Saturday, May 16, 2015
Update # 201
8.5 years
“Jeff Sandlin is in the building” were the words over the intercom that preceded cheers and applause in the KWWL newsroom Wednesday afternoon. The entire staff warmly welcomed Jeff back into his work family and even had balloons and cake. Jeff did not “work” on Wednesday but spent four hours reconnecting with friends. Thursday afternoon Jeff caught up on some work but did not direct any newscast. He decided to not go into work yesterday due to a couple of appointments. Jeff will begin directing newscasts next week. Thank you everyone at KWWL for all your prayers, emails, visits, and phone calls the last 3 months but especially for changing your schedules to accommodate Jeff’s absence!
Jeff was very glad to get home to Waterloo on Tuesday the 12th after twelve days in Hillsboro. Ken and I could see small improvement in Jeff’s movement around the house. The 5 days he used machines at the fitness center, Jeff was able to increase the amount of weight on each machine. Our St. Paul’s church family was thrilled to see Jeff in church on Mother’s Day. We thank each of you for everything you did for us during Jeff’s illness/recuperation.
Monday the 11th was Jeff’s StL appointment. Dr. DiPersio was pleased with Jeff’s healing and rehab. He officially gave Jeff permission to return to Iowa and return to work. This was considered Jeff’s 2015 yearly appointment since Doc had to cancel the original June 29th appointment. Nurse practitioner, Stephanie, had to stop in to give Jeff one last hug after his scary hospitalization. (Jeff & Meridith will still come down for that June weekend since we’ve already bought Cards/Cubs tickets with cousins.) Next StL appointment is scheduled for 6-6-16.
While Jeff was in Hillsboro, we watched web video and saw Meridith receive her Master’s Degree. We missed being with her in person but so happy to actually see her get her diploma and be hooded. Thanks to family members who were able to celebrate with Meridith on Friday, May 8th.
I drove Jeff to Iowa on Tuesday the 12th. The closer we got, the more anxious Jeff was to get home. 90 days away was not at all expected. Typical Iowa weather – some mornings in the 30’s – some days up to 80.
The StL rehab hospital had written a letter so Jeff could get temporary handicap signs for 2 cars. We quickly got those Thursday morning and have already been helpful to park close for Jeff to walk into buildings. Yesterday morning was a bit interesting. Jeff knew his car battery was dead so he had made an appointment for Friday morning to have it checked. After we jumped the car, I then could not move the car out of the garage. It was literally stuck to the concrete! I was a bit worried about really gunning it so Jeff got in and tried. Nothing. Finally, he got it moving a bit, back and forth, and then a loud pop must have broken something loose because it moved fine. The car dealer said the brakes must have been locked but were okay. Yes, the battery was too far gone and had to be replaced.
Friday afternoon, Jeff had an appointment with his Waterloo doctor. She just wanted to see Jeff after his absence and was so happy with how well he is doing. Thank you for always taking such good care of Jeff.
Monday morning the 18th, Jeff has his first outpatient therapy session. We have no idea how many times he will be scheduled each week, how many weeks they feel he yet needs, and how many sessions/weeks insurance will allow. But each one will help to continue Jeff’s recovery.
I am here in Iowa for however long Jeff wants me to help. With Meridith also returning to work this week, they then don’t need to worry about different work schedules. I can drive to or pick up Jeff at work and do whatever they need done. Jeff’s driving will be determined by whenever he feels comfortable with quick reaction.
Wow! This long medical ordeal is almost to the end. A few more weeks of therapy and Jeff should be back to normal. Words cannot express all of our thanks to everyone. But thank you! We needed you with us and you were there immediately. God has blessed Jeff again and again and we are amazed at how Jeff receives miracle after miracle. Jeff’s faith never waivers and we are so proud of him.
I think I will write one more update on this RSV pneumonia episode. After I return to Illinois, whenever that may be, I’ll let you know how Jeff has been doing with therapy and work.
love Marcia