Miss Jessie's Problem

[Willis]

<center>Some of you guys don't know me from Adam and a lot more don't know my Mom. But I thought I'd share Mom's recent(very recent) medical setback as it could result in a slight diminution of my activity on the board. So, here goes the story for those to whom I haven't sent it already:

We've just just returned from a 4 day and 3 night stay at Winchester Memorial Hospital. Mom was experiencing some severe weakness and a dramatic shortness of breath(you know it was serious when SHE was the one to suggest the ER). Well we packed up, arrived and were admitted on Wednesday and have returned home this PM. After a lot of tests and fiddlin' with medications, we're back home again. Here's the scuttlebutt-Pass it along to anyone whom you think they'd be interested.

Chronic Atrial Fibrillation is the name of the problem- The heart's atria refuse to convert back to normal(sinus) rhythm. The downside- blood clots, increased chance of heart attack, weakness, and congestive heart failure as the heart is unable to deliver enough pressure to properly remove water from the the ole bod. On the up side- it IS chronic , meaning it may be possible to live with the condition for some time. In Jessie's case, at 98 and 2/3, she already beaten the heck out of the actuarial odds. As my cousin says, "She's been playing with the house's money for a long time, any more time is more pure profit.

At her age the docs are not inclined, nor is she, to take aggressive action or surgery to try to correct the situation. So we'll go the medicine route and both she and I will have to adjust to a "more leisurely pace" of life. Always have that camera at hand, guys, you never can tell when something interesting might appear. We're on the 5th floor and this apparition just might give someone A-Fib if she didn't have it already!!


http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/200661020490_jessieadmirer2006A.jpg
Jessie's secret admirer </center>

[Ron]

Lots of Good Thoughts and Fervent Prayers are going out for one of the sweetest gals I have ever met! Hang in there, Miss Jessie. I'm hoping to see what a cake with a Hundred candles looks like. Love and Hugs...[Angel15]

[bb1711]

Many prayers will be said for Miss Jessie and Willis.

[Mommyof3]

quote:Originally posted by bb1711

Many prayers will be said for Miss Jessie and Willis.


[Angel15]I second that as I am sure we all will!! [Angel15]
If you need anything Willis you know that there is a whole mountain of people here that would help you!! Just let us know and keep us updated!

[KemCam2]

We only live down the street WIllis, if you need anything, groceries, some Gin, just let me know. It's NO problem.

We'll be praying for Miss Jessie.

[austrianalps]

ohh I am thinking about you guys. If you need anything-I know I am pretty new here, still-let me know.

[mary]

My thought/prayers are with Miss Jessie and Willis also.
You need anything - would be more than happy to help you out.
My adopted mom made it to 101, and I am sure Miss Jessie will do the same, I too want to see the 100 candles on the birthday cake.

And as Mommyof 3 said in her post - there are lots of people on this mountain that would drop what they are doing to be there to help you. Again you are in my thoughts and prayers.

[betcsu]

hey guys, i got word from willis today. he says:


quote:Mom almost bled out here at the house on Mon- Emt took her to Jefferson where she was transfused and sent to Winchester on tues eve- She's still there and stable and will probably be transfered to a rehab unit in Jefferson or Hampshire Counties on Monday- I just stopped back to get some clothes, a shower and some sleep-I MAY be able to get her back here if she can regain some strength.- She's kept her mind and her sense of humor throughout Absolutely remarkable!!!

please continue to keep both jessie and willis in your thoughts and prayers!

[ministerswife]

They have been, are, and will be. Our prayers are with them. Please keep us updated as much as possible, and let us know when and how we can help. Our bible study at Zion in CT prays for them each Wednesday, and I will check to see if they are still on the Sunday prayer list. Thank you for this update. [Angel15]

[thewagners]

How are you and Jessie today, Willis? You've been in our thoughts but we don't want to disturb you. Please call us if you need anything. We mean it! CJ, Clint and Cody

[Willis]

Thanks everyone. I'm passing along your msgs. Things are still up-in-the-air as far as what will finally happen- Optimistically: The bleeding likely isn't related to her CA of the colon that was removed 5 yrs ago. The Docs hope it was a rupture of a diverticulum or blood vessel and will heal itself(the bleed has ceased at this time). If that's so Mom will be moved to a "Short-Term" rehab unit in either the Shenandoah Village Nursing Home or a sister facility in Romney(near MY sister).

Mom's made her decision not to have any drastic measures taken but if the condition reappears, she's consented to have an endoscopic exam to see if minor "adjustments" can be done to correct the situation. Most importantly, she's lost none of her wit or sense of humor.

"Miss Jessie" has been in the ER and ICU at Jefferson Memorial and now a 3rd room at Winchester Memorial and taken 2 rides in medical transport to boot. She's been tended to by umpteen docs and a gazillion RN's and NA's and she's more aware of her surroundings than I am of mine at this moment. Both she and I want to praise the response of our very own Blue Ridge Mountain Fire Company and the EMT's and the superb efforts by Jefferson Memorial to stabilize her. I wish I could have had the wits to collect the names of those involved.

<center>
http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/2006625171258_Mom1WMC.jpg
Jessie and her teddy bear, "Buddy"-6/25/2006 in WMC.</center>

[betcsu]

<center>{{{hugs and prayers}}}</center>

[kconant]

We prayed for Miss Jessie and you, Willis, this morning at Saint Andrew's on-the-Mount. I didn't know the details and the severity of her condition (Father Vic+ only said she was at WMC and due to move elsewhere on Monday and that her mind was as sharp as ever). I'm looking forward to helping her celebrate her 100th on October 20, 2007.

Kate

[angel]

What a sweet face! My heart goes out to you. I went through the same thing with my mother two years ago.

[Willis]

<center>In fairness to my Mom, I ought to include a pic of her from last year before these latest calamities befell her.

http://www.shannondale.org/sca/images/picstolink/misc/nowellwillisandmom2005.jpg

She's now settling in for what will hopefully be a short term rehab at: Oops, note change in street address!!
The Shenandoah Health Village Center
70 Prospect Ave
Charles Town WV 25414
Room 102

The place seems immaculate and the staff appears affable and capable. Now if I could only get her to start eating all the food she needs to regain her strength!!

http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/2006627202125_Mom_Shen_Village_6-26-2006.jpg
My Sis and Mom and a lot of grub
http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/2006628173811_Mom_On The_Hook.jpg
Jessie goes HiTech

Thank you all so very much for your thoughts and prayers.</center>

[betcsu]

oh i'm so glad shes local instead of hampshire county! and thanks for including her address!

i know ive told you this before but your mom is SO beautiful!

and this is still one of my fave pics:

http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/betcsu/200662854652_beauties.jpg
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[betcsu]

and this is my other fave:


http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/betcsu/200662855123_w10.jpg
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[Willis]

<center>So as not to put info all over the place, I've added a couple of pages(and I hope more in the future&lt;fingers crossed&gt;)
to my Mom and Dad's page on the Shannodale Club Alumni site to update my Mom Jessie's medical status. If you're interested, the URL is:
HERE (http://www.shannondale.org/sca/people/nowellcolandjessie.htm) </center>

[KemCam2]

I hope you can get your Mommy home soon Willis.
I can only hope one of my children will take as good care of me as you do your mom.
'They' say - parents should have a daughter if they want anyone around to care for them when they are old(ish) (Cause a son will send you away!) but you prove that theory wrong Willis. You are a great son!

[betcsu]

i love you willis and i love you mom. *wiping tears*

can we come to visit her today or monday?