Just got off the phone with Dave Brown and things are continuing to go well.
The ventilator is off and on which is normal. He was taken of the ventilator this morning and he was breathing on his own for 3 hours. After that 3 hour workout they put him back on the ventilator to let his body rest and then gave him another 4 hour workout this evening. This is standard procedure.
They are hoping that the breathing tube will be removed once and for all tomorrow.
Paul is still on dialysis and they are hoping to go to intermittent dialysis in the next few days.
Dave reported that you can see the progress with Paul. Kari said his eyes are a lot clearer today. I spoke with Dave, Kari, Jen, Sarah & Kathi today and I could hear the relief in all their voices. Things are definately heading in the right direction.
Jen however is upset as it appears that ALL Dr. McDreamy's have the weekends off. Sorry Jen.
Reports are that Dave and Jen will likely head home tomorrow. Joanne and Carry Ore will head home Monday. Carrie Applegate will fly down soon to provide new support.
Thank you again to everyone!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Got Pictures?
Steve Bruce is putting together a continuous slide show to put in an eltronic frame so Paul can keep his family and friends close. What a wonderful idea!
Please email any photos you would like included to:
Steve Bruce
Steve-Bruce@comcast.net
Thanks!
Please email any photos you would like included to:
Steve Bruce
Steve-Bruce@comcast.net
Thanks!
11:47 AM Update
It's early in the day but everyone is very excited/optimistic that this will be a good day for Paul!
He is breathing on his own. Yehhhhh!!! The breathing tube is still in but hopefully will be removed tomorrow.
Paul is opening his eyes a lot more (5 or so seconds at a time) and is really responding to Kathi's voice. He also is responding to commands.
He currently has a feeding tube inserted to provide extra nutrients--nope no filet mignon or ranch burger for the big guy yet.
Jen said they will call back later this afternoon/early evening with another update. This is the first time I've received an update where I could hear "cheery" people in the background. Everyone's good thoughts and prayers are working--thank you.
He is breathing on his own. Yehhhhh!!! The breathing tube is still in but hopefully will be removed tomorrow.
Paul is opening his eyes a lot more (5 or so seconds at a time) and is really responding to Kathi's voice. He also is responding to commands.
He currently has a feeding tube inserted to provide extra nutrients--nope no filet mignon or ranch burger for the big guy yet.
Jen said they will call back later this afternoon/early evening with another update. This is the first time I've received an update where I could hear "cheery" people in the background. Everyone's good thoughts and prayers are working--thank you.
Friday, March 9, 2007
9:16 PM Update
Foot surgery went well and there are currently no more surgeries scheduled. Tomorrow they will attempt to have him breathe on his own and lessen the sedation.
He is looking good as his face is beginning to heal.
Hope to have another update by Noon tomorrow with more good news.
He is looking good as his face is beginning to heal.
Hope to have another update by Noon tomorrow with more good news.
3:52 Update
Just spoke with Dave Brown and he said that Paul just went into surgery--later than the expected 2:30 start time. The Docs said this would be a pretty simple surgery. Dave said Paul is opening his eyes more today and had them opened for the longest time yet--a few seconds. They were able to make eye contact with him and he was not afraid and seemed, "not happy." We decided that that is actually good news. Dave also said that today has been the best day yet for Paul and everything seems to be going in the right direction, "just slower than shit!" Amen. Kathi is currently resting and the others are out getting additional clothes and supplies. I'm sure in their rush to get out of town accurate packing wasn't top on their list. I'll post more when I know more. Keeping praying and thinking positive, positive, postive. Julie
Not an update-just a Thank You!
This is a thanks for everyone (including myself!!!) who is taking the time to figure out this new blog "thang." I know I'm dealing with a group--myself included--who are mostly over 40. Yes, many of the posted comments are from those under 40. . . but Sarah said they are checking out the comments and very much enjoy reading them! So keep posting them please. I've been fielding phone calls and emails about how to do so and I really don't mind answering those questions. I'll go over it again here...at the end of each posting (this one included) there is a line in light blue text that says something like, "posted by julie at 12:30 2 comments." Simply click on the word "comments" and you'll be able to leave a message. You can also read other peoples comments if you would like. Also, please feel free to give this blog address to people who would be interested. Thanks again everyone : )
12:30 PM Update
Jennifer just called and wanted everyone to know that Paul is resting comfortably on his new air mattress to help prevent bed sores.
His heart rate and blood pressure continues to be normal today! Good progress!!
He is still on dialysis to help his "sleeping" kidneys. Dialysis helps get rid of toxins in the body and help flush out the extra fluid his body is trying to hold on to. Doctors are hoping that they will be able to wean him off the dialysis to 3 x a week rather than 24 hours a day.
Surgery is still scheduled for 2:30 today to close the open would and fix the broken bone(s) on his left foot/ankle.
The damage to his scapula (left shoulder) will heal on its own.
Paul is still heavily sedated and still on the ventilator.
Nothing else today but hopefully lots of rest!
Kathi & all would like to report how happy they are with the care Paul is receiving at UCSD trauma center. They would really like to express their thanks to "Nurse Doris" described as a 90 pound spitfire who is very protective of Paul and is really watching out for his best interest. Go Doris!
On a much lighter note...Kathi, Kari, Jen & Sarah would like to report that there are plenty of Dr. McDreamy's around the hospital to help them while away the time...
His heart rate and blood pressure continues to be normal today! Good progress!!
He is still on dialysis to help his "sleeping" kidneys. Dialysis helps get rid of toxins in the body and help flush out the extra fluid his body is trying to hold on to. Doctors are hoping that they will be able to wean him off the dialysis to 3 x a week rather than 24 hours a day.
Surgery is still scheduled for 2:30 today to close the open would and fix the broken bone(s) on his left foot/ankle.
The damage to his scapula (left shoulder) will heal on its own.
Paul is still heavily sedated and still on the ventilator.
Nothing else today but hopefully lots of rest!
Kathi & all would like to report how happy they are with the care Paul is receiving at UCSD trauma center. They would really like to express their thanks to "Nurse Doris" described as a 90 pound spitfire who is very protective of Paul and is really watching out for his best interest. Go Doris!
On a much lighter note...Kathi, Kari, Jen & Sarah would like to report that there are plenty of Dr. McDreamy's around the hospital to help them while away the time...
10:36 AM Update
Spoke with Sarah an hour or so ago. Paul is a little more alert but still heavily sedated. He is scheduled today at 2:30 for more surgery on his left foot. Today his heart rate is good, strong and steady. Apparantly it wasn't so steady the last few days so that is good news! They are expecting results of his cat scan for his scapula (left shoulder area) today. They are meeting with the Doctors again around 11:00 (probably later) and I will report as soon as I hear.
On another note...thank you all for your well wishes and continued support. At this time we are really trying to limit calls to Kathi so she can focus all her energy on Paul and doesn't go through the re-telling of the story again and again. Please check the blog for updates and please leave your well wishes under the comment area. If you need to call me please feel free to do so. My home is 425-882-4851 and cell is 206-910-4171. Thank you again! Julie Byrnes
On another note...thank you all for your well wishes and continued support. At this time we are really trying to limit calls to Kathi so she can focus all her energy on Paul and doesn't go through the re-telling of the story again and again. Please check the blog for updates and please leave your well wishes under the comment area. If you need to call me please feel free to do so. My home is 425-882-4851 and cell is 206-910-4171. Thank you again! Julie Byrnes
8:00 - no new news.
I'm trying not to call and wake anyone up so I don't have any new information. I am working today but will take my laptop with me and post something as soon as I get a call. Remember that you can hit the small word "comments" at the end of each posting to leave a message. Sarah has her laptop with her so they are reading the comments. Thanks!
Thursday, March 8, 2007
3/8/07 4:46 Update
Hi All,
Just spoke with Kari and they are putting in a filter to stop any possible blood clots that may occur due to a) the trauma and b) his current lack of activity. This is a GREAT precaution and one I honestly can’t believe I didn’t think of since my husband was in the hospital for 8 days due to a DVT caused by lack of activity due to pneumonia.
Please keep those positive thoughts and prayers coming. Kathi is anxiously awaiting Paul to wake up and start bossing people around!
Thanks,
Julie
Just spoke with Kari and they are putting in a filter to stop any possible blood clots that may occur due to a) the trauma and b) his current lack of activity. This is a GREAT precaution and one I honestly can’t believe I didn’t think of since my husband was in the hospital for 8 days due to a DVT caused by lack of activity due to pneumonia.
Please keep those positive thoughts and prayers coming. Kathi is anxiously awaiting Paul to wake up and start bossing people around!
Thanks,
Julie
UCSD Trauma Center
Since 1976, UCSD Medical Center has served as a Regional Trauma Center for the citizens of San Diego and Imperial counties, and has pioneered improvements in the special care needed by trauma victims.
Designation of UCSD Medical Center as San Diego County’s first Level 1 Trauma Center was acknowledgement of the Center’s continuing commitment to the best possible trauma care provided by expert personnel.
The UCSD Trauma Center includes a three-bed resuscitation suite and a dedicated operating room, all located on the second floor of UCSD Medical Center adjacent to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and Blood Bank. Patients are seen by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including trauma surgeons, trauma nurses, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons and spine specialists. All aspects of care and all subspecialties in medicine are coordinated in the care of each trauma patient.
The center admits approximately 1,700 patients a year who are Trauma Team Activations. Patients who have been identified by the emergency services in the pre-hospital system to be at higher risk for serious multi-system injuries are brought directly to the resuscitation suite or trauma operating room. For example, people who have sustained severed injuries often involving several areas of the body (such as a brain concussion, internal bleeding, and broken bones) are admitted to the UCSD Trauma Center. Many patients have other medical problems complicated by trauma. In some instances, patients are transferred from other hospitals to take advantage of the special facilities and highly trained personnel available at the UCSD Trauma Center. In 2003, UCSD Trauma Center received Level I verification from the American College of Surgeons’ Committee. By providing truly comprehensive care for trauma patients – from intensive care through intermediate care, acute care and rehabilitation – the UCSD Trauma Center remains committed to decreasing the mortality rate from traumatic injuries in the San Diego Region.
Designation of UCSD Medical Center as San Diego County’s first Level 1 Trauma Center was acknowledgement of the Center’s continuing commitment to the best possible trauma care provided by expert personnel.
The UCSD Trauma Center includes a three-bed resuscitation suite and a dedicated operating room, all located on the second floor of UCSD Medical Center adjacent to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and Blood Bank. Patients are seen by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including trauma surgeons, trauma nurses, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons and spine specialists. All aspects of care and all subspecialties in medicine are coordinated in the care of each trauma patient.
The center admits approximately 1,700 patients a year who are Trauma Team Activations. Patients who have been identified by the emergency services in the pre-hospital system to be at higher risk for serious multi-system injuries are brought directly to the resuscitation suite or trauma operating room. For example, people who have sustained severed injuries often involving several areas of the body (such as a brain concussion, internal bleeding, and broken bones) are admitted to the UCSD Trauma Center. Many patients have other medical problems complicated by trauma. In some instances, patients are transferred from other hospitals to take advantage of the special facilities and highly trained personnel available at the UCSD Trauma Center. In 2003, UCSD Trauma Center received Level I verification from the American College of Surgeons’ Committee. By providing truly comprehensive care for trauma patients – from intensive care through intermediate care, acute care and rehabilitation – the UCSD Trauma Center remains committed to decreasing the mortality rate from traumatic injuries in the San Diego Region.
3/8/07 1:30 PM update
Hi Everyone,
As most of you know, Paul was involved in a motorcycle accident while in Mexico on Monday afternoon. He and 8 friends were on a Harley trip down to Cabo. A pick up truck crossed the center line hitting Paul and two other riders. Paul sustained many injuries, the other 2 riders are in pretty good shape.
24+ hours later Paul arrived, via ambulance, at the University of California San Diego Hospital’s trauma center. He is in the ICU and will remain so for at least another week. Due to his being in the ICU he cannot accept any flowers, phone calls etc.
He currently is stable and the doctor’s say, “He is doing very well from where he started on Tuesday. Recovery will be a long and slow process.”
He currently is on a ventilator. They did try to wean him off but his body is not ready due to the trauma he is enduring. This is very common and they feel sure that he will be able to be weaned from the ventilator—they will try again in a few days.
He currently is on dialysis for his kidneys. Doctors say they are, “Very optimistic he will regain full function of his kidneys.”
He did have surgery on his left ankle/foot. This surgery was mainly to deal with the open wound and possible infection not the broken bones. He will have additional surgeries on his left foot. His right foot is also broken. His right hand is broken and has a splint. Doctors are less worried about the broken bones at this point. He also suffered 6 broken ribs. He had his spleen removed Tuesday evening to stop some internal bleeding.
Currently Paul is sleeping and resting comfortably, aka he’s heavily sedated.
Kathi, Sarah & Jen would like to thank everyone for their positive thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming!
Thank you,
Julie Byrnes (Kathi’s sister)
425-882-4851
As most of you know, Paul was involved in a motorcycle accident while in Mexico on Monday afternoon. He and 8 friends were on a Harley trip down to Cabo. A pick up truck crossed the center line hitting Paul and two other riders. Paul sustained many injuries, the other 2 riders are in pretty good shape.
24+ hours later Paul arrived, via ambulance, at the University of California San Diego Hospital’s trauma center. He is in the ICU and will remain so for at least another week. Due to his being in the ICU he cannot accept any flowers, phone calls etc.
He currently is stable and the doctor’s say, “He is doing very well from where he started on Tuesday. Recovery will be a long and slow process.”
He currently is on a ventilator. They did try to wean him off but his body is not ready due to the trauma he is enduring. This is very common and they feel sure that he will be able to be weaned from the ventilator—they will try again in a few days.
He currently is on dialysis for his kidneys. Doctors say they are, “Very optimistic he will regain full function of his kidneys.”
He did have surgery on his left ankle/foot. This surgery was mainly to deal with the open wound and possible infection not the broken bones. He will have additional surgeries on his left foot. His right foot is also broken. His right hand is broken and has a splint. Doctors are less worried about the broken bones at this point. He also suffered 6 broken ribs. He had his spleen removed Tuesday evening to stop some internal bleeding.
Currently Paul is sleeping and resting comfortably, aka he’s heavily sedated.
Kathi, Sarah & Jen would like to thank everyone for their positive thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming!
Thank you,
Julie Byrnes (Kathi’s sister)
425-882-4851
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