Full Day

Today was one of the tougher days we've had. Brent and Mom visited with the doctor early this afternoon. He informed them that the area around Dad's brain stem is swelling. This is concerning to the doctor. They are going to give him medicine to try to reduce the swelling. The procedure to drain the spinal fluid that was done Wednesday night is having the desired results for the front part of the brain.

For a short period today they completely removed the ventilator to allow him to wean off of the machine. They've since replaced it for the rest of the night. Please continue to pray that the pressure will stay down especially on the brain stem.

Water on the Brain

Dad had another CT scan today.  When the neurosurgeon looked at the results this afternoon, he noticed that portions of his brain had swollen since the last scan.  The doctor said that the brain was producing more cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) than it was able to absorb, so he needed to perform a procedure called a ventriculoscopy which they did tonight about 7:00pm.

This is actually the same procedure that was performed on dad when he first got to the emergency room in Amarillo on the 28th.   The initial ventriculoscopy was done to drain blood and CSF to reduce pressure on his brain.  When they performed the surgery last week to remove the blood clot behind his left eye, they removed this original drain.  Since then, the brain had swollen again with excess CSF, so they needed to perform the procedure again.   

The doctor was able to use the same incision as the original procedure and dad again has a drain for the excess CSF fluid.  They'll be monitoring the drainage from the tube in dad's head for the next several days.  His brain may eventually catch up and be able to absorb all of the CSF that his body is producing in which case they will again remove the drain.  If not, they may need to insert a shunt into his head which will divert the excess CSF into his abdomen.

Early On

Brent and Mom got a chance to visit with the doctor this morning about dad's condition. He told them he thinks he is doing good overall. He reminded them that we are still early on in the recovery. Dad still remains in a coma but his temperature has remained down, pnemonia is almost gone, and today was breathing almost all on his own. Last night after the trach was put in when they were having to change out his central line the nurses saw him mouth the word "Oww". He could not speak with the trach in but was responding to pain. In case you're wondering as I was, we're told that even if Dad is able to breath on his own the trach is still needed so they can suction out anything if necessary.

The plan is to move him to a long term care facility outside of the hospital next week. As I understand this is a good sign that he is stable enough to move out of ICU. They are also beginning to do some physical therapy with him to help with range of movement. Brent and Mom keep mentioning that Dad just simply looks better which is great to hear.

Tracheotomy

Last night they performed a tracheotomy and put a feeding tube in Dad's stomach. This procedure went well and when Brent and Mom saw him after this they thought he looked much better. We believe this is much more comfortable for him than the breathing tube down his throat from what we have heard from other's experiences.

The last two days have been less encouraging as far as visible responses from Dad. However, they have noticed some periods where he has appeared to be very relaxed and more comfortable which is good. The original doctor returned from vacation Monday but they have not had a chance to visit with him yet. We hope to get an update from him soon.

Encouraging Signs

Yesterday was another encouraging day to see responsiveness from Dad. When Brent came in for one of the visits Dad tried to raise an arm as if to say hello! They are confident by his responses that he is aware and can hear- which is an answered prayer in itself. He appears to be tired easily when moving, responding, etc. which is obviously expected after two brain surgeries, pnemonia, eye infections, and two weeks of laying in bed. The pnemonia also is improving.

They are planning to perform a tracheotomy on Tuesday. We are praying that this could be avoided as it will temporarily keep dad from being able to talk. If they need to do it we are ok with it but would be glad if he didn't have to have another surgery. The tracheotomy will be more comfortable to him than the breathing tube he is currently on and is necessary to avoid infections/complications from having a breathing tube for two weeks.

The original doctor that did the first surgery in the ER is expected to be back from vacation this week, hopefully today. We're keeping in mind this is a long process and are thankful for even the small encouragements along the way. No matter the result God is faithful and has been to us each day.

Furrowed Brow

Most of the time, when a parent looks at you with a furrowed brow, that's not necessarily a good thing. You know the look - the raised eyebrows that say "Don't try that again...." But tonight, the furrowed eyebrows brought good news. As we visited dad at 5:00pm tonight, there was a real sense that he was aware of us, hearing us, and responding with his eyes. He has been pretty much unable to respond to us since the accident, so those little movements with the eyes were so encouraging. But our best moment was toward the end of the 8:00pm visit. As mom and I were leaving, mom said "Good Night, Jerry. We'd sure like to have you say good night to us. Can you move your eyebrows for us? " And then he did!

As I'm reflecting on things tonight, I'm so thankful to dad for all the times that he did provide guidance and direction. Thankful for the furrowed brows that did mean "stop that", or "be careful", or "watch out". But tonight, I'm most thankful for the furrowed brow that meant "Good Night". It has been a good night!

Day 14

From Mom

We just came out of Jerry's room after visiting hours. They said he has moved his legs some however we saw no movement while we were there. We actually got to see our neurosurgeon and the other doctor who takes care of all his other functions. The neurosurgeon said possibly Jerry has his nights and days mixed up and may wake up later today. He says it is still early so not be discouraged.

Today both eyes are infected . They said it could be from the swelling still and from the dryness due to his infrequent blinking. Please remember this in your prayers. The doctors said his chest x-ray looked better We know that we will have ups and downs and are leaning on the Lord for encouragement.

I just wanted to list a few things that have helped us and I know I can't even remember them all. It has been years since we have sung

Nothing is Impossible
when you put your trust in God
Nothing is impossible
when you're trusting in His word.
Hearken to the voice of God to thee.
Is there anything too hard for thee?
Then PUT YOUR TRUST IN GOD ALONE
AND LEAN UPON HIS WORD--
for everything, everything, yes everything is possible with God.

I woke up probably the 3rd morning and sang that to Brent and it meant so much to us. We felt the Lord had put that in my heart. One particular song that we sing nearly every day is

I will sing praise
I will lift my voice
I will sing praise
I'VE MADE MY CHOICE
I will sing praise in all I do
I will trust in YOU.

No matter the storms that come my way
No matter the trials I may face,
YOU'VE promisled that YOU will see me through.
I will trust in YOU

We've been encouraged by reading the Psalms, Romans 8, much of Corinthians, Ephesians and many more passages. So many of God's promises seem to leap off the page to us and they are so encouraging. Also just knowing who He is. Our Great Physician, our Comforter, our Rock , our High Tower, our Peace, our Joy, our Hope, and many more things we can't begin to list. We know that God is seldom early but never late and we're holding on to that.

When we sing the Old Hymns the words just go deep down to comfort in a way nothing else can. They are much easier to remember than some of the newer songs today.We love the old chorus He's everything to me and it says it all.

My brother Bob came and sang with us and we really enjoyed that. Everyday we have had some form of encouragement: songs, scriptures, a word from someone telling of others who have gone through similar things. But of course one very precious thing is calls and visits from dear friends who all tell us they are praying for us and that is the MOST IMPORTANT thing. We know that the LORD hears and is answering. We feel an lncredible peace that is from Him alone.

We love you all!

Lucy Beth

Some trust in horses and some in chariots but we will trust in the name of our Lord.