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.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Aunt Suzanne spent many days at the hospital

One Week!

Tonight will be one week since Spencer's accident. We have witnessed a true miracle that he is alive, and more miracles each day as he continues to progress so rapidly. Today has been the first of many days filled with activity--speech therapy (making connections between words and categories, very simple math), occupational therapy (toothbrushing is a good start, as is self-feeding), respiratory therapy, and physical therapy (including a walk all the way around the ICU!). Spencer is calmer, more rested, more comfortable, and generally, a happy camper. He is smiling, sweet, polite, cooperative, mellow, and still very sleepy. Today, for the first time, he is aware that he is in the hospital when asked the oft-repeated question of, "Do you know where you are?" He recognizes everyone, but is not always able to recall the correct name. He knew it was a silly question when asked for the name of his close friend, and mischieviously answered, "I know, but I'm not going to tell you."
Last night we received great news: the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor tested Spen's left ear with a tuning fork and had a positive response! The swelling on the side of his head has reduced and he is again able to open his left eye. The fever is under control, and pneumonia and meningitis are no longer big issues. His catheter was removed today (hooray) and he will be moved out of Intensive Care to another area of the hospital soon. Following his hospital stay, he will go to a rehabilitation facility.
Several long-time hospital employees have told us how unusual this recovery has been. Their experience has been that this "just doesn't happen." They don't know about all of you and the blessings we have received. Thanks for your continued support and prayers.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Spen still has the goofy personality. 

Garrett is so happy Spencer is smiling!

More comfortable today!

After two rough days of much pain and very little sleep, Spen is having his first reduced-stress day. He gave his evening nurse a wild ride last night by constantly struggling to pull off every foreign object from his body. This morning found him wearing huge mittens, with all four appendages tied tightly to the bed. His new nickname is "Houdini," as he managed to remove one of the mitts by bending his head down to his tethered hand and using his teeth to release the velcro around his wrist! This comes following the warning passed on during the morning shift change: "Don't trust him." Spencer's temperature has come down, and we are still awaiting further results from his spinal tap. The assumption is that he does have aminor form of meningitis, in addition to pneumonia. He has started breathing treatments and continues to be on antibiotics. He is much happier today in his few waking moments, but remains unable/unwilling to answer most questions. He expresses himself verbally and recognizes his family. It has been a huge relief today to see him BOTH conscious and comfortable. Thanks to all of our family and friends for your support and prayers. Again, this email goes out to those whose addresses I have, please feel free to pass it on.
P.S. Garrett is home for the weekend from BYU and counted the staples in Spen's head. The number is 70.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

There is our handsome son!

Although Spencer would strongly disagree, he is doing wonderfully. Apparently, head trauma patients are given minimal pain medication (no narcotics) so they can be accurately evaluated for neurological function. He is, in a word, m i s e r a b l e ! Every minute is full of intense pain and discomfort, and he is begging to go home. He cannot find a comfortable position to lay, is totally exhausted, and cannot sleep. Fortunately he will not remember any of this stage of recovery, which truely is a gift. The left side of his face and head are hugely swollen, but this is strictly exterior to the skull. Spencer speaks clearly, and doesn't seem to have any damage to his facial nerve, which was a concern. He expresses his pain & frustrations, but was unable to respond approriately to his doctors' questions--just fine at this point. His level of pain appears to exceed the normal amount for the surgery, and is probably coming from this very damaged ear. Our biggest issue now is addressing his fever. He will have a spinal tap to help choose the most appropriate antibiotic. Thank heavens he is in very capable hands.
He continues to be in great need of your prayers. We are so appreciative of all of you. We love you and couldn't be getting through this without all the support we have received.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

He looks a little banged up, but is SOOO MUCH BETTER!

Spen is Back!

What a difference a day makes! We had a rollercoaster day yesterday, as we awaited Spencer's surgery. His surgery finally began at 7:00pm, and he was out by 9:00pm. By about ten oclock we were able to see him. When his nurse attempted to rouse him, he opened his eyes and responded! We asked him questions and he answered appropriately by nodding his head, moving his fingers, etc. He became somewhat agitated and was using his teenage strength in an attempt to dislodge his respirator, IVs, Foley, and cranial pressure probe. About two hours later, the neurosurgeon came to check on Spen, and the decision was made to remove the tubes from his throat, and the probe from his brain. When we were allowed back into his room, Spencer was groggy but TALKING and MAKING SENSE!!! This is an absolute miracle, a direct result of all of your prayers on his behalf. We have felt the powers of heaven which have been directed our way by all of you. The medical care at Scottsdale Osborn has been outstanding. Talk about a team effort for this kid!

Last night Spencer's nurse allowed him to touch his head, and he said, "What happened to my hair?" She told him that he had brain surgery and they shaved it all off. He responded, "That's not cool." He also told the nurse that he was going to be sick, and calmly proceeded to count down backwards from five, vomiting just after saying, "one!" That made him a superstar with the nurses, who say, "No patient has even done that before."

When we arrived back at the hospital this morning following a few hours of sleep at home, we walked into his room to find him sitting up eating a cracker and sipping ginger ale! He is much more alert this morning and HE'S BACK! His personality already is the same ol' Spen! We are beyond being overwhelmed with gratitude.

With the most critical days behind us, we look forward to addressing the additional challenges he will be facing. These were the "We HOPE to have that problem" issues. All three bones in his left ear are broken, and we are expecting vertigo, nausea, and hearing problems. He remains agitated, uncomfortable, and very frustrated with his inability to find a comfortable position amid all the remaining IV tubes, drains, and monitor cords. The nurses assure us that his frustration and downright grumpiness are very normal at this point. We're hoping he will be a little "friendlier" after he satisfies his ravenous hunger (a little at a time).

P.S.
WE LOVE YOU ALL!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT, AND PRAYERS!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Just after the surgery Friday night

Spen's Latest

Spen's brain pressure remained low all day yesterday (Thursday). He remained unresponsive and did have additional CT scans to further assess the large hematoma. No changes throughout the day was mostly good news. Gary and I went home to sleep, and didn't hear anything until we called his nurse at five o'clock this morning. She had great news--he had responded to her commands at 1:30 in the morning. He nodded his head to her questions, and was able to give her a "thumbs-up" with both hands!!! Fantastic! When we arrived at the hospital this morning, the news was not as positive. Early this morning his brain pressure had risen considerably, and was well into the "danger zone." The CT scan from 4:00 am revealed a slight increase in the size of the hematoma, and a decision has been made to intervene surgically, which will help relieve the pressure on his brain. We are thinking this will occur around noon or early afternoon today (Friday). We feel that this is the best option. His ear has ceased draining, which is great, but may be contributing to the increased brain pressure also. Overall, we are still very encouraged, especially that he has demonstrated some cognitive response (we wish we could have seen it). He continues to be in desperate need of your prayers. We cannot express the appreciation we have for your care and support.

I have sent this e-mail to everyone whose email addresses are in my computer. I would appreciate you sharing this information with anyone else whom we have unintentionally not included.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

These pictures are hard to look at.  We know it does get better from here.
This was how Spen looked all day Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Spencer's Update

We are so touched by and appreciative of the concern we have received regarding Spencer. We have had an unbelievable amount of phone calls, texts, e-mails, and visits from all of you. We thought now that we are adjusting to this new reality, its time to become a little more organized about letting everyone know how much good their prayers have accomplished.

As we are approaching the 36 hour post-trauma mark, Spen is continuing to be stable. His brain pressure is good, and vital signs are normal (he is on a respirator still). He is still fully sedated to reduce any stimulation and keep him still, allowing his brain to begin to heal. He has too many fractures to count, with the worst area being around his left ear. He has had a large amount of drainage of blood and cerebral fluid through his ear. The doctors are hoping the drainage stops (it is definately abating) which would help reduce the chance of menengitis (as a result of the direct contact into his brain allowed through the ear). He is receiving antibiotics to hopefully avoid this potential complication.

The most urgent concern now is a subdural hematoma near his left ear which was present in yesterday's CT scan and is slightly larger in today's CT scan. He will be given two additional specialized CT scans today today to trace the cause of the hematoma--it is either from a vein (we already know the arteries are all intact--hooray), or from the fractures. Either way it could resolve itself or it could need surgery. We should know more tonight.

Every hour or two, they reduce his sedation for about five minutes to see how conscious he is. His nurses have found out how strong Spen can be! He opens his eyes (not focusing yet) and thrashes his arms (they are in restraints), legs, and body around. This is a great sign at this point. We still have another very critical day ahead of us, hoping that the brain pressure stays down the hematoma stabilizes, and the ear seals off. His recovery will come in small increments, and we know we may be facing some set-backs along the way. We are so grateful for the progress he has made.