Paul's having a good day today. He even made a few phone calls, including one to Jeff Dorian to check to see how things were going at work.Paul knew all the numbers from memory.
The tube that drains his stomach had been removed from his nose.
He is now being allowed unlimited ice chips, which makes him "so happy."
Dialysis again today for 3-1/2 hours, but his urine output is improving.
He has a new nurse he's dubbed "Atilla the Hun." According to Kari, Paul said she "already chewed his ass twice today." That ought to be good entertainment.
His scapula surgery has been pushed back to sometime next week.
Paul's been watching some of the NCAA tournament, and is napping now so he has the energy to watch Wazzu play later this afternoon.
Asked Kari how everyone is holding up, and she said they improve with Paul every day. Kari sounded very relaxed and in good humor.
(Written by Shawn)
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
10:25 PM Update
Kathi achieved her goal today; Paul sat up in a chair for a full hour. Paul was uncomfortable but sitting up helps to loosen up "stuff" in his chest.
He received dialysis today.
Paul has an infection in his colon called c-difficile. Apparently this is common when on an antibiotic for awhile. They are changing antibiotics, this should clear up the infection.
His scapula surgery is still tbd...maybe tomorrow?
Paul was very excited to see the Applegates. He keeps asking Rick to get him water. "Come on Ricky it's right over there, just get me some," Paul requests. But he has to stick to his ice chips for now. Bummer.
Shawn and I went to BCCC tonight for dinner with the boys and everyone we ran into was asking about Paul. All are sending their well wishes. Bob the bartender is saying a prayer for Paul every night and says he knows first hand about miracles.
More tomorrow : )
He received dialysis today.
Paul has an infection in his colon called c-difficile. Apparently this is common when on an antibiotic for awhile. They are changing antibiotics, this should clear up the infection.
His scapula surgery is still tbd...maybe tomorrow?
Paul was very excited to see the Applegates. He keeps asking Rick to get him water. "Come on Ricky it's right over there, just get me some," Paul requests. But he has to stick to his ice chips for now. Bummer.
Shawn and I went to BCCC tonight for dinner with the boys and everyone we ran into was asking about Paul. All are sending their well wishes. Bob the bartender is saying a prayer for Paul every night and says he knows first hand about miracles.
More tomorrow : )
Food for thought...1:45 PM Update
That's Pauls saying for the day, "Food for thought." Still wants that darn root beer float. Unfortunately they are still trying to calm his stomach so he is not allowed liquids at this time. He is allowed 2" of ice every 8 hours. He's sleeping right now and doesn't know this yet...Kari said he's not gonna be happy.
Kidney Doc was in and says for his young age and good health he believes his kidneys will make a full recovery. Will take time. He did have dialysis today. Kathi and Kari told him that his kidneys need to get working and his comback was, "Give me a break, I'm 60 years old." He's not saying a lot but it's clear by what he does say that he knows what's going on and what he wants.
Trauma team has ok'd surgery on scapula, waiting on ortho to schedule.
Kathi's goal today is to get him sitting in a chair. Paul's goal: root beer float.
Kidney Doc was in and says for his young age and good health he believes his kidneys will make a full recovery. Will take time. He did have dialysis today. Kathi and Kari told him that his kidneys need to get working and his comback was, "Give me a break, I'm 60 years old." He's not saying a lot but it's clear by what he does say that he knows what's going on and what he wants.
Trauma team has ok'd surgery on scapula, waiting on ortho to schedule.
Kathi's goal today is to get him sitting in a chair. Paul's goal: root beer float.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
9:24 PM
Paul had a restful day--he's catching up on sleep.
Surgery on his scapula is still tbd.
Thank you very much to Joanne for all your love and support, you're missed in San Diego!
Surgery on his scapula is still tbd.
Thank you very much to Joanne for all your love and support, you're missed in San Diego!
Finally an Update! 5:17
Sorry for the late update but I was out today bringing lunch to the other family patient--our Mom. She had a quick day surgery on Tuesday and was under threat from all her loving daughters that she could experience absolutely no complications. Happy to report that all went extremely well and she's at home with Herb taking great care of her.
Back to our other patient...
Spoke with Kari several times today and Kathi once. Things are definitely going better--I can always "hear" it in their voices.
This morning Paul was requesting a root beer float over and over. Kathi finally left the room "looking" for his root beer float and left Kari alone to deal with him. He looked at Kari, smiled widely and said, "After all these years she's finally starting to listen to me." Clearly he's heavily medicated!
Paul also asked Kathi, "Isn't there a canteen around here?" Maybe they sell root beer floats.
He also wanted to know who is giving authorization for "all this stuff." Kari quickly pointed at (blamed) Kathi.
Had his colonoscopy today at 10:00 AM to find out reason for GI bleeding. Minor wound from the trauma was causing some bleeding but will heal on it's own.
The Docs decided that the colonoscopy was enough fun for one day and put off the scapula surgery until Friday or later so he will be well rested for the surgery.
When he arrived they inserted a chest tube to relieve fluids around the lungs, it was removed today!
At 2:00 o'clock today he was given pain meds and he's been OUT since which makes Kathi, Kari & Sarah very happy. They know when he wakes up he'll be looking for that root beer float! They said he's definitely been a "poop" today but in a good way--he's cracking them up.
Joanne left today for home. Reed (Sarah's boyfriend) arrived last night and Rick & Carrie Applegate arrived an hour ago to lend new support. They'll be having dinner out tonight and Kari said it might be a 2 corona night! That is "whoopin it up" for Kari.
Back to our other patient...
Spoke with Kari several times today and Kathi once. Things are definitely going better--I can always "hear" it in their voices.
This morning Paul was requesting a root beer float over and over. Kathi finally left the room "looking" for his root beer float and left Kari alone to deal with him. He looked at Kari, smiled widely and said, "After all these years she's finally starting to listen to me." Clearly he's heavily medicated!
Paul also asked Kathi, "Isn't there a canteen around here?" Maybe they sell root beer floats.
He also wanted to know who is giving authorization for "all this stuff." Kari quickly pointed at (blamed) Kathi.
Had his colonoscopy today at 10:00 AM to find out reason for GI bleeding. Minor wound from the trauma was causing some bleeding but will heal on it's own.
The Docs decided that the colonoscopy was enough fun for one day and put off the scapula surgery until Friday or later so he will be well rested for the surgery.
When he arrived they inserted a chest tube to relieve fluids around the lungs, it was removed today!
At 2:00 o'clock today he was given pain meds and he's been OUT since which makes Kathi, Kari & Sarah very happy. They know when he wakes up he'll be looking for that root beer float! They said he's definitely been a "poop" today but in a good way--he's cracking them up.
Joanne left today for home. Reed (Sarah's boyfriend) arrived last night and Rick & Carrie Applegate arrived an hour ago to lend new support. They'll be having dinner out tonight and Kari said it might be a 2 corona night! That is "whoopin it up" for Kari.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
10:00 PM Update
Priority number one is to figure out the bleeding in the GI track. They took a series of x-rays today trying to get addtional information and hope to get further knowledge from tomorrow morning's colonoscopy.
Once that is figured out he will have his scapula surgery tomorrow--time tbd.
Feeding tube is out and now he has an IV for fluids/nutrients.
Hopefully find out more tomorrow. He's still fighting.
Once that is figured out he will have his scapula surgery tomorrow--time tbd.
Feeding tube is out and now he has an IV for fluids/nutrients.
Hopefully find out more tomorrow. He's still fighting.
Message From Sarah
Sarah posted a comment but I wanted to make sure that everyone read it so I have "posted it."
The morris family!!! said...
On Behalf of me, my mom, and Jen, We wanted to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers. We look forward to reading your comments every night and they really keep are spirits up and keep us going. This has been a very difficult time for our family, and knowing that all of you are out there supporting my dad is so amazing. We are taking it day by day, and he is so tough we know that he is going to make it through this. He makes us laugh because we all know that he is a smart ass!! Once again we all thank you guys so much and we are very excited for my dad to read all of your loving comments!!! We also wanted to thank the angels (Kari, and Joanne) who have been down here supporting us and keeping us going day by day!!!
The morris family!!! said...
On Behalf of me, my mom, and Jen, We wanted to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers. We look forward to reading your comments every night and they really keep are spirits up and keep us going. This has been a very difficult time for our family, and knowing that all of you are out there supporting my dad is so amazing. We are taking it day by day, and he is so tough we know that he is going to make it through this. He makes us laugh because we all know that he is a smart ass!! Once again we all thank you guys so much and we are very excited for my dad to read all of your loving comments!!! We also wanted to thank the angels (Kari, and Joanne) who have been down here supporting us and keeping us going day by day!!!
2:07 Update
Paul is more awake today which means they have lessened the pain meds. Unfortunately that is the way it is going to have to be. To keep him alert and his breathing normal he will have to endure a some pain. They are trying to keep it all balanced.
Blood culture came back this morning and it shows he has some bacteria in his system. He's on antibiotics and the Doctor believes it should clear up very quickly.
Paul did get a blood transfusion today due to a low blood count.
He is also getting kidney dialysis today as well.
His pancreas is irritated so he is unable to eat so he is being feed intravenously.
He will be getting a colonoscopy today as he is experiencing some GI track bleeding. The left side of his colon is bruised. There are a number of reasons that could be causing the bleeding and the colonoscopy will help to clear that mystery up.
Dr. Lee said that Paul has taken a little step back but that his overall condition is good.
He continues to be grumpy but when Kathi tells him that he has to keep fighting he shakes his head yes. Kari said that he continues to fight and work hard. Thank goodness! Sarah reported his new favorite phrase is, "Beam me up Scotty."
Blood culture came back this morning and it shows he has some bacteria in his system. He's on antibiotics and the Doctor believes it should clear up very quickly.
Paul did get a blood transfusion today due to a low blood count.
He is also getting kidney dialysis today as well.
His pancreas is irritated so he is unable to eat so he is being feed intravenously.
He will be getting a colonoscopy today as he is experiencing some GI track bleeding. The left side of his colon is bruised. There are a number of reasons that could be causing the bleeding and the colonoscopy will help to clear that mystery up.
Dr. Lee said that Paul has taken a little step back but that his overall condition is good.
He continues to be grumpy but when Kathi tells him that he has to keep fighting he shakes his head yes. Kari said that he continues to fight and work hard. Thank goodness! Sarah reported his new favorite phrase is, "Beam me up Scotty."
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
9:51 PM Update
Paul slept all day today. This is a bit concerning as they want him a little more responsive, took all pain meds away including his patch. The hope is that he was plum warn out from his hard day yesterday.
Took more blood samples and are awaiting results in the morning.
Blood pressure, heart rate & oxygen level are all still good.
We will update as soon as new info is available hopefully by Noon tomorrow.
Keeping fingers crossed for a good day tomorrow--every one needs it especially Paul.
Took more blood samples and are awaiting results in the morning.
Blood pressure, heart rate & oxygen level are all still good.
We will update as soon as new info is available hopefully by Noon tomorrow.
Keeping fingers crossed for a good day tomorrow--every one needs it especially Paul.
Tuesday, 3:04 PM Upate
Just got off the phone with Kari and we're happy to report that Paul is OUT right now. Kari says it seems that they have the pain meds dialed in a little better and he is just plain exhausted.
Dr. Eric McDreamy--the Orthopedic surgeon--spoke with Kathi & Kari and said the scapula surgery is on for Thursday. Please excuse my lack of medical jargon but basically the ball & cup is smashed down & in. They will fix it with a plate & screws he'll then be in a sling.
Kari said that after yesterday the Doctor has been checking in with them more often. She reassured them that Paul is doing amazingly well from when he came in. She said there will be good days and bad and days where there is no progress. She told them that unfortunately the name of the game at this time is time & patience patience patience. Kari said they all felt a lot better after this pep talk.
Paul is still on intermittent dialysis for his kidneys.
Kari said he is getting SO skinny and now has a lovely mustache. The person who came in to shave him said the blade was getting dull so they left and I quote, "A lovely 70's porn mustache." Sounds like we won't recognize the guy by the time he gets out!
Joanne just got back from the library where she was printing out the blog for the "girls" to read while they're waiting in the hall in case Paul needs them. Kari said she was gone for 2 hours and thought maybe Joanne had fallen asleep. Joanne said nope, she didn't fall asleep she's just stupid. Said it took her forever to print out the blog. Way to hang in there Joanne! I'll say it again...keep leaving those messages because they are being read and are very much appreciated! Thanks all.
Dr. Eric McDreamy--the Orthopedic surgeon--spoke with Kathi & Kari and said the scapula surgery is on for Thursday. Please excuse my lack of medical jargon but basically the ball & cup is smashed down & in. They will fix it with a plate & screws he'll then be in a sling.
Kari said that after yesterday the Doctor has been checking in with them more often. She reassured them that Paul is doing amazingly well from when he came in. She said there will be good days and bad and days where there is no progress. She told them that unfortunately the name of the game at this time is time & patience patience patience. Kari said they all felt a lot better after this pep talk.
Paul is still on intermittent dialysis for his kidneys.
Kari said he is getting SO skinny and now has a lovely mustache. The person who came in to shave him said the blade was getting dull so they left and I quote, "A lovely 70's porn mustache." Sounds like we won't recognize the guy by the time he gets out!
Joanne just got back from the library where she was printing out the blog for the "girls" to read while they're waiting in the hall in case Paul needs them. Kari said she was gone for 2 hours and thought maybe Joanne had fallen asleep. Joanne said nope, she didn't fall asleep she's just stupid. Said it took her forever to print out the blog. Way to hang in there Joanne! I'll say it again...keep leaving those messages because they are being read and are very much appreciated! Thanks all.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Monday 9:53 PM Update
The Doctors are still trying to dial in Paul's pain meds. He has a pain patch on but it won't kick in for 24 hours. He is being given pain meds every 2 hours.
They have ordered a cat scan for his stomach due to a low white blood count and once he can hold the medicine down they will do one. Hopefully within the next 1/2 hour. The surgeon said that it is not abnormal for white blood counts to be down after surgery. They believe the cat scan will show that all is well. This is precautionary.
The Docs have not spoken with Kathi further regarding the scapula surgery on Thursday. To clear up the earlier post...Paul is unable to move his left arm/shoulder area due to injuries--not his complete left side. This is due to pain not paralysis.
This has been an extremely tough day for all those down there with Paul as of course it has been for Paul himself. Please please keep beaming positive thoughts and prayers their way.
Towards the end of this awful day the nurse reminded Kathi & all that he is doing so much better than they ever expected when he arrived on Tuesday afternoon. He will make it through this.
Kathi, Sarah, Kari & Joanne are very much looking forward to getting Paul into a restful sleep and returning to the hotel to eat the girl scout cookies that Steve Bruce sent them, lay on the bed and read all the comments that their wonderful friends and family have been posting. Kari said they look forward to that soooo much at the end of every day. Your written thoughts and well wishes are really helping. Thank you.
They have ordered a cat scan for his stomach due to a low white blood count and once he can hold the medicine down they will do one. Hopefully within the next 1/2 hour. The surgeon said that it is not abnormal for white blood counts to be down after surgery. They believe the cat scan will show that all is well. This is precautionary.
The Docs have not spoken with Kathi further regarding the scapula surgery on Thursday. To clear up the earlier post...Paul is unable to move his left arm/shoulder area due to injuries--not his complete left side. This is due to pain not paralysis.
This has been an extremely tough day for all those down there with Paul as of course it has been for Paul himself. Please please keep beaming positive thoughts and prayers their way.
Towards the end of this awful day the nurse reminded Kathi & all that he is doing so much better than they ever expected when he arrived on Tuesday afternoon. He will make it through this.
Kathi, Sarah, Kari & Joanne are very much looking forward to getting Paul into a restful sleep and returning to the hotel to eat the girl scout cookies that Steve Bruce sent them, lay on the bed and read all the comments that their wonderful friends and family have been posting. Kari said they look forward to that soooo much at the end of every day. Your written thoughts and well wishes are really helping. Thank you.
Monday 3-12-07 2:39 Update
Paul is having a very hard day today. He is in a lot of pain--feeling everything. The docs are trying to find the balance on his pain meds. He is unable to click the button to self administer and if they go for heavy sedation he'll need to go back on the ventilator. He is unable to sleep. Needless to say this kind of pain is taking its toll on Paul as well as Kathi, Sarah, Kari & Joanne. Sarah said Kathi and Kari are able to calm him down but finds it very difficult to be in the room.
The feeding tube has been removed but Paul is unable to do solid foods at this time. Considering the pain he is in eating is probably the last thing on his mind. He really doesn't want the feeding tube reinserted but it may need to be as he isn't getting any nutrition. Kathi said his cheek bones are definitely showing.
A cat scan is scheduled to double check his stomach to make sure everything is working properly. This is routine. Apparently he's belching--a lot! They are not sure what is causing this so taking a peek inside sounds like a good idea.
Kathi is waiting to speak with the Orthopedic surgeon but Paul is tentatively scheduled for surgery this Thursday on his left scapula. Normally this would heal itself but due to the damage surgery is required. He currently is unable to move his left side.
Please keep those positive thoughts and prayers going. Thank you.
The feeding tube has been removed but Paul is unable to do solid foods at this time. Considering the pain he is in eating is probably the last thing on his mind. He really doesn't want the feeding tube reinserted but it may need to be as he isn't getting any nutrition. Kathi said his cheek bones are definitely showing.
A cat scan is scheduled to double check his stomach to make sure everything is working properly. This is routine. Apparently he's belching--a lot! They are not sure what is causing this so taking a peek inside sounds like a good idea.
Kathi is waiting to speak with the Orthopedic surgeon but Paul is tentatively scheduled for surgery this Thursday on his left scapula. Normally this would heal itself but due to the damage surgery is required. He currently is unable to move his left side.
Please keep those positive thoughts and prayers going. Thank you.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Sunday 3-11-07 9:37 PM Update
After this morning's great news, Paul continues to improve. He has found his words! They range from, "I love you" to "No shit" when asked if it hurts.
He puckers his lips for a kiss from Kathi every time she enters or leaves the room.
While Kathi, Kari, Sarah, Joanne and Carry were at dinner they removed his neck brace. The Doctor's were able to communicate with Paul and determine that there are no head or neck injuries.
Paul now has to exercise (his favorite thing) his lungs every hour to get them stronger. In spite of the pain he is following all Doctors orders. Think he wants outta there. Kari reports that he's quite grumpy--like a bear being poked or woken from a deep slumber. They take his grumpiness as a good sign and who could blame him?
Doctors are optimistic that he'll be out of ICU soon and possibly sitting up tomorrow.
Dave & Jen went home today feeling very positive about the progress Paul has made. Carry Ore returns tomorrow, followed by Joanne on Wednesday. Carrie Applegate and Sarah's boyfriend both fly down on Thursday to provide support to Kathi, Sarah & the patient.
He puckers his lips for a kiss from Kathi every time she enters or leaves the room.
While Kathi, Kari, Sarah, Joanne and Carry were at dinner they removed his neck brace. The Doctor's were able to communicate with Paul and determine that there are no head or neck injuries.
Paul now has to exercise (his favorite thing) his lungs every hour to get them stronger. In spite of the pain he is following all Doctors orders. Think he wants outta there. Kari reports that he's quite grumpy--like a bear being poked or woken from a deep slumber. They take his grumpiness as a good sign and who could blame him?
Doctors are optimistic that he'll be out of ICU soon and possibly sitting up tomorrow.
Dave & Jen went home today feeling very positive about the progress Paul has made. Carry Ore returns tomorrow, followed by Joanne on Wednesday. Carrie Applegate and Sarah's boyfriend both fly down on Thursday to provide support to Kathi, Sarah & the patient.
Pics & info...
Steve Bruce just stopped by and said he has been getting some pictures sent to him of kids. He would also really like some pictures of Paul's friends--adult friends. Please send these to Steve at Steve-Bruce@comcast.net. Perhaps some from the Italy trip? Thanks.
Steve spoke about the accident but I will not go into great detail here. I will leave that up to the riders to tell...as we all know everyone who witnesses an accident has a different story to tell. But there are a few things I feel are worth telling.
A red pick up truck drifted over to the shoulder and then over corrected, lost control and hit Paul, Jeff & Lane.
The first 3 people who stopped to help were trained in first aid and the next person to stop was a medical student (all Americans). Speaking on behalf of the family a big, big thank you to these people!
The driver, an American who lives coincidentally in Cathedral City (near Palm Springs), kept driving. Steve asked others who stopped to help to see if they could find the guy. He was a 1/2 mile down the road fixing his tire. It's not known for sure at this time if he came back to the scene but if he did, he didn't stay. The good samaritans did get all of his information and pictures of him and his truck. Last word on him was that he was in a Mexican jail.
Paul continues to improve and everyone who stopped to help and the other riders are to thank. Sometimes it seems that we're inundated with negative news stories and it's easy to forget that there are many, many good people out there willing to help when you need it most.
Steve spoke about the accident but I will not go into great detail here. I will leave that up to the riders to tell...as we all know everyone who witnesses an accident has a different story to tell. But there are a few things I feel are worth telling.
A red pick up truck drifted over to the shoulder and then over corrected, lost control and hit Paul, Jeff & Lane.
The first 3 people who stopped to help were trained in first aid and the next person to stop was a medical student (all Americans). Speaking on behalf of the family a big, big thank you to these people!
The driver, an American who lives coincidentally in Cathedral City (near Palm Springs), kept driving. Steve asked others who stopped to help to see if they could find the guy. He was a 1/2 mile down the road fixing his tire. It's not known for sure at this time if he came back to the scene but if he did, he didn't stay. The good samaritans did get all of his information and pictures of him and his truck. Last word on him was that he was in a Mexican jail.
Paul continues to improve and everyone who stopped to help and the other riders are to thank. Sometimes it seems that we're inundated with negative news stories and it's easy to forget that there are many, many good people out there willing to help when you need it most.
The Bear is Back! 3-11-07 11:15 AM Update
Dave & Jen just called. They usually have a "roundtable" where everyone is involved in saying what will be posted. Dave & Jen were very excited by today's progress and took executive control and called me with this morning's update.
The breathing tube is out and he is breathing COMPLETELY on his OWN. Awesome news.
Dave said he is still very groggy but is definitely responding to family & friends.
He has spoken a few words but due to all the tubes that have been in his throat he is very sore.
Dave said he's looking like a different guy as his face continues to heal and the tubes are out. Dave & Jen said he is looking excellent and he has taken huge steps forward.
Dave spoke with the Kidney Doc and they will start intermittent dialysis today or tomorrow.
Paul still has a long recovery but we are so enjoying every piece of good news that comes out of San Diego. Keep those prayers and positive thoughts coming.
Thanks everyone.
The breathing tube is out and he is breathing COMPLETELY on his OWN. Awesome news.
Dave said he is still very groggy but is definitely responding to family & friends.
He has spoken a few words but due to all the tubes that have been in his throat he is very sore.
Dave said he's looking like a different guy as his face continues to heal and the tubes are out. Dave & Jen said he is looking excellent and he has taken huge steps forward.
Dave spoke with the Kidney Doc and they will start intermittent dialysis today or tomorrow.
Paul still has a long recovery but we are so enjoying every piece of good news that comes out of San Diego. Keep those prayers and positive thoughts coming.
Thanks everyone.
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