UPDATE on my daughter, Missy; a Christmas miracle, for sure.

[JudyJ]

First, thank you, everyone, for your prayers for Melissa. You touch my heart. She's home from the hospital now, but not quite out of the woods. So, please keep her in your prayers.

Again, when they were extubating her while still in the surgery suite, she had an esophagus spasm that completely closed her trachea. With her trachea closed, 'a lot of fluid' back-washed into both lungs, in other words aspirated. Something we all know about and fear, but for different reasons.

Because they had to 'force' the tube out, it tore/injured tissue in her airway, which caused bleeding and swelling. Also bit her tongue hard during the spasm. Poor girl, her tongue alone looks like it hurts like heck.

The doctors working with her adamantly refused to start her on any kind of antibiotic treatment which frustrated me beyond words that are appropriate for this site. Seemed like common sense to me. Lungs with 'a lot of fluid' are prone to pneumonia, right? But the wouldn't budge. Said nature's way of taking care of the problem was to cough, cough, cough it up over several hours, which she did. As well as coughing up blood from damaged tissue in her airway.

They treated her overnight with an IV drip of Prednisone to reduce the swelling/inflammation and gave her several nebulizer treatments. Also kept her on an oxygen mask which was mostly off due to her constant coughing, which was actually a good thing.

She was a very miserable young lady yesterday and I was one scared Mom. Seriously scared. I've not been that scared about anything in years and years and years.

So she's home with a pain med and anti-inflammatory (but no antibiotic; cripes!; that worries me). Should she experience any chest pain at all, I'm to call 911 immediately and not try to get someone to drive her to an E.R. Embolism precaution. Also, should she develop a fever, the plan is the same. She's seeing her internist on Friday to make sure her lungs are clear of fluid.

Between us and our malaligned hips, we've had over 20 surgeries over the past 10 years. Seriously. Neither of us even blink about surgery anymore. We're pro's at it. Know what to expect before, during, after.

But THIS was crazy; totally unexpected. It scared the wits out of me.

Again, thank you all for your very kind words, prayers and compassion.

Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas.

Love,

Judy

[MaddyS]

Hi Judy. Looks like good news. Hope all progresses well with no need for 911 telephone calls. Don't forget, you are in our thoughts.

Love maddy .

[peterjones]

well some good news at last it certainly makes a change \\ am very happy for both of you have a happy and terrific Christmas now missy i9ts hard work looking out for the two of you but I think I can cope ok take care missy see yer judy peter jones queensland Australia psp sufferer

[carehope]

Whew !! So relieved and happy to hear that Missy's recuperating well so far ! I totally agree with you regarding using a broad spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis, esp. in view of what happened; but as we don't have those letters "MD" after our names, what do we know ? Hopefully being at home in a healthier environment than the one in the hospital will be a plus. And as you said, you know what to do if any issues arise and have a f/u appt. on Friday. Boy, this is surely one of those Christmases that everyone will remember for all sorts of miracles ! You guys have been through the mill with those hips !! Incredible ! Please get back to us when you think of it , with more good news ! Many blessings of the season to you , the girls, and your other loved ones !

Elise (NY)

[JudyJ in reply to carehope]

Thanks, Elise...read my update. GRRR to the medical system today; apparently doctors get this day off...

[lindsey48]

Good news. X

[JudyJ]

Thanks for all kind words, thoughts, and prayers

Melissa is doing okay for the most part. Eating well, spirits are good, and no fever, thankfully. However, she's been coughing up quite a bit of fresh blood, especially this morning.

Talked with the triage nurse at the hospital who wasn't helpful. Said she could not get contact, nor would be able to get contact, with the doctor on call...

...huh? How does that make any sense???? It doesn't. Oh my, how the medical system can frustrate a human being! Being polite here.

Keeping a close eye on her; if she starts a fever, I'm taking her to the ER.

Merry Christmas, everyone

[JoJo-K in reply to JudyJ]

Hi Judy

Hope Missy continues to recover, will be keeping you all in my thoughts. Hope you managed to enjoy Christmas Day. Take care my lovely

JoJo xxx

[jillannf6 in reply to JudyJ]

Hi Judy and mssy

Hope that te. Worst sim over now4. U both

Good new yearand better health frm 2014

[flicka]

Love to both of you and hope things continue to improve, too much for one family to have to cope with Here is to a joyous peaceful new year Flicka xxx

[easterncedar]

Thanks for the news, Judy. I'm so glad Missy is through the worst. I'll keep sending positive thoughts your way. Best, Easterncedar

[easterncedar]

Dear Judy, How are you and your daughter doing today? I'm sure I'm not the only one here thinking of you and hoping to hear that Missy is recuperating from her awful ordeal. Love and peace, EC

[easterncedar]

Dear Judy,

I'm hoping you and your daughter have gotten through the recent trauma and that she is recovering well. Still thinking of you. Best wishes. Easterncedar