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
Friday, April 4, 2008
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
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