The young Oriental woman who was injured in the tornado outbreak a few weeks ago continues to recover from her injuries. Louisiana Sandusky, who is her primary nurse, keeps us up to date on her progress.
In case you are wondering the fate of Michiko Osaka, the young Oriental woman who was injured in the tornado outbreak of a few short weeks ago, I am about to update you on her now.
Michiko suffered numerous contusions and abrasions, and she also suffered eye injuries from when glass flew into her eyes. She also suffered a compound fracture of her one leg, and she is currently wearing an external fixator device in that leg because the break was so severe. She has had several surgeries on her eyes, and it is not known as to whether she has suffered permanent damage to either one of her eyes. She still can't see much but light, and she is still in an incredible amount of pain, especially when the orthopedic surgeon comes to tighten the pins on her fixator device twice a day, or if we change the bandages on her eyes, which are still sensitive.
Michiko is doing somewhat better physically, but emotionally is an entirely different story. She refuses to co-operate with the doctors or nurses, and she has managed to pull out the feeding tube out of her nose more than once. She is presently restrained to the bed because she won't leave the tube in her nose alone, and she is very unhappy with us at the moment. She wants to go home, but she knows that she is in no shope to go home, and we tell her that she will need physical and occupational therapy when she IS well enough. But she won't be released for at least several more months.
I try to be patient and understanding with Michiko, but at times she tries my patience, and I try to understand what it is like to be in her shoes. Still, I know that I have to keep my emotions under control, and I try to be supportive and calm with her; still, she makes it hard, especially when she manages to de-tube herself or pull off the EKG leads from her chest, which only sets off the alarms (and makes for many panicked nurses, who come barreling into the room, thinking that the patient has just gone into cardiac or respiratory arrest!).
I talk to her, telling her about my family, and I tell her that she is getting better day by day. I tell her about my husband, and I tell her about my children, particularly Ronee', who was brought into the hospital at about the same time she was, and I tell her that Ronee' has recovered from her head injury and is now back at home, playing with her brothers and sisters and her friends. I also tell her about my one son, Johnny, who was NOT injured during the storms, but is still fascinated with the weather and didn't seem scared one bit during the worst of the storms.
Michiko listens intently as I talk to her, and she seems to relax whenever I hold her hand in mine; and she tells me that I am a good person for being there with her. I tell her that I am only doing my job, and it is my duty to take care of her and her needs. I tell her I am there to make her comfortable during her hospital stay, and I tell her that I am there to comfort her whenever painful procedures are done to her or whenever she gets scared.
I hope that Michiko gets her vision back, and I hope that she will be able to walk again after her leg heals and after the EFD is removed. I know that she has a long road ahead of her, and she will need all the help and support she can possibly get. It is always frightening to a patient when they face an uncertain future, and it is always daunting whenever they may be facing a possible disability that may be with them throughout their remaining lives.
If she doesn't get her vision back completely, or if she doesn't walk without the aid of crutches or a cane, I will still be there for her, even if it is only to talk, and I will support her in any possible way. Nobody deserves to be abandoned, especially if they are facing possible disability.
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Reviewed by Robert Blackwell
5/27/2003
Thank you for yet another gem from your pen. {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}
(((poor michiko))) not good to be stuck in hospital and uncertain about your future...you've captured her frustration well. i love the way louisiana interacts with her and tries to give her firm, but tender, loving care. AN ANGEL is nurse louisiana! :) great, descriptive write! ((((HUGS)))) and love, karla. :)
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