Gratitude

Hello Precious loved ones!

Here is a letter I composed Tuesday, Aug 5th

Late Wednesday afternoon, July 23, God spared my life and my daughter's in a senseless, tragic accident. During the first 24 hours, the University Hospital Trauma team worked fixing our broken bodies. Katie's right femur was broken and left pelvis fractured. The facial trauma was two black eyes and a good sized knot in the middle of her forehead. She was in such good spirits during the first few days, laughing with her brother and sister and not in a great deal of pain. That was the first part of my healing. She was discharged on Sun July 27th and only needed pain meds for a few days. Today she is getting her staples out of her right thigh where they put the pin in her right femur. The bruising on her face is almost completely gone and I can see her freckles again!

My injuries include a broken left humerus which was repaired with a plate and 9 screws. I still don't find anything funny about it. Below my right knee, a severe laceration violated my PCL ligament. The surgeons cleaned the wound and stiched that back together with 30 or 40 stitches. They assured me that since the PCL is not the weight bearing ligament, there would be no need for any surgery in the future and my knee will heal fine. I almost forgot about the laceration on my face! They took the stitches out of my forehead before I left the hospital. When my sister-n-law (LRNA) first saw my forehead, she asked if they brought in a plastic surgeon to do the work because it looked so great. I couldn't believe how much it healed in that first week. It is a straight line from my scalp to the middle of my eyebrows. The scar will always be reminder to me of God's grace and the healing power of love from friends and family!

Last but not least, I will be wearing a "turtle" brace for 3 months. I fractured 2 ribs (left 7 /right 9) and several vertebrae (T1-5,6,7?) When they first told me about wearing the brace for 3 months, it was hard news. But already it has become my friend and at my sister's encouragement, we have named it - "Bruce Almighty!"

One moment of great joy for me was in the Trauma unit as they were first evaluating our injuries. The doctor asked my to open my mouth wide as he examined my facial structure. There was not one single tooth chipped, broken or even loose! When he asked me to bite down, there was a little bit of gravel in my mouth...

They took out all my stitches and staples yesterday and I don't have to wear the knee stabilizer 24/7 anymore! Actually, the surgeon told me to start moving my knee and I can wash both incision sites now. My healing continues to amaze me!

Please call (237-5524) or e-mail whenever. If you want to visit, just ask about the best time.

Words can't express my gratitude for your love and friendship!

Love from me to you - Dona Sue


So, you see dear ones, my healing continues! I will take a blood pressure med for a couple of months to be sure it doesn't go back up. At our family doctor's office on Thursday, it was back down to pre-accident level!

Upon discharge instructions from my surgeon last Friday am (8-1-08) he reminded me that I was a lady that came close to loosing part of my intestine. Confusion led some to think I had a "colonostomy" instead of a "colonoscopy"...I had to assure some that what they did was take a look around, not give me a bag.I believe that was the greatest turning point for me. The plumbing was adjusted and everything is flowing as it should be!

I have an RX with the spine doctor on Mon Aug 11. I will get back to you after that,

LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE

Dona Sue