Ola' form Monterrey, Mexico!!!
We just finally got connected here in internet. There was a bad internet connection here in Lindsay's room. They repaired that today so we could not get online until this evening. I am sorry for the delayed update.
We arrived safely in Monterrey on Wed, right on schedule, 4:30 Eastern Standard Time, 3:30 Monterrey time. We had several of the same flight crew from our trip to Florida. That was helpful because they were prepared for Lindsay's needs. The flight went well, but the ground ambulance ride was torturous for Lindsay. She feels every vibration that is of no significance to the rest of us but causes severe pain for Lindsay. So by the time we got to San Jose Hospital she was in excruciating pain. The airport may not have been that far from the hospital but the ride seemed to last for hours.
It is more than a bit overwhelming and a lot frightening being rolled into a foreign emergency room and 20 people are speaking all around you but saying nothing you understand. It was a very helpless feeling.
Thankfully they were expecting us. Two medical students eventually emerged from the crowd of medical personnel surrounding the stretch who also spoke English. One of he air ambulance medics spoke a bit of Spanish. But it was quite a scene.
Dr. Cantu arrived in the ER shortly shortly after our arrival. We seemed to sense his compassion at first meeting (and he speaks great English). He wanted to get Lindsay settled in her room before examining her. So with 5 suitcases, a cooler filled with IV's and medications, and 2 large bags of supplies in tow, they moved LIndsay into her room on the 8th floor.
It took quite a wile but the pain did settle back to her baseline. The room is both nice and quite large with a sofa where I sleep at night. Out her window is a huge mountain which is beautiful. Different mountains surround most of Monterrey. Lindsay's medication schedule is complex due to the language barrier so Dr. Cantu is allowing me to give LIndsay her medications, which has worked out well for us.
The nursing staff is very friendly but few speak any English. I am so glad for Joan as we bumble through our Spanish communication skills. None of us speak any Spanish. It is nice to always have someone else who understands you. We have a lot of comically 'fish our of water' moments. It is nice to have someone to laugh with you. So pointing and using a hand held translator, have been our main sources of communication. The only thing that works better is finding a doctor. Most of the doctors speak some English and are kind and willing to translate for us, even in the cafeteria line.
Going to the cafeteria is quite an adventure. Few items look familiar and the menu of course we cannot read. It will take some adjustment. Joan and I ordered a club sandwich and a hamburger so far with someone's help, but both came with ham, cheese and avocado slices. Not what we were expecting.
We were able to experience an authentic Mexican restaurant last night, out of the generosity of Elena, one of the previous coma patients and her family. They knew where to go, how to get there AND what to order. It was delicious!!! We look forward to the day when Lindsay can go with us.
We have met two of the previous coma patients here, Ana Sophia (pictured with her Mom and Lindsay above), and Elena and some of their families. For those we have not met personally we have spoken to on the phone. What amazing, selfless people! They have all been of tremendous encouragement, but with realistic expectations of outcome. Hw wonderful for us, especially LIndsay to have others who truly understand how she feels. We are right where we need to be... in Mexico. I truly believe this is exactly where the Lord wanted Lindsay all along. The doctors are amazing and so caring. And I will be able to be with her the whole time.
So LIndsay has been resting and recouping from the trip in preparation for the upcoming coma. She is very positive and hopeful. It is going to be a tough week, so please keep praying. The coma will begin tomorrow morning.
With deepest gratitude,
Sharon
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