Not all doctors agree. And we've seen a lot of doctors with a lot of different opinions. Although he doesn't interact with Neil as much as some of the other doctors, Doctor Bagner is his attending physician and he makes the final call. So Neil will probably not be trached until next week. I have mixed feelings for Neil. I know he hates the breathing tube, but Dr. Bagner says there's a chance we may not have to trach him at all if he can start to breathe on his own. Come on, Neil!
Still fighting an infection. Looks like it's his left lung. It's not pneumonia, fortunately, but they're treating him with antibiotics. Hopefully that will bring down this annoying fever. I hate to see Neil so uncomfortable.
The bolt monitor came off today! That means they're not worried about his ICPs anymore. The radical skull surgery worked. Thank you, Dr. Danish!
They are now slowly trying to wean him off the sedative and pain medication. A physical therapist showed me how to exercise his hands and arms. I love the interaction with him and I'm looking forward to the time when he'll be able to respond.
More good news: Neil got his acceptance letter from BYU Idaho today! We're so proud of him. Hopefully it will provide some motivation for his recovery.
--Lori
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9 comments:
Dear Lori, When Sarah Anne and I met you yesterday we were so inspired by your strength, testimony, and faith. Neil and the rest of your family will be in our prayers. We draw strength from one another. I'm sure Neil is drawing strength from you. Congratulate him for us, on his being accepted to BYU Idaho.
Lori,
I read this everyday. I often have tears in my eyes and a prayer in my heart constantly for Neil and your family. Woo Hoo on BYU Idaho! May Neil recover fully so he can enjoy it. This touches me especially because I know the excitement when my two oldest got their acceptance letters to BYU.
As a nurse (haven't worked in awhile) I think you're doing an amazing job of describing what's going on. Just enough info. And having worked with kids with brain injuries, you seem to be the exact kind of mother we always wanted to have around. You're doing a great job! Hang in there.
Hugs from a long lost cousin.
Carol(Macfarlane) McMaster
Congrats Neil! Great news about school. Aunt Lori, I am so glad you get to work on PT with him - I am sure it is very gratifiying to feel like you are "doing something" though your just being there is so wonderful. Let's hope for some strong breathing so he can avoid the trach all together, if at all possible. Thanks again for your candid information!
Love,
Meredith
I'm so happy Neil got into BYU Idaho. College is one thing we talk about often and I'm so happy. Also to hear that his ICP doesn't seem to be an issue anymore is a relief. More hope to have and cranes to be made.
Yay for BYU!!! I asked Shelly last night if he had gotten his applications in and she wasn't sure. We pray that he will fight hard and have the strength be able to attend BYU. I'm glad you get to do the PT with him as well, it must feel nice to feel a little bit needed and to be able to do that for him right now. Love, Molly
I never met Neil, he was a friend of a friend - but I pray for him every night.
Yay!!! I, for one, am exstatic that he got into BYU-I. It's a wonderful place to be! I know that the PT is going to help so much and what a great bonding experience it will be for you and him. I'm sure that it's nice for you to be able to do more than sit and watch. You're so strong Aunt Lori (and Uncle Scott as well-of course!). Keep hanging in there and know that we're all praying for you!
Love,
Meghan
Dear Lori and family,
Thank you again for writing this out for us and keeping us informed. I hope you feel us there with you. You are doing a remarkable job keeping us aware and helping us understand it all.
I remember watching a story about a journalist who had the very same procedure done as Neil...the hemicraneictomy. He was injured in Iraq.. so I had heard of it before and saw the miracle it worked in his life. I know with all the serious decisions you have to make...cutting his hair was a little tough all in its own way. :) He sure does have the best hair.. and no matter what..falls right back into place! LOL It will grow back though as you know and as one person wrote..Neil will probably think it is really cool!
I am so happy they took the bolt monitor off...not only as I am sure that was hard for you to see..but because it means they are comfortable with his pressures now. That is wonderful news! That nasty fever is the next to go!
Hooray for being able to touch and hold him and exercise with him.so good for both of you! It does not matter how old they are ..they are still our babies. :)
And Congratulations to Neil on his acceptance...tell him we are all so proud of him!
Sending prayers and strength and SO much love to Neil and all of you!
♥ ♥ ♥
Lori and Family,
Thank you for the good updates. Having lived in an ICU with a child before (although for a shorter period) and faced the worrisome surgeries and procedures, our hearts go out to you. Your notes are excellent and helpful to those who are watching and praying intensely.
Let us know what we can do for you.
And congratulations on BYU, now Neil will not want to do any more school work!
The Ponds
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