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.