Bill arrived home today - happy to be home but not as happy as his dog Buddy was to see him! The home routine will take some time to get used to, admisitering antibiotics, changing the wound vac, naps, etc. but I have no doubt the two doctors will figure it all out in no time.
Bill tires easily but looks great. He enjoyed a beer on his front porch today - nothing like home!
Keep your thought and prayers coming as it will be a long road to recovery.
Love, The Obremskey's
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sometime we forget the most important person....
JILL typed the blog addition for me tonight and I realized I was incredibly remiss in not thanking her. Easy for me as I was snoozing most of it -
"I had no idea how strong my wife has been these last 2 weeks. I can only try to enjoy a few more half -filled cups of good red wine, each others company, our children, and a few more sunsets"
"I had no idea how strong my wife has been these last 2 weeks. I can only try to enjoy a few more half -filled cups of good red wine, each others company, our children, and a few more sunsets"
Sunday, June 28, 2009
A post from Bill - Sunday Night, June 28
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This is Bill and I read much of the blog and comments today. The support shown for our entire family was amazing and humbling. I want to thank all those who helped in any way and kept us in their thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow is the big day of returning home and begining a long rehabilitation process. I realize that this will not be a "quick bounce back". I had no idea how quickly I became sick. I want to thank the Vanderbilt SICU team, my orthopedic partners and especially our dear friend Addison May. Without his help I am sure that I wouldn't be here today. I never realized a big day would entail showering by myself, going to McDonalds for a coke and taking a 200 ft walk. I am not sure what I will do for an encore, but I think that I will start with the three goals that Jenny posted earlier. If you can see in the picture posted with this, the shirt says "half-full" - it is another good rule to live by. You never know when you will see another sun rise. Thank you and lots of love.
Bill
Bill
Coming home!
Bill will be released from the hospital tomorrow!! He will receive physical therapy and home health care at home. The wound vac and antibiotics will come home with him as well. He had a good day today as he ventured out of his room to the courtyard outside and visited with some friends for a couple of hours. The fresh air was a welcome change from the hospital room. He looks good and has accepted that the recovery will be long - he is ready for the challenge.
He sent me an email last night and asked me to post the following. I think we all know it is coming from his heart as he feel so very blessed with the care, love, prayers and support that he (and our family) has received.
Vanderbilt has asked me to write my three goals for the day but they could be for life
1.Have a strong heart and stay alive. For those of you that think you be able to beat me on tennis or skiing- good luck except doug dirschl. I make him look like federer
2 hug your spouse kids and loved ones everyday
3. Try to do a little good every day ,one patient/person at a time.
We are all looking forward to tomorrow and to having our Bill back with us!
Much Love, The Obremskey's
He sent me an email last night and asked me to post the following. I think we all know it is coming from his heart as he feel so very blessed with the care, love, prayers and support that he (and our family) has received.
Vanderbilt has asked me to write my three goals for the day but they could be for life
1.Have a strong heart and stay alive. For those of you that think you be able to beat me on tennis or skiing- good luck except doug dirschl. I make him look like federer
2 hug your spouse kids and loved ones everyday
3. Try to do a little good every day ,one patient/person at a time.
We are all looking forward to tomorrow and to having our Bill back with us!
Much Love, The Obremskey's
Saturday, June 27, 2009
A restful day and How we got here.....
I spent very little time at the hospital today but all reports are that Bill continues to improve beautifully. He seemed very good the short time I was with him, even a big improvement over yesterday. We hope he has a restful night and another good day tomorrow.
Many who have been following "The Blog" have asked how and when Bill got sick. I email out the following a week ago and may answer many of your questions.
We continue to feel your prayers of love and support - thank you. The Obremskey's
Sunday, June 21st
First and foremost, we want to thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support the past four days. Some of you may know most of the "story" and some are hearing it for the first time but I wanted to bring everyone up to date.
I will begin with tonight. Our entire family has arrived and we have just come from the hospital. Bill is stable - he is sedated and has a breathing tube. His vitals and labs continue to improve which is encouraging. The Drs. feel that they have the bacteria "under control" however, the concern now is the toxins, created by the bacteria, that remain in his body as well as the damage to his organs from the toxic shock. It will be a while before it is clear just what that damage, if any, will be. Recovery is still not mentioned but, God Willing, once it begins, it will be a long road.
In the morning, they will take Bill back to the OR to again examine the leg, which was opened last night, to drain the bacteria and administer antibiotics directly on the "source".
What got us to tonight? On Wednesday, June 17th, Bill began to feel "flu-like" symptoms. By Thursday morning, he knew there was an infection in his foot and it began to go up his leg, the leg with his artificial hip and he was concerned it may be infected. He went to the hospital Thursday afternoon for an MRI - his hip was clean but they knew he was sick so they admitted him and began IV antibiotics.
He was stable in the hospital on Thursday night, however, on Friday afternoon, he "crashed". Blood pressure dropped, kidneys failed - they immediately rushed him to the ICU. It was then that they realized he had a Strep A bacteria that was invading his body. This particular bacteria is rapidly moving and difficult to contain. In addition, it emits a toxin which is very harmful. Once they stabilized him, he was awake and alert, foot very red and swollen and his breathing was very labored. This state continued Friday night through Saturday evening.
On Saturday evening, he took a turn in the wrong direction. The bacteria had pooled in his right thigh and he was clearly not doing well. They took him immediately to the OR to drain the leg and determine the extent of damage to the tissue and surroundings. At that time, he was put on a ventilator to help him breath as it had become very difficult. This morning, they went in again to see if the bacteria had been contained and repack the area with antibiotics. The day was long but by this afternoon, the Drs felt as if they had contained the bacteria, it had not spread and his vitals continued to slowly improve. That brings us back to tonight.
The "source" of the infection is not known but we do know it entered his body through his right foot.
Bill and Jill's dear friend, Addison May, has led a team of doctors. We are very blessed he has been on the case as his expertise and care have been extraordinary, both professionally and personally with all of us.
Jill has been strong and by his side every minute with the support and love of many friends and family. Allie and Analise along with three of my four girls and Stasia's daughter, Grace all went to camp today in Indiana. Nick is home with Jill. The children know that Bill is sick but not the extent of his illness.
We are all coming to grips with the fact that this will be a "marathon". Your continued support and prayers will give us all strength, especially Bill, as he continues to fight.
All our love, Jill, Stasia, Bill, Jenny, Kate, Mom, Daddy and our entire family
Many who have been following "The Blog" have asked how and when Bill got sick. I email out the following a week ago and may answer many of your questions.
We continue to feel your prayers of love and support - thank you. The Obremskey's
Sunday, June 21st
First and foremost, we want to thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support the past four days. Some of you may know most of the "story" and some are hearing it for the first time but I wanted to bring everyone up to date.
I will begin with tonight. Our entire family has arrived and we have just come from the hospital. Bill is stable - he is sedated and has a breathing tube. His vitals and labs continue to improve which is encouraging. The Drs. feel that they have the bacteria "under control" however, the concern now is the toxins, created by the bacteria, that remain in his body as well as the damage to his organs from the toxic shock. It will be a while before it is clear just what that damage, if any, will be. Recovery is still not mentioned but, God Willing, once it begins, it will be a long road.
In the morning, they will take Bill back to the OR to again examine the leg, which was opened last night, to drain the bacteria and administer antibiotics directly on the "source".
What got us to tonight? On Wednesday, June 17th, Bill began to feel "flu-like" symptoms. By Thursday morning, he knew there was an infection in his foot and it began to go up his leg, the leg with his artificial hip and he was concerned it may be infected. He went to the hospital Thursday afternoon for an MRI - his hip was clean but they knew he was sick so they admitted him and began IV antibiotics.
He was stable in the hospital on Thursday night, however, on Friday afternoon, he "crashed". Blood pressure dropped, kidneys failed - they immediately rushed him to the ICU. It was then that they realized he had a Strep A bacteria that was invading his body. This particular bacteria is rapidly moving and difficult to contain. In addition, it emits a toxin which is very harmful. Once they stabilized him, he was awake and alert, foot very red and swollen and his breathing was very labored. This state continued Friday night through Saturday evening.
On Saturday evening, he took a turn in the wrong direction. The bacteria had pooled in his right thigh and he was clearly not doing well. They took him immediately to the OR to drain the leg and determine the extent of damage to the tissue and surroundings. At that time, he was put on a ventilator to help him breath as it had become very difficult. This morning, they went in again to see if the bacteria had been contained and repack the area with antibiotics. The day was long but by this afternoon, the Drs felt as if they had contained the bacteria, it had not spread and his vitals continued to slowly improve. That brings us back to tonight.
The "source" of the infection is not known but we do know it entered his body through his right foot.
Bill and Jill's dear friend, Addison May, has led a team of doctors. We are very blessed he has been on the case as his expertise and care have been extraordinary, both professionally and personally with all of us.
Jill has been strong and by his side every minute with the support and love of many friends and family. Allie and Analise along with three of my four girls and Stasia's daughter, Grace all went to camp today in Indiana. Nick is home with Jill. The children know that Bill is sick but not the extent of his illness.
We are all coming to grips with the fact that this will be a "marathon". Your continued support and prayers will give us all strength, especially Bill, as he continues to fight.
All our love, Jill, Stasia, Bill, Jenny, Kate, Mom, Daddy and our entire family
Friday, June 26, 2009
A good day!
Bill was moved from the SICU today to a "regular" hospital room. He also showered and shaved. Many of the lines were removed from his arms and he looks more like "our Bill". The effects of his sickness continue but he can easily carry on a conversation and is completely aware of his surroundings. Fortunately, he remembers virtually nothing of his 7 days in the SICU.
He is exhausted as sleeping is very difficult. His Dr.'s would like him to get as much rest as possible this weekend to aid in his recovery. There will be lots and lots and lots and lots of time to spend with Bill as he recovers.
Daddy will go home to Lebanon tomorrow for the week and be back for the 4th bringing the girls from camp with him. We will miss his presence next week but know his leaving is a good sign that he is confident Bill will be okay.
We received a card today from a dear family friend that said "You gave us quite a scare, that's for sure! But I knew you would pull through because I had a dream that Jenny was crossing the street from the hospital, smoking a cigarette, holding a small baby that talked and she and the baby told me that you were going to be fine. I woke up feeling very positive.....how could a smoking mother holding her talking baby be wrong??"
We will take a positive sign ANYWHERE we can get it! All of your signs of love and support are so very appreciated and felt by all of us.
Love, The Obremskey's
He is exhausted as sleeping is very difficult. His Dr.'s would like him to get as much rest as possible this weekend to aid in his recovery. There will be lots and lots and lots and lots of time to spend with Bill as he recovers.
Daddy will go home to Lebanon tomorrow for the week and be back for the 4th bringing the girls from camp with him. We will miss his presence next week but know his leaving is a good sign that he is confident Bill will be okay.
We received a card today from a dear family friend that said "You gave us quite a scare, that's for sure! But I knew you would pull through because I had a dream that Jenny was crossing the street from the hospital, smoking a cigarette, holding a small baby that talked and she and the baby told me that you were going to be fine. I woke up feeling very positive.....how could a smoking mother holding her talking baby be wrong??"
We will take a positive sign ANYWHERE we can get it! All of your signs of love and support are so very appreciated and felt by all of us.
Love, The Obremskey's
Thursday, June 25, 2009
We all had the opportunity to visit with Bill today. His recovery remains steady. He is very, very tired but manages to have a conversation with everyone who comes in his room. He talked to both Allie and Nick on the phone today as well as Jeff Harelson and Flan. He realizes the love and concern he is receiving and is very moved by it all. Jill remains so very brave and is by his side constantly. She keeps a smile on her face as she comforts Bill and all of us.
Mike and Mary Esther Obremskey will leave tomorrow for home. Their being here has given us all comfort and strength, especially Halina.
We hope and pray each day is a little better then last for Bill. With your prayers, love and support, he continues to move in the "right" direction. Thank you.
Much love, The Obremskey's
Mike and Mary Esther Obremskey will leave tomorrow for home. Their being here has given us all comfort and strength, especially Halina.
We hope and pray each day is a little better then last for Bill. With your prayers, love and support, he continues to move in the "right" direction. Thank you.
Much love, The Obremskey's
Bill continues to move in a positive direction with his recovery. He had a difficult night as he is coping with the effects of being very sick. He communicates with us very well and is "tracking" well mentally.
Kate went back to FL yesterday with Nick and my Megan and Stasia left this morning for CA. The other children are at Gnaw Bone Camp in IN. We will all be back here next weekend for the Fourth of July.
Keep your prayers coming. Love, The Obremskey's
Kate went back to FL yesterday with Nick and my Megan and Stasia left this morning for CA. The other children are at Gnaw Bone Camp in IN. We will all be back here next weekend for the Fourth of July.
Keep your prayers coming. Love, The Obremskey's
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Bill's news continues to be positive. His organ functions and vitals are improving steadily. In surgery this morning, his Dr's closed the wounds on his foot and were able to partially close the wound on his thigh. The next milestone is to remove the breathing tube and take him off the ventilator. The Dr's have asked us to limit our visits to him as he comes out of sedation because he easily recognizes us and tries too hard to communicate. We take this as a good sign!
Your love, support and prayers continue to heal Bill and are greatly appreciated.
Your love, support and prayers continue to heal Bill and are greatly appreciated.
Bill's surgery is at 7:30am. We will not meet with the Dr. until later this morning so my entry won't be until noonish. Many of you have requested our addresses. Mom and Dad are staying at Bill and Jill's.
Bill and Jill Obremskey
3609 Knollwood Drive
Nashville, TN 37215
Jenny Hannon
4422 Forsythe Place
Nashville, TN 37205
Bill and Jill Obremskey
3609 Knollwood Drive
Nashville, TN 37215
Jenny Hannon
4422 Forsythe Place
Nashville, TN 37205
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday night, June 23
Bill had a peaceful afternoon which he needed to rest for surgery in the morning. He was visited this morning by two of his dear "Duke friends", Greg Flanagan and Jeff Harelson. When he was told they were in the room, he gave them a thumbs up - we were all thrilled to hear it.
The report from his Dr. this afternoon was that his labs and vitals continue to be moving in the right direction and they remain optimistic about his progress. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming - they are working!
The report from his Dr. this afternoon was that his labs and vitals continue to be moving in the right direction and they remain optimistic about his progress. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming - they are working!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Dear Friends and Family,
We are establishing this blog today as an efficient way of keeping everyone updated on Bill's progress and ways to help the family. Please feel free to post comments for Bill and his family.
Today for Bill
Bill continues to make progress on his long journey of healing his body from this serious infection. He has regained some degree of consiousness and recognized a number of family and friends who visited him today. His doctors decided this morning to reinsert the breathing tube and initiate the ventilator to assist him with his breathing. While he was breathing on his own yesterday, it was with great effort and they felt that this step would allow him to rest and reserve his energy for healing. This was a good step for him, but a difficult step for us. This is an example of how this journey will unfold, three steps forward and one step back.
Tomorrow, he will return to the OR as planned to check the status of his thigh and foot wound. Depending on the doctors' observations, they will determine what the next course of action is for these areas. They are confident that the bacteria is no longer present in his blood or his tissues.
For those of you in Nashville who have offered to help, please contact Lacey Bulow by email at: bulowbunch@comcast.net. We would appreciate if you would direct your inquiries to her rather than to his medical team who is working overtime to get Bill healthy again.
We are grateful for your prayers, thoughts and offers of assistance. As the doctor's have told us, this will be a marathon not a sprint and we're just off the starting line. There will be many opportunities to support us along the way.
Much Love,
The Obremskey Family
We are establishing this blog today as an efficient way of keeping everyone updated on Bill's progress and ways to help the family. Please feel free to post comments for Bill and his family.
Today for Bill
Bill continues to make progress on his long journey of healing his body from this serious infection. He has regained some degree of consiousness and recognized a number of family and friends who visited him today. His doctors decided this morning to reinsert the breathing tube and initiate the ventilator to assist him with his breathing. While he was breathing on his own yesterday, it was with great effort and they felt that this step would allow him to rest and reserve his energy for healing. This was a good step for him, but a difficult step for us. This is an example of how this journey will unfold, three steps forward and one step back.
Tomorrow, he will return to the OR as planned to check the status of his thigh and foot wound. Depending on the doctors' observations, they will determine what the next course of action is for these areas. They are confident that the bacteria is no longer present in his blood or his tissues.
For those of you in Nashville who have offered to help, please contact Lacey Bulow by email at: bulowbunch@comcast.net. We would appreciate if you would direct your inquiries to her rather than to his medical team who is working overtime to get Bill healthy again.
We are grateful for your prayers, thoughts and offers of assistance. As the doctor's have told us, this will be a marathon not a sprint and we're just off the starting line. There will be many opportunities to support us along the way.
Much Love,
The Obremskey Family
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