Wanda S.

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Sarahlicious 21 years, 11 months ago

Wanda & Jack, you are both in my thoughts. I hope things continue to improve and that this challenging time will be over soon and you can get back to a more normal life together.

Wanda S. 21 years, 11 months ago

The elbow surgery went well. They installed a medicinal "drip" device at the surgery site which provides 10 hrs of pain relief (something like a catheter). PT will start tomorrow along with oral pain meds (not a duragesic patch). Wanda will receive a radiation treatment on the elbow in order to discourage any further bone formation. We're looking at 3-6 months of elbow "cranking" in order to maintain the increased range of motion gained by the surgery. Wanda is in good spirits with discharge slated for Friday, June 4. -- Jack Smart

Connie M. 21 years, 11 months ago

Wanda, Today was your 2nd elbow surgery, please post and let us know how you are doing. What are you using for pain control?

cctru 21 years, 11 months ago

Hi Jack and Wanda, just thought I'd stop by and see how you're doing - great news about the wheelchair, and that you've overcome the addiction. Just wanted you to know there are still a lot of people out here that care about your progress and pray for your consistant recovery. Best wishes to your daughter too! Carol C.

Wanda S. 21 years, 11 months ago

Complete withdrawl from the patch accomplished. After a scare from Wanda's latest mammogram (calcification within the right breast, with eventual benign results from a biopsy after 22 days of worry) we are back on track for the elbow surgery -- now scheduled for June 1. Our daughter recently became engaged with a November wedding planned. This will keep Wanda and I busy betweeen post operative therapy sessions. After the elbow issue is resolved, Wanda will concentrate on further improving her mobility. Hopefully she can graduate from the walker to a cane. -- Jack Smart

ceridwyn 21 years, 11 months ago

Hi Wanda and Jack - Just stopped in to say hello and find out how things are going. I read your last two posts, and it's so unreal that doctors would put someome on a continual-release Durgesic patch for two years, not even considering there would be an addiciton issue to confront. She needed something that strong at first with all those different treatments going on, but to say the length of this application was overkill is a huge understatement. So now you've had to add withdrawal to all the rest! I hope this will be last of the medical mishaps for Wanda... enough already! Medical care in the good old USA? Hum... I am happy to hear that Wanda has been able to discontinue the use of that patch, but even better is - NO MORE WHEELCHAIR!! WOOHOO!! That's great news! And don't we crush our crackers when we put them in the soup anyway? So, how did the elbow surgery go? AND a belated Happy Mother's Day! Hugs, love and peace - Mel

Jennifer .. 21 years, 11 months ago

Wanda and Jack - Courageous is only one word that comes to mind when I read your updates. Wanda, you have come so very far, and I know every single improvement - whether it's an extra minute on the treadmill or doing just a bit more with your arm - is a big and meaningful victory. After all this time, you still have so many friends on this site who are rooting for you (and celebrating every success Jack relays). Jack, your updates on here have made me cry, not just when you both faced setbacks, but also generally - out of amazement at your dedication and love. Both of you, and your two children, will be in my prayers. And, I intend on making sure my brother, a third-year med student reads your story, as a much-needed reminder of the value of competent, passionate care in a medical setting (and of patient advocates). Thank you so much for the updates - so we can all cheer you both on.

Havi S. 22 years ago

Wanda and jack, I have spent the last few hours reading about your journey and I have tears in my eyes. The tears are about the sorrow and pain that you've experienced, but also about the amazing love and perseverance that both of you exhibited. The two of you and your children are heros. You are not just "Smart", you are truly courageous. You have my respect and admiration.

Wanda S. 22 years ago

Wanda is becoming more positive and has stepped up her physical activity. The wheelchair has been retired and Wanda is using her walker and cane to get around. -- Jack Smart

Justme1969 22 years, 1 month ago

Wanda, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you continue to improve. :-)