Sooooo we got through the first day of therapy. This morning the OT people did some things bedside, then Steve went to the "gym" for PT...mostly range of motion exercises. Then back to bed for a short rest, a visit from the speech therapist, then back to the gym. Whenever they take him to the gym they put him on a sling and use a "hoist" to lift him into a wheelchair, so it's pretty exhausting just to do that. In OT this afternoon they spent lots of time trying to massage his sore shoulder muscles. PT put him on a mat and worked on neck strength.
While that was going on, we had a conversation with the social worker here...talked about many things, including future plans for Steve's care. There was a meeting afterwards where all the medical people get together and plan treatment, etc. In that meeting they decided that the current plan is to keep Steve in this department for about 5 weeks, which was exciting news for us!
Also, they are putting him back on an antibiotic because he still has an infection in his lungs. All this moving around that he's doing should help that situation, too.
We'll post tomorrow morning and let you know about visiting. Have a good night, everyone!
Linda and Grams
Monday, March 31, 2008
Update #36 from Linda
Good morning.
We just got Steve's rehab schedule for the day, and it's pretty full. Just because we don't know how this will affect him, we'd appreciate no visitors today. We have to get a handle on his energy level, sleep needs, and pain issues. We'll post later today and let you know how his day went!
Thor...please give me a call!
Thanks everyone.
Linda
We just got Steve's rehab schedule for the day, and it's pretty full. Just because we don't know how this will affect him, we'd appreciate no visitors today. We have to get a handle on his energy level, sleep needs, and pain issues. We'll post later today and let you know how his day went!
Thor...please give me a call!
Thanks everyone.
Linda
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Update #35 from Linda
Hello, everyone!
Steve's now all settled into his room in "6A" which is how everyone at the hospital refers to the rehab department. His first day was very tiring, but so good. At night it's very peaceful, as hospital rooms go, so he got lots of rest. The morning starts with a schedule being delivered around 8 AM which tells the patients their rehab plans for the day. Today he had OT (occupational therapy) for 45 minutes, 30 minutes to rest, PT (physical therapy) for 45 minutes, 30 minutes to rest, then OT for 45 minutes again. Most of what they did today involved assessing him, doing range of motion exercises, and deciding how to deal with the junk that still lurks in his lungs. Along the way two doctors also checked in. One asked what he can do to let us know that "he's in there". I described some things, and mentioned that he is trying to express emotions by blinking his left eye. He asked Steve to look up 3 times, and he did! The doctor suggested using this method of communication instead of blinking, so that's what we did for the rest of the day. I would tell him to look up if he wanted/needed something, and to just look at me if he didn't, then recite a list to him. For example, he looked upset and I asked if he was scared ("no"), in pain ("yes"). Then we went down a list of things that might be causing him pain, and discovered that his legs hurt. His nurse gave him some tylenol, and that took care of things. I also asked him if he knew he was in the hospital ("yes"), that he hurt his head ("yes"), and that he was getting better each day ("yes"). There were many times when he indicated "no" for my questions, so I felt pretty confident that we were really communicating. It was amazing.
We're hearing that, starting Monday, they'll actually take him to the "rehab gym" for some of his activities. Our plan is to get his schedule at 8 AM and post it in the blog. Then, if anyone wants to visit, you can just stop by when he's not busy (no need to call.) Of course, you can always call before coming, just to be sure of his schedule...whatever works best for you.
We are really excited to see what they can do for Steve in rehab. He spends his days in bed or in a chair...just to be taken to another floor and see some other people will be good for him. We're wondering what type of equipment is used for people in his situation. They will also be training us to do the things they do, so that we can better help him recover. We are so thankful that he has been given this opportunity!
I also want you to know how much we treasure the cards and notes you send. We have a basket for them in Steve's room and read them over and over again to ourselves and to him.
I hope all is well with all of you!
Love, Linda
Steve's now all settled into his room in "6A" which is how everyone at the hospital refers to the rehab department. His first day was very tiring, but so good. At night it's very peaceful, as hospital rooms go, so he got lots of rest. The morning starts with a schedule being delivered around 8 AM which tells the patients their rehab plans for the day. Today he had OT (occupational therapy) for 45 minutes, 30 minutes to rest, PT (physical therapy) for 45 minutes, 30 minutes to rest, then OT for 45 minutes again. Most of what they did today involved assessing him, doing range of motion exercises, and deciding how to deal with the junk that still lurks in his lungs. Along the way two doctors also checked in. One asked what he can do to let us know that "he's in there". I described some things, and mentioned that he is trying to express emotions by blinking his left eye. He asked Steve to look up 3 times, and he did! The doctor suggested using this method of communication instead of blinking, so that's what we did for the rest of the day. I would tell him to look up if he wanted/needed something, and to just look at me if he didn't, then recite a list to him. For example, he looked upset and I asked if he was scared ("no"), in pain ("yes"). Then we went down a list of things that might be causing him pain, and discovered that his legs hurt. His nurse gave him some tylenol, and that took care of things. I also asked him if he knew he was in the hospital ("yes"), that he hurt his head ("yes"), and that he was getting better each day ("yes"). There were many times when he indicated "no" for my questions, so I felt pretty confident that we were really communicating. It was amazing.
We're hearing that, starting Monday, they'll actually take him to the "rehab gym" for some of his activities. Our plan is to get his schedule at 8 AM and post it in the blog. Then, if anyone wants to visit, you can just stop by when he's not busy (no need to call.) Of course, you can always call before coming, just to be sure of his schedule...whatever works best for you.
We are really excited to see what they can do for Steve in rehab. He spends his days in bed or in a chair...just to be taken to another floor and see some other people will be good for him. We're wondering what type of equipment is used for people in his situation. They will also be training us to do the things they do, so that we can better help him recover. We are so thankful that he has been given this opportunity!
I also want you to know how much we treasure the cards and notes you send. We have a basket for them in Steve's room and read them over and over again to ourselves and to him.
I hope all is well with all of you!
Love, Linda
Update#34 from Rob
Linda is staying with Steve tonight, so I will do the update.
Steve has been moved to the Acute Rehab section of U of M hospital. He is in room 6111. Visiting is very flexible as long as we respect the other patients. He has his own room. He will be in the various rehab activities for 1.5 hours in the morning and then again in the afternoon. I would suggest calling Rob (248-568-6092), or Lin(249-568-6091), before coming up, until we see his schedule.
Steve continues to exhibit "purposeful movement" of his feet, hands and arms. He also seems to track more with his left eye, and is actually trying to turn his head.
Thank You all for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.
Rob
Steve has been moved to the Acute Rehab section of U of M hospital. He is in room 6111. Visiting is very flexible as long as we respect the other patients. He has his own room. He will be in the various rehab activities for 1.5 hours in the morning and then again in the afternoon. I would suggest calling Rob (248-568-6092), or Lin(249-568-6091), before coming up, until we see his schedule.
Steve continues to exhibit "purposeful movement" of his feet, hands and arms. He also seems to track more with his left eye, and is actually trying to turn his head.
Thank You all for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.
Rob
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Rehab----Update #33 from Rob and Linda
Steve will be moved to Acute Rehab tomorrow. We do not know the exact time, but we will keep you informed. We will also let you know of any changes in visiting hours or procedures.
We ask that you please channel your prayers and thoughts toward one goal at this time-------Steve regaining full consciousness.
Thanks,
Steve's family
We ask that you please channel your prayers and thoughts toward one goal at this time-------Steve regaining full consciousness.
Thanks,
Steve's family
Update #32 from Rob
It never ceases to amaze me how days can go by so fast.
This is just a quick note to keep all of you abreast of what has been happening.
I did the overnight of the 25th/26th and Steve had a very restful night. In the morning Grams came by, She hasn't missed a day YET, and we sat and talked to Steve who had been put into the chair. Around 11:00 AM Steve looked like he was awake so I started suggesting to him that he should try and move all parts of his body. I suggested to him that he start with his right arm and hand and work down to his right foot, left foot and left arm/hand.
Steve performed the typical hand squeezes and eye blinks along the way. We could see him trying to stretch, and move his shoulders.
We also work with him and tell him to push his right arm down, while we try to hold it up. He is very forceful when he does this and seems easily able to do this task.
After a while, Steve looked like he was trying to lift both arms. When I saw this, I told him to "get mad" and do it! We actually saw Steve lift his right arm up about 6 inches and also his left about an inch. We could actually see the determination in his face.
After this, period of about 20 minutes, he fell back asleep.
Linda reports that he slept the whole rest of the day.
Rehab may have a bed Friday.
Beth did the overnight of the 26th/27th and also reports a calm night.
Steve is now breathing humidified room air which is normal oxygen content.
Just another small but positive step in his recovery.
Thanks for everything,
Rob
This is just a quick note to keep all of you abreast of what has been happening.
I did the overnight of the 25th/26th and Steve had a very restful night. In the morning Grams came by, She hasn't missed a day YET, and we sat and talked to Steve who had been put into the chair. Around 11:00 AM Steve looked like he was awake so I started suggesting to him that he should try and move all parts of his body. I suggested to him that he start with his right arm and hand and work down to his right foot, left foot and left arm/hand.
Steve performed the typical hand squeezes and eye blinks along the way. We could see him trying to stretch, and move his shoulders.
We also work with him and tell him to push his right arm down, while we try to hold it up. He is very forceful when he does this and seems easily able to do this task.
After a while, Steve looked like he was trying to lift both arms. When I saw this, I told him to "get mad" and do it! We actually saw Steve lift his right arm up about 6 inches and also his left about an inch. We could actually see the determination in his face.
After this, period of about 20 minutes, he fell back asleep.
Linda reports that he slept the whole rest of the day.
Rehab may have a bed Friday.
Beth did the overnight of the 26th/27th and also reports a calm night.
Steve is now breathing humidified room air which is normal oxygen content.
Just another small but positive step in his recovery.
Thanks for everything,
Rob
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Update #31 from Grams, Beth, and Linda
Hello! Steve has had a busy day.
After he spent 6 hours sitting in a chair and had his PICC line removed, the physical and occupational therapists showed up. They asked him if he wanted to do some therapy and he blinked to signal "yes". We're glad that he's motivated enough to do that sort of thing, even when he's exhausted! The therapists sat him on the edge of the bed and pounded on his back to clear up his lungs. When asked, he: stuck out his tongue, gave them "thumbs up", held up 2 fingers, and tried to lift his right hand. Pretty amazing!
Another piece of good news is that Steve is finished with his course of antibiotics.
He'll be moving to rehab as soon as they can find him a private room there!!
Have a good night, everyone.
Love,
Grams, Beth, and Linda
After he spent 6 hours sitting in a chair and had his PICC line removed, the physical and occupational therapists showed up. They asked him if he wanted to do some therapy and he blinked to signal "yes". We're glad that he's motivated enough to do that sort of thing, even when he's exhausted! The therapists sat him on the edge of the bed and pounded on his back to clear up his lungs. When asked, he: stuck out his tongue, gave them "thumbs up", held up 2 fingers, and tried to lift his right hand. Pretty amazing!
Another piece of good news is that Steve is finished with his course of antibiotics.
He'll be moving to rehab as soon as they can find him a private room there!!
Have a good night, everyone.
Love,
Grams, Beth, and Linda
Purposeful Movement--Update #30 from Rob
Just got home from the hospital and am too wired to sleep so I will post this note.
"PURPOSEFUL MOVEMENT" these words have great meaning to anyone in Steve's situation. They mean that a person is showing movement that is commanded by the brain and not just reflexive. The more "purposeful movement" the better.
Steve had another great day. He is now off all anti-biotics and has even managed to put some 12 pounds back on.
I showed up about 4PM and Steve seemed "awake" so I asked him to blink twice if he heard and understood me. He did. I then asked him to squeeze his right hand around my hand, and he did so harder than I have ever felt before. I then asked him to move his toes on each foot and he did so almost immediately. He was able to move those on the left as well as he did those on the right. I also supported his right arm and tried to do range of motion exercises with him. He immediately took over and moved his arm by himself across his body. He did this repeatedly at least 10 times.
In fact, we continued this routine of eye-blinks, arm and foot movement for about 15-20 minutes and he never missed a command. It was like he knew what I wanted him to do, but he was determined to do it himself. I would have liked to do this for the rest of the day, but stopped when he appeared to be tiring.
I left the hospital in utter amazement of what we all have accomplished.
Thanks again,
Rob
"PURPOSEFUL MOVEMENT" these words have great meaning to anyone in Steve's situation. They mean that a person is showing movement that is commanded by the brain and not just reflexive. The more "purposeful movement" the better.
Steve had another great day. He is now off all anti-biotics and has even managed to put some 12 pounds back on.
I showed up about 4PM and Steve seemed "awake" so I asked him to blink twice if he heard and understood me. He did. I then asked him to squeeze his right hand around my hand, and he did so harder than I have ever felt before. I then asked him to move his toes on each foot and he did so almost immediately. He was able to move those on the left as well as he did those on the right. I also supported his right arm and tried to do range of motion exercises with him. He immediately took over and moved his arm by himself across his body. He did this repeatedly at least 10 times.
In fact, we continued this routine of eye-blinks, arm and foot movement for about 15-20 minutes and he never missed a command. It was like he knew what I wanted him to do, but he was determined to do it himself. I would have liked to do this for the rest of the day, but stopped when he appeared to be tiring.
I left the hospital in utter amazement of what we all have accomplished.
Thanks again,
Rob
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Update #29 from Beth
Hi guys,
Just wanted to let you know about Steve's night last night (it was my turn at the hospital). Steve had a great night. Just as I was drifting off to sleep, I felt his bed start to shake. I was initially worried that something was malfunctioning, but then I noticed that it was actually Steve shaking - he was trying to raise himself up off the bed, and the shaking was similar to what one would experience when trying to lift weights that are too heavy. He raised his head and arms a couple of inches off the bed and looked right at me, wide-eyed. He also got really agitated, as though he was frustrated that he couldn't move more. After I told him where he was and that everything was okay, he calmed back down. This happened several times at intervals of a couple of minutes.
While this was occurring, Steve also moved his right arm a lot - much more than I have seen before. He started clutching at the bedsheet and then tried to push a couple of pillows [that the nurses had used to prop up his arms] off the bed. Then he seemed to notice that something weird was attached to his left hand - it was the pulse-ox monitor, clamped on his left index finger. He reached over with his right hand and started trying to pull it off. I took it off for him, and he immediately calmed down.
All of these are good signs because agitation and purposeful movement are indicators that he is moving to the next "stage" on the coma scale... in other words, he's starting to come out of it. It was clear last night that Steve is starting to realize where he is and what is going on around him. He is also much more responsive to voice. This morning we had a "conversation" that went like this:
Me: Blink twice if you feel pain.
Steve: (no response)
Me: Blink twice if you don't feel pain.
Steve: (blinks twice)
Me: Blink twice if you want to watch ESPN.
Steve: (blinks twice)
Me: Blink twice if you want me to turn the volume down.
Steve: (no response)
Me: Blink twice if you want me to turn the volume up.
Steve: (blinks twice)
Me: Blink twice if I'm really annoying you.
Steve: (two blinks, but spaced quite far apart, so I'm going to say he's ambivalent)
While it isn't always this clear, it's nice to be able to get some information out of Steve so we can be sure he's not in pain or feeling uncomfortable. He also communicated with the nurse and doctors this morning via blinking, which was cool to see.
Hopefully today will also go well. Only one more day till rehab!
Thanks again, everyone.
Beth
Just wanted to let you know about Steve's night last night (it was my turn at the hospital). Steve had a great night. Just as I was drifting off to sleep, I felt his bed start to shake. I was initially worried that something was malfunctioning, but then I noticed that it was actually Steve shaking - he was trying to raise himself up off the bed, and the shaking was similar to what one would experience when trying to lift weights that are too heavy. He raised his head and arms a couple of inches off the bed and looked right at me, wide-eyed. He also got really agitated, as though he was frustrated that he couldn't move more. After I told him where he was and that everything was okay, he calmed back down. This happened several times at intervals of a couple of minutes.
While this was occurring, Steve also moved his right arm a lot - much more than I have seen before. He started clutching at the bedsheet and then tried to push a couple of pillows [that the nurses had used to prop up his arms] off the bed. Then he seemed to notice that something weird was attached to his left hand - it was the pulse-ox monitor, clamped on his left index finger. He reached over with his right hand and started trying to pull it off. I took it off for him, and he immediately calmed down.
All of these are good signs because agitation and purposeful movement are indicators that he is moving to the next "stage" on the coma scale... in other words, he's starting to come out of it. It was clear last night that Steve is starting to realize where he is and what is going on around him. He is also much more responsive to voice. This morning we had a "conversation" that went like this:
Me: Blink twice if you feel pain.
Steve: (no response)
Me: Blink twice if you don't feel pain.
Steve: (blinks twice)
Me: Blink twice if you want to watch ESPN.
Steve: (blinks twice)
Me: Blink twice if you want me to turn the volume down.
Steve: (no response)
Me: Blink twice if you want me to turn the volume up.
Steve: (blinks twice)
Me: Blink twice if I'm really annoying you.
Steve: (two blinks, but spaced quite far apart, so I'm going to say he's ambivalent)
While it isn't always this clear, it's nice to be able to get some information out of Steve so we can be sure he's not in pain or feeling uncomfortable. He also communicated with the nurse and doctors this morning via blinking, which was cool to see.
Hopefully today will also go well. Only one more day till rehab!
Thanks again, everyone.
Beth
Saturday, March 22, 2008
update #28 from Linda
Hello, everyone. I'm so happy to tell you about today.
Started the day by waking Steve up early and doing some little things that he seems to like (putting lotion on his hands, massaging his feet, moistening his mouth with a sponge dipped in cold water, etc.) and waiting for the doctors to start their rounds around 6:30. So often it seems like they walk in, he's half asleep, they ask him to do something like squeeze their hand, he doesn't, and they move on without seeing what he really can do. But we were ready for them today, and he wiggled his toes on command. Yeah, Steve!
We spent some time watching TV and listening to music. I read him some letters he has received and told him about all the people who are thinking of him. A tear or two rolled from his eyes...I know he understood.
Around noon the nurses put him in a chair and he spent the day visiting with friends. So many people stopped by today...it was wonderful. He seemed to recognize many voices and/or faces. Throughout the day he seemed to get stronger and wiggled toes on both feet, squeezed firmly with his right hand, showed strength in his right forearm, and even wiggled (weakly, but they moved!!) two fingers on his left hand. He tracked with his left eye and even turned his head slightly when asked to. Also seems to be communicating by squeezing hands.
Around 5:30 they announced that they were moving him into another room tonight that's a step down from the ICU because he is doing so well. It's still staffed by ICU nurses, but down the hall a bit. A big step for him!
We're hearing he's headed for rehab on Monday. Many people have asked how that works. He's "signed up" for 3 weeks in rehab. At that point it sounds like they'll evaluate him and determine if he's making progress before deciding if he can continue in that program. After today's events, we have no doubt that he will amaze them there!
As always, thanks for everything. Have a good night!
Love,
Linda
Started the day by waking Steve up early and doing some little things that he seems to like (putting lotion on his hands, massaging his feet, moistening his mouth with a sponge dipped in cold water, etc.) and waiting for the doctors to start their rounds around 6:30. So often it seems like they walk in, he's half asleep, they ask him to do something like squeeze their hand, he doesn't, and they move on without seeing what he really can do. But we were ready for them today, and he wiggled his toes on command. Yeah, Steve!
We spent some time watching TV and listening to music. I read him some letters he has received and told him about all the people who are thinking of him. A tear or two rolled from his eyes...I know he understood.
Around noon the nurses put him in a chair and he spent the day visiting with friends. So many people stopped by today...it was wonderful. He seemed to recognize many voices and/or faces. Throughout the day he seemed to get stronger and wiggled toes on both feet, squeezed firmly with his right hand, showed strength in his right forearm, and even wiggled (weakly, but they moved!!) two fingers on his left hand. He tracked with his left eye and even turned his head slightly when asked to. Also seems to be communicating by squeezing hands.
Around 5:30 they announced that they were moving him into another room tonight that's a step down from the ICU because he is doing so well. It's still staffed by ICU nurses, but down the hall a bit. A big step for him!
We're hearing he's headed for rehab on Monday. Many people have asked how that works. He's "signed up" for 3 weeks in rehab. At that point it sounds like they'll evaluate him and determine if he's making progress before deciding if he can continue in that program. After today's events, we have no doubt that he will amaze them there!
As always, thanks for everything. Have a good night!
Love,
Linda
Friday, March 21, 2008
Update #27 from Danielle
I just talked to Rob on the phone and it sounds like Steve had a very restful day. The nurses reported to both of us earlier that Steve is now considered 'floor status' which means that he doesn't have to be monitored as frequently and is now on the waiting list for a bed in Rehab on the 6th floor. Apparently it could be as soon as Monday!
My sister Jessie and I stayed up all night with him and am very happy to report he had another great night. He only coughed about 2-3x and for most of the night he slept. However, Jessie and I we're probably on our third intense game of Scrabble when Steve started to look around the room. He would look everywhere from up at the tv to his pictures on the wall. We both started talking to him and asked him to do some simple commands such as to move his index finger up and down....and he did! I even asked him to try to stick out his tongue, (I saw one of the nurses ask him to do this), and he very intently stared at me doing it while he very slowly lifted his own and pushed it slightly forward. I know it sounds silly, but it's something I've never seen him do before. He was also cracking us up at some points in the conversation when we raised our eyebrows, he was raise his. He looked so cute. ;)
Even though he did rest throughout the night as well, I'm feeling slightly guilty since apparently I completely pooped him out and he pretty much slept the whole day! I'm learning that there are definitely going to be many more times where he is pretty out of it rather than how he reacted last night. I'm still pretty confused, as I think most of you are, when to consider him 'awake' to 'sleeping' to....well, is he still in a coma?? We're all a little oblivious to this question, but I'm pretty sure we're all truly going to say he 'woke up' when he starts trying to communicate with us by either speaking or mouthing words. But time will tell.
Hope all is well and you enjoyed with update. Please, again, keep your positive thoughts and prayers coming. This is such a holy week and it is already SUCH a blessing that he has first, been granted into Acute Rehab, and second, that we've been getting such positive responses from him!!
Xoxos,
Danielle
My sister Jessie and I stayed up all night with him and am very happy to report he had another great night. He only coughed about 2-3x and for most of the night he slept. However, Jessie and I we're probably on our third intense game of Scrabble when Steve started to look around the room. He would look everywhere from up at the tv to his pictures on the wall. We both started talking to him and asked him to do some simple commands such as to move his index finger up and down....and he did! I even asked him to try to stick out his tongue, (I saw one of the nurses ask him to do this), and he very intently stared at me doing it while he very slowly lifted his own and pushed it slightly forward. I know it sounds silly, but it's something I've never seen him do before. He was also cracking us up at some points in the conversation when we raised our eyebrows, he was raise his. He looked so cute. ;)
Even though he did rest throughout the night as well, I'm feeling slightly guilty since apparently I completely pooped him out and he pretty much slept the whole day! I'm learning that there are definitely going to be many more times where he is pretty out of it rather than how he reacted last night. I'm still pretty confused, as I think most of you are, when to consider him 'awake' to 'sleeping' to....well, is he still in a coma?? We're all a little oblivious to this question, but I'm pretty sure we're all truly going to say he 'woke up' when he starts trying to communicate with us by either speaking or mouthing words. But time will tell.
Hope all is well and you enjoyed with update. Please, again, keep your positive thoughts and prayers coming. This is such a holy week and it is already SUCH a blessing that he has first, been granted into Acute Rehab, and second, that we've been getting such positive responses from him!!
Xoxos,
Danielle
Thursday, March 20, 2008
A Better Day - Update #26 from Rob
So here we are, me, after no sleep last night, (I did the overnight), and Lin who never sleeps anyway, and Grams, sitting and talking to our case-manager Mary. We are discussing things like, "Did Steve have any directives regarding future care" and , one of my "favorite" topics, which sub acute rehab place we would like to use (see update #25). The discussion turned to a family/doctor/social worker/ case worker meeting. We were told the meeting would be next week, and that it would be a "brutally honest" open discussion on Steve's further medical care.
We turn to go back into Steve's room and Mary stops us and says that the meeting will take place in 10 minutes.
In the meeting Lin and I with Beth on a conference call, were told the requirements that Steve would have to meet to qualify for acute rehab, (in other words-staying at the U of M Medical Center). We were given a compassionately honest assessment of where Steve is currently, based on what the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) doctors have seen so far. We were also able to inform the PM&R doctor that was present, Dr. Boggess, of what Steve has already done. Dr. Boggess indicated that if he could see Steve do the things we mentioned, he would qualify for acute rehab. He gave us his pager number and suggested we write it on the dry erase board in Steve's room and page him if Steve started to exhibit these movements.
We went back to Steve's room thinking that we have already seen Steve do what is necessary, but not consistent enough to page the doctor. We dutifully wrote the pager number on the board and , since Steve was due for a bath, we went up to get lunch. We resigned ourselves to the fact that since Steve is currently still too sick to leave the ICU, we had time, and we would just keep believing in him. I left for home and Lin and Grams finished their lunch.
While we were gone, two people from Occupational Therapy came in and managed to sit Steve up on the edge of the bed. They noticed him start to track people with his left eye and look out the window. Steve squeezed his right hand and moved toes on both feet on command. They saw the pager number and called Dr. Boggess, (not an hour after the meeting), who came and verified Steve's actions.
When we got back, the pager number was erased and "ACUTE REHAB-----YEAH!" was written in its place!!!!
Hows that for positive prayers and thinking!!!
PLEASE keep them coming.
We turn to go back into Steve's room and Mary stops us and says that the meeting will take place in 10 minutes.
In the meeting Lin and I with Beth on a conference call, were told the requirements that Steve would have to meet to qualify for acute rehab, (in other words-staying at the U of M Medical Center). We were given a compassionately honest assessment of where Steve is currently, based on what the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) doctors have seen so far. We were also able to inform the PM&R doctor that was present, Dr. Boggess, of what Steve has already done. Dr. Boggess indicated that if he could see Steve do the things we mentioned, he would qualify for acute rehab. He gave us his pager number and suggested we write it on the dry erase board in Steve's room and page him if Steve started to exhibit these movements.
We went back to Steve's room thinking that we have already seen Steve do what is necessary, but not consistent enough to page the doctor. We dutifully wrote the pager number on the board and , since Steve was due for a bath, we went up to get lunch. We resigned ourselves to the fact that since Steve is currently still too sick to leave the ICU, we had time, and we would just keep believing in him. I left for home and Lin and Grams finished their lunch.
While we were gone, two people from Occupational Therapy came in and managed to sit Steve up on the edge of the bed. They noticed him start to track people with his left eye and look out the window. Steve squeezed his right hand and moved toes on both feet on command. They saw the pager number and called Dr. Boggess, (not an hour after the meeting), who came and verified Steve's actions.
When we got back, the pager number was erased and "ACUTE REHAB-----YEAH!" was written in its place!!!!
Hows that for positive prayers and thinking!!!
PLEASE keep them coming.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A good day
Just left Steve's room. Is wiggling toes on his right foot, and 4 toes (weakly - but they're moving) on his left. No movement in his left hand, but pretty strong squeezing with the right. Also was awake for a good part of the day, and tracking with his eye. At one point a chaplain came into his room and called Steve's name...he turned his head about 20 degrees to see him.
We dragged his nurse into his room just now so she could see what we were seeing and document it! We want to make sure the doctors and rehab people know what he is capable of.
Have a good night everyone!
Linda and Rob
We dragged his nurse into his room just now so she could see what we were seeing and document it! We want to make sure the doctors and rehab people know what he is capable of.
Have a good night everyone!
Linda and Rob
update #25 from Linda
Hello, everyone! Steve is resting comfortably under the watchful eye of Grandma, and I headed to the waiting room to post this.
They weighed him last night and I was totally freaked out to discover that he weighs 145...he's lost at least 40 pounds. I spoke with doctors and they said that's just how things work when muscles aren't used. He's getting enough nutrition. They did say that his elevated heart rate is causing his metabolism to work faster, and they're going to lower that some with a beta blocker. He already gets that treatment, but they'll add a little more. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts/advice regarding this issue??
As far as visitors go, please feel free to stop by. You don't need to call...someone is almost always here. You'll find us in the waiting room or in Steve's room. He's at the UM Hospital - Taubman Center - first floor - trauma and burn ICU. There's a phone in the hallway - they ask you to call before entering - just give his name and they'll make sure it's OK to come back. The only restricted hours are 7-8 both in the AM and PM while nurses change shifts. Also Monday AM from 8-10. We do ask that only healthy people visit, as he continues to have infection issues. Also, they have hand sanitizer in the room for everyone to use. Thanks! We look forward to seeing you!
Am also looking for thoughts regarding the next step in this journey. Steve is in the ICU and in need of nursing care for his trach, pegg, fevers, etc. Because he responds so little, they do not view him as a candidate for acute rehab in the hospital at this time. When he's ready to leave the ICU they talk of sending him to sub acute rehab in an off site facility. Our feeling is that he needs to stay here until his health is stabalized. Once that happens we think they'll see a level of responsiveness that they're not seeing from a sick and weak Steve. They gave us the name of a rehab place and we visited...it was unacceptable for many reasons. So - we're looking for your thoughts, and maybe your experience, in dealing with this issue. Part of it is probably navigating the insurance system and part is finding a good facility if we get to that point, although we hope that doesn't happen. We'd appreciate any info/insight/opinions/knowledge/experience you have!
As always, thank you for your friendship and support.
Love,
Linda
They weighed him last night and I was totally freaked out to discover that he weighs 145...he's lost at least 40 pounds. I spoke with doctors and they said that's just how things work when muscles aren't used. He's getting enough nutrition. They did say that his elevated heart rate is causing his metabolism to work faster, and they're going to lower that some with a beta blocker. He already gets that treatment, but they'll add a little more. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts/advice regarding this issue??
As far as visitors go, please feel free to stop by. You don't need to call...someone is almost always here. You'll find us in the waiting room or in Steve's room. He's at the UM Hospital - Taubman Center - first floor - trauma and burn ICU. There's a phone in the hallway - they ask you to call before entering - just give his name and they'll make sure it's OK to come back. The only restricted hours are 7-8 both in the AM and PM while nurses change shifts. Also Monday AM from 8-10. We do ask that only healthy people visit, as he continues to have infection issues. Also, they have hand sanitizer in the room for everyone to use. Thanks! We look forward to seeing you!
Am also looking for thoughts regarding the next step in this journey. Steve is in the ICU and in need of nursing care for his trach, pegg, fevers, etc. Because he responds so little, they do not view him as a candidate for acute rehab in the hospital at this time. When he's ready to leave the ICU they talk of sending him to sub acute rehab in an off site facility. Our feeling is that he needs to stay here until his health is stabalized. Once that happens we think they'll see a level of responsiveness that they're not seeing from a sick and weak Steve. They gave us the name of a rehab place and we visited...it was unacceptable for many reasons. So - we're looking for your thoughts, and maybe your experience, in dealing with this issue. Part of it is probably navigating the insurance system and part is finding a good facility if we get to that point, although we hope that doesn't happen. We'd appreciate any info/insight/opinions/knowledge/experience you have!
As always, thank you for your friendship and support.
Love,
Linda
Monday, March 17, 2008
Update #24 from Danielle
Hey all~
As Rob reported earlier, Steve did indeed have a very restful and easy evening. He had little interruptions and definitely seemed as if he was dreaming sweet dreams. =)
I was telling some friends and family about how he had such a nice night and how he had done something he had never done before. When I arrived yesterday the night nurse had reported that he had been communicating more with his eyes. Two blinks meaning yes, one blink meaning no. I said, "Oh, yeah?" Even though I was excited to hear the good news, I decided not to pester him. I hang on to every encouraging word, but will be the first to admit that I don't want to 'jinx' his good progress.
A little later on in the evening, I was wiping him down with a cold wash cloth and decided to rub his shoulders a bit. I can't even imagine how sore he must be after already laying there for a full month! He was looking right at me when I asked, "Steve, if this feels good and you want me to keep doing this then blink twice." He then very distinctively blinked down hard twice. I was so happy it gave me chills. These are the signs that we are all looking for. Not only did he show me that he heard me, but that he understood me.
I just thought I'd share this news with everyone knowing that we are all anxiously awaiting more good news with each and every day. As we all know, he is a very dedicated man and I have no doubt that he will be able to conquer this challenge in his life with full determination.
I hope all is well with everyone!
~Danielle
As Rob reported earlier, Steve did indeed have a very restful and easy evening. He had little interruptions and definitely seemed as if he was dreaming sweet dreams. =)
I was telling some friends and family about how he had such a nice night and how he had done something he had never done before. When I arrived yesterday the night nurse had reported that he had been communicating more with his eyes. Two blinks meaning yes, one blink meaning no. I said, "Oh, yeah?" Even though I was excited to hear the good news, I decided not to pester him. I hang on to every encouraging word, but will be the first to admit that I don't want to 'jinx' his good progress.
A little later on in the evening, I was wiping him down with a cold wash cloth and decided to rub his shoulders a bit. I can't even imagine how sore he must be after already laying there for a full month! He was looking right at me when I asked, "Steve, if this feels good and you want me to keep doing this then blink twice." He then very distinctively blinked down hard twice. I was so happy it gave me chills. These are the signs that we are all looking for. Not only did he show me that he heard me, but that he understood me.
I just thought I'd share this news with everyone knowing that we are all anxiously awaiting more good news with each and every day. As we all know, he is a very dedicated man and I have no doubt that he will be able to conquer this challenge in his life with full determination.
I hope all is well with everyone!
~Danielle
Update 23 from Rob
Hello again,
I do not know how we let a day go by without posting, however in this case no news is good news. Steve is having very restful nights and days. Danielle told us that last night generated nothing new to report. I was there this morning and can say without a doubt that Steve seems much healthier.
He is coughing hardly at all and his fever is jusy slightly above normal. His breathing is deep and his respirations per minute are in the 20's instead of higher like previously.
The final piece of the puzzle, so to speak, was found today. As you may remember, Steve was still putting out too much fluid from the PEGG tube. The doctors did another x-ray and used dye this time. They found that the tube is definitely mispositioned too far into his intestines. Doctors plan a consultation tonight to determine how to remedy the issue. They may be able to just move the tube back out or they may have to replace it. Regardless, we now know that this issue was "man made" and not the result of the original injury.
Before I sign off, I would like to mention that another of Steve's friends, (Kyla), posted a very nice comment on the previous update. Please read it if you get the chance.
Thank You all,
Rob
I do not know how we let a day go by without posting, however in this case no news is good news. Steve is having very restful nights and days. Danielle told us that last night generated nothing new to report. I was there this morning and can say without a doubt that Steve seems much healthier.
He is coughing hardly at all and his fever is jusy slightly above normal. His breathing is deep and his respirations per minute are in the 20's instead of higher like previously.
The final piece of the puzzle, so to speak, was found today. As you may remember, Steve was still putting out too much fluid from the PEGG tube. The doctors did another x-ray and used dye this time. They found that the tube is definitely mispositioned too far into his intestines. Doctors plan a consultation tonight to determine how to remedy the issue. They may be able to just move the tube back out or they may have to replace it. Regardless, we now know that this issue was "man made" and not the result of the original injury.
Before I sign off, I would like to mention that another of Steve's friends, (Kyla), posted a very nice comment on the previous update. Please read it if you get the chance.
Thank You all,
Rob
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Update 22.5 from Rob and Linda
Hello everyone,
As indicated in the previous update, the nurses did get Steve into a chair today. They also took him off the vent and let him breathe on his own with 40% oxygenated air flowing across the trach opening. This is called a trach mask and it is what Steve was using before the left lung and infection issues. Steve definitely seemed more comfortable today and his vital signs showed it. His heart rate, blood oxygen % and respiration's are what we have seen previously.
Steve also demonstrated some "purposeful" movement today by moving fingers on his right hand and also moving his right toes when asked by the nurse.
At the time of this post, Steve is watching Top Gun with Beth who is doing the over-night.
All in all it has been a good positive day.
Thanks,
Rob and Linda
As indicated in the previous update, the nurses did get Steve into a chair today. They also took him off the vent and let him breathe on his own with 40% oxygenated air flowing across the trach opening. This is called a trach mask and it is what Steve was using before the left lung and infection issues. Steve definitely seemed more comfortable today and his vital signs showed it. His heart rate, blood oxygen % and respiration's are what we have seen previously.
Steve also demonstrated some "purposeful" movement today by moving fingers on his right hand and also moving his right toes when asked by the nurse.
At the time of this post, Steve is watching Top Gun with Beth who is doing the over-night.
All in all it has been a good positive day.
Thanks,
Rob and Linda
update #22 from Linda and Grams
Hello! Just wanted to let you know that yesterday was a better day and Steve slept well last night. This morning they took him off the vent, and plan to get him in a chair this afternoon. We're planning on this being a good day!
Love,
Linda and Grams
Love,
Linda and Grams
Thursday, March 13, 2008
update #21 from Danielle, Grams, and Linda
Well...this has been one of those "rollercoaster" days. Steve had a good day yesterday. However, during the night he did lots of coughing, had lots of junk in his lungs, his oxygen levels were low, part of his lung collapsed, and they had to put him back on the vent. Also, they've been pumping huge quantities of fluid from his stomach through the PEGG and are x-raying him this evening to see if that is working correctly. They have a suspicion that the PEGG is actually draining fluid from his intestines as well as his stomach. They put an NG (nose) tube in to drain his stomach and clamped the PEGG to test their theory. They also tried to put in an arterial line, which is a way to get accurate readings of blood pressure and blood gas levels. They poked him numerous times with no luck, and plan to try again later. You can imagine how exhausted he looks and feels.
The good news is that the physical and occupational therapists are very happy with the fact that his body is "limber" despite spending so much time in bed. They actually had him sitting in a reclining chair yesterday for over 4 hours. Even though he had a rocky start to the day today, they've been able to reduce his oxygen through the vent from 100% to 50% as the day has gone by. We're very happy that they're trying so hard to resolve his stomach issues...it's something that's been causing him a lot of discomfort for many days.
He had some visitors yesterday and that was great. But after today's events, we're asking that you wait a day or two before visiting, to give him time to rest. Thank you for understanding.
We're confident that he'll have a good night and that we'll be sharing all good news tomorrow!
With love and thanks,
Danielle, Grams, and Linda
The good news is that the physical and occupational therapists are very happy with the fact that his body is "limber" despite spending so much time in bed. They actually had him sitting in a reclining chair yesterday for over 4 hours. Even though he had a rocky start to the day today, they've been able to reduce his oxygen through the vent from 100% to 50% as the day has gone by. We're very happy that they're trying so hard to resolve his stomach issues...it's something that's been causing him a lot of discomfort for many days.
He had some visitors yesterday and that was great. But after today's events, we're asking that you wait a day or two before visiting, to give him time to rest. Thank you for understanding.
We're confident that he'll have a good night and that we'll be sharing all good news tomorrow!
With love and thanks,
Danielle, Grams, and Linda
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Update #20 from Rob and Linda
Hello everyone,
Sorry it has taken so long to update, but things have been a little crazy. Steve has developed a couple of nasty infections and it seems like he is just exhausted fighting them off. The doctors have changed all existing medical appliances, except the feeding tube, to eliminate the possibility that one of them could be causing the infections. They have identified the organisms and have Steve on an aggressive antibiotic regimen. Obviously Steve was not very responsive yesterday.
That said, Steve had a very restful night as reported by Danielle. I relieved her at 8:00AM and can also report that the antibiotics seem to be working. He is not coughing as much as before, his white blood cell count has returned to normal and his fever is down. Now, Steve will start again the recovery process to consciousness.
As I looked at my e-mail today my sister-in-law, Gail, another of the many unsung supporters that have made this ordeal bearable, sent me this passage. It is so moving I want to post it here;
READ THIS LET IT REALLY SINK IN - THEN CHOOSE .
John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"
He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood I choose to be in a good mood." Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."
I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the place we worked to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it. Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw him about six months after the accident.
When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked He continued, " ..the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'." Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34. After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. You have two choices now: 01. Delete this 02. Forward it to the people you care about. You know the choice I made.
I feel this is really defines "positive thought" and that it is really about all you great people that read this blog. We can choose to support Steve or not. Know this, our family believes that Steve has made his progress because of the insurmountable support of positive thoughts and prayers that have come from you.
Thanks,
Rob
Sorry it has taken so long to update, but things have been a little crazy. Steve has developed a couple of nasty infections and it seems like he is just exhausted fighting them off. The doctors have changed all existing medical appliances, except the feeding tube, to eliminate the possibility that one of them could be causing the infections. They have identified the organisms and have Steve on an aggressive antibiotic regimen. Obviously Steve was not very responsive yesterday.
That said, Steve had a very restful night as reported by Danielle. I relieved her at 8:00AM and can also report that the antibiotics seem to be working. He is not coughing as much as before, his white blood cell count has returned to normal and his fever is down. Now, Steve will start again the recovery process to consciousness.
As I looked at my e-mail today my sister-in-law, Gail, another of the many unsung supporters that have made this ordeal bearable, sent me this passage. It is so moving I want to post it here;
READ THIS LET IT REALLY SINK IN - THEN CHOOSE .
John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"
He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood I choose to be in a good mood." Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."
I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the place we worked to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it. Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw him about six months after the accident.
When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked He continued, " ..the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'." Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34. After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. You have two choices now: 01. Delete this 02. Forward it to the people you care about. You know the choice I made.
I feel this is really defines "positive thought" and that it is really about all you great people that read this blog. We can choose to support Steve or not. Know this, our family believes that Steve has made his progress because of the insurmountable support of positive thoughts and prayers that have come from you.
Thanks,
Rob
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Update #19 from Rob
Today was very busy for Steve and family. We met doctors from every department. It is reassuring to see the vast medical team that will be working with us.
A new PICC line was entered in to Steve's right arm today. It seems Steve is still fighting infection and the doctors want to rule out the "old" PICC line in the left arm. Steve also looked very tired, most likely from the airplane ride Sunday, as well as the fact that he was not fed for the last day and a half. The doctors wanted to make sure that the existing PEG tube, (feeding tube), had not moved from its' original location.
The game plan now is to treat any infection, control the build up of the stomach fluid and continue to work to get Steve to respond to commands and eventually get him fully conscious.
Thank You for joining us in providing love, support, positive thoughts and prayers for Steve in this ordeal. It is so nice to not face this alone.
Rob
A new PICC line was entered in to Steve's right arm today. It seems Steve is still fighting infection and the doctors want to rule out the "old" PICC line in the left arm. Steve also looked very tired, most likely from the airplane ride Sunday, as well as the fact that he was not fed for the last day and a half. The doctors wanted to make sure that the existing PEG tube, (feeding tube), had not moved from its' original location.
The game plan now is to treat any infection, control the build up of the stomach fluid and continue to work to get Steve to respond to commands and eventually get him fully conscious.
Thank You for joining us in providing love, support, positive thoughts and prayers for Steve in this ordeal. It is so nice to not face this alone.
Rob
Monday, March 10, 2008
Re: Visiting Steve
Hi everyone,
Last night Linda, Danielle and Beth were all able to stay with Steve at UM. He is doing well: he has not been coughing very much and is still off the ventilator, and there is no sign of hiccups. The doctors and nurses here have done a bunch of assessments and labs, and we'll hear more today about their plans for Steve.
That said, we would like to ask that everyone refrain from visiting Steve in the ICU for the first few days. He's basically unresponsive and exhausted at this point, and a lot of medical-types are bothering him constantly right now. We will let you know as soon as he is ready to have visitors; obviously, we want to see everyone, but we also want to put Steve's health first. Hopefully all of the initial craziness will be over soon!
Thanks for your patience, and we look forward to seeing you.
Beth, Danielle, and Linda
Last night Linda, Danielle and Beth were all able to stay with Steve at UM. He is doing well: he has not been coughing very much and is still off the ventilator, and there is no sign of hiccups. The doctors and nurses here have done a bunch of assessments and labs, and we'll hear more today about their plans for Steve.
That said, we would like to ask that everyone refrain from visiting Steve in the ICU for the first few days. He's basically unresponsive and exhausted at this point, and a lot of medical-types are bothering him constantly right now. We will let you know as soon as he is ready to have visitors; obviously, we want to see everyone, but we also want to put Steve's health first. Hopefully all of the initial craziness will be over soon!
Thanks for your patience, and we look forward to seeing you.
Beth, Danielle, and Linda
Update #18 from Rob
Steve arrived back in Michigan today. He had an uneventful flight accompanied by Beth and the Air Ambulance crew. Linda flew back commercially and got to the hospital at approximately 6PM.
Steve is in the B-ICU-Bed #443. The hospital staff has been waiting for him for 3 days and was eager to get him assessed.
Steve had another CT scan today and it confirmed what the previous 3 had shown---no new trauma, "whew". Even though you have ample evidence that nothing more has happened, you still are apprehensive until you get the good news. Steve has been off the respirator for the whole day. The doctors at U of M feel they will not put him back on it unless he needs it. They indicated to us that their research shows the faster you get off the respirator, the less chance of pneumonia, and the quicker you recover. We hope that this will finally allow his lungs to clear and allow the body to heal. The doctors also want to determine what could possibly be causing the fluid buildup in his stomach.
Linda also reported that Steve exhibited more arm movement and head lifting today. She saw this before they left Maryland. We did not see any at U of M but figured Steve was tired from the hectic days events.
Linda, Beth and Danielle are doing the night shift again, so I am doing the updating.
Thank you all, again.
Rob
Steve is in the B-ICU-Bed #443. The hospital staff has been waiting for him for 3 days and was eager to get him assessed.
Steve had another CT scan today and it confirmed what the previous 3 had shown---no new trauma, "whew". Even though you have ample evidence that nothing more has happened, you still are apprehensive until you get the good news. Steve has been off the respirator for the whole day. The doctors at U of M feel they will not put him back on it unless he needs it. They indicated to us that their research shows the faster you get off the respirator, the less chance of pneumonia, and the quicker you recover. We hope that this will finally allow his lungs to clear and allow the body to heal. The doctors also want to determine what could possibly be causing the fluid buildup in his stomach.
Linda also reported that Steve exhibited more arm movement and head lifting today. She saw this before they left Maryland. We did not see any at U of M but figured Steve was tired from the hectic days events.
Linda, Beth and Danielle are doing the night shift again, so I am doing the updating.
Thank you all, again.
Rob
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Update from Rob
Steve will be coming home today. Details to follow. He'll be going to ICU at U of M.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Update from Rob
I just had to put this out.
Please Remember about the highs and lows!
I just got this text from Lin at 4:22PM.
It reads;
Steve just reached out with BOTH hands and tried to lift his head again. I hugged and reassured him, and Steve fell back into a restful sleep!
It has been a good day!
Rob
Please Remember about the highs and lows!
I just got this text from Lin at 4:22PM.
It reads;
Steve just reached out with BOTH hands and tried to lift his head again. I hugged and reassured him, and Steve fell back into a restful sleep!
It has been a good day!
Rob
Update #17 from Rob
I am updating this because there is no wireless internet in the hospital and it would require Beth and Lin to leave the hospital to update the blog.
I just talked with Lin and she reports Steve's' vital signs are slowly getting more stable. His heart rate now stays at or below 100 beats/minute. This is a good sign because doctors say that elevated heart rate could be the sign of anxiety or pain. Steve seems to be showing stronger Right Hand movement and has actually tried to lift his head off of the bed a couple of times. This was also witnessed by one of the many outstanding nurses that administer to him. Steve has also moved his left arm and leg, this may still be reflexive, but we will take it!
Lin also stated that Steve just seems to be more "aware" of his surroundings---please Remember what we said about the highs and lows.
Weather has stopped the return flight the past two days and has also stopped todays flight. There may be a chance around 7PM tonight. We will keep you posted.
As I think about why I am home and my family is not, I choose to believe that there is a plan. Maybe Steve will awake there and give the medical people a chance to admire their work--it would be so fitting.
As always, Thank You all for your love, support, positive thoughts and prayers.
Rob
I just talked with Lin and she reports Steve's' vital signs are slowly getting more stable. His heart rate now stays at or below 100 beats/minute. This is a good sign because doctors say that elevated heart rate could be the sign of anxiety or pain. Steve seems to be showing stronger Right Hand movement and has actually tried to lift his head off of the bed a couple of times. This was also witnessed by one of the many outstanding nurses that administer to him. Steve has also moved his left arm and leg, this may still be reflexive, but we will take it!
Lin also stated that Steve just seems to be more "aware" of his surroundings---please Remember what we said about the highs and lows.
Weather has stopped the return flight the past two days and has also stopped todays flight. There may be a chance around 7PM tonight. We will keep you posted.
As I think about why I am home and my family is not, I choose to believe that there is a plan. Maybe Steve will awake there and give the medical people a chance to admire their work--it would be so fitting.
As always, Thank You all for your love, support, positive thoughts and prayers.
Rob
Friday, March 7, 2008
Update #16 from Rob
Just a quick note.
Grams, Danielle and I drove back to Michigan Thursday to beat the forecasted snow. Steve was also supposed to fly back Thursday but U of M did not have a bed for him. We are hopeful for a Friday flight. We feel just getting back to Michigan will be best for all concerned.
Linda and Beth are still in Maryland with Steve, and our friends Lauren and Matt are keeping them company. Beth will fly with Steve and Linda plans to follow on a commercial carrier.
Steve's day was pretty much spent trying to cough up the remaining junk in his left lung, and getting prepared for the transfer. Throughout this ordeal, I have never seen Steve be more "awake" than when he has one of these coughing episodes.
Again, I wish to Thank all you great people who read this blog. I have seen first hand the results of your support, positive thoughts and prayers.
Rob
Grams, Danielle and I drove back to Michigan Thursday to beat the forecasted snow. Steve was also supposed to fly back Thursday but U of M did not have a bed for him. We are hopeful for a Friday flight. We feel just getting back to Michigan will be best for all concerned.
Linda and Beth are still in Maryland with Steve, and our friends Lauren and Matt are keeping them company. Beth will fly with Steve and Linda plans to follow on a commercial carrier.
Steve's day was pretty much spent trying to cough up the remaining junk in his left lung, and getting prepared for the transfer. Throughout this ordeal, I have never seen Steve be more "awake" than when he has one of these coughing episodes.
Again, I wish to Thank all you great people who read this blog. I have seen first hand the results of your support, positive thoughts and prayers.
Rob
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Update #15 from Rob and Grams
Steve had a tiring day today. His helmet arrived and this allowed him to be moved to a chair in his room. Yes, even when in a coma, it is good to get out of bed.
Steve did not respond to commands today, but we do get the feeling that he knows when we are in the room. We can see his left eye searching for the voices he hears. His heart rate, breathing and temperature were elevated today and this wears him down. His left lung still shows evidence of fluid and he is doing his best to cough it up. Giving him Tylenol actually settled him down and seemed to help on his fever, (for the first time).
With the helmet on, he can now be turned to his right side in bed. When this was done today, we actually saw better and more deeper breathing. We hope that this ability to turn him to the right will assist in clearing his lung and better allow his body to heal.
Return plans have cleared another hurdle, and we are optimistic.
We have been advised that patience is key to this journey. There will be good and bad days. Please join us in not taking the highs too high and not letting the lows get too low (as the doctors have suggested), and please continue to keep Steve in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks,
Rob and Mary
Steve did not respond to commands today, but we do get the feeling that he knows when we are in the room. We can see his left eye searching for the voices he hears. His heart rate, breathing and temperature were elevated today and this wears him down. His left lung still shows evidence of fluid and he is doing his best to cough it up. Giving him Tylenol actually settled him down and seemed to help on his fever, (for the first time).
With the helmet on, he can now be turned to his right side in bed. When this was done today, we actually saw better and more deeper breathing. We hope that this ability to turn him to the right will assist in clearing his lung and better allow his body to heal.
Return plans have cleared another hurdle, and we are optimistic.
We have been advised that patience is key to this journey. There will be good and bad days. Please join us in not taking the highs too high and not letting the lows get too low (as the doctors have suggested), and please continue to keep Steve in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks,
Rob and Mary
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Update #14 from Beth and Linda
Hello everyone,
Just a quick update for today. Not much is new; Steve was off the ventilator for several hours today and moved into a bed position resembling a reclining chair. He still has fluid in his left lung, but unfortunately cannot be rotated to the right to allow that to drain. He was also fitted for a helmet today, which he will wear until his skull flap can be reattached (weeks down the road). The helmet should arrive tomorrow, which will be nice because he will then be able to be turned onto his right side.
We also wanted to mention, as we will be home soon (and that will be the first time many of you see Steve), that he has lost a lot of weight. That, combined with the recent decrease in swelling of his head, has led to a rather gaunt appearance. The right side of his head is also noticeably "caved in", but we have been assured that this is normal and expected. To understand how this looks, you may find it helpful to consult pictures of Bob Woodruff in the weeks following his injury in Iraq.
Thanks to all the friends and family who have sent cards and mementos for Steve's room. It is definitely the most festive room in the entire ICU. Steve has also been "adopted" by many of the techs and nurses, who stop by frequently to visit him. One story in particular is pretty funny. About a week ago, a tech named David stopped by Steve's room while Beth was sitting there. He is from Barbados, and was joking to Steve about how he should wake up so he could go hang out on the beach in Barbados with the "chicks". Beth helpfully pointed out that Steve already has a "chick". Not missing a beat, David replied...
"That don't mean he can't have another!"
He met Danielle the next day, with predictable consequences. :)
More soon,
Beth and Linda
Just a quick update for today. Not much is new; Steve was off the ventilator for several hours today and moved into a bed position resembling a reclining chair. He still has fluid in his left lung, but unfortunately cannot be rotated to the right to allow that to drain. He was also fitted for a helmet today, which he will wear until his skull flap can be reattached (weeks down the road). The helmet should arrive tomorrow, which will be nice because he will then be able to be turned onto his right side.
We also wanted to mention, as we will be home soon (and that will be the first time many of you see Steve), that he has lost a lot of weight. That, combined with the recent decrease in swelling of his head, has led to a rather gaunt appearance. The right side of his head is also noticeably "caved in", but we have been assured that this is normal and expected. To understand how this looks, you may find it helpful to consult pictures of Bob Woodruff in the weeks following his injury in Iraq.
Thanks to all the friends and family who have sent cards and mementos for Steve's room. It is definitely the most festive room in the entire ICU. Steve has also been "adopted" by many of the techs and nurses, who stop by frequently to visit him. One story in particular is pretty funny. About a week ago, a tech named David stopped by Steve's room while Beth was sitting there. He is from Barbados, and was joking to Steve about how he should wake up so he could go hang out on the beach in Barbados with the "chicks". Beth helpfully pointed out that Steve already has a "chick". Not missing a beat, David replied...
"That don't mean he can't have another!"
He met Danielle the next day, with predictable consequences. :)
More soon,
Beth and Linda
Update #13 - For Steve
The best part of creating a Blog is always knowing the location of the back door. So excuse me as I pirate some air time away from the “Magnificent 5” who have shared so much with so many and asked for nothing in return. In all seriousness, if I could have a moment of your day to ask you an important question.
An hour for Steve.
Would you give that much of your life to help this amazing young man? What would you do, what ends of the earth would you travel to, if you were in Linda and Rob’s shoes? Do any of us really know unless the situation arrives at our doorstep? Each of us fills our days with prayers and hopeful thoughts for Steve’s recovery. An incredible young man is doing his part by giving to us, with every small miracle, hope for a better tomorrow. Not only in Steve’s life, but in each of ours. Tell me you don’t wake up in the morning looking for the latest update. You wipe away a tear you cannot explain, you find yourself smiling at the simplest of things and the bounce in your step has endless limits as you face the challenges of your day. All of this because today a young man raised his thumb or winked an eye. Can you imagine what you will feel when, for the first time, Steve smiles and says “Hey Mom”. When Steve comes home, that will be the time when he really needs us. Lying in an ICU ward, in a small hospital on Old Georgetown Road, many miles from home, and yet he fights a battle with a determination that most of us will never experience. The long road ahead will be his greatest challenge, but we can all be there to help.
Would you give an hour of your life for Steve?
Recently established is a medical relief fund for Steve. Bank protocol prohibits me from sharing the name on the Internet, but I believe you’ll figure it out. Kind of goes something like the “someone someone Medical Fund”. Managed through Bank of America and LaSalle Bank, access to the fund pretty much covers the US. My challenge to you is one hour. One hour of your gross income to help a young man, whose story has touched us all, as he moves toward his greatest physical challenge yet. One hour to spend with your family, at home, talking about what really matters rather than the next expensive meal at any one of a million restaurants. One hour of playing catch with your son/daughter, taking a walk with a loved one, or simply watching the flowers bloom this spring, rather than spending money on an endless supply of meaningless material goods. There are so many ways that we waste our time and money and yet what matters, what has brought more hope to all of us, are the words that we hang onto each and every day as Steve continues his fight. The cost of recovery will be immense. So, simply put, let’s show Steve exactly what he means to each of us.
The steps are easy.
(1) The Fund will be available for donations Thursday morning.
(2) Go to any branch office of Bank of America or LaSalle Bank and tell them you wish to contribute to the “someone someone Medical Fund”. Easy as pie.
(3) Wire transfers (domestic and international) are accepted; however you’ll need certain routing information to complete the transaction. Contact Linda for those details.
(4) On-Line transfers are not allowed due to the world of Internet fraud that we live in.
(5) And of course, mailing a donation to the Percha family for quick deposit is always an easy option.
Donations can be mailed to:
“someone someone” Medical Fund
C/O Linda Percha
1629 Commerce Pines Drive
Walled Lake, MI 48390-1516
Anyone who has visited this Blog knows one simple fact. Steve Percha is a young man who has made a difference. Read the notes posted by friends from days past. Listen to school mates and family share their memories. Have you ever witnessed such pure emotion from simple written words? He’s that kind of kid.
Sincerely,
Uncle Rick
An hour for Steve.
Would you give that much of your life to help this amazing young man? What would you do, what ends of the earth would you travel to, if you were in Linda and Rob’s shoes? Do any of us really know unless the situation arrives at our doorstep? Each of us fills our days with prayers and hopeful thoughts for Steve’s recovery. An incredible young man is doing his part by giving to us, with every small miracle, hope for a better tomorrow. Not only in Steve’s life, but in each of ours. Tell me you don’t wake up in the morning looking for the latest update. You wipe away a tear you cannot explain, you find yourself smiling at the simplest of things and the bounce in your step has endless limits as you face the challenges of your day. All of this because today a young man raised his thumb or winked an eye. Can you imagine what you will feel when, for the first time, Steve smiles and says “Hey Mom”. When Steve comes home, that will be the time when he really needs us. Lying in an ICU ward, in a small hospital on Old Georgetown Road, many miles from home, and yet he fights a battle with a determination that most of us will never experience. The long road ahead will be his greatest challenge, but we can all be there to help.
Would you give an hour of your life for Steve?
Recently established is a medical relief fund for Steve. Bank protocol prohibits me from sharing the name on the Internet, but I believe you’ll figure it out. Kind of goes something like the “someone someone Medical Fund”. Managed through Bank of America and LaSalle Bank, access to the fund pretty much covers the US. My challenge to you is one hour. One hour of your gross income to help a young man, whose story has touched us all, as he moves toward his greatest physical challenge yet. One hour to spend with your family, at home, talking about what really matters rather than the next expensive meal at any one of a million restaurants. One hour of playing catch with your son/daughter, taking a walk with a loved one, or simply watching the flowers bloom this spring, rather than spending money on an endless supply of meaningless material goods. There are so many ways that we waste our time and money and yet what matters, what has brought more hope to all of us, are the words that we hang onto each and every day as Steve continues his fight. The cost of recovery will be immense. So, simply put, let’s show Steve exactly what he means to each of us.
The steps are easy.
(1) The Fund will be available for donations Thursday morning.
(2) Go to any branch office of Bank of America or LaSalle Bank and tell them you wish to contribute to the “someone someone Medical Fund”. Easy as pie.
(3) Wire transfers (domestic and international) are accepted; however you’ll need certain routing information to complete the transaction. Contact Linda for those details.
(4) On-Line transfers are not allowed due to the world of Internet fraud that we live in.
(5) And of course, mailing a donation to the Percha family for quick deposit is always an easy option.
Donations can be mailed to:
“someone someone” Medical Fund
C/O Linda Percha
1629 Commerce Pines Drive
Walled Lake, MI 48390-1516
Anyone who has visited this Blog knows one simple fact. Steve Percha is a young man who has made a difference. Read the notes posted by friends from days past. Listen to school mates and family share their memories. Have you ever witnessed such pure emotion from simple written words? He’s that kind of kid.
Sincerely,
Uncle Rick
Monday, March 3, 2008
Update 12 from Linda and Rob
Hello everyone, positive thoughts and prayers work!
Steve had a comfortable and restful 23rd birthday. Eight nurses enjoyed singing Happy birthday to him and the nurses really liked the cake his aunt Kathie sent.
The "staples" that held his incision were removed yesterday. He looks much better without them.
Today he breathed on his own for 4.5 hours as they try to wean him off of the ventilator.
The last two CT scans show a marked difference from those performed earlier. The swelling is gone and the brain mid-line has returned to the normal position. The right (damaged), side of the brain now looks just like the left.
This next comment is very interesting and confusing, and gives us cautious optimism. The previous CT's clearly showed darkened areas where the doctors believed strokes had occurred. The last two CT's do NOT show these areas. The doctors stated that since the darkened areas are no longer present, blood flow must have returned to these areas. No-one can explain why this has happened but the two neurological assistants and Dr. Armonda (the surgeon), are excited about this turn of events.
Speaking of Dr. Armonda, do you remember Bob Woodruff, the newsman that sustained a severe head injury in Iraq? Dr. Armonda was his surgeon also. How fortunate we were that he was available when Steve came in.
Plans for our return have passed some hurdles. There still remain a couple and they will be the subject of future posts.
Hope all is well with all of you, and Thank You for your thoughts, prayers, love and support.
Rob and Linda
Steve had a comfortable and restful 23rd birthday. Eight nurses enjoyed singing Happy birthday to him and the nurses really liked the cake his aunt Kathie sent.
The "staples" that held his incision were removed yesterday. He looks much better without them.
Today he breathed on his own for 4.5 hours as they try to wean him off of the ventilator.
The last two CT scans show a marked difference from those performed earlier. The swelling is gone and the brain mid-line has returned to the normal position. The right (damaged), side of the brain now looks just like the left.
This next comment is very interesting and confusing, and gives us cautious optimism. The previous CT's clearly showed darkened areas where the doctors believed strokes had occurred. The last two CT's do NOT show these areas. The doctors stated that since the darkened areas are no longer present, blood flow must have returned to these areas. No-one can explain why this has happened but the two neurological assistants and Dr. Armonda (the surgeon), are excited about this turn of events.
Speaking of Dr. Armonda, do you remember Bob Woodruff, the newsman that sustained a severe head injury in Iraq? Dr. Armonda was his surgeon also. How fortunate we were that he was available when Steve came in.
Plans for our return have passed some hurdles. There still remain a couple and they will be the subject of future posts.
Hope all is well with all of you, and Thank You for your thoughts, prayers, love and support.
Rob and Linda
Happy Birthday Steve!
As most of you know, today is Steve's 23rd birthday. Although, none of us were thinking that bringing him back home would be the best gift he could ask for, it definitely would be. Steve is the most motivated individual I have ever met in my life. If anyone can get through this, he can. It is very clear how many people love him and are encouraging him to get better. So on his special day, let's all wish him a very happy birthday and hope that each progressing day brings us nothing but good news.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!!!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
thoughts from Linda and Rob
Have had something on our minds since writing our message last night. We referred to Beth and Danielle as "the girls" and that's been bugging us. You've never seen two stronger women.
Parents expect to deal with all aspects of their kids' lives...the good, the bad, and the ugly. Can you really expect a sister and a girlfriend to do the same? Apparently the answer is yes.
Beth and Danielle have stepped up to this challenge like you can't imagine. We watch and participate in all sorts of disturbing and stressful things, and they never waver. They are right in there helping and supporting Steve in every way that they can. We are so amazed by them.
Parents expect to deal with all aspects of their kids' lives...the good, the bad, and the ugly. Can you really expect a sister and a girlfriend to do the same? Apparently the answer is yes.
Beth and Danielle have stepped up to this challenge like you can't imagine. We watch and participate in all sorts of disturbing and stressful things, and they never waver. They are right in there helping and supporting Steve in every way that they can. We are so amazed by them.
update #11 from Rob and Linda
Hello! Beth and Danielle are on the night shift, so we thought we'd tell you a little about today. Steve had a restful night and day. Doctor Morton was in first thing this AM about his stomach issues and they injected dye and x-rayed to make sure his feeding tube (PEG) was in place. No problem there. Consulted with other doctors and they hooked something up to his PEG that pulls fluids out of his stomach. The food he gets actually by-passes his stomach and goes right into his small intestine, so it doesn't get pulled out when they suction his stomach. They think it's a combination of old blood, seeping blood (from irritation of his stomach) and gastric juices...in any case, they're watching the situation but don't seem terribly concerned. The fact that the hiccups have stopped has given us huge relief, as they were powerful enough to toss his body around and make him so uncomfortable.
Also had some issues yesterday with pulse-oxygen levels dropping. Seemed to be connected with junk in his lungs. Tried a new medicine to thin out secretions, plus an inhaler, and that problem is taken care of.
Movement/responding to requests is about the same as yesterday. Steve moved his thumb twice for us, but wouldn't for the doctor...Doc said it's the power of love that let him do that. We like to think so!
Have been caught up in the politics of trying to move him to Michigan. Sounds like such a simple, logical thing, but it's not. We'll tell you all about it in another update after plans are in place.
All in all a pretty uneventful, restful day. We left him all tucked in for the night, and being well taken care of by "the girls."
Goodnight friends!
With love and thanks,
Rob and Linda
Also had some issues yesterday with pulse-oxygen levels dropping. Seemed to be connected with junk in his lungs. Tried a new medicine to thin out secretions, plus an inhaler, and that problem is taken care of.
Movement/responding to requests is about the same as yesterday. Steve moved his thumb twice for us, but wouldn't for the doctor...Doc said it's the power of love that let him do that. We like to think so!
Have been caught up in the politics of trying to move him to Michigan. Sounds like such a simple, logical thing, but it's not. We'll tell you all about it in another update after plans are in place.
All in all a pretty uneventful, restful day. We left him all tucked in for the night, and being well taken care of by "the girls."
Goodnight friends!
With love and thanks,
Rob and Linda
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