Annie Hartweg

[SS427]

After 5 weeks away from the shop I finally felt comfortable enough today to run up to the shop and get on the computer for a couple of hours. I wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers as without them I do not believe Annie would have survived this ordeal. She is definitely a fighter as the doctors were unsure if she would even survive the first night in the ER. I am a first responder and when I saw he stats on the monitor when they hooked her up I went into a complete panic as she had bottomed out yet Annie being Annie acted as though all it was was a bad flu.

I cannot thank those enough who called, texted, prayed, emailed, sent flowers, donations, care packages and offers of food for me as well as running errands. Also to those who visited us in the hospital. It was very much a welcome sight to see some of our friends who came and took me out of the room if for even a few moments. Some of you even stood watch over her at the hospital so I could run the 40 mile round trip three times a day to take care of the dogs and horse. For those of you who offered to run and take care of the dogs for me, I valued your friendship too much to burden you with that one plus I wanted to see you again...... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img]

She is now home and resting and trying hard to regain her strength and appetite. As of this morning she was up to 117 lbs so at least she is progressing. The long term outcome has changed a little but is still life threatening. The bad news is the septic infection damaged her liver so severely though not severely enough to get her on the transplant list. The good news is her liver is not damaged enough to get her on the transplant list. Go figure. If I follow the national guidelines for liver transplant recipients she will never live long enough to see one so it can sometimes be a lose/lose situation. We do have a married couple who have both offered to transplant half a liver (GOD BLESS THEM) so that may change things a little.

Annie wanted me to thank each and every one of you for your support and concerns. We will thank you individually as time allows. This has been a forever life changing experience and the future is uncertain. I will be back in the shop as of tomorrow but only part time. Thanks to God I have some of the best customers anyone could ever ask for as you have all been very supportive and understanding. Not having that burden on my back has kept me sane for the last three weeks so THANK YOU!
Rick

[69 Post Sedan]

Although things aren't perfect Rick.....this is still great news. I'm glad to hear things are progressing.

Kurt [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[kwhizz]

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[njsteve]

Awesome news.

BTW if you really want to get an accurate gauge of how she is feeling, tell her that you are posting updates on how much she weighs. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

[SS427]

No worries Steve, she gave up on me a long time ago.

[Postsedan]

Great news Rick....continuing to send prayers.

Dan

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Day by day and cherish each and every one.

Ryan

[DW31S]

Rick, I didn't want to say anything until I knew more, but my brother-in-law is also extremely sick with much of the same symptoms. Also septic, tons of fluid, 82/50 blood pressure, chills, debilitating spasms, etc. Today is 6 days in the hospital and finally, the doctors found an antibiotic that combats the infection. We are in Maryland so definitely no connection. I've spoken with him (he respectfully wants no visitors and I know exactly why) and he barely can complete a sentence without losing his breath. This hit him like a freight train. He is also trained as a first responder (retired Balto. City FD Captian) so he knows how serious this really is.
Thank God your wife is on the mend and on the road to recovery. My prayers were with both of you and of course my brother-in-law.
I firmly believe in the power of prayer and positive thinking, and I also believe your dogs were an inspiration for your wife.

[Postsedan]

Dave,

I will also be praying for your brother-in-law.....may he have a healthy recovery.

Dan

[Xplantdad]

Hi Rick,

Great to hear that Annie is feeling better. Baby steps my friend, baby steps. We have been praying all along for a good outcome. Please make sure that you stay rested as well. Be her advocate for everything [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Dave, we hope for the best for your brother in law as well...