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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2017 23:27:44 GMT -5
I took a chance and called Ruthanne, this evening. I really didn't know if she'd be up to a phone call. But, she was not only up for a call, she was UP! They've taken all the tubes out of her, and she doesn't even have an IV now. She's been walking all around. She is in a LOT of pain, however. They will only give her small doses in the morning, then in the evening, and that's not near enough to help her with her chronic pain. It's not the dose that her pain management doctor has her taking. But, the hospital doctor won't allow her to have more than that. And they won't give her the meds for her panic attacks, and a couple of times, they found out why she has to take it. (in my opinion, they really need to see why, so they will take it seriously)
But, here's the good news!! They told her that if the xrays and the final physical exams come out good, she is going home tomorrow!!  I told her I'd wait until about mid-day or a little after (want to make sure she can eat her lunch without me on the phone with her), and if I don't get an answer and the desk nurses tell me she's been released, I will let y'all know. And then I'll let Ruthanne call me, when she can or feels like it, from home. She's going to have a house full of people, who are coming to help her, so I don't want to be calling her in the middle of all that. lol
She might even surprise us and get on the computer to let us know, how she is doing, herself! 
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Leigh
Living With Pain
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Post by Leigh on Feb 10, 2017 0:24:59 GMT -5
Wow, that is such great news Cheryl!! Thank you for the update! I am sorry that she's having so much trouble with pain control, though, and about not getting the meds for panic attacks. That is not good, but maybe after she gets home she can get back to regular doses of each types and will be back to normal, then even BETTER than normal now that she's had bypass surgery.
Thank You Lord for answering our prayers. 
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 10, 2017 16:29:00 GMT -5
Fantastic News Cheryl. Thanks again for all of the updates. Sounds like Ruthanne is ansy to go home. I am happy for her improvement. Praise God!!!! We will continue to keep Ruthanne in our prayers. Take care and God Bless.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2017 3:19:10 GMT -5
Ruthanne is home, per the update from Steven, on FB.
I haven't spoken with her yet. I told her to call when she can, and only if she feels like it. Even if it is 2am. I did speak to her briefly yesterday afternoon. They were giving her the home instructions, when I called, so we hung up quickly.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your prayers! When 2 or more are gathered in prayer, He is with us.
All the great news that Ruthanne will be sharing with us, is because of the prayers of HIS people. The Lord was with her, the whole time, keeping watch over our sister in Christ.
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 11, 2017 8:05:09 GMT -5
Amen. Keeping Ruthanne in our prayers for a speedy recovery. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2017 16:42:26 GMT -5
Ruthanne said to let everyone know that she did try to come in and read all the posts and thank you all, herself. But, trying to sit at her computer desk is difficult, right now. She asked me to tell you this, and to thank you for all the prayers for her surgery and speedy recovery.
Can you add another prayer for her? She is needing and wanting to be delivered from smoking. They wouldn't even let her have a patch, because they say the nicotine will constrict her arteries. She needs to be able to heal, and we all know (or should know) the lack of oxygen in the blood will inhibit any kind of healing. And she has diabetes and that is enough to slow her healing process.
They didn't take the arteries from her chest, like they said they could. They took them from both legs, so there's a lot of healing to be done. Thank you all, for your continued prayers.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Feb 12, 2017 17:58:51 GMT -5
Thanks Cheryl for the update....good news! We will continue to pray.
Can she begin to take more pain meds now tho?
Will pray about cigarettes....both Leonard and I quit ( I quit in my late 20's but Leonard quit when he was in his late 50's....so it can be done!!!
I've been trying to get my daughter to quit she is in her 40's.
I did a lot of things to quit ( I am sure different things work for different people),
but I took a bunch of cigarette butts and put them in a glass of clean cold water.....
and then I thought...... do I want to drink that???
( It was pretty icky and gross looking and smelling).....
But I told myself, that is what I was doing anyway.
That was just one of many things that helped me turn away from smoking.
Anyway, will pray for sure!!
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 12, 2017 21:08:41 GMT -5
Ruthanne, you are in a healing process and we want you to not overdo . Being in front of a computer right now , may not be the answer. REST, is the answer. We are continuing to keep you in our prayers. Just remember you are a strong woman and you can overcome anything. We have Faith in you. May God Bless you and please get the rest that you need.
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 14, 2017 0:12:00 GMT -5
Prayers Going up, in Jesus' name, Amen. Please keep us updated. Cheryl , thank you for all that you do. Praise the Lord.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2017 1:01:35 GMT -5
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Feb 14, 2017 11:02:12 GMT -5
Praying for Ruthanne.
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 14, 2017 15:17:44 GMT -5
Continuing to keep Ruthanne in our prayers.
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 14, 2017 15:17:54 GMT -5
Continuing to keep Ruthanne in our prayers.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2017 19:11:36 GMT -5
I just got off the phone with Ruthanne. She still can't get to her computer. The nurse told her "If your butt is down, your feet better be up." LOL So she asked me to make sure to tell y'all that she is SO grateful for your prayers!
Well, yesterday, she called me and told me how swollen her feet were and she couldn't breathe. And I'm certain, because of it all, she was having a panic attack. She had realized there was one blood pressure med that they had replaced after surgery, (lisinopril) and she didn't remember that she still had it in her pill minder and for 3 days had still been taking it.....in addition to the replacements. I checked the interactions and found that some of the symptoms is water retention, swelling, increased heart rate, trouble breathing.....there was something else, but can't remember what it was. She can't (or won't) go to the ER, because she was able to get an replacement appointment with the pain clinic and it's Thursday. So she refuses to go back to hospital until after she's been to see him. But, she had some lasix and I told her to take one, to get rid of that water retention. We prayed together, before she hung up the phone. Today the swelling is way down. Not gone, but better. She does feel as though, the incisions in her legs are infected, and that scares me, because she is a diabetic. I begged her to have it seen to, but she is waiting for her appt, tomorrow afternoon, before she will go in. Please keep her in your prayers, that there is no infection and only irritation from the swelling. And pray with me that the Lord will breathe His oxygen into her lungs and help her not be so afraid.
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 15, 2017 21:32:35 GMT -5
We don't control what people do. However, Ruthanne, if you need to go to the hospital, then go. If I felt the slightest chance for an infection, you had better go and get it checked out. We are all good friends and taking risks should not be an option
We will continue to pray for your recovery. Please don't wait for the last minute to be seen. Take care and God Bless.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Feb 16, 2017 10:26:11 GMT -5
Yes infections are not great for a diabetic...Leonard is on his 2nd round of antibiotics for a foot infection, which has led to too much potassium and several days of the hospital trying to lower it ( he didn't have to stay over night but 6 hours or more one day).....so if her legs are infected, she prob would have to stay overnight at the very least.
So hopefully it will get taken care of soon. Her pain doctor may be able to convict her on that issue.
But I do understand how not wanting to go back to hospital or doctors can be!!! Been there....sometimes I feel like how is a body supposed to get better if it can never rest!!!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2017 19:54:05 GMT -5
Today from Steven and Robin:
Steven:
Please keep my mother Ruthanne Remagen in your thoughts and prayers, she is not doing well today and having trouble with getting air. She's worried and we all are.
Robin:
We are going to er at Paragould cause of fluid build up
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 17, 2017 0:16:17 GMT -5
Prayers going up. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Feb 17, 2017 10:13:30 GMT -5
Praying for Ruthanne
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Post by ruthanne on Feb 18, 2017 5:56:53 GMT -5
good morning everyone.I have just taken my last pain pill til Steven gets here in the morning.Got out last Friday(felt like jail,lol) and this thursday was as soon as I could get in to my pain clinic.So I had to make 24 5 mg. perc's last til then.Without y'alls prayers I know I wouldn't have made it.
I did have 2 panic attacks and one grief attack.Weds.before I got to come home the dr.came in and I was totally hysterically crying and the room just kept filling up with people trying to see the crazy lady.So Dr.Stevenson comes in to take out my chest tubes and told me I had to calm down so he could but I couldn't.He started singing Camptown races sing that song and told me to join him!Of course I couldn't but he somehow got me to hold my breath 2 times while he got the tubes out and stitched it up.Thats the day the nurses found out I was a new widow.They were nice to me after that day but I went home 1 & 1/2 days later.!So there!I would so hate to be a nurse.
When I got home I FINALLY understood about Jesus Grace being enough.His strength WAS mine.Oh,by the way,I never saw my surgeon again,only his nurse.She discharged me.
Any way ,I knew you were all praying for me but I was so weak and felt so alone,yet couldn't reconcile why I was getting through each step on the way home(according to their protocol)so fast and still felt so small,helpless and alone.the pain and the meaness of the staff(not all but most of them)kept me from feeling the victory.When I got home and was able to come to read this prayer thread.I understood.HIS strength was made perfect in my total weakness.I never got that before now,not all of it.I had no strength up there but I was stronger than most of the ones before me.I got my breathing tube out in an unheard of 14 hrs.I was out of intensive care the next day and on the floor.I walked further the first day than I was supposed to,by far.They kept asking me when I was ready to go to bed ,I told them they were the boss of me at that moment in time.I told them "tell me what to do to go home and I would do it."They did and I did.I was told I had amazing lungs for a 3&1/2 pk a day habit.And after surgery,I had no cravings or patches.I am still smoking.I have 2 cigs left of my first Feb. pack of cigs.In fact,I didn't buy ANY for Feb as I still had 4 pks left from Jan.Some days I smoke one other days none and tonight ,right now,I am about to finish my pk.
So now comes the good part.When I read this thread the Lord showed me where He is in all of this.Right by my side.The non-existant strength was true but the strength was there through the Holy Spirit and I was never alone with all of you out here lifting me up in prayer and Jesus holding me up with His mighty hands.I was so ashamed of how weak I was but now I say with Paul and all our other brothers and sisters His strength is made perfect in my weakness.So I am going to glory in my weakness cause then His power is made manifest in my life for all to see.And I feel vindicated to my family,who never believed I was a believer cause I couldn't go to church!They have seen the Lord answer y'alls and mine,prayers and know there is no way I could have gone through all this without Him.Some of my Church O Christ family members even told me they were praying for me too and they believe it is Jesus + works for salvation.It is just amazing all the people Jesus has touched through this pain.
Robin has been here with me this whole week til I made her go home tonight.She has never been away from Levi but 1 night,yet she was kind and thoughtful through all of this and dare I ask Jesus to bring them together through this?
I hope I can say all this before I have to go back to bed.Thurday was P clinic day but my appt was too late for me to get to my pharmacy.So,here starts the string of miracles that brought me through til now.So I call them at 8:30 to ask them to get me back and out as soon as I got there.They said there were 2 cancellations and could we get there in 45 mins.?So I yelled at Robin to get dressed,we had to go now.We get there and back on the road to paragould to fill my meds.I am set for the next 28 days!!So,I was very short of breath and the cardio nurse told me to get to the nearest ER.I said no to Robin but she wouldn't listen to me and took me anyway.They did blood gases and a cat scan to check for fluid around my heart.None there and none IN my lungs but in the sac around my lung(left)They made me sit there til they got it set up for ,me to go back to the Jonesboro er and got an appt for today,(well yesterday).I really felt like I was suffocating by 3.So off we go for ultra sound and they found the fluid and stuck a needle in my back(small pain,in comparison).They got out 700 milimeters of fluid around left lung and it was more than a pint size cup of it and the relief was instant.If not for the prayers and Jesus giving Robin the power to stand up to me I probably would have died in my sleep.
Every where I look I see Jesus.I really feel the prayers now that I am home.
I will come back as soon as I can,I must go lie down nowI just want to say I love my church family so much and thank God through my Champion Jesus that He has gien me His Body in more ways than one.We are the body.Love Ruthanne
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2017 11:20:00 GMT -5
 Ruthanne, I've been so worried! We haven't spoken in a couple of days and I kept checking your son's FB page for news.
I just spoke with Steven, and he says he is there, with you, right now. So, I'm so relieved you are OK.
I did call and leave a message for you, and thank goodness the phone didn't wake you. Steven said you are just so exhausted. And after reading your post, here, I can surely understand why.
Ed had to have the fluid drained, in exactly the same manner as you did, and he also said the relief was instantaneous.
Steven said that you are still short of breath. Did they send you home, this time, with oxygen or a nebulizer? Something to help you to breathe? I know I will probably be speaking with you, before you see this post, but I just have so many questions.
When they sent Ed home, from the initial surgery, they did send him home with oxygen, an oxygenator and a nebulizer. But, in a month's time, they took back the oxygen and the oxygenator. Other doctors were always very confused about that. Said that Ed still needed it, but the others said that they didn't want his system to become dependent on it.
I'm thinking that may be the reason they didn't send you home with oxygen, but I feel they should have.
Ruthanne, it was awesome to come in here and see a post from you!! And to read your testimony to our Lord! I already knew the story, and there is more to tell, but I want to read it from your posts and not throw in a spoiler.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Feb 18, 2017 12:30:46 GMT -5
You have been thru the wringer Ruthanne!!!
I am so glad they got the fluid out of your lungs!!! a pint!!
I was astounded to hear they were mean to you! I can't imagine that....oh maybe there could be a nurse I suppose who was having a bad day and might be a little short or sharp.
but to be truly mean to you seems sooooo wrong!!!!!
We will continue to pray for you sweetie, thank you for writing, but be sure to take care.
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Leigh
Living With Pain
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Post by Leigh on Feb 18, 2017 17:11:45 GMT -5
You have been thru the wringer Ruthanne!!!
I am so glad they got the fluid out of your lungs!!! a pint!!
I was astounded to hear they were mean to you! I can't imagine that....oh maybe there could be a nurse I suppose who was having a bad day and might be a little short or sharp.
but to be truly mean to you seems sooooo wrong!!!!!
We will continue to pray for you sweetie, thank you for writing, but be sure to take care.
I agree w/all Barb said above -- & it's terrible to think that the nurses could be mean to someone as sweet as you Ruthanne. (Of course, they should never be mean to ANY one!)  Wow, I haven't even been in FH all week but finally got back in here. I've been praying for you though, and am glad that God has brought you through a difficult week. Cheryl, thank you for keeping the thread updated and Ruthanne, I'm so glad you felt up to posting on your own. Will keep up the prayers for you.  |
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Post by bystillwaters on Feb 19, 2017 10:53:30 GMT -5
We are praying for your complete recovery Ruthanne... In the Name of Jesus Christ.. Amen.
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 19, 2017 16:46:22 GMT -5
Wow Ruthanne , You are one strong lady. Thank you for your wonderful testimony. You know God is on your side and we are all here for you. We Praise God for answered Prayers. We will continue to keep you in our prayers for healing, strength, comfort. In Jesus'name, Amen. Please take care of yourself and you do not have to worry , with God on your side and all of us, on your side, I would say,you are in good hands. Please take care and God Bless.
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 20, 2017 23:27:46 GMT -5
Prayers continuing to lift up. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Post by ruthanne on Feb 21, 2017 7:16:42 GMT -5
Good morning my wonderful friends.Can't stay but wanted to let you all know,I feel your prayers and love.I read up on chat but came here to post cause everyone has been so faithful to keep me in their prayers.I was able to talk to Cheryl a bit last night but had to keep it short as I am a bit tired. I got an appt. on the 27th to get my stitches out and don't have to leave the house til then,YAY!It came in the mail. I suppose I will get instructions on when to go to physical therapy and how long.I know I get short of breath and am very tired but don't really know what to do to strengthen my heart so I look forward to finding out how to do it the right way.Yesterday I smoked 3 cigs and today I have already smoked 8.I am praying it will not increase any more today.I only have to worry about today.My leg is really hurting, from sitting here so I have to go.Steven will also be here in a few. I believe the Lord is really protecting me from infection in my stitches,in spite of my own stupidity,I put on my own support stockings (up to my knees) and skipped a shower 1 day,trying to get my swelling down.It didn't work and my stitches were angry and red,full of heat.Robin came yesterday and we got the socks off and showered and put hosp.stockings on last night.Today I will remove them and shower and let the stitches breathe til tonight,as I am supposed to.I must learn not to be so know it all as I really know nothing.Please pray the infection isn't too strong and it will get better without a visit to ER.The Lord keeps humbling me and I keep letting my pride get me in trouble.I know nothing so I have to do as I am told by the EXPERTS!Please pray I will remember that.Love you all and pray to be better soon so I can post everywhere and really talk to y'all in chat.Love Ruthanne |
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 21, 2017 18:08:20 GMT -5
Ruthanne, good to hear from you. To be honest, I cringe when I hear of your infection in your stitches. I know you can only do what you can do. Please take care of yourself and I know you don't want to hear this but , please do not wait for the last minute to get those stitches checked out. OK enough of me sounding like a worry wart. We are keeping you in our prayers and I hope you feel better soon. Take care and God Bless.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 4:26:23 GMT -5
Hey girl, good to see you here. Make sure you get your proper rest, ok? I worry about you. And I agree with Mark. Please don't wait. If the stitches are puffy, with heat, check to see if you have a discharge. (gently push on it, to see if it oozes) If you do, you just might be infected, and you don't want it to get worse and enter your bloodstream. I'm not going to call you, right now. If you feel up to it, by all means call me. But, I don't want to mess with your rest.
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Post by ruthanne on Feb 22, 2017 8:09:44 GMT -5
Good morning everyone.I thank you all for your prayers.Without them I don't know where I would be right now.I realize the Father is directing your prayers and The reason I am home so quick is because everyone has been obediant to the Lord and loving me.I hope you all know how good it feels to be loved so much.Big hugs!Without Larry ,it gets so sad and lonely.I know Jesus is with me and will take me through this trial with mercy and grace.Also,at a time like this He is showing me exactly what having a Heavenly family is all about.Brother Mark.You sound exactly like my earthly brother.He is telling me to quit being so stubborn and get things checked out.So here is what the Lord did yesterday.First,tho,I will explain why I have been stubborn.In the hospital,they didn't even try to control my pain and I was literally left alone in a helpless state.Like the day I broke down,I was left in a chair for 5 hours.I didn't have the call button(I seldom did)so I couldn't call for help.So when they let me out to come home,there was no way I was going back without my own meds.But the Lord was always in control and got me my meds and to ER to catch the fluid around my lung.That was last week.
So yesterday,the nurse from the surgeon called and wanted me to call her back.I did and told her about the swelling.She wanted me in Jonesboro so she could see for herself.I called Robin and she came and got me and off we went.The nurse said I was to drink a gallon of water a day to wash out the salt that is causing water retention.That is good cause I seem to only want ice chips and water.No coffee,no sodas,no sugar free water(most of which have salt).She looked at my stitches and said to keep the blood clot stockings on all the time.I am to walk 30 minutes a day and it doesn't have to be all at once.And on the 27th,next Monday.I go back to jonesboro to be ultra-sounded to check for water build-up and get it drained,if necessary and after that to pop over to the office and she will take out the stitches!How great is our God!!!And I pray you will all be strengthened by your prayers for me as you see them being answered before our very eyes!I mean,you must all KNOW I am not this strong.I know it.But the Lord is strong enough to get all things done to His satisfaction.
Before the surgery,I was down to 2 or 3 pain pills a day.Now I am taking more each day than I am prescribed.I really need prayers that my pain level will go down enough so I don't run out ahead of time.It has been 16 days since they cut me and the pain doesn't seem to have let up any.I have to take 1&1/2 every 6 hrs.I need to go down to one every morning and evening and maybe one during the day if I need it.I am prescribed 5 a day and taking 6&1/2 a day right now.I know God makes all things possible so I am not trying to stress over it.But if y'all pray with Jesus and me I know the answer will be speedy,as He has done since this whole ordeal began.The devil is really using this to steal my peace but I will do as Cindy said she has been doing in one of her posts.Cast that thought,sometimes many times a day.
I can't wait til we all meet in the air or in Heaven,whichever comes first.Thank you for caring about me,though we've never met.My family doesn't understand our relationship.They think you are just people on the internet who can't care.But having been on FH since 2007 or 2008 I feel like I know you all and I know I love you all.Jesus said they will know we are Christians by our love and I have found it to be exactly right.I know the world has no love,tho they think what they feel is love,until they meet Jesus they don't have a clue.Well I have some healing things to get done so bye for now.
Cheryl,call me when you get up or later tonight if you feel like talking.I am so grateful for you,as well,for helping me get through this,at such a horrible time in your own life.If I can help you in any way,let me know.I will be praying for everyone,that goes without saying but I thought I would say it just to make sure,lol,Love Ruthanne
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I told her I'd wait until about mid-day or a little after (want to make sure she can eat her lunch without me on the phone with her), and if I don't get an answer and the desk nurses tell me she's been released, I will let y'all know. And then I'll let Ruthanne call me, when she can or feels like it, from home. She's going to have a house full of people, who are coming to help her, so I don't want to be calling her in the middle of all that. lol 
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