Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Wed Aug 13 --10 PM

Leigh and Leighton (Liesl's father and brother) just returned from seeing Liesl. Good news, in general:

First, Liesl's temperature is down to 98.2. The cooling blanket underneath her is still in place, but the blanket on top is now pulled back.

Second, her inner cranial pressure (ICP) is also down within normal parameters. The medication is working.

Third, she is "breathing over the vent" meaning that Liesl is able to breath at least a little bit on her own. The ventilator is pushing perhaps 14 breaths per minute and she is breathing at more like 20 per minute, so some of that is her own work.

Her heart rate is good and blood pressure is normal at 126/73.

An area of concern is that although her left eye is reactive, her right eye is still dilated, as it has been since the crash.

Right now, she needs to remain calm. Many people have asked about visiting Liesl but right now she needs to have limited stimulation - and hospital rules would not permit visits at this time.

When her father discussed her situation in front of her, her heart rate went up. (So he will not do that again!) For now, he continues to whisper in her ear how much she is loved by her family, her DG sisters, and all of her friends - especially in Memphis and St Louis.

Keep praying. Keep praying, all. God will surely hear our prayers for our Dear Liesl.

4 comments:

Shannon said...

Praise God for this bit of good news! Since we received word of the accident, Gareth, the kids, and I have been praying continuously for Liesl's recovery. She has been in my mind nonstop. I keep picturing the cute, freckle-faced cousin that I knew years ago, and when I see current photos of Liesl and hear of her achievements, I feel so proud of the intelligent, beautiful woman that my cousin has become! I will continue to pray without ceasing until Liesl is fully recovered. We wish we could be physically present with you, but please know that we're present in love, thought, and prayer. We love you all so much.

Shannon, Gareth, Mason, Harper, and Georgia

Lynne Marie Becker said...

Hi Shannon and all of the Becker/Kenee family! Thanks for your note and your ongoing prayers. Leigh continues to remind Liesl of everyone's love and support for her. We know she hears what he tells her and that the love and prayer will give her strength to keep fighting.

Much love to you all as well,
Lynne Marie

lexinamer said...

That is absolutely wonderful news! A positive way to end the night. Hopefully, Liesl will continue to get stronger and stronger. Just know that all of her friends in Memphis and from Ridgeway have her and the rest of your family in our constant prayers.

Lexi Namer

Sharon Holmes said...

Yeah, Praise the Lord!!! I am so very glad to hear this good news! I am glad that Leigh is encouraging Leisl. Its amazing what encouraging words with the power of prayer can do! As a nurse, I have seen this happen time after time.
Sharon, Johnny, Brent and Catherine Holmes