glad to hear you back on Grounded!
Posted by: Shasta | February 15, 2011 at 09:42 AM
I am praying for all of you. March will be a year that my Father in Law had a stroke.
Just a tip, my father in law complained of shoulder pain also, after many xrays etc... his shoulder had what they called frozen up, it was from him being in a bed for so long, we finally found a physical therapists who listened(they found the problem) and with some very much hands on therapy to the shoulder he is doing much better. Praying for complete healing!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | February 15, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Joanne is still moving FORWARD!! In each of your post she is doing something more or something better than last time! Praying for continued healing for Joanne and guidance for the next step in her recovery journey!!
Still Praying in Hurst, TX.
Posted by: aTXtumbleweed | February 15, 2011 at 12:00 PM
So exciting about all the little steps of progress...
It warmed my heart so much when you said Joanne asked you to be her Valentine...What a beautiful love that you both share...
Will be praying...
Posted by: to know him | February 15, 2011 at 06:40 PM
Just read a verse and thought about y'all as you begin looking at rehab hospitals, back to work, girls in school:
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
God is big enough for all of this.
Posted by: Susan | February 15, 2011 at 06:53 PM
The power of prayer leaves me speachless!! I am over the moon happy for all of Joanne's successes! What sweet words to "hear" from your Valentine! Praying for you continuously!
Posted by: Katie | February 15, 2011 at 07:45 PM