Time to Get Together

This has been an amazing journey. Two and half months ago life was clicking along at its normal hectic pace and all of sudden everything changed. Going to work, carting kids from place to place, walking around the block and remembering the day before yesterday (things we take for granted) were either postponed, difficult or potentially gone forever. Things we often complain about became a luxury we hoped to one day be able to do again. We took life for granted and life apparently didn't appreciate it. Well, never again. The miracle that has happened has awoken us to not only appreciate life itself but those who affect our lives on a daily basis and those who have affected our lives in the past and will again in the future. Our thanks go out to all of those who have given their heartfelt thoughts and prayers on Jill's behalf and who have given aid by providing meals and driving kids from place to place. And how can we ever forget or thank enough those who were at the field and the hospital, who cared enough to step up to plate when everything was at risk, to keep Jill with us until she could fight her way through this? Without everyone, none of this could have ever happened.

In that regard, it's time to appreciate the gift that we have been given, life, love and friendship. It is with each other as friends and family that we are all stronger and able to overcome life's challenges. Jill and I are dearly indebted to all of you who have read this blog and helped make this miracle of life continue. With that, we'd like to invite all of you to join together with us to celebrate Jill's recovery, our friendship, as well as to appreciate all the blessings we've all been given. Please consider stopping by on Saturday, August 7th between 5pm and 9pm at our house for some food and drinks. It will be an open house format so come for the entire time or stop by as it is convenient. All family members are invited (adults and kids). Below is the evite with our address. If you can come, please email us at shisey@yahoo.com to RSVP with the number of adults and kids that are coming so we'll have enough food and drinks everyone. We hope to see all of you on August 7th. Steve


Location:
Our House in Arcadia- I'll give you directions when you RSVP

When:
Saturday, August 7, 5:00PM to 9:00PM

Test Results

If it has been a while since Jill last posted, it has been an eternity for me. I actually missed writing which is something I can't say I've ever felt in my life so far. I was always the kid that loved math and didn't like writing. I guess you never know what you're missing until you miss it. Anyway...

Jill went in for her test this morning at 6:30am. As she mentioned, the doctor didn't get a chance to test the defibrillator when she was in the hospital so he set a TBD date in the future to make sure it was working properly and set the level of shock it will provide should Jill need it. Today was that TBD and the test went perfectly. The doctor raised Jill's heart rate using the pacemaker and put her into cardiac arrest, again (hopefully for the last time). The debrillator fired as it was supposed to and her heart went back into rhythm. He then adjusted the shock level (I don't know the medical term for that) to a lower level so she will be able to respond safely to it should it fire in the future. This is one of the reasons the doctor has kept Jill from driving. With the defibrillator on super charge, it could have potentially knocked her out if it fired. This obviously would be a big problem for anyone riding in the car with her as well as other drivers on the road. With the test done and the debrillator adjusted, Jill had one more question for the doctor (which she asked in a groggy state the second she woke up from the anesthestic). The doctor answered her question by allowing her to start driving once she feels up to it. Praise the lord in many ways!

One Last Test

Sorry that it's been awhile since the last update- things have been progressing nicely in terms of my recovery. I feel almost back to 'normal speed', I have a scar that is healing nicely, and my blood clot seems to be behaving- thanks to the coumadin. I have one last 'step'. I will be revisiting the hospital on Wed (6/23) so that they can test my pacemaker/defibrillator. Usually they do this when they put it in, but the doctors felt that my stability at that time, after numerous cardiac arrests, wasn't the best. So....on Wed am they will put me out, induce cardiac arrest, and make sure that the paremaker/defib goes into action. If, by some slim chance, it doesn't, the doctors will be there will paddles to shock me back into rhythm. And, as my sister-in-law (who is a doctor) says "The good news is that you have a shockable rhythm!". (I am thinking of adding that as a 'special skill' on my resume!)

I am looking forward to being able to drive again, and am hopeful that once I 'pass my test' that will be a possibility. It's been a juggling act with all of the kids activities to get everyone to their places. A HUGE thank you to our dear friends that have helped to shuttle kids here and there. I hope I can repay you soon! I am also hoping that I will be able to reduce some medications after the test, although I think I may be a bit ambitious on that front. Although I am embarrased to admit it, I LOVE my 7 day/4 times a day pill box! There have been many times when I can't remember if I just took a pill...and that's not good!

I can't say it enough- Steve and I are so grateful and amazed at our loving circle of friends and family. Thank you for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers- especially for this last 'visit' that will happen on Wednesday. Never underestimate the power of prayer! I promise to update after the test is done. With heartfelt love- Jill

Update from the Patient

Hello everyone- wanted to give you all a brief update on the latest. I apologize in advance for not being the writer that Steve is :) .

These last two weeks have been focused on 'recovery', which means gaining back my body strength and endurance, allowing my wound to heal, the bruises to subside, and my heart to get stronger. I've had many visits to the doctors (cardiologists, infectious disease, vascular surgeon) and am managing a potpouri of medication. The doctors say it is good to move around, so I am doing my part. It is heartwarming, and a little overwhelming, to get back into 'society', as there are many loving and caring friends that have been concerned. Steve and my mom , aka "Gaga" have picked up the lion's share of home duties- truly saints!

There has been a slight 'detour' in my recovery which has required more medications and doctors, but everyone is very much focused on getting me through it. So...keep those good thoughts and prayers coming...I need and appreciate them!

The kids are doing well- much appreciation goes to all of you for stepping in with food and rides. Steve and I are blown away by the love and concern that you all have shared with us. How are we so blessed with such amazing friends??!!! It is helping us keep our focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. (is that a bad metaphor to use at this time?? :) )

Please keep Steve in your thoughts too- he is doing so much right now. Your kind words keep him energized.

Finally- on Sunday (5/23) the Arcadia Fire Department will be honoring the three people that started CPR at the field at Little League Closing Ceremonies. (Windsor Field, 12-1). When we visited the Fire Department last weekend, they told us that if Mary, Sue and Mathew hadn't started CPR, there really would've been no point in all the work that the paramedics did when they arrived. It would've been too late. Frightening! I can't even begin to express my appreciation to these three amazing and courageous individuals for saving my life, but I will try on Sunday.

Hoping to be back to the 'ole Jill' soon- Jill

2 Great Paramedics!

Our family visit/thank you today to the Arcadia Fire Department to personally meet and thank 2 of Jill's rescuers. These gentlemen performed CPR, started the IV, shocked me, and transported me to the hospital. What a great team!

Slowly, slowly (not my favorite word)

Hi Everyone!

As Steve mentioned, things are getting better everyday. I am, (of course because it's me), a bit frustrated with how slow I need to go, but Steve reminds me everyday of the 'cheering' and 'amazement' by the hospital staff at the fact that I even woke up. Baby steps.

I continue to be touched everyday by the thoughtfullness and love that is sent our way. The cards, flowers, phone calls, blog posts, emails, prayer groups, text messages, visits, food, rides for my children- we are all touched at the outpouring of love and friendship. The Hiseys are a very lucky family! :)

It has been good to be at Trent's games, even if it's only for a portion, to see the team, to cheer them on and to let them know that , as 10 and 11 year old boys, they certainly don't need to worry about me! Although I have become a quiet cheerleader (which is hard for me to do!), the other parents have been yelling on my behalf. Jackson and his friend were so incredibly cute last game- they would yell the "Let's go Trent, Let's go" and I would clap. Teamwork at its best!

And I am am getting a lot of enjoyment over everyones amazement at Steve's writing abilities. I am going to credit his talent to the fact that , when we were dating and he was in far away places like Washington and Wisconsin for baseball, we wrote letters back and forth. It's embarrasing to say that, 'back then' we didn't have cell phones, email or text messaging! And it was way too expensive to call long distance...given the salaries each of us was making. He's just kept that talent hidden for the last 20+ years.... :)

Mother's Day was uniquely special. My mom, who has been the pillar of strength since the day this happened, was able to celebrate with FrenchToast for breakfast. I was REALLY sad to see her go, but had selfishly kept her here for 2 weeks and it was time to share her with my Dad. :) And she'll be back again soon. The touching , heartfelt cards from my kids and Steve were fantastic! It was a quiet, loving day.

Finally, before I blubber on too long, I just want to again thank you all for your support...I do believe that is what is keeping all of us going. God bless! Jill

5/11/10

Jill is still making great progress but things have slowed down. To go from ground zero to leaving the hospital in 9 days was remarkable. Everything was happening at the speed of light. Now everything is a day to day progression. This is still very positive. Most of her improvement is in the form of walking around a little more each day. She has attended each of Trent's last three Little League games, however, sitting through an entire game is very taxing. Today her big walking session was a quick trip to the market. This was quite an accomplishment considering her trip of 40 feet the first time she was back on her feet. She has not had any additional fainting spells or anything of the sort since her last trip to the doctor so each day has been a baby step forward without any set backs.

I believe Jill will be the next to post on the blog so I am going to check out for now. However, I've heard from numerous people that they would like to make a comment or say something but haven't been able to do it for one reason or another so I've set up an account that anyone can use if they want to send a message. Since a lot of people may potentially be using the same account, make sure you note who you are at the bottom of your message. Here is how you do it:

1) Underneath the latest post is a comment link. Click on that link.
2) Scan down to the bottom of the page below the other comments and type your message into the white box below the words "post a comment" - Don't hit "post comment" button yet
3) Next to the words "comment as", click the down arrow and click "google account"
4) Now click on the "post comment" button
5) You should get a Google Account asking for email and password. Type in sendjillamessage as one long word in the email box and shewillreadit as one long word in the password box and click sign in
6) You should see a word verification box toward the bottom of the next page. Enter the letters you see into the box (these change every time so I don't know what will be presented to you) and click on "post comment".

You're comment should be posted for Jill to read. This sounds a little complicated but it is pretty easy once you have the email and password. Sometimes the word to enter in the verification box is hard to read so if it doesn't work the first time you may have to try it again. Hopefully, this will give access to all of those who would like to comment but haven't been able to do so.

Also, if you are interested in stopping by to see Jill, send me an email with the time that may work and I'll check with our schedule. The time window we put in place was good for a day or two but the family schedule has reduced the effectiveness of that time window. She still is resting/sleeping half of her day as she wears out pretty quickly so there is no hurry. She certainly will not give anyone demerits for being patient. My email is stevehisey@gmail.com.