Blood Drive Update

For specific Blood Drive details (see below post)

Thank you to those you have registered to give blood. Between the phone calls to my Mom and online registration/registration through me, we are 1/5 of the way to our goal of

100 Donors!!!

Obviously there are still plenty of available spots and we would love to fill every single one of them. Please help us spread the word.

I have heard from two people now that the registration link has not worked for them. I am sorry...I looked into it today, but on my end things are correct, and unfortunately I am not computer savvy enough to do any further diagnostic tests! :) I am the "sponsor" and can therefore register everyone, through "my special link." It truly takes me about one to two minutes to register someone. So please ask me to do it!

You can email me at amgreener1214@hotmail.com
leave a comment here on the blog
or find me on facebook under April Greener and send me a message

You can also call my Mom at 1-435-854-3854 and she can register you on paper (then I'll put the info on the online register to keep it current).

The only information we need is a name and a phone number.

The Red Cross volunteer called me to check in the other day, and I asked him what our family could do to make this as successful as possible. He told me we should "really just make this about Scott" and for me, there could not have been a better answer.

I remember donating blood in high school. I can honestly say that at that time, I was young and naive enough to want to do it purely to "get out" (sorry, Mom) of a few minutes of class and for a quick social outing. I never once thought about it as "life saving" or who could benefit from this few minutes of giving on my end. I donated for me, without thought of others.

Luckily, over the years (I won't say how many :)) I have personally witnessed the life saving ability donated blood can give to someone.

(Pardon the drama-but this is a true story!)

A few years into my nursing career in labor and delivery, I watched my patient, a healthy first time Mom, bleed out in front of my eyes. We were giving her donated blood as quickly as she was losing it. I'll never forget the doctor looking at our team and saying "We're losing her." I don't think I have ever prayed so fervently while working so furiously to keep her alive. 26 units of blood later within a two hour time period, we had exhausted the hospitals supply of blood (the patients type anyway) and she finally started to improve.

The next time I worked 4-5 days later, I visited this patient in the ICU. I had to see her and have a tangible confirmation that she was going to be okay. Although exhausted, she smiled and told me how grateful she was to be alive. I saw her sweet babe, who had been brought up for a visit, in its bassinet next to her bed and wished I could convey to this new life how lucky she was to have her Momma.

After that, I donated blood every time I could. Was it uncomfortable? Yes, for a short moment. Was it convenient? No, hardly ever. Did I sometimes leave feeling a bit blah? You bet.

But I knew how important it was, and I desperately wanted to do it.

As time faded the horrible memories of that incident, I donated less and less, and I feel badly about that now. The last time I donated blood was November 2010 when we first moved into our new home. Our stake was having a blood drive, and I admittedly signed up as a way to "get involved and meet people" in our new neighborhood and again, forgot the reason behind this important service.

But as I was sitting there donating, my blood wasn't quit "flowing fast enough" and they were worried that I would not be able to complete the needed amount of blood within the specific time frame. At that time, I was willing the blood to get out of me and into that bag! :) I thought of Scott, who had just been told he needed a liver transplant and again I desperately wanted my "sacrifice" to be able to help someone.

I wish Scott did not have to endure what he has for me to once again remember the importance of donating blood. I have A+ blood, and know my blood won't go to Scott, but it doesn't matter...it WILL help someone. And as I learned from spending countless hours in the ICU waiting room, there is more tragedy and grief and heartache in the world than any of us can even imagine. Of course, I would love to donate blood specifically for my brother and feel like the life in me has improved his, but I am content knowing that someone out there, will benefit.

I think our family is lucky that so many people know Scott's story. That is evidenced by the love, service, and support you have all shown for our family. And like I have said so many times, but have to say again because of how true it is--we can never thank you enough or repay you. Please know how grateful we are, and please if you can donate blood.


This is for Scott.

I'm so excited-that I just can't hide it! :)

I have to admit I am bursting with excitement, nervousness, and hope as the details are falling into place for the blood drive honoring my brother Scott!

Here are the details:

When: Friday August 5th, 2011
Time: 2pm-7pm
Where: Tremonton WEST Stake Center
345 South 1000 West
Tremonton, Utah

How to register: You can register online at http://www.givelife.org/sitecoordinator/index.cfm?Group=Donor
Registering online is easy and takes 3-4 minutes-I just finished! When you log into the site, click on the top tab labeled "Donors" Fill in your information (name and phone number is all that is required), choose a time, and you're ready to go! :)

If you want me to register for you-I would be happy too. Just send me an email amgreener1214@hotmail.com, leave a message here, or you can find me on facebook--just leave your name, phone number, and a time preference between 2-7pm and I will glady get you scheduled.
If you don't have the internet or if it is not convenient for you to do it that way, my Mom is taking phone calls and can schedule you over the phone. Please call Tamera Newman at 1-435-854-3854, if she isn't home, leave a message with your name, phone number, and again a time preference and she will schedule you.
We will be calling you the day before the blood drive with a friendly reminder.

Our goal is 100 donors!

You have all already done so much for our family, especially for Scott, I hate to ask for anything, but please, if you can, donate blood!

A few fun facts-to spread the excitement! :)

Every two seconds someone in the U.S needs blood.

Scott has received 20 units of blood products in the last 2+ months

The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.

Scott's blood type is O+.

A total of 30 million blood products are transfused each year in the U.S.

1 person donating blood=help for three people who need blood.

Scott needed blood to help him get well and I believe preserved his life. I am so grateful for the generous donations of strangers everywhere that compassionately donated blood that helped my brother.

(non Scott facts :) found here: http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics#blood-supply )

(Can't help but post again--one of my favorite photos of Scott).

We will have delicious drinks and treats for all (you can't beat my Mom's brownies!) but mostly our hearts will be full of love and gratitude. We have wanted to do this since day one of Scott's hospital admission and I am so happy to see if being fulfilled. Thank you so much. Words can not express my gratitude.

April

Blood

Scott has been having lab work monitored by the infectious control doctor at IMC. Yesterday, they called and told Scott he had to go to the BRVH to have a blood transfusion because of some alarming lab results.

As far as I know, Scott's platelets were low (52-again a normal result is above 150) and his hematocrit was low at 22 (normal results vary but generally for a male a hematocrit should be between 30-40).

There were some other abnormal results including his albumin level, potassium level, and a few others. Some abnormalities are likely related to his liver impairment while others related to his medication treatment.

Scott received two units of blood and was discharged home late last night.

In other blood related news...I submitted the registration form today for our family to host a blood drive. We want to do this for Scott as well as so many of the other families who are in similar positions. I long ago lost count, but Scott has likely received 20+ units of blood or blood products (like straight platelets or plasma).

We are hoping to get the blood drive organized for the first or second week in August. It will be held in Tremonton and we will need at least 100 committed donors. Please if you can, come donate blood in Scott's name and help us "pay it forward." Thank you , thank you, thank you!

I'll post all the details on the blog.

One Night

Last weekend Janiece went to watch Mick play ball and I had the opportunity to stay with Scott for a night.

Here is a quick run down of how the night went:

(Note-I didn't get to Scott's house until around 11pm because it was my daughter's birthday)

11:00pm-chat with Scott, look out the window any time ANY car drove by. I guess that's what you do in Bothwell..??? :)
11:15-oral pills
11:30-get IV antibiotic out of fridge
11:55-get IV line flushed-ready to go-hang antibiotic.
12:00am-antibiotic started, Tuck Scott in bed.
12:20-Scott sleeping-I check on antibiotic to make sure it is infusing well/the right speed.
1:00-antibiotic finished infusing. Disconnect line and flush IV line.
1:15-I close my eyes and fall asleep
3:00-Up to help Scott use the restroom (NOTE-there is some difference in opinion here--after Scott very quietly whispered my name, and I did not wake up he called me on the telephone to wake me up, to help him! He claims he had been YELLING for minutes. ha!)
3:15-back to sleep.
5:00-Scott awake and needs pain medication, get meds, something to eat (note to all-never take pain meds on an empty stomach!)
5:30- take antibiotic out of fridge
5:45-Scott's wound vacuum has a leak, get tape cut to right size and repair dressing.
6:00-flush IV line and start antibiotic.
7:00-IV antibiotic finished-flush line and go back to bed for a few minutes.
7:45-Get up and get Scott ready for a shower-cover his leg and his PICC line so they don't get wet.
8:30-out of shower, dressed, and ready for breakfast
9:00-Home health nurse arrives for blood draws
9:30-morning pills-take antibiotic out of fridge
10:00-flush IV line and hang antibiotics.

Shortly after this I packed Scott's bag of all the needed medical supplies for his IV, his wound, his vacuum, carefully wrapped his antibiotics in freezer packs and placed them in a cooler, loaded up pillows, wheelchair, walker, hung his IV up on a latch in his truck, and sent him on his way so he could watch his boy play ball and drop some cows off. All of this for a few hours away from home....

While I was doing this Shaunie and Shaylie were doing chores and loading cows into the trailer (Can you believe it?)

Funny Story-
After I sent Scott on his way, I went into town to visit my sister, Melissa. When her son asked me what I was doing in Tremonton, I jokingly told my nephew Mason that I was babysitting Scott. He asked me "Do you get paid?" I told him no, and Mason looked up at me with 7 year old innocence and said "Hmmm, well when my sister babysits people, she usually gets paid!"



I thought that Scott had a pretty good night when I was with him. I was able to do it without problem, because it was only one night. I came home that day and took a two hour nap. I called Janiece and told her how amazing and wonderful she is-and it's true. I can't imagine a night like that every single night and never getting un-interrupted sleep. We love Scott and are so happy he is home and that we are able to care for him at home...but being a caretaker is a difficult job! I chose this for my profession but Janiece didn't get that choice. She has so willingly and lovingly stepped into this role without complaint. If you can pray for Janiece-that she can be blessed with stamina, strength, and happiness. Thank you Janiece! Scott is so very lucky to have you. You're my hero.

The Good and The Bad.

Scott had surgery this morning at 8:00. Before surgery this morning, Scott was up brushing his teeth. There was water on the floor and he fell. The fall wasn't too bad but because of his recent surgery and his wound being open, his leg really started bleeding.

The surgeon came in moments later and Scott was still losing blood. They got him into surgery and sure enough some of the stitches that had been placed on Friday had been broken open when Scott fell.

The surgeon repaired the broken stitches and thought that his leg looked infection free!!!!

Scott will be discharged home today (!!!) and will be on antibiotics every 6 hours, likely for 6 weeks.

So grateful that this is over with and Scott will be resting in the comfort of his own home tonight!

Surgery in the morning

Overall, Scott is doing very well, today. I think his main complaint is how often he is being woken up at night!

Tomorrow will be a similar surgery to what he had done yesterday. The doctor will look inside of Scott's amputated leg and "clean" it out. Hopefully, he will not see much, if any, infection.

The infection control physician did see Scott yesterday and started him on an antibiotic. He said Scott will be on the antibiotic for 6 weeks!--- Whatever, it takes to make Scott well and infection free.

I think those who haven't seen Scott in awhile would be surprised. To me, he looks very different. I saw him last about two weeks ago. When I saw him again last night, he looked so thin! He has lost close to 100 pounds. This is great...but what a terrible "diet." Last hospital stay, they got a special large bed for Scott. This time around he is in the regular size bed-it's on the short side, but the other one was too.

Pray for Scott tonight as he enters his 2nd surgery (this time around) and his 6th one overall. Pray that his leg will be infection free. Pray that the antibiotics are working.

Thank you so much for you love and support.

Much Love,

April

Back in the Hospital

As some of you know, Scott had surgery again this morning at IMC.

(Let me preface this with...I have not been to the hospital or talked personally with Janiece, this info is from Scott and I's Mom who has been with Janiece and Scott at the hospital today).

For a week or so, we (family and medical staff) have been concerned that Scott continued to have infection in his amputated leg. He was having a lot of pain and overall just not feeling well. A few days ago he had a lump on his leg and it was determined that he needed to have this checked out.

This morning he was put under general anesthesia and his amputated leg was opened up again (so sad about this...). Sure enough the "lump" was infection. In the surgeons words "It was the tip of the iceberg." Once opened up, Scott had infection all the way to his bone. ***Warning for those with queasy stomachs!*** They had to clean out the infected tissue and even scrap his bones to get rid of as much as possible.

He has been admitted to the hospital again and a new PICC (long term IV) was placed. An infections disease physician will come and evaluate Scott and they are going to put him on some "super" antibiotics to hopefully kill this infection. At this time, we do not know the specific bacteria that is causing his infection.

Obviously, this means Scott will not be going home tonight like he had really hoped, and like we had all really hoped for as well. He is scheduled to have a second surgery on Sunday morning to again "clean" his wound. He will likely have to go through this 2-3 more times. For now, they have left his wound "open" like it was initially after his amputation.

I think we are all feeling a bit deflated.

This isn't a comparison by any means--but this keeps running through my mind.

I am sure each of you have heard about the terrible tragedy that happened in Yellowstone a day or so ago--A man was tragically killed by a bear while hiking with his wife. According to the news story I read, the couple saw the bear and the husband told his wife to run. She escaped and he was killed. So very terrible. My heart aches for this family and I am truly sorry for their loss.

On the bottom of the article people could make comments. One of the first comments was from a family who said something like, they were at Yellowstone at the exact same place as this event, but had had to leave moments before, because the wife had come down with a kidney stone . A comment under that had said that "God's hands must have been protecting their family" (the family with the kidney stone).

Someone under that had commented "I guess God didn't like the guy who was killed by the bear" Initially, this made me angry and also sad for the people who were so misinformed.

Today, when my Mom called to tell me about Scott, I couldn't help asking "Why?" Why again? Why does Scott have to "start over again?" This Yellowstone story popped in my head and I was immediately humbled. God loves us, and Scott. This is not a punishment and we will get through this.