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.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
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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