Things are no longer touch-and-go and so my blog updates have been few and far between. Erik is doing really great. Last weekend the three of us went to the beach and enjoyed some family time in the sand. It was a nice little vacation and much needed. In the last month Erik has started doing all sorts of every day things.
He has golfed 9 holes a few times, which is tiring but worth it. Erik played poker with some of his buddies, and won! He even cooked breakfast for my dad, and dinner for his on fathers day. Erik is now staying home alone several days a week...So give him a call, he may have time to grab a bite to eat or just hang out for a bit.
Yesterday he drove for the first time in almost three months. It went well, actually great and we believe that Erik will soon be able to transport himself to his appointments (after we find a new car that is).
Although in the big scheme of things Erik is recovering great, there is still a steep mountain ahead. Erik is going to Physical and Speech Therapy several times a week. The doctors appointments are frequent, and we are now trying to figure out what to do about his right eye. Erik is seeing several different eye specialists and there may be more surgeries in the future. We are unsure what the next step will be. Erik has problems with severe headaches and fatigue...and as a family we are dealing with the emotional aspects of the accident. Life is different now, we need to take things a bit slower. We have learned to sidestep around loud noises, and lots of commotion. We try things, and if they aren't working out - we back off. As the old saying goes, we take take it day by day and we make the most of the small things.
Thank you everyone for being so great. We have awesome friends and family and you amaze us every day. Erik, Tanner and I are lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Post-OP
Life has been slow since the shunt surgery. Erik had muscle spasms and was flat on his back for several days...he seems to be doing much better since yesterday. This is good, because all the therapies have been put on hold until he feels better. Next week is busy with appointments and so I hope he is back to 'work' mode by then.
It looks like his CSF leak has stopped since the surgery. There has also been an unexpected bonus since the shunt was put in. Erik's double vision seems to have been repaired. I guess that the CSF pressure was not only causing the leak, but the double vision too. Erik has an eye appointment next week & we will learn more about his vision at that time. This is great news...he might have dodged another surgery. Keep your fingers crossed.
It looks like his CSF leak has stopped since the surgery. There has also been an unexpected bonus since the shunt was put in. Erik's double vision seems to have been repaired. I guess that the CSF pressure was not only causing the leak, but the double vision too. Erik has an eye appointment next week & we will learn more about his vision at that time. This is great news...he might have dodged another surgery. Keep your fingers crossed.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Caregiver Calendar Updated 5/18
Thank you so much for helping care for Erik while he is down! We really appreciate it: for Erik it's a nice change of pace to hang out with his friends and for me - it's nice to get a break and go back to work.
Following is the current calendar. Someone has volunteered for every shift in May. Thanks guys!
Following is the current calendar. Someone has volunteered for every shift in May. Thanks guys!
Click on Calendar above to view Large
Click on Calendar above to view LargeFriday, May 16, 2008
TODAY'S Shunt Surgery
Today Erik had his shunt put in. I am so glad that today is over.
He has a incision in his abdomen under his belly button and another in his back on his spine (around the same height). The neurosurgeon team put a small tube (not a vein) in his dura, which surrounds his spine and holds in CSF (the same 'dura' that surrounds is brain). They wove the tube (shunt) under his skin on the right side of his body and attached it to a cavity in his abdomen. This tube drains CSF from his dura at his spine to his abdomen which will naturally absorb into his body. The purpose of this is to relieve the pressure in Erik's brain. With less pressure, it will give the tear in his dura at his brain time to heal. The shunt works on a gravity type system. When he stands up it drains, when laying it does not. He will have headaches because of the shunt, this means that it is working. They should not be migraine headaches, but a slight headache instead. Erik now knows what it feels like to have your stomach cut into - it hurts: and I along with a lot of other ladies can vouch for that. I keep trying to remind him that his muscles will grow back together - it just takes time.
Erik's surgery was short, only 1/2 hour and I saw him 2 hours after it was over. The Doc's said that everything went great. He was funny in the recovery room coming off of the anesthesia. He was talking and cracking jokes, even to other patients in the recovery room. We went into the hospital at 6am and got released at 5pm, so it was a long day. The drive home was NOT fun, but it is now over and Erik is sleeping on the couch heavily medicated.
I am winding down and trying to stay cool. Whew. As far as we can tell, Erik wont be having surgery anytime soon, the next time maybe 5 months down the road for his Eye. The neurosurgeon thinks that Erik may be able to get his eye fixed by an optical surgeon instead of himself. This would be much less invasive and his head would not need to be opened up again. He said that it has something to do with lengthing and shortening the muscles that attach the eye. This sounds much better then the alternative, taking his brain out and fixing the optic roof. Once again I am getting ahead of myself...one day at a time.
He has a incision in his abdomen under his belly button and another in his back on his spine (around the same height). The neurosurgeon team put a small tube (not a vein) in his dura, which surrounds his spine and holds in CSF (the same 'dura' that surrounds is brain). They wove the tube (shunt) under his skin on the right side of his body and attached it to a cavity in his abdomen. This tube drains CSF from his dura at his spine to his abdomen which will naturally absorb into his body. The purpose of this is to relieve the pressure in Erik's brain. With less pressure, it will give the tear in his dura at his brain time to heal. The shunt works on a gravity type system. When he stands up it drains, when laying it does not. He will have headaches because of the shunt, this means that it is working. They should not be migraine headaches, but a slight headache instead. Erik now knows what it feels like to have your stomach cut into - it hurts: and I along with a lot of other ladies can vouch for that. I keep trying to remind him that his muscles will grow back together - it just takes time.
Erik's surgery was short, only 1/2 hour and I saw him 2 hours after it was over. The Doc's said that everything went great. He was funny in the recovery room coming off of the anesthesia. He was talking and cracking jokes, even to other patients in the recovery room. We went into the hospital at 6am and got released at 5pm, so it was a long day. The drive home was NOT fun, but it is now over and Erik is sleeping on the couch heavily medicated.
I am winding down and trying to stay cool. Whew. As far as we can tell, Erik wont be having surgery anytime soon, the next time maybe 5 months down the road for his Eye. The neurosurgeon thinks that Erik may be able to get his eye fixed by an optical surgeon instead of himself. This would be much less invasive and his head would not need to be opened up again. He said that it has something to do with lengthing and shortening the muscles that attach the eye. This sounds much better then the alternative, taking his brain out and fixing the optic roof. Once again I am getting ahead of myself...one day at a time.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Plastic's Appointment
We went to see Dr. Meuller today, Erik's plastic surgeon. He provided us the photo's of the CT scan that was taken last Thursday on 5/8. These images are crazy. He highlighted in yellow each titanium plate that was added to Eriks face. You can see the screws at the end of each plate...they look a little nobby.
As you can see in the following picture. There is a bunch of yellow in the optical floor of his left eye (shown on the right side). That yellow is the titanium mesh that was used to lift up his left eye. There was a hole in this area prior to the plastic surgery.
This image shows a hole in the side area of Erik's head, above the temple. That is a drill hole that the surgeons used to cut Erik's skull open. The cut is shown at the line of the square plate. Dr. Meuller said that the hole will heal itself.
This is the most shocking image. This is the left side of Erik's head. YES there is a giant hole in Erik's skull. We had no clue. I can't get over it. When you look at Erik ... you can actually see a concave indention in Eriks head. I guess that Erik did not realize the indention until I mentioned it to him about 5 minutes before Dr. Meuller walked into the room. This hole seems very strange to me. I am not sure why there is no solid material in this area. The plastic surgeon said that later he can 'pop it back out' with a titanium mesh...I am unsure why it was not done to begin with. It seems a little dangerous to me. We don't have another appointment with Doctor Mueller for another 3 months, so I guess that if Erik wants to 'pop it out' then the surgeon wants to wait to do it.
The next picture shows the big issue with Erik's face. Notice that when you look into the right eye socket, there is nothing there (see the difference between the left socket) This is an issue. There is a hole in Erik's optic roof.
I have re-created a couple diagrams the doctor showed us in order to make it a little easier to understand. This is a normal eye socket in profile view. There is fat behind the eye with an optic roof and floor containing it. Erik's left eye had a hole in the optic floor, which was repaired by that titanium mesh that I mentioned before the first image.
This is a diagram of Erik's Right Eye. There is a hole in the optic roof. The fat is pushing up, therefore not creating the pressure that is needed for the eye to be in its correct location. The eye is pushing back and up. If you look directly into Erik's eyes...you can actually see less of the colored part of Eriks eye. His there is about 5mm of white that continues under his colored area of his eye. His whole eye area is actually set back a bit.
The plastic surgeon said that this type of repair is done by the neurosurgeon. This DOES mean another surgery. We have an appointment with the neurosurgeon tomorrow regarding the CSF leak...We will also try to find out more about the optic roof. I am not sure if this is something that they will be able to repair at the same time.
As you can see in the following picture. There is a bunch of yellow in the optical floor of his left eye (shown on the right side). That yellow is the titanium mesh that was used to lift up his left eye. There was a hole in this area prior to the plastic surgery.
This image shows a hole in the side area of Erik's head, above the temple. That is a drill hole that the surgeons used to cut Erik's skull open. The cut is shown at the line of the square plate. Dr. Meuller said that the hole will heal itself.
This is the most shocking image. This is the left side of Erik's head. YES there is a giant hole in Erik's skull. We had no clue. I can't get over it. When you look at Erik ... you can actually see a concave indention in Eriks head. I guess that Erik did not realize the indention until I mentioned it to him about 5 minutes before Dr. Meuller walked into the room. This hole seems very strange to me. I am not sure why there is no solid material in this area. The plastic surgeon said that later he can 'pop it back out' with a titanium mesh...I am unsure why it was not done to begin with. It seems a little dangerous to me. We don't have another appointment with Doctor Mueller for another 3 months, so I guess that if Erik wants to 'pop it out' then the surgeon wants to wait to do it.
The next picture shows the big issue with Erik's face. Notice that when you look into the right eye socket, there is nothing there (see the difference between the left socket) This is an issue. There is a hole in Erik's optic roof.
I have re-created a couple diagrams the doctor showed us in order to make it a little easier to understand. This is a normal eye socket in profile view. There is fat behind the eye with an optic roof and floor containing it. Erik's left eye had a hole in the optic floor, which was repaired by that titanium mesh that I mentioned before the first image.
This is a diagram of Erik's Right Eye. There is a hole in the optic roof. The fat is pushing up, therefore not creating the pressure that is needed for the eye to be in its correct location. The eye is pushing back and up. If you look directly into Erik's eyes...you can actually see less of the colored part of Eriks eye. His there is about 5mm of white that continues under his colored area of his eye. His whole eye area is actually set back a bit.
The plastic surgeon said that this type of repair is done by the neurosurgeon. This DOES mean another surgery. We have an appointment with the neurosurgeon tomorrow regarding the CSF leak...We will also try to find out more about the optic roof. I am not sure if this is something that they will be able to repair at the same time.
Friday, May 9, 2008
CSF leak
Erik does have a CSF leak (cerebral spinal fluid - see previous blog entry for more info). We have an appointment next Wednesday AM with the neurologist to see what his next step is. It looks like he will have to have a shunt put in. The resident neurologist said that this is a 'minor' surgery in the neurosurgery field. If you are an internet researcher - you will find out that shunts fail frequently. This is not an issue for Erik because it will only be used until Eriks Dura heals itself. I will post more info. on the next surgery after our Wednesday appointment. Hopefully we will know more at that time.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Cisternogram
Erik had a Cisternogram today to find out if he is having CSF (cerebral Spinal Fluid) leaking out of his nose. To explain it easier. You've got a brain, and around the brain is the "dura" which is a layer of tissue that holds in the cerebral spinal fluid...CSF is the same stuff that travels all the way down your spine. The CSF acts as a cushion for the brain. He may have a tear in his dura, which means that he has CSF leaking out of his nose and his eyes.
Today we showed up at OHSU at 7am (way too early for comfort). About 8ish they shoved flat packing that had strings hanging off it; up his nostrils. They are kind of like a very flat tampon. They put two up each nostril with these VERY huge tweezers. Pretty uncomfortable for Erik, he thought the guy was going to poke him in the brain.
Then we got ushered off to radiology. I stood there and held Eriks hand while the Radiologist gave erik a spinal tap. He numbed the spot first with a needle that was a couple inches long. While watching x-rays of Eriks spine, he put a very long needle between his vertebrae. He injected a dye and then a radioactive fluid. The numbing shot hurt a little, the spinal tap shot was only pressure, but the dye hurt very bad. Erik's hips were killing him - but it only lasted a few minutes. This kind of pain is very common...but Erik still hated it.
Erik then got a CT (the big long tube that takes x-rays of his body). Then we went to another building (thru a skybridge) and they took a 'picture' of the radioactive fluid in his brain/spine. They took the packing out of his nose and are testing it for radioactive fluid (this is the best test).
We then went back to Eriks 'room' and waited. The doctor ordered a second CT Scan (which we have no clue why) so we had to go back to do that. So we left the hospital about 4:15.
So, as of now we don't know anything. The lab has to 'spin' the nose packing in order to find out if CSF is in it. The neurologist will review the results from the CT scans and the pictures of the radioactive fluid. We will call in the morning to see if they have the results. Who knows when we will actually find anything out. So..it was a long day and we are both glad its over.
I just want to warn you guys...Erik probably does have CSF leaking out of his nose (and possibly eyes). I will be pretty shocked if the test comes out negative...actually if it is negative, I will think that the test is wrong. The radiologist said that these tests can be/and are frequently inaccurate. Erik had CSF leaking out of his nose in the ICU but it stopped after a few days. We did some research and Erik has 10 out of 12 of the symptoms of CSF leakage (yes, they are most of the same symptoms as brain injury). But finally, Erik is NOT sick...he does not have a cold...and his nose & eyes are leaking a lot during the day...they leak more when he sits up quickly or moves his head around a lot. We will know more tomorrow and I hope that the doc's prove us wrong. If its spinal fluid, then it's likely that Erik will have another surgery to correct the problem - We'll cross that path when we come to it.
Wish us luck and we'll keep you posted. ~Melissa
Today we showed up at OHSU at 7am (way too early for comfort). About 8ish they shoved flat packing that had strings hanging off it; up his nostrils. They are kind of like a very flat tampon. They put two up each nostril with these VERY huge tweezers. Pretty uncomfortable for Erik, he thought the guy was going to poke him in the brain.
Then we got ushered off to radiology. I stood there and held Eriks hand while the Radiologist gave erik a spinal tap. He numbed the spot first with a needle that was a couple inches long. While watching x-rays of Eriks spine, he put a very long needle between his vertebrae. He injected a dye and then a radioactive fluid. The numbing shot hurt a little, the spinal tap shot was only pressure, but the dye hurt very bad. Erik's hips were killing him - but it only lasted a few minutes. This kind of pain is very common...but Erik still hated it.
Erik then got a CT (the big long tube that takes x-rays of his body). Then we went to another building (thru a skybridge) and they took a 'picture' of the radioactive fluid in his brain/spine. They took the packing out of his nose and are testing it for radioactive fluid (this is the best test).
We then went back to Eriks 'room' and waited. The doctor ordered a second CT Scan (which we have no clue why) so we had to go back to do that. So we left the hospital about 4:15.
So, as of now we don't know anything. The lab has to 'spin' the nose packing in order to find out if CSF is in it. The neurologist will review the results from the CT scans and the pictures of the radioactive fluid. We will call in the morning to see if they have the results. Who knows when we will actually find anything out. So..it was a long day and we are both glad its over.
I just want to warn you guys...Erik probably does have CSF leaking out of his nose (and possibly eyes). I will be pretty shocked if the test comes out negative...actually if it is negative, I will think that the test is wrong. The radiologist said that these tests can be/and are frequently inaccurate. Erik had CSF leaking out of his nose in the ICU but it stopped after a few days. We did some research and Erik has 10 out of 12 of the symptoms of CSF leakage (yes, they are most of the same symptoms as brain injury). But finally, Erik is NOT sick...he does not have a cold...and his nose & eyes are leaking a lot during the day...they leak more when he sits up quickly or moves his head around a lot. We will know more tomorrow and I hope that the doc's prove us wrong. If its spinal fluid, then it's likely that Erik will have another surgery to correct the problem - We'll cross that path when we come to it.
Wish us luck and we'll keep you posted. ~Melissa
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
First Few days @ Home
We are trying to adjust to our new life at home. I don't think I have ever been so busy in my entire life. I feel like I am running and running all of the time. According to the doctors, it is best that Erik has a very scheduled life. This seems to be very unlike Erik's personality, but just like mine. Everything he does takes an unbelievable amount of energy and then he gets to take a nap. Then I wake him up, give him drugs and do it all over again.
We had our first home visit with a physical therapist. Erik did a bunch of balance tests to find out the reason for his instability. The good news is, she thinks it is just strength issues, not an inner ear issue. This means a lot of hard work for Erik. He has homework to do squats and toe lifts 3x a day. Today we are going to get Erik a massage. I spoke with our Massage Therapist, Michelle Sheilds, and she will do the whole massage with Erik either lying on his back or his side. Hopefully she will be able to help with his back and neck pain.
As for Eriks pain, we seem to be managing it pretty well. He pretty much takes Tylenol throughout the day and takes 1/2 vicodin at night. He doesn't like taking the Vicodin during the day because it makes him feel loopy. The thing that is really driving him nuts is that hes cold ALL of the time. Our house is warmer than it ever has been and the poor guy is still shaking. In order for Erik to function, he has to wear an eye patch all of the time...otherwise he sees double vision. We have an appointment with a eye doctor that specializes in eye rehab in about a month..I guess he does some sort of eye exercises to get the eyes to re-align. We are doing some of this at home too, hopefully it will work and he wont have to have surgery.
We went to meet with the neurosurgeon on Wednesday. This was the guy that operated on Erik in the ER. He looked straight at Erik and told him...."I really want you to understand this. You are VERY lucky to be alive right now." This was a shock to Erik. He told me that it is one thing for friends and family to be telling him this, but a very different thing to hear it from a Brain Surgeon. We got some scary news at this visit too. Eriks eyes and nose are dripping several times throughout the day. It is a possibility that it is spinal fluid leaking out of his body. Erik is going to have a procedure to have a radioactive fluid shot into his back and a plug like thing in his nose to catch the leak. They are going to test to see if its snot, or spinal fluid. If it is spinal fluid, then he may need to have a shunt put in. The doctor did not tell us what a shunt was but I found a description on Wikipedia: (click here) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_shunt
He said that the fluid would be directed to a cavity near (in?) his stomach. I think that the test will happen within the month, but the time was not set up yet. This was the first time that we only had each other to lean on when hearing bad medical news. It was hard. I think that I came to the realization that the serious surgery's might not be done yet. I had talked myself into the idea that the plastic surgery was the last surgery. Well, what can we do. Take the next step and move forward. As we have been told many times - there is a long road ahead of us.
To end with good news, yesterday Erik put his kicks on and walked ALL around the coldasac. It was the farthest he has walked, and he did great. He was very tired when we got back inside and took a nap. So friends, Erik is being strong and working hard.
We had our first home visit with a physical therapist. Erik did a bunch of balance tests to find out the reason for his instability. The good news is, she thinks it is just strength issues, not an inner ear issue. This means a lot of hard work for Erik. He has homework to do squats and toe lifts 3x a day. Today we are going to get Erik a massage. I spoke with our Massage Therapist, Michelle Sheilds, and she will do the whole massage with Erik either lying on his back or his side. Hopefully she will be able to help with his back and neck pain.
As for Eriks pain, we seem to be managing it pretty well. He pretty much takes Tylenol throughout the day and takes 1/2 vicodin at night. He doesn't like taking the Vicodin during the day because it makes him feel loopy. The thing that is really driving him nuts is that hes cold ALL of the time. Our house is warmer than it ever has been and the poor guy is still shaking. In order for Erik to function, he has to wear an eye patch all of the time...otherwise he sees double vision. We have an appointment with a eye doctor that specializes in eye rehab in about a month..I guess he does some sort of eye exercises to get the eyes to re-align. We are doing some of this at home too, hopefully it will work and he wont have to have surgery.
We went to meet with the neurosurgeon on Wednesday. This was the guy that operated on Erik in the ER. He looked straight at Erik and told him...."I really want you to understand this. You are VERY lucky to be alive right now." This was a shock to Erik. He told me that it is one thing for friends and family to be telling him this, but a very different thing to hear it from a Brain Surgeon. We got some scary news at this visit too. Eriks eyes and nose are dripping several times throughout the day. It is a possibility that it is spinal fluid leaking out of his body. Erik is going to have a procedure to have a radioactive fluid shot into his back and a plug like thing in his nose to catch the leak. They are going to test to see if its snot, or spinal fluid. If it is spinal fluid, then he may need to have a shunt put in. The doctor did not tell us what a shunt was but I found a description on Wikipedia: (click here) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_shunt
He said that the fluid would be directed to a cavity near (in?) his stomach. I think that the test will happen within the month, but the time was not set up yet. This was the first time that we only had each other to lean on when hearing bad medical news. It was hard. I think that I came to the realization that the serious surgery's might not be done yet. I had talked myself into the idea that the plastic surgery was the last surgery. Well, what can we do. Take the next step and move forward. As we have been told many times - there is a long road ahead of us.
To end with good news, yesterday Erik put his kicks on and walked ALL around the coldasac. It was the farthest he has walked, and he did great. He was very tired when we got back inside and took a nap. So friends, Erik is being strong and working hard.
Friday, May 2, 2008
From Erik to Bob
Previous Comment from Bob Schatz
Yea! get to go home, that is the best. Erik is so ready (mentally) to get out of there. Yea can't drink a beer but hey he can drink and eat and walk. When this first happened I kept thinking of how fragile we all are and how a sudden thing like this can radically change our lives and for the first week I was not upset for sitting in traffic or little things like that because I was happy that I was actually driving and living. Then that feeling starting wearing off and now I have to keep reminding myself of that feeling and have my own little reality check once in a while. Live life, love life, make that next trip around the sun worth life.
________________________
Hey, it's Erik. Wow, Bob, that's a pretty deep comment. You brought a teer, but it is very true. My outlook on life is totally different. Life is fragile and some things that you might think are very important really aren't.
Yea! get to go home, that is the best. Erik is so ready (mentally) to get out of there. Yea can't drink a beer but hey he can drink and eat and walk. When this first happened I kept thinking of how fragile we all are and how a sudden thing like this can radically change our lives and for the first week I was not upset for sitting in traffic or little things like that because I was happy that I was actually driving and living. Then that feeling starting wearing off and now I have to keep reminding myself of that feeling and have my own little reality check once in a while. Live life, love life, make that next trip around the sun worth life.
________________________
Hey, it's Erik. Wow, Bob, that's a pretty deep comment. You brought a teer, but it is very true. My outlook on life is totally different. Life is fragile and some things that you might think are very important really aren't.
Caregiver Calendar - Updated 5/6
MAY
CLICK ON CALENDAR ABOVE TO VIEW LARGE
JUNE
CLICK ON CALENDAR ABOVE TO VIEW LARGE
Thank you for your outstanding response to my previous post. You guys are SO AWESOME! Above is the May & June Calendar for Erik's Care. I am going to start out working Wednesday through Fridays to start and see how that works.
CLICK ON CALENDAR ABOVE TO VIEW LARGEJUNE
CLICK ON CALENDAR ABOVE TO VIEW LARGEThe spaces that say 'Open Shift' still need to be filled. If you would like to fill one week or several, let me know. If you want to do both AM and PM shifts then also let me know.
I can not say thank you enough.
_______________
We also have a food schedule that Jen & Dave Hunt have organized. We have someone either bringing food, or a previously made frozen meal that we will be eating most days of the Month. Thank you for feeding and taking care of us! I have included on these calendars ONLY the days that we have dinner plans (as in visitors) already.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
We need Help...
Erik is home now and we are working on getting our life back together. Today we got a huge blow: I was hoping to start work next week but I just found out that we DO NOT have an insurance benefit to help pay for a caregiver for Erik. We can not afford to pay for someone to come into our house to care for Erik. Now is when we need your help. I need to get back to work.
What I am asking here is a big deal. Erik needs 24 hour care and I need to get back to work. What I need is this; at least a 4 hour block of time during the weekday that you can care for Erik. It makes it even more difficult because will need to be 1 on 1 care which means children can not come. I have daycare for Tanner from around 7am-5pm and I would like to work as much as possible during this time frame. My job is very flexible (thanks a million Bob) so my schedule depends on your schedule.
Almost anyone is able to care for Erik. If you can help, I will show you exactly what needs to be done, but here is a good idea of what a day would look like:
You will need to be able to 'spot' Erik Physically. He can walk around but is a little unsteady on his feet and needs a steady hand to guide him sometimes. He has never had a fall, but we need to be ready for one. Erik needs to be fed meals, given medications and reminded to do everyday things. He IS able to use the toilet on his own. He will need to be driven to appointments including therapies and/or doctor appointments. He will need someone to do 'homework' with him. It is all very simple stuff, but it is a lot of hard work for Erik, and he resists. Sometimes it is hard to get Erik out of bed, or up to eat. He will do it with enough pressure.
I want you all to know, that we really appreciate everything that you have done for us. We have been really taken care of. We are eating because of your food, we are smiling because of your cards, are minds are being taken off things because of your visits, we are able to pay our bills because of your donations. Thank you so much for everything that you have done. We can not Thank you enough for being such great friends and family. We are surrounded by wonderful people. Thanks for being so great.
Again, what we are asking here is a big deal. If you don't feel comfortable in helping in this way, it is ok. We feel like we have already tapped our 'helper' resources and this is really a lot to ask. Erik is very capable of a lot of things, but being a caregiver for Erik may be difficult emotionally and maybe a little physically (less so physically). Even one 4 hour time slot will help - so if you feel comfortable being a caregiver in this way, please let me know. The doctor told me that maybe in a month I will be able to leave Erik alone for 1/2 hour while I drop Tanner off at the babysitter. I am unsure how long Erik will need a full time caregiver, but it may be several months or longer?
Please call me or email as soon as possible if you have time to be help us in this way. If you want to ask questions before you commit, thats perfectly ok too.
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
Melissa
What I am asking here is a big deal. Erik needs 24 hour care and I need to get back to work. What I need is this; at least a 4 hour block of time during the weekday that you can care for Erik. It makes it even more difficult because will need to be 1 on 1 care which means children can not come. I have daycare for Tanner from around 7am-5pm and I would like to work as much as possible during this time frame. My job is very flexible (thanks a million Bob) so my schedule depends on your schedule.
Almost anyone is able to care for Erik. If you can help, I will show you exactly what needs to be done, but here is a good idea of what a day would look like:
You will need to be able to 'spot' Erik Physically. He can walk around but is a little unsteady on his feet and needs a steady hand to guide him sometimes. He has never had a fall, but we need to be ready for one. Erik needs to be fed meals, given medications and reminded to do everyday things. He IS able to use the toilet on his own. He will need to be driven to appointments including therapies and/or doctor appointments. He will need someone to do 'homework' with him. It is all very simple stuff, but it is a lot of hard work for Erik, and he resists. Sometimes it is hard to get Erik out of bed, or up to eat. He will do it with enough pressure.
I want you all to know, that we really appreciate everything that you have done for us. We have been really taken care of. We are eating because of your food, we are smiling because of your cards, are minds are being taken off things because of your visits, we are able to pay our bills because of your donations. Thank you so much for everything that you have done. We can not Thank you enough for being such great friends and family. We are surrounded by wonderful people. Thanks for being so great.
Again, what we are asking here is a big deal. If you don't feel comfortable in helping in this way, it is ok. We feel like we have already tapped our 'helper' resources and this is really a lot to ask. Erik is very capable of a lot of things, but being a caregiver for Erik may be difficult emotionally and maybe a little physically (less so physically). Even one 4 hour time slot will help - so if you feel comfortable being a caregiver in this way, please let me know. The doctor told me that maybe in a month I will be able to leave Erik alone for 1/2 hour while I drop Tanner off at the babysitter. I am unsure how long Erik will need a full time caregiver, but it may be several months or longer?
Please call me or email as soon as possible if you have time to be help us in this way. If you want to ask questions before you commit, thats perfectly ok too.
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
Melissa
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Erik moved rooms
Erik is in a different room now in the same unit (4k). Ask at the nurses station to find out where he is.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Letter From Erik
Hey this is Erik. I am recovering, doing lots of therapy. I want to thank everyone for all of their love and support. Its a long road but I will make it. All your help is greatly appreciated. If I could return it all at one time I would, but I can't. I guess something good is going to come out of this, my relationship with my wife is getting stronger every day. Thats the only thing good, the rest is a lot of hard work. I am here with the Rose Family, and saw their new baby boy, he's almost bigger than me. I'm loosing weight, Uh oh. It's nice to see what good friends I really have. It seems like the car accident could have been avoidable, but apparently it wasn't. I want to apologize for putting people through pain, watching me go through this. Take care and keep wishing me well.
I love you all,
Erik
(narrated word for word with no interjections by Melissa)
I love you all,
Erik
(narrated word for word with no interjections by Melissa)
Friday
Today we went to an appointment with the ophthalmologist (eye doctor). The appointment was in the Providence Professional building on the same property, adjacent to the hospital. The doctor took a bunch of measurements along with the standard vision tests. Erik's eyesight really isn't bad at all. It is 20/25 in one eye and 20/40 in the other. Mine is around 20/450 in both eyes so I would say Erik's pretty good (yes I'm blind as a bat without contacts). The big problem is his double vision. She said that this may or may not correct itself. From the looks of it, his double vision is pretty severe. It has to do to damage to nerves - nerves in the brain. We made an appointment for a month down the road. The ophthalmologist will measure his eyesight again at that time and compare the results with todays exam. If things don't start getting better then Erik might be looking at another surgery in about 6 months. Erik is only seeing double vision out of his right eye - this is the eye that the surgery would be preformed in. Until we know more, Erik will be wearing a eye patch on his eye (if he wants to). We have the rest of the pirate costume in our Halloween box from the last two years. We might need to break out the other eye patch for Tanner to wear around.
Wednesday we went to the ENT doctor (Ear Nose Throat). Erik has been concerned because his jaw feels out of alignment...one set of molars hits before the other. I can see it visually, his jaw looks a little out of symmetry (just a little). The ENT doctor examined him and said that his jaw is a little out of alignment...but very close. He said that it is so close that he does not want to break his jaw and re-align it. The solution is to wait for Erik to heal a bit more and send him to the Dentist. The Dentist will sand down his teeth on one side in order to make his bite more comfortable.
As for visiting this weekend. Erik will be available after 3:00 for visitors both Saturday and Sunday, his therapy schedule is busy in the mornings. Erik will also have time to visit at lunch time from 12:00-1:00 - meals are always a good time to see him because he is awake and not in therapy. The very best time to visit is 6:30 or later at night because he is lonely and antsy. He gets homesick in the evenings, and I am unable to be there because I am with Tanner at that time.
Next week is going to be crazy and busy. All day Monday and Tuesday Morning we are going to spend the day learning how to function at home alone. We will be in 'training' with the various therapists. Tuesday afternoon will be Erik's first car ride. He has an appointment with the Plastic Surgeon at OHSU. Erik is not looking forward to getting in a car, it will be good to get it over with safely and move on. I think that each time he gets in a car it will be easier; at least that was how it was for me. Wednesday Erik is getting discharged, and also has an appointment at noon at OHSU with the neurosurgeon. Even though he is busy, Erik would like visitors Monday & Tuesday during lunch at 12-1 and after 5:30ish at night (before 8:30 AM is ok too).
Wednesday is coming fast - I feel like we have a lot to accomplish until then. I still feel like I am diving into the unknown. I hope I am more sure of myself before Wednesday, I know I will be - I will make sure of it. I am really looking forward to a month from now. I think that in a month we will have our routine down and our new life will feel more 'normal'.
Wednesday we went to the ENT doctor (Ear Nose Throat). Erik has been concerned because his jaw feels out of alignment...one set of molars hits before the other. I can see it visually, his jaw looks a little out of symmetry (just a little). The ENT doctor examined him and said that his jaw is a little out of alignment...but very close. He said that it is so close that he does not want to break his jaw and re-align it. The solution is to wait for Erik to heal a bit more and send him to the Dentist. The Dentist will sand down his teeth on one side in order to make his bite more comfortable.
As for visiting this weekend. Erik will be available after 3:00 for visitors both Saturday and Sunday, his therapy schedule is busy in the mornings. Erik will also have time to visit at lunch time from 12:00-1:00 - meals are always a good time to see him because he is awake and not in therapy. The very best time to visit is 6:30 or later at night because he is lonely and antsy. He gets homesick in the evenings, and I am unable to be there because I am with Tanner at that time.
Next week is going to be crazy and busy. All day Monday and Tuesday Morning we are going to spend the day learning how to function at home alone. We will be in 'training' with the various therapists. Tuesday afternoon will be Erik's first car ride. He has an appointment with the Plastic Surgeon at OHSU. Erik is not looking forward to getting in a car, it will be good to get it over with safely and move on. I think that each time he gets in a car it will be easier; at least that was how it was for me. Wednesday Erik is getting discharged, and also has an appointment at noon at OHSU with the neurosurgeon. Even though he is busy, Erik would like visitors Monday & Tuesday during lunch at 12-1 and after 5:30ish at night (before 8:30 AM is ok too).
Wednesday is coming fast - I feel like we have a lot to accomplish until then. I still feel like I am diving into the unknown. I hope I am more sure of myself before Wednesday, I know I will be - I will make sure of it. I am really looking forward to a month from now. I think that in a month we will have our routine down and our new life will feel more 'normal'.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Calling out to everyone
So as you already know Erik is getting discharged Wednesday and the long journey of recovery continues at home. So for everyone that has offered their time and effort and we told them that we would be calling on them at sometime....now is that sometime.We will be setting up a calendar for two different matters. The first matter of business is getting meals, primarily dinner, for Erik, Melissa and Tanman once Erik gets home. If you would like to drop off a meal or get meals from those companies that make them up and they just need to be cooked( dont remember any of their names, sorry) please let us know. We are trying to schedule them out so the Molines arent getting a hundred meals the first few days and nothing a month down the road. The second matter is that Erik is going to need someone with him 24/7 for the first while. Obviously Melissa will be there but will need breaks to get to the store, take Tanner to daycare daily and get her time alone. We are asking that if you have time in your schedule and would like to volunteer to hang out with Erik, visit..... Please contact Dave and Jen Hunt so we can put you on either/or schedule. Our goal is to schedule this out for the month, starting next Wednesday the 30th. We understand everyones busy but if you have a spare hour or two it very possibly could coordinate perfectly into the schedule....even if its just to give Melissa some time to get a break. Thanks, Dave and Jen
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Discharge Date Set
Erik will be discharged from the Rehab program next Wednesday.... April 30th, exactly one month from when he first arrived at OHSU. I thought he was going to be in the hospital much longer than that. I am both excited and nervous for Erik to return home. Erik can't be left alone for quite a while. Someone needs to be with Erik at all times to make sure that he is safe, takes his med's, and eats. Occupational and Physical Therapists will visit our home until it is safe for Erik to regularly go to outpatient Rehab in a clinic. I will be bringing Erik to doctors appointments at OHSU for neurology and next week he has a plastic's appointment (hopefully they will take those staples out of his head?! They are very tender)
Erik is looking forward to getting out of the hospital! I think he will be much happier at home. Its the little things he misses like watching Tanner eat breakfast, cuddling with me at night, and enjoying a beer with his buddies. It will be a long time before he is able to have that beer. According to the doctor, it could be six months or a year. Because of Erik's brain injury one drink could affect Erik very differently than it did before. Erik totally understands this & does not want to affect his recovery negatively.
Erik had a party at the hospital last night. When Tanner and I arrived Ty, Michelle, Olivia, and little Ty were hanging out with Erik along with Doug and my dad. Ty's family brought Erik burger king but Doug won out by bringing Erik lobster (which Erik was asking for, for two weeks!) Doug and my dad left and were replaced by Dave and Rian. Erik put a comedy show on for all of the adults, played 'zingo' with the kids (pretty much bingo with pictures instead of numbers) and gave Tanner some rides in his wheelchair. He was pretty wiped out by 8 when we left. I think that he really had a nice evening.
Erik is looking forward to getting out of the hospital! I think he will be much happier at home. Its the little things he misses like watching Tanner eat breakfast, cuddling with me at night, and enjoying a beer with his buddies. It will be a long time before he is able to have that beer. According to the doctor, it could be six months or a year. Because of Erik's brain injury one drink could affect Erik very differently than it did before. Erik totally understands this & does not want to affect his recovery negatively.
Erik had a party at the hospital last night. When Tanner and I arrived Ty, Michelle, Olivia, and little Ty were hanging out with Erik along with Doug and my dad. Ty's family brought Erik burger king but Doug won out by bringing Erik lobster (which Erik was asking for, for two weeks!) Doug and my dad left and were replaced by Dave and Rian. Erik put a comedy show on for all of the adults, played 'zingo' with the kids (pretty much bingo with pictures instead of numbers) and gave Tanner some rides in his wheelchair. He was pretty wiped out by 8 when we left. I think that he really had a nice evening.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sunday
Erik's Mom Sherry is visiting now and was shocked to see how well Erik is doing. We visited him this afternoon and it was fun to see Tanner sitting on his lap. Tanner had a great time playing ball in the hall with Grandma Sherry, Daddy, and the entire Rehab Staff. There is a dining area that we were able to sit at and have a family lunch. Erik had a very busy day and was absolutely wiped out after lunch. I felt bad for Rian, Kristen, and baby Logan because they showed up right when Erik was starting to take his nap.
After we left the hospital I finally caved, I bought Erik that recliner that he has been asking for, for years. Tom and Julie were able to help me out, and it was nice to have another tall guy to give perfect chair buying advice. I am excited that Erik will be able to come home to the most comfy house.
Dave and Jen are going to bring Erik some Kung Pao Chicken for dinner. I'm sure that he's going to love that - and maybe it will fatten him up a bit!
After we left the hospital I finally caved, I bought Erik that recliner that he has been asking for, for years. Tom and Julie were able to help me out, and it was nice to have another tall guy to give perfect chair buying advice. I am excited that Erik will be able to come home to the most comfy house.
Dave and Jen are going to bring Erik some Kung Pao Chicken for dinner. I'm sure that he's going to love that - and maybe it will fatten him up a bit!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Busy Guy
Erik is a very busy guy at the rehab program. It seems like if he is not in a therapy session a nurse is giving him drugs, he's eating, or he's totally passed out. I realized today just how intense this program is. Erik can't do therapy sessions for an entire hour yet, so he works for about 1/2 hour - takes 1/2 hour off (sleeps very hard) then he's back to work. It seems like just as soon as he is comfortable - someone is walking through the door to make him work again. If your planning on visiting, I would say the best time is after 6. If you can only come during the day, thats ok but you might have to dodge therapy sessions, and if he is not in therapy he is snoring, preparing for the next session.
During OT today Erik got dressed in his own comfy cozy clothes. He stood up and washed his face and brushed his teeth. During PT Erik pedaled a bike (while sitting in a wheelchair) for about 10 minutes after walking about 100' to the Therapy room. His head started hurting really bad and he had to go back to his room.
The Pain Management Doctor then came in and we discussed his pain for quite a while, and I believe that the pain medicine schedule that we came up with together will work much better for Erik. He is getting a lesser dosage, more often - which equals out to about the same amount he was already getting daily. The doctors listen to what Erik and I are telling them and act on it. The pain med. doctor actually explained what the drugs target and Erik and I were able to help pinpoint which drug is helping to relieve the pain in his head.
For lunch, the guys from my work brought Erik and I some yummy food from the detour cafe(I would recommend it if you haven't been). Erik was actually wheeled out to a table in a dining area and ate lunch with us. It was the first time since his accident that Erik got to eat at a table.
During Speech Therapy Erik was asked a bunch of questions while looking at images on paper. It was interesting to see what type of testing they do to figure out the cognitive problems that Erik is encountering. The speech therapist asked him a lot about the work he does to determine what he needs to do to get back to his job. Each day his neurons will work on making new connections in his head.
Erik really acts like his old self again. He is being sarcastic all of the time. He says some very witty things that I have a hard time picking up on. I am constantly saying, "what do you mean?" and he is able to make a clear connection between his comment and what we were discussing. I have also heard stories of visits that many of you have had with him and you have noticed the same thing. He is very aware of what is going on around him (that is when he is not totally passed out). Erik is working hard at things that are obviously very uncomfortable for him. He is working hard to get home.
During OT today Erik got dressed in his own comfy cozy clothes. He stood up and washed his face and brushed his teeth. During PT Erik pedaled a bike (while sitting in a wheelchair) for about 10 minutes after walking about 100' to the Therapy room. His head started hurting really bad and he had to go back to his room.
The Pain Management Doctor then came in and we discussed his pain for quite a while, and I believe that the pain medicine schedule that we came up with together will work much better for Erik. He is getting a lesser dosage, more often - which equals out to about the same amount he was already getting daily. The doctors listen to what Erik and I are telling them and act on it. The pain med. doctor actually explained what the drugs target and Erik and I were able to help pinpoint which drug is helping to relieve the pain in his head.
For lunch, the guys from my work brought Erik and I some yummy food from the detour cafe(I would recommend it if you haven't been). Erik was actually wheeled out to a table in a dining area and ate lunch with us. It was the first time since his accident that Erik got to eat at a table.
During Speech Therapy Erik was asked a bunch of questions while looking at images on paper. It was interesting to see what type of testing they do to figure out the cognitive problems that Erik is encountering. The speech therapist asked him a lot about the work he does to determine what he needs to do to get back to his job. Each day his neurons will work on making new connections in his head.
Erik really acts like his old self again. He is being sarcastic all of the time. He says some very witty things that I have a hard time picking up on. I am constantly saying, "what do you mean?" and he is able to make a clear connection between his comment and what we were discussing. I have also heard stories of visits that many of you have had with him and you have noticed the same thing. He is very aware of what is going on around him (that is when he is not totally passed out). Erik is working hard at things that are obviously very uncomfortable for him. He is working hard to get home.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Visiting Erik @ Providence
Erik was moved to Providence Acute Rehab Center today. It is at Providence Portland hospital, on 49th and Glison. Find the blue Elevators, and go to the fourth floor. He is unit 4K room 4k14.
Visitors ARE welcome, but the visits need to be short and if a rehab is going on visitors should either watch quietly or wait in the waiting room (whatever you think Erik would feel comfortable with). Erik is in rehab for three hours a day and it takes place intermittently between 9 and 5. The rehab schedule for the day is written on the dry erase board in Erik's room. Erik does have his cell phone with him - it is hit or miss weather he will answer or not.
We need to go back to the 2 people in the room at one time - this is not strictly enforced but the Occupational Therapist thinks it would be a good idea. She said that Erik has trouble focusing on things when too much is going on at one time. This is very common with head injuries.
_______________________________________________
Erik will only be at PARC for 7-10 days, and then he will be coming home! This place he is living at is so great. They are showing him how to do every day stuff. They are helping Erik to gain his independence back.
The Occupational Therapist (OT) works on Activities of Daily living. Today she had Erik put on his own pants, she had Erik open up the lids off of his meal, and tear open the packages that his crackers and pepper came in. Tomorrow I will be bringing in Erik's clothes and personal hygiene items from home. Everyone gets dressed in their own stuff every morning. He will be so much more comfortable. For now, Erik is not supposed to get up without the help of a nurse. She will be showing him how to use a wheelchair so he can get around without the fear of having a fall.
The Physical Therapist (PT) is there to help Erik with walking and balancing. She had Erik walk 100 feet to the Therapy room today, sit down, and walk 100 feet back. I was so shocked and so impressed. Erik was a bit dizzy, but less so than he has been. the Doc. even saw him do it and made a silent Wow! in my direction.
I have yet to meet the Speech Therapist (ST). Their goal is to help Erik with his thought process. They will help him with his cognitive problems affecting his communication like memory, attention and orientation. Also behavioral issues such as being impulsive.
Dr. Hoeflick came in this afternoon and had Erik say the months backwards starting with December, which he was able to do, a little slower than normal but still accurate. She asked him about his family, his house, and his occupation. She tested his grip and his strength. She had him resist her push on his legs and arms.
It is so neat to see this team talk to Erik and test his knowledge. They know exactly what to say and how to help him to accomplish tasks. It feels good to have him in their hands. They are respectful and give him the chance to prove his strength in all areas. For the first day at Rehab, he did phenomenal. I cant wait to see what happens tomorrow! Honestly I couldn't believe what was happening in front of me. I was sitting there watching at a loss for words (we all know that doesn't happen very often).
They let me borrow a book on traumatic brain injury and I am just starting to realize the ramifications of the accident. Erik has a lot of work to do, but he has accomplished so much in 2-1/2 weeks. I cant believe that we are probably more than 1/2 way to getting him home. Erik is such a strong guy, I asked him earlier what he thought about the rehab and he actually said, "I think I could do more". Go E-Rock!
What's going on physically: Erik's eyes are still very swollen and in pain. The Therapy teams made him keep his eyes open to help him orient himself. He says that his eyes are blurry and sensitive to light. Eriks peripheral vision has a little double vision - but the plastic surgeon warned me about this & it could still go away. On top of the swelling, his luscious lashes are still stuck together which makes them even harder to open. I don't know what all this eye stuff means long term yet.
OHSU took off Eriks neck brace, which makes him a little more comfortable, but he looks like Grizzly Adams with all that hair! Erik has no tubes or bandages on his body except for the staples on his head (which are pretty sore). Now that the bandage is off his nose you can tell that Eriks face is a little swollen, it looks like his nose is a bit crooked too. I'm cool with that - it gives him character, I hope he will be ok with it too. I am just grateful that he is alive to have a crooked nose! Erik was actually able to take a shower this morning, and will be able to continue to do this every other day. He looks a lot more cleaned up and comfortable.
Erik will return to OHSU within the next couple of weeks for his 1st follow up with the doctors. He will have different appointments with his plastic surgeon, and his neurology surgeon (maybe more OHSU doc's). He was transported from OHSU on a stretcher in a medical transport van that is similar to a ambulance. If needed, he will be transported back for his appointments in a similar way.
After he is discharged from PARC and returns home, he will need someone at the house 24hrs a day to make sure that he is ok. I am unsure how long this will be necessary. He will have a OT & PT visit the home for a few visits if he is unable to get to outpatient therapy. He will go to outpatient therapy once he is able for an undetermined amount of time. That will be the time when we look back at all of this as just a memory.
Visitors ARE welcome, but the visits need to be short and if a rehab is going on visitors should either watch quietly or wait in the waiting room (whatever you think Erik would feel comfortable with). Erik is in rehab for three hours a day and it takes place intermittently between 9 and 5. The rehab schedule for the day is written on the dry erase board in Erik's room. Erik does have his cell phone with him - it is hit or miss weather he will answer or not.
We need to go back to the 2 people in the room at one time - this is not strictly enforced but the Occupational Therapist thinks it would be a good idea. She said that Erik has trouble focusing on things when too much is going on at one time. This is very common with head injuries.
_______________________________________________
Erik will only be at PARC for 7-10 days, and then he will be coming home! This place he is living at is so great. They are showing him how to do every day stuff. They are helping Erik to gain his independence back.
The Occupational Therapist (OT) works on Activities of Daily living. Today she had Erik put on his own pants, she had Erik open up the lids off of his meal, and tear open the packages that his crackers and pepper came in. Tomorrow I will be bringing in Erik's clothes and personal hygiene items from home. Everyone gets dressed in their own stuff every morning. He will be so much more comfortable. For now, Erik is not supposed to get up without the help of a nurse. She will be showing him how to use a wheelchair so he can get around without the fear of having a fall.
The Physical Therapist (PT) is there to help Erik with walking and balancing. She had Erik walk 100 feet to the Therapy room today, sit down, and walk 100 feet back. I was so shocked and so impressed. Erik was a bit dizzy, but less so than he has been. the Doc. even saw him do it and made a silent Wow! in my direction.
I have yet to meet the Speech Therapist (ST). Their goal is to help Erik with his thought process. They will help him with his cognitive problems affecting his communication like memory, attention and orientation. Also behavioral issues such as being impulsive.
Dr. Hoeflick came in this afternoon and had Erik say the months backwards starting with December, which he was able to do, a little slower than normal but still accurate. She asked him about his family, his house, and his occupation. She tested his grip and his strength. She had him resist her push on his legs and arms.
It is so neat to see this team talk to Erik and test his knowledge. They know exactly what to say and how to help him to accomplish tasks. It feels good to have him in their hands. They are respectful and give him the chance to prove his strength in all areas. For the first day at Rehab, he did phenomenal. I cant wait to see what happens tomorrow! Honestly I couldn't believe what was happening in front of me. I was sitting there watching at a loss for words (we all know that doesn't happen very often).
They let me borrow a book on traumatic brain injury and I am just starting to realize the ramifications of the accident. Erik has a lot of work to do, but he has accomplished so much in 2-1/2 weeks. I cant believe that we are probably more than 1/2 way to getting him home. Erik is such a strong guy, I asked him earlier what he thought about the rehab and he actually said, "I think I could do more". Go E-Rock!
What's going on physically: Erik's eyes are still very swollen and in pain. The Therapy teams made him keep his eyes open to help him orient himself. He says that his eyes are blurry and sensitive to light. Eriks peripheral vision has a little double vision - but the plastic surgeon warned me about this & it could still go away. On top of the swelling, his luscious lashes are still stuck together which makes them even harder to open. I don't know what all this eye stuff means long term yet.
OHSU took off Eriks neck brace, which makes him a little more comfortable, but he looks like Grizzly Adams with all that hair! Erik has no tubes or bandages on his body except for the staples on his head (which are pretty sore). Now that the bandage is off his nose you can tell that Eriks face is a little swollen, it looks like his nose is a bit crooked too. I'm cool with that - it gives him character, I hope he will be ok with it too. I am just grateful that he is alive to have a crooked nose! Erik was actually able to take a shower this morning, and will be able to continue to do this every other day. He looks a lot more cleaned up and comfortable.
Erik will return to OHSU within the next couple of weeks for his 1st follow up with the doctors. He will have different appointments with his plastic surgeon, and his neurology surgeon (maybe more OHSU doc's). He was transported from OHSU on a stretcher in a medical transport van that is similar to a ambulance. If needed, he will be transported back for his appointments in a similar way.
After he is discharged from PARC and returns home, he will need someone at the house 24hrs a day to make sure that he is ok. I am unsure how long this will be necessary. He will have a OT & PT visit the home for a few visits if he is unable to get to outpatient therapy. He will go to outpatient therapy once he is able for an undetermined amount of time. That will be the time when we look back at all of this as just a memory.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Info about Providence Acute Rehab Center (PARC)
If you want to know what the Providence Acute Rehabilitation center is all about you can go to this website: PARC
This is an interview with Dr. Hoeflick at PARC : Radio Interview She talks about a circumstance with a stroke victim, but the treatments will be very similar with Erik. My mom actually knows Dr. Hoeflick personally and has been in contact with her for several days regarding Erik's condition. How lucky we are that it is such a small world.
This is an interview with Dr. Hoeflick at PARC : Radio Interview She talks about a circumstance with a stroke victim, but the treatments will be very similar with Erik. My mom actually knows Dr. Hoeflick personally and has been in contact with her for several days regarding Erik's condition. How lucky we are that it is such a small world.
Waiting game...
Erik is doing about the same. I was not at the hospital for his OT today but I guess he got up again and walked around. Tanner, Jen and I went to the hospital tonight to visit. Erik was happier than ever to share his dinner with Tanner. Tanner had a great time using his new doctor tools on Erik and spoon feeding him icecream (a little messy for Erik). I think that he really enjoyed our visit because he got lots of TLC from his family.
Dont be scared to wake Erik up to visit with him. It is good for him to be more awake during the day and asleep at night. It takes him a few minutes to wake him up but keep at it. I usually say "hey, I'm here, wake up" a few times and then start sitting up his bed (you don't have mess with his bed if don't want to though). He's fine, he is usually bummed if he misses someone's visit. If he moves to a new place, I will put the visiting info on the website at that time.
I am still waiting on Erik's Discharge plan from OHSU. He is getting evaluated for entrance into the Providence Rehab Center(we're trying to skip the nursing home all together). We should know more tomorrow...who knows, he could be moved tomorrow? They have been saying this for 3 days - I hear that dragging out discharge is not an uncommon thing - so its a waiting game.
Dont be scared to wake Erik up to visit with him. It is good for him to be more awake during the day and asleep at night. It takes him a few minutes to wake him up but keep at it. I usually say "hey, I'm here, wake up" a few times and then start sitting up his bed (you don't have mess with his bed if don't want to though). He's fine, he is usually bummed if he misses someone's visit. If he moves to a new place, I will put the visiting info on the website at that time.
I am still waiting on Erik's Discharge plan from OHSU. He is getting evaluated for entrance into the Providence Rehab Center(we're trying to skip the nursing home all together). We should know more tomorrow...who knows, he could be moved tomorrow? They have been saying this for 3 days - I hear that dragging out discharge is not an uncommon thing - so its a waiting game.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
great day
Erik did great today....he walked quite a bit farther and they took off his neck brace. He has a huge knot in his neck, but its to be expected from having that brace on for 2-1/2 weeks. Erik was able to open his eyes a little, and see out of them - but they are still pretty swollen.
Because Erik is cooperating so much more, the Occupational Therapist actually gave him the recommendation to get released to the Providence Acute Rehab Center (the goal place, instead of the nursing home). This is great news! Now we just have to wait for the Providence Rehab place to accept him(after they review his file), and have a place to put him. So this means, he might be at OHSU for a few more days. Yes, he might still go to the nursing home - but we'll see??!! Erik is pretty homesick, especially after seeing Tanner. I think this has given him new motivation to work hard to get better. This has not gone unnoticed by OT.
Till next time,
Melissa
Because Erik is cooperating so much more, the Occupational Therapist actually gave him the recommendation to get released to the Providence Acute Rehab Center (the goal place, instead of the nursing home). This is great news! Now we just have to wait for the Providence Rehab place to accept him(after they review his file), and have a place to put him. So this means, he might be at OHSU for a few more days. Yes, he might still go to the nursing home - but we'll see??!! Erik is pretty homesick, especially after seeing Tanner. I think this has given him new motivation to work hard to get better. This has not gone unnoticed by OT.
Till next time,
Melissa
Monday, April 14, 2008
About Tuesday
I'm pretty sure that Erik is going to be discharged from OHSU tomorrow. I am not sure of the time. If you are planning on visiting him, you should make sure that he is still there first. The phone number for the unit he is in is 503.418.1300.
I think he may be transferred to one of two skilled nursing facilities that I ok'd. one is called the Village, its on SE 181st near Centennial highschool (between Powell and Division). This place is newly remodeled and they seem very capable of helping Erik. They are very full, so he may not get in. The only reason I chose this place over the next is because it is closer to home.
The second place is called Cascade Terrace, it is on SE 122nd between Powell and Foster (near Harold). This place is not remodeled and a little rough around the edges but inside it is clean, and everyone seems very nice. They also have a very good team to help Erik - this place was recommended by a couple of people. Both seem good and have their individual strengths.
So, we'll see tomorrow where he goes.
About today, It was a great day. Tanner and I came to visit Erik from about 5:30-7:30. Tanner was much more comfortable this time. He actually sat on Eriks bed and played cars on his chest. Erik was happy to have us there and we were both happy to see him happy. Tanner and I ate dinner at the cafeteria together and checked out the cool sculpture garden with the Millers. Erik's eyes are still swollen shut, which is a big bummer for him (and for everyone else). He was able to get up and walk to the sink today with OT. He also ate great - a rodeo burger & fries from BK AND he also really enjoyed a crunch icecream bar from the cafeteria. It's good to see him eating and enjoying food again. I wouldn't say that Erik is necessarily in a good mood - but he seems much more willing to do the things he needs to to get back home. He is homesick and thinks that he needs to get back to work right away. Whatever gets him moving is ok with me!
I'll let you know if he has moved to a new place tomorrow night.
I think he may be transferred to one of two skilled nursing facilities that I ok'd. one is called the Village, its on SE 181st near Centennial highschool (between Powell and Division). This place is newly remodeled and they seem very capable of helping Erik. They are very full, so he may not get in. The only reason I chose this place over the next is because it is closer to home.
The second place is called Cascade Terrace, it is on SE 122nd between Powell and Foster (near Harold). This place is not remodeled and a little rough around the edges but inside it is clean, and everyone seems very nice. They also have a very good team to help Erik - this place was recommended by a couple of people. Both seem good and have their individual strengths.
So, we'll see tomorrow where he goes.
About today, It was a great day. Tanner and I came to visit Erik from about 5:30-7:30. Tanner was much more comfortable this time. He actually sat on Eriks bed and played cars on his chest. Erik was happy to have us there and we were both happy to see him happy. Tanner and I ate dinner at the cafeteria together and checked out the cool sculpture garden with the Millers. Erik's eyes are still swollen shut, which is a big bummer for him (and for everyone else). He was able to get up and walk to the sink today with OT. He also ate great - a rodeo burger & fries from BK AND he also really enjoyed a crunch icecream bar from the cafeteria. It's good to see him eating and enjoying food again. I wouldn't say that Erik is necessarily in a good mood - but he seems much more willing to do the things he needs to to get back home. He is homesick and thinks that he needs to get back to work right away. Whatever gets him moving is ok with me!
I'll let you know if he has moved to a new place tomorrow night.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Phone Call
Erik just called me on the phone to say goodnight. What a great feeling. I was just wishing that I could call and talk to him but didn't know it was possible. It was like he was reading my mind. Today Tanner saw Erik for the first time. He was a little scared but he didn't freak out. I think that it went ok, although I felt bad for Erik. Tomorrow afternoon we will go back together & Tanner will bring Erik some icecream. I think with each passing day it will be easier for Tanner, just like it was for the rest of us when we first saw Erik.
Erik was doing so great today. He is really acting like his old self again. I think he is actually more sarcastic and more funny than before. Maybe I just appreciate him more now than ever and so I hang on to his every word. Maybe its just good to see Erik almost back to his old self again...Whatever it is, I'm glad he's here. He was able to get up, take a couple steps (shuffles) and sit in a chair today (with help). He ate his lunch sitting in the chair for about 1/2 hour or so. It was very painful & with a lot of resistance, but he did it! He seems much more comfortable standing up than sitting to me. Maybe tomorrow he will take some more steps (keep your fingers crossed).
Erik's eyes are still pretty swollen, but its going down slowly. It is best for him to be in the sitting position to help the swelling go down more quickly, but he is most comfortable laying down. The nurse was actually able to pry his lids apart today and he saw my blurry face from his left eye. His eyes were glued shut so it took a lot of TLC to get them open. At least we know they can open now & that he can still see.
I wanted to let you know that Erik could be moved out of OHSU this week because he is stable. (COULD BE, don't hold me to this) There are two types of care after the hospital. The GOAL is to get him into Providence Acute Rehabilitation Center, which specializes in brain trauma. This is an Inpatient facility (he'll live there) and it people see very quick recovery after admission. In order for him to be accepted into this facility, he must be able to cooperate in 3 hours of Physical/occupational/speech therapy per day (total). It seems doubtful to me that he would be ready for this yet.
If they decide he is not ready for 3 hrs of therapy per day he will probably need to go to a Skilled Nursing Facility until he can meet the criteria. A Skilled Nursing Facility is pretty much a nursing home. What I am looking for is a Skilled REHAB nursing Facility. These types of places have PT/OT/Speech therapy that will help him achieve the 3 hour goal. Unfortunately these places are not occupied with people in their 30 somethings and they are not the hospital. I am checking out places tomorrow...after seeing one highly recommended place, I don't anticipate being excited about any of them. We all need to remember that there is not a lot of choices out there and that hopefully Erik will be at the Providence Acute Rehab center very soon. He will come home after the Providence Rehab Center & possibly need more outpatient PT/OT/Speech Therapy.
Finally, I wanted to say that while Erik is at OHSU & you are still visiting him there you need to check out the Sculpture Garden off of floor 9. You follow the signs to the tram and stay left after you find the tram. You will see doors leading to a 2 level outdoor patio on your right. The view is AMAZING. The garden is so well done and you can see the tram and all its cables from this point also. I hope you are able to find it on a clear day. I wish Erik would open up his eyes and get into a wheelchair so I can show it to him! I will be sure to share it with him some day in the future.
Erik was doing so great today. He is really acting like his old self again. I think he is actually more sarcastic and more funny than before. Maybe I just appreciate him more now than ever and so I hang on to his every word. Maybe its just good to see Erik almost back to his old self again...Whatever it is, I'm glad he's here. He was able to get up, take a couple steps (shuffles) and sit in a chair today (with help). He ate his lunch sitting in the chair for about 1/2 hour or so. It was very painful & with a lot of resistance, but he did it! He seems much more comfortable standing up than sitting to me. Maybe tomorrow he will take some more steps (keep your fingers crossed).
Erik's eyes are still pretty swollen, but its going down slowly. It is best for him to be in the sitting position to help the swelling go down more quickly, but he is most comfortable laying down. The nurse was actually able to pry his lids apart today and he saw my blurry face from his left eye. His eyes were glued shut so it took a lot of TLC to get them open. At least we know they can open now & that he can still see.
I wanted to let you know that Erik could be moved out of OHSU this week because he is stable. (COULD BE, don't hold me to this) There are two types of care after the hospital. The GOAL is to get him into Providence Acute Rehabilitation Center, which specializes in brain trauma. This is an Inpatient facility (he'll live there) and it people see very quick recovery after admission. In order for him to be accepted into this facility, he must be able to cooperate in 3 hours of Physical/occupational/speech therapy per day (total). It seems doubtful to me that he would be ready for this yet.
If they decide he is not ready for 3 hrs of therapy per day he will probably need to go to a Skilled Nursing Facility until he can meet the criteria. A Skilled Nursing Facility is pretty much a nursing home. What I am looking for is a Skilled REHAB nursing Facility. These types of places have PT/OT/Speech therapy that will help him achieve the 3 hour goal. Unfortunately these places are not occupied with people in their 30 somethings and they are not the hospital. I am checking out places tomorrow...after seeing one highly recommended place, I don't anticipate being excited about any of them. We all need to remember that there is not a lot of choices out there and that hopefully Erik will be at the Providence Acute Rehab center very soon. He will come home after the Providence Rehab Center & possibly need more outpatient PT/OT/Speech Therapy.
Finally, I wanted to say that while Erik is at OHSU & you are still visiting him there you need to check out the Sculpture Garden off of floor 9. You follow the signs to the tram and stay left after you find the tram. You will see doors leading to a 2 level outdoor patio on your right. The view is AMAZING. The garden is so well done and you can see the tram and all its cables from this point also. I hope you are able to find it on a clear day. I wish Erik would open up his eyes and get into a wheelchair so I can show it to him! I will be sure to share it with him some day in the future.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Satruday
I can't believe that in 3-1/2 hours it will have been 2 weeks since Erik's car accident. I would have to say that it has been the longest 2 weeks of my life.
I was at the hospital this evening with Erik. It seems like the confusion from his plastic surgery is now gone and he is back to where he was 3 days ago mentally, if not even better. I think it takes a while for the drugs to wear off from surgery, considering the brain injury that Erik experienced. He actually got to talk on the phone for the first time with Tanner tonight. He seemed pretty glad about that. He also spoke with my mom for quite a while, it was nice to see him on the phone again.
Erik's eyes are still swollen shut and his lips are pretty swollen...that being said, he is a little less swollen than yesterday. I hope that tomorrow he will be able to open his eyes again. I am curious to see what they look like & how they work under all of that swelling. The only bandage he has on his face on his nose. He was never more bandaged up after surgery...the plastic surgeon went in through his lower and upper eyelids, his mouth on the outside of his teeth, and they re-opened the cut on the top of his head. He will not have scars all over his face other than the ones that may form from the wounds on his forehead.
Erik is still complaining tremendously about the pain in his lower back. I feel so bad for him, it is completely debilitating. I think he is also petty bored at the hospital.
The greatest bit of progress was that Erik sat in a chair for the first time tonight. He was not very happy about that but I did notice that the process of standing up was much easier than 3 or 4 days ago. He was supporting most of his weight on his legs, last time I was practically holding him up. He even did a cute little geriatric type dance move for me. Good for erik!
I was at the hospital this evening with Erik. It seems like the confusion from his plastic surgery is now gone and he is back to where he was 3 days ago mentally, if not even better. I think it takes a while for the drugs to wear off from surgery, considering the brain injury that Erik experienced. He actually got to talk on the phone for the first time with Tanner tonight. He seemed pretty glad about that. He also spoke with my mom for quite a while, it was nice to see him on the phone again.
Erik's eyes are still swollen shut and his lips are pretty swollen...that being said, he is a little less swollen than yesterday. I hope that tomorrow he will be able to open his eyes again. I am curious to see what they look like & how they work under all of that swelling. The only bandage he has on his face on his nose. He was never more bandaged up after surgery...the plastic surgeon went in through his lower and upper eyelids, his mouth on the outside of his teeth, and they re-opened the cut on the top of his head. He will not have scars all over his face other than the ones that may form from the wounds on his forehead.
Erik is still complaining tremendously about the pain in his lower back. I feel so bad for him, it is completely debilitating. I think he is also petty bored at the hospital.
The greatest bit of progress was that Erik sat in a chair for the first time tonight. He was not very happy about that but I did notice that the process of standing up was much easier than 3 or 4 days ago. He was supporting most of his weight on his legs, last time I was practically holding him up. He even did a cute little geriatric type dance move for me. Good for erik!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Tanner & Daddy
Many of you have been asking about Tanner & how we are dealing with Erik's accident relating to him. I have received a bunch of great ideas from not only friends & family but also the Child Life Specialist at OHSU who works at dornbecker. As of now, Erik and Tanner have not seen each other. I do not want to scare Tanner and I do not want to have Tanner scared in front of Erik.
We are taking this step by step and I when I think Tanner is ready, I will bring him to see his dad. At home we have a bunch of new doctor and hospital books & a doctor kit (thanks a million to my mom and Jacque). We also have a 'big big big owie' doll that now has the same injuries as Erik. I have drawn on the top of the dolls bald head a 'railroad track' just like Eriks. I am working on fashioning a neck brace too. I will use eye shadow for bruises. We will be able to take off the neck brace and wipe away the bruises as time heals Erik. Just before Tanner sees Erik I will take a photo of him and show it to Tanner. This way when he visits Erik, the shock factor will be lessoned.
We will take the hospital visit very slow. I will bring him to the really neat 'sculpture' garden that is near the tram. I will show him the tram and walk through the hospital, maybe get some icecream (maybe get a milkshake to bring to daddy). We will peek in to Eriks room from a distance before we go in. If Tanner freaks out or feels uncomfortable at any time - even before we go in to the room - we will back off and very possibly leave. I will try the first introduction to the hospital sometime this weekend. If Erik is moved into a Inpatient Rehab Center before we get Tanner to OHSU I will figure out a similar plan for their first visit.
I know that Erik misses Tanner & cant wait to see him. He has been asking for him and we talk a lot about Tanner. Tanner also misses his daddy. I am working it, and I will bring him in when I think he is ready. It will be good for both of them - as long as Tanner is not scared. I have heard, from people with previous experience - that Tanner might not be as scared as I fear.
We are taking this step by step and I when I think Tanner is ready, I will bring him to see his dad. At home we have a bunch of new doctor and hospital books & a doctor kit (thanks a million to my mom and Jacque). We also have a 'big big big owie' doll that now has the same injuries as Erik. I have drawn on the top of the dolls bald head a 'railroad track' just like Eriks. I am working on fashioning a neck brace too. I will use eye shadow for bruises. We will be able to take off the neck brace and wipe away the bruises as time heals Erik. Just before Tanner sees Erik I will take a photo of him and show it to Tanner. This way when he visits Erik, the shock factor will be lessoned.
We will take the hospital visit very slow. I will bring him to the really neat 'sculpture' garden that is near the tram. I will show him the tram and walk through the hospital, maybe get some icecream (maybe get a milkshake to bring to daddy). We will peek in to Eriks room from a distance before we go in. If Tanner freaks out or feels uncomfortable at any time - even before we go in to the room - we will back off and very possibly leave. I will try the first introduction to the hospital sometime this weekend. If Erik is moved into a Inpatient Rehab Center before we get Tanner to OHSU I will figure out a similar plan for their first visit.
I know that Erik misses Tanner & cant wait to see him. He has been asking for him and we talk a lot about Tanner. Tanner also misses his daddy. I am working it, and I will bring him in when I think he is ready. It will be good for both of them - as long as Tanner is not scared. I have heard, from people with previous experience - that Tanner might not be as scared as I fear.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Hi, it's Melissa, Erik had his surgery today - below are the details of his surgery but
the next thing you will see is a 3D video of Erik's cracked skull (pre-surgery)
Just warning you.
(don't scroll down if you don't want to see it)
Although, I think its pretty interesting.
If it looks like a crack in his head,
then it is a crack in his head.
the next thing you will see is a 3D video of Erik's cracked skull (pre-surgery)
Just warning you.
(don't scroll down if you don't want to see it)
Although, I think its pretty interesting.
If it looks like a crack in his head,
then it is a crack in his head.
Plastic Surgery
Erik had his plastic surgery today. Everything went very well. The surgeon came out right after a 4 1/2hr surgery and was so nice and calm and great about the whole thing. So, Erik has a titanium face. The weird thing was that the surgeon told me that Erik actually had some pre-existing broken bones on his right side rear lower cheek area. They are already healed and he said that if they didn't bother him before then they won't bother him now. So, that was one less thing for him to fix! Erik may have got those bones in a previous accident, like skiing or something.
I did get to see Erik when he woke up from surgery. He is puffy, a little like a chipmunk. He will be more bruised tomorrow and the next day. He was a quick healer last time so I think this will go pretty fast too. I am so relieved that we are done with surgeries now and can move on to recovery.
Erik has moved to a different floor, Unit 13A (on floor 13). He is in room 8 (13a8 on the door). If you take the main elevators from the lobby (on 9) you will see double doors to your right to enter 13A. There is no waiting room, there is no black phone to call in....you just go in and find room 8 on your right. It is close to the beginning. Erik is sharing the room with another gentleman, who I have not met yet but there is a curtain separating them.
nighty night.
I did get to see Erik when he woke up from surgery. He is puffy, a little like a chipmunk. He will be more bruised tomorrow and the next day. He was a quick healer last time so I think this will go pretty fast too. I am so relieved that we are done with surgeries now and can move on to recovery.
Erik has moved to a different floor, Unit 13A (on floor 13). He is in room 8 (13a8 on the door). If you take the main elevators from the lobby (on 9) you will see double doors to your right to enter 13A. There is no waiting room, there is no black phone to call in....you just go in and find room 8 on your right. It is close to the beginning. Erik is sharing the room with another gentleman, who I have not met yet but there is a curtain separating them.
nighty night.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Help us smile
I thought it would be nice to gather a few 'funny' or 'fun' Erik stories that I can remind him of in the hospital. I think it would help him remember even more things & become more positive. Maybe some are stories I can shorten for Tanner at bedtime too. I'll start with a little, somewhat insignificant story & maybe you can help me build.
Melissa
_________________
Erik and I were grocery shopping at Gresham Safeway and in the shampoo isle. I would say this was probably about 5 years ago (a little before we got married - before we moved into our house). We were picking out some new conditioner & I think it was a choice between many of the "Rain" types, they cost about $1.30 & have one of those white caps that you compress one side down and about 1/8" pops up on the other side to let the liquid come out. Erik had suggested that we smell the conditioner to decide which one to pick; so he picked up a bottle, pushed down the cap, put it up to his nose and took a squeeze. A little creamy white dollop of conditioner landed right under his nose directly in the center of his mustache. I thought it was the FUNNIEST thing! I laughed so hard for about 10 minutes walking around the store. The look on his face! He was shocked. His eyes were wide open. Even in the checkout line he complained that he can't get the 'springyard freshness' smell off his nose...and that sent me off in a new set of hysterics.
_____________________
I guess the story does not sound as funny written down as I remember it but it is a good Erik memory for me. It puts a little tug on one side of my smile so thats good too. I know you guys have some fun times golfing /float tubeing /camping /highschool /Work /football /holiday memories that you could share.
Thanks a million...
Melissa
_________________
Erik and I were grocery shopping at Gresham Safeway and in the shampoo isle. I would say this was probably about 5 years ago (a little before we got married - before we moved into our house). We were picking out some new conditioner & I think it was a choice between many of the "Rain" types, they cost about $1.30 & have one of those white caps that you compress one side down and about 1/8" pops up on the other side to let the liquid come out. Erik had suggested that we smell the conditioner to decide which one to pick; so he picked up a bottle, pushed down the cap, put it up to his nose and took a squeeze. A little creamy white dollop of conditioner landed right under his nose directly in the center of his mustache. I thought it was the FUNNIEST thing! I laughed so hard for about 10 minutes walking around the store. The look on his face! He was shocked. His eyes were wide open. Even in the checkout line he complained that he can't get the 'springyard freshness' smell off his nose...and that sent me off in a new set of hysterics.
_____________________
I guess the story does not sound as funny written down as I remember it but it is a good Erik memory for me. It puts a little tug on one side of my smile so thats good too. I know you guys have some fun times golfing /float tubeing /camping /highschool /Work /football /holiday memories that you could share.
Thanks a million...
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Tuesday
Not much new news...Except for Erik is better and better each day. I have noticed that the more tired he is, the more likely he is to say strange things. I am wondering if he is half dreaming or something. When he is awake, he makes a lot of since and is pretty much himself. He IS being pretty stubborn and not eating that great...but tonight the nurse called me and told me he ate a very good dinner. We all know that Erik does not have the extra fat stash to live off of so I will sleep a little better tonight.
I think that you should probably not plan a trip to the hospital on Thursday. I need to talk to the doctors tomorrow to make sure, but I believe that he will be having his plastic surgery that day. If it does not happen, then don't be worried - a setback is not necessarily a bad thing.
more to come tomorrow night....
I think that you should probably not plan a trip to the hospital on Thursday. I need to talk to the doctors tomorrow to make sure, but I believe that he will be having his plastic surgery that day. If it does not happen, then don't be worried - a setback is not necessarily a bad thing.
more to come tomorrow night....
Monday, April 7, 2008
Julie's Milk Shake
Hi this is a update from both Daro and Melissa. Erik had another great day today. Erik is acting more and more like himself every day. Today occupational therapy came to help Erik with moving more. He was able to stand at the bedside (although the OT asked Melissa if Erik is normally so stubborn). Erik did as asked, but with some resistance. The goal for today was to get Erik to eat more. Melissa was able to get Erik to eat 3/4 of a kitkat bar, a whole package of string cheese, and a bite of pizza and a whole milk. Later that day Julie and Melissa were visiting with Erik. Erik wanted a chocolate milk shake. Julie being such a good friend bolted out of the room, ran to the cafeteria only to be disappointed that their were none to be found. But Julie is resourceful, She bought chocolate ice cream, ensure, and milk. She whipped up a delicious shake that Erik downed in 2 seconds flat. So that is enough about food for one day. Another important reminder. Erik gets irritated if you talk to him like a baby (good job, way to go...) nothing corny like that. Just talk to him like normal, other wise you may get heckled. Good night for now, talk to you all later.
Dear Melissa
Levi, I hope you don't mind that I am highlighting your email. I am so relieved that you got my message. I was feeling so terrible for you. One night I spoke with tow truck driver he told me that you wanted to call. I gave him this blog address (and my phone number) & I thought I scared the crap out of you because I didn't get a call from you that night. I thought that you read the blog and that it wasn't looking good (yet).... so I was almost manic about sending you a message over the blog. Then when I sent you the letter on the blog I still didn't hear from you. I was almost positive that the tow truck guy didn't know that Erik's name is spelled with a "K" which means that you weren't able to GET the letter. I was so relieved with officer Bickle called me. I know he was scared as well as you. I was so glad to be a little less crazy and at least clear enough on the telephone to give him specific directions to get my message to you. I have been waiting for your letter. Thank you for FINALLY responding. :) <---sad yet happy smile.
I want to let you know that I'm really not that great of a person. I'm not bad either its just that I'm not some sort of mother Teresa. Its just plain and simple not your fault. I never blamed you so I never HAD to forgive you.
If your still depressed. Get medication. It helped for me. I'm haven't taken it in over 24 hours. I'm not taking it today. I'm just deciding day by day. I was scared to get medication....but I figured, "oh well...I HAVE to have it" I am not a depressed person by nature. I am wired all of the time though. So I do need to take stuff to sleep. Maybe you should do that too. I think yesterday was the first day of MY recovery (yesterday I drove for the first time). Now that I know that Erik will be fine then I can work on me too. We'll be ok. Take care of yourself. I am so sorry that you were there on that terrible night. Take care of yourself.
Melissa (Teresa) Just kidding
see letter from Levi below:
______________________________
Dear Melissa,
First of all I just want to let you know that I, along with all my family and friends, are praying for you- all of you. I cannot express how thankful I am that Erik is recovering well and is expected to make a full recovery!!!!! I honestly cannot tell you how much your letter meant to me. Before you wrote me that, I was having extremely severe guilt issues, despite everyone telling me this was just an accident and that I had done everything I could do to prevent it. You’re letter helped me deal with that problem. When I found out that you, the person who loves Erik most, didn’t hate me for this was one of the most moving and pain-relieving moments of my life. It’s one thing for my family and friends to tell me that this was just an accident, but for you to say that means more than words can tell. My family and I get on Erik’s site and read his blog every day. Not a minute goes by that I don’t think about the accident, and it honestly makes me sick to my stomach to know that this traumatic event happened to such good people. And you are absolutely right about me caring about you and Erik. I know that this is probably the hardest thing that has ever happened to either of us, but I know that it has definitely made me realize how very precious life is. From everything that I’ve read on here, along with the fact that you’ve forgiven me for this accident, gives me an idea of how good of a person you are. All I have to say is that you must be an extremely strong, caring, and forgiving person. In a way, that makes me feel worse about this whole thing.
Everyone keeps telling me to look on the bright side of this situation, and although it is hard, it amazes me at how well you are doing that. I truly admire that. I ask God every day to allow Erik to make a speedy and complete recovery. I also hope that you guys grow even closer as a result of this. I’m trying to send good thoughts to you and your family. It makes me so happy to see you doing better, and I pray it continues. I know that you have many friends and family to help you through this hard time, but PLEASE let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do in order to help you!!!! I sincerely mean that.
Very best wishes,
Levi
I want to let you know that I'm really not that great of a person. I'm not bad either its just that I'm not some sort of mother Teresa. Its just plain and simple not your fault. I never blamed you so I never HAD to forgive you.
If your still depressed. Get medication. It helped for me. I'm haven't taken it in over 24 hours. I'm not taking it today. I'm just deciding day by day. I was scared to get medication....but I figured, "oh well...I HAVE to have it" I am not a depressed person by nature. I am wired all of the time though. So I do need to take stuff to sleep. Maybe you should do that too. I think yesterday was the first day of MY recovery (yesterday I drove for the first time). Now that I know that Erik will be fine then I can work on me too. We'll be ok. Take care of yourself. I am so sorry that you were there on that terrible night. Take care of yourself.
Melissa (Teresa) Just kidding
see letter from Levi below:
______________________________
Dear Melissa,
First of all I just want to let you know that I, along with all my family and friends, are praying for you- all of you. I cannot express how thankful I am that Erik is recovering well and is expected to make a full recovery!!!!! I honestly cannot tell you how much your letter meant to me. Before you wrote me that, I was having extremely severe guilt issues, despite everyone telling me this was just an accident and that I had done everything I could do to prevent it. You’re letter helped me deal with that problem. When I found out that you, the person who loves Erik most, didn’t hate me for this was one of the most moving and pain-relieving moments of my life. It’s one thing for my family and friends to tell me that this was just an accident, but for you to say that means more than words can tell. My family and I get on Erik’s site and read his blog every day. Not a minute goes by that I don’t think about the accident, and it honestly makes me sick to my stomach to know that this traumatic event happened to such good people. And you are absolutely right about me caring about you and Erik. I know that this is probably the hardest thing that has ever happened to either of us, but I know that it has definitely made me realize how very precious life is. From everything that I’ve read on here, along with the fact that you’ve forgiven me for this accident, gives me an idea of how good of a person you are. All I have to say is that you must be an extremely strong, caring, and forgiving person. In a way, that makes me feel worse about this whole thing.
Everyone keeps telling me to look on the bright side of this situation, and although it is hard, it amazes me at how well you are doing that. I truly admire that. I ask God every day to allow Erik to make a speedy and complete recovery. I also hope that you guys grow even closer as a result of this. I’m trying to send good thoughts to you and your family. It makes me so happy to see you doing better, and I pray it continues. I know that you have many friends and family to help you through this hard time, but PLEASE let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do in order to help you!!!! I sincerely mean that.
Very best wishes,
Levi
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Sunday
Erik seems to be doing better than expected by everyone, including the Doctors and Nurses. He seems to know most things/people he should, except for accident related stuff. He seems to treat people the same way he treats them normally - just a little (lot) less filtered. He is not on sedation, but very sleepy because he is healing. The doctors have given him the ok to eat non-pureed food through his mouth. His mom saw him eat a graham cracker and he liked it a lot. The physical therapy team had him sit up on the side of the bed today - he was dizzy but strong. He can see! It looks like he isn't even opening his eyes - but somehow he sees through a little slit, he said "Hi Mom" before she even spoke. He says he is not seeing double vision - that was a big concern...so that is really good news. He sings along to music.
He is still very confused and he is in and out. If he is awake when you see him, just let him know that the only reason I am not there is because I am taking care of Tanner. Maybe he'll get sick of hearing that but I feel bad for not being there 24 hours a day. Thanks for all of your love and support. I tried to tell Erik about the vast amount of people that have contacted me about him, and the love they have for him, he said "Thats a lot of love"
Melissa
He is still very confused and he is in and out. If he is awake when you see him, just let him know that the only reason I am not there is because I am taking care of Tanner. Maybe he'll get sick of hearing that but I feel bad for not being there 24 hours a day. Thanks for all of your love and support. I tried to tell Erik about the vast amount of people that have contacted me about him, and the love they have for him, he said "Thats a lot of love"
Melissa
Saturday, April 5, 2008
quick clarification
All,
I have removed the post about the visitation rules with Melissa's permission. There was some confusion about what Melissa intended and it caused a little misunderstanding and I would like to attempt to clear it up some.
Everyone is free to visit Erik at any time during visitations are allowed. If your schedule only allows you to visit him at 2am, tell him "hi" for me. We know that everyone wants to see him and say "hi" to him and make sure he is ok. We have had a little communication breakdown between a couple nurses, doctors, and myself. We ended up having some bad timelines. Melissa wanted to limit the visitation as Erik was going to be going thru some more surgeries and basically, it was unknown how he would react when he was able to talk.
The only request, and I know this goes without saying, is please spend time with Erik, but if the medical staff or family members ask that you not visit Erik, please understand it has nothing to do with you. The medical team feels at that particular time, it is best for Erik rest. I know I have driven out to the hospital, only to not be able to see Erik when I arrive. It's frustrating, but it is only temporary. Please be patient.
For those of you who know Melissa well, you know she is a social butterfly who likes to be in control of things. She is definately "the more the merrier." Me too! She has been very brave and trusting during these hard times. She fully recognizes each and every thing that has been done to help and by whom. Sometimes, her wish to maintain structure and control leads her to try to control things that may not need to be controlled and will be better off to just let them take their course. As you can imagine, her world has been turned upside down and none of us actually know what she is going through. If she starts to stress out about something, it's okay to tell her "don't sweat the small stuff." She will know what that means and knows that will be her signal to take a deep breath, relax, let someone else deal with it, and move on.
We are trying the best we can to update everyone with the most current and accurate information as we receive it, yet maintain some sort of structure.
Please accept my apoligies for the incorrect info that I have been relaying in the morning, but I am just passing on what I am told. I am not going to be calling the hospital any more in the mornings so the posts may not be as often.
Erik is doing extremely well, talking, cracking jokes, and even feeling up his wife if he can get away with it :) Yup, same old Erik!!!! He is definately very frustrated and does not want to be there as expected and is normal. He at first thought he was there for his syatic nerve. Melissa told him that her and his mom were ok and were being taken care of. He responded by asked what happened, is everything ok with mom and if there was anything he could do to help. He is extremely upset about the amount of pain he is in. He was complaining and acting out of character. Melissa responded by telling him he was in an accident (nothing more!) and she thought he was going to die. She told him she thought she was going to be without a husband and Tanner without a father. She told him, although he is uncomfortable, we are happy he is in pain because that means he is progressing. He then responded with a typcial Erik response: "Booya." It seems as if it is the Erik of old with a cool scar to show off at the next party. Thanks again! -Rian
I have removed the post about the visitation rules with Melissa's permission. There was some confusion about what Melissa intended and it caused a little misunderstanding and I would like to attempt to clear it up some.
Everyone is free to visit Erik at any time during visitations are allowed. If your schedule only allows you to visit him at 2am, tell him "hi" for me. We know that everyone wants to see him and say "hi" to him and make sure he is ok. We have had a little communication breakdown between a couple nurses, doctors, and myself. We ended up having some bad timelines. Melissa wanted to limit the visitation as Erik was going to be going thru some more surgeries and basically, it was unknown how he would react when he was able to talk.
The only request, and I know this goes without saying, is please spend time with Erik, but if the medical staff or family members ask that you not visit Erik, please understand it has nothing to do with you. The medical team feels at that particular time, it is best for Erik rest. I know I have driven out to the hospital, only to not be able to see Erik when I arrive. It's frustrating, but it is only temporary. Please be patient.
For those of you who know Melissa well, you know she is a social butterfly who likes to be in control of things. She is definately "the more the merrier." Me too! She has been very brave and trusting during these hard times. She fully recognizes each and every thing that has been done to help and by whom. Sometimes, her wish to maintain structure and control leads her to try to control things that may not need to be controlled and will be better off to just let them take their course. As you can imagine, her world has been turned upside down and none of us actually know what she is going through. If she starts to stress out about something, it's okay to tell her "don't sweat the small stuff." She will know what that means and knows that will be her signal to take a deep breath, relax, let someone else deal with it, and move on.
We are trying the best we can to update everyone with the most current and accurate information as we receive it, yet maintain some sort of structure.
Please accept my apoligies for the incorrect info that I have been relaying in the morning, but I am just passing on what I am told. I am not going to be calling the hospital any more in the mornings so the posts may not be as often.
Erik is doing extremely well, talking, cracking jokes, and even feeling up his wife if he can get away with it :) Yup, same old Erik!!!! He is definately very frustrated and does not want to be there as expected and is normal. He at first thought he was there for his syatic nerve. Melissa told him that her and his mom were ok and were being taken care of. He responded by asked what happened, is everything ok with mom and if there was anything he could do to help. He is extremely upset about the amount of pain he is in. He was complaining and acting out of character. Melissa responded by telling him he was in an accident (nothing more!) and she thought he was going to die. She told him she thought she was going to be without a husband and Tanner without a father. She told him, although he is uncomfortable, we are happy he is in pain because that means he is progressing. He then responded with a typcial Erik response: "Booya." It seems as if it is the Erik of old with a cool scar to show off at the next party. Thanks again! -Rian
Bad Visiting Idea
This is Melissa. That tier idea was a bad idea. I was just scared for today. Rian or Dave will be changing the 'visiting' terms. The gist is visit when you want. Just respect what the family and nurses say. No problem. Sorry for the confusion.
This is short because I am tired. Good Day. Someone will fill you in later about Erik.
This is short because I am tired. Good Day. Someone will fill you in later about Erik.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Rise and Shine
Hi Again,
It's Jen, I'm updating the blog on Melissa's behalf becuause she is currently snoring. Well not really, but she did fall asleep at about 8pm tonight. These are the things we discussed on the way home that she wanted to have everyone know.
Erik's tube that connected him to the ventilator was removed this morning as well as the medication he was getting for sedation. He is now able to respond verbally to people around him. He knows Melissa and has spoken of Tanner. He is acting like Erik. He has stated that he is in quite a lot of pain. However, he is alert enough to ask for pain medication and rate how severe his pain is on a scale of 1-10 for the nurse. He even told the nurse today he wanted "continuous pain medication". When she said no he flipped her off behind her back. (Hope Melissa doesn't mind I repeated that but I found it to be really reassuring!) I brought in some things for him and he said "Thanks Jen". Although I am sad that he is having pain I am SO grateful that he can TALK to us now. It is so amazing, I really feel like it is a miracle.
I spoke to Dave a few minutes ago after his and Rian's visit with Erik. I'll let Dave or Rian elaborate on the high points of their interactions with Erik but I'll just say it sounds like his wit, humor, and sarcasm are intact. Thank you again for all the support and love you have given Erik, Melissa, and Tanner.
Jen Johnstun
It's Jen, I'm updating the blog on Melissa's behalf becuause she is currently snoring. Well not really, but she did fall asleep at about 8pm tonight. These are the things we discussed on the way home that she wanted to have everyone know.
Erik's tube that connected him to the ventilator was removed this morning as well as the medication he was getting for sedation. He is now able to respond verbally to people around him. He knows Melissa and has spoken of Tanner. He is acting like Erik. He has stated that he is in quite a lot of pain. However, he is alert enough to ask for pain medication and rate how severe his pain is on a scale of 1-10 for the nurse. He even told the nurse today he wanted "continuous pain medication". When she said no he flipped her off behind her back. (Hope Melissa doesn't mind I repeated that but I found it to be really reassuring!) I brought in some things for him and he said "Thanks Jen". Although I am sad that he is having pain I am SO grateful that he can TALK to us now. It is so amazing, I really feel like it is a miracle.
I spoke to Dave a few minutes ago after his and Rian's visit with Erik. I'll let Dave or Rian elaborate on the high points of their interactions with Erik but I'll just say it sounds like his wit, humor, and sarcasm are intact. Thank you again for all the support and love you have given Erik, Melissa, and Tanner.
Jen Johnstun
My first post
Hey Everyone-- So this is my first post, sorry it's taken so long but I've been a little busy taking care of things and to be honest...have had several emotions to sort before I post them for all to see. Let me start with the most current news.....hate to top Melissa but this is the "latest and greatest" news, she would of posted but she is at the hospital as we speak. This morning while talking to Melissa to give her the early morning update her phone beeped in and it was the OHSU nurse, so Melissa called me back. Excited she told me Erik was getting his tube out at 9:30am today!!!!! She wanted to be there but they said to give her 30 minutes or so til she could see him. Jen Hunt got off work and drove Melissa up to the hospital around 10am. Jen Johnstun got Tanner ready and off to Sharis. I received a call from my Jen about 11am. They had to wait a bit cause the nurses weren't quite done. The nurse came out and told them that " everything went good but Eriks voice is a little coarse." Melissa and Jen said "his voice???"..excited and surprised. The nurse said that Erik was fully aware and responsive to who Melissa and Tanner were. Melissa originally was wanting Jen to go in with her but after the good news.....once they quit hugging and crying, they agreed that Melissa needed to go in alone. My first question to Jen was if his eyes were open? With the emotions and excitement the girls forgot to ask the nurse that question....so I'm not sure at this point. Melissa wanted me to let people know that she was planning on being with Erik all day, she wanted some time with him,obviously, and said if you wanted to come up today that she will be going to the waiting room from 3-5pm to see anyone there and at that time you could probably see Erik( depending of course on how he's feeling). She will take that time to visit and return calls, but wants to go back in the room from 5-6:30pm. Rian is getting back in town today and Rian and I are planning on being at the hospital at 8:30pm. I know we all are excited to see and "talk" to him, but get in line behind Rian and I-lol. All jokes aside, if you are planning on coming tonight after 8:30, I can ask if Rian and I be allowed maybe 30 minutes alone with him starting at 8:30pm. Rian has been out of town since Thursday morning and is dying to get back in town and see him and I have been busy with stuff and it seems like every time I get there they have just "increased his sedation". I swear if I get there today and thats the first thing the nurse says I'm going to scream-lol. The morning update is a little mood point now but the other positive is that his breaths per minute(bpm) were around 12-15..maybe 16 last night. Last night when Jen and I were up there the respitory nurse was changing tubes and I asked if his numbers of 12-14 yesterday were good and she said "we" do 12-20 bpm, his 12-14 was " good", so overnight his numbers jumped even more--and the nurse said he was taking "good deep breaths on his own".
After getting home from my tennis match last night Jen was talking to Julie and on speaker phone she told us all the good news with Erik and Melissa's communication. We got Jens dad to come sit while Emily slept and we headed up to the hospital. Anxiously, but safely driving up there, awaiting a chance to communicate with Erik we arrived at the hospital. As we entered his room we were told immediately..." I increased his sedation so we might want to be quite". Without strangling the nurse right then and there we took it as another time to see and be there for Erik. I "quietly" told Erik, Jen and I were there and we kinda just stood there about 10 minutes as the nurse did some charting his vitals. The nurse checked Eriks eyes then told him he had visitors and gave me the nod. I told him louder that Jen and I were there, let him know that everyone was thinking about him and that he had NOTHING to worry about that everything was getting taken care of and his only concern and thoughts should be on getting better. I told him that he had a picture Caleb(Johnstun) drew for him and that Tanners project from Sharis house was on the wall along with some pics Mel printed off. I told him how every night at bedtime, Emily and I fold our hands and sing "Jesus loves me" for him and when we are done Emily says outloud--"I love you Erik". I told him if he is lucky that when he opens his eyes the same nurse that was there during the day when I was up there will be there(cause she was hot)-lol. Jen leaned in to me and asked if I farted, I said no then nodded Eriks direction. I said " dude you farted, trapped it in your gown and now moving your legs to get it out, told him he was killin Jen.(I know his thought ran to pulling the covers over Mels head in the morning after he let a good one go, trapping her and forcing her to smell it---I know all you wives know what I'm talking about-lol). I asked him to give a thumbs up, I asked 3 times with no response, asked him to move his left arm, no response, asked him to move his feet and he moved them in a windshield wiper motion...We told him good job. He was obviously tired from his long productive day--he had a good yawn and moved on his side a little to get comfy. I told him we would let him get some sleep, he raised his right hand and waved twice at us. I grabbed his hand and told him that was Daves hand and he squeezed it..I told him I loved him and that one time I would let him hold my wives hand-lol, Jen grabbed his hand and said she loved him and he squeezed her hand real tight...that really meant alot to Jen to get that affirmation.
I really wanted to thank EVERYONE for their love and support. Like the comment from Jarred---we are all friends and its times like this we become family. The continued love and support and comments on here is therapeutic to us all--let's continue to share thoughts and feelings as well as the current updates. We have nothing but positive steps forward everyday and its from the prayers, positive thoughts/energy and support. Just for the record on an early blog from Rian where i "shocked" Erik and his shoulder moved...that was purely accident-lol. But I will continue to be strong for him but dont think for one second the little asshole gets off from me flipping him crap or teasing him or the sarcasm just cause hes in the hospital.....serious is good and has its time and place but as long as time is right....he gets the same Dave he has always had cause I know I'm gonna have the same Erik I've always had. For those of you who know me it comes to no suprise how long this message is-lol. Love to all of you, Thanks, David
After getting home from my tennis match last night Jen was talking to Julie and on speaker phone she told us all the good news with Erik and Melissa's communication. We got Jens dad to come sit while Emily slept and we headed up to the hospital. Anxiously, but safely driving up there, awaiting a chance to communicate with Erik we arrived at the hospital. As we entered his room we were told immediately..." I increased his sedation so we might want to be quite". Without strangling the nurse right then and there we took it as another time to see and be there for Erik. I "quietly" told Erik, Jen and I were there and we kinda just stood there about 10 minutes as the nurse did some charting his vitals. The nurse checked Eriks eyes then told him he had visitors and gave me the nod. I told him louder that Jen and I were there, let him know that everyone was thinking about him and that he had NOTHING to worry about that everything was getting taken care of and his only concern and thoughts should be on getting better. I told him that he had a picture Caleb(Johnstun) drew for him and that Tanners project from Sharis house was on the wall along with some pics Mel printed off. I told him how every night at bedtime, Emily and I fold our hands and sing "Jesus loves me" for him and when we are done Emily says outloud--"I love you Erik". I told him if he is lucky that when he opens his eyes the same nurse that was there during the day when I was up there will be there(cause she was hot)-lol. Jen leaned in to me and asked if I farted, I said no then nodded Eriks direction. I said " dude you farted, trapped it in your gown and now moving your legs to get it out, told him he was killin Jen.(I know his thought ran to pulling the covers over Mels head in the morning after he let a good one go, trapping her and forcing her to smell it---I know all you wives know what I'm talking about-lol). I asked him to give a thumbs up, I asked 3 times with no response, asked him to move his left arm, no response, asked him to move his feet and he moved them in a windshield wiper motion...We told him good job. He was obviously tired from his long productive day--he had a good yawn and moved on his side a little to get comfy. I told him we would let him get some sleep, he raised his right hand and waved twice at us. I grabbed his hand and told him that was Daves hand and he squeezed it..I told him I loved him and that one time I would let him hold my wives hand-lol, Jen grabbed his hand and said she loved him and he squeezed her hand real tight...that really meant alot to Jen to get that affirmation.
I really wanted to thank EVERYONE for their love and support. Like the comment from Jarred---we are all friends and its times like this we become family. The continued love and support and comments on here is therapeutic to us all--let's continue to share thoughts and feelings as well as the current updates. We have nothing but positive steps forward everyday and its from the prayers, positive thoughts/energy and support. Just for the record on an early blog from Rian where i "shocked" Erik and his shoulder moved...that was purely accident-lol. But I will continue to be strong for him but dont think for one second the little asshole gets off from me flipping him crap or teasing him or the sarcasm just cause hes in the hospital.....serious is good and has its time and place but as long as time is right....he gets the same Dave he has always had cause I know I'm gonna have the same Erik I've always had. For those of you who know me it comes to no suprise how long this message is-lol. Love to all of you, Thanks, David
From Cory on 4/2
This is an important comment that Cory left....Just thought I'd highlight it.
I am one of those medical people Ryan had mentioned. I can try to fill in some on the medical stuff. For those who do no know, I have worked in emergency medicine for 12 years, 8 of those as a Paramedic.
The pneumonia Ryan was referring to is Aspiration Pneumonia. As was mentioned this is very common for what Erik had to go through. Some of what I say may seem kind of gross, but I want to give you a good idea of what sounds like is going on. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when vomitis &/or blood get down your airway into your lungs. This is why the medics intubated (breathing tube)Erik. This serves 2 purposes. One to protect his airway from any further invaders (fluids). The other is to make sure Erik maintains adequate ventilation.
Hearing that Erik may be taken off the vent is great news!! As Ryan mentioned this will help clear up the pneumonia. With the ventilator, the air is being pushed into Eriks lungs. This allows for good ventilation & allows him to breathe, yeah obviously a good thing. When he breathes on his own, this allows the muscles & lung tissue to be able to pull that fluid out of his lungs, making it easier to take full & non labored breaths.
The Tracheotomy or trach is a tube that is inserted directly into his neck (his trachea). This is common for trauma injuries such as this. The idea is this is a more long term airway. This allows Erik to close his mouth & get the regular saliva to lube his mouth. This also reduces the irritation that the breathing tube in his mouth can cause. This looks wrong, gross & even midevil. I assure you it is not. You will only be able to see the head of the tube where it connects to the ventilator. There will be tape or some other type of devise to hold the trach in place that will cover most if not all of the wound. Depending on the type of trach used, he may be able to whisper some words, but that is VERY dependant on other issues. Strength & actually being awake are two obvious issues & can think of.
My heart is broken to see this happen to one of my best friends, as I am sure all of you feel the same. I was able to see Erik on Sunday after be got out of surgery. He was very swollen up like a balloon & appeared alien. I got to see him again on Tuesday & he looks great. Now keep in mind that I have seen these type of thing before, so I have a different perspective. The swelling was down & I could make out his facial features. I say he looks great, so that just means that there are improvements. All that fluid that was in his head has to go somewhere, so that will explain the leaking form his fore head & nose. This is normal drainage. It looks a little gross, but this is very good & part of the healing process.
Erik is a tough young guy. With all the improvements he has made, this is still going to be a very long road for him, Melissa & Tanner.
I am so happy to have such an incredible group of friends that are there for the Molines without any hesitation. Being 90+ miles away makes this very tough for me & Steph. We will be up to visit as much as we can. If there is anything we can do to fill in any details that need attention we are available. Much love to the Molines & all our friends.
Cory Penselin
I am one of those medical people Ryan had mentioned. I can try to fill in some on the medical stuff. For those who do no know, I have worked in emergency medicine for 12 years, 8 of those as a Paramedic.
The pneumonia Ryan was referring to is Aspiration Pneumonia. As was mentioned this is very common for what Erik had to go through. Some of what I say may seem kind of gross, but I want to give you a good idea of what sounds like is going on. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when vomitis &/or blood get down your airway into your lungs. This is why the medics intubated (breathing tube)Erik. This serves 2 purposes. One to protect his airway from any further invaders (fluids). The other is to make sure Erik maintains adequate ventilation.
Hearing that Erik may be taken off the vent is great news!! As Ryan mentioned this will help clear up the pneumonia. With the ventilator, the air is being pushed into Eriks lungs. This allows for good ventilation & allows him to breathe, yeah obviously a good thing. When he breathes on his own, this allows the muscles & lung tissue to be able to pull that fluid out of his lungs, making it easier to take full & non labored breaths.
The Tracheotomy or trach is a tube that is inserted directly into his neck (his trachea). This is common for trauma injuries such as this. The idea is this is a more long term airway. This allows Erik to close his mouth & get the regular saliva to lube his mouth. This also reduces the irritation that the breathing tube in his mouth can cause. This looks wrong, gross & even midevil. I assure you it is not. You will only be able to see the head of the tube where it connects to the ventilator. There will be tape or some other type of devise to hold the trach in place that will cover most if not all of the wound. Depending on the type of trach used, he may be able to whisper some words, but that is VERY dependant on other issues. Strength & actually being awake are two obvious issues & can think of.
My heart is broken to see this happen to one of my best friends, as I am sure all of you feel the same. I was able to see Erik on Sunday after be got out of surgery. He was very swollen up like a balloon & appeared alien. I got to see him again on Tuesday & he looks great. Now keep in mind that I have seen these type of thing before, so I have a different perspective. The swelling was down & I could make out his facial features. I say he looks great, so that just means that there are improvements. All that fluid that was in his head has to go somewhere, so that will explain the leaking form his fore head & nose. This is normal drainage. It looks a little gross, but this is very good & part of the healing process.
Erik is a tough young guy. With all the improvements he has made, this is still going to be a very long road for him, Melissa & Tanner.
I am so happy to have such an incredible group of friends that are there for the Molines without any hesitation. Being 90+ miles away makes this very tough for me & Steph. We will be up to visit as much as we can. If there is anything we can do to fill in any details that need attention we are available. Much love to the Molines & all our friends.
Cory Penselin
How to see messages
I know some of you are having problems figuring out the comment part of this blog. That is a bummer because the comments are the best part. I wish we could get them all in one spot instead of all over the place but I do not think it is possible (if someone knows how to do that on blogger then pass the word on).
I will explain again how to get to the comments. At the end of the post, or letter it looks like this 0 comments
See that? it says either 0 comments or 7 comments? Click on the actual words that say 7 comments that is underlined and you'll get there.
These comments are on EACH POST (each day) so if you want to read all of them you really have to look for them. The only way to know if there is a new comment is to check through all the posts and see if you see one. People are more likely to respond to the more current posts than the old ones. I am lucky though. I have found a way for the new comments to be emailed directly to me. I cant do that for all of you. Sorry about that.
I will explain again how to get to the comments. At the end of the post, or letter it looks like this 0 comments
See that? it says either 0 comments or 7 comments? Click on the actual words that say 7 comments that is underlined and you'll get there.
These comments are on EACH POST (each day) so if you want to read all of them you really have to look for them. The only way to know if there is a new comment is to check through all the posts and see if you see one. People are more likely to respond to the more current posts than the old ones. I am lucky though. I have found a way for the new comments to be emailed directly to me. I cant do that for all of you. Sorry about that.
For those of you wondering....
Erik's brother Andy was contacted by Sherry and informed of Erik's condition. Although he can not be with us physically right now he is here in his heart. He is getting regular updates.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Dear Levi-
I wrote this in my journal on the way to the hospital this morning while sitting in traffic. pre-great news Thursday. I am just re-copying it into this post. I hope you get this letter.
Dear Levi-
I am writing to tell you that I do NOT blame you for this accident. I can't imagine hard it must be to be in your situation...probably as hard as my situation. This accident was not your fault, it was just that...an accident. I feel so bad for you right now. I know that the road was extremely icy. I know that another vehicle already slipped in the exact same spot. I tap my breaks when I see cop lights too. I can imagine that you are feeling terrified right now. I can imagine that this terrible experience has changed your entire perspective on life, as it has mine. Please take this time to realize how precious your family and your friends lives are. Please use this experience to grow to be a better person (Im not saying that your not a good person already)
When this first happened I thought Erik was going to die. I thought my son would be without a daddy. Then I thought that Erik was going to be either a vegetable OR not the same man I married. I was terrified that I would be married to someone I didn't know anymore. The only reason I tell you this is because NOW I believe that Erik will be the same funny, happy, smart, silly, frugal, loving, perverted, thoughtful, handy Father, Friend, Husband and Son that he has always been. I feel like we will be a family again. It may take a year or more to be back to our new 'normal', but it will happen. So Levi, please remember that WE WILL be ok. I think that I, as a person, have already grown from this expirence. I appreciate Eriks Friends and Family with every being of my body. I love my son even MORE than I did before. I feel so loved and I can honestly say that I love at least 4 more people than I loved before. (I may have liked them before - but I love them now) I know how fragile life is and I cherish my "people".
PLEASE take care of yourself and let others help you to do so. I have heard that you feel bad about what happened and I am glad to hear that you are not some guy that has no heart. Because you care about us - I care about you. I am worried about you Levi. We are connected in someway by this life changing event. And yes, if you want to call me, I'm ok with that. If you don't, I'm ok with that too.
Take Care of yourself, Melissa
Dear Levi-
I am writing to tell you that I do NOT blame you for this accident. I can't imagine hard it must be to be in your situation...probably as hard as my situation. This accident was not your fault, it was just that...an accident. I feel so bad for you right now. I know that the road was extremely icy. I know that another vehicle already slipped in the exact same spot. I tap my breaks when I see cop lights too. I can imagine that you are feeling terrified right now. I can imagine that this terrible experience has changed your entire perspective on life, as it has mine. Please take this time to realize how precious your family and your friends lives are. Please use this experience to grow to be a better person (Im not saying that your not a good person already)
When this first happened I thought Erik was going to die. I thought my son would be without a daddy. Then I thought that Erik was going to be either a vegetable OR not the same man I married. I was terrified that I would be married to someone I didn't know anymore. The only reason I tell you this is because NOW I believe that Erik will be the same funny, happy, smart, silly, frugal, loving, perverted, thoughtful, handy Father, Friend, Husband and Son that he has always been. I feel like we will be a family again. It may take a year or more to be back to our new 'normal', but it will happen. So Levi, please remember that WE WILL be ok. I think that I, as a person, have already grown from this expirence. I appreciate Eriks Friends and Family with every being of my body. I love my son even MORE than I did before. I feel so loved and I can honestly say that I love at least 4 more people than I loved before. (I may have liked them before - but I love them now) I know how fragile life is and I cherish my "people".
PLEASE take care of yourself and let others help you to do so. I have heard that you feel bad about what happened and I am glad to hear that you are not some guy that has no heart. Because you care about us - I care about you. I am worried about you Levi. We are connected in someway by this life changing event. And yes, if you want to call me, I'm ok with that. If you don't, I'm ok with that too.
Take Care of yourself, Melissa
Thursday = VERY VERY GOOD DAY!
I am writing to tell all of you what a WONDERFUL day today was. Erik is doing VERY well. This morning there was some conflicting information that I was getting but this is the REAL info...straight from the trauma Dr. and the plastics doctor and most of all from Erik. I will start with the fun stuff (yes I said fun).
Erik is still sedated but at first he was sedated to a 10 and now he is a 4 so he is much more 'awake' than before. He moves around a lot, tries to sit up (and could if we let him), tries to move his arms up (but they are restrained to prevent him from pulling out his tubes). He crosses his feet, he bends his knees...you get the picture.
When I was speaking to the trauma doctor, Dr Shapiro, he said something to the effect that Erik may have a different personality, I responded in a teary eyed and shaky voiced "you mean that he might not have the same since of humor?"
Dr. Shapiro and Jen Johnstun saw Erik hold up his hand and 'wave' and the doctor said, "Hey buddy...I see you waving" I said, very excited while turning to look at Erik "He WAVED??!!" and then Erik waved again to me. Of course I ran to Erik, while holding his hand and reassured him that I love him and thanked him profusely for giving me that meaningful sign. I think this meant that he knew I was there, he knew I was scared and he knew what I was asking...He fully understood what I said to the doctor.
Thats not the only 'proof' he gave me today that he knows what I am saying. That is just the most exciting. Here is the rest...He was rubbing his butt (he has sciatica - a sore muscle in his leg/lower back frequently)- I said "oh honey, does you butt hurt?" and he NODDED!!! I said "do you want me to rub it for you?" and he NODDED again! He is communicating. When I spoke with him today about how I know that he hurts and that I know he misses Tanner and me...his lip quivered like he was crying. (I of course told him that we are ok and was supportive) WHAT A STRONG GUY! This shows that he has feelings - his brain is working!!!! YAY ! During this "conversation" it looked to me like he was trying to talk back...I told him "Don't try to talk. You cant with that tube in your throat. I know you hurt, I know you love me and Tanner......." He stopped trying to move his lips.
I can not express to you how relieved I am. I am so glad to be able to convey this information to you guys. I am actually HAPPY. I feel EXCITED. When I came home tonight I danced around the house while holding Tanner. Our family will be whole again. Ok so now that you read that stuff...do your little jig and then read the medical stuff below.
Again and Again I will say that none of this timeline is for sure...it is ballpark depending on lots of factors. Erik IS breathing on his own now. He has that tube down his throat with the 'vent' attached...but it is just monitoring his breathing. He is doing the work himself. It looks like he is going to get the tube removed tomorrow sometime. This will make Erik much more comfortable. It is still undecided whether or not a trach is necessary (the, less invasive way, of letting him breathe on the vent). It LOOKS like we will not need the trach but, we'll see - no biggie if its there.
The plastic surgery was NEVER going to happen on friday. That was the wrong news (uninformed nurses in the AM). The first Plastic surgery will probably happen next Thursday (again maybe). This will give Erik more time to heal. Every day there has been outstanding progression on Eriks healing process - They actually look excited when they talk about his progress to me. They smile about it. They say it is very good. Who know's what will happen in the next week before the plastic surgery... AT BEST Erik and Tanner might be able to see eachother. Please don't let that frighten you. There must be a LOT of progress before that could happen. I will gauge that progress - I do NOT want to scare Tanner. We will deal with that road when we come to it.
Erik's brain is not in danger of swelling any more - the plastic surgery will not affect the swelling in his brain. It will make his face a bit bruised. I will explain more about the plastic surgery later. I want to write post to the man who accidentally hit Erik before I go to bed. It is most important right now.
Erik is still sedated but at first he was sedated to a 10 and now he is a 4 so he is much more 'awake' than before. He moves around a lot, tries to sit up (and could if we let him), tries to move his arms up (but they are restrained to prevent him from pulling out his tubes). He crosses his feet, he bends his knees...you get the picture.
When I was speaking to the trauma doctor, Dr Shapiro, he said something to the effect that Erik may have a different personality, I responded in a teary eyed and shaky voiced "you mean that he might not have the same since of humor?"
Dr. Shapiro and Jen Johnstun saw Erik hold up his hand and 'wave' and the doctor said, "Hey buddy...I see you waving" I said, very excited while turning to look at Erik "He WAVED??!!" and then Erik waved again to me. Of course I ran to Erik, while holding his hand and reassured him that I love him and thanked him profusely for giving me that meaningful sign. I think this meant that he knew I was there, he knew I was scared and he knew what I was asking...He fully understood what I said to the doctor.
Thats not the only 'proof' he gave me today that he knows what I am saying. That is just the most exciting. Here is the rest...He was rubbing his butt (he has sciatica - a sore muscle in his leg/lower back frequently)- I said "oh honey, does you butt hurt?" and he NODDED!!! I said "do you want me to rub it for you?" and he NODDED again! He is communicating. When I spoke with him today about how I know that he hurts and that I know he misses Tanner and me...his lip quivered like he was crying. (I of course told him that we are ok and was supportive) WHAT A STRONG GUY! This shows that he has feelings - his brain is working!!!! YAY ! During this "conversation" it looked to me like he was trying to talk back...I told him "Don't try to talk. You cant with that tube in your throat. I know you hurt, I know you love me and Tanner......." He stopped trying to move his lips.
I can not express to you how relieved I am. I am so glad to be able to convey this information to you guys. I am actually HAPPY. I feel EXCITED. When I came home tonight I danced around the house while holding Tanner. Our family will be whole again. Ok so now that you read that stuff...do your little jig and then read the medical stuff below.
Again and Again I will say that none of this timeline is for sure...it is ballpark depending on lots of factors. Erik IS breathing on his own now. He has that tube down his throat with the 'vent' attached...but it is just monitoring his breathing. He is doing the work himself. It looks like he is going to get the tube removed tomorrow sometime. This will make Erik much more comfortable. It is still undecided whether or not a trach is necessary (the, less invasive way, of letting him breathe on the vent). It LOOKS like we will not need the trach but, we'll see - no biggie if its there.
The plastic surgery was NEVER going to happen on friday. That was the wrong news (uninformed nurses in the AM). The first Plastic surgery will probably happen next Thursday (again maybe). This will give Erik more time to heal. Every day there has been outstanding progression on Eriks healing process - They actually look excited when they talk about his progress to me. They smile about it. They say it is very good. Who know's what will happen in the next week before the plastic surgery... AT BEST Erik and Tanner might be able to see eachother. Please don't let that frighten you. There must be a LOT of progress before that could happen. I will gauge that progress - I do NOT want to scare Tanner. We will deal with that road when we come to it.
Erik's brain is not in danger of swelling any more - the plastic surgery will not affect the swelling in his brain. It will make his face a bit bruised. I will explain more about the plastic surgery later. I want to write post to the man who accidentally hit Erik before I go to bed. It is most important right now.
4/3/08
Nothing really new to report. He is still following commands to wiggle his toes, give a thumbs up, etc. The only odd part for the nurse, is Erik move his left had on command. He does move it, but just not when asked to so there is no concern of paralysis.
The Plastics team and Neuro surgeon will be doing the facial reconstruction surgery on Friday. To make the surgery easier, they will be doing a tracheotomy after all.
His pneumonia is still being treated with no change.
Nurse said his head CT is really bad. Due to the severity of his injuries, he's surprised at how well Erik is doing. I guess that is good news.
Due to the surgery on Friday, the family would like to ask that visitors only come to support Melissa and family and limit visits to see Erik only to immediate family. This is for Friday only. Melissa really likes the support of seeing people at the hospital as it helps everyone with the grieving process. We can resume seeing Erik on Saturday. However, please stop by and see him on Thursday if you wish.
Dave got a copy of the police report while I went to the tow yard and took pictures of both vehicles and retrieved their belongings from the car. At Melissa's request, I went over the police report and showed her pictures. Although traumatic, I think it really helped put together the situation and really helped us understand how Erik got his injuries. -Rian
The Plastics team and Neuro surgeon will be doing the facial reconstruction surgery on Friday. To make the surgery easier, they will be doing a tracheotomy after all.
His pneumonia is still being treated with no change.
Nurse said his head CT is really bad. Due to the severity of his injuries, he's surprised at how well Erik is doing. I guess that is good news.
Due to the surgery on Friday, the family would like to ask that visitors only come to support Melissa and family and limit visits to see Erik only to immediate family. This is for Friday only. Melissa really likes the support of seeing people at the hospital as it helps everyone with the grieving process. We can resume seeing Erik on Saturday. However, please stop by and see him on Thursday if you wish.
Dave got a copy of the police report while I went to the tow yard and took pictures of both vehicles and retrieved their belongings from the car. At Melissa's request, I went over the police report and showed her pictures. Although traumatic, I think it really helped put together the situation and really helped us understand how Erik got his injuries. -Rian
Family Photos
We are lacking in Photos of the three of us together. Please email (or mail) them to me ASAP if you have them. Also any really good "erik-esque" photos you have that show his personality would be wonderful too. We want to put them in his room and in Tanners Bedroom. And any where else around town that wants to see our beautiful family :)
Melissa
Melissa
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
4/2/08
This morning when I called the hospital, the nurse told me Erik had a "pretty good night." He said they are weening him off sedation. He said Erik is breathing on his own now and they are working to get the ventilator out. He has developed a form of Pneumonia (starts with an A for you medical people; sorry, left the notes I took at work). The nurse said it is common and is caused when blood is in the lungs. Usually, someone will vomit and then inhale some blood. In return, he gets blood in his lungs, causing this very common form (for this type of injury) of pneumonia. He is being treated with antibiotics. The sooner they can get the ventilator out, the better for the pneumonia as this it is hindering his recover from it.
The idea of a tracheotomy has popped up. It is not as bad as it sounds. This would allow the ventilator to be removed. Erik would be more comfortable, the tube is small, he would be able to close his mouth, had have the neck brace removed. However, the nurse did tell me (not to quote him though-see quote to follow) "From my experience, I don't think a trach will be necessary" so hopefully, he has a lot of experience.
They will be taking some chest xrays today to monitor his condition.
The really good news is this. The nurse started laughing and said "he is definately awake, very strong, and purposeful." He said he definately knows where he is and wants to go. Just to clarify, I asked if he was attempting to get out of bed. He said no, but he was moving around a lot and was "very, very strong." He also said he can definately hear us.
I asked about if he opened his eyes yet and he said no, but he thinks its because the swelling is still too high. However, he did not seem concerned at all.
The nurse repeatedly told me "this is good news." He also said he was progressing. There didn't seem to be any sort of concern in his voice.
Dave told me yesterday, when he was in the room, the nurse was performing some reflex tests. She squeezed one of his finger tips and he pulled his hand away. He then used one foot to scratch his other foot, and the crossed his legs as if he was laying in a recliner watching football.
That is all I have for now. Today sounds like it is off to another great start. Looks like the next step is getting his ventilator out and that could be today!!!! -Rian
The idea of a tracheotomy has popped up. It is not as bad as it sounds. This would allow the ventilator to be removed. Erik would be more comfortable, the tube is small, he would be able to close his mouth, had have the neck brace removed. However, the nurse did tell me (not to quote him though-see quote to follow) "From my experience, I don't think a trach will be necessary" so hopefully, he has a lot of experience.
They will be taking some chest xrays today to monitor his condition.
The really good news is this. The nurse started laughing and said "he is definately awake, very strong, and purposeful." He said he definately knows where he is and wants to go. Just to clarify, I asked if he was attempting to get out of bed. He said no, but he was moving around a lot and was "very, very strong." He also said he can definately hear us.
I asked about if he opened his eyes yet and he said no, but he thinks its because the swelling is still too high. However, he did not seem concerned at all.
The nurse repeatedly told me "this is good news." He also said he was progressing. There didn't seem to be any sort of concern in his voice.
Dave told me yesterday, when he was in the room, the nurse was performing some reflex tests. She squeezed one of his finger tips and he pulled his hand away. He then used one foot to scratch his other foot, and the crossed his legs as if he was laying in a recliner watching football.
That is all I have for now. Today sounds like it is off to another great start. Looks like the next step is getting his ventilator out and that could be today!!!! -Rian
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