From Dennis Bounds,
On
January 19, Becky had the first of at least two surgeries to remove bone that
has formed in her hips and pelvis. This first surgery was done on her
right hip.
The
surgeon removed a substantial amount of bone from the hip joint and surrounding
area. After the bone was removed, he was able to move the hip joint
properly and determined that the muscle tissue was adequate to support the hip,
so it was not necessary to do a total hip replacement. That was very
good.
Becky
came home after 5 days in the hospital and has spent the time since then
recuperating from the surgery itself and working on therapy to retrain and
strengthen her right leg’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons to return the leg to
its proper position. The therapy is quite aggressive and demanding.
It is difficult and painful. We can see results coming from the efforts
Becky is exerting, though, because the leg can be moved into its proper
position. Over time, and with Becky continuing to work through her
physical therapy, the right leg should take back its normal position.
During this interim period the effort is hard and progress seems slow. It
is a tough time and we’ll be glad when we can look back on it in wonder; right
now, we tend to wonder exactly what the future holds.
Becky
is scheduled for the second surgery about three months after the first.
No date has been set. Her left hip joint is fused so she isn’t getting
movement in it at this time. It remains to be seen whether removing bone
from the joint will free the joint or not. If not, total hip replacement
will be required. There is also significant bone other than in the joint
that must be removed.
Your
prayers for Becky’s continued recovery and for the remaining surgery are
greatly appreciated.
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From Dennis Bounds,
It
has been quite some time since we sent an update on Becky to all of you.
There may be some who are not aware of her situation, so I’ll quickly review
what transpired. It is good to review the miracles God has given on her
behalf.
On
March 26, while Becky and two of our children, Cameron and Juliane,
were returning from the Regional Family Weekend in
It
has been more than inspiring to witness the intervention God has granted in
sparing Becky’s life and in returning her memory and mental capacity.
Every doctor that has seen Becky has been amazed by her recovery and has
acknowledged that God clearly intervened on her behalf. So many people prayed
for Becky and for our family and God clearly chose to glorify Himself as the
supreme healer and a merciful God and Father.
On
July 7, Becky came home from the hospital – nearly 14 weeks after the
accident. It is wonderful to have her home and so many have come together
to welcome her back – commenting on how wonderful she looks and how good it is
for her to be back. Thanks to all of you for that.
While
we are very thankful for the progress Becky has made in her recovery, we must
recognize that there are still some very difficult and traumatic times ahead
for her.
Becky
developed a condition known as Heterotopic
Ossification as a result of the accident. H.O. is a condition in which
bone develops in places where it does not belong. In Becky’s case, this
bone development is occurring in her hips and pelvic area. Partly, new
bone is developing; in addition, some muscle is being converted to bone.
This process continues now and can be reasonably anticipated to continue for up
to a year from the time of the accident. When the H.O. process stops, a
decision will have to be made between options for treating the situation.
Among the options are two primary ones: cut out the bone that shouldn’t
be there or total hip replacement. Significant structural reconstruction
will be necessary in either case. Partly due to the length of the surgery
and how tedious, bloody, and dangerous it is, the surgery will be done in at
least two separate operations. Following each of those surgeries, Becky
will have hospital recovery time, rehabilitation and therapy, and recovery time
at home. The desired end result, of course, is that she will be able to
stand and walk again. In an effort to avoid a separate surgery to improve
the function of her hamstrings, Becky began intense physical therapy three
weeks ago. It is helping, but we don’t yet know whether it will be
enough.
As
you can see, Becky has a lot to go through in the months ahead. We are
coming back to you now asking you to once again approach God asking Him to continue
glorifying Himself in Becky’s recovery. God can intervene and heal Becky
if He so chooses. He can direct the treatment and recovery process and
bring her healing about through that means. How God works is always up to
Him. We would ask for the fastest and most complete healing and also for
God’s wonderful peace in whatever He chooses to provide.
Thanks
to all of you for the service you’ve provided to us, for your prayers, and for
your loving concern – from the time of the accident to now and as we go forward
through the time ahead.
Sincerely,
The Bounds Family
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From Dennis Bounds,
In
order to keep from continually bombarding you with updates on Becky's progress,
Becky and I decided it would be good to update you when there are particularly
significant developments - somewhat the same as when I would send out a special
update in the past.
Well, we have some significant news that I want to share with you this evening.
This coming Sunday, Becky will, barring any unforeseen changes, have her first
day pass to visit home. It will be her first time to see home in over 3
months!
While that is significant, an even more significant development is that just 4
days later, on Thursday, Becky is to be discharged to come home from the
hospital!
This is due to the fact that she has overcome all medical conditions that
dictate a need to be hospitalized right now. It definitely does NOT,
however, indicate that she has fully recovered. The fact is that, short
of another particularly decisive miracle, Becky will not be able to walk or
even stand for many months. The medical professionals have said that we
must wait for the HO (Heterotopic Ossification) to
run its course and the added bone mass to mature before surgery can be
done. Bone density tests will be run periodically to determine when the
bone has matured. This will be a long and difficult time for Becky and
she is fully aware of it.
Thank you to all who have done so much to encourage and help during the time
since the accident. Please continue to pray for healing, encouragement,
strength, and stamina for Becky. In many ways, the hardest part of this
struggle is still ahead.
Sincerely,
Dennis Bounds
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From Dennis Bounds,
Good
evening everyone! Only when the news is particularly significant do I
send out a special update and this is such an occasion.
As of 8:30 pm this evening, I have been informed by the orthopedic doctor that
Becky's halo is coming off - immediately!
He told me that he is confident that Becky's neck is adequately healed.
She will be required to wear a cervical collar anytime she is out of bed for
the next two weeks, after which time he will re-examine her to determine
whether that must be continued.
While there is much yet to do and the road ahead is going to be tough, this is
a very bright moment and we are thrilled to share this bit of news with you.
Take care everyone and have a great evening!
Regards,
Dennis Bounds
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From Dennis Bounds,
This
week’s update on Becky is the most exciting one yet because this week’s update
is actually coming from Becky. I will try to not add too much commentary
other than to say up front that Becky is so much more alert, awake, and aware
that it is just amazing.
I’ve
become aware of the tremendous giving from so many friends and family from
church and other relationships. I know that this giving has drawn my
family closer together and made it possible for them to do things that needed
to be done. I want to express how very much I appreciate all you have all
done. Your prayers have been and continue to be answered. I know
that my recovery has come a long way and has a long way to go, but God is
loving and merciful and powerful. He has chosen to give me more time to
be with my family and with you. I am so appreciative for that! I
know that He will direct my recovery and will help me through all that is to come.
Thank you so much for the prayers you’ve prayed, for the work you’ve done, the
meals you’ve provided, and all the encouragement you’ve given. Please
continue to pray that God will help us through this. He knows our needs
and wants us to always look to Him to supply them.
I
would like to comment on the courage and maturity I’ve seen in my children
since becoming aware of what happened. They have come to my aid and
helped in many ways to encourage me and to help Dennis and each other as we all
go through this. I am so proud of them and appreciate them so much for
all they’ve done.
Thanks
so much for all your help and concern.
Love,
Becky Bounds
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From Dennis Bounds,
It's
time for a special update on Becky because last evening she moved from Kindred
Hospital Houston Northwest to TIRR (The Institute for Research and
Rehabilitation) for the intensive and extensive rehabilitation she needs.
The move was difficult for her and she complained of severe pain in her legs
and tailbone. Recall that her tailbone is one of her many fractures.
Becky's sister, Ramona Wood, was with us as we moved Becky via ambulance.
It was necessary for someone to stay with Becky overnight and Ramona very
graciously offered to take that job even though she had been with Becky since
mid-morning yesterday already. THANK YOU, RAMONA!!!
The resident doctor that saw Becky upon arrival was surprised by the way her
legs are constricted in an upward and outward position. He commented that
he's never seen an adult's legs in such condition. Please pray for Becky
that her legs will be able to return to their normal position and that her pain
will be relieved very soon.
It is significant in Becky's healing process that she has been able to move to
TIRR and I wanted everyone to know that she has done so.
Please continue praying for Becky as she has serious pain and is especially
upset because she is confused about what is happening to her. She needs
mental peace.
Thank you all.
Sincerely,
Dennis Bounds
5
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From Dennis Bounds,
This
week has been significant in Becky's healing, both currently and looking forward.
Last Saturday evening, Becky's tracheostomy tube was
removed at the end of normal visiting hours. That was a perfect close to
a very pleasant and positive visit our immediate family had experienced that
evening. While all five of us were together that evening, Becky described
the scenario by saying, "This is perfect."
In addition, at least two separate events have occurred that are
encouraging. First, Becky was recommended for a transfer from
Secondly, Becky spent much of yesterday, Friday, in a very positive and
communicative frame of mind. That has not been the norm for her since the
accident due to the traumatic brain injury she received and all of her other
injuries. Winn Tate, Becky's mom, spent several hours with her during which Becky was very alert and pleasant. During that
time, Becky was asking very direct questions and working diligently to
understand what has occurred in her life to bring her to her current
situation. Even after that, she was still seeking more information and was
quite pleasant. Last evening, I took Cameron and Juliane,
our two younger children (and the ones that were in the car with Becky at the
time of the accident) to visit her. She was thrilled to see all of us and
spent the 90 minutes we were there telling us how much she cares for us and how
happy she was we were there. She still had pain in her legs and feet, but
she was more focused on having her family there with her.
At 1:45 this morning, Becky called me on the telephone. I wasn't
concerned because I'd told the ICU staff to let her do so if she wanted because
she is all alone there and needs to be able to communicate with us. It
was a pleasant call and Becky was working to be as outgoing as possible.
She is clearly still disoriented, but is struggling to get clear in her mind
what is going on in her life. Our conversation lasted about 15 - 20
minutes.
Becky does still feel significant pain and will require extensive therapy of
many sorts. She is starting to show more desire to improve, a
characteristic that will surely help in her recovery. Please continue to
pray for her. God has answered the many prayers that have been presented
to Him and He is faithful to continue doing so. Answered prayer is one
very important way in which God is glorified and He is certainly glorifying
Himself in Becky's life.
Thanks to everyone praying for Becky and giving of themselves to help us during
this time. We deeply appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Dennis Bounds
5
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From Dennis Bounds,
A
small bit of encouraging news came this evening while I was visiting Becky and
I wanted to let people know.
Becky
has had a tracheostomy since the second week
following her accident. Recently, she
has been able to speak in spite of having the tube in her throat by means of a
small valve placed over the end of the tube.
A couple of days ago, the tube was capped and
the valve was no longer necessary.
Becky's doctor indicated some hesitancy to remove the tracheostomy tube and close her tracheal incision due to
concerns about pneumonia. While Becky
has shown no signs of that illness, it is a possibility with any patient confined
to bed.
This
evening, Becky's doctor informed me that he will remove the tracheal tube and
close the incision early tomorrow morning.
While
Becky has a very long way to go in recovering before she will be back to her
normal self, we appreciate every small step as it represents another victory
over the tragedy she has suffered.
Thanks
to all who pray for Becky. Thanks to
God, who hears and answers those prayers.
Sincerely,
Dennis Bounds
5
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From Dennis Bounds,
This
week has brought one major change in Becky's condition. She developed DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) in
her left leg. DVT is significantly
characterized by blood clots in her leg.
It is causing her a great amount of pain in her legs and feet. Normally, DVT could be life threatening but
we hope Becky is protected by an umbrella filter that was surgically placed
inside one of her veins earlier in case she developed DVT and a clot dislodged
and traveled to her heart, lungs, and brain.
In
the latter part of the week, the doctors indicated that Becky was not taking
nearly enough food by mouth to sustain her and recommended that a PEG tube be
inserted through her abdomen into her stomach to provide additional nutrition
for her. She was taking in only between
250 and 500 calories per day, compared to her need for approximately 1,800 calories
per day. The PEG tube was placed
yesterday afternoon and feeding through it began today. Becky will still need to eat normally and we
will be working to encourage her to do so.
Becky
did take her first venture outside for a few minutes of physical and
occupational therapy on Thursday, but was quite uncomfortable in the heat.
Becky's
physical healing is continuing slowly.
The extent of her brain injury is still unknown, but she is very
disoriented and depressed. Please
continue to pray for her complete healing and the comfort that comes only from
God's Holy Spirit.
Thank
you all very much.
Sincerely,
Dennis Bounds
5
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From Dennis Bounds,
This
week has brought some significant changes in Becky's situation.
Primarily, the doctor reduced the size of her tracheostomy
tube, making it easier for her to speak. She has also made some advances
in her ability to swallow. This led the doctor to remove her feeding
tube.
Becky's talking has given us some new insights into her condition and has
provided a more specific issue for us all to pray for. Specifically, she
seems quite confused and disoriented. Sometimes she speaks in a normal
conversational manner and seems lucid. Mostly, though, she does not seem
to be aware of her actual circumstance and she seems to feel rushed and
bothered that she can't do what she wants to do - primarily to go home.
The doctors have said that this disorientation may be due to several factors,
including medications and being hospitalized for an extended period of time,
especially in Intensive Care. We would greatly appreciate your prayers
that God will continue healing Becky's body; that He will heal the brain
injuries she has suffered and give her the ability to comprehend her
circumstance and return to her normal cognitive functioning.
Our church family has been very helpful and supportive in this difficult
time. Thank you so much! Please continue to pray for all of
us. Our strength and courage comes directly from God. He hears and
answers the prayers of His people.
Sincerely,
Dennis Bounds
4
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From Dennis Bounds,
Update on Becky Bounds
The
following is an update following the car accident that Becky Bounds suffered on
March 26 while traveling home from the prom and basketball tournament in
4
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From Jim Servidio, pastor, Houston North,
TX
Becky
Bounds will be moving out of ICU just as soon as a bed is available. She
continues to be more alert as she recovers although it is still difficult for
her to communicate with her family. A decision will be made in the near future
having to do with where she will go for her rehab. There is an excellent
facility in
4
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From Jim Servidio, pastor, Houston North,
TX
I
returned this afternoon from a trip to
Today Becky was fitted with a head devise called a “halo”. As she continues to wake up and become more aware of her surroundings she naturally has increased movement. This new apparatus is designed to limit her head movement so that the fracture in her neck will not be aggravated. Though the fracture is not a serious one as far as location is concerned, it is still important that the bone knit properly.
Also, the breathing tube down her throat was removed and a procedure called a Tracheotomy was performed this morning. This is a small incision into the trachea which allows a tube to be inserted below the larynx for easier passage of air. This should allow Becky to breathe and communicate more freely during her recovery.
So, this is pretty much the latest. In general Becky is looking better each day and there has been much improvement and progress over the past week. When awake she responds to the family when they speak to her, but is also still disoriented at times, which is normal under the circumstances. Becky remains in Intensive Care because she is not fully stabilized as of yet. But as soon as it is prudent she will be transported down to Houston to be closer to home and family.
Everyone again confirms how much our prayers are helping, not only Becky, but the entire family. They are very appreciative of the care and concern being shown.
4
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From Jim Servidio, pastor, Houston North,
TX
I
received this with a request to read it in services this Sabbath:
From the Family of Rebecca Bounds
April 1, 2006
We
would like to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, letters, meals, and moral support
that have been given to our family since Becky’s accident last Sunday
evening. No words could ever express the appreciation we feel.
Thanks
to Mr. Servidio for passing on updates concerning
Becky’s condition – the challenges she faces and the small but encouraging
successes she experiences.
By
a wonderful miracle from God, Cameron and Juliane,
though in the car with Becky, experienced only minor injuries. They both
have multiple abrasions and Juliane required 10
stitches to close a gash on her forehead. We are counting on God to work
His miracles for Becky now.
Becky
is described by the doctors as being in critical condition with multiple
injuries including:
The
swelling of the brain has been brought under control. Unfortunately, the
extent of injury and related damage to Becky’s neurological system can’t be
known until a neurological assessment has been made. By taking Becky off
of sedatives and pain medicine, the doctors are waking her up to make that
assessment. That is the most critical issue Becky currently faces.
Please
continue to pray for Becky. We, as her physical family, feel the effects
of your prayers and know that God is answering the many requests for her
healing.
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From Jim Servidio, pastor, Houston North,
TX
Hello
Everyone,
I
had intended to wait until tomorrow to send an update on Becky Bounds, but felt
I should share what took place today, Thursday. Dennis, Adriane, Cameron, Juliane, Winn Tate, and I were at the hospital in
Becky remains in Intensive Care and is being closely monitored. Her progress has been encouraging this week and her vital signs are positive. The nurses are just beginning to decrease the anesthesia so that she can begin the process of waking up. The doctor said that they would try to get her to respond later today, but most likely not until tomorrow.
Though she was not able to respond, we all talk to her while holding her hand or arm because there is the likelihood that she actually can feel and hear what is being said. Each family member expresses their love and tells her how well she is doing. The nurses recommend only having a couple people at a time at her bedside so there is not too much confusion.
At
Dennis’ request, I offered a prayer while he and I were alone at her bedside. I
made sure I was close enough to Becky so that she would be able to understand
if she was able to hear. Among other things, I thanked God that Cameron and Juliane were unhurt and also that it appeared He had
intervened for Becky this week. I expressed how much we would all like to see
her well and back at home with her children and husband as well as with her
church family at services. I said we were all trusting in Him and knew that He
was aware of the circumstances and what everyone was going through.
As
we neared the end of the morning visiting time slot there was discussion about everyone’s
plans for the next few hours. I was planning to drive Cameron back home to
Just
before we were about to leave one family member paid a final visit to Becky’s
bedside and amazingly she opened her eyes. This was a very moving experience.
Once this was conveyed to everyone we all went in and gathered around her bed.
The nurses were smiling and elated that they were seeing this take place. They
said she was beginning the waking-up process.
Becky
was, of course, very limited in her degree of response, but she could give a
slight squeeze of someone’s hand and appeared to be trying to fix her eyes on
the one speaking to her. The monitor clearly record an
increase in her vital signs and brain activity so it appeared evident that she
was aware that her family was with her. A few minutes later when some of us had
left the room, Juliane said a tear rolled down her
mom’s cheek when she was speaking to her.
This
lifted everyone’s spirits very much. We were grateful for this encouraging sign
and that her daughters and son were able to be on hand to experience this
response from their mother. Becky looks much better than she did the last time
Cameron and Juliane saw her a few days ago so this
was a very positive visit for them.
So, that is what took place this morning. This is not guarantee that there will not be future challenges or that Becky is out of the woods. Much is yet needed on the road to recovery, but today’s episode was certainly appreciated and a cause for uplifted spirits. I thought you would like to know this before tomorrow.
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From Jim Servidio, pastor, Houston North,
TX
I just got back from the Scott/White hospital in
Dennis left early afternoon to bring Cameron and Juliane back home to
Cameron and Juliane are doing fine overall. Cameron only had his basketball uniform to wear home. Dennis and I had to go out and get some things for Juliane to wear home since the clothes she had on were soiled form the accident, as were Cameron’s to a lesser degree. Everyone is calm and composed. It is obvious that they are getting comfort and strength from everyone’s prayers. Cameron related what happened at the time of the accident, but Juliane says that she does not remember anything of the event. They both have some cuts and abrasions but nothing serious, thankfully. There had been a terrible impact.
Becky remains in critical condition. She is in a
doctor-induced deep sleep to allow her to relax and so that the pressure on her
brain can be treated more effectively. She is stable, which is a good
sign, but facing dangers over the next several days especially the threat of
increased fluid buildup on the brain. Scott/White is one of the finest
facilities in the country so we can be confident she is getting the best care
that doctors can provide.
I know we all feel very badly for the Bounds because we are a family and when one member is suffering we are all suffering together. It is hard sometimes to reassure ourselves at a time such as this, but God loves Becky very much and His love is beyond our understanding. No one knows the outcome yet, part of our job is to be looking to our Heavenly Father, trusting in His wisdom, mercy, and will.
I know the family has received calls of support and aid. We will continue to unite and respond to the needs in the days ahead. I’ll pass on any further developments.
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From Jim Servidio, pastor, Houston North,
TX
Hello
Everyone,
Last
evening Mr. Perry sent out a notice about an accident involving Becky, Cameron,
and Juliane Bounds. They were returning from the
Regional Weekend in Dallas/Ft. Worth and were broadsided on the driver’s side
somewhere near
Cameron
and Juliane suffered some minor injuries but Becky is
now listed in critical condition. She has been flown by helicopter to
Scott/White Hospital in
Becky
is being kept unconscious but will be brought out gradually to see how she
responds in order to help determine the extent of any brain trauma. She will
remain in
That
is all I know right now. I am heading up to
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