Personal Post: Warren's Wife (With Updates)

(Two posts today.  Please scroll down)

Yesterday, Warren's wife fell and broke her ankle.

Considering her physical problems, this is serious. I don't know more yet and am awaiting further word from Warren. Updates are appearing below the fold.

UPDATE @ 9:05 A.M., EDT: I just got off the phone with Warren, who is back at the hospital now after spending the night at home, where the hot water heater suddenly stopped working.

1. Jackie will be having surgery today, June 13, at 11:00 A.M, CDT. The surgery involves putting in a pin and/or a plate in the region of her ankle. Without the surgery, which is highly risky for her, she would never walk again at all.

2. Oxygen levels are a problem because of Jackie's compromised respiratory system. She is at high risk for pneumonia now and would be certain to get pneumonia if she could never walk again.

3. Warren wouldn't be able to keep her at home if she couldn't walk again.

4. Jackie is in great pain even with all the painkillers being pumped into her IV. Of course, the doctors have to be extremely cautious about using painkillers because of Jackie's compromised respiratory system.

5. Jackie fell because she was dizzy, likely due to low oxygen levels.  Diabetes is an additional concern.

UPDATE on June 14 @ 5:45 A.M., EDT: The doctors were able to put in a pin and a plate without putting Jackie under general anesthesia, thus greatly reducing, and have pronounced the operation successful in that she will be able to walk again (meaning that she will be able to transfer from the recliner to the electric wheelchair). She is presently in intensive care and conscious, but in considerable pain. Warren spent last night with her at the hospital. The doctors haven't gotten as far as telling Warren and Jackie what comes next to facilitate her recovery.


UPDATE on June 15 @ 4:57 P.M., EDT: I spoke with Warren today. Jackie is still in intensive care and will likely remain in intensive care through the weekend. She is still in a lot of pain, but the doctors cannot give her additional pain medications without compromising her respiration. When Jackie is discharged from the hospital, she will have to go to a nursing home for recovery and therapy. It is unknown at the time how long she will remain in the nursing home. Warren is exhausted, of course; however, he is at work today so as not to use up his few remaining days of leave and to earn enough pay to continue paying the health-insurance premiums.

UPDATE on June 17 @ 5:45 A.M., EDT:Jackie is out of intensive care, and I spoke with her yesterday for the first time since she fell. She's doing well. A release date has not been set, but Warren and their son are in the process of finding a skilled care facility with rehab. Jackie will be in rehab for quite a period of time.