Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Monday was quiet. Molly slept alot. She needs visitors to keep her awake and active. She is struggling with phantom pains that make her cry. Does anybody have any advice on this matter? She continues to heal and the doctors are pleased with her progress. We are not far away from going to rehab. One step closer to home!
Dr. Roach from Denver Health came by to visit yesterday. Good to see you Jon. Tell everyone at DH we said "Hi!"
Molly met my neices father-in-law from Illinois yesterday. He told her that everyone in Illinois is praying for her and it made her cry that people that far away knew about her. I told her that people all over the world were praying for her. She wanted to know why and I told her because she was the healing MONSTER! She liked that.
Dr. Roach from Denver Health came by to visit yesterday. Good to see you Jon. Tell everyone at DH we said "Hi!"
Molly met my neices father-in-law from Illinois yesterday. He told her that everyone in Illinois is praying for her and it made her cry that people that far away knew about her. I told her that people all over the world were praying for her. She wanted to know why and I told her because she was the healing MONSTER! She liked that.
posted by Molly's Page at 9:25 AM
43 Comments:
Hello blooms,
What about acupunture for the pain?That is soo exciting to think rehab is coming so soon! Way to go Molly!!!!!
XOXOXOXO Jamie
Hi.You might want to engage some of the nurses from labor and delivery. They might know of breathing techniques that might help Molly through the pain.
BTW, Molly, you've got people in NH praying for you,too
There are plenty in Illinois who have heard Molly's story, and are following her recovery and hoping for all the best.
There are plenty of people in Illinois who have heard Molly's story and hope for nothing but the best for her.
People in Los Angeles are praying for you too. We have learned your story through friends of friends and are touched by your strength and your bravery.
Here is a website that might be helpful with phantom pain: www.amputee-online.com/amputee/phantom.html
Warm wishes,
East Mom
Hello Blooms,
Listed below are several web links that cover ways to deal with phantom pain.
http://www.amputee-online.com/amputee/phantom.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/phantom-pain/DS00444
http://www.waramps.ca/nac/phantom.html
http://www.farabloc.com/
http://hubel.sfasu.edu/courseinfo/SL98/phantom4.html
http://www.helpforpain.com/arch2000jul.htm
http://www.stoppain.org/pain_medicine/content/chronicpain/phantom.asp
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060608132411.htm
I'm very glad to hear that you are getting closer to the rehab stage.
Wishing you a "Speedo" recovery! :-)
... The Buzzard
People in the U.K are also praying for you!
Hello Bob, Bernie, Katy and Molly, There is a whole bunch of folks praying for you in Minnesota also. The reason is you are an inspiration to us, and we want to see what great things you do with your life. God bless you Molly.
I was talking to my wife yesterday and I said, "25 years ago when we got married, we had a small apartment, junk car, 10 inch black and white T.V., and slept on a sofa bed. Now we have a nice house, two new cars, Plasma T.V., and a king size bed. But when we first got married, I got to sleep with a 25 year old blonde. I miss that part." She said, "Go find yourself a 25 year old blonde, and I'll see to it your living in a small apartment, driving a junk car, have a 10 inch T.V. and sleeping on a sofa bed."
Stay strong and stay cool, Denver Bob
Keep Walking...
Barbara Aldrich
Here we stand together,
Dressed in our pain,
Covered with scars
From wounds we did not ask for
Or deserve.
So what now?
We can't go back and relive our lives.
We can't take back the innocence we lost
Or make the sadness we felt into happiness.
But we can go on from here,
So let us start.
Stretch out your hand to mine,
Close your eyes
And slowly let the pain slip away.
Let go of the sadness;
It belongs to yesterday,
And let's walk.
The earth is firm beneath our feet.
The sun is warm on our face.
Heavenly Father sees our struggle,
Smiles at our effort,
And sends us strength.
My friends, we can't stay, looking back,
Lest we falter.
We must face forward,
Eyes wide open,
And keep on walking.
Hold tight and don't let go;
You aren't walking alone,
And neither am I.
Hello, Bob and Bernie, Katy and Molly--
Lucy (and Gary) here. We are thinking of you constantly. Maybe I have a helpful tid-bit here. My dad had phantom pains after losing his arm in a farm accident. He had phantom pains. No matter what the weather, he was never far from his heating pad. I hope this may be one of the hints that helps. Love, Lucy
Molly,
We are from upstate New York, and there are so many people praying for you here too. We have heard your story through family members that live in your area. You have been an inspiration to all. There is a rainbow waiting for you when this is behind you. Keep strong and never lose faith. God doesn't give us more than we can handle.
More people from NY praying for you
Hi Again,
Listed below are a few more articles (web links) on treating Phantom Pain.
Science Daily
CNN - Health/Library
StopPain.Org
AAPB
Amputee.ca
Yale Study
Valley Health System
NAPP
411.org
RELIEF OF CHRONIC NON-MALIGNANT PAIN
APF
Hope you find something helpful in these articles.
God Bless,
... The Buzzard
Molly,
People in Ohio are praying, I am a friend of Tyson's and Katy - I work at a children's hospital and have shared your story with the ladies I work with, my prayer groups/bible studies, and my friends. Everyday when I go to work the ladies say "have you read Molly's blog yet today?" They are so concerned about you and wish you a speedy recovery! I of course get the inside track from Ty and I am glad to hear that you are making jokes - he says you are quite funny - and I am glad you are getting closer to going home! That is always a good thing.
We are all pulling for you in ohio!
I will pray for your pain - I think the websites are a good idea. Have you ever heard of soaking prayer? I've never had it myself but I have heard stories of it working and healing people - Just a thought - if you have some friends from church maybe...
We are so impressed by you and your mother's courage and strength.
Stay strong!
Bloom family, I think there are 4 different kinds of phantom pain(cramping, stabbing,burning and shooting) and they also range in their severity. Depending on what kind she is experiencing will determine the best therapy for it. From what I understand from it, it is real pain since the nerve path from the brain has not changed.Maybe a massage therapist could help for more immediate results.
I just read your last comment, and would like to say that I live in Illinois also, and I read the page every day. You all are in my prayers. I was hit by a car while crossing the street and even though I have alot of pain still I count my stars because I was very lucky. You are all in my prayers. God bless.
Amy from Springfield, Illinois
Hi Molly,
During the slow times, I thought you could use a few laughs.
Redneck Swimming Pool ...
Dog Paddle ...
Honesty on the Internet ...
When the dog is away ... The cat will play!
For your blonde friends ...
Another blonde challenge ...
For those that hunt ...
Hope you flush your system once in awhile ...
Easy Rider ...
Think Big!
When in doubt ...
Don't ever give up ...
Bounce Back ...
God bless the internet ...
Hang in there!
... The Buzzard
Hello Molly,
We are all here in Mass. praying for you also. You are a true inspiration to all.
All our thoughts and prayers are with you and your truely wonderful family
Molly and family,
In response to the phantom pain issue, I will tell you what I have found to work best in my practice.
First of all, Molly is limited in what she can do right now for the pain since her positioning and movement are restricted to allow healing of the graft. Some people experience pain related to the position of the leg they perceive - such as a twisted ankle, cramp in the leg, knee bent the wrong way etc. If this happens I would suggest wiggling at the waist to "adjust" the leg. It sounds crazy, but if she thinks about it and tries to move it into a different position, even if it's not there, it tends to help. Even mental imagery of moving the amputated leg can help her be more comfortable.
As far as burning, stabbing type of pain, that mostly resolves when she starts putting pressure against the graft site or where the amputation was made... which she obviously can't do for a while. She will eventually get fitted with a "bucket socket" which is a firm or cushioned device to place up against her body to allow sitting and support of the pelvis/trunk. Once she feels something up against her body her brain will begin to learn that the leg is gone and where her body is in space. This is further reinforced with walking with a prosthesis as she will gain further feedback to her brain about where her body is and she will feel pressure up against her by the support of a prosthesis. This is obviously a bit down the road.
As she enters rehab Molly will meet therapists who can teach her various techniques to "desensitize the skin" of the graft via tapping, massaging, brushing etc once the skin fully heals. This again can help reduce some discomfort.
Almost all amputees take neurontin for phatom pain and report that it helps a great deal. There is little known about the mechanism of action of the drug, but if she's not taking it you should ask her doctor about it. It works very differently from other pain meds she may have been on since all her surgeries.
Denver PT
Oops ... Looks like I need to take the blonde test.
Correction to some of the previous links.
Another blonde challenge ...
God bless the internet ...
Take Care! :-)
... The Buzzard
Hello Bloom Family,
You have prayers coming at you from Nebraska and Arizona. I have been following Molly's progress each day and say a prayer before I read the updates.
Molly's attitude puts alot of "stuff" in perspective for many of us!
Keep the faith.
Dear Mrs. Bloom:
You might suggest to your physician that he or she contact the Walter Reed Medical Center or even our own VA Hospital here in Denver? Alas, they know all too well these days about young men and women who have lost limbs, and the associated phantom pains.
I reviewed the Walter Reed web site and did not see information that seemed to be of assistance, however, a physician to physician contact would, no doubt secure more information.
Sending you my love,
An Old East Angel
I too think about you and your family many times during the day Molly Bloom.
Dear Molly, Wishing you well and lot's of prayers coming your way from the Casper Family back here in Minnesota. We've been following your story and progress to date and you truly are an inspiration.
- Regards
Hey Molly.
My mom and I were watching the news this morning and a story about a swim-a-thon in your honor just knocked her sideways because of how much support you have. Ryan and I are waiting for just the right time to go see you. I can't wait to see you again! Your strength continues to take my breath away.
Hugs and loves!!!!
-Lindsey
Molly,
Many people in Texas are also praying for you.
God Bless
Molly ... It looks like you are also getting support from the CU BUFFS, based on the background building from Lindsey's photo. Besides being an Ancient Angel, my undergraduate studies were at CU, so I'm fairly sure that that photo was taken on campus. Anyway, it's good to see that both the Angels & Buffs are following your road to recovery.
Awaiting your "Return to Dominance"! :-)
... Buzz
Molly,
People are praying for you because they believe in the healing power of prayer and they have come to care about you and your family from hearing your story and following your progress. They are pulling for you because you are young and strong and spunky-- a great friend with an amazing spirit. They are praying for you because in the wake of such a terrible accident, praying is something they can do anytime, anywhere, even though they might not be able to do anything else.
My 10 year old daughter, who has never met you or any of your family, asks every day, "How's Molly Bloom?" and she has cried on the bad days. For a reason we might not ever fully understand, you have touched the hearts of thousands of people.
Keep fighting and we'll keep praying!
People in Florida too!!
I wonder, if the time was right, if it sounded good to Molly and was ok with her doctors and the hospital, if a visit from a therapy dog might feel good. Sometimes the unconditional love of an animal can comfort in ways people can't. Just an idea.
All over California Molly Bloom we continue to pray and send nothing but healing thoughts your way. And wherever our family members live, MI,WA,WV,VA,PA. Everyone in the world knows about you Molly and loves you so much. I can't wait to see you again. Your dad, mom and sister are so strong too, but you are the champ of all champs.
I love you, Frani
Hey Blooms,
Stay strong. We hope and pray that the praying we are all doing for you from all around the country may be helping. We have great hopes that the pt will bring more healing. Always thinking of you.
Jay, Michelle, Lindz, Jocie, JT, Rachel
Molly.
Honestly, you are the single most incredible person i know. I cannot begin to describe the miracle that you just performed by surviving this unnecessary accident. I am not going to tell you that things will get easier, but with a positive outlook you will inevitably hit the next curve ball thrown at you out of the stadium. You really do astound me. I am so proud to know you. Just remember that everyone loves you, and though you may get frustrated, you are never alone. I love you.
Congratulations.
Just want to send more love and healing wishes from Illinois!! I came across Molly's story in the Denver news (I used to be a Denver-ite) and have been following your blog entries ever since. My heart breaks for the situation she's in, but rejoices for the obvious love and support Molly has from her family and friends. Molly, my positive thoughts and wishes will be with you throughout your recovery.
Bernie,
I like it too, healing Monster, what a perfect thing for a mom to say! My son would "get" that too.
They are still so young aren't they?
Speaking of my son, Jonathan is going to visit again soon, bringing with him our family's love and hope for Molly's continued warriorlike attitude and grace!
All the love in the world!
Joni
.. and from Montana too. You go Molly! You are young and you are strong. You will make the most of this most unfortunate accident. Look to the future and not the past. Be strong and I am sure you will make the most of your life--more than most people ever hope to enjoy.
Hey Molly-Listening to your teammmates chant "Business in the front, party in the back" reminded me of a great website called www.mulletsgalore.com. If you have access to a computer, you huld check it out.It is soooooooo funny and a definite opp for some laughs.
My grandmother was a double amputee. When she would get phantom pains, we would massage the sheet where her legs should have been. It worked and this was 40 years ago.
Everyone in Illinois IS praying for her!! I do not know Molly or her family, but I have been reading about her ordeal and sharing it with others...all of us here in Chicago are sending our blessings.
Hello Blooms!
I like to check in on Molly and keep up with her progress. I must say that Molly is an incredible inspiration to me and many around me. There is a book called "Phantoms in the Brain" by V. S. Ramachandran and Sandra Blakeslee. You might find this text to be helpful with understanding Phantom Pains and psychological techniques to help alleviate the pain.
I wish you and yours all the best and Molly may you continue on your quest! You are frequently in my thoughts and prayers!
Hello Blooms!
I like to check in on Molly and keep up with her progress. I must say that Molly is an incredible inspiration to me and many around me. There is a book called "Phantoms in the Brain" by V. S. Ramachandran and Sandra Blakeslee. You might find this text to be helpful with understanding Phantom Pains and psychological techniques to help alleviate the pain.
I wish you and yours all the best and Molly may you continue on your quest! You are frequently in my thoughts and prayers!
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