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
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I think I will be at the hospital today from 11-6:30. If you come and I am in the room with Erik. Please wait if you have time to do so. If someone is coming into the room to see me - let them know that you are there. I am feeling very very positive about Eriks progress today and I am a lot less anxious.
Thanks for your love. Melissa
Thanks for your love. Melissa
From Melissa on Wednesday (I guess)
I just wanted to let you know that I check this blog frequently to read the nice comments that you left. It really helps me to read your nice words. It also gives me something to do while I get to spend quiet time alone.
The comment that really hit home yesterday was written by Taylor Hakala. A little boy who has known Erik his whole life. Rian Hakala's nephew, Troy & Shannons Son. Thank you Taylor. Erik loves you and really enjoys teasing you. I'm glad that we were able to spend that day playing in the snow a little wile ago. Our family had a great time with you and Triston.
___________________
DEAR ERIK,
THIS BLOG WAS MAKING ME FEEL MUCH BETTER ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. I HOPE MELISSA AND TANNER ARE O.K ABOUT THIS. I'M GLAD YOU ARE ABLE TO MOVE YOUR FINGERS AND TOES. WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THIS I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO DIE!
ON THE GOOD END IT SOUNDS LIKE HES GOING TO BE O.K HUGS AND KISSES
TAYLOR HAKALA
The comment that really hit home yesterday was written by Taylor Hakala. A little boy who has known Erik his whole life. Rian Hakala's nephew, Troy & Shannons Son. Thank you Taylor. Erik loves you and really enjoys teasing you. I'm glad that we were able to spend that day playing in the snow a little wile ago. Our family had a great time with you and Triston.
___________________
DEAR ERIK,
THIS BLOG WAS MAKING ME FEEL MUCH BETTER ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. I HOPE MELISSA AND TANNER ARE O.K ABOUT THIS. I'M GLAD YOU ARE ABLE TO MOVE YOUR FINGERS AND TOES. WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THIS I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO DIE!
ON THE GOOD END IT SOUNDS LIKE HES GOING TO BE O.K HUGS AND KISSES
TAYLOR HAKALA
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April 1, 2008
Hi,
This is Jen Johnstun. I'll be staying here with Melissa until at least friday and helping her with whatever she needs. I promise to take good care of her. I also have today's latest on Erik's condition. We are SO happy as it is more good news today.
Erik had another CAT scan yesterday that revealed there has not been any new bleeding in his head. It appears that he is now in healing mode. He does have some stable bruising on his brain, but this should not cause him pain. However, the facial fractures he has will be painful (they are treating him with pain medication all the time). Erik will need at least 2 surgeries to repair the facial fractures but these won't happen for at least 2 weeks.
They have begun decreasing the amount of medication that is sedating Erik with the goal of stopping it completely even as soon as tomorrow and allowing him to become more wakeful. Erik will probably still be sleeping most of the time but may start responding more than what we have already seen. It is possible that he may even have his breathing tube removed tomorrow. Also, the pressure in Erik's head has been so stable that they have removed the pressure sensor (antenna) from his head.
The best news came from the neurosurgeon. Melissa spoke with him today and asked him if he thinks Erik will at some point become himself again-the Erik we all know. The surgeon said to her, "Yes, I really think so". Without a doubt there is still a very long road to recovery ahead, but this is really promising news. In my experience doctors, especially surgeons, don't say this type of thing lightly.
As I write this Melissa is cuddling with Tanner and putting him to bed. This evening Tanner was happy and playful, reading books with mom and chattering. I know that Melissa is so grateful for all the help and support she has received. It has taken so much of the burden from her shoulders so that she can be present and focused on Erik and Tanner. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
This is Jen Johnstun. I'll be staying here with Melissa until at least friday and helping her with whatever she needs. I promise to take good care of her. I also have today's latest on Erik's condition. We are SO happy as it is more good news today.
Erik had another CAT scan yesterday that revealed there has not been any new bleeding in his head. It appears that he is now in healing mode. He does have some stable bruising on his brain, but this should not cause him pain. However, the facial fractures he has will be painful (they are treating him with pain medication all the time). Erik will need at least 2 surgeries to repair the facial fractures but these won't happen for at least 2 weeks.
They have begun decreasing the amount of medication that is sedating Erik with the goal of stopping it completely even as soon as tomorrow and allowing him to become more wakeful. Erik will probably still be sleeping most of the time but may start responding more than what we have already seen. It is possible that he may even have his breathing tube removed tomorrow. Also, the pressure in Erik's head has been so stable that they have removed the pressure sensor (antenna) from his head.
The best news came from the neurosurgeon. Melissa spoke with him today and asked him if he thinks Erik will at some point become himself again-the Erik we all know. The surgeon said to her, "Yes, I really think so". Without a doubt there is still a very long road to recovery ahead, but this is really promising news. In my experience doctors, especially surgeons, don't say this type of thing lightly.
As I write this Melissa is cuddling with Tanner and putting him to bed. This evening Tanner was happy and playful, reading books with mom and chattering. I know that Melissa is so grateful for all the help and support she has received. It has taken so much of the burden from her shoulders so that she can be present and focused on Erik and Tanner. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
Quick Thanks
All,
I have already began receiving checks in the mail. The amount of money I have already received is amazing. It really shows how much Erik, Melissa, and Tanner are loved by everyone. I just wanted to thank everyone for everything they are doing to help. I have already received over $400 just from people who have never even met Erik.
On a better note, we received some really good updates on Erik. I will have the exact details posted later tonight as I want to make sure I have the correct information as I am meeting with Melissa if a little while. I will post it tonight.
Keep your eyes out for the upcoming "Erik Moline Golf Tournament" coming this summer. Jeff Edeline brought up the idea and has a number of connections in the golfing community and is hoping to cash in on some favors. Obviously all funds raised will go to get Erik some golf lessons. We all know he needs it. Just kidding :) This is in the very beginning of planning, but it will take a lot of time and effort and I am sure Jeff could use some volunteers to help him. I think its a awesome idea!
Thanks again to everyone!! -Rian
I have already began receiving checks in the mail. The amount of money I have already received is amazing. It really shows how much Erik, Melissa, and Tanner are loved by everyone. I just wanted to thank everyone for everything they are doing to help. I have already received over $400 just from people who have never even met Erik.
On a better note, we received some really good updates on Erik. I will have the exact details posted later tonight as I want to make sure I have the correct information as I am meeting with Melissa if a little while. I will post it tonight.
Keep your eyes out for the upcoming "Erik Moline Golf Tournament" coming this summer. Jeff Edeline brought up the idea and has a number of connections in the golfing community and is hoping to cash in on some favors. Obviously all funds raised will go to get Erik some golf lessons. We all know he needs it. Just kidding :) This is in the very beginning of planning, but it will take a lot of time and effort and I am sure Jeff could use some volunteers to help him. I think its a awesome idea!
Thanks again to everyone!! -Rian
4/1/08 update
I talked to Erik's nurse this morning a little after 6am. She said his vitals were good this morning so they weened him off the sedatives to do some tests. They asked him to wiggle his toes and fingers. He did both. They also asked him to give a thumbs up and he was able to do that too; similiar to how he did yesterday.
They want him to be able to open his eyes as this will provide them more information. However, do to the level of swelling still, he isn't able to do that quite yet.
The nurse said when they bring someone out of the coma, the person is usually in a state of euphoria. As a result, Erik did NOT display the level of comprehension to acknowledge he is in the hospital, but this seemed expected.
So as I understand it, he is doing great on the basic motor skills requests. Hopefully in the next few days he will progress even more as his swelling goes down!
Although not much has changed since yesterday, Erik seems to be ahead of the game. Im looking forward to tomorrow morning as I know the nurse will give some more good news!
They want him to be able to open his eyes as this will provide them more information. However, do to the level of swelling still, he isn't able to do that quite yet.
The nurse said when they bring someone out of the coma, the person is usually in a state of euphoria. As a result, Erik did NOT display the level of comprehension to acknowledge he is in the hospital, but this seemed expected.
So as I understand it, he is doing great on the basic motor skills requests. Hopefully in the next few days he will progress even more as his swelling goes down!
Although not much has changed since yesterday, Erik seems to be ahead of the game. Im looking forward to tomorrow morning as I know the nurse will give some more good news!
Letter From Melissa
Thank you so your outstanding support at this time. I am very scared and it is comforting to know that Erik, Tanner & I are so very loved. I have NO DOUBT that I have an amazing bunch of people around me. Not one of our friends or famly hasn't offered to help in ANY way. I know you are there, and I WILL take you up on your offer. This is going to be a VERY long recovery. I will need to take you up on your offer to help.
The truth is, I don't really what I need right now except for Erik to get better & the doctors and nurses to give me positive news. Other than that I am just letting other people tell me what to do.
I am trying to keep Tanners life as stable as possible. For now (and that’s all that I can focus on at the moment) I am trying to spend at least an hour or two with Tanner every morning and evening. Which translates me being at the hospital SOMEWHERE around 10:30 to 6 (at the earliest and at the latest) It sounds like Erik is in going to be in a Drug Induced Coma all of the time at first, and most of the time for over a week (more?). Once he wakes up, who knows what will happen. I will be balancing being there for Erik, when he is awake, and being with Tanner so that he does not loose both of his parents.
As far as I can tell: (I don't think I can post phone numbers here because who knows who may get them. Call a family member or one of the names below and they can give you any phone number you may need.)
Dave Hunt is in charge of Logistics/paperwork type stuff. I think we need legal help. I know Eric Weiland and Uncle David may be able to help – I don’t know which one of you is better suited to help with car companies & government disability type work.
Rian Hakala is the family Liaison. He will be getting regular updates every morning and informing Me on Erik’s progress. If change has happened he will also update the blog. If you have questions about Erik and need answers, Rian is your guy.
Daro Aberle and Jen Hunt are in charge of scheduling Tanner’s care.I know for sure that we have daily care all week long. Wed-Friday he will be attending Shari kidscare, Shari is his normal childcare provider. Thank you Shari, this is really important to me. I am grateful that you agree that it is important that Tanner have some type of normalcy.
Mondays and Tuesdays he will bounce around the various ‘at home parents’ houses. So yes that means you Tom, Michelle, and Shawna (and of course Daro and Wendy). Weekends, is for the grandparents; Andy & Jana (Eriks parents) and My parents (Jan and Rick). Thank you so much guys!!!!!! It feels good to know that Tanner is being taken care of. I think Daro and Jen are setting up some sort of on-call thing for the evenings and weekends (for when Erik wakes up especially)
The OHSU trauma team, neurological and optometry team are obviously in charge of Erik. I have been told 500 times that this is the best place he can be. I am not a religious person, but for those of you that are, pray for Erik - I am. I know that does not make much since but what else can you say but please GOD make him better. (this does not mean that ‘Melissa needs be saved right away’ – please don’t try to)
And for you concerned dog people, Cooper is at Wendy’s house - frolicking happily through the house with not a care in the world. He now has two new doggie friends and will probably never want to come home.
Robbie Hunt called the news channels. I believe that a story of the accident will be run on channel 8 – maybe other channels also. Kristen and Rian set up a bank account at US Bank. If you would like to donate, go to the bank and tell them it’s for the Erik Moline Fund.
This is what I’m telling Tanner. Daddy has big owies. He is in the hospital, with the doctors and he is sleeping. He is sleeping to get his owies better. I think he understands everything except the word hospital (which he will know too soon). He repeated to me: “daddy has owies. Daddy is sleeping:” He is wonderful, he is 2. That is the extent of what he understands…He is very happy still. Which is helpful for me. I go to the hospital and tell Erik everything that Tanner did today. I don’t think he understands, but he hears my voice and I hope that is comforting to him.
Finally I can see in your eyes, everyone is very concerned about me. You people are staring at me and you look scared too. I know that you are thinking who’s in charge of Melissa? So far someone has been with me day and night. There are plans for this to continue to happen until the weekend. I think I may need people with me longer. These people have been taking care of me. I am sleeping, and eating. I know that I’m crazy and severely depressed. I went to the doctor and got medication to slow my shaking and anxiety attacks. If I seem numb – it is on purpose. If you think I don’t look numb -trust me…I feel much better than I did on Sunday. I’m sorry for those who saw me not medicated – I know that was very scary. I got some medication to make me sleep. I know that at this moment, while Erik is still sleeping, it is most important to take care of Tanner and myself. While Erik is sleeping I am doing everything possible to make me as strong as I can for when he wakes up. If he heals well, then he will have a lot of feelings and mostly he will be very scared. I want to be strong for him & I am taking this time to get me as well as possible. It DOES help to see you at the hospital. I like it. I am a people person and it feels good to know that your there for me.
I know that you will probably laugh a little when reading this letter thinking that even at this horrifying and terrible time, I am still giving information and being organized and taking control. These things make me feel (minutely) more normal and a little better and the REAL purpose of this letter is to let you know that I did not organize any of this. And it is also to let you know that I KNOW things are being taken care of. It is also to let you know who to call to give me help. & If you think something is being missed, who to call to find out if it is being done.
Finally, for those of you who are technologically challenged – this is a blog (web log). There are only a few people who can make major posts on the front – Me, Rian, and Daro. If you have some big news that needs to be said to everyone…tell one of us & we’ll get it up for you. The blog is organized by date. The oldest post is at the bottom and the newest is at the top. On the right you can access older posts by clicking on the month. EVERYONE can leave comments by clicking on the little comment button at the end of each post (a post = 1 persons entry). PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS. I like them. I will check it & so will everyone els. Everyone can see your comments. If you have something to say that you don’t want anyone else to read, email me directly.
Again, Thank you everyone for helping our family through this terrible time.
Melissa
The truth is, I don't really what I need right now except for Erik to get better & the doctors and nurses to give me positive news. Other than that I am just letting other people tell me what to do.
I am trying to keep Tanners life as stable as possible. For now (and that’s all that I can focus on at the moment) I am trying to spend at least an hour or two with Tanner every morning and evening. Which translates me being at the hospital SOMEWHERE around 10:30 to 6 (at the earliest and at the latest) It sounds like Erik is in going to be in a Drug Induced Coma all of the time at first, and most of the time for over a week (more?). Once he wakes up, who knows what will happen. I will be balancing being there for Erik, when he is awake, and being with Tanner so that he does not loose both of his parents.
As far as I can tell: (I don't think I can post phone numbers here because who knows who may get them. Call a family member or one of the names below and they can give you any phone number you may need.)
Dave Hunt is in charge of Logistics/paperwork type stuff. I think we need legal help. I know Eric Weiland and Uncle David may be able to help – I don’t know which one of you is better suited to help with car companies & government disability type work.
Rian Hakala is the family Liaison. He will be getting regular updates every morning and informing Me on Erik’s progress. If change has happened he will also update the blog. If you have questions about Erik and need answers, Rian is your guy.
Daro Aberle and Jen Hunt are in charge of scheduling Tanner’s care.I know for sure that we have daily care all week long. Wed-Friday he will be attending Shari kidscare, Shari is his normal childcare provider. Thank you Shari, this is really important to me. I am grateful that you agree that it is important that Tanner have some type of normalcy.
Mondays and Tuesdays he will bounce around the various ‘at home parents’ houses. So yes that means you Tom, Michelle, and Shawna (and of course Daro and Wendy). Weekends, is for the grandparents; Andy & Jana (Eriks parents) and My parents (Jan and Rick). Thank you so much guys!!!!!! It feels good to know that Tanner is being taken care of. I think Daro and Jen are setting up some sort of on-call thing for the evenings and weekends (for when Erik wakes up especially)
The OHSU trauma team, neurological and optometry team are obviously in charge of Erik. I have been told 500 times that this is the best place he can be. I am not a religious person, but for those of you that are, pray for Erik - I am. I know that does not make much since but what else can you say but please GOD make him better. (this does not mean that ‘Melissa needs be saved right away’ – please don’t try to)
And for you concerned dog people, Cooper is at Wendy’s house - frolicking happily through the house with not a care in the world. He now has two new doggie friends and will probably never want to come home.
Robbie Hunt called the news channels. I believe that a story of the accident will be run on channel 8 – maybe other channels also. Kristen and Rian set up a bank account at US Bank. If you would like to donate, go to the bank and tell them it’s for the Erik Moline Fund.
This is what I’m telling Tanner. Daddy has big owies. He is in the hospital, with the doctors and he is sleeping. He is sleeping to get his owies better. I think he understands everything except the word hospital (which he will know too soon). He repeated to me: “daddy has owies. Daddy is sleeping:” He is wonderful, he is 2. That is the extent of what he understands…He is very happy still. Which is helpful for me. I go to the hospital and tell Erik everything that Tanner did today. I don’t think he understands, but he hears my voice and I hope that is comforting to him.
Finally I can see in your eyes, everyone is very concerned about me. You people are staring at me and you look scared too. I know that you are thinking who’s in charge of Melissa? So far someone has been with me day and night. There are plans for this to continue to happen until the weekend. I think I may need people with me longer. These people have been taking care of me. I am sleeping, and eating. I know that I’m crazy and severely depressed. I went to the doctor and got medication to slow my shaking and anxiety attacks. If I seem numb – it is on purpose. If you think I don’t look numb -trust me…I feel much better than I did on Sunday. I’m sorry for those who saw me not medicated – I know that was very scary. I got some medication to make me sleep. I know that at this moment, while Erik is still sleeping, it is most important to take care of Tanner and myself. While Erik is sleeping I am doing everything possible to make me as strong as I can for when he wakes up. If he heals well, then he will have a lot of feelings and mostly he will be very scared. I want to be strong for him & I am taking this time to get me as well as possible. It DOES help to see you at the hospital. I like it. I am a people person and it feels good to know that your there for me.
I know that you will probably laugh a little when reading this letter thinking that even at this horrifying and terrible time, I am still giving information and being organized and taking control. These things make me feel (minutely) more normal and a little better and the REAL purpose of this letter is to let you know that I did not organize any of this. And it is also to let you know that I KNOW things are being taken care of. It is also to let you know who to call to give me help. & If you think something is being missed, who to call to find out if it is being done.
Finally, for those of you who are technologically challenged – this is a blog (web log). There are only a few people who can make major posts on the front – Me, Rian, and Daro. If you have some big news that needs to be said to everyone…tell one of us & we’ll get it up for you. The blog is organized by date. The oldest post is at the bottom and the newest is at the top. On the right you can access older posts by clicking on the month. EVERYONE can leave comments by clicking on the little comment button at the end of each post (a post = 1 persons entry). PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS. I like them. I will check it & so will everyone els. Everyone can see your comments. If you have something to say that you don’t want anyone else to read, email me directly.
Again, Thank you everyone for helping our family through this terrible time.
Melissa
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