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Post by Bluejay on May 22, 2007 8:34:13 GMT -6
Some northern best wishes sent your way for a speedy recovery!  |
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Post by edie2u on May 22, 2007 8:36:51 GMT -6
Great news, Bob! Again, I echo all the sentiments above.
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Post by bostonmike on May 22, 2007 9:58:24 GMT -6
give rhonda our best as well, bobbo.
She will be in our thoughts.
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Post by Merlot Joe on May 22, 2007 10:04:39 GMT -6
Glad to hear that everthing went fine Bob. Give Rhonda a hug for us.
Joe & Denice
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Post by upsman on May 22, 2007 12:21:55 GMT -6
Holy shit Bob,
I just got on and read the thread. I am sooo fuckin glad everything went well. I was in total shock when i read the post. I can't tell you how fuckin happy i am to hear she is ok. Now, Rhonda has to get up to speed quickly. She has to get ready for a ups delivery in Florida, with your permission of course.
Love to you both
Mikey
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Post by diane on May 22, 2007 13:04:18 GMT -6
Bob,
Thanks for posting and I'm so glad everything went so well. Like Cher said, prayers even from your dysfunctional Hedo family works wonders.
It would be just like Rhonda to come thru as if nothing happened, Ms. Laidback herself. You on the other hand....I can just imagine how hard yesterday MUST have been on you. Being a dr and being that out of control of a situation had to suck for you. Please be good to yourself, and keep loving that wonderful lady of yours. Sometimes situations like this end up being wonderful life lessons.
We'll keep the prayers coming yours and Rhondas way. Keep us posted on her progress.
diane
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Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on May 22, 2007 15:46:40 GMT -6
It would be just like Rhonda to come thru as if nothing happened, Ms. Laidback herself. You on the other hand....I can just imagine how hard yesterday MUST have been on you. You have no clue!! (Well, maybe a little!) I walked in to see Rhonda today and after a moment she asked, "are you feeling better now?" ;D ;D This is the woman who had just had her brain cut open asking me if I FEEL BETTER??!!?? She is still doing well . . . a bit of facial swelling related to the surgery but that's to be expected. They were going to get her up out'a bed a bit after we left and start to mobilize her some. She was tired 'cuz she didn't sleep well last night, saying all the nurses were talking about their "private" lives and it sounded like a soap opera. They are trying to get her a more private room as the place she is in just has curtains between each patient, not individual rooms. The hospital is packed with patients currently. But hey, she's alive and kicking and I feel on top of the world. Thanks to all for the well wishes and all . . . the past two days have been surreal and I keep expecting to wake up from this bad nightmare . . . One day at a time. ..............Bob Edited to add: For those who would like to send a card to Rhonda: Rhonda McDowell, MD C/O Tampa General Hospital Room G545 PO Box 1289 Tampa, FL 33601 |
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Post by edie2u on May 22, 2007 18:32:00 GMT -6
What a woman!!! You are a lucky man.
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Post by jefnlaura on May 22, 2007 21:28:25 GMT -6
Bob, I have been away from the boards for quite a while, and I had no idea this had happened until Bif told me. I am thrilled that Rhonda came through surgery well. Take care of yourself, and Give our best to that Lovely Wife!
Prayers will continue for the Both of you!
Muffy/Laura
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Post by jim (andjanie) on May 23, 2007 10:50:42 GMT -6
I haven't been on here for a while. This is certainly not the news you want to see. Glad to hear of the good news of the successful surgery. We will certainly pray hard for both of you, for a speedy and full recovery and for strength to deal with the challenges along the way.
Jim
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Post by New Mama on May 23, 2007 13:47:33 GMT -6
OMG....I finally get back here and learn THIS. Thank GOD Rhonda's on the road to recovery. What a scare for you Bob.
Sending my best thoughts for a speedy recovery.....for you too Bob.
kisses.........Diva
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Post by bigdog8088 on May 24, 2007 2:29:59 GMT -6
Bob, Give our best to Rhonda..Wish her a speedy recovery..If we get to see the two of you Next Dec..You can compare notes with Gail..Last March I ended up In Mass general for 3 days.
I had a numbness in my left arm..Turned out the Dr's said it was all in my Head..lol
Something about a TIA...
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Post by pixiedust on May 24, 2007 21:18:03 GMT -6
Bob,
Only the BEST to you both, I can only imagine what you're both going through and am glad to see that she is recovering well and things are moving along in the right direction. My warm thoughts and prayers are with you both. Please know that we're all here pulling for you both.
Hugs,
Colleen
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Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on May 25, 2007 15:51:04 GMT -6
By far, Rhonda looked the best today since this whole ordeal. She seemed almost her usual self, except for the IV, being in ICU, hooked up to all the monitors, etc. She did about 4 laps around the ICU, so is up and walking. Her incision looks well to me and further testing is all in line. I've spent the past two nights in ICU each night with her, no reason she needs to do this alone. Also, I wanted to see how they are taking care of her. Needless to say, that is not a worry. If all goes well, she should be out of the ICU in a day or so. A special test to look at possible spasm in her arteries today was improved, so that is all very good! I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch, but I am very relieved at the moment. Thanks to *EVERYONE* for the well wishes and prayers. Here's to hoping everyone has a great holiday weekend! I'm going to remember this one for a long time, only 'cuz I will be able to spend it with the gal I love!!  ............Bob |
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Post by Just Mike on May 25, 2007 15:52:13 GMT -6
Thanks for the update Bob.
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Post by Christinko on May 25, 2007 21:50:21 GMT -6
Appreciate your taking the time to let us goons know what's what---and great news re: out of ICU soon--major yea!
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Post by edie2u on May 26, 2007 5:17:27 GMT -6
Great news, Bob. Glad to hear that Rhonda is on the mend and doing well. I will keep both of you in my prayers!
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Post by Merlot Joe on May 26, 2007 14:19:12 GMT -6
Glad to hear the good news Bob. Please keep us updated.
Joe & Denice
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Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on May 26, 2007 21:03:17 GMT -6
I talked to the doctor today and he said Rhonda might be able to come home tomorrow (Sunday!). I told him we are in no hurry, but from a medical standpoint can see that they are doing little for her as she has sailed through this near-tragedy with flying colors.
I just got off the phone with her and she sounded great, was finishing watching a movie and about to go to sleep.
I think I'm going to relax and ponder all this for awhile. As many times I have been around death, near death, helping families cope, there is nothing like having a loved one like your wife to bring you front and center, to realize how precious everything and everyone is.
I think back on several occasions where I utterly failed to assuage a families grief on the loss of a love one, but found the ability to help others in their time of need. I wish I could have done better, as having been on the "other" end now, I have seen where there are problems in the system, yet they go unnoticed because those who "run" the system haven't experienced what I, and countless others, have.
We in medicine think we know so much. And we do, but . . .
I am glad Rhonda and I have our Hedo friends. Often I read the threads from those who think Hedo is only about sex, partying, and the such. *TRUE* Hedo friends know it's about so much more.
I have been shaken by the events of this past week, but moved by the love of those of you who have offered your prayers and best wishes.
The next day or two I'm going to bring my Rhonda home . . . and I'm going to love her more than ever, if that is possible. And I'm going to know that we take life to the limit, like all Hedo folks do, living it to it's fullest.
This might not be the type of "trip report" that one submits to Denny, but I think it goes without saying it's been a trip. Peace be with you all.
I'm going to warm the bed for Rhonda.
................Bob
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Post by Harrybutt on May 26, 2007 21:07:24 GMT -6
A most wonderful post to read before hitting the sack. This is really great, Doc. I don't want to imagine the fear and anxiety you have suffered. And Peace to you and Rhonda.
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Post by diane on May 26, 2007 22:20:08 GMT -6
I have been shaken by the events of this past week, but moved by the love of those of you who have offered your prayers and best wishes. The next day or two I'm going to bring my Rhonda home . . . and I'm going to love her more than ever, if that is possible. And I'm going to know that we take life to the limit, like all Hedo folks do, living it to it's fullest. This might not be the type of "trip report" that one submits to Denny, but I think it goes without saying it's been a trip. Peace be with you all. I'm going to warm the bed for Rhonda. ................Bob And THAT my friend, is what is possibly going to make both of you even better doctors (and you a better attorney) than either of you dreamed possible. It sometimes takes an earth shattering experience to make us realize how precious our loved ones are to us. It's always been obvious how much you love Rhonda (even though some of us still wonder what she does see in you...lol, j/k), but I think this past week is going to deepen your love for each other, if that is possible. Now....learning to live every day as if it might be your last is your message to all of us. None of us have any guarantees in life, and while I'm sorry you both had to go thru this, I thank you both for the lesson. I'm heading down to HedoIIson in a few minutes, and will spend the next couple of days with some Hedo Friends that are like no others. So....when you heading down to HedoIIson, Bob??? I think it should be soon, Rhonda could use some warm humidity free sunshine to help her heal. HedoIIson is truely a magical, mystical, spiritual place and I think it would do you both wonders. I hear rumor there is a party being planned for June 22-24th and I think there would be room for you both there. Think about it......... hugs and love to you both, diane |
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Post by Irish Stu on May 27, 2007 5:25:57 GMT -6
This is wonderful news Bob!! It's what we've all been waiting to hear. And as Diane says, this has been a message to us all to live each day as if it will be our last. It is also a reminder of just how incredible Hedo friends are. Last year I was overwhelmed, and deeply touched, by the support I received during my own problems, and now during the past week of this terrible ordeal you have endured that same Hedo family has been there when you needed them to draw strength from, and hopefully some comfort too.
Make sure you give that lovely wife of yours a big hug from across the pond.
Simon
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Post by justheidi on May 27, 2007 6:16:33 GMT -6
Bob,that is awesome news!!! I can totally relate to exactly what you must be feeling right now. Isn't the clarity that you come away with just blinding (in a good way)? I could go on and on with this but you really said it so well already. Best wishes to you both!
hugs,
heidi
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Post by edie2u on May 27, 2007 6:35:24 GMT -6
Bob, you're post makes me want to believe in humanity, again. I wish you and Rhonda nothing but good health and happiness. It is wonderful to see a man who really loves his woman, and admits to it!
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Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on May 28, 2007 20:05:22 GMT -6
Rhonda came home today (Monday). I think this will be my last post on this nightmare. Rhonda is right back on the road to recovery. Soon after getting home, she said, "time for a walk?" We ventured out, hand in hand down the road . . . the late afternoon sun shimmering through the trees . . . a dove cooing above and several Blue Jays singing in the trees.
We walked hand in hand hardly saying a word, but we were communicating a mile a minute, nevertheless. We enjoyed the aroma of a late afternoon spring day, the sun warming our faces, but most of all we enjoyed the moment, a time we both thought we might never enjoy again.
Tonight, I'm going to snuggle Rhonda in bed and feel her warmth, and I am not ashamed to say that I thank God for one more night together. That works for me, but I don't demand it of you. We all find peace in our own way.
Night night . . . .
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Post by pixiedust on May 28, 2007 21:14:22 GMT -6
It sounds to me that as determined that you were to have Rhonda home with you doing well, I think SHE was just as determined to BE home with you and well. God bless you both and I know that only good things are going to be happening to you from now on.
Hugs,
Colleen
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on May 29, 2007 5:49:13 GMT -6
BOB
I have been out of town and just read this thread... I am so happy for you and Rhonda, that things turned out so well. My best to you both!!
Gordon
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Post by PattyD on May 29, 2007 6:01:33 GMT -6
I am so happy for both you & Rhonda!
Just getting out of the hospital and wanting to go for a walk sounds just like her too, well almost going for a run sounds more likely... LOL
Hugs to you both and we shall see you soon
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Post by justheidi on May 29, 2007 6:52:13 GMT -6
Bob~i am so glad you're both home!Home is always the best place to heal....your safe place!!
Best Wishes!
Heidi
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Post by Cherbunny on May 29, 2007 8:32:47 GMT -6
We ventured out, hand in hand down the road . . . the late afternoon sun shimmering through the trees . . . a dove cooing above and several Blue Jays singing in the trees. We walked hand in hand hardly saying a word, but we were communicating a mile a minute, nevertheless. We enjoyed the aroma of a late afternoon spring day, the sun warming our faces, but most of all we enjoyed the moment, a time we both thought we might never enjoy again. Tonight, I'm going to snuggle Rhonda in bed and feel her warmth, and I am not ashamed to say that I thank God for one more night together. That works for me, but I don't demand it of you. We all find peace in our own way. Thank you Bob for so eloquently saying how I've felt for the last couple of years. I get great joy out of enjoying the simple things in life....the birds, Mother Nature, close friends, and Rick. When Rhonda is able to travel, I really hope that you will come out for a stress-free weekend in Tucson. Our door is always open. Hugs~ Cher |
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