John and Lucinda Progress - April Archive
Update April 30, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Your messages, cards and letters are really helping to keep us going
right now. We are both tired!!
Tull had a less taxing day in therapy, but he still managed to stand for
a total of about 8 minutes at a walker and was amazingly tall!! He
towered over Lucinda (who does not consider herself a shrimp) and his
three attending therapists.
Our nurse tech, Debbie, brought us homemade posole the other night and
green chile stew the following night. Both were delicious and her
timing was perfect as Tull's appetite has improved daily.
We love you all.
John and Lucinda
| Update April 29, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull has asked me to write the update this evening as he is having rehab
burn-out and would rather not think about the events of the day at this
point. He is doing exceedingly well, but they are really pushing him
here and I know that he is emotionally and physically exhausted.
I am very in love with and very proud of John Tull. He almost went
bye-bye, but fought like a maniac during a coma to defy all odds and
stick around. This has been a really tough couple of weeks in rehab,
but he will endure through this as well.
Love and thanks to all,
Lucinda |  |
Update April 28, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Today John and Lucinda went by ambulance to a hospital where John had
his "peg" or feeding tube removed, which was the last un-natural device
left in his body. What a relief after all these months!!
His therapists came back to work this morning full of vim and vigor and
got Mr. Tull to walk a good 15 ft. with a walker. He did extremely
well...stood up straight and remembered to breath.
Thanks again for all the messages. We appreciate all the support and
the personal stories many of you have shared.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update April 27, 2003
We had a beautiful spring day here in Albuquerque. John had a Sunday
version of rehab (relatively light and not like a weekday a picture of
which is attached). We went outside for a while and watched the robins.
We look so forward to sitting together on our portal and watching our
own birds.
 | Keep the cards, letters and e-mails coming. They mean a GREAT deal to
us now.
Love,
John and Lucinda |
See new Help Requests.
Update April 26, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
I am sending this to our Webmaster in the wee hours. We have had a long day. We are both reaching out to all of you now for as much support as you can muster up. Tull and I both love seeing the messages. Please put your fingers to the keyboard even if you have not done so before.
Love,
Tull and Marker
Update April 25, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull managed to pull himself up into a standing position at a walker a couple times this week. He also rolled from side to side several times. Next week should bring many more small, but exceedingly significant steps in his progress. Almost everything he does is still painful and difficult, but he works hard everyday to overcome and to succeed. He was happy that it was TGIF today.
Charlie, Frank and Alice came down this evening to scarf some Rudy�s BBQ and long, lost Doug was flying in later from D.C. I felt rather exhausted from this week and so took the opportunity to head back to Santa Fe a bit early.
There was a nice article about us in the Albuquerque Tribune today and we expect an article to come out this Sunday in the London Telegraph. This was one helluva way to show up in the papers.
Love,
Lucinda
| Update April 24, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull had a relatively tough, but positive day. He took several steps
with a walker inside the parallel bars, worked out on a few arm machines
and got his first shower in 24 weeks. His PT plans for him to take
quite a few more steps with a walker tomorrow. We took a break between
therapy sessions by doing the old wheelchair tilt. |  |
NOW THAT WE ARE SETTLED IN OUR NEW HOSPITAL AND HAVE THE DRILL, WE NEED
HELP. TULL AND MARKER HAVE TO HAVE SOME FRIENDS WHO CAN SPEND TIME AT
THE HOSPITAL....ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING (STARTING AT 9AM IF YOU CAN).
Call Lucinda if you have some time you can commit.
Please.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update April 23, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We had a good meeting with our team here at the Rehab Hospital of NM
today. Tull was a little down, however, when the doc said that we are
probably looking at another 6 weeks here before we can head home
together. (I am sure he would love to hear more words of encouragement
from all of you). We both know, though it might seem like a long time,
that 6 more weeks is a drop in the proverbial bucket of this experience.
JHT is doing extremely well with therapy; he just has a whole lot to
overcome. Not only must he face the challenge of walking on his two new
legs, he must gain back all the strength he lost in those many weeks of
being in ICU....plus build even more strength and endurance! I have
absolutely no doubt that he will do it.
Speaking of ICU, it was great to hear from one of the nurse managers at
Beth Israel today. Nina, who often referred to herself as Nurse
Ratchet, became the best friend of all family and close friends who
spent time at BI. I told her that my goal is that we will be back in
NYC for the 2003 marathon and will walk in together to see the BI gang.
Thanks today to Custis, Joe and Ken for visiting. And another big thank
you to Cafe Pasqual's for a heavenly dinner.
Love,
Lucinda
Note from the webmaster
- There has been mention of friends wanting to do fund raising events for the John Tull Recovery Fund in their area. If you are one of these inspired folks, please send an email and we can post your local events on the website.
- Here's the address for the new hospital:
Rehabilitation Hospital of New Mexico
505 Elm Street
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Room 401
- John and Lucinda's Wedding Anniversary is coming up May 2nd. (Shhhh, don't tell 'em I told ya!)
Update April 22, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
It was 24 weeks ago today that we were admitted to Beth Israel with the plague. John Tull exceeded PT expectations today and his attitude continues to be an inspiration to all. Thanks to Malinda and Bob for visits with John. Thanks to Custis and Caf� Pasquale�s for Lucinda and John care-taking.
Tomorrow is a big day as we will get an idea of our departure date from the current rehab hospital.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update April 21, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
I am home a little bit early and thought I would take this opportunity to write the update behind Tull�s back. My sister must have been concerned when I fell asleep during mid-sentence while talking to her on the phone last night so she came early this evening to visit with John and I headed home.
So now that I�ve whined for a moment, let me tell you that my courageous spouse-oid took steps along the parallel bars today to the tune of way more distance than he did on Saturday. And he took the best steps ever in terms of really putting one foot in front of the other and standing up straight. The improvement he is making is monumental and he is gaining more confidence by the hour. I am very, very proud of him.
May I also say that I am in awe of all people who work in hospitals, but the therapists are incredible. The work they do is so very important and it seems that they have often been driven to do this work by difficult circumstances they have faced in their own lives�..and I know that they are not paid well enough for it. And I have also learned that many of them spend what little free time they have doing volunteer work to boot!! It�s that kind of caring attitude that makes the world go round. Tull and I are lucky to have been given the opportunity to really appreciate what is important in life. Thank you, Therapists everywhere.
Love,
Lucinda
 | Update April 20, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We had a very pleasant Easter Day. A dear old friend (and former
co-worker of Lucinda's) who is an Episcopal priest came by the hospital
to celebrate communion with us in the room. Many thanks to Father Bob
and his wife Bev for taking the time on this busy day. |
| Lucinda's sister, Malinda, visited in the morning and took a few photos.
Debby, Frank and Toni brought an Easter picnic and a few unexpected
guests came by as well (including Alan and Cheryl and Alan and Beth).
It was a truly beautiful New Mexico day and we certainly felt the
powerful surge of renewed life. Our thoughts and love are with you all.
Love,
John and Lucinda |
 |
Update April 19, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
HUGE REHAB DAY!!!!! Tull walked ten steps at the parallel bars and then
stood unassisted for 25 seconds. All very scary, new territory, but
absolutely exhilarating for all. Karin and Shelby happened to stop by
just before we headed to the gym and they got to witness and video these
accomplishments. (Lucinda and Karin....maybe Shelby(?) shed a few
tears).
Other big moments of the day....Julie Ann brought a wonderful pecan pie
(we each had the smallest slivers), Hugh W. dropped by on his way back
from Brazil, and three members of the New Mexico Emergency Services
Council, which is the organization that holds the 80 New Mexico search
and rescue teams together, came and brought a framed resolution
recognizing and thanking JHT for his contributions to search and rescue
statewide.
Earlier this week we enjoyed visits from Tull's two favorite cousins
(Mike from Abiliene and Kelly from Ft. Worth) and Brad B. from San
Antonio. Frank and Alice came by last night and brought Lucinda a supply
of excellent Gypsy Stew.
Love and Happy Bunny Day to all,
John and Lucinda
Update April 18, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We have settled in at our new location and Tull has found that the
therapy here is quite serious and focused, but that he will do quite
well. We have a family conference scheduled for next week during which
an approximate release date will be discussed. Our goals are to achieve
a reasonable level of independence at which time we can return home and
start out-patient rehab. We both have much to learn here.
Happy Good Friday and love to all,
John and Lucinda
Update April 17, 2003
Dear Friends and Family of John and Lucinda,
Today was a long and arduous day for our duo so they are resting quietly tonight. It was not only the beginning of their next phase going into acute rehab, but also the inevitable step into realizing more deeply how much their lives have been changed.
Please keep them close in your thoughts.
from Nancy Brown
Update April 16, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
BIG DAY TODAY!!!! John took his first step at the parallel bars. He is
also taking a giant step at 9:00 tomorrow morning when we move to the
acute rehab hospital across the street (Rehabilitation Hospital of New
Mexico). We are very excited, but still a bit apprehensive. We know
that Tull will do well and will be there a very short time relative to
all we've been through. This is the last step toward GOING HOME!!
It is also very hard to say goodbye once again to a group of people who
have meant more to us than we can say. All day today the staff here at
Kindred commented on the amazing progress they have witnessed since our
arrival. They have all played a huge part in that progress and we have
formed dear friendships during our stay.
Stephanie and Tull celebrated his victories and Tull is contemplative of
the road still ahead. We shall shed a few more tears in the morning, no doubt.
Thanks to Debby and Frank for visiting today.
Love to all.
John and Lucinda
Update April 15, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We are on the hospital homestretch. Tull was evaluated today by a representative who visited from the rehab facility which we decided would be the best fit and the word is that a move could take place at any time (i.e. even tomorrow). This is very exciting news, but we are both have trepidations about yet another environment. Will we like the new docs, nurses, therapists? Every choice we have made so far has worked, but this is yet a very important move in the process. Today marks 23 weeks since we were admitted to Beth Israel.
Tull stood better than ever today. We are not sure if he will accomplish his first step with Kindred or at the new place. I would like to take a moment on this site to try to thank the Kindred staff who have made our 9 week stay with them about as good of an investment as one could make in life. But I will need to write this one with Tull since he can now participate (or rather tell me exactly what to write). Just kidding, but I would like to say that Kindred has been beyond expectations and that the entire staff there is wonderful. We�ll get specific later.
Please continue your encouragement because we are literally and figuratively close to a major step.
Love,
Lucinda
| Update April 14, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
I spend one day away from the hospital and look what happens�..Tull ends up being photographed with his old doc (Dr. Baron)�wait�he always referred to her as �that sweet little old Doc Baron�!!?? |  |
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And then�.he has our very macho friend Tom P. delivering some sort of blue flowers direct from Texas. (It was rumored today that the mother of one of our oldest friends thought that Tull and I had the �blue bonnet plague�). |
You think you got problems?
Many thanks to Jimmy, Tom, Kelly, Peter and Monday night regular Ann P. for visits today.
Love,
Lucinda
Update April 13, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
What a beautiful, warm spring day we had here in northern New Mexico.
More TV golf, visits with Roxanne and Randy, Julie Ann, Shelby and
Karin, and Denver, Chrissie and little Anna. Dinner was enchiladas from
Sadie's.
Lucinda thought it would be good to send along some photos just to
remind everyone of how hard Tull is working during the week (since he
just finished a weekend of leisure).
Love to all,
John and Lucinda
Update April 12, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull watched golf on TV today and Lucinda got some work done while
visiting all day. We had a nice visit with Reed and enjoyed more Rudy's
barbeque which our Saturday night regulars (Frank and Alice) brought.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update April 11, 2003
Dear Friends and Family of John and Lucinda,
What a beautiful atmosphere your thoughts, prayers and messages are creating around John Tull! They are also showering everyone around him. Today I got to experience the phenomenon for myself and how much things have changed for him in 2 weeks since my last visit. This morning he received beautiful flowers from Phyllis who visited early. These are the first flowers that have been allowed in his room and he ate with them on his lunch table.
Wally (his supreme occupational therapist) told Mary Ann and I that we could take Tull outside after lunch but to stay out of the sun and that he must wear a hat. Today was the opening day for the new Albuquerque baseball team, the Isotopes, so to commemorate the day, Mary Ann and I had stopped on our way to get John (and ourselves) an official isotopes baseball cap. Here we are sporting our caps and Lucinda arrived just in time for some sunshine in the courtyard. It was so beautiful and John seemed quite happy.
| Wally & Stephanie returned to whisk John off to his rehab workout and we were all invited to watch. It was amazing - Tull pressed on like nobody's business. Of course his determination, everyone's support and the guidance of his therapists doesn't leave room for anything else. He reached farther, bent lower and stretched further to complete simple tasks with many more OOOOHHHS than OOOWWWWS. This picture shows him in the process of taking off and putting on his t-shirt. Yea Tull! We were all very proud. Lucinda too took a break from some work to bask in the flow of the day. |
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These are 2 of the wonderful women, Stephanie & Wally who are assisting Tull back to normal life. Surely you can see for yourselves that there are many blessings and much love being given and received throughout our friend's recovery.
There were also visits from Alan and from Frank, the Friday night regular. Please keep with it, one and all! Mr. Tull may move to acute rehab as early as next week. It's so incredible what everyone has created...and lots of Love to Lucinda, who is the Best.
Nancy Brown
webmaster for johnandlucinda.com - the website with a life all it's own
Update April 10, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull stood up twice today for over 20 seconds each time. During the
second stand he made his PT laugh so hard she almost dropped him (not
really, but she was chuckling quite a bit).
Just to set another record straight, Wally is the Occupational Therapist
and Stephanie is the Physical Therapist. Both really terrific people
and excellent therapists. (Happy, Wally?). Oh yes, and Happy Birthday
to Wally.
Photo is of Tull doing his "shave and a haircut" routine.
We love you all. Thanks to all who wrote in today. And thanks to
Roxanne, Mac, Shelby, Paul and John for helping around the house and to
Tom P. and Kelly for visiting.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update April 9, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
It is so wonderful to hear from the BI team in NYC. We love hearing from Phyllis (great nurse and great cook), Dr. Silane (what a salt of the earth human and amazing surgeon), and Mary (a P.T. with a huge heart). Thank you all in the ICU. I tell Tull that we are going to be in NYC around Marathon time and we will walk in to see you all. We miss you.
Today John Tull and I sat down to eat our first meal together since November 2, 2002. This was the first time that we sat (at his little hospital room table) and I did not have to help him with much of anything and we both had lunch. Major.
Likely move to acute rehab will be next week. Tull was concerned about last night�s update in that it might have sounded as though he can not sit up. Clarification is that he can sit once he is put into position by his therapists�.he can sit quite well at that point. Tull also put a tee-shirt on today. Also major.
I have heard that there are a number of you out there who read the website, but have not yet sent a message. Please let us know that you are there. Tull today told a visitor how much this website means to him.
I�ve included a photo of Ginny with Tull last night. Thanks today to Stuart and Charlie for nice visits.
Love,
Lucinda
Update April 8, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull had yet another dramatic day in rehab as his physical therapist lifted him up from his wheelchair, swiveled him around and sat him on his bed. A crew came in to evaluate his decubitis and deemed it in good enough shape to take him off the �vac� system which was being used to provide optimal healing. This is an important step in the move toward acute rehab.
|
My sister Malinda spent the day with Tull and he was visited by Kerri, Paul and little Bo (pic provided) and Ginny who is our Tuesday night regular. Thanks to all. |
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I thought I would also give you a pic of Tull preparing to be hoisted from his bed to a chair. This machine is quite amazing and works like a charm. It may be a while yet before he can sit up by himself. We all know that it is those pesky abdominals which seem to be the first to go and the hardest to get back. |
Love,
Lucinda
Update April 7, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We held a press conference today which was set up by our good friend Jim
(who was impressively competent in his press relations). We were happy
to tell a bit of our story. The conference was attended by our three
local affiliates, an AP reporter, our local newspapers and Inside
Edition. You'll notice Jim giving Tull a pre-press massage.
Later this afternoon Mr. Tull had an extremely successful physical
therapy session during which he actually requested to try standing up at
the parallel bars!! We were all floored by that one. He did quite
well.
Lucinda has just been relieved by Ann P. who has been the Monday night
regular visitor. So that's all for now.
Love to all,
John and Lucinda
Update April 6, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We enjoyed a quiet Sunday. We read, talked and enjoyed visits with
Julie Ann, Randy and Roxanne, Nancy and Laura. Laura must get on a
plane to head back to London early in the morning so we said a tearful
goodbye. What a pal she has been through all this.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update April 5, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Thanks again to David for his update�.it meant a great deal to both of us. It means so very much for us both that we have good friends and family who are willing and able to help us out.
Tull had quite a day on Friday. He was wheel chaired into the bathroom where he brushed his teeth, washed his face and took a gander at himself in the mirror for the first time in 22 weeks. He also stood again when his PT lifted him up and he sat on the side of the bed all by himself. Later that day he broke his first bits of bubble wrap as his Friday night coach (Frank) pushed him.
Laura and I spent the day with him today. Bill dropped by with a new balloon and Jim came tonight with a bacon wrapped filet and green chili mashed potatoes.
We may really be ready to move on to acute rehab within a week or so. Tull is ready now in terms of his physical therapy�.just needs to get that decubitis a bit more healed.
Love to all,
Lucinda
Update April 3, 2003
Friends and Family of John and Lucinda,
I spent the day at the Kindred Hospital with John until around
7pm. I am in awe of John�s recovery from the Plague.
I am also in awe of what has to be done for John to recover from the recovery.
John and Luicnda still need our help. This is the part where we can all participate. I think that one person needs to be with John at the hospital everyday.
I know this is not easy for most of us. Our modern lives, full of time saving conveniences and great material success has rendered most of our lives a hundred yard dash to earn enough to pay the next round of expenses and bills.
Even the wealthiest of us have expanded their obligations to fill the biggest of incomes. We really have little "free" time left to make our plans for escape from this new form of success.
Some time ago John asked Nancy and I to join him and Lucinda for an annual hike in the mountains with the Search and Rescue crew (aka the SAR). Hiking in was easy, thick pine forest and beautiful vistas. Then in a clearing everyone stopped for lunch. After some good conversation, meeting new friends and a couple of espresso�s from Peter�s camp espresso machine, it was time to hike out. The SAR had brought a single wheel gurney used to haul disabled people out of the wilderness to safety. In the large metal basket lined with blankets one of the smallest and lightest hikers was strapped in. I had never seen a stretcher like this used before and had no idea what it would take to get it out of the woods. It was obvious that everyone would pitch in and help. It takes fourteen people to move this thing, seven on a side. Each person can only hold on by one hand at a time. It�s too much for too few people and easier for a crew if they work together. Their combined and coordinated effort was critical to moving steadily along a mountain trail, going over fallen trees, around boulders, through streams and up steep inclines. Time and momentum was important if you really had an injured person that needed to get to a hospital. Every one of the more than thirty or forty people there took turns hauling the gurney in different positions like the oars of a rowing boat. When it was my turn it took all of my concentration, strength and coordination to participate. I was used up pretty quickly and realized how many people it took to save one life. I was humbled and awed by the experience.
John is still covered in wounds and sores from his head to his mid-calf. The hair on the back of his head has been rubbed off from his pillow. He needs help eating, answering the phone, brushing his teeth and scratching his head - it really itches.
He has been in bed for twenty weeks or more.
When the physical therapist comes you may want to leave the room. It�s OK because you can hear John anywhere in the Hospital anyway. The PT nurse is named Wally. If you ever want to know what a truly serious person is this is it. Her job is to make John move. John hasn�t moved like you and I since sometime last year. We are made to move if we don't. Ever want to have someone force you to move? Welcome to PT.
Next is therapist Marlise. She and her helpers, put John in his prosthetic legs everyday. It is important to keep his special elastic socks pulled up tight around the stumps of his calf�s so they will heal into nice points to fit in the artificial legs. Marlise showed me all about this as she fitted Johns calfs into his new legs. She then got two more nurses and me to slide John off his bed onto the Tilt table. Two nurses on each side and me holding the legs. The tilt table can be moved by a motor to different angles to allow John time to adjust to being upright and on his new legs. For now John can only take it a little at a time. There are the sores, the cramps and a queasy stomach. It must feel like some wild Carney ride, just going from horizontal to vertical.
This is the afternoon routine. If you come in the morning you can help with the computer and email, then lunch, and stay for PT and Tilt table, then some phone calls and dinner. This would give Lucinda time to catch up on things and get her life back. She has done most of the gurney work herself.
John, I know you are going to be reading this;
Breathe in on the pain, try not to tense up and hold it in, breathe out and let it go.
Follow your breath moment to moment it�s one way to go through it;
Back on the porch at the ranch, sun going down through the trees, smell of smoke from the grill, fresh drinks all around, everyone has a story to tell...
So call now and get a turn to give John your best day. You all know that when you were with John, he was giving you his.
David Brownlow
Update April 2, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
As you can see, this was another very good day for JHT with more
progress in sitting up and enduring some pretty painful exercises. He
is working very hard and is exhausted.
I would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have helped launch
the John Tull Recovery Fund. It is indeed very difficult for us to ask
for financial assistance as we have always prided ourselves in our
independence. We are touched that our friends took it upon themselves
to initiate this fund and we are overwhelmed by the gifts from old
friends, family and caring people who are strangers from around the
world. Your generosity enables us to continue the progress as the close
team we have been throughout this ordeal. I am making efforts to get
back to work, but am faced each and every day with a multitude of tasks
and difficult decisions regarding the time I spend working, maintaining
our home, running many errands, and driving the 2 hour round trip to
Albuquerque to stay with John. (He would like me there 24 hours a day
if possible).
We learned the other day that John's medical bills are expected to
exceed $2 million. Our insurance company has proven thus far to be very
cooperative and we are hoping for the best as John has a great deal of
rehab yet ahead of him. We feel very fortunate in that we have so many
wonderful friends and we know that we will be in a position at some
point in the future to develop the business we had just started last
summer and to once again give back to the world. We also have each
other. We are very lucky. But please also know that your assistance
is relieving some of our burden and helps me to have time to spend at
least a few hours most days with John and that time, I believe, is
invaluable in his recovery. Thank you all from the depths of our
hearts.
Love,
Lucinda
Update April 1, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Each day Tull�s steps are more significant (and perhaps a bit more traumatizing) than the day before. He got into a wheelchair today for the first time. Had his lunch while in the chair (notice this in attached photo), went to the physical therapy room where he did some exercises which pushed the limits of his strength and range of motion and was then hoisted back into the wheelchair (by an amazing machine) rolled back to his room and actually pushed himself in the chair for a few feet. He was absolutely exhausted by late this afternoon.
All of us who have spent any real time with JT continue to be in awe of his attitude, how far he has come and how far he has to go. His therapists are beaming with pride as they give me progress reports. We know that he will not give up; we know that he will be vocal about his discomfort. Please drop by 700 High Street, Room #120 if you need a dose of inspiration.
Thanks to Malinda, Jan, Don & Sally, Laura and Ginny for visiting today and helping out.
Love,
Lucinda
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