Christie

Sorry, I forgot to write about Christie. We weren't able to visit her today. I spent the morning getting my car fixed and the afternoon moving Richard out of his house. I'll be able to update tomorrow better on that. Now, to answer a lot of peoples question...many people have called and asked what Becky meant by Christie being 'awake'. Christie is still (by doctors standards) in a coma. She does open her right eye and look around but doesnt track or focus and thats what Becky means by being awake. When her eye is closed we consider her asleep. Im sorry if there was any confusion. Christe is still in LMH but hopefully will be transferred to FINR next week. Because she is a minor (for two more months) she had to get a special waiver from the state.

Saturday

I havent seen Richard in two days but my mom has been with him. This is relayed from her. This morning when she got there he was awake and happy to have company. They had a really long talk. He said he has to hurry back to work before he gets fired because his work must be pileing up. Also he asked specific questions about the accident. He wanted to know what hit him and was it his fault. My mom told him the other people ran off and he said that should automatically make them guilty. He still hasnt asked about Christie. He said all his medical bills must add up to a lot and wanted to know who was paying them until he got better. Then mom said he got really emotional and began crying. He said he has heard that everyone is being so nice and trying hard to make him better. And that he is deeply touched that so many people care. He said the DR told him he had brain damage and he might never be the same but he hopes he can be. Mom said he ate most of his lunch. His appetite is getting much better. Now just when you think his mind is totally back....he says, where does he live. Mom said FL. The he said where does she live...TN. Then I was on the phone with him and he asked me where I lived...FL. He doesnt understand where he is compared to everyone else. I might bring him a map with little dots where everyone lives. Maybe that will help. To top off the day...they let him drink a COKE they had thickened slightly. Mom said he was so HAPPY!!!

blog address again

Sorry, try this blog address and you can open to the current page, without clicking the links.
http://bringchristiehome.blogspot.com

Christie's Blog

Hi everyone,

A friend from church has set up a blog for Christie. I invite you to view any updates about Christie. She has included pictures for anyone who would like to see her. Please continue checking Richard and Christie's blog for updates on both of them.
Thanks,
Becky
The address is http://bringchristiehome.blogspot.com/2008/05/becky-on-way-back-to-sc.html

Christie's Mom's visit

Hello,
This is Becky. I have had so many people asking how my visit with Christie went, so I thought I would post it here for everyone. I can see now why it is so hard for Angie to visit Richard and Christie in the same day. If you don't live there, you don't realize the driving time involved.Tuesday I went to FINR to visit and see if I wanted Christie to go there. It is a great place, one I think she will benifit from greatly. I wish I could have seen Richard while I was there, but I was unable to.
After we left FINR, I went to see Christie, before going to bed. She was awake while I was there, so I talked with her and hung new pictures up in her room. Wednesday I spent all morning with her. I had to leave at 1:30 to make the drive to Tampa to the airport. We brought her a tape we made of some of her favorite songs, as well as us talking to her. While Tony went and got her a boom box to play it on, I got to spend the morning brushing and braiding her hair, I cut her toe nails and finger nails. We made a spa out of her room. We even had time to watch scooby -doo together. After she went to sleep, I snuck out. I hope I can go see her again soon.

Thursday

I visited Richard yesterday afternoon but not today (I had school). He is in this phase (they say its normal) that he doesnt want to do anything. He argues with you about everything. He wants to come home and cant understand why he has to stay there. Says he is 'good enough' to leave but when I bring up ALL the things he cant do yet, he stops arguing. Physically he is making milestones. He can dress himself, tie his shoes, and stand up and get in his wheelchair all with no assistance. He can even push himself in the chair but not for long periods (he gets tired easily). His mind however is still having problems. He doesnt remember EVERYthing from day to day. Some things though. Also things from the past are 'fuzzy' and are coming back slowly. Eating is also a chore. He eats soft foods only that dont require chewing (rice, mashed pots, pudding, oatmeal, etc). This is for two reasons (he broke his jaw and has problems chewing and a filling fell out during his stay in the ICU so it hurts to chew) They say he only eats 25% of his meal and thats with them constantly encouraging him to take "one more bite". I brought him a (1) strawberry yesterday squished up and he was so happy. He said it filled him up. He loves magic cups!!! Not sure what they are but he lights up when they bring one. The nurse says its like sherbert that stays cold but never melts at room temp. It also has 9 grams of protein so he eats several of those a day. Ill spend tomorrow with Christie so Ill update you about that tomorrow.

Tuesday

So, this morning we went down to LMH and hung out with Christie. We did not see her do anything new, however, she looks great. We watched TV with her and had a long conversation. Philip tried to get her to follow him around the room with her eyes but she didnt. Her nurse was busy so I dont know how her pneumonia is doing. Several therapists came and went doing things with her. Then we went to FINR. Richard is to this constantly wanting to do something stage. He wont sit still for two minutes, says he is bored. But he cant do all the things he thinks he can. So he gets mad when we tell him NO. His catheter is now out. He has no more tubes coming out of him! Yeah! My concern at this point is he doesnt really remember stuff from day to day. He remembers peoples names but not things he did. Like he says its nice that we visit him because no one ever does. We tell him we are here almost everyday and he says really? Also he can have a great conversation about someting current like whats on TV at the time but if you bring up something that happened like 1 year ago he doesnt remember. Baby steps...one day at a time!

I'm Back

Sorry I havent written in a while. My husband and I took a much needed break. We will be able to give you a better update tomorrow. As far as I know right now, Christie is still at LMH hopefully going soon to FINR with Richard. Richard was sent to MMH this AM. He has been complaining of a severe headache since Friday I guess. They said it could be anything 1) little dehydrated since he is just learning to eat 2) finally becoming aware enough to know things hurt now 3) problems hearing...he has been telling everyone that he cant hear himself talk. It sounds like loud noises in his head so he could have hurt his eardrum 4) or since he did fall last week and hit his head, he could have a small bleed in his brain. So off he went this AM to get a CT scan of the head. Thats all I know so far. Better update tomorrow because I will spend the morning with Christie and the afternoon with Richard.

Lee Memorial

We spent a little time with Christie this AM. The nurse says she has really bad pnuemonia they are trying to fix. She is getting breathing treatments several times a day assisted by something similiar to a ventilator. She is breathing on her own but not able to take a deep enough breath to get the meds where they need to go. She did, again, move her head from side to side (slowly). Philip and Lee were with me and saw it too so its not my imagination.
Richard again spent the night at MMH but late this afternoon was transported back to FINR. His CT of his head was okay. It was done because while he was at MMH he decided to go for a walk (or so he thought) and fell and hit his head. After that he was restrained by a posey (a shirt that ties you to the bed) which he didnt like. I havent spoke to FINR but they called me earlier and said he was on his way back to them. And MMH told me he ate his first meal last night (soft food only)!

Manatee Hospital

We picked up Lee this morning and went over to MMH to see Richard. As I said before, they took him there yesterday for a feeding tube. They chose not to do it because they would have to put him to sleep and intubate him again. Then we would be back to square one. Instead they did a CT of his head ( not sure why, but Richard said its because he fell out of bed) and a bedside swallow test last night. He passed the swallow test. He spent the night and this AM they did a endoscopic swallow study which he also passed. He did great with thick liquids but only okay with thin liquids. So when we got there, he was able to drink orange juice nectar (thick) and he did great. Now they have upgraded him to a soft food diet like applesauce, pudding, etc. He loves Morphine, asks for it all the time. We tell him no, he's fine. He actually held off for 6 hours without it. Once he got it, he fell asleep and we left. He has great conversation. However if you ask him questions about his past, he is very confused. But he is trying to remember really hard. We'll see Christie tomorrow becasue Lee is going back to Hawaii in the morning.

Tuesday

My mom spent the day with Richard and I spent it with Christie. Richard did very well with speech therapy this AM. Then this afternoon, they took him to MCH to put in his feeding tube. As as 1000 pm, he had not returned. They have choose to have him stay the night there (not sure why, maybe precautionary) and return tomorrow morning. Christie was active today (more than I have seen). She actually moved her head from left to right once. She also continued to do a lot of the same other things ( move fingers,hand and mouth). Her right eye was wide open looking around but still not focusing. The plan for her at this point is also to get her into FINR. Ill keep you posted.

Last two days

This will encompass the last two days: Sunday, Mom and Dave spent the morning with Richard. He was confused and ornary. Memere and Wayne (grandparents) also met them there. He allowed them to take pictures of him again as long as he approved of them. A patient makes a noise like a goat so he thinks there is a goat in the building. All afternoon, we all went to Faith Ranch to the wonderful fundraiser that was put on. If you missed it, it was great! Mom visited Christie in the evening. She was asleep.
Now we are up to today. We spent the morning with Richard. He had speech therapy at 10 and physical therapy at 11. He did great with speech therapy. He remembered the days of the week, the first president, and his birthday. He also answered all the questions appropriately. They even asked him what does it mean when someone says dont judge a book by its cover. His answer was there might be more to that person than we know. They took out his trach!!!!! Now he cant pull it out. :) He walked (with assistance) to the bathroom. But that is exhausting so then he takes a nap. During physical therapy, they didnt help him push the wheelchair, he moved it by walking his feet. He is really thirsty and wants to drink so he is bribeing the nurses. He is saying, I'll do one more rep if you give me a drink first. He will have surgery tonight for a permanent feeding tube.
We visited Christie tonight. She looked good. Her right eye was completely opened and was looking around the room but not at us. She moved her right arm around several times and constantly moved her fingers. They changed her trach to a smaller more comfortable one. When we left, we put the TV on FOX so she can listen to her shows.

Saturday

So, I have decided to not visit Richard or Christie for two days. Some of my family has returned and will stay with them. Its has become a little too emotionally draining for me and I need a break. Therefore, I give you my mother, who will finish this blog:

Dave asked Christie to squeeze his hand this morning and she moved her fingers. She closed her hand when he tickled her palm. We touched her lips and she pursed them and blew a small bubble. Albert, her uncle, was with us and he got a chance to talk to her and wish her well. Her nurses have been working on her breathing and congestion. They are giving her vigorous treatments to break up the stuff in her lungs. Her nurse said he had her in a chair for a while which also helps with the congestion. We kissed her goodbye and will see her again tomorrow.

After we left, we went to visit with Richard. He was very talkative in a somewhat inappropriate way today. He was constantly asking questions about how everything worked and why he had to wear it. He played ball with Albert and threw the ball across the room. His right arm is pretty strong and his left is getting better quickly. Unfortunately we had a few problems with him constantly trying to pull out his J-tube and trach. He pulled it off twice in the last 2 days. The nurses have to put mitts on his hands, but he keeps pulling them off with his teeth. They also put a body wrap around him to deter him from pulling out his J-tube. We brought him some comfortable clothes today and a few more pictures for his wall. He told us we could take a picture of him and Albert but he had to see it first to approve it. It passed inspection. By the time we all left, we were wore out but so glad we went. At this stage of the game, he will switch from the present ( adult) to the past (childlike) very quickly. We all know that these are just stages and we will help him get through them.

Fundraiser Information

I wanted to share with all of you the info about the upcoming fundraisers. The first one is Sunday May 18 at Faith Ranch 5673 Estates Dr. North Port Fl. from 12pm to 4pm. It is a Horse Sho De O with Western Horse Riding Events. Additional activities include, pony rides, bounce house, a dunk tank with Christie’s School Resource Officer, Medieval Knight Jousting for kids, face painting, a craft show, a live DJ, John Wayne, a bake sale and much more. Also local businesses have been generous in donating prizes for raffle. These wonderful prizes include a 20 person 2hr sunset River Boat Tour, a pair of gold and diamond hoop earrings, gift certificates to Portofino's Rest., Tresses Hair Salon, Neat Repeat, Crossties Farm Store, Bella Napoli, TKM Stables of North Port, K&S Feed Supply, Visani's Comedy Club, Brand new Furniture from Advance Interiors, Landscaping plants from Plants for Now, The Patio Factory Store and so much more. This event is being sponsored by the Estates Trailblazers Horse Club of North Port. These people are an amazing group of people. They put this entire event together in less than one week.The second event is the SWAT Challenge held at the Major Terry W. Branscome Training Ctr 25500 Airport Rd. Punta Gorda, fl. on May 24 and begins at 8am and goes all day. This event is open to the public and will include several SWAT Teams from across the state competing against one another. We will be manning a bake sale table, and holding hopefully another raffle. All of these events are open to the public and have received media notification. we look forward to seeing everyone there to help support Richard and Christie. We are looking for people who are willing to help provide delicious home baked (or not) yummies for either event. for more info please call Keri DeHart 258 3905 or 380 4453

Rough Day

Richard is finally in FINR for his first full day. And what a day it was. He is in the confused/agitated stage of his recovery. I wouldnt suggest visitors at this point. We wrestled him all day to 1) stay in bed because he thinks he can walk 2) he wants to pull out his trach and 3) he wants no clothes on. :) He would pull his trach and we would hold that hand, so with his other he would pull his feeding tube, then he would use his toes to try to pull out his urinary catheter. He is just confused! It was a constant struggle all day. We put him in a wheelchair and took him outside. After two minutes he said it was too hot and we went back inside. He made very sad statments all day, not easy to deal with. Then periodically he would say something right. Like he read to me "How to wash the washcloth-according to the tag on it" That was amazing, but then.....wrestling we go! After 6 hours we were whooped so when he fell asleep (thank God) we snuck out which we felt bad about. He is on a one on one. At FINR, they dont believe in restraining the patients. They want them to have their mobility. So someone has to be with him at all times. THEN, when we got home tonight, FINR called and said he pulled out his feeding tube so they were sending to Manatee Hospital to have it put back in. Its not a huge deal but still!
Mom and Dave went to see Christie also. They spent time talking with her. She moved her right eye. The RN said they will get her up again tomorrow in the chair. Mom and Dave will be there all morning. Albert is flying in for a couple of days also.

Rehab

I was notified first thing this morning that Richard got into FINR. (Florida Institute for Neurological Rehabilitation) :) I drove down to the hospital and hung out until the ambulance got there to transport him. His new home is in Wauchula, FL. He says he's excited to go to his new home but he's not sure why its necessary because he's all better now. The family is excited about this step towards recovery. He was very confused all morning, saying bizarre things and again, Im Frank today. As he rolled down the hallway past all the nurses, he waved and was yelling "Bye everyone, I love you all!" It was cute. Once we were in the elevator, he began counting from one (thats the floor we were going to) and kept counting slowly. When they put him in the ambulance he was up to 32 and still counting. Not sure why, but atleast he knows his numbers today. Once he gets settled in to FINR, anyone is welcome to visit.
So then I went and hung with Christie. She was up in the chair and we watched Ellen together then Maury Povich. Not sure if she likes those shows. I left for a minute and when I returned she was having physical therapy. Then they put here back in bed. She seemed very tired after all that moving around so I'll let her sleep.
Hope to see everyone on Sunday at the fundraiser!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quick Note

I just spoke to Richards nurse who told me he is doing good. She said he has had appropriate conversation tonight using his whole mouth. Also, he told her twice he had to use the bathroom. I know that might sound funny to everyone but he hasnt been able to know when he needs to go since the accident. His brain is remembering that now. They did not take out his trach today. Christie's nurse was busy so no update for her. :( Sorry
One more thing about the fundraiser. There is actually two of them. One this Sunday (at the horse Ranch) and one the following Saturday (however Im not sure if the second one is open to the public because its a police SWAT competition. I'll get back to you on that one). The organizer of these events needs lots of baked goods to sell at the table. If anyone is interested in baking or buying small sellable items (slim jims, granola bars, etc) please leave a comment with your number so that the organizer can contact you. Also, they are doing a raffle on Sunday for various things donated from community businesses. If anyone has any input on that leave your number as well. Any help is greatly appreciated by the whole family! Thanks for your support.

Sorry So Late

Today is Wednesday. I had school all day and was unable to visit them. I called to check on them this AM but everyone was too busy to talk to me. Now lets back up to yesterday. I was there most of the day. I didnt get home from the hospital until midnight and I was exhausted so I went to bed and forgot to blog. Christie rested comfortably. I think they got her up and put her in a chair. Its good for the lungs. She is still on the purple cushion which, now that I talked to Becky, isnt such a bad color. Its pink she hates! I was in and out of her room most of the day. Her right eye is almost completely open at times, but she isnt focusing or moving her eyeball around. I actually thought she moved both of her legs around and I was excited. Then I realized that it was just the compression hose blowing up under the sheets. It bursted my bubble! :(
Richard slept most of the day. He awoke in the evening and opened his mouth wide open. Philip noticed it and I summoned the nurse who told me they unwired his jaw today (Tuesday). His speech was very confused all night. He wasnt making much sense. Most of our other comversations were about 80% sensable and about 20% weird. Tuesday it was the opposite. He kept calling everyone Frank. He thinks I work at the hospital and Philip also. I thinks thats because we are wearing gowns/masks. He still tries to talk like his mouth is wired shut. We told him he could move his mouth and even demonstrated some words. He would then speak clearly a couple of times and revert back to talking with his mouth shut. We constantly had to remind him. He said it was nice to have visitors because noone had visited yet. I told him Ive been there everyday and he said he's never seen me before. He again was fascinated with the red nurse button. He said he always presses it and noone comes to help (kind of concerned me) but I explained that he presses so much they think he is playing so noone comes. During this conversation he pressed it atleast 4 times. He doesnt understand the concept so they took it from him (again concerns me). We stayed really late because evertime we tried to leave, he said please dont go. We finally convinced him to go to bed. I called Mom so she could tell him goodnight and he kept calling her Frank also. He said I'll see you Friday Frank (thats when she is coming). Still no word on rehab centers yet. Also they planned on removing Richards trach today (wednesday) but I dont know if they did yet.
Also, Im sorry I dont write as much about Christie. There has been not much change to report whereas with Richard there is. Thats why. :)

Update

I wasnt at the hospital long today. I went to HealthSouth rehab this AM and FINR this afternoon. These are the two places I am looking at for rehab. They are both very nice although I prefer FINR. Christie was in bed when I arrived. She was on a bright purple egg crate mattress. I was thinking that she wouldnt appreciate the color since it was girly. Richard went down and had a swallow eval today to see if he could swallow liquids. I guess their thought is they could let him drink liquids while his jaw is healing. Anyway, he failed it. He had white chalky stuff all over his mouth from the test. I told him he failed the test because he couldnt swallow the barium. He laughed at me and said it tasted like s@*^! I had to leave so thats about all I know from today. But Ill be there all day tomorrow.

A New Day

Christie was moved out of the ICU, last night I believe. She is now down on the same floor as Richard. They are a couple of rooms apart. We visited her first this afternoon. She is breathing just fine off the vent. We brought her some shoes because the nurses told Becky her toes might start to curl under if she doesnt wear them. I washed her face and she opened her right eye ever so slightly. She still continues to move her hand around. Baby steps! One day at a time!
Richard was asleep also when we arrived. He woke after a short while and began to have a conversation with us. Its too much to get in to but his mind is child like so you can imagine the conversation. He knows me today. Yesterday he didnt but by the end of today he said I was Angie. He is starting to remember more and more. Although he said he wasnt in a car accident. He said he fell down and hurt himself. I told him he was in the hospital and a helicopter had brought him here. He said "Do you think they will take me for a ride when Im better?" Those are the types of things he says. Its nice to hear how many people read this everyday. I hope that everyone would continue to pray for a full recovery for both of them. It is certainly my prayer!

Fundraiser

A fundraiser is being organized for Richard and Christie. There will be more info to come but as far as I know now, its May 18th from 1200-400pm at Faith Ranch in North Port. I will get the info out as it comes in. Come enjoy a fun day outside! I will be there, as well as my mom, step dad and younger brother. Tell everyone!!!!!!! Maybe get the school to announce it!

Great News

I visited Christie first thing this morning. They had her out of bed and in a chair. She looked so comfy. It wasnt until several minutes later that I realized the VENT wasnt in the room. She in totally off the vent. She has a trach collar like Richard. They have a little bit of humidified oxygen hooked up to it. Thats all. I washed her face and she didnt like that. She moved her eyes around and scrunched her face up. When I came back to visit her later, she was back in bed and sleeping soundly. Now lets talk about Richard. I hung out in his room for several hours but he was asleep. So guess what I did. For those of you who know me well, I cleaned his room. I organized all his stuff, picked up some trash in the floor, changed his trash, then used baby wipes to wipe down all the surfaces. What can I say, I was bored. Then the coolest thing happened. The respiratory nurse came in and said she was going to "plug" his trach so he'll learn to breath through his nose. I told her I would leave so she could do her job. She said wait one minute, you'll love this. She plugged his trach and told him to say HI...and he did! He can talk with it plugged. I got so emotional I had to leave. I went to lunch to give him time to adjust to the new thing. When I returned my heart immediatley broke. I walked in the room and he plain as day said to me "Where is Christie, can I talk to her?" I told him she was sleeping right now. I was caught off guard and didnt know what to say. I changed the subject (thats what the RN said to do) and showed him pictures of the whole family. I pointed out each person individually and asked him who they were. He said he knew them but couldnt think of their names. Not even me. He pointed to my picture, then pointed at me but said he didnt know my name. Now this is funny...he pointed at my husband and said...thats Philip. Philip is the only one he recognizes. :) he again asked me if Christie could talk like him now. I said she is sleeping upstairs. Then he said Im tired, can I sleep too? I stayed until he fell asleep, then I came home. What a blessing that he can talk. I pray God gives me the wisdom to answer his questions appropriately.

Quick Note

I wasnt able to spend much time with either one today. I had meetings all day about rehab placement and insurance issues. I actually didnt see Christie at all. When I got around to visit her, it was shift change and I couldnt. Richard apparently was very active today. I spent a little bit of time with him but he was really sleepy so I finally left him be. One funny note. The nurse gave him the controller to all his room functions. He spent about an hour pressing all the buttons. He turned his lights on and off and on and off.....then the TV...on and off......then changed the channels. The funniest is the nurses button. I told him only if he needs help. He must have pressed it 20 times when I was there. I bet they wont give him that tomorrow. :)

Fantastic!

Sorry this blog is so late but Phil and I were having so much fun at the hospital, we stayed late. We were teaching Richard to throw a ball and he kept trying so hard. He threw it several times (about 6 inches) but whatever. Then he was doing funny things with the ball. He put it on his head and rolled it around with his hand. Then he wedged it between his chin and his trach. He also kept putting it down by his left arm. We would move it and he would give us a dirty look and put it back. He was so proud of himself. We had a long talk with him tonight. We showed him pictures of all the family members and he said he knew everyone. At one point we thought he was saying YES to everything because he thinks thats the right answer. So we asked him some NO questions and he answered appropriately. He even is trying to talk. He moves his lips around trying to mouth words. We told him he couldnt talk because he hurt his mouth. We called Mom so she could tell him goodnight. He got really emotional and tried to hold the phone. Then he mouthed MOMMA. Philip asked him if he wanted to go home and he smiled huge and shook Yes. Then he tried to get up (which he cant) but he shook so hard trying. We explained to him he wasnt better yet so he had to stay. He got mad and frowned at us. As we went down the hall to leave, we turned around and he was waving goodbye. His behavoir level at this point seems very childlike. Hopefully the more we work with him, the better it will get. We also visited Christie. Philip hasnt seenher for a couple of days. He said she looks excellent. He had a long talk with her about her new hairdo. He told her she looked like a ninja because its shaved on top and up front but she has a long ponytail in the back. Then he got her to move her thumb and she also moves her mouth all around. Not sure what she is doing. We were pleased with the both of them. Busy day tomorrow. Becky and I aremeeting with the two best rehab centers to discuss placement. Keep praying!

Busy Day

Christie again rested all day. Not much movement out of her. They did try to wean her off the vent today. She did good for about an hour but they had to put her back on it. Baby steps! We have also found out that due to insurance reasons, she cant be transported to SC to be with Becky. That puts Becky in a hard spot as she must return soon. She has a list of pediatric facilities to choose from, most of which are not in any of the surrounding counties. I'll keep you posted. As for now, she isnt close to being medically stable to leave the hospital anyway. Richard got moved out of the ICU today. He is now on Neuro stepdown. Its still a monitored bed, meaning he still is on the heart monitor, but its a step in the right direction. He remained very "confused" all day. I say that because he wouldnt respond to me at all. Usually he hugs me, waves, or smiles. She wouldnt make eye contact with me unless I "forced" him to. He made no attempt to try and communicate at all. It was a discouraging day. Not sure if he is depressed or just had a small set back neurologically. He did try to yawn today and that was funny. If you remember, his jaw is wired shut. You try to yawn without opening your mouth and see how funny you look. :) Still working on getting him into a rehab center.

Update

Christie went down and had two surgeries this AM. They put in a trach and a peg tube. Now she doesnt have tubes coming out of her mouth. She looks much better, She rested comfortably all day mostly due to the anesthia from the surgery. No major movements but hey, she had two surgeries. She needs to rest. I was only able to visit her from the hall today....Richard tested positive for MRSA this morning so we cant go from room to room. Pick one or the other. If we visit Richard we have to wear a gown, mask, and gloves. His immune system is compromised so its for his protection as well as ours. The nurse said its no big deal. They are giving him antibiotics. I bought Richard a stress ball today. Mostly for theraputic measures but also because he loves to squeeze my neck. Im trying to redirect his attention. He acted as if he wanted to play catch (I know that makes him sound like a dog) so I tried to get him to throw it. He just drops it. Then I told him to do it underhanded and he did. He didnt really throw it. He kind of put it in his palm and pushed it with his thumb. Then he smiled really big. He also picked up his left arm today and put it across his chest. Thats new for him. He grimaced so I told him he broke that side and it needs to heal. He shook his head okay. They took off his c-collar also. Now his neck is free to breath. He enjoys spending his day aggravating the nurses by removing his electrodes from his chest. He will act like he is innocently scratching his stomach and in a flash, he has them off. We are trying to find placement for him in a rehab center. Not sure how that all works! Talk to everyone tomorrow.

FYI

I (Angie) have their dog and the hermit crab. If anyone would like to volunteer to take the crab I would be grateful. It creeps me out and I dont have a clue as to how to take care of it. :)

What a Day

Let me just start with Christie. She slept comfortably most of the day. When Becky got there she was determined to make Christie move her thumb. She tried for quite some time to no avail. I left for a while and when I returned, not only was Christie moving her thumb, she also was moving her pointer finger, and her middle finger. She also is trying so hard to open her eyes. They flutter but she cant quite get them open. Then a little later, we were all talking and Christie moved her whole hand. She rotated it and I SAW IT WITH MY OWN EYES! Since she has "improved" they have chosen to give her 18 months of recovery to see what else she does. However (I know this will disappoint her school friends) Becky feels it is best to have her transferred to a facility that can care for her in South Carolina. Becky has been here since the accident and really needs to get back home. I think its a wise decision. It might take some time to arrange things but eventually that is the plan. Maybe before she leaves we can arrange for her friends to come tell her goodbye. She would really like that!
Richard had quite a day. Mom and Dave left this morning so I hung out with Richard. When I got there he was in the chair. He looked good to be up. Although I quickly learned he doesnt like the chair. He "thrashed" around until I was frustrated. I couldnt figure out what was wrong. He kicked his leg and flung his arm around. He pulled off anything he could reach when I turned my back. The C-Collar, his trach collar, the electrodes, his clothes, his catheter. Let me tell you he was not happy. I tried most of the day to calm and reassure him with no luck. I had to leave several times because I couldnt take it. I know that sounds selfish but its hard to see him so upset. His jaw will remain wired shut for 6 weeks. He still answers your questions with a nod and apparently he still has his sense of humor. He gave me the BIRD finger twice. I told him it wasnt very nice and it hurt my feelings. He laughed. The doctors said that the family always wants the patient to wake up, but when they do, between pain, not knowing where you are, and trying to figure everything out, the patients goes through this frustrated stage. No one likes it and I certainly agree. The finally sedated him because he was trying to roll out of the bed and he was working himself into a soaking wet sweat. They did wean him off the vent again. He did fine all day long without it. They did an MRI of his neck to clear his cervical fractures. If all looks good, they will take off the c-collar. He'll love that. Now I just need to teach him to stop putting his finger in his trach hole. :)

Family Reunion

Today, they had quite the visitors. Mom, Dave, Memere, Wayne, Me, Phil, Little Phil, Becky, Lee, and three friends from Richards work came in and out of there today. This morning I was told that Richard gave Lee a hug and rubbed his head. He also hugged Becky. Before we arrived from church, they put Richard in a chair (dont ask me how) and he stayed in it for quite some time until he started to slide out. By the time I got there he was back in the bed. He continued the same behavoir today. He hugged everyone, poked you with his finger, and smiled. The respiratory tech came in and Richard growled his teeth. She was standing at the top of his bed where he couldnt see but he was trying so hard to move his head to see her. His eyes were looking hard for her. The funniest thing today was with Philip. He was wearing a tie and Richard kept pulling it. Eventually, Philip turned it around so Richard couldnt reach it. He got pissed and acted like he was hugging Phil and grabbed the tie from behind him and pulled it back around. Then he tried to untie it with one hand. He also looks as if he wants to talk. He moves his lips but his jaw is wired shut. Phil explained to him very slowly that he had hurt his mouth and he couldnt talk. Phil said we will tell you when you can talk okay? and Richard shook his head Yes! When we left he was resting comfortably (assisted by meds of course).
Becky also just called me and was so excited. She said that she was holding Christie's hand and told her that she was gonna get in bed with her and watch TV. She said Christie moved her thumb. The nurse said it was probably just a reflex so they put Christies hand on a pillow and said Christie if you want to watch TV move your thumb. She moved it again. I am at a loss for words. God is good! Mom and Dave are going home tomorrow so Ill keep everyone posted on this. My cell phone bill is going to be atrocious so Im going to try and stay off it. Talk to everyone tomorrow.

Unbelievable!

I cant wait to tell everyone what happened today. We got there later today then usual. Mom had been there all day but I hadnt spoken to her so we got quite a surprise. Richard was sitting upright (assisted by the bed) with his eyes wide open. This time he was tracking though. He would follow you around the room with his eyes. Then Phil walked up to him and Richard held up his right hand and put it on Philip's shoulder. Then he walked his fingers around Philip's back, pulled him in for a hug, then patted him on the back. Then he smiled!!! I was so excited. My mom said he had done it earlier also we just didnt know. Mom said Richard did the same to her but also stuck his finger in moms ear!!! He smiled a couple more times. He also showed his teeth to the nurse. He must not like her. He gave me a hug also, then he pushed me down. We all laughed!! He is still on the ventilator but hopefully he'll be off of that soon.
Christie rested all day. I was told that she has a gag reflex now which is new. She moved her eyelids around when I was in there. She also responds to painful stimulus in all 4 extremities. Little Phil sat with her for a little bit. We were hesitant to bring him there but he handled it well. He cant wait to visit tomorrow and neither can I.

Unbelievable!

Nightly report

Christie rested comfortably today. They rotated her throughout the day to alleviate pressure on certain areas. She continues to remain unstable as far as her brain injury is concerned. The rest of her body is doing remarkable. As I left tonight, I saw Becky (Christies mom) snuggled in the bed with her. It was precious.
Richard had two surgeries today. The put a plate in his jaw and one in his clavicle. After all that he was exhausted and required the use of his ventilator again. Small step backwards. He was aggitated most of the day. They did at one point try to wean him off the ventilator again but he was hyperventilating so they put it back on. He didnt look around much today. He just really seemed exhausted. They said they would try to wean him off the vent while he sleeps. Hopefully in the AM he'll be breathing on his own again. :) The also started physical therapy. She did range of motion with his extremities and put a brace on his left arm to "teach his muscles to move" again. He doesnt like it. They also took out his right chest tube. The doctor today said soon they can move him to the Neuro floor to begin his recovery.

Good progress

Richard made some milestones today. We arrived this AM to find him sitting up (not by himself) and eyes wide open. He looks around the room although we've determined he isnt focusing on anything, just looking. They also had to put mittens on his hands because he is grabbing things. He keeps scratching his abdominal incision so now he looks like a boxer because thats what they look like. I took a picture! He finally has gotten used to the trach. We worked with him all day on moving his arms and legs. I wouldnt say he does it on command. Sometimes he does but sometimes he moves when you dont tell him to. So we arent sure if he hears us or not. Finally, we let him get some sleep because he looked wore out and aggitated. We came back around 6pm and he appeared to be resting comfortably. They had bathed him and changed all his dressings. Then, Mom noticed the ventilator wasnt "working properly" . After close examination, I realized it wasnt on.....HE IS BREATHING ON HIS OWN!!!!!!!! Its on a back up program to turn on automatically if he stops, struggles, or plain just gets wore out. We stayed for one hour and it never turned on. What a great feeling!!! We decided to leave him and let him rest. Also, the physical therapist came in today and did range of motion exercises with him. He doesnt like that. Tomorrow they will repair his clavicle surgically.
Christie is still unchanged. They will give her through the weekend to see if she changes. If not, then a tough decision lies ahead. :( All this is bitter sweet