Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Beyond Chiari Photos  Video "The Big Difference" Notice

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Last Updated September 8, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above photo was taken four days before the surgery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vernessa's Chronology of Recovery
September 8 to 13, 2020, and beyond.
Vernessa had a surgery for Level One Chiari Malformation

Today, September 8, 2021, one year after the surgery, Vernessa is doing well.  She has been back to work since February 2021, and she is grateful and happy. Photo taken in August 2021

 

 

CONTINUE GIVING

[ Oct 10, 2020 ]  Vernessa is requesting that you continue to give to help cover the monthly payments at the hospital.  She expresses deep gratitude to those who have given already.  Below are two methods how to give.  Balance needed is $84,000.  ($1000 monthly payment). 

1. Directly to her hospital account online:

Doctors Hospital
Business Office
Dowdeswell Street
Account member V00001030326  [  LINK  ]

2.  Donate Online by clicking here.   Use any debit or credit card.  No Paypal account needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How it All Went

  • DAY 1--Tuesday Sept 8th:

    • Surgery by Dr. Susheel Wadhwa II, (right photo) Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon at Doctors Hospital.   The eight-hour surgery ended at around 3 p.m..  She was then taken to ICU.

 

  • DAY 2--Wednesday Sept 9th

    • Photo on the right is presented here by permission.  You can see fifteen stitches.  Photo taken September 14, 2020.  Click on photo to enlarge.

    • She had a good night in ICU.   Today, she is resting comfortably.  Claudia was allowed to visit her in ICU.  She would not be able to visit Vernessa when she goes to the ward.    I had a chat with the doctor and Claudia together via the phone.  He brought us up to date.    Barrington and Annick spoke with Vernessa via video at about 1 p.m..  It was so wonderful seeing her face.  She is doing fine although her lip and throat are sore.  Vernessa called us to let us know that she did her first walk.  She walked the length of the ICU unit with a walker assisted by a physiotherapist.  She will walk again today.  She cannot eat solid food yet.

    • Vernessa has special cuffs on her legs that vibrate every so often to stimulate circulation.  This is to make sure she does not need blood thinners.

    • Vernessa moved to her room today.  In the evening she indicated she is feeling much better.

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  • DAY 3--Thursday Sept 10th

    • Vernessa's photo on the right was taken today and placed here with her permission.

    • Vernessa awoke at about 8 a.m. just feeling a little nauseated but dong fine.  She spoke to her sister, Ketura, on the phone.

    • Vernessa's mother, Aunt Claudia, took a large bottle of grape juice this morning to Vernessa.  Claudia saw the doctor and he said the grape juice was fine.  Vernessa loves grape juice.  Claudia is not allowed to see Vernessa but she went anyway just to be nearer to her.

    • Vernessa called me via video at 10:40 a.m.  She said that she is drinking juices and teas.  She said she is feeling fine except for the occasional nausea due to the medication.  She will be taken off fluids today and placed on tablets instead.   The physiotherapist helped her walk the hallway at about 10 a.m.

    • The doctors will watch the fluid drainage from her surgery for another 24 hours to make sure all is going well.

    • I sent her some relaxing music last night to listen to.

     

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  • DAY 4--Friday Sept 11th

    • 9:05 a.m. I spoke to Vernessa this morning.  She woke up without nausea. 

    • During the night her sciatica pain was affecting her.  However, she said the nurses were tremendous.  Despite that, she said her night was "good."

    • She appreciated the music I sent her.  It really was soothing and relaxing.

    • The music  sent to her:  Andre Gagnon  Chanson Sans Paroles.   Andre Gagnon When I Fall in Love USA Africa We Are the World. 

    • The Best Relaxing Classical Music Ever - Relaxation Meditation Focus Reading Tranquility

    • Michael Jackson - You Are Not Alone (Official Video)

    • The nurses told her that the drainage looks good.  The doctor will give the official word later this morning.

    • 10:00 a.m. Vernessa sent me a message.  She said that the doctor was satisfied with the drainage and took out the tube.  The wound was dry and healing well.  He replaced the tube with a compressed bandage.   He said because she is progressing so well, she should come out of the hospital on Sunday.   See her bright and lovely face this morning (right).  Click on photo to enlarge.

    • Here's a little secret.  Vernessa's sister, Petty Officer Christian Rahming's birthday is today.  Yah!

    • At 1:30 p.m. Vernessa sent me a message stating the she just walked, with the guidance of the physiotherapist, the entire length of the hallway.  In addition, she did a few exercises.  She lifted each leg ten times, each arm over her head ten times and sat down ten times.  She had no dizziness and she felt good.  The physiotherapist said she did "awesome."

    • 5:10 p.m.  The doctor called me upon my request through his LinkedIn page online.  He gave great news.   He said Vernessa is progressing very well.  Before surgery she could only hold her breath to a count up to ten.  Post surgery she can hold her breath double the time--up to 20.   Before surgery she could not hold up her right hand beyond her shoulder.  Now she is raising and holding both hands high above her head easily.   She is more able to manage her personal care.

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  • DAY 5 --Saturday Sept 12th

    • 9:12 a.m.  I called Vernessa and the doctor answered the phone because he was doing his checkup.  He said she was having a headache and there was slight swelling.   Therefore, he is going to do a CT scan this morning.  He will inform us of the results as soon as he can.

    • 11:10 a.m.   I got the following text from the doctor:  ". . . . We just completed the CT scan.  All looks good.  No major concerns.  We will have her stay the night to observe her."

    • 11:25 a.m.  I spoke to Vernessa and she said:  "There is no fluid, no bleeding, nothing.   They just need to work on the headaches and control that.  Dr. Wadhwa said he found a 2009 head scan she had done and it was a perfect match.  There was no change whatsoever.  The doctor said to Vernessa "You scared me."  "If the observation over the next twenty-four hours goes well, I should come out tomorrow."

    • Vernessa has been apprehensive and nervous during this time.  Keep her in your prayers/meditation/thoughts.  The music I sent her and the breathing techniques are helping her.

    • 4:45 p.m.  I spoke to Vernessa.  She was not having a headache and she is feeling good.  There is no more swelling.

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  • DAY 6--Sept 13th

    • 7:50 a.m.  Vernessa awoke out of sleep.  She sent a voice mail with these words:  "Yes, this is the day.  I had the best sleep ever.  I slept all night.  I had no headache and no pain.  I did not need to get up to go to the bathroom.   It was a good night.  So this is definitely the day."

    • 9:10 a.m.  Vernessa called at said she is "free to go."  The doctor said she could go home. 

    • 1:15 p.m.  Barrington picked up Vernessa from the hospital.

    • 2:00 p.m.  Vernessa reaches Sweet Refuge.  She was greeted on the outside by her mother, Claudia; her sister, Ketura; Keith (Ketura's husband) and their children; Ane and her little daughter, Amore; and her son Lawrence.   They greeted her outside, took photos, and blew kisses with little hugs.

 

  • DAY 7--Sept 14th

    • 8:15 a.m. Vernessa had a good first night at Sweet Refuge.  Annick and I changed the dressing for he first time.  See stitches in photo above. 

    • 8:40 a.m.  Vernessa had a sumptuous breakfast.

 

  • BEYOND

    • On Friday, September 18, 2020, Vernessa will go back to surgical theater to fix the leakage of spinal fluid.   It will require general anesthesia.  However, she would not need to be in intensive care after that. She will remain in the general ward for up to three days for observation. 

    • Sept 18th 7:00 a.m., Vernessa reached Doctors Hospital.

      • 8:30 a.m. she went to prepare for surgery but could not started because the COVID19 results were not completed

      • 9:05 a.m.  She went to prep for surgery

      • 1:00 p.m. Surgery started late because the anesthesiologist  had a challenge finding the vain for IV lines.

      • 4:00 p.m. Surgery completed.  In the words of the doctor:  "Surgery is done. There was a significant leak and we close the defect. Waited almost an hour just to watch if there was any more leak and it seemed to hold up. All looks good now. Praying and Keeping fingers crossed that what we have done is enough. She is being reversed out of anesthesia as of now.

      • 4:08 p.m.  Vernessa taken to recovering room.  From the doctor: "She is awake and well.  Has a pain in the right arm, most probably from positioning.  Is able to move limbs well and able to comprehend and speak with neurological function."

      • 6:25 p.m.  Vernessa awakes in her room on the ward.  She said it was a different experience waking up compared to after the first surgery.  She was experiencing a little shaking and was cold, due to the anesthesia getting out of her system.

      • It was a long day.  But she made it.  In her own words:  "I am a trooper." 

    • Tuesday, September 22, 2020, 3:00 p.m.:  Vernessa is now at Sweet Refuge doing well and resting. Her wound is healing very well. The staples are out and just the regular stitches are left.  She said she is feeling much better and much different than after the first surgery. Vernessa is even on her way to dropping the weight.  She has lost almost ten pounds.

    • Monday, October 5, 2020, 10:00 a.m.:  Vernessa had her follow-up visit with Dr. Susheel Wadhwa II today.  He removed the staples she had in the thigh and the stitches in her head.  (See photo on the right taken days before the stitches were removed.  Photo on the left taken after stitches were removed today.  Click to enlarge)  During surgery the doctor had to use some flesh from Vanessa's thigh to fix surgical wound.  The doctor said he is satisfied with her progress.  Here is what he said in his own words: "Everything seemed very well with Vernessa. There was no obvious sign of a leak or collection. Considering it is over 2 weeks since the second surgery, it is very less likely to have a leak after this.  She can gradually return to normal activity over the next 2-3 weeks."   Vernessa said she has been feeling very well.  However, she is not over doing or pushing herself.  Note that the doctor gave her about two weeks for her to resume normal activities.

 

 

 

 

PHOTOS & VIDEO

 

Photos below are about Vernessa when she arrived at Sweet Refuge on September 13th.  She is being greeted by her loving son, Lawrence; her mother, sister and family.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below: Vernessa relaxing at Sweet Refuge

 

 

"The Big Difference" Photo and Video
One week ago, one year ago, Vernessa could not do this--
raise her arms and hands above her head and hold them there.

Click on photo to watch video

 

 

 

 

 

Important Notice September 13, 2020

 

Vernessa, although progressing very well, is still in a critical stage of recovery.   She is being very carful about what she is doing.  She will see the doctor on Friday for an important checkup.   She will not be doing strenuous exercise or work right now.  The Sweet Refuge Butlers will be giving her total service. (Oops! Not bathing her. Ha! Ha!).  I am sure family members will reach her via phone or email, nevertheless, be mindful of her need to have a complete night's rest.  Please do not call late at nights.

 

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Any size donation will be greatly appreciated.

2.  Donate directly at the CIBC First Caribbean Bank in The Bahamas
Vernessa Rahming
First Caribbean Bank at any branch in The Bahamas or online to the account below at Sandy Port Branch
Account Number 201717162
Kindly indicate "Surgery"

 

3. Donate Online by clicking here.

Use any debit or credit card.  No Paypal account needed.

 


 

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THE SURGERY:
Forty-five year old Vernessa was a pre-school teacher for about 10 years, and is now a certified Montessori Bahamian educator at Tiny Sprouts Montessori. She is the mother of three young adults and the grandmother of a lovely granddaughter. For about two years, she has been suffering excruciating upper back pain. 

October 2019, a medical specialist in Florida diagnosed her with a disabling condition which can paralyze or suffocate her if she does not have surgery. The specialist here in Nassau wants her to have the surgery immediately. 

As one can imagine, the surgery will cost much more than she can afford, if you are able, will you please consider donating to her medical fund right away so she can have this life-saving surgery. 

Funds can be deposited to CIBC First Caribbean account 201717162 (at any branch in The Bahamas)  in Vernessa’s name or can be made online through Paypal using any debit or credit card (No Paypal account needed).    

Vernessa and her family thank you for your generosity.

EMAIL VERNESSA:
Kindly send an email to
vernessasurgery@soencouragement.org 
to indicate that you have deposited funds at CIBC or Online

Barrington H. Brennen
Organizer, Uncle

 

Vernessa with her two sisters (Christian an Ketura) and cousin, Marguerite (right).

vernessasurgery@soencouragement.org