Pulls' (Diane) messaged me last night that she would have 2 or 3 surgeries today - serious ones too, she said. But that was all I was able to learn. I've been trying for days to contact her via fb or messenger, but no luck. She shows as on but there's no response. I'm guessing she's either sleeping, eating or doing PT. Shari or Steph, please either post an update about how today's surgeries went, or call me, tell me, and I'll post for you so you'll be free to do other things. Prayers are flying, GA's are there with reinforcements, and we're all sending our love and strength to our favorite stubborn and certainly not innocent role model in the No B/N 'Haved Gang. Hugs, North
PS: Shari, any luck with those pictures and measurements? I can't do anything about plans for the wheelchair ramp until I have those in hand.... sorry, I know you don't need more to do. Get somebody else to do it for you?? Go 'Git Em!
A couple of days worth of updates - both good ones.
1. The surgeons successfully amputated Pulls' (Diane's) right leg above the knee as planned. She apparently tolerated the surgery well - as well as could be expected anyway - and later that evening I got two bits from her via Messenger. The first said "I am awake". The second said "Amputated right leg". I think she fell asleep after that, but it was good to hear from her in her own words, short or not.
2. I spoke with Shari today and learned that Pulls had been moved to a step down unit. Progress! Also found how we can send emails to her through the hospital system. Any emails sent will be delivered at 9 AM. Any arriving after that will be delivered the next morning. Simple to do, no cost - come on, folks - lets paper her room with notes! Go to https://www.mercy.net/forms/email-a-patient/ to write and send an email to Diane Greer, room 6321. Select "St. Louis" as the hospital.
JUST RECEIVED WORD FROM PULLS' (DIANE'S) DAUGHTER SHARI THAT PULLS' RIGHT LEG WILL BE AMPUTATED TOMORROW. IN AN EARLIER MESSAGE SHARI SAID THAT PULLS WAS CONSCIOUS AND AWARE OF WHAT WAS GOING ON, AND THAT THERE WOULD BE A MEETING OF DOCTORS, FAMILY AND PULLS' AT 4:30 TODAY. I KNOW SHE WAS THINKING IT OVER YESTERDAY, AWARE THAT A DECISION NEEDED TO BE MADE. THE CHOICE HAD TO BE DIFFICULT FOR EVERYONE AND FROM EVERY ANGLE, BUT I'M GLAD PULLS WAS ABLE TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT SHE WANTED DONE, AND I'M GRATEFUL FOR EVERY PRAYER, GOOD WISH, GA (GUARDIAN ANGEL) AND EVERYTHING ELSE SENT TO HER, HER FAMILY AND CARE PROVIDERS. PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING HEAVY AND STRONG; SHE'LL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO AND WILL NEED ALL THE LIFT UPS WE CAN GIVE HER. WILL POST MORE AFTER SURGERY TOMORROW, TIME UNKNOWN. PLEASE PASS THE WORD FOR PRAYER AN PEACE OF MIND FOR ALL. THANKS VERY MUCH - CHERYL PUTNAM FOR DIANE GREER (PULLERS' IS HER NICKNAME IN OUR LONG TIME ONLINE GROUP) AND HER FAMILY.
I spoke briefly with one of Pulls' (Diane's) daughters this morning. She told me that the family and the doctors are meeting today at 4:30 (Missouri time) to decide what action to take. The options are to amputate above the knee as they've been thinking of doing all along, or to send Pulls home with Hospice. Pulls is awake and aware of the situation, and is trying to decide what she wants to have done. Please keep the good thoughts, prayers an GA's (Guardian Angels) going...... Thanks. Cheryl
Ok Pulls, you are a strong woman. You can get through this no matter what it takes. Look how much you have overcome already. Just to be on the safe side, I will add my prayers so that God will know that we are all pulling for you. You don't have to have' if you don't want to. Hi ahead and throw a bedpan or kick a nurse. They have it coming most of the time. Love and hugs. Jan
Thanks for setting up this website - I'll start spreading the word for people to use this instead of calling you all the time. Glad your Mom made it through the night - now to survive the day!
One thing about it - having the doctor say 'amputate or else' pretty much takes the decision making out of your hands, so you won't have to defend your decision to your Mom somewhere down the line. You can just truthfully say "Mom, the doctor said you'd die if he didn't do the operation, and we coudn't let that happen- there are too many kids and grandkids and great grands that need you to show them how to get along in this world - and North said to 'have' (pronounced haave, short for behave) and to remember you'v'e got GA's flying to you from all over the country."
PS: Shari, any luck with those pictures and measurements? I can't do anything about plans for the wheelchair ramp until I have those in hand.... sorry, I know you don't need more to do. Get somebody else to do it for you?? Go 'Git Em!