Saturday, August 27, 2005

Short update from Aaron

Hello All--

Just wanted to let you know that Kari was doing a little bit better the last day or so. Her fever is still up and down, but mostly down now, and the pain in her shoulders, while still intense, seems to have been managed better. She is a little worried about the about of medications that she's on. Meds for Pain, Anxiety, spasms, sodium, potassium, blood thinning, lung secretions (2 of those), neurological pain, nausea, and I think even a few more I forgot about.

The main reason that I'm writing, though, is that Kari has had issues with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which causes her to have a panic attack when there is a loud noise a siren, or a screeching car. Today, someone dropped something in the hallway and it triggered panic in Kari and it took her about half and hour to really calm down. We are going to try to work through a couple things with a counselor tomorrow. When I talked to the Psychologist a few days ago, she said that usually over time it becomes easier to talk about and remember the accident, but in Kari's case it seems to have been getting worse. This is very frustrating to Kari and makes her feel like she's going crazy. Pray that the Lord would comfort her when she feels anxious. Thanks

Aaron.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aaron,
Please know that so very many people will continue to pray for Kari, for her comfort both of body and of mind. We will also pray for Kari along with Brett and Shary as they have been called to come to Kari today to bring her peace and continue healing her body and mind. We will also pray for you and your families and friends by Kari's side each and every minute of each and every day, we pray for your peace of mind and respite when you need it most. You all must take good care of yourselves, too.
God bless you all,
Laurie

Anonymous said...

Good Morning,
I was wondering if you are using music to calm the weary and anxious moments that Kari, and you are experiencing. I would be happy to contribute some beautiful euphonium music to listen to.
Prayer for a calm soul,
Love, Mom Barrett

H.G. Scott said...

Aaron,

I've struggled with PTSD since 1996, when I was ejected from my Bronco II in a rollover crash. At first, the panic attacks were so bad I doubted whether or not I could ever get in a car again. Little things would trigger these episodes... like crashing noises, screeching tires, or nightmares. During those times, I felt like my heart would fail me and the whole world was crashing in on me... but the panic attacks were not so bad as the feeling that I was going crazy or losing my mind. I didn't know for sure whether or not I'd ever be "normal" again.

Almost 10 years have passed now, and I still have panic attacks (remember how freaked out I was when we all were driving up that crazy mountain trail to Glacier Point in Yosemite???) But the panic attacks I have today are nowhere near what they used to be. It's like a merry-go-round, and the intensity of the attacks diminishes as time goes on.

Please give Kari my love and tell her that she's not crazy or alone.

Blessings,
Halee Gray Scott

Anonymous said...

Sorry that you are having a particularly rough time right now. Please know that there are scores of people out here in Riverside thinking and praying for your mind, body, and spirit.


These human bodies of ours can be troublesome! My brother is sooo looking forward the new body he'll receive one day. Meanwhile, dealing with the realities can be challenging. I am happy that you have such a positive attitude--- that takes energy, right?

I enjoyed the additional photos that you posted -- both of the wedding and Santos hat..... but my vote for the best is still the saucy one of Kari being silly a few weeks ago in rehab!

Peace Out. GO make yourself a dang kay-sa-dilla, Aaron.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Kari and Aaron,
I read this prayer this morning and wanted to share it with you:

O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.
Amen.

I pray these things for you, for His love and mercy to soothe and calm the pain and anxiety and worry as you take steps forward and back. Know that we continue to hold you close in our hearts and prayers each day.
In faith and love,
KT