Michael Gotzens Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury: Update

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Update

I spoke to Mike's nurse this moring and he had a good night. His O2 level stayed in the 90's which is good. We didn't hear back yet on the CT scan he had yesterday but the Dr. did tell me that if we didn't that was good news.

Mike's pain level seems to be the same, but he is more coherant as some of the additional meds they gave him get out of his system. I think they have found the right combination to give him relief without making him "loopy".

He still has his BiPap mask on that helps him get more O2 in his system and he will keep that on until the levels in his blood are right, and he can keep them there. Mikie is also holoding his temp better too. Although not normal, he is averaging arounf 99 - 100 rather than 102-103. That is really good news too.

The good news in all of this is that everyone still says Mike is miles ahead of the average state of pateints with his injury. Most aren't even breathing on their own and need to be ventilated for several weeks so we have a lot to be greatfull for still.

Me, Kim and Zack will be with him all day and he has a few more freinds scheduled to stop by too so he will continue his streak of not having even one day pass without freinds or family being by his side. We can't thank all of you enough for being so supportive and generous. It feels like we have a family of 100 people.

bigred

3 comments:

Anonymous said...: Jeff,

Despite the post-2nd surgery complications - which thankfully you report are on their way to being resolved - the fact that Mike is already miles ahead of others with his injury is what we hold on to and believe in. Believe that the CT scan will be clear and that Mike's temp will be back to normal soon and that BiPap mask will be removed. It sounds as though a move back to the ICU may not be necessary.

We are praying for an end to his current level of pain - that he is as comfortable as possible - that this surgery did its job for his further recovery down the road.

His family - as you say at least 100 members strong - will always be there for Mike. And there for all of you - his parents and sisters - too. Just tell us what you need for help, backup, - whatever it may be.

Love you all - Aunt Nancy; July 20, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Anonymous said...: Jeff,
Thanks for the update on Mike's progress today. It has indeed been a difficult week for him, and we hope it's all better news this week. And like Nancy said, we and all his friends will always be there for Mike and you all. Know that. We love Mike so so much. You have been so great through this and have been there in every way for Mike, your buddy. Stay strong Jeff.
Love, Susan and Tommy; July 20, 2008 at 11:12 AM
The Connelly's said...: Red and Family,
I will speak for all of us friends when I say that you don't have to thank us for being by Mike's side through all of this. Mike has always been right by all of our sides when ever we needed anything. In our circle, our friends are our family. We are here for him, and you guys. Anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. And thank you and Kim and Jean and everyone in Boston for considering us as family. We love Mike and will do everything in our power to make sure he gets better.
Much love,
Crystal and Randy; July 21, 2008 at 8:37 AM