August 30, 2010

Spencer's has completed his physical therapy, and still has a few remaining speech therapy sessions.  He had a check-up with his neurosurgeon last week, and was given a long lecture about very fortunate he is!  The doctor also stressed that he is still not fully recovered and needs to be on limited activity for six months.  Spencer has re-enrolled at Mesa Community College, with a fairly light classload.  His reading comprehension and memory could be issues for him, but it is great therapy for him to challenge himself.  The disability office has been notified by Spencer's doctor to allow him extra time for taking tests.   He has been tested and cleared by the occupational therapist to return to driving.
 
Spencer still has no hearing in his left ear, and will be having surgery for that on September 10th.  The ENT will replace a broken bone in the inner ear with a prosthetic one, and is expecting a very positive result.
Spen is continuing to make great progress.  Tomorrow will be six weeks from his injury!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

After a full week delay due to insurance issues, Spencer has started his therapy.  He "tested out" of Occupational Therapy, and will have twice a week Physical Therapy ( mainly for balance), and Speech Therapy (mostly to help restore his memory).  He remembers most things, but cannot always find the correct word for objects.  He will have another CT scan next week, and another appointment with the ENT to follow-up on his hearing loss.  He continues to do very well.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Today Spencer went to the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor for evaluation.  As soon as he walked in, the office staff said, "Oh this is the miracle kid that Dr. K. was telling us about!"  I guess Spen is building quite a reputation.  The news at the ENT was mostly good.  He debrided the ear, and said that the eardrum was partially intact.  They will re-evaluate the ear in two weeks and also do a complete hearing test.  Since the accident, Spencer has experienced deafness and almost constant "static" in his left ear.  He felt like the sound was diminishing following the appointment.  We'll continue with the eardrops and hope for the best.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Last photo in the hospital, waiting for discharge paperwork.

Going Home!

It is just twelve days after Spencer's head injury, and we are preparing to take him home today!!! He can't wait. His fantastic progress is enabling us to use outpatient rehabilitation instead of staying here at the hospital. He will be starting at a nuero rehab center soon (hopefully tomorrow).
We gladly complied with the ICU nurses' request to stop by and visit before leaving. They often don't experience a positive outcome with their patients, so they appreciate seeing one who is recovering so well. The doctors, nurses, therapists, and support staff at Scottsdale Osborn have all been fantastic. Spen couldn't have received better care anywhere.
Spen's headaches are becoming less of an issue--no pain medication all day today!
Spencer is alert and mentally sharp at this point. He doesn't mind sharing the photos we have taken in the hospital.
We are counting our infinite blessings. Thanks to all of you who have participated in this miracle with us.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

A visit from Brad, Annie, and Aaron

With sis, Rachel

Getting the staples removed

Spen continues to amaze us. We thought his progress may slow down a little, but apparently not. Each day he can perform mental exercises which were impossible just one day prior. Although we know he's not 100% yet, he seems like his normal self! He is loving the visits he is receiving from his friends, who have been wonderful.
He had the remainder of the surgical staples removed today, and earned a "patio pass" from the nursing staff, allowing him to leave the 6th floor and go outside. They are also discontinuing his 24 hour sitter, effective tonight. They are continuing to monitor his sodium level (a common problem with brain injuries), and his headaches seem to be lessening in severity. Another great day of healing for Spencer.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Hooray for friends:  David, Aaron, Dexter, Pennington

Improving

Spencer is continuing to improve. His memory is returning--we are making good use of our many photographs. Today Spen looked at the photos in my camera of when he was in ICU, connected to every conceivable tube, wire, and monitor. He was completely shocked. He remembers yesterday, but not much more of the last several weeks. Half of the staples from his surgery were removed today, and the other half will come out tomorrow. He will be transferred to a rehabilitation hospital soon (possibly just down to the fourth floor of Scottsdale Osborn). He continues to take lots of naps between therapies, and is still fighting the headaches. The problems with his left ear will not be addressed for about six weeks to allow him time to more fully recover from the brain injury.
With Spencer doing so well, I will be discontinuing the emails, but have started a blog for those who would still like to check on his progress. The blog is humptydumptyman.blogspot.com. In a few more days, I will post the pictures that Spen is comfortable sharing. We couldn't have made it through the past ten days without the love, support, and prayers from all of you, as well as the amazing blessings from our Heavenly Father. We cannot express our gratitude for the outpouring of love we have experienced. So many of you have offered assistance--just knowing that we could call on you has been hugely comforting. I have saved and compiled all of your well-wishes into an overwhelming log of love for Spencer and our family to treasure. We love you all. Thank you for helping save our son.

Thursday, July, 29, 2010

Traumatic brain injury patients are allowed a visit from their family pet.
Leo was happy to oblige and become a therapy dog.

With the physical therapist

Time for speech therapy

More improvements

Yesterday, Spencer became aware enough to comprehend why he is in the hospital. He was questioning us about how the accident had occurred, and we did our best to explain it. His comment was, “Wow, I’m surprised I didn’t mess myself up!” The infection doctor has declared him free of meningitis, discontinuing the antibiotics, and the therapies continue. He is becoming more alert, and remembering more about his life and the world (with a few more holes left to fill in). He is walking (with aid) around the hospital floor several times a day. As always, we are grateful for your interest, love, and prayers.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A great birthday present for Dad

Grandma Mardell is a hospital regular by now.

Out of ICU!!!

Happy birthday today to my sweetest, most wonderful husband! Gary has already received a great birthday present: Spencer graduated into a regular hospital room last night at about 6:30 pm!!! The only stipulation in moving him was that he be accompanied by a 24 hour “sitter.” I will be here during the daytime, and a nurses’ aide will be here throughout the night. He is continuing with each of his many therapists, and is only on IV’s for a short period several times a day to administer antibiotics. He continues to have LOTS of HEADACHES and tires very easily.
Spencer’s memory is improving each day. Today he was able to think of five colors to list for the speech therapist, while just yesterday he was unable to spontaneously recall the names of anything. He continually surprises us by what he is able to do. Last night during his breathing exercise, he stopped, and read out loud, “keep indicator between arrows.” Wow, we reads very well!
We are waiting for his sodium levels to stabilize, along with regaining some strength and balance (if only he would eat more than a few bites at each meal).
The Lord has blessed us in amazing amounts. Thank you for loving Spencer. He is a great kid and his personality is definitely intact.