Teri Lynn had surgery on 3/22/05 and came through surgery with no complicatuions. She was up and around yesterday and in good spirits and in no apparent distress. This morning Teri Lynn was cleared to be moved to a surgical floor. She had gone for a walk in ICU but complained of pain. Her nurse told her to return to bed and use her pain pump. She got back into bed under own power but the nurse said she didn't look good and left the room to report this to the staff. When she returned Teri Lynn was found passed out cold at 9:53 am. They spent 15 minutes trying to revive her before placing her on a ventilator. Her family was notified to get to the hospital. There is no medical explanation for the coma. No blood clot, no heart attack, no abdominal leak. There have been a battery of medical specialists examining Teri all day long.
I met Teri Lynn's daughter in the hallway and she brought me into ICU. All of her family is there. Her husband Fred took me into Teri's room and she looks like she is just sleeping. It seems so unreal. While we were in Teri's room the nurse was taking her vitals and Teri's eyes opened. I gasped because I thought she was waking up. Her husband said she was doing that all day long. There is little brain activity but she is breathing with the machine which shows she is fighting to stay with us.
Teri Lynn has her large loving family present but I know her family would appreciate the emotional support from our community. If you want to stop by to check on Teri and her family, please do so.
Teri Lynn Nottage
Orange Coast Memorial Hospital
ICU Room 289
9200 Talbert at Brookhurst (405 Freeway/Brookhurst exit)
Fountain Valley, CA
714.378.7000
Her daughter lightened the mood by reassuring everyone that Teri Lynn is a survivor and will wake up when she gets hungry. Let's hope that Teri is merely suffering a delayed reaction to the trauma of surgery and she is talking a time out to let her body rest.
Her husband Fred is very strong. He is optimistic but realistic. The neurologist suggested that the time she was deprived of oxygen could result in serious brain damage. He said that that everyone was aware that this could happen. He said you can step off a corner and get hit by a bus. He added that there are always risks in life but everyone far and wide is praying for Teri. They just have to wait for her now.
According to the nurse Teri Lynn can't have fresh flowers or stuffed animals in ICU and only 3 people present in her room at one time. Please check with her family in the ICU waiting room so her family knows you are there to see Teri and they can escort you through the ICU doors. I know the family's time with Teri Lynn is first priority.
Her daughter has my number and promised to call if there is any change in Teri's condition. I will check back with the hospital in the morning. Please pray for Teri Lynn and her family. I just know if we send prayers and positive thoughts she will wake up ASAP.
Her family also sends their thanks for all your love and support right now.
Robyn