String X
It's a top!
42 x 56 (I think)
When I work with strings I usually make a few quilts with longer strings and as the strings get shorter and skinnier I make quilts like this one.
I used Bonnie Hunters free pattern.
Originally I thought I was going to use some lighter colored 5 inch squares for the side setting triangles; however, when I went to finish up the blocks I noticed that the squares were only 4.5 inches and too small. Someone had recently sent me the print with colorful dragonflies on black that I had not yet put away so I grabbed it, made a calculation to see if I had enough yardage, and then used it.
I had this top all assembled and was going to blog about it on the 21st but hubby John ended up in the hospital.
John has a fragmented jaw that got infected and we were waiting for an appointment at Univ. of Iowa Hospital and Clinics on the 27th.
On the evening of the 20th at around 9 pm he asked for help getting to the bathroom. He was dizzy and unsteady on his feet. When we got to the bathroom he started spitting up blood mixed with yellow mucus. And I noticed a hole had appeared in his jaw and was oozing pus mixed with blood. I had to hold a menstrual pad left here by granddaughter to the hole that formed to soak up the discharge. I got him back to his chair and the oximeter indicated high pulse rate and blood pressure was low and he had a slight temp as well. I called the ambulance because I knew I would not be able to get him to the car to take him myself.
By the time I got to the ER at about 10:30 pm he was non stop coughing. I think the discharge was going down his throat and since he can't swallow it was coming back up and then being aspirated into his lungs. I told doc and nurse about the jaw and infection but they didn't seem to care about that. So after 10 hours in the ER they transferred him by medic to MICU at Univ. of Iowa Hospital and Clinics a little over an hour away. I think while in the ER he developed pneumonia.
I had no sleep in over 24 hours so ran home and thought I would take a nap before I made the hour+ trip to the hospital but I think adrenaline and worry kept me awake. So I grabbed a few hygiene things, undies and a couple of shirts and threw them into a bag as well as some clothes for John to wear home after discharge. I made a jug of iced tea for my thermos and popped some popcorn to chew on to keep me awake for the drive to the hospital.
Then it was an adventure and lots of frustration at the hospital while trying to convince health care professionals the the root cause of everything was infected and fractured jaw. So, anyway, long story short...John made the appointment with the ENT on the 27th and then they did some tests like vascular studies and CT scan to see if he is eligible for free flap surgery to fix jaw. Then we go back for another appt. and if eligible surgery will be 6-8 weeks out. In the meantime he is on an antibiotic hoping to keep further infections at bay and has some pain meds. So again we are playing a waiting game.
He was discharged on the 27th in the late afternoon. He needed oxygen for the trip home. Well, when we got home John was unresponsive and unable to get out of the car. I thought something was wrong with him on the way home but was hoping he was just sleeping. Well, I was about ready to call the ambulance again and then noticed that the oxygen tank had not been turned on by the discharge nurse who hooked him up. So he had an hour ride home without oxygen. After I turned it on and let him sit awhile in car he came around and my son and I were able to help him up the stairs and into the house.
Yesterday we sort of got our routine back to normal. He is up and around and getting strength back with normal tube feeding (they did not give him enteral feed for three days of his hospital stay). Jaw pain is the main problem.
20 comments:
Oh my - what a crazy experiance - he is so lucky to have you advocate for him. I pray he heals fast and that things go smoothly from here
I love your quilt. The strings are light and/or bright and really stand out against the black.
I guess medical professionals have a reason not to listen to their patients or their care takers, but I wish they would considerate it. Hope your husband heals soon.
I admire you very much for holding onto your quilting to help you get through all of this trauma. It sounds like your quilting is a refuge for you, and I'm glad for you that you have something that takes your mind off of everything else, at least for bits of time. I hope your husband continues to improve. Best wishes for both of you.
Oh my--you two have certainly been "through it" with John's medical issues, Cathy. Glad you are home and hope you are moving back to a more normal time...You are such an amazing person---
I really do love your string works--this one with the dragonfly background is really lovely--nice job...Hugsx2 Julierose
I'm so sorry to read about the terrible time you are both going through.
Your string X quilt top is a beauty, Cathy! The dragonflies print is perfect to go with the colorful strings. I'm so sorry that John (and you) have been going through all of this. Especially your frustration that the healthcare providers won't listen to you about what's going on. So glad that he is home again and doing better. Sending you a big hug!
I agree with Diann; the dragonflies print is perfect. I love all the scrappies against the black print.
I'm so sorry to hear about all the difficulties life puts you through. I hope the antibiotic and pain killers work quickly to give him some relief. My prayers and thoughts are with you. 🧡 ;^)
I really like this one . . . might have to get this a try :)
Your finish is beautiful!!!!
Hugs for you, prayers and get well wishes for John.
Pat
Beautiful quilt, Cathy! So sorry John and you had to go through this. What a horrible experience, especially since the staff didn't want to listen to you. How frustrating! Glad John is doing better and your routine is back to normal. Hugs to you both.
Cathy - glad John is stable for now & you two are home. With no blog posts from you in several days I had sensed the situation had worsened. Will be praying that the flap surgery will be very very soon. Big hugs - Beth in AL ❤️
Oh, Cathy! I was worried when you hadn't posted for a while. John and you are on my prayer list -- he is so fortunate to have you as his champion and caregiver!!
There are no words. Holding you both up in prayer.
Sharon M
Whew. How exhausting and scary! John must be so thankful he chose so wisely years ago when he asked you to marry him! Everyone else here has expressed my thoughts exactly. I hope you and John are resting now and healing from those difficult weeks. I always marvel and am inspired by your creativity and how much you get accomplished. Thank goodness for quilting and gardening. Take care.
The black with dragonflies worked great for the corners.
I have experienced them not listening to me at the ER too, back when my mother was still here.
Prayers for you, my friend…many prayers said for you and John❤️❤️
I’m so sorry that the two of you are going through so much. I’m glad you’re back home. Take care of yourself.
Dear Cathy, I am so sorry for all the hassle and trouble you have had. Is there a case manager or ombudsman that you can get on your side at UI? Try keeping a 3 ring binder with all his results separated by Dr or. or specialty. .Specialists often don't see the big picture. I know this from caring for both my husbands.
LORD God, please strengthen Cathy and John by your Holy Spirit! Please help the antibiotics work well, killing the bacteria, multiply the life-giving cells, open up a date soon for the procedure (if it will help him), heal the bone of his jaw, and encourage them. In the name of Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, amen!
Laura H.
What a frustrating, difficult time! So glad your husband is home, resting and recuperating. Hope you, too, are resting.
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