Blessings Abound

It's been a while since I have visited this site. I try not to remember to much about this summer and all the trauma. Tonight I decided to re-read many of the posts and was reminded of all the many friends and blessings we have. Many people have asked for another post - so here is a brief update on the girls.

Lydia is completely healed (amazing) as X-rays showed today.  Dr. Talbert said she could have the rod removed in 18 months, so that is the plan for now.  She has been cleared to run and exercise and she started today (with her brother). She is teaching third grade in Memphis TN at Lester Elementary.  She has a tough group but is enjoying the challenge.

Ginny is still enjoying Auburn and is really enjoying the break.  She is very involved in St. Michael's church, babysits for three rambunctious little boys, and has remained involved with her sorority.  Her heal and wrist still bother her a little but she is getting around just fine.

We will continue to keep you all in our prayers and hope for a quiet year in 2009.

Happy New Year!

John and Audrey 

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Home Stretch!

Lydia, John and I moved Ginny to Auburn on Saturday!  She left her crutch at home and was ready to start classes on Monday. One healed (almost) and one to go.

Lydia is doing remarkably well!  She got a new pair of Nike's ( and wears them) and is continuing with therapy three days a week. She is still on her crutches but is getting around so much better. She does most things without any help. She is determined to speed up this healing  process.  We are so blessed!

Since I have started back to school, this will be the last update.  There are no words to express all the emotions we have have felt knowing we have such special people in our lives. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the prayers, calls, cards, dinners, and visits!  

With much love- 

The Jost Family

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We're back home!

Lydia's surgery went very well today!! She didn't have to stay overnight and we were home by 2:00 this afternoon.  Everything went better than planned.  Dr. Talbert and Andi (Jonathan's girlfriend) did a wonderful job and got the bone in Lydia's leg straightened without any new incisions.  She was nauseous from the anesthesia, but hopefully that will be gone tomorrow.  She is able to to resume physical therapy tomorrow, if she's feeling better.  Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.  They have surely pulled her through once again!

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Weekly update

We continue to make progress here at the Jost house. Lydia has been moving around and enjoying visitors (and a birthday!)

She will have one more surgery on her leg this Tuesday morning. The doctor will go in to straighten the bone. She might or might not have to stay overnight. We will know on Tuesday, depending on how she does. The doctor says this should not be too much of a set back. She is scheduled for therapy on Wednesday.

Ginny is now able to put weight on her foot and is also going to therapy. It is really crazy to see us all file in and they know us by name - Imagine that! Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We would not be this far into recovery without them.

Update

We have had a very good week. Lydia retired the wheel chair and has become more mobile each day. She is using her crutches, slowly but surely, as she travels around the house. She is continuing to progress with her physical therapy and works at home to speed things up. Both the girls have appointments tomorrow and we hope Ginny will get a walking boot. We still don't have a date for Lydia to return to Memphis or Ginny to Auburn. August should give us a better idea. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Great week-end!

This has been a very good day! The girls have entertained us with their jokes and laughter. Lydia continues to do some of her exercises and her movement improves each day. She is becoming a little more independent, which is not always a good thing. I am amazed at the difference two weeks and lots of prayers makes. We are so thankful each day that the girls continue to progress. We are keeping you all in our prayers.

Good News!

Lydia had a great report from the doctor today. Her lungs were clear, so no pneumonia. She had everything X-rayed and is healing nicely. She may need to have another small surgery on her femur bone, but that will not be until later. It will be done to straighten the bone if it doesn't straighten by itself. She began her physical therapy today and really surprised us. She worked hard and did all the exercises that she was asked to do. She also stood up, very carefully, and balanced on her left foot. The doctors and therapist want her out of that wheelchair fast! We do too! We are overjoyed with this outcome and are so thankful. As my cousin Paddy said on her blog " Our God is an Awesome God" (and that's one of my favorite camp songs).

Update 11:00 pm

Monday night wasn't as slow as I had expected. Lydia developed a high fever later in the night. We were able to get it down with cool cloths, Tylenol, and antibiotics. We avoided a trip to the emergency room and were able to keep her at home. The doctor thought it might be pneumonia, so she has been resting most of this week. We will visit the doctors tomorrow and get more X-rays and information. We are hoping for good news as we continue to move forward with our summer.

Slowing down

Now that we don't have nurses and doctors to run around for us (except Andi) we are doing most of the running ourselves. Ginny got her stitches out today from her hand surgery last week. Lydia slept and read a good part of the day. She and Ginny are watching a movie together now and I am happy for that. I don't really have much more to report today- I am glad things are slowing down a bit. I will continue to post as new information arises, but it will not be daily. I do thank everyone for all the love and concern you have shown our family.

Sunday update

Now that we are out of the danger zone, we are resting a bit better. Lydia had a rough morning with stomach problems and couldn't keep her breakfast down. She has since gotten her medicine and is resting comfortably (if that's possible). This is the first day that the pain has really gotten to her - so I know this week will be tough.

As I sat in church this morning, I was again overwhelmed by the blessings our family have received. From good friends packing and driving Lydia's car home from Atlanta, to food, flowers, cards, and prayers we are so thankful. We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers also.

Home and Adjusting

We made it home safely. It was a most uncomfortable ride for Lydia but she is a trooper and we made it. Maneuvering into the house and around the house is taking lots of thought and planning. Even little movements cause Lydia a lot of pain. We are still trying to adjust . We apologize if we don't answer the phone or door but it is taking both of us to get her situated. We appreciate your prayers. Lydia will go Thursday for a follow up visit and we'll know more then. There is no place like home.

Coming home!

OK - They have officially told us we are ready to come home. Cheer Cheer! We still don't know exactly when we can actually leave the hospital today but maybe by late this afternoon we will be on our way.

Lydia got a little practice in her wheelchair, but it really tired her out. She has been sleeping a whole lot the past two days and the doctor says that will continue after we return home. It will probably be best if she doesn't have visitors until the middle of next week. I know that will be difficult for some of ya'll :) but she continues to try to make conversation and her body is just not ready. She will definitely be very antsy by next week and would really appreciate the visits then.

Please pray for a safe and comfortable trip home. Again, thanks for all the prayers!!

Update - waiting

Well - everyone is sleeping and no doctors yet! Hope to see someone soon to find out some information. I will pass it along as soon as we know. John and I are still overwhelmed by the prayers and concern. A big thanks from the bottoms of our hearts!

Evening Update 6 p.m.

Lydia is finally off of the diabetic diet-eating regular food including ice cream and jelly beans. What is a true friend? Friends who will pick all the purple jelly beans out of your pack of jelly beans if purple is your least favorite flavor! Lydia has been blessed with many true friends who have shown amazing love and concern every day. She got her stitches out of her face today -Audrey stopped counting at 32! She sat up 3 times today already. The first time was a bit rough but she is getting better and better as are her expert parent helpers. Blood pressure is slowly stabilizing. We still don't have a firm return-home day but maybe it will be tomorrow. The doctor has advised plenty of rest for Lydia to heal. We know Lydia will be anxious to see all of her friends but we will just take it one day at a time and keep this blog updated to let you know when she is up for short visits.

New day 9:00 am CST

Lydia continues to progress, slowly but surely each day. We worked with the physical therapist this morning and he is teaching us some tricks. We are still uncertain about the return home. She is enjoying the flowers, cards, and goodies that have been sent (and we are too!). We continue to be uplifted by your prayers and concern. If nothing else, this accident has made our hearts swell with gratitude for the knowledge that our family has so many caring friends. God has truly blessed our family.

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Wishy Washy Information

Hi everyone! Thanks for keeping up with the blog. Lydia has been released medically but physically it is very difficult to travel--she really hasn't even been out of the bed yet and with the many bones that are broken, it could take awhile to figure out how best to travel. So, the details for getting her back to Birmingham have not been worked out. It might be even later than Thursday before she returns. Audrey and John still need to talk to the doctors to work everything out. We will let you know details as soon as we know them. Also, as you might know, Lydia is a member of Teach for America and was to start in Memphis this school year. If you would like to know more about this wonderful program, check it out here Teach for America.

IMPORTANT CHANGE-not home until TOMORROW MORNING

The physical therapist needs to work with Audrey and John so they will know how to best care for Lydia at home and they need to see one more set of doctors in the morning. So, tomorrow is the day now. We are not sure what time we will be out or what time we will be home but she will need plenty of rest for the first few days at home. You can continue to leave comments. She enjoys reading them. We'll keep you posted.

Lydia's Coming HOME!

We received word today that Lydia should be released sometime today/tonight to home in Birmingham! So, if you were planning the trip to TN, hold on---we're coming home! She will be accompanied by lots of equipment, strict orders not to put ANY weight on her bones for at least 2 weeks. Probably 6 to 8 weeks in a wheelchair but we'll find out about physical therapy and all of that later. Thanks be to GOD! Keep the prayers coming for strength for Lydia, safe travel, and continued healing for both sisters. We'll keep you posted!

Good morning 9:30 CST

All is relatively quiet here this morning. I know things will change as the afternoon approaches. The orthopedic doctor has visited and said everything is looking good. She's had breakfast, but didn't eat much. She seems a bit tired today - too funny yesterday. She does have clean sheets etc. and that makes a big difference. We still haven't heard a release date and hope it won't be much longer. We are missing Birmingham and family and friends.

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Afternoon update 4:00 CST

I am laughing as I write this listening to Lydia's conversation with one of her best friends. She was discussing her novel "Trauma Girl" and thinks it will be a best seller. She is a funny girl and quickly getting back to normal.

On a medical note, her laceration was much larger than we had expected but they only put one stitch to help it heal. It was really too late for more She was a little concerned about a haircut they gave her for the stitch - and jokingly asked if she might have a stylish one.

The physical therapist came by and gave her a small workout and hopes to have orders for a wheelchair soon. She also has a breath-o-meter to increase lung capacity and is using it frequently.

All is good here. We are expecting her siblings here tonight and she is excited. We continue to thank God and pray for others who are in this position. We continue to be uplifted by the posts on this blog. Please continue to pray and post - Lydia is able to read them now.

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New update- 8:30 am

Love the new room and breakfast too! Lydia actually enjoyed the cream of wheat and apple juice. We have a great view of the helicopter pad (lots of noise). The doctors really do exist- and we got a few questions answered today. Lydia will be wheelchair bound for 6-8 weeks - so everyone beware (no drivers license required). She will have another x-ray today to check out the progress of her other fractures. A 2 inch laceration was found on the back of her head and that will be addressed today. It's great to be in the room with her 24/7. More updates as information changes. God has truly blessed us! Thanks for your continued prayers.

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Prayers around the World-8 am CST

This is Cameron, Lydia's Aunt "Ki". We are so happy Lydia is now in a room (see post below from Audrey). I just wanted to say thanks for the many prayers for my niece and Godchild and thought you might be interested to see this. I took a snapshot of the recent visitor map you see on the right side of this page. This morning at 8:00 a.m. there were people visiting the web site from 5 countries and a TON of states. Prayers warriors and friends and family around the globe--we THANK you! Of course you know from this family of teachers we had to include a geography lesson in here somewhere!

New room! 11:30 pm CST

John and I had just crawled into a comfy bed at the Ronald McDonald house - and guess what? Lydia got a room!! Hooray! She is in room 9149 and VERY happy. She has been asking for a sprite for two days and finally got that too. Life is good! I will be staying with her tonight and will actually enjoy the "couch bed".

Update 10:00 p.m. CST

Lydia is on a waiting list for a room but hasn't received one yet. We can only visit ICU 3 times a day and that is why the updates are not as frequent. We (Audrey and John) are now in a room in the Ronald McDonald house across the street from the hospital. We are so thankful to have a place to stay close to Lydia. The house has been fabulous providing meals as well as a room. Volunteers from the community provide meals for families. We are so grateful. We continue to be uplifted by your prayers and comments. They did find another laceration on the back of Lydia's head. The trauma doctor will look at it tonight and will give us an update in the morning. We won't visit again until 9:30 a.m. CST and will try to update you again then.

Update - good news 4:00 CST

Great news! Lydia will be getting a private room soon. The orders have been put in and we will let you know a soon as we have a number. The CT scan came back clear and everything is moving right along. She is really talking and even joking a little with her friends. She commented that she was sorry, but she wouldn't be doing the stomp anytime soon seeing as how her legs are out of commission. She is not as disoriented and cannot wait to watch movies or listen to her music. She is excited to receive cards and pictures. She has been released for a liquid diet, which is great & might be able to move to solid food soon. Looks like there will be no more surgery & all of her bones will heal with time and therapy.

Update July 7-10:00 CST

Lydia's MRI report came back fine! We are so thankful and know all our prayers are being heard. She was a little disoriented this morning, which the doctor said was normal. They ordered another CT scan just as a precaution and we will hear about that this afternoon. She asked several times "when can I have my own room?". She is very ready to leave the ICU. We hope it won't be long. She has been blessed with visits from very close friends and I know this is keeping her spirits up. We are overwhelmed with all the postings on this site! Thanks you so much for reminding us how blessed we are. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers. We still have no idea how long we will be here in Chattanooga but hope to be home soon.

Update 9:00 p.m. CST

There have been lots of visitors to the hospital. One good friend brought Lydia a special back to school Mister Potato Head complete with backpack and school books. Lydia has great nurses. One nurse said, "Lydia is the sweetest patient. You can tell when a child has been raised right!" She even mouthed thank you around a tube that was in her mouth. Lydia looks great. She is tired though. John and I were in her room talking and she told us "Good Night" to let us know it was time for us to leave. We hope to get more updates on Lydia tomorrow regarding when she will be in a room, how long she will need to stay, when physical therapy begins, etc. This was a holiday weekend so that is why we probably haven't heard much. Note: Lydia was wearing a seat belt though it was only a lap belt but it did save her life.

Update 4:00 pm CST -by mom (Audrey)

Wow! What a difference 6 hours makes! Lydia is smiling and talking! She has informed us "I am made of steel" and plans a quick, full recovery. Her positive attitude is contagious. We are so happy she has had several tubes removed and looks more like herself. Keep us all in your prayers. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. We are also enjoying the comments.

Update 10:36 a.m CST

From Audrey: She is doing good. Tube is out. Able to communicate saying yes/no. She is hurting of course. She looks good. Moving everything. She is still in ICU. She is starting to become her feisty self again. Only wants to see Audrey and John for now.

Lydia Update July 6th, 5:40 a.m. by Audrey

I called this morning and she had a very stable night. She responded well to the nurse during the night. We will visit at 9:30 CST and hope her breathing tube will be out.
(posted by Audrey)

Update July 5th at 9:10 p.m. CST

Audrey and John were able to spend an hour with Lydia in ICU after the surgery. She is stabilized. The surgeon said the bones lined up perfectly. The other bones are stable now and hopefully will heal on their own without surgery. These include all the bones mentioned in previous posts. There has been no word on the MRI results or her neck. They must wait to speak to the trauma doctor or neurosurgeon hopefully tomorrow. They said she will be in ICU for at least 5 days if she is doing well. She is on steroids so that there is no internal swelling from the trauma. She is on insulin to balance out her blood sugar from the steroids. She is still on the breathing tube because they don't like to remove it at night. Hopefully, it will be removed in the morning. They feel as if she can be without it. She is on Fentanyl which is pain drug stronger than morphine. Audrey said she didn't really open her eyes because they are covered with some type of medicine and she is so heavily medicated. However, she does do thumbs up with both left and right hands and wiggles her toes when the nurse asks her to respond. She has a very dry mouth but can't have anything else right now. Audrey and John are not in the Ronald McDonald house yet and will probably sleep in the ICU lobby. The friends and family who are visiting are staying in nearby hotels.

Please pray that Lydia receives needed care from the professionals and for the MRI results to show a healthy neck and spine. We also hope that the breathing tube is out before Audrey and John visit in the morning.

Update July 5th 6:00 p.m. CST

Lydia is out of surgery. She is still sedated. ICU nurse said she did well. They are getting her settled and hopefully after that the family can visit her. More updates to come. Remember you can leave comments under each post. Please put your name in the post if you can; especially if you are posting anonymously.

Update July 5th 5:06 p.m. CST

Lydia is in surgery now where a rod will be put in from her hip to her knee. Her MRI results are not back yet to show any neck fractures. When she is stable after surgery they will remove the ventilator and watch her for 24 hours in ICU to make sure she can deep breathe. Since all of her ribs are broken it will be difficult for her to do so but she must do that to be off the ventilator. She also has a broken collar bone, clavicle, pelvis and nose plus lacerations all over her face. When she is stable they will try to talk to her about her neck to ask her questions about how it can move, etc.

Lydia

Lydia was in a serious car accident on July 4th and was flown by Life Force helicopter to Erlinger Trauma Center in Chattanooga, TN. She is in critical condition in the ICU and is on a ventilator. She has a broken femur, pelvis, nose, ribs and a laceration on her face. An MRI is being done to determine if there is a fracture in her neck and chest. Please keep Lydia and her family in your prayers.