Timeline of Thomas Peters' Injury

(reposted from the About page) 

Thomas Peters, injured in a swimming accident, is in critical but stable condition. He has a fracture in his 5th cervical vertebra. He has had a HALO installed, and physical therapy begins as soon as possible.

Here is a timeline of events/diagnosis:

On Tuesday evening, July 16th, Thomas Peters was injured in a swimming accident in Maryland. He was airlifted to University of Maryland Medical Center (Shock and Trauma Unit). He was held in the trauma center through the night, unconscious, critical, and with concerns of neck injury, lung condition, and low levels of blood pressure.

Natalie was at the hospital by about 10 pm, and was able to see him before the tests began. Joined by several friends and Thomas' colleagues, the all-night vigil began as he underwent tests, including a CAT Scan, Chest X-Ray and two MRIs. 

Around 5 am, Thomas regained consciousness and recognized Natalie. Tests continued through the day, as well as consultations with the Neurological Team of surgeons, to discuss options. (Thomas' mom and mother-in-law arrived that morning as well.)

The tests revealed there was swelling/hemorrhage in his spinal cord, but no damage to the spinal cord. On Wednesday he had sensation in his entire body, but could only move his hands and arms (he could not control his wrist or fingers). While exhausted and on many drugs to help ease pain and help him sleep, he was mentally alert, able to identify Natalie and other friends and family, answer basic questions (what year, where he was, etc. etc.) Several priests visited, including the chaplain, who gave anointing of the sick, and prayed with him and the family.

Because Thomas' injury was stabilized with the help of the neck brace, they decided to address other concerns before deciding on the best course of action for repairing his neck.

Chest/Lungs: 

The original X-Ray showed cloudiness in his lungs, which indicated water in the lungs. Since it was river water, they were also concerned about contaminants. They did a Bronchoscopy Wednesday afternoon, and were happy and surprised to find his lungs pink and healthy, with no fluid. There is a little mucus but nothing to be concerned about. This is great news!

Heart:

They wanted to make sure his heart was fully healthy as well. An EKG on Wednesday afternoon showed that it was!

Sensation and Mobility:

Thursday a team of physical therapists tested Thomas, determining his strength, mobility, and sensation. He regained wrist function. There is no firm prognosis for his long term mobility: this is an unanswerable question at this time. But every day he strength increases.

Brain:

Besides some short term memory loss, there is no indication of long term brain damage. Thomas is alert, aware, asking questions, recognizing people, even asking for books. He cannot speak, because of the breathing tube, but they have developed a code for communication. In the early stages Wednesday morning, he tried to use sign language, unaware that he couldn't move his fingers. Hopefully that ability will return soon. He has remained in prayer. He is participating in the decision about the best treatment.

With these four concerns off the table, the time has come to decide the best treatment for repairing his neck: a halo, or surgery. Please pray specifically for discernment in this regard.