Hi to everyone - to those who know Jude well and to those who wonder who she is:
Three days ago (Tuesday) I answered the phone and was shocked to here, "Hi Patti, it's Judy, Judy Hoops." I was stuttering and dumbfounded. (We don't have caller id.) Jude's voice was as clear as any healthy person's. Her voice didn't have any signs of pain or the raspiness of a person who has been on a vent. She laughed and teased, because of my surprise. I had the biggest smile and could hear her smile while we talked for almost 30 minutes. Jude had a higher dosage pain patch and said she felt the best she had in a long time. She also had a new bed that I'm unable to give the medical name, but Jude discribed it as having sand, water and beads. She said she was very comfortable and was able to lay against her pressure wound without aggravating it. We talked a lot about the prayers from the group. She finds it hard to believe that so many people care this much for her. In her own words - she said she has "low self-esteem." I told her I'd help her check the archives to see for herself. We decided that I wouldn't write to the group and tell how much better she was doing, because she wanted to do it herself and surprise everyone. She thought she would be on the computer the next day and would thank all of you for your prayers and concern. She said I couldn't visit her on Wednesday, because she had an appointment with the wound specialist so we made a date for Thursday. Our conversation ended when someone came for a visit. I was so excited about Jude's phone call that I called my Mom and daughter to share the good news. I got another surprise when I went to the nursing home to visit Jude yesterday. First, I was excited to see that she was in a semi private room. (No more MRSA) I was glad to see she wasn't in her bed. That meant she was in her wheelchair and I would get to see her interacting with others. My excitement bubble broke when I learned that Jude was transported back to the hospital the night before due to her blood pressure. It felt like long walk back to my car. I called Jude's husband later in the afternoon. Dave said Jude was being moved from CCU to ICU at that time. He said she is not doing well. He agreed that she was feeling much better on Tueday. I didn't keep him on the phone so I have nothing to share about her current condition. I'm writing this to share that Jude had a few good days and one real good day! I don't know what her future holds, but I'm so glad she surprised me with her telephone call. I think she would have called every one of you if she had the time and phone numbers. She was really looking forward to surprising you with her post. She loves you all. Continuing to pray for Jude, Patti - Michigan
