Life can sometimes throw up a roadblock that brings things to a stop for a while... On Dec. 21, Vern was working on a plumbing issue out in the shop building. He has known for sometime that he had an anuryism behind the knee on his left leg, but was going with the theory "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" He was careful to not squat which would restrict blood flow - until that Monday...
He sat back on his heels to study the situation, and the artery clamped shut and almost immediately began to form a huge clot. Pain was immediate, so he got up and came in the house, walked around a bit and it eased up, so we ate lunch and he decided it was okay to go back to work - although on a different project that did not require squatting!
He walked out to the trash barrels, but that did it - he barely made it back to the house and was in acute pain. We headed to Tulsa to the ER - no long waits there - the nurse immediately assessed the situation and he was moved quickly through the process. A CT scan showed absolutely NO blood flow below the knee, so he was prepped for immediate surgery. Muscle tissue will start to die after 6 hours if there is no blood supply - when he was taken in to surgery it had been 6 hours since the episode began... We later learned that one of the nurses on the trauma team in the OR that day goes to church with our daughter. He told her later that when he walked in and reviewed the history with Vern and saw his leg - he assumed that an amputation was about to happen. However, the doctor came in and said, "not yet!"
After 30 days in the hospital, 4 surgeries, 2 blood transfusions, MRSA infection in the wounds, an exceptional surgeon named Dr. Edwin Yeary, and LOTS of prayer - I am thrilled to report that Vern is back at home - with his foot and leg attached - and is making great progress! He has had 4 open wounds that require daily dressing changes, but we saw the doctor yesterday and he just shook his head in amazement as he told us that "you had a higher power than me that was working for you". He has a great physical therapist who has him up and walking again with only a cane, but able to climb the stairs! The nerves in his foot aren't completely online yet and he doesn't have much feeling or complete function, but making progress every day.
Two weeks ago, the stress (?) took it's toll on me, and I experienced a light heart attack! Thankfully, there is no permanent damage, and no heart disease - just a wake-up call to get more R & R.
So, my message to each of you - never take anything for granted! Your health, your spouse, even your ability to walk across the room! And don't forget who gives you the bountiful blessings you enjoy each day! All praises and thanks to God!
Comments
So sorry!
Vern and Sarah,
That sounds like a real close call. I am so glad that you made it to the hospital in time and that your heart was just giving you a warning.
I guess Vern is a pretty tough fellow.
Stay safe and I am glad you are both alright.
Patrick
Stay on top of things...
And especially stay on top of the sod. Glad to hear you've made it this far and are on the road to recovery. Take good care of each other so you can keep inspiring others.
Vern Street
You both take care. God has been watching over you.
Vern & Sara
Dear Vern & Sara,
I'm so Happy to hear that you both are doing O.K. It sounds like that you both are going to get some much earned/Dr. required R & R.
Linda & I too, try to remember our "blessings" everyday we awake, "on this side of the sod". None of Us, get out of here unscar'd, I've come to learn, in my short 51+ yrs. And, healing, is still possible too, another "Blessing".
Thank You Both! For being a blessing in my life. You both, were major in our decision to finally take the leap of "Faith" in taking the class, and becoming members of the LHBA.
Dang it Vern! I suppose now I'll have to move you up further on my LHBA Tour List, cause in Sara to have heart problems......
Take Care, Hope you both heal well & fast. You might be forced to take it easy for awhile, another blessing in disguise!
Sincerely,
Tom
praises and well wishes and chiding
Vern and Sara, Praised be to God that you are both doing so well! you will be in our prayers tonight and each night for quite I while, rest assured.
best wishes for continued recovery. please take things slow and easy, even though the 'rest' maybe giving you 'cabin fever'!!
now for the chiding. Mr and Mrs. Street, you waited all these weeks to tell us?! we could have started the prayers and well-wishes WAY back then! ... we do sort of see you as family, you know?
take care of yourselves and each other. our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vern N Sara
good JU JUs.headed you way!!
Vern and Sara
Glad to hear you're all doing okay now. Please be more careful, we don't want to lose you guys.
Glad you are both doing better...
Fri, 2010-02-19 19:39
I feel like I know you folks even though you do not know me. You are on my prayer list now. Keep healing, Jan
Living in California, dreaming of Montana...
Wow Sarah and Vern! Y'all
Wow Sara and Vern! Y'all have been through a lot! We'll keep you in our prayers.
bump in the road
Sara, thanks for giving our LHBNA family a report on what's going on in the Street household.
We will hold you guys in our prayers and praise God that you two are improving.
And, I personally want you to know if there is anything that needs doing immediately there on your place just let me know and I will be there within a day or so to help where I can. I could stay over there a week or so if needed. Maybe cook, clean, finish a must do project, however I can help. Don't worry about putting me up, I love sleeping out in cold weather and have the necessary gear.
wayne (aka wwlivin)
bump in road
glad to hear that u 2 are ok u both have been a great inspiration to me take time to recover before moving forward
one of the things i like about this group is the calibar of people with in with such inner strength and desire to obtain there dream or goals take care joe
Thanks everyone!
Wow! We tend to forget what a great group of folks are on this forum... thank you so much for all the good wishes and prayers! My apologies for not posting sooner, as mentioned... but during Vern's hospital stay, we were having blizzards and ice storms here in Oklahoma - so I just stayed at the hospital in Tulsa with him. Thus, no access to the computer and internet!
We've been home for 3 weeks and I thought we would have lots of downtime... wrong! Daily visits from home health and physical therapy - the days fly by!
Special thanks to wwliving for your generous offer! We are very well taken care of right now with great family and awesome neighbors! The house is not completely finished but very livable.
Vern and Sara
we totally understand why you waited to let us know whats going on with you all. sorry for making you feel you need to apologize!! MY apologies for that! uncalled for on my part. we're just very glad everything worked out as well as it did.
glad you've got supportive neighbors and friends but as Wayne said, if you need anything just give a hollar and we'd love to help. we DO feel like a big LHBA family, you see.
prayers and blessings, Pauline
Vern and Sara
You guys will both be in my prayers. I hope Vern continues on to a swift and full recovery.
Message received! I wholeheartedly agree.
To Vern and Sara,
I'm so sorry to hear you two have been ill! But I am much relieved to hear you are on the mend.
Get well soon!
Sincerely,
Frances
Hello Ellsworth!
When we count our blessings, we count you, Steve, and LHBA twice! What a difference it made in our lives when we attended the school and met you guys! When health is an issue, it is wonderful to not have the added stress of a financial burden coming from a big mortgage! God bless you as you continue to help folks like us to live their dreams!