Tyler down in serious condition in Idaho!

[Patriot]

from:

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylerrisk/journal

Saturday, July 11, 2009 8:40 PM, PDT

A day full of love for Tyler. She got two short visits from our mom & stepdad and two short visits from me. I arrived to find a few more cards, a big box full of lovely cookies from Stevie (that I intend to share with her wonderful nursing staff) and a huge, framed blow-up of the picture of her escort crew posed in front of her ambulance, which looks FANTASTIC up on her wall (forgot to note the name of the giver - sorry! - will post it next time). Great work, gang! Thank you all SO much for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers. I'm firmly convinced that every little bit helps.

She was very out of it both times I went by today - no real acknowledgment of my presence but, as usual, I talked to her anyway. (Can't shut me up! LOL) I told her all about how I'm taking Shannon and her buddy Lexi to the picnic for the motorcycle ride in honor of Tyler in Big Sur. "We" talked about Big Sur, how beautiful it is, how much she loves to ride there, and all the wonderful sensory treats of riding down there. I'm hopeful that's something she'll remember to think of during her tough days in her hospital bed.

Not much to report beyond that. Have a wonderful Saturday evening - enjoy and appreciate your family and friends.

More tomorrow.

-Jaime

 

[Toecutter]

Wow, what a day - a BEAUTIFUL ride held in Tyler's honor & a full familial visit with Ty afterward.The day started off with Shannon, her buddy Lexi & I meeting up with about 80+ riders at Surf City Coffee in Moss Landing to participate in a ride specifically organized to honor Tyler. The route chosen was one of Tyler's favorites, down Highway 1 to Big Sur. The girls & I "caged it" (that's "drove/rode in a car" for those of you not up on your motorcycle lingo ... ;-) and it was a gorgeous drive. Honestly, we could not have ordered up a better day: not too hot, not too cold, not too windy, etc. - just perfect. We ate lunch at a picnic site by Los Padres Nat'l Forest, right on the beach. A collection was passed for Ty & everyone kicked in a whopping $461 - the generosity was so amazing. Also passed around was a t-shirt specially designed for Tyler by Pablo, which everyone signed with Sharpie markers (thanks Pablo!), along with 2 beautiful Get Well cards. Many of us also had big blue ribbons on our rides in honor of Ty. All in all, it was a phenomenal day and one I will never forget. And there is NO question Ty was with us in spirit - we could all feel it and it made the day just that much brighter.

After returning home, my husband & I went to see Ty, and were met there by my mom & step-dad. We had a lovely, peaceful "party" with Tyler, sitting & chatting quietly, holding her hand and stroking her hair. At one point, I got a good strong hand squeeze from her, so I know she was there with us and aware that her loved ones were circled around her infusing her with love & hope. Susan W. & Sally dropped off at TICU a terrific framed picture of Tyler with the 4 other riders who were with her that fateful day (Susan & Scott W., Sally & Dona) at the city marker sign for "Unity, ID" a photo Tyler specifically requested be taken earlier that day. It's now on her window sill, a proud testament to the power of friendship and love - I for one am glad she was with such good people on such a rough, trying day. Thank you guys for your strength and courage that afternoon - she will never forget it, I'm sure.

The nurse tonight told me one of the most experienced burn nurses who helps with Ty's dressing changes noticed a few more areas that look to be in need of additional debrading, so the word is that she's likely to go back in for more of that in the next couple of days. She seems to be getting wonderful care, which does my heart good to know. Her nurses are attentive to Tyler, friendly and supportive of us, and always make us feel welcome. It's tough on us to see her in this state, but rationally we know it's the best thing right now & much better than the alternative of Ty suffering needlessly.

THANK YOU again to all of you who participated in today's ride, whether in reality or in spirit - to see so many people suit up and show up for one's sister is moving beyond words. I know Shannon was proud as well. And to those of you who (like me) prefer to get around on four wheels instead of two, thank you to you also. The prayers, love and "good juju" heading our lady's way is awe-inspiring and so appreciated. Blessings to all of you. Stay safe, have a great week & I'll post more tomorrow. Take care.

-Jaime

 

[Bigbeavk]

WOW it just warms my sole to read these updates. Keep on bringing it and please give Tyler a hug from the east coast side.

 

[madmike2]

WOW it just warms my sole to read these updates. Keep on bringing it and please give Tyler a hug from the east coast side.

Ain't nobuddy givin' no hugs, except the immediate family. She is heavily sedated and subject to infection in her current condition. We are all waiting patiently.....

This is a long term support project for her friends and acquaintances.

 

[Toecutter]

We are all waiting patiently.....
This is a long term support project for her friends and acquaintances.

And hoping for the best. She's layin' up there in that hospital, missing a bunch of skin, just like a burn victim, and has a long way to go to walk out of the dark forest and back into some semblance of a normal life again. I hope she can at least phone in a "Howdy Ho" in time for the Bridgeport gig in late September and, in the meantime, I'll just send positive energy from a sanitary distance....

 

[Old Michael]

This is a long term support project for her friends and acquaintances.

It's something we're up for though.

Nothing compared to the task ahead for T.

 

[Toecutter]

Another short & sweet one tonight. Visited Ty at lunch, and she was in much the same state as always - out cold & feelin no pain. They told me she's scheduled for more debrading tomorrow, so send extra happy waves her way as she goes through that again. As I was visiting with her, the nurse came in with a big ol' stack of cards and said, "Uh, these are all for her..." and I just started laughing, and turned to Ty & said, "You superstar, you!" You guys are awesome, and she now has a whole new slew of cards looking over her as she slumbers. Nice work and keep 'em comin'! That's all there really is to report tonight - they got her fever down, and they're hoping an internal line change may help that as well. I'll be seeing her again after work and will dutifully update after that. Have a good night.-Jaime

 

[Patriot]

We are all waiting patiently.....
This is a long term support project for her friends and acquaintances.

And hoping for the best. She's layin' up there in that hospital, missing a bunch of skin, just like a burn victim, and has a long way to go to walk out of the dark forest and back into some semblance of a normal life again. I hope she can at least phone in a "Howdy Ho" in time for the Bridgeport gig in late September and, in the meantime, I'll just send positive energy from a sanitary distance....

I was thinkin' of phoning in a surprise conference call from the gang at EOM in Sept. Course, check and stay in contact with Jaime about it, but that would seem to be cool and perk her up, I would hope. Maybe we can all sing to her (or maybe not, don't want to depress her !!!).

I don't know, what songs to most folks know, or is there a biker song or something???

"For she's a jolly good fellow" ???

"Born to be Wild" ???

somethin' from the Beach Boys ???

"Send in the Clowns" ???

I don't know...making my head hurt...

 

[BikerGeek99]

I don't know, what songs to most folks know, or is there a biker song or something???

[SIZE=14pt]FREEBIRD!!![/SIZE]

That'd be cool...

 

[Patriot]

might be best to lip sync it...

FreeBird

 

[Dr. Rich]

This was taken on a ride up through Lake Berryessa and back down the Capay Valley. We were at Clear Lake sitting on the patio ordering lunch... Tyler...Get well soon... Rich

 

[Patriot]

We are all waiting patiently.....
This is a long term support project for her friends and acquaintances.

And hoping for the best. She's layin' up there in that hospital, missing a bunch of skin, just like a burn victim, and has a long way to go to walk out of the dark forest and back into some semblance of a normal life again. I hope she can at least phone in a "Howdy Ho" in time for the Bridgeport gig in late September and, in the meantime, I'll just send positive energy from a sanitary distance....

I was thinkin' of phoning in a surprise conference call from the gang at EOM in Sept. Course, check and stay in contact with Jaime about it, but that would seem to be cool and perk her up, I would hope. Maybe we can all sing to her (or maybe not, don't want to depress her !!!).

I don't know, what songs to most folks know, or is there a biker song or something???

"For she's a jolly good fellow" ???

"Born to be Wild" ???

somethin' from the Beach Boys ???

"Send in the Clowns" ???

I don't know...making my head hurt...

I'm thinking the Beach Boys: "California Girls" would be quite appropriate and many already now the words:

Well east coast girls are hip

I really dig those styles they wear

And the southern girls with the way they talk

They knock me out when Im down there

The mid-west farmers daughters really make you feel alright

And the northern girls with the way they kiss

They keep their boyfriends warm at night

I wish they all could be california

I wish they all could be california

I wish they all could be california girls

The west coast has the sunshine

And the girls all get so tanned

I dig a french bikini on hawaii island

Dolls by a palm tree in the sand

I been all around this great big world

And I seen all kinds of girls

Yeah, but I couldnt wait to get back in the states

Back to the cutest girls in the world

I wish they all could be california

I wish they all could be california

I wish they all could be california girls

I wish they all could be california

(girls, girls, girls yeah I dig the)

I wish they all could be california

(girls, girls, girls yeah I dig the)

I wish they all could be california

(girls, girls, girls yeah I dig the)

I wish they all could be california

(girls, girls, girls yeah I dig the)

 

[Patriot]

from:

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylerrisk/journal

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 7:08 AM, PDT

Another amazing tribute to Tyler & our mom:

https://www.southbayriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80698

Thank you, Raquel. Tyler would've fit right in.

-Jaime

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 8:25 PM, PDT

Another good day for Ty - visited at lunch and the nurse informed me Tyler had a good night and her fever was down and she seemed more comfortable than yesterday, so....yay! We're all about the comfort for our Tyler! The other nurse then turned to me as she was setting out oodles more cards for Tyler and quipped, "You know, it's too bad she's not loved." and I cracked up and agree it was a cryin' shame how ignored she is. ;-) She's still really out of it when I visit, but that's fine given that the less she remembers of all this the better. They've increased their safeguards against infection at the request of the burn surgeons, so now I'm required to wear a gown and rubber gloves to enter her room. (Alright, alright, feel free to insert rubber gloves joke here - you know you want to.) Again, that's fine if it means we keep T pristine & bacteria free.

Went back after work, but they had just taken her out to surgery for more debradement, so no evening visit tonight. Looking forward to getting an update from the docs tomorrow re: what they saw when they went in today.

The thing that struck me today was all the joy & love that is abounding in her room, between all the cards, some pictures people have sent that the nurses pinned up to her bulletin board, a stuffed tiger, framed pictures .... it's so lovely to see all that outpouring for her. I can't wait for the day she "comes to," that breathing tube is gone, and we can talk about all the lovin' that's been flowing her way.

Have a good night, stay cool if you're here in the Valley, and I'll let you know what I find out from the surgeons. Take care.

-Jaime

 

[Patriot]

from:

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylerrisk/journal

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 9:01 PM, PDT

More positive updates from the medical staff. Tyler's debrading yesterday went fine, and they don't think they're going to have to do anymore of that nastiness. (Keep your fingers crossed.) The tissue that's there looks good, there's no visible bone, and the plastic surgeons are hovering and monitoring at dressing changes to see when the time will be right for the grafting process to begin. Great forward movement for Ty - let's hope it keeps headed in that direction.

She's tolerating the dressing changes with less and less "mind-altering substances" which is also good news because that means she's closer to kickin' that tube. I heard mention from several today that tomorrow might be the day to remove the tube, depending on how she does with the next dressing change, etc. so keep your fingers (toes?) crossed for that too. Heck, just cross everything, send up a big ol' prayer & maybe that pesky piece of plastic will disappear!

Her nurses are doting on her in just the fashion she deserves and they LOVE all the cards set up on her window sill. She got about 8 more today - fantastic. They even keep her iPod going when I'm gone, which I just think is the cutest thing.

Those nurses who got to "meet" her before she was intubated seem to have passed on the word to the others re: Ty's personality, and they all are looking forward to when Ty can be more coherent and interactive. (I tried to warn them what "big personality" means, but they'll just have to find out themselves, God bless they're sweet souls. LOL)

That's all for now. Was happy to get some good news to pass on. It's been a dark time this last past week or so, so any little light shining is very welcome. They're going to call me if/when the tube is out & you can bet I'll post it here as soon as I'm able to get to a computer. (After I visit her to make her smile first, of course.)

Have a good night and take care.

-Jaime

 

[dsmack]

Fantastic news! Just what I needed to read whilst eating my Grape Nuts prior to going to bed after another Grave shift.

God bless Ty, Jaime, and the wonderful caregivers who are doing such a good job for her.

Sounds as though the worst of the debridement is over and there is a healthy bed for the grafts... that is the best news yet!

You GO girl!

Saying another prayer for you.

Don

 

[Patriot]

from:

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylerrisk/journal

Thursday, July 16, 2009 10:10 PM, PDT

Yay!! Ty's gotten rid of that darn tube! Went in today after work and there she was, head back, mouth open and snoring so softly & sweetly. (That's how we snore, fellas. We ladies refuse to believe anything to the contrary. ;-) She clearly had had a big day and was exhausted. Extremely nonresponsive to my presence, but all her vital signs looked good and strong, so it was clear she was just flat pooped out. They did a full CT scan after lunch, then another dressing change, then the tube removal....factor in all the energy her little body is using just to maintain and heal itself, and it's no wonder she was completely out! Can't a girl get a little rest around here?!

So now it's watch and wait for the debraded tissue to regenerate, and fool around w/cocktail mixes to help her pain management. I met with the anesthesiologist today and she eventually will be giving Ty an epidural to help with the leg pain, which Dr. Stringfield (aka Cynthia agreed with as a game plan. So hopefully, they'll get that going in the next day or two. Our girl has taken another major step forward and I am SO proud of her - she's quite a lady w/a spirit the size of Texas. It's been pretty inspiring to watch her push through all of this, and I know all the prayers/vibes/dances/juju have been helping her all along the way.

Sweet dreams - I for one will rest a little easier tonight. And of course, I'll post more tomorrow.

-Jaime

Thursday, July 16, 2009 6:51 PM, PDT

WAHOO THE TUBE IS OUT!!!! (wait, deja vu ;-)

I'll write more when I'm home - using my phone for this.

-Jaime

 

[zorkler]

GREAT news , GREAT work Tyler hugs and a big kiss from meeeeeeeee .....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Big Sky]

All these updates and expressions of good wishes constitute a wonderful journal that should be saved and archived, later edited and put into a booklet form for the recovered Tyler....

Of course. this has already been thought of...?

Best wishes coming California way from under The Big Sky.

I will think of Tyler as we head north on the FJR, Flathead Lake-bound later this afternoon. She will ride to this Piece of Heaven with us in spirit (I can't imagine the rides she's been on and places she's been over the last several weeks!).

 

[Dave Migliore]

God Bless Her - and what a trooper...

She'd ride up from the Bay Area just to hang with us...

 

[Patriot]

from:

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylerrisk/journal

Friday, July 17, 2009 6:16 PM, PDT

So I visited Ty twice today, and she seems much more comfortable with the tube out (big shock, there). The second visit included Shannon, who hasn't seen her in several days because the tube is a little much for her to take. It was a great reunion, if a little spacey. Ty's jaw is so stiff from not using it the whole time she was intubated that it's pretty difficult for her to enunciate just yet. (Not that that keeps her from trying - she's still very definitely our girl in there and she's DYING to kick in to full chatty mode again, poor sweet pea.) That combined with the fact that she's still a little trippy dippy as the morphine works through & out of her system (they only give her drugs for her dressing changes now - otherwise, they've got her off everything) makes for some very interesting and challenging conversation. I tried to explain to her that I was sorry, but I don't speak morphine and she just rolled her eyes. Actually, my heart went out to her because she's trying so hard to make herself heard and it just wasn't coming out right. Plus, sometimes she nods off and is talking to something/someone that is not there in the room.

BUT...she's with us and still kicking (well, figuratively anyway ... ahem) and that is all that matters. She's still got her spunk, wanting something to drink and eat and not being very pleased when she was denied both (thanks to her feeding tube, which is still in her nose). When they said I could swab the inside of her mouth with water to at least moisten it (as an alternative to drinking), she shut her lips & clamped down her teeth as soon as I got it in there and sucked that swab dry, all the while with a little you-know-what eating grin on her face. Such a stinker - we were all cracking up! As always, you can tell Ty no, but if she's got other ideas, it's useless. LOL

Overall, it was such a delight to get to have some interaction with her. I've missed her terribly, and while I didn't mind visiting her in her far away sedated state and making sure she knew that we were all still pulling for her, it's sure nice to see her (dopey) baby blues looking back at me for a change.

I'll be back in with her tomorrow. Our mom & stepdad will be visiting her tonight. She's loved, she knows it & I know it's just a matter of time before she loosens that jaw up and is yakkin away again. And it will be great.

Have a good night and stay safe.

-Jaime

PS. Someone suggested taking a picture of her cards so you could see them in all their impressiveness, along with the framed pics, stuffed animals, etc. I already tried to do that and was (nicely) admonished by one of the nurses, "Oh, no cameras in ICU." (Sigh) All these stinkin rules. ;-) As soon as I can legally get my shot, I will, guaranteed.