PAYTON AND SAMANTHA FOR DR. HALL AND SUSIE'S ART CART AND MARY BRIDGE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN TACOMA, WASHINGTON
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  • Home
    • More about us
  • Pushing Thru in 2022
  • Yearly Success
  • Wow!!!
  • New beginnings in 2021
  • Overcoming in 2020
  • Slipping Rib in Phoenix 2019
  • College Bound in 2018
  • REGAINING HEALTH IN 2017
  • Being Teenagers in 2016
  • Social Media for Good 2015
  • Making the Most At Mayo! 2015
  • Craziness in 2014
  • Golfing in 2013
  • Kick or Volley in 2012
  • The Muscles of 2011
  • Climbing Higher in 2010
    • Fundraising Event at Dallas Rocks
  • Climb-a-thon 2009
  • Swim-a-thon 2008
  • Read-a-thon in 2007
  • HONORING GRANDMA PAT ALLEN
  • Contact Us
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Slipping Rib in Phoenix 2019

*Update*


     It’s been a year since my surgery for Slipping Rib Syndrome and wow has my life changed!!  I am so thankful for Dr. McMahon and the team at Phoenix Children’s for giving me a fresh start on life!       
​     Since the surgery, I have been working out and I am able to do things without having any pain!  Sounds crazy that I would even have to say this, but I am now able to get in/out of my car without having to worry about popping a rib out of place, I am able to sneeze without breaking a rib and I will be able to go off to college without having to worry about carrying a backpack to class!  It’s the little things in life!  
     Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and support over the years! 

April 24, 2019

​     Today is the big day!!  Sounds crazy to most, but I am so ready for surgery!  Some of you may be wondering, what surgery?  So let me fill everyone in before this next journey to healing begins!
     Just to set the stage, it was Thanksgiving break and my cousins were on their way to Dallas to visit. My mom kept reminding me, “I know you will want to pick up your cousin, but you can’t.  DO NOT lift him!!”  A strange cautionary statement for most, but for me, a very valid warning!
     You see, about 2-3 years ago I began noticing that I would have pain when I would twist, turn, or lift something heavy. It felt like a clicking or popping in my ribs. The clicking gradually getting worse over time. We saw numerous doctors and they either diagnosed me with slipping rib syndrome or they attributed it to my nerve disorder.  The doctors who diagnosed me with slipping rib said to return if things progressively worsened.
     Well, as I was taught in my pain management days, I tried to push through things. Most days I could. If the clicking or popping was bad, I would move my ribs trying to get them in a comfortable place, I would go to the chiropractor or ask someone to help “pop them back in place.”  It began with carrying heavy things or lifting something, however I was to the point of sneezing and popping a rib or simply getting into my car would pop them out of place.
     But when my adorable 4 year old cousin arrived for Thanksgiving, I couldn’t resist!  I didn’t even think and when he ran up the driveway, I immediately reach down and lifted him to give him a hug!!  I was so excited, the pain didn’t set in until later that day.
     Now, don’t get me wrong, my cousin did not cause my issue.  It was just a matter of time before things fell apart. I was already having difficulty carrying my backpack (difficult for a freshman in college), getting in and out of my car and honestly I had difficulty doing most things.
     But lifting him and popping 3 ribs out was a day to remember!  This was the day when I would finally get answers!!  Without lifting him, it might have taken months for doctors to finally determine that my slipping rib syndrome was finally at the stage of surgery.  So ouch, “yes mom you were right, I shouldn’t have lifted him” may have been my first response but now, I am glad I did!  (Plus, if you could meet him, you would know lifting him was worth it!!)
     Now from Thanksgiving to today!  We consulted several doctors and it led us to Phoenix to a specialist who works with Slipping Rib Syndrome on a daily basis.  Dr. McMahon and her team finally understand what I have been going through and have a resolution!  Today, I will be going into surgery to have the popping and clicking resolved!  Please keep the doctors, my family and me in your prayers!!  Surgery is scheduled to begin at 1 pm Pacific Time.
     Thank you in advance for your prayers and for always supporting our family!
​                                                                        Love, Payton

Day 5 in Phoenix

4/28/2019

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    I am beginning to think that maybe, just maybe, Payton is feeling somewhat better!  She has sent me a few pictures from today and I am happy to report that it looks like she is on vacation and not 4 days out from a major surgery! 
     She is having some pain but she said it is nothing like the pain she was in before surgery.  We are so thankful!  She sounds so positive!
     So, a visit with cousins and a visit to the pool were top on her list today!  Of course, that was followed by a nap and another nap!!  
​     Please continue to pray as she heals!  I am hopeful she feels like updating everyone herself tomorrow!!
                                                    Love, Sam
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Day 4 in Phoenix

4/27/2019

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     Good morning!!  Yes, it is a GOOD DAY!!  Payton’s pain is under control and she is heading to the hotel soon!  Not sure if you follow her on Snapchat, but these are her posts at 4 am Phoenix time!!  What a great way to wake up this morning!  She is moving a little easier and excited to have a little more freedom!!  
     Thank you for all your prayers, they are working!!  Your love and support is amazing!
​                                                            Love, Sam

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Day 3 in Phoenix

4/26/2019

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     Ugh- I wish I had better news, but Payton is still stuck at the hospital!!  She is in good spirits tonight, but honestly, I don’t know how!  Maybe it was the furry visitor she had today!!
     She had a rough night last night so they decided to keep her one more day.  She slept most of the day so if you tried calling her, she might have missed your call. Or if she was snap chatting you, she might have hit send when she hadn’t even finished her thought- either way, she appreciates you checking in!!
     Please pray that our update tomorrow will include that she has been released from the hospital and that her pain is under control.  Until then, please pray that she gets sleep tonight so her body can heal!  More tomorrow!
​                                                               Love, Sam

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Day 2 in Phoenix

4/25/2019

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     Ugh- what a day!  First, I had to go to school and then I had training with Tim, I am exhausted!!  Oh wait, you want to hear about Payton!!  🤣
     Payton’s day was much worse but she is feeling a little better tonight!  Her morning started at 4 am with a FaceTime call with me (remember, they are 2 hours behind us). Everything was going great, she had slept some, was still numb from her nerve block and she was helping me decide what to wear to school.  I had to leave for school and things fell apart!  See, she does need me!!
     The nerve block wore off and she started having a reaction to the pain meds in her pain pump. So from 4:30ish until about 10 am, the nurses worked hard with the pain management team to find the right meds to help ease her pain. She couldn’t say enough about her nurses and how great they are!!
     By this afternoon, she is already on all oral meds and she has been walking around. She is feeling much better, of course, we all know how high her pain tolerance is so the doctors are totally shocked that she is walking the halls and ready to leave.
     She is hoping to head to the hotel tomorrow but I will keep you posted. Please continue to pray for total healing! 
                                                    Love, Sam

​Oh- and below is a pic of her view from her room. I can’t wait to see the view from her hotel!!
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Day 1 Phoenix-  Payton is out of surgery and doing well!

4/24/2019

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     How often does your sibling amaze you?  Let's face it, at our age, Payton and I are either great friends or annoying each other.  Today though, Payton amazed me!
     Payton was still in the recovery room when she called to give me an update!  She didn't want me to worry!  Seriously!?!  After 4 hours in surgery, having part of 5 ribs removed, 3 incisions and 3 plates, she was worried about all of us!​  Amazing!
     She called again once she arrived to her room to inform me that she has a wonderful team caring for her.  She has a pain pump to deliver pain meds every 8 minutes, additional meds if needed and to top it off, she has a fabulous view from her 9th floor hospital room!  She sounded so positive! 
     She asked me to thank you for all your prayers!  Please continue to pray for her healing, this surgery was more involved than we expected and pain management will be key.  We will update you more tomorrow!
                                             Love, Sam
     
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Surgery today at 1 pm Pacific Time- please keep me in your prayers!

4/24/2019

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    From Payton & Sam

    One of us will be updating Payton's progress each day, please send her messages to help in the healing process!

www.ourheartsjoined.org
  • Home
    • More about us
  • Pushing Thru in 2022
  • Yearly Success
  • Wow!!!
  • New beginnings in 2021
  • Overcoming in 2020
  • Slipping Rib in Phoenix 2019
  • College Bound in 2018
  • REGAINING HEALTH IN 2017
  • Being Teenagers in 2016
  • Social Media for Good 2015
  • Making the Most At Mayo! 2015
  • Craziness in 2014
  • Golfing in 2013
  • Kick or Volley in 2012
  • The Muscles of 2011
  • Climbing Higher in 2010
    • Fundraising Event at Dallas Rocks
  • Climb-a-thon 2009
  • Swim-a-thon 2008
  • Read-a-thon in 2007
  • HONORING GRANDMA PAT ALLEN
  • Contact Us