Subject: Mom update
Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 14:23:46 -0500
Good afternoon everyone. Sorry for getting this out late today. Some of you are getting this for the first time and will be shocked about the news. My family and I extend any apologies for not having contacted you in some way beforehand. We are working on getting a website up for Mom where everyone can go to it 24/7 to view updates and past information for those just hearing about Mom's car accident. Stay tune for that address.
11/19/03 2pm:
Tuesday, Mom was doing Ok holding stable with vital signs. An MRI was done on the head and neck area. The results of the 2nd vertabrae are that it was cracked all the way through but in place and not causing any immediate threat to the spinal cord. It could possibly heal fine as is. Nothing more will be done regarding this injury unless deemed necessary. The results on the brain really didn't give any new information then what is known which is really nothing! Because she has opened her eyes some responding to people and has moved her extremeties, that is good news regarding mental and physical capabilities for the long term.
A feeding tube has now been inserted to provide better nutrients. This will know help in the physical recovery.
Concerns from yesterday: Around 6:15pm, the right lung had collapsed. It was able to be repaired putting another tube in so there are now tubes going to both lungs that have collapsed once each. The cause for it is still unknown. A combination of things could have contributed to that. It was reinflated within about 15 min. and working with the respirator. Also , more blood has been given to Mom. This isn't a big concern, unless there is some slow internal bleeding we are not aware of.
Bottom line is that even though there can be small signs of improvement(thank you!), Mom is still very vulnerable to unexpected incidences that can be life threatening. When the lung collapsed the blood pressure dropped dangerously low.
Your continued prayers are invaluable and much appreciated. The more, the better.
Martha and Rochelle(Steve's wife), have created a mirage of pictures of Mom and our family hanging up on the wall in her room. The medical staff has enjoyed this tremendously giving them a glance of the person lying in the bed that doesn't look like anything in the pictures. I think Mom is becoming more than just a patient with some now, but I also understand how you have to maintain a certain emotional detachment with the occupation on that ward. There are some great personnel up there, and we are grateful.
Look for a website soon you will be able to go to.
Again, thank you all for your concern and actions. I can not find the words to adequately express our gratitude.
May God's hand of protection, provision and love rest upon you and your families as has been evident with ours.