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Day 22-September 10: Updates

"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My favor will not be removed from you, Nor will My covenant of peace be shaken," Says the Lord who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 NASB2020 ☀️Update for today: Today Dad was able to see all 4 grandkids which was such a highlight for us all!! ❤️❤️πŸ«‚πŸ₯° He continues to talk more, although still struggles to gather his thoughts at times and is confused on and off throughout the day. The kids have been asking about him and praying for him and were so excited to see him, as he was them! ❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ» We're so grateful he was doing well and up to see them all!!  πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰Praises: πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»❤️πŸŽ‰We're continuing to praise God for the ways He's working! ❤️Continued opportunities to meet others where they're at and being able to show Christ's love even here. πŸ™ŒπŸ»❤️Dad continuing to have opportunities to share his story and testimony and God's love too. He shared that he daily (multiple times a day) has the o...

Day 21 - September 9: Update

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11 NASB2020 ☀️Morning Update: Student in with him all morning πŸ™ŒπŸ»Dad is really coming along 😁Very chatty this morning πŸ˜…Was worried about work (needing to call in) πŸ™πŸ»πŸ™πŸ»Still confused but likely will be like that for a while. Slow healing process. Delusional/confused at times πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰Dr very happy with progress πŸ™ŒπŸ»Good output ❤️Nurse said he's so nice πŸ™ŒπŸ»VS stable πŸ™ŒπŸ»WBC are within normal limits today! πŸŒ‡ Evening Update: ❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰πŸ₯ΉWe had an awesome phone/in person conversation with Dad! He sounds so much more like himself (the hoarseness from the vent seems to be improving). ❤️ He was so excited to share the opportunities he's had to share Christ with those around him and how grateful he is for the medical staff. "They're heroes!" ❤️ So excited to see how God is using this in so many w...

Day 20- September 8: Update

☀️ Update Dad's still having a decent amount of confusion and is ready to leave the hospital (according to him πŸ˜…) He's so appreciative of the medical team! ❤️ (We are too!!) It seems that we're getting closer to him being ready for going elsewhere (hopefully closer to home) for rehabilitation. We're praying for God's timing and will in that. For the right place to have availability and for the best timing. For us to have discernment to make the right decision for Dad when the time comes. (timing is unclear in this but we're praying for God's timing) We're asking for prayer that he would have peace and understanding. That he would be healed and his brain function would return. That he would have clarity and any confusion or delirium would melt away. For us to have patience and grace and understanding for him. Wisdom to know how to best love and redirect and care for him as he's trying to understand all that's going on and as he continues to heal....

Day 20- September 8: Overnight Report

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV  Overnight report:  πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ™ŒπŸ™ŒπŸ™ŒHe had a Good night; it went really well. He Slept well. πŸ‘πŸ™ŒπŸ™ŒTaking meds well & doing well with diet overnight  Mitts prevent pulling at picc line  Meds: Melatonin for sleep, Tylenol, clonidine, eye drops BP med (labetalol) during day if needed & Bowel meds, Occasional electrolyte meds  πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘BP controlled all night Not on diuretic anymore At times HR high may be related to pain/agitation.  Restlessness? It's More him trying to get comfortable, requires redirecting, "you're in hospital being taken care of." He gets reoriented w/ verbal cues  Plan for today?  πŸ‘Pt & OT nothing else pending  Previous Chest xray?/sputum culture? Culture back- Few bacteria may retreat w/ antibiotics  πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™Prayers for nurse- Make it through rest of shift and enjoy next few days off.

Day 19-September 7: Day Updates

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NASB2020 ☀️ Updates: He had swallow study and is now on mechanical/pureed diet, thin liquids, no straw πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ» (and had pulled out his ng tube again anyway πŸ˜…) πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»NG tube is out! πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»❤️πŸŽ‰Dad was stepped down to the unit below the ICU (Neurosciences and Rehab Therapy still on the same floor/new unit)!! πŸ™πŸ»Dad was tired and restless when I got there this morning, but after being moved to his new room he seemed to be more comfortable. He rested some on and off during the day.  We talked on and off throughout the day. His responses were often accurate and appropriate responses but at times he was more confused or his responses didn't make sense. (This is consistent with how he's been responding. He's still getting reoriented, etc) He smiled and joked quite a bit today ❤️ and I was able to pray with him and he continues to be praising God for the ways He's working! ❤️ πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™Œ...

Day 19-September 7: Overnight Report

"There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 NASB2020 πŸŒ™Overnight Report: Okay night Didn't want to sleep, gave melatonin, Seroquel Up the whole night, slept probably 30 minutes Neuro same - conversation, etc, intermittently confused: knows his name and sometimes where he is/why and when it is (likely somewhat due to lack of sleep as he was able to give this information at beginning of overnight shift) Nurse will ask about swallow study-no order for it that she could find/not scheduled

Day 18 - September 6: Day Recap ❤️

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. "Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. Indeed, while following the way of Your judgments, Lord, We have waited for You eagerly; Your name, and remembering You, is the desire of our souls. Isaiah 26:3‭-‬4‭, ‬8 NASB2020 ☀️Today's Updates: Confused/delirious, restless, and in pain at times today, increased clonidine. Currently Cognitive Level 5. He prayed "My amazing God how can it be. So grateful!  Thank you God. Oh, God help me."  Worshiped some during the day singing some of Jesus Paid it All with his sister-in-law. He is remembering things about the accident at times. He mentions wanting to go home. Neuro surgery doctor said dad seems to be doing well talking and moving around. Once he's eating & deemed ready he'll go to rehab...Possibly downstairs after the initial evaluations. Plan for Skull flap replacement in the coming months....

Day 18 - September 6: Overnight Report

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that with one purpose and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5‭-‬6 NASB2020 πŸ™ŒπŸ»WBC down to 10.2 πŸ™πŸ»Very restless, pleasantly confused (could do sedation but want to continue to monitor neuro changes), not agitated Seroquel helped Neuro exams consistent Alert to self, confused about where he is  πŸ™πŸ»Pulled out ng tube, waiting for X-ray results to ensure correct placement πŸ™πŸ»Trying to climb out of bed πŸ™ŒπŸ»Not in pain (they asked him)  Muscle relaxers around the clock Repositioning every 30min-1hr πŸ™πŸ» Please be praying for the swallow eval (not sure when this will be yet) that he will do well and that they could take out the ng tube soon Requesting continued prayer for our interactions with others (grace, patience, love and kindness), Dad's healing, rest, safety. ❤️πŸ™πŸ»

Day 17-September 5: Updates

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, Lord, have not abandoned those who seek You. Psalms 9:10 NASB2020 πŸ™πŸ»right lung consolidation: giving antibiotic for this.  πŸ™ŒπŸ»WBC down πŸ™πŸ»Optical- blood from injury will absorb, eye is closing better than previously, dad looked up during exam, continued ointment Giving Extra fluid via tube- was depleted πŸ™πŸ»Set up things for Speech evaluation, had PT)/OT today. Very tired after this Sat on side of the bed for PT. πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»neurologically- stable πŸ™πŸ»Swallow test in the next couple of days ❤️❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰Seems to be understanding better/more today when awake. Remembered people and where he lives. Dad is turning to look at people who are talking to him and responding to them. And has been thanking the nurses and medical team. The nurses have been saying how sweet and funny he is.  πŸ™πŸ»In pain this afternoon cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be sh...

Day 17: September 5 - Quick Update

And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3‭-‬5 NASB2020 Quick update:  Dad had a good night!! πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»❤️ And went for a CT scan for his eye this morning

Day 16- September 4: Updates

I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides You." Psalms 16:2 NASB2020 ☀️ Updates: Get helmet for tomorrow to protect head when getting out of bed for therapy.  πŸ™πŸ»Heart rate still some tachycardia  Gave Bolus of fluids because of lots of urine output with diuretic use. πŸ™πŸ»Drowsy after oxycodone & seroquel, so they removed oxycodone from the scheduled meds and will medicate for pain when he tells them he's in pain. πŸ™πŸ»Temp this am, giving antibiotic to cover. Sent blood & urine cultures, pending πŸ™πŸ»Plan to repeat CT of eye πŸ™πŸ»For withdrawal symptoms trying to keep comfortable but not overly sedated. Will see tonight if this was a good regimen or not. He will likely continue to be quite restless until more recovered. The more he starts doing normal things, getting into routine the more that should start to settle...same with the clarity of what he's saying. Should expect to see that normalize with time. Though some things may linger l...

Day 16-September 4: Overnight Report

"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 NASB2020 πŸŒ™Overnight Report: Emily, RN ❤️πŸŽ‰πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»Did really well πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰❤️Got heart rate under control πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»Consistently following commands Consistently saying his name Getting better with orientation questions (knows he's in the hospital) ❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»Slept a bit overnight Started Robaxin muscle relaxer, scheduled dose of Seroquel 2xs/day CBC within normal limits, WBC slightly elevated - potentially related to extubation NG tube placed and doing well right now, started nutrition Mitts and restraints just in case as a gentle reminder not to pull on tubes Good output

Day 15-September 3: Even Better Than πŸ‘

God, You are my God; I shall be watching for You; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and exhausted land where there is no water. So have I seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and glory. Because Your favor is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. Psalms 63:1‭-‬4 NASB2020 Update: ❤️❤️❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»Today Dad was extubated and he's talking!!! The team and we are so excited that he's made such amazing progress to already be extubated (this is much sooner than any of us expected!!) Thank you God for working through Dad's body and the medical team in his care in this way!! πŸ™πŸ»πŸ™πŸ»πŸ™πŸ»❤️Dad has been sedated and is still on a lot of medication. This is a lot to reorient to and will take some time for him to re-acclimate as the sedation leaves his system and the team works to balance his meds again.  The team reiterated how amazing this is and how ...

Day 15 - September 3: Overnight Report

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting And His faithfulness is to all generations. Psalms 100:4‭-‬5 NASB2020 πŸŒ™Overnight Report Not really anything new Intermittent agitation, additional Seroquel dose  πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™πŸ»Consistent neuro checks, couple of times opening eyes (usually with agitation) πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰Didn't need fentanyl as much last night (not on continuous drip, but PRN ) Robaxen - muscle relaxer 🎯Plan is still to decrease Precedex, find good balance of meds so he's comfortable

Day 14-September 2: Updates

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4‭-‬7 NASB2020 I know that this peace noted in the verses above has been protecting us. ❤️ I know that it doesn't make sense, but truly "surpasses all comprehension" and yet, we felt, even in hearing about Dad's accident, that not only would God use it but also that dad was going to be okay. We are continuing to pray and to plead but also to rejoice in all that He's already done and all that He's going to do. We know He is near and he hears us. And that goes for whatever each of us are facing today. ❤️πŸ™πŸ» ☀️Today's Update: His fatigue seems variable. Sometimes seems more tired. Could be...

Day 14 - September 2: Overnight

πŸŒ™Overnight Report  Little bit more agitated, got most of the fentanyl off, but hoping to keep off today, helps with breathing drive, on Precedex now Trying to keep comfortable, added some other meds: (prn agitation), oxycodone (pain, withdrawal symptoms if fentanyl) CT scans done (awaiting results)

Day 13 - September 1: Updates

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my savior, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2 NASB2020 πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰❤️Chest x ray results from yesterday No fluid around lungs Buemex (diaretics) working well ❤️πŸŽ‰Moving legs  Thumbs up Wiggled toes Holding Mom's hand constantly reaching out - strong grip He nodded his head when asked if he could see out of left eye and when asked if ok ❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»Took out arterial line πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰Made changes on vent -Breathing status looks great πŸ™πŸ»πŸ™πŸ»❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»No further signs of clonus. Definitely not seizure signs and not on seizure med to mask that. πŸ™πŸ» Left eye swollen more than initially so not staying shut Ointment will help keep lubricated Taping shut  Antibiotic for eyes/azithromycin  πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ» 98.7 temp this afternoon πŸŽ‰πŸ™ŒπŸ»Stepped down from fentanyl to precedex 🎯Goal: Wean off ventilator ❤️πŸ™πŸ» Prayer Requests: Continued and complete healing! That Dad's pain would be we...

Day 12 - August 31: Day Updates

"The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will rejoice over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy." Zephaniah 3:17 NASB2020 Not taking tube out today Breathing on own for an hour got tired might try again later. They have music playing  ❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰ Spontaneous breathing trial, increased in sedation likely caused him to tire out and not actually him tiring out. They will keep doing trials πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰His swelling seems to be improving He was squeezing my hand and nodded when I asked if the music was ok. I was telling him the kids missed him and He even smiled slightly when I told him Amelia says "I wanna see Poppy" ❤️❤️ he squeezed with both hands tight while I was talking to him ❤️πŸ₯° πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ₯°πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰I told him "pretend I'm giving you a big squeeze" and he smiled again❤️❤️❤️πŸ₯° and then I said "we'll just wait until I won't squish you" and he smiled again 😊 ...

Day 12-August 31: Overnight Report

πŸŒ™ Overnight Report: Great night, came down on Fentanyl πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™πŸ»Vent setting so that he's breathing on own (vent only supports if needed),  possibly extubating today? If all #s look good, the team will start talking about it (might wait to give him some time to ensure he's ready)  Chest X-ray, labs, cultures? Labs looked good, no cultures back (no news is good news), just took X-ray (results not back yet) ❤️πŸ™πŸ» Prayer Requests: Dad's continued and complete healing Everyone traveling on this road with us Health, protection. That any of Satan's attacks would have no hold and no power here. Christ has already overcome!! Wisdom for the medical team to know how and when to extubate and how to best care for Dad

Day 11 - August 30: Day Updates

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and reliable... Hebrews 6:19 NASB2020 ☀️Today's updates: PT Getting elbow moving. Lifting rt shoulder. Being gentle Finger stretch Giving Legs a break from the boots (back on now) Bend hip and legs Clonus- is common in Stroke and brain injury Keeping eye on it. He has Clonus on both sides- feet keeps going repetitive bouncing with feet Dilated his eyes to check retina Ointment started today Some swelling So big picture on the eye Dr conversation- they dilated both eyes today both equal & reactive to light.πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰❤️ Good sign that he can see, but they'll have to assess his vision when he wakes up and Can verbally tell them what he can see. No current nerve or eyeball damage. There was bleeding behind left eye due to injury which is causing the swelling/protruding of that eye. It should resolve with time. Potential concern would be if that blood "chokes" the nerve & causes damage, but ...

Day 11: August 30 - Happy Birthday Dad and Overnight Report πŸ‘πŸ‘

❤️πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰Happy birthday, Dad!! πŸŒ™Overnight Report Made some vent changes: yesterday 40-80% around noon, back down to 60% (could go back down to 40%) Setting overall much more comfortable with. πŸŽ‰πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»Lighter setting overall, better supports spontaneous breaths  πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»R arm Doppler Completed, no large DVT or anything, likely related to clavical fracture & injury there Chest x ray and labs, urine Similar to other days, antibiotic started yesterday ceftraxone (broad spectrum), cultures still pending, WBC normal, need to follow up on results of X-ray and some labs with day shift/doctors  Fevers 1 minor, controlled otherwise Overall improving, way more aware, more commands more frequently (nod and blink of understanding when charge nurse explained accident), πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰❤️thumbs up on both sides πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ», wiggling toes, able to relax much more easily πŸ™πŸ»❤️Prayer Requests: Keep doing what You're doing, God!!! We see Your miraculous healing hand at work and we pra...

Day 10- August 29: Rounds (and Another πŸ‘)

Praising God for continued progress!! ❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»❤️ God, You are my God; I shall be watching for You; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and exhausted land where there is no water. So have I seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and glory. Because Your favor is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. Psalms 63:1‭-‬4 NASB2020 He moved his leg and arms. Left arm to chest. A friend said he moved left arm when he was talking Dr: Gave thumbs up  Opened eye squeezed left hand Wiggled toes and really good this am. Did a lot just now. Changed vent setting to allow more for breathing on own and he's doing well with that  Plan to reduce fentanyl and look at other meds as well (to wean off where they can) Try to take central line out today! Will likely put in PICC line instead IV temp management is off today and temps doing well. Will control temp with meds instead at th...

Day 10 - August 29: Overnight Report

πŸŒ™Overnight Report Good night overall Breathing better without excess fluid Blood pressure under control Vital signs look good Breathing trials happen when respiratory team goes around (could be anytime during the day) - it doesn't seem like they did this yesterday because they were working to figure out the fluid situation Still on fentanyl, will start to wean off if he keeps doing well with breathing πŸ™πŸ»❤️Prayer Requests: Continued opportunities to pray with and show Christ's love to those around us! ❤️

Cookout + Prayer + Worship: Saturday September 2 @ 5pm

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We'd love to have you join us for Prayer and Worship (and a cookout!) at our house on the River this Saturday. Please RSVP to hmacpherson727@gmail.com or reach out with any questions! 

Day 9-August 28: Recap

☀️❤️πŸŽ‰πŸ™ŒπŸ»Today's Recap & Praises: Discussed MRI r/t prognosis: Scattered injuries. Not to preclude recovery/ forward progress.  Unknown time frame for full following commands/walking/talking etc. πŸŽ‰πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»Today Open/close eyes to command & wiggle toes did not for hands/feet. (Squeezed hand of overnight nurse at shift change though) AM Chest X-ray showed a lot of fluid. πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰Diuretic worked well w/ lots of urine output. Ultrasound didn't show large pocket of fluid anymore to have to do the needle aspiration.  ❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»Good thing- following commands/wake up. Good sign. πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»❤️He's on the better end for exams at this point compared to other cases where people may not have woken up yet. For eyes- Over time swelling goes down, should get better. Ophthalmology following. Right now, Not looking at you- r/t injury & sedation  Gaze should improve with time/healing (did look towards someone talking to him tonight) πŸŽ‰ Bear hugger back on Temp up. IV ...

Day 9-August 28: Overnight Report

πŸŒ™Overnight Report: Similar neuro exam, stable BP stable, little high (meds to keep down) Harder time with vent/asynchronous so gave additional fentanyl, 1x midazolam (sedative)

Day 8-August 27: Recap/Updates

So many praises in today's updates!! πŸ™ŒπŸ» πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»❤️πŸŽ‰ thank you for your continued prayers. God cares and hears our prayers! ❤️ -CT overnight looks stable. Will continue with regular scans to monitor progress/assess for changes. It would show where blood is being reabsorbed & show swelling. -Neuro exams stable.  -Just on fentanyl drip now; off propofol (sedation). Still sedative/cause drowsiness & help with pain but as brain continues to heal should continue to see more wakefulness.  -urinalysis & sputum had shown white blood cells, but the cultures so far showed no growth. Current antibiotic- cefepime working well. If any growth today/tomorrow will adjust the antibiotic to treat the specific bug (if different than what is currently being used to treat). - the Shivering increased after propofol was weaned off. Currently seems comfortable & not shivering. -He's still maintaining a fairly high temp. -Oral Tylenol is now scheduled (& was scheduled overnight) s...

Day 8 - August 27: Praise the Lord!! ❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»

From Mikayla (mom and Mikayla were in the room when this happened) So many updates I'm trying to finish writing out but just wanted to share 1st off- that dad woke up (his eyes) opened to our voices when we were talking/getting report & showing some facial expressions. He squeezed his left hand to verbal command & seemed to try on the right hand like just a flit of movement but not a squeeze). So awesome that he woke up for us. We were encouraging him after that he was doing great!! Praise the Lord for the ways He continues to work! ❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰ keep going, God!!! We're still asking for a miracle of complete healing!!!! 

Day 8: August 27 - Overnight Report

πŸŒ™Overnight Report: Stable, neuro exam relatively the same CT Scan & X-ray in the night (we will get results today) Tolerating vent

Day 7 - August 26: Encouragement

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Day 7 - August 26: End of Day Update

☀️πŸŒ™End of Day Update: Working to balance Pain management/sedation: Trying to get off of propofol and totally onto fentanyl (started at 1230). Fentanyl will likely need to be increased as propofol is decreased. And they usually won't talk about extubating until lower fentanyl dose. So it's a matter of making this switch and then decreasing the fentanyl with the eventual goal of extubating. πŸŽ‰πŸ™ŒπŸ»Praises: Neuro: about the same exam wise, consistent, really good movement/reactive movement with left arm, r brain controls left but left is good!! ❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ» usually with the right brain injury the left side is weaker, but the fact that his left upper extremity is so strong is really encouraging Same vent settings today, still some tan/yellow sputum but not more than yesterday so that's also encouraging.  C collar (around his neck) is off (no ligament injuries) JP drain out (from surgical site) Good MRI results (as expected based on what we knew previously-see last post for mo...

Day 7 - August 26: Afternoon Update

Update: Chest x-ray is improved from yesterdayπŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰ MRI - findings stableπŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰ No ligament injury/FX of spine C8 pinched nerve, not concerned Disc protrusion could be age related not necessarily injury related Not surprised by imaging findings but expected, stable Nothing has worsened Chance of improvement is goodπŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»❤️πŸŽ‰ (we didn't really discuss prognosis specifically) Trying to wean sedation, started consistent fentanyl (pain & sedation) next steps: wean off sedation They discontinued prophylactic keppra (only goes for 7 days)  They stopped vancomycin antibiotic since it's not MRSA He's still on Cefapim antibiotic for infection Q2h neurological checks  Lots of praises!!! ❤️πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸ™ŒπŸ»

Day 7: August 26: Firm Foundation (Cody Carnes)

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Day 7 - August 26: Overnight Report

πŸŒ™Quick overnight update: Went for MRI & tolerated well (waiting for results) Propofol still for sedation and comfortable  No neuro changes

Day 6 - August 25: Updates/Recap

πŸŒ‡Today's Recap: Today did a Pan culture- collected urine, sputum, blood. Takes 1-3days to grow/result. Sputum showed wbc so likely some sort of bug but need to the culture to result to know what/how to treat.  His Vitals are very affected by agitation/activity. & Hourly cooling via central line (being cold makes it hard to stay relaxed).  Continued Propofol (& intermittent small dose fentanyl IV push to control agitation/ pain).  Propofol can affect liver labs if prolonged use. 1 indicator of the liver being affected negatively would be green urine. His is clear yellow. Current dosing 25-40mcg (80-100 is max). So he's on a relatively low dose. We talked about the Presidex (a preferred ICU sedative) that they previously tried. This med has tendency to lower heart rate & w/ agitation dad's HR lowers anyway (to the 40s), so Presidex is not a safe alternative for him. So they'll continue with low dose propofol.  Also give Morphine which lowers HR too.  She said...

Day 6 - August 25: Dad's Verse of the Day

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Day 6 - August 25: Encouragement

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We continue to be encouraged by the verses from the Bible that are part of our devotional time, shared by friends, prayers, and worship music that is coming into our days during this time.  We are reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness in the time and wanted to share with you all as we travel this journey of trusting in Him together.  Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 NASB2020 God, continue to remind us of who you are, your promises to us, and how you love us. Let us see your hand at work in each day and sing your praises for the ways you are working. Amen

Day 6 - August 25: Overnight Report

πŸŒ™Overnight Report: Breathing was a little bit desynchronized with the ventilator last night so they checked ABG levels which were slightly abnormal as well. They changed the ventilator mode again to help with this and he's doing so much better!  The nurse also noted change in breath sounds so they gave some Lasix and he's doing much better with this and had great output in the night as a result of the medication.  Labs overall looked good. Some electrolytes were low (related to meds given) but they're replacing these today.  They also gave medication to help with shivering and he still has the bear hugger warmer on. No further shivering after meds.  Sedation medication is currently at a lower level again (they have to adjust these to find what he needs at the time- it's a balance) CT Scan scheduled for today. They decided to hold on MRI last night for more support/to decide the best timing. Especially considering that yesterday when they laid him flat he did have a low...

Day 5 - August 24: Updates/Recap

☀️Today's Recap:  Calcium was slightly low, but they're working to replace it.  Team is working to reduce shivering with medication & bear hugger warmer VS fluctuating some related to body's response to TBI (expected with TBIs and the team is helping to regulate with meds) Planning for MRI overnight πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸŽ‰Praises: ICP is out!!  CT Scan shows no changes, no new bleeding Labs that have come back were normal (except note above) Change in ventilator mode seems to be working better for Dad today Chest X-rays have looked stable ❤️πŸ™πŸ»Prayer Requests: Complete restoration of health for Dad and continued wins from a progress perspective!  Safety with everyone traveling. That people around us would see God's love and that God would be seen in all of this (His hand, His glory, His love). Balancing caring for Dad, work, school, kids, etc. For our friends and family who are also processing and coping with Dad's accident.  We love you all and appreciate all of your prayers a...

Day 5- August 24: Mid-Day Report

❤️πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ» Praise God!! They were able to remove Dad's ICP (Intracranial Pressure) Monitor (Camino). 

Day 5 - August 24: Overnight Report

Overnight Report: They were able to decrease sedation last night pretty well. He's off the fentanyl completely and at a low rate of the propofol.  Planning for CT scan today. If things look good, they plan to remove the Intracranial Pressure monitor and will plan to do an MRI (they can't until the ICP monitor is out).  πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»☀️Praises: He is getting morphine and is looking really comfortable. He had been shivering (likely nerve related but they are also regulating his temperature) and they were able to give him some meds to help decrease that.  God continues to encourage us through your prayers and words of encouragement! πŸ™πŸ»❤️Prayer Requests: In the most recent neuro exam: His neuro responses were a little bit less than yesterday with right arm and leg. And he didn't open his eyes as wide as he had. This could be related to all of the med changes but they will monitor via CT scan today.  Also, he's had an increased respiratory rate, coughing, trying to breathe over...

Day 4 - August 23: Additional Updates

Updates: They've put his right arm in a sling to better support it with his fractured clavical.  Praises: His body is able to regulate his blood pressure without medication (as of yesterday)!! Continued safety while traveling. Amazing supportive family and friends. Thank you all for the continued prayers, encouragement, support and love!! Prayer Requests: Rest and strength for all of us: Charles and family. Continued healing and progress for Charles. Guidance and wisdom for the medical team as they care for Charles. Clarity, wisdom, direction, and insight for family as we navigate this season. Knowing the questions to ask, understanding the information given, juggling work, life, school, kids, etc. 

Updates - Days 1-4 - August 20-23, 2023

Day 1- 8/20/23:  Craniotomy, removal of subdural hematoma, sedation, intubation, chest tube, feeding tube, Camino intracranial pressure catheter, JP drain from the head, Foley catheter. Left arm & both feet movement to pain stimuli. Day 2- 8/21/23:  Swelling phase. adjusting sedation with goal to wean off, balance sedation/stimulation/ pain control. Brain pressures & scans are stable. Both arms, legs, upper chest movements, facial furrowing & opening eyes to pain stimulation. Cough reflex present. Day 3-8/22/23:  Chest tube out. Spontaneous movements x4 extremies. X1 squeezed right hand by verbal command of the nurse but was unsure if reflex or intentional. Other movements are intentional, good signs of wakefulness (attempts to grab at breathing tube & bites down with oral care). EEGs no seizure activity. Chest & abdominal X-rays are good. Day 4- 8/23/23:  Neuro exams, ICPs stable.  Spontaneous breaths! Gave thumbs up to verbal command! ...

Summary - August 22, 2023

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On August 20th, an ATV malfunction forced Charles into a guardrail he was passing. This caused the ATV to roll 4-5 times with Charles. Emergency help arrived and he was airlifted to Upstate in Syracuse. He arrived in time, but in critical condition. Injuries included a large blood clot on the right side of his brain, fractured clavicle, fractured ribs, punctured lung, and many other "smaller" injuries. Surgery was performed to remove part of his skull to relieve the pressure on his brain. He was sedated and intubated. He had a GCS score of 4/15 (lowest is 3). We praise God for: Life - Charles is alive because of fast-acting emergency workers, an available helicopter, incredible doctors/nurses/staff at Upstate Comfort - Charles and his family are surrounded by hundreds of friends and family that are pouring out love, support, and prayer Healing - Charles is continuing to show signs of improvement with a guarded, but optimistic prognosis God's goodness - We have seen dozens...