Week Two

It's been two weeks since Thomas' accident, and a week since our last summary.

Natalie writes that "yesterday was a really good day for Thomas and for us.  He was in a great spirits and had much more energy than the last couple days, which was great to see! He spent 3 hours sitting in his chair while we talked about all sorts of things, I read him articles, and he asked to read his emails....as you probably already know, he asked to post to twitter!  His pain was under control and today was the first day he didn't suffer from shoulder pain - either the meds are working or it's beginning to heal!  He kept saying he felt great and wanted to go home. He fell asleep at 9, totally exhausted; a good day indeed!"

Here's a quick recap of his injury and where the treatment stands. 

TREATMENT OF THE INJURY

An MRI on Sunday evening revealed that the HALO is not stabilizing the fracture, or allowing the C5 vertebra to fuse on its own. Surgery is now necessary.  (But, thankfully, not emergency surgery.) It will hopefully take place on Friday. 

Thomas and Natalie are grateful to have tried the "natural" method, and the doctors assure him that this will not setback his physical therapy or lung treatments. The surgery is technically an "out-patient" surgery (which just about blows our minds! If the spine isn't "in-patient" then what is?), meaning if Thomas were in the best of health going into the surgery, he would leave that day!

The surgery will likely exhaust him for a day or two, but it shouldn't delay his overall recovery any more than that, God willing. 

TRACH + INFECTION

Thomas had a tracheotomy on Thursday of last week. This removed the dreaded breathing tube, which is a huge relief for everyone.  Unfortunately, an infection developed around the trach, which they are fighting with topical and IV antibiotics. After three days on antibiotics, it seems to be clearing up, and his fever has gone down. Thomas' neck surgery cannot happen until the infection is gone.

LUNGS

He continues to be on the ventilator in CPAP mode for considerable portions of the day. Yesterday was his record: 6 hours of breathing on his own! (Though his nighttime Respiratory Therapist told him to take it easy, and not push himself too hard!) His lung treatments continue every four hours, shaking up any mucus buildup, and strengthening his diaphragm and lungs, so that he can ultimately breath on his own. Please keep praying for his lungs. This is the major goal of each day, and a lot of physical therapy, speech therapy, and communication goals cannot be addressed till he is off the ventilator during the day.

COMMUNICATION

Speaking of communication: it is greatly improved now that the breathing tube is gone. A lot of tracs have a voice box, but his does not yet because it is still hooked up to the ventilator. Until he is off the ventilator for long periods of time, it is not really possible to have a voice box. (But soon, we hope and pray!) 

Instead, he is able to mouth words and Natalie reads his lips, and is able to figure out what he is saying almost always though there is sometimes some back-and-forth. (Natalie writes: "I give us an A in newlywed communication.") She definitely gets an A! Your resident blogger tried to read his lips and it took so much concentration and practice! (The nurses are pretty good at it, too, but that's their job!)

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Thomas has had one visit from a speech therapist, who asked him to practice swallowing ice chips. He is anxious to have another visit: he's definitely got ice chips/swallowing down and is eager to get the green light to sip water!  Meanwhile, he continues to use his hands to hold his suction tube, and other objects.

Natalie and Thomas want you all to know how grateful they are for all your prayers and love and support. She has been sharing your messages as she is able, and Thomas has energy to listen. They are overwhelmed and very very grateful. Keep praying!


Join us in prayer!