Heidi's surgery with Dr. Lenke

[Confusedmom]

Keep those prayers coming. I've been checking her Facebook page as well. Her friend said she had a brief fever last night, but it is gone. She has been restless, but got more sleep today. On a lot of pain meds, of course. She sat up this morning, was talking on the phone and was scheduled to walk this afternoon. I imagine she'll get more PT tomorrow, once the weekday staff is on. Sounds like she's doing well overall.

Evelyn

[Irina]

Great news! Thank you, Tamena and Evelyn for keeping us posted.

[tae_tap]

This was from Heidi's friend.


Hi everyone, it is almost 1 pm on Sunday. The roller coaster keeps going up and down for Heidi. Physical and occupational therapy started this morning, and she has had both already. She has had her hair washed and a sponge bath. Sister Kim Dayton and mom Carol Karels report that she is on a couple of different muscle relaxers and that one will help with the anxiety that is a natural part of this process. The family is very happy with the nurses and techs that have tended to Heidi today. Tracey

(this one is from the evening. ) Hi everyone, I just talked to Heidi for the first time! It was such a joy to hear her voice! Her sister Kim Dayton reports that she slept most of the day, lots of meds as you would expect. Her nurses were fine with both the meds and the sleep, due to the lack of sleep the last couple of days. Prayers for a good night of sleep (for her AND Kim!!) and a good night staff. Tracey


Keep praying for her.
Tamena

[tae_tap]

Here is the picture of Heidi's spine that was uploaded to facebook.

Tamena

[susancook]

Thanks for the xray. Loks straight to me! Tell Heidi that she is in everyone's thoughts and prayers, even as far as Fiji!
Susan

[JenniferG]

Thanks for posting the xray. It looks amazing!

[tae_tap]

Here is today's update from Tracey:

Heidi update for Monday afternoon at 4: Ok, Heidi is rockin'. Here is the report from Kim Dayton and Carol Karels: Decrease in pump meds, starting other meds (pill form). Walked 27 steps (!) in and out of bed multiple times. Kim says "Today she is working hard." Wow! Go Heidi. I am absolutely amazed that she can do this today. Tracey



Tamena

[king14]

Heidi you're amazing

Your spine is beautiful!!!! Keep on trucking girl you're doing fantastically!!
Sending hugs and love!
Sara

[golfnut]

I agree. Your spine looks great! Keep on working hard and you'll be home before you know it.

[tae_tap]

Today's update via facebook:

Hi all, this is Tracey on Tuesday at 12:30pm. Heidi is hanging tough. Has had PT today and has started on (very poor tasting) solid food. Her sister Kim Dayton and mom Carol Karels continue on with her at the hospital. If you would like to send a card, it goes to:

Barnes Jewish Hospital Washington University
c/o Heidi Steffen, 7350 Barnes Jewish South
4921 Parkview Place
St. Louis, MO 63110


Tamena

[Confusedmom]

I bet Heidi will be dismissed before she can receive any cards. You're doing great , Heidi! Keep up the good work.

Evelyn

[tae_tap]

Hey guys! Heidi is having a tough time with pain lastnight and this morning. Hopefully today it will ease. She is taking pain med by mouth only now.

Tamena

[Doodles]

Heidi--
I hope the pain is better today. There definitely are tough days to be sure. The x-ray looks fabulous. Hang in there. Janet

[tae_tap]

I talked to Heidi this morning and she was in a great deal of pain. She feel out of her bed which did not help things much. She was released upon the check to make sure nothing was damaged and is in the hotel next to the hospital. She will fly home next week. I hope her pain eases prior to traveling the distance from MO to NC.

Tamena

[tae_tap]

Heidi is doing a little better. She is walking more and using the wheelchair less. Heidi will be flying home on Tuesday. She has a friend flying with her. Prayers for safe travels.

Tamena