| Author | Message | ||
     Court |
>>>Perhaps someone could volunteer to help set up some help. Hey. . . that's what ELVES are go. I mean, we're going to be in the area anyway, right? And, until Friday night we're not irrevocably committed, right? And, after all, we were meeting at Nick's anyway. Any chance of organizing a sorta-kinda TEAM ELVES work detail? I mean, I've got prizes and goodies to give away. . . let's just ease into the attack mode. I mean, seriously, who would you rather have staining your concrete and painting your house that a group of celebrant motorcyclists? And with regard to getting Orthovice from the Great Dane, you can do not better. We tease the dickens outta him, but long timers know he's smart as a whip, about the most anal retentive (think of all the outlets in the house being at the same elevation +/- 1/64") person you'll ever meet. He knows what of he speaks, use him. Us doing a few chores about the house would be quite consistent with the very concept of the "Buell Elves". I like it. | ||
| Jerseyguy |
My heart really goes out to you folks. I can't even imagine what it's like to have your whole life turned upside down in a moment. May God be with you. You remain in our prayers. I'm sure Court & I will be stopping by since we are staying nearby at Lake Monroe in Sanford. I'm thinking sometime in the afternoon on Friday the 10th. Where is the rehab center located? I'd really like to visit Nick if I can. | ||
| M1combat |
Same here... Nick and I had lunch once in the S/E corner of NV and I'm very much interested in both doing his chores and saying hey again  . | ||
| Uwgriz |
Sammie and Nick, hoping everything goes well. Hopefully the no brace thing is good news as Henrik was talking about. I'll be down for bike week as well so be sure to let us all know if there's anything we can do. | ||
| Blake |
Sammie, Sounds like good news according to our resident ortho expert, Henrik. I can say I've personally exploited his big hairy knowledge and he was 100% on the money dead accurate in his diagnosis and advice. Please do take full advantage of his offer. Starting the evening of 3/7, you'll have the be able to exploit the services of Blake and Ralph who are both handy when it comes to home improvement kinda stuff. Wish we could show up earlier. Please don't hesitate to lay out a plan or to tell us to take a hike, whatever you need to feel as much at peace is what you need to do. We won't complain. Thanks for taking time to keep us all informed. Hang in there, you are doing great and I'm sure Nick really appreciates your devotion. | ||
| Buellistic |
Mike A.(AKA Apex_assasin) lives in DeBary and at this time the most close(5 miles maybe???) ... LaFayette(AKA BUELListic) Seffner, which is 111 miles away(2 1/2 hours due to traffic) ... WHO ELSE WILL JOIN THE "WHEN NEEDED CREW" ??? | ||
| Court |
Sammie: It's just me but I feel compelled to offer you my advise: | ||
| CJXB |
Hang in there Sammie, prayers for you both !! | ||
| John89147 |
Hi Sammie, Its John. Heard from Jason what happened. Damn, and I thought my accident was bad. I'm still healing myself from the accident I had in October, but mine was my own fault. Don't know what to say differently than what everyone here has already said except that all his fellow Buellers here in Las Vegas are also keeping you both in our prayers. Do me a favor and let him know we are thinking of him and can't wait to see you both sometime whether it be here OR there. Keep in touch and feel free to call me or Christy to vent a little if you need to. Love you guys, take care. (702)235-3534 Mine (702)235-3533 Christy | ||
| Vegasbueller |
I thought I'd drop a quick note since I don't know if I'll even come home tonight. Here is why I say that... I just spoke to Nick on the phone.. yep.. the nurse tucked it up by his ear, and he till hasn't been able to have the slightest amount of water... not even ice chips. They've just brought him back from yet another trip to x-ray. His nurse ~rme~ says they were checking the femur for fractures. Some one.. Nick doesn't know but thinks it was a doctor, told him earlier that may have to go in and do surgery on his spleen. Then again... maybe not. Now I have to ask and find out if I am just being an over protective and over-bearing wife, should they be saying this to a man in his condition, on that amount of meds, he can hardly stay alert for a few words, without his wife and without even telling his wife?! I haven't been to the hospital yet today because the carpet people actually showed up and laid the carpet. Wow! I must add it looks fantastic! (I'll get back to that) So now Nick is without water since midnight on the 14th. He can only have his mouth swabbed with that silly sponge thingie. He's in terrible pain, a doc (?) told him about maybe operating on his spleen, and yet, I am not there to help comfort him. I know it may sound silly, but Nick does much better when I am there with him. Ggggrrrr.... I am so frustrated! So now I am going to throw some clothes on, (was going to take a shower) and drive the 30 minutes or so to the hospital and try to calm him while trying to make these people talk to me. I just think the way they are doing things is stupid , careless and heartless! Well... maybe I should be embarrassed.. that was some little rant... I would apologize, but you all said I could talk to you and I certainly can't go off around or to Nick. So thanks for listening. I will definitely write to you, Henrik. I appreciate the offer to help me understand this. I appreciate all of you!! I know Nick is grateful to you guys. (guys, that's just a general word that I use, it encompasses both sexes) I'll write Henrik after I find out whatever I find out today. I'm sure I'll need it explained. As for wanting help from you all... heck yeah! I'm not a stupid woman! ~L~ I know I can't manage all of this on my own and still be able to spend a lot of time with Nick. I'm worried that if I leave him alone much at all he will become more depressed. Now back to the carpet.. yes, it looks great... however...Ugh...the baseboards and a couple walls don't look so good. I could cry! We "just" painted our bedroom, I spent a lot of time doing trim so these crooked walls didn't look so crooked...well....there isn't a baseboard in the room that isn't ruined. There's too much scratched and scraped to start naming it all. Thanks for the heads up, Court! I'll make a note.. no wallpaper. hehe! So I am going to say yes... if anyone local finds themselves with some free time and needs to paint or clean, please write me or call me (I can't always answer the phone)and leave a message and let me know when you could come by so I can make arrangements so Nick will be alright without me for a while. I have no idea when he'll be going into re-hab. However, if any of you want to talk to Nick you can call him. A nurse will help him get situated with the phone. Here is the number for the nurses desk on the 8th floor (where he is)321-841-5184. If they give that old family only line.. be his cousin! ~L~ Heck, be creative, just don't tell them you are his dad... if they told him that he might freak. He can have visitors now, though he's not real great at conversation yet, he's in room 819, 8th floor of the Orlando Regional Medical Center, (ORMC). I can tell you it's on Orange Ave. but can only give directions from my way heading west to Orlando. Okay, I think I might be calm enough to drive now... thanks again for letting me vent. I'll let you all know what ever I find out next. ~huggles~ Sammie P.S. I will answer those of you that have asked me direct questions, promise. I just don't know when. | ||
| Josh_ |
Rant away! A touch of reality is refreshing after the inconsequential crap we typically go on about! Try asking pointed questions and try to address them to the right specialist. You might ask the nurses which Dr is responsible for what and the track down that doc. You do deserve answers even if it makes their job easier not to explain everything. | ||
| Ulywife |
Sammie, You are NOT being overbearing or overprotective. I agree that Nick is in no frame of mind to make medical decisions or relay medical information to you. Find his nurse and ask to see his chart and find out when the doctors are making their rounds next. Be sure to be there. (If you have a medical power of attorney, take it with you. HIPAA has sometimes put hurdles in front of family members for health information.) Is there someone else to "house sit" while you're with Nick. I know you've had alot planned for the house, but put them on hold if need be. You need to included in all discussion regarding his health care plan. Be sure to write down all of your questions and don't let them leave until you have a clear understanding of their answers. I've always tried to say OK, I understand you to say....... That way I have a clear understanding about what is expected/happening, etc. and not just what I think I understood. My sister has been sick since birth. In Aug 2004 my Mom and I started a notebook of all of her medical notes pertinent to her current care. We went back 17 years and chronicled every major medical crisis. (The book is 3" and full, she's only 36) The medical folks we encounter and share this information are astounded and usually grateful that we can provide so much insight to her health. While we're not medically trained, we know Kelly's history like no one else on this earth. You know your husband best. Stand your ground and be the advocate he needs you to be. I remember reading something about how precious you are to him especially after almost loosing you in the past. He loves you and you obviously love him just as much. You will both get through this with lots of support from friends and family. Feel free to vent whenever you need to! I agree that there is no need to upset Nick. Didn't mean to ramble, just sharing what we've been through with medical crisis. Hang in there, Kristi | ||
| Blake |
The carpet folks should not have damaged your baseboards. Don't pay them if you haven't yet. If you have, then we can repaint 'em in a flash in between races. | ||
| M1combat |
I know I'd feel much better in his position if I had a loving wife to be there for me . You're doing good dear . | ||
| Davegess |
RANT AWAY, ANY TIME. AND YOU CAN'T BE OVER PROTECTIVE. | ||
| Ftd |
Sammie, I live just off Orange Ave. probably 2 miles from ORMC. If you can use my house as either as resting spot or as a place to stay email or call me. I have plenty of space (Dora/Buellgirlie can give you references if necessary) so it would be no problem at all. Frank w 407 540-3982 frankdavis@fdle.state.fl.us h 407 240-8310 ftdddtf@msn.com | ||
| Jerseyguy |
Sammy, I can completely understand your frustration with the hospital. An important thing that I have learned in my dealings with my family & myself in the hospital is to remember that YOU have to be in control of what happens. The hospital is full of wonderful, dedicated folks who are generally trying to do their best but they are just people and people make mistakes. The nurses are on rotating shifts so you see a host of different faces, the doctors are in and out on their busy schedules and as a loved one its easy to feel overwhelmed by all that's going on, not to mention the medical language that's thrown at you as if you knew what the words even mean. My simple advise to you is the following. First, take a deep breath and try to settle down and not let it get to you (easy to say and hard to do). Second, pay attention to what they tell you, take notes if you have to, look up the medical terms on the internet if you can(or ask Henrik)in order to understand what they are saying. Don't be afraid to ask "stupid questions". Your goal is to learn just enough to make informed decisions. Third, and this is a tough one, try your best to make sure that all of the doctors and nurses are on the same page with Nick's treatment. Finally, never assume that they are smart and you are dumb and therefore you can't question what is happening. | ||
| Zxzer04 |
Rant? Girl you ain't ranted yet...As a father to 2 children with severe medical problems I can assure you that you are handling things quite well. Only thing I can tell you that these people haven't is: You are the only person there that really loves and cares for Nick. The nurses and doctors may care if he is ok, but you are the one whom he loves and I can tell you love him. He is not capable of making those decisions and getting the information himself. Those nurses and Doctors see hundreds of patients and like it or not they tend to get distant. Tell the nurses and Doctors that you want and expect to know the information that is important about Nick's condition. You seem to be keeping your head on straight and that alone in these situations is very hard. Take care of yourself as much as you take care of Nick. I can tell you from experience that trying to "do it all" can push your limits and you don't both need to have hospital beds. Take care and my wife and I will have you in our Prayers. Larry PS. We are planning to move your way sometime in the near future and when we do. We will look you up and try to help as much as possible. | ||
| Court |
Sammette: Take comfort my friend. . . for thou art amongst the best ranters known to humankind. You my new friend have aligned yourself with what I fondly call the "Bubbled Tank Society" . . . we have learned to rant like fish swim. You have, in the "big" sense a RIGHT to know. That's just basic. As Nick's de facto guardian ad litem (he is after all under the influence of meds - Court's Test: If the Florida Highway Patrol wouldn't let him drive away from a traffic stop, he is "under the influence") you have a duty to know to responsibly carrying out those difficult tasks/decisions that up 'n landed upon thy shoulders. You need, to quote Aaron Wilson, "data points", to make informed decisions. Ergo, in the final analysis you are being neither pushy nor overly assertive, you are acting responsibly in carrying out your role. And. . . we do more than paint and mow lawns. If you need us to assign a "designated PIA Elf" to help you learn the fine art of "ranting", I have 3 experts I can assign. In the meantime, your friends are here willing to help, and are keeping you and Nick in our thoughts and prayers. Court | ||
| John89147 |
Here..here. | ||
| Blake |
Sammie, Zxzer04 nailed it. Speaking from my own firsthand experience of a week in the hospital all busted up from a motorcycle crash, having my loving wife there by my side was a HUGE comfort. It may sound foolish or silly to some, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. It is amazing how much stronger even already mighty bonds can become via shared perseverance through trauma. | ||
| Vegasbueller |
Thank you all for all of the support and encouragement! Seems I may have found my brass balls (can I say that here?) tonight at the hospital.. well maybe only nickel, but balls none the less. ~L~ I went over the nurse's heads and talked to a suit that helped me out the night of Nick's surgery. Funny how the doctor will be meeting with me tomorrow morning now. hehe! It's been one hell of a day and I am worn out, so I am going to give a brief update. Nick is still in terrible pain... some doc, I'll find out which one, went in this morning when I wasn't there and told Nick they may have to operate on his spleen, then said "and maybe not". I have to ask WHY in the world would any health care professional do this to a drugged and in pain patient?! Yes, so I brought that up to, along with the fact that his nurse had no clue what was going on with Nick and wouldn't put a friend through on the phone so Nick could talk to him while I was getting ready to head that way. There really isn't anything new for me to tell until I get answers from the doc. Then I'll be asking you, Henrik, some questions.(I've written down alot of questions and will be writing the answers, too. I am going to sent Elwood to my friend's house for a couple of days, pack a bag and go stay at the hospital with Nick for a couple of days and nights. That way I'll know he's getting the care and attention he needs and deserves. I won't have internet access while I am there, but any of you are welcome to call me and I can fill you in and perhaps you can post info here for me. Ok, I have to get to bed now, so I can get up early. I don't want anyone to think that I am not listening to what they are saying.. I'm listening and taking to heart everything all of you have said. I just can't find the energy right now to reply back individually. Hopefully I'll have some useful information soon. Goodnight and Blessed be, Sammie | ||
| Firemanjim |
Another question that comes to mind is why is this man in pain?They have medications for this and he should be getting enough to not be suffering.It should not be up to a doctor to tell him that he has enough,Nick is the one to say if he needs more or less medication.Take them to task,no one should suffer needlessly .And what's up with the no water bit,seems counter intuitive. | ||
| Ulywife |
Sammie, Good for you!! I'm sure no one here is taking offense not having an individual reply. These messages are more for our showing support for you and Nick and possibly sharing our experiences to help you get what you and Nick need. You have been doing a great job keeping us updated and we really appreciate it. Your job is to take care of Nick. Whoever you call or speak to will update here if you ask them to. Give Nick our best and bring out the "brass" whenever you need to. Kristi | ||
| Rich |
I'm sorry to hear this, hope things are getting better. I have experience with the same type of injuries. Mike, I don't know how I can help, but give me a call. | ||
| Jeb |
Those of us here in Las Vegas have you both in our thoughts and prayers. Jake says just say the word and he'll do whatever he can to help. | ||
| Midwayav8r |
Someone that will be there the weekend of 2 - 5 March, please let me know where and when to lend some help. I will be there with several friends and would much rather help Nick and Sammie than walk up and down mainstreet. If the cement painting is not done by then, we will do it. I will be driving a van and can bring whatever might be needed too. We will arrive sometime around midday on Thursday 2 March. Thanks | ||
| Henrik |
Sammie; I'll give you a call later. Henrik | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Sammie, Every hospital I've ever experieced has a patient advocate service. If you feel you are not being treated properly, talk to them along with the case doctor or the head of the trauma unit. Jim also hit it on the head. There is NO reason a patient should be in severe pain unless they have a major problem with the heavy duty pain meds. Some folks don't tolerate narcotics very well. Other meds are available. Henrik will fill you in I'm sure. Under no circumstances should you be kept out of the loop with Nick's care. Keep fighting, right now your are the most important person in this loop. You are Nick's main allie and advcate. Go get um! Brad | ||
| Cataract2 |
Sammie, I sent you an e-mail through Nick's e-mail address. Let me know if I can help in any way. |
