INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation

One of the most difficult things we all deal with in a prolonged illness and recovery, of any kind, is the waiting. We wait for progress that which is small and that which is large. We wait for news; we wait for just about everything. We even wait to see her, wondering when will be a good time. I know it seems for you, as it does for me, that it has been a very long wait for news. We just all have to accept that things do happen slowly. Very slowly. I think too that we do all have to consider that the waiting is perhaps the very longest for Janet.

Last Wednesday Janet moved from the Oklahoma Heart Hospital to the Jim Thorpe Inpatient Rehabilitation Center. She is in the west wing of the 6th floor in room 621 at Baptist Integress Hospital. Janet is receiving four therapy sessions a day. Her work sessions are in the areas of occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. These are very long hard days of exhausting work. But she is in a wonderful place.  I have posted a section on the right of films where you can see for yourself what an incredible program she is in!

I once visited a very close friend who was in a rehabilitation center following the removal of a brain tumor. He did not have his phone nor did he have even a laptop. Considering his profession was in IT that was a surprise to me. But I found the facility had serious rules there and very strict routines, all developed to benefit their patients. Although I wanted to, I did not visit often nor did I call much while he was there because I had seen firsthand how much pressure, stress and exhaustion his routine was causing. We all wanted him to devote himself to only one thing ... getting well. I missed him very much but I can tell you that today we are still very good friends and he is now only as far as my phone, my email, my Facebook page, or a lunch together. I do know from my personal experience that this time too will pass with Janet.  How long?  Well, it will be however long it takes!

Although Janet's phone is on her table we are asking that you hold off on calling her directly, texting her or emailing her. At least for now. She is having a bit of trouble working her phone right now so we don't want things to pile up on her. There will be time in the future for that again. You can call the hospital and ask for the desk on her floor.  If it is a good time they might put you through to her room.  But for now, let’s avoid the cell phone.

She is having a few visitors. Jim is going up in the evenings. Her brother, David, stopped in last Friday and he will see her again this week.  Her good friend Terri saw her yesterday and told me she ‘saw the Janet she knows and loves’.  She has told me that Janet is tired.  She said Janet is hurting but the laugh and the smile and the attitude is all there. She is losing the fluids that have caused so much swelling and has lost quite a bit of weight.  Although this is not how any of us want to lose weight, Janet is excited to be able to see her cheekbones again! J  She made it down the hall & back on her walker.  We are thrilled she is regaining strength on her right side and is able to use her fork and she even has cut up chicken. It is a slow and painful process to re-learn so many of the tasks we each take for granted but Janet is a fighter and Terri said she is ready to fight the fight. 

I am planning to wait a while before going from Tulsa to see her again.  I do hope to see her at least once before my own scheduled surgery in mid June.   I know how grueling Janet’s schedule is and I know how hard she is working.  After all this is a 7 day a week gig for her!  Having heard about David’s visit on Friday and then Terri’s report from Monday I know she is making great progress already! 

Her good friend, Susan, has not been there at all this week.  She has been down with a stomach virus and has graciously avoided sharing it with any one …. Especially with Janet.  This is something we all, also need to be careful of too.  If anyone is feeling the least bit ill, please don’t go. 

If you feel you need to go, it is very important to call the desk first and ask. She may be in a therapy session or she may be resting. But it is possible you could slip in at a time when she is not in a therapy session or resting. If so, I am sure she would love to see you but please stay only a very short time, perhaps only 10 or 15 minutes.  If you do decide to inquire through the desk you might also ask if she has had other visitors that day before trying to go yourself. We all have to remember why she is there and allow her all the time she needs for her recovery.   

I know Janet would very much love receiving cards and notes from you.  Your words of encouragement, your wishes to get well and your prayers all mean the world to her.  Please take a minute and send her a card or note when you can to: 

Janet Henthorn   Room 621

Jim Thorpe Inpatient Rehabilitation Center

Integress Hospital

3300 NW Expressway

Oklahoma City, OK 73112 

Phone: 405.949.3435 

You can also post your comments here on the blog knowing that Janet will, in time, be reading this herself.  If you wish to contact me directly you can email me at cyn_elliott@yahoo.com.

In this journey we have seen the power of prayer at work.  I know Janet is very appreciative of your prayers and of those in the many prayer chains she has been included in.  Let’s continue to pray for more great progress in Janet’s rehabilitation and the strength for her to work very hard.