Lee here this time. Mike did better today and as a result we're feeling a bit happier. The antibiotics seem to be working, so we're hoping we've avoided the medics having to sample syringe his lungs etc. Today was a relatively more positive day.
We're learning a lot about the pitfalls of the system and can see why friends with children with chronic conditions have to become so expert on the condition and their child's patterns. Mike is so vulnerable, each time he has to shift to a new situation his condition is under threat. We have to know how he needs to be handled to make sure it happens. The nurses are marvellous, but they have to learn how to handle his condition.
The other problem, that we only properly realised last night, is that because our brain runs so much of the body's systems, if it isn't working well, there's a lot of interrelated things that can stuff him up. The chest infection could have been caused by him breathing in some of his food. Apparently we all do that, but coughing fixes it and Mike can't do that all the time. It could be due to the tracheostomy. It could be due to the transfer to Wellington upsetting him. Becuase of the transfer, there were quite a few days this week where he wasn't sat up and that might have caused the lungs to malfunction....... The list goes on.
On the bright side, though Mike's still classified as seriously ill, but he's inching forward in other ways. His eyes are open longer. They usually look fairly vacant, but he can sometimes respond to directions such as 'Turn your head towards Dad, Mike.' He's also moving limbs on the right side a little more. Mike's school friend Kent sent him a lovely little MD player (I hope I've got the term right!) and the first of a series personalised mini discs. I'd get it going for him and at the end of each section say: 'Mike, squeeze my hand if you want some more.' Immediately there'd be a strong squeeze. His reaction has caused me to wonder if its possible to be bored even when you're in a coma.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Friday, March 18, 2005
18 March - Not out of the woods yet
Mike was admitted into Hutt Hospital today with an infected lung. This was necessary in order to give him what our kids used to call antidiabolics directy into his bloodstream.
We were enormously impressed by the efforts of Cavit ABI staff today in making sure that he got access to the services that only the hospital itself could provide. They spared no effort in putting Michael's interests first.
Our role now is to wait to see if the antibiotics do the job without the need for further medical intervention.
With apologies to all those of you in Wellington who are wanting to visit him, please hang back at least until his condition has improved and stablised. In the normal course of things, there are months of visiting oportunities in store.
Thanks again for all the support that keeps pouring in.
Mike's Dad
We were enormously impressed by the efforts of Cavit ABI staff today in making sure that he got access to the services that only the hospital itself could provide. They spared no effort in putting Michael's interests first.
Our role now is to wait to see if the antibiotics do the job without the need for further medical intervention.
With apologies to all those of you in Wellington who are wanting to visit him, please hang back at least until his condition has improved and stablised. In the normal course of things, there are months of visiting oportunities in store.
Thanks again for all the support that keeps pouring in.
Mike's Dad
Thursday, March 17, 2005
First full day in the Hutt
Hi all, Tracy here again. Mike is very tired, but when he is awake he seems a bit more alert today than he was previously. He's back to being very sweaty again. I spent the night at Hutt Hospital and the staff were very attentive to Mike, including setting up a fan to help him keep cool. They are also very good at introducing themselves to us and answering our questions, and there is a more relaxed atmosphere than there was at the Auckland hospital.
Mike has apparently settled on a goal for himself. He has to wear splints on his arms and legs for 2 out of every 4 hours to stop the muscles in his limbs from lengthening or shortening in the wrong ways. Mike evidently does not approve of the splints and is determined to get them off. So far he's been unsuccessful, but his focus and lack of interest in giving up bodes well once he's conscious enough to have some better goals.
Mike has apparently settled on a goal for himself. He has to wear splints on his arms and legs for 2 out of every 4 hours to stop the muscles in his limbs from lengthening or shortening in the wrong ways. Mike evidently does not approve of the splints and is determined to get them off. So far he's been unsuccessful, but his focus and lack of interest in giving up bodes well once he's conscious enough to have some better goals.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
16 March Transition South Completed
Michael is sleeping tonight in Cavit ABI Rehabilitation, Lower Hutt. The unit is part of Hutt Hospital.
The transition from Auckland was without drama, until around Vivian Street, Wellington when a second ambulance was required to clear Mike's tracheotomy. It was a stark lesson to us theoreticians of the importance of practical knowledge. It might be a short trip to Lower Hutt, but it was long enough to turn Lee from a recent septuagenaium into an octogenariam. No problem, she says, that hair colouring can't fix.
The Cavit staff were very welcoming and soon had him comfortable. Lee's brother Stuart visited and got two good smiles out of Michael very quickly, relaying stories of Greg. Michael was showing signs of stress later in the evening, reminding us of his limited ability to handle too much action. His sister Tracy is going to sleep in the ward overnight to keep an eye on him.
Cavit ask that we limit visits to Michael to immediate family for the next few days beecause he is very tired. They ask if anyone wanting to visit Michael would call first on (04) 570 9284 to check his condition.
Mike's Dad
The transition from Auckland was without drama, until around Vivian Street, Wellington when a second ambulance was required to clear Mike's tracheotomy. It was a stark lesson to us theoreticians of the importance of practical knowledge. It might be a short trip to Lower Hutt, but it was long enough to turn Lee from a recent septuagenaium into an octogenariam. No problem, she says, that hair colouring can't fix.
The Cavit staff were very welcoming and soon had him comfortable. Lee's brother Stuart visited and got two good smiles out of Michael very quickly, relaying stories of Greg. Michael was showing signs of stress later in the evening, reminding us of his limited ability to handle too much action. His sister Tracy is going to sleep in the ward overnight to keep an eye on him.
Cavit ask that we limit visits to Michael to immediate family for the next few days beecause he is very tired. They ask if anyone wanting to visit Michael would call first on (04) 570 9284 to check his condition.
Mike's Dad
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Last full day in Auckland
Tracy here on Tuesday, 15 March. If everything works out tomorrow, this will have been Mike's last day in Auckland for a while. Mike had a good day. He's added another response to the thumbs-up and grinning - when his mate Craig was telling him about Craig's uni courses, Mike's eyebrows went up skeptically when Craig mentioned an accounting paper. Nice to know the economist is still in there. He still gets tired very easily and sometimes responds, and then a short time later seems to be deeply asleep.
The plan is to fly Mike down to Wellington tomorrow. This isn't guaranteed to happen, aside from the risk of the hospital having to change its plans due to some emergency, Wellington airport is closed tonight due to the weather and it may still be closed tomorrow. Mum's flying with Mike and we hope that she'll remember to note down the details of the plane for when he asks for this very important information. Andrew and I drove down today in Mike's car and Dad was meant to fly down, but is now back in Auckland. We left Auckland in glorious sunshine - Wellington had better get its act together before Mike's Auckland mates start heading down south.
Mike still tires very easily, and we expect that he will be tired for the next couple of days after the flight down. If you want to visit Mike in Wellington, please call Dad on 027-445-5326 or Mum on 021-455-326 beforehand to see how things are going. We are very sorry about having to keep on limiting Mike's visitors like this, but everything we've read on head injuries says that if the patient gets over-tired one day, it will take several days for them to recover, and this reduces the benefits that they get from their therapy. It's the downside of Mike having so many good friends and a big family.
Big thanks to all the Auckland hospital staff who have taken such good care of Mike over the last three weeks and have put up with the hordes of visitors, truckloads of cards, helium balloons and Lance Armstrong readings.
Mike is going to have a shock when he realises that not only has he been moved from Auckland to Wellington, but his bike is broken, his CD collection has suddenly got a lot mellower, and his sister has stolen his car.
The plan is to fly Mike down to Wellington tomorrow. This isn't guaranteed to happen, aside from the risk of the hospital having to change its plans due to some emergency, Wellington airport is closed tonight due to the weather and it may still be closed tomorrow. Mum's flying with Mike and we hope that she'll remember to note down the details of the plane for when he asks for this very important information. Andrew and I drove down today in Mike's car and Dad was meant to fly down, but is now back in Auckland. We left Auckland in glorious sunshine - Wellington had better get its act together before Mike's Auckland mates start heading down south.
Mike still tires very easily, and we expect that he will be tired for the next couple of days after the flight down. If you want to visit Mike in Wellington, please call Dad on 027-445-5326 or Mum on 021-455-326 beforehand to see how things are going. We are very sorry about having to keep on limiting Mike's visitors like this, but everything we've read on head injuries says that if the patient gets over-tired one day, it will take several days for them to recover, and this reduces the benefits that they get from their therapy. It's the downside of Mike having so many good friends and a big family.
Big thanks to all the Auckland hospital staff who have taken such good care of Mike over the last three weeks and have put up with the hordes of visitors, truckloads of cards, helium balloons and Lance Armstrong readings.
Mike is going to have a shock when he realises that not only has he been moved from Auckland to Wellington, but his bike is broken, his CD collection has suddenly got a lot mellower, and his sister has stolen his car.
Monday, March 14, 2005
14 March: Thumbs up for Nix
A better day for MIke. This afternoon we felt really pleased when he seemed to come up a few higher levels of consciousness. I was reading him Lance Armstrong's second book . I wasn't sure if he was even listening until I came to a passage where Armstrong said that the cancer cured him of laziness. Mike's eyebrows suddenly rose with astonishment. I read on a bit and when I checked if he wanted me to keep reading, I got a couple of very strong 'yes' responses.
Then Mike's cycling friend Nicky came in, full of vim and vigour. She said to Mike that her first day in her new job had gone really well. Mike immediately gave her two thumbs up. Nix and I were so thrilled.
To TJ's disgust, by the time she got there, he was sound asleep, but the communication had definitely been there. Plus it must mean that there's a bit of recent memory there. He quite clearly knew who Nicky was, even though she is one of his more recent friends.
So tomorrow is our last day in Auckland for now. I fly down with Mike on Wednesday morning and it's on with the next stage of Mike's recovery.
I said a few days ago how much support all the Aucklanders have been. We feel that Mike's friends have become ours. We will never be able to repay you for your true friendship with Mike and your fantastic support for us all. You have been such a terrific support to Mike that it is hard to take him away from here. Your visits will mean a great deal tohim so do come down and visit. Mike has a large and lively extended family in Wellington. It is no problem to accommodate you on your own or in groups. We'd love to have you to stay. And of course you will be aware that Wellington had more sunshine hours than Auckland last year... or in February....or something like that!
Lee and Bryce
Then Mike's cycling friend Nicky came in, full of vim and vigour. She said to Mike that her first day in her new job had gone really well. Mike immediately gave her two thumbs up. Nix and I were so thrilled.
To TJ's disgust, by the time she got there, he was sound asleep, but the communication had definitely been there. Plus it must mean that there's a bit of recent memory there. He quite clearly knew who Nicky was, even though she is one of his more recent friends.
So tomorrow is our last day in Auckland for now. I fly down with Mike on Wednesday morning and it's on with the next stage of Mike's recovery.
I said a few days ago how much support all the Aucklanders have been. We feel that Mike's friends have become ours. We will never be able to repay you for your true friendship with Mike and your fantastic support for us all. You have been such a terrific support to Mike that it is hard to take him away from here. Your visits will mean a great deal tohim so do come down and visit. Mike has a large and lively extended family in Wellington. It is no problem to accommodate you on your own or in groups. We'd love to have you to stay. And of course you will be aware that Wellington had more sunshine hours than Auckland last year... or in February....or something like that!
Lee and Bryce
Sunday, March 13, 2005
13 March Update
Mike had a much better day today, much to his parents' relief. For much of the day his breathing was relaxed, ie normal.
A friend told us today that the 'storming' of the last couple of days is a common part of the process of recovery and should not be read as a sign of anything going wrong. It could be stress related. We aim to check this out with the professional staff tomorrow.
He was at his most alert today listenening to Mary reminding him of pre-high school holidays at Totaranui. He also responded to Lou's voice telling him that she was leaving on her OE, but would see him in a year.
We still expect him to be shifted down to Lower Hutt around 8.30-9.00 am this Wednesday.
Thanks to you all for the messages of support and all the useful ideas for helping that just keep pouring in.
Mike's Dad
A friend told us today that the 'storming' of the last couple of days is a common part of the process of recovery and should not be read as a sign of anything going wrong. It could be stress related. We aim to check this out with the professional staff tomorrow.
He was at his most alert today listenening to Mary reminding him of pre-high school holidays at Totaranui. He also responded to Lou's voice telling him that she was leaving on her OE, but would see him in a year.
We still expect him to be shifted down to Lower Hutt around 8.30-9.00 am this Wednesday.
Thanks to you all for the messages of support and all the useful ideas for helping that just keep pouring in.
Mike's Dad
Saturday, March 12, 2005
12th March Still storming
Hi Everyone,
Lee here again. TJ and Bryce are off at an economics talk, would you believe! As they say: Everyone copes in their own way!
Another quite tough day, but Andrew and I think a bit better. These sympathetic storm things seem more like a series of squalls. One arrives, there's a rough patch for about half an hour or so. We can be just constantly wiping him down with a cool damp cloth, rinsing it out and wiping him down again. Then suddenly it subsides and suddenly he's a normal temperature, breathing calmly, and relaxed in his face. Nerve-racking, but we're getting used to them.
In one of the calm periods, I dripped some coca cola on to his lips. The positive reaction would have been a poignant ad for coke.
Mike's old friends Kim and Paul came up from Tauranga. Kim (another of the Speech Language crew) explained a new system of lightly massaging the face muscles to build Mike's responsiveness. I'm looking forward to the right opportunity to try it out. Again some different communication. Meanwhile I've shifted on to retelling the stories of children's books he used to enjoy. You'd think having read them a thousand times I'd remember them better. It's really sketchy but at least another SUBJECT!
You've no idea what a wonderful support it is for us to see your comments on the blog. . To hear from friends, rellies, old friends we've lost touch with, Mike's friends and even people who have only met him briefly. It adds a lot to our courage.
Lee here again. TJ and Bryce are off at an economics talk, would you believe! As they say: Everyone copes in their own way!
Another quite tough day, but Andrew and I think a bit better. These sympathetic storm things seem more like a series of squalls. One arrives, there's a rough patch for about half an hour or so. We can be just constantly wiping him down with a cool damp cloth, rinsing it out and wiping him down again. Then suddenly it subsides and suddenly he's a normal temperature, breathing calmly, and relaxed in his face. Nerve-racking, but we're getting used to them.
In one of the calm periods, I dripped some coca cola on to his lips. The positive reaction would have been a poignant ad for coke.
Mike's old friends Kim and Paul came up from Tauranga. Kim (another of the Speech Language crew) explained a new system of lightly massaging the face muscles to build Mike's responsiveness. I'm looking forward to the right opportunity to try it out. Again some different communication. Meanwhile I've shifted on to retelling the stories of children's books he used to enjoy. You'd think having read them a thousand times I'd remember them better. It's really sketchy but at least another SUBJECT!
You've no idea what a wonderful support it is for us to see your comments on the blog. . To hear from friends, rellies, old friends we've lost touch with, Mike's friends and even people who have only met him briefly. It adds a lot to our courage.
Friday, March 11, 2005
11 March Setback
Last night Mike had what is called a mild sympathetic brainstorm. This is not the the burst of lateral thinking it might appear. Apparently the sympathetic nervous system controls all the automatic systems such as temperature, heart rate, breathing, fight and flight. This malfunctioned about 4.30 in the morning and Mike has been pretty miserable all day - very sweaty, panting and grimacing with pain. The medics feel that he is fit enough to withstand it without them having to use medical intervention. So they just keep monitoring and we have just sat by his bedside most of the day,talking to him quietly and trying to appear calm. It's very like the helpless feeling when your small kids are in pain and unable to tell you the problem.
Apparently this brainstorm thing occurs in 15-33% of severe brain injury cases. I have no idea why that is relevant, but as many of you know, Bryce really likes that sort of data!
Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow.
Regards
Lee
Apparently this brainstorm thing occurs in 15-33% of severe brain injury cases. I have no idea why that is relevant, but as many of you know, Bryce really likes that sort of data!
Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow.
Regards
Lee
Thursday, March 10, 2005
The Raincheck Birthday
Well we all survived the birthday. Mike's birthday celebration took the form of a mouth swab of cold apple juice. From his tongue movement, it obviously tasted like the best beer in the world. Our thanks to all those who sent cards, messages, presents and came along to the hospital. It meant a lot to us and you can be sure Mike will hear all about it when he's up to it. Mike got pretty tired in the late afternoon, so we had to halt the visitors. We think he may be entering the next stage of recovering consciousness. Unfortunately this stage seems to involve agitation and confusion. It's also possible he's finally realised he's missed the Ironman!
A few more pieces of progress today. The physio got Mike standing up. He needed a huge amount of support, but there he was - upright. It's interesting how much more alert he is when more upright. For the first time he seemed to cast his eyes about his surroundings and he was able to blink 'yes' - for more apple juice! Over the day we started to notice a bit bigger range of facial expression and his eyes look a bit less vacant.
It is likely that Mike will be moved to Wellington next Monday. We think that before this we will still have to keep visitors restricted to avoid fatiguing and confusing him, If you are planning to visit, give us a call to check how he is. Bryce's mobile is 0274 455326, Lee's is 021 455 326. Our apologies for this, but we know you will understand. You Aucklanders have been such a wonderful support to us, we'll never let anyone criticise Jaffas again. Once Mike has settled into Cavit in Lower Hutt and made some more progress, we know he will love to have visitors.
A few more pieces of progress today. The physio got Mike standing up. He needed a huge amount of support, but there he was - upright. It's interesting how much more alert he is when more upright. For the first time he seemed to cast his eyes about his surroundings and he was able to blink 'yes' - for more apple juice! Over the day we started to notice a bit bigger range of facial expression and his eyes look a bit less vacant.
It is likely that Mike will be moved to Wellington next Monday. We think that before this we will still have to keep visitors restricted to avoid fatiguing and confusing him, If you are planning to visit, give us a call to check how he is. Bryce's mobile is 0274 455326, Lee's is 021 455 326. Our apologies for this, but we know you will understand. You Aucklanders have been such a wonderful support to us, we'll never let anyone criticise Jaffas again. Once Mike has settled into Cavit in Lower Hutt and made some more progress, we know he will love to have visitors.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Happy birthdayfor the 10 March, Mike
By the time you all read this, Mike will have turned 25. Mike had thought about what might be good for his quarter century celebration. It's fortunate that we'd never imagined anything like this. We have to just hope that his next birthday will be better.
A quiet day at the office for Mike. The hospital decided to replace Mike's food line with something called a plug. The tube down through his nose is just too irritating to have in for long periods of time. This plug thing is a neat hole in through his stomach with a tube and valve on it so they can use it to feed him, or not. Apparently it can even take fruit juice, soup or beer, which I am sure would cheer Mike up if he knew. It required an operation, so he was still very dozy through the day.
Many many thanks for all your suggestions of people who can help us understand this brain injury world. We will follow them all up gradually. It is amazing all the interconnections between people and it does feel like a whole support crew out there.
Andrew (Tracy's husband) and I have spent the evening following up on Christine Archer's music therapy suggestions and we now have a temporary version of a discman, with two sets of headphones, and a cd of the more mellow forms of Mike's music taste on it. We've made two cds, one of reallly mellow and a more noisy one for later when he is better. So tomorrow we start in on exploring it with Mike, using Christine's suggested system of pulsing our hand with Mike's hand to the beat of the music, watching for a response and so on. We'll start there and then later follow Christine's suggestions for taking it further.
It will be great to have another means of trying to reach him aside from touch and talking. The hospital said to talk about childhood memories and familiar people. We are all running out of stories about that period of time and getting bored with the ones we do remember! Much as we love you all of course!! I presume Mike doesn't remember it from day to day anyway.
Every day Mike receives at least five or six cards from friends and family. They all mean so much to us. We read them all out to him several times and talk about the people who sent them. I'm lucky Mike always talked so much about all of you as it means I can remember where you all fit in and remind him. we have to believe that at some level he absorbs all that warmth.
Regards
Lee
A quiet day at the office for Mike. The hospital decided to replace Mike's food line with something called a plug. The tube down through his nose is just too irritating to have in for long periods of time. This plug thing is a neat hole in through his stomach with a tube and valve on it so they can use it to feed him, or not. Apparently it can even take fruit juice, soup or beer, which I am sure would cheer Mike up if he knew. It required an operation, so he was still very dozy through the day.
Many many thanks for all your suggestions of people who can help us understand this brain injury world. We will follow them all up gradually. It is amazing all the interconnections between people and it does feel like a whole support crew out there.
Andrew (Tracy's husband) and I have spent the evening following up on Christine Archer's music therapy suggestions and we now have a temporary version of a discman, with two sets of headphones, and a cd of the more mellow forms of Mike's music taste on it. We've made two cds, one of reallly mellow and a more noisy one for later when he is better. So tomorrow we start in on exploring it with Mike, using Christine's suggested system of pulsing our hand with Mike's hand to the beat of the music, watching for a response and so on. We'll start there and then later follow Christine's suggestions for taking it further.
It will be great to have another means of trying to reach him aside from touch and talking. The hospital said to talk about childhood memories and familiar people. We are all running out of stories about that period of time and getting bored with the ones we do remember! Much as we love you all of course!! I presume Mike doesn't remember it from day to day anyway.
Every day Mike receives at least five or six cards from friends and family. They all mean so much to us. We read them all out to him several times and talk about the people who sent them. I'm lucky Mike always talked so much about all of you as it means I can remember where you all fit in and remind him. we have to believe that at some level he absorbs all that warmth.
Regards
Lee
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Update, 8 March
Hi everyone, Lee again
We are inching forward. Mike was a little more alert today, awake longer and his eyes were a bit more open. The physio and speech therapy is still focusing on developing more swallowing and coughing, so the trachy can be removed. The effort Mike has to put in to lift his head up is immense, but he is getting it further. When we are talking in terms of 'awake', this is only his eyes being open and him registering familiar voices. The sad thing is that I keep hoping he will start frowning, because then we'd know he was trying to make sense of his situation.
Bryce and I have decided we have to rapidly learn a great deal about the long term treatment of severe brain injury. Mike seems on a conveyor belt where the hospital's focus is on the next step. While this is obviously sensible, we have no idea what could be happening now that could have a long term positive impact. Would music help him right now, or merely confuse him? Should we work more on developing his movement? ..etc etc. There doesn't seem to be any particular person looking at his case from the broad and long term view. We plan to start investigating, but don't really have any clear starting point to track down in depth unbiased advice. Any suggestions of people to talk to or books to read are very welcome
We are inching forward. Mike was a little more alert today, awake longer and his eyes were a bit more open. The physio and speech therapy is still focusing on developing more swallowing and coughing, so the trachy can be removed. The effort Mike has to put in to lift his head up is immense, but he is getting it further. When we are talking in terms of 'awake', this is only his eyes being open and him registering familiar voices. The sad thing is that I keep hoping he will start frowning, because then we'd know he was trying to make sense of his situation.
Bryce and I have decided we have to rapidly learn a great deal about the long term treatment of severe brain injury. Mike seems on a conveyor belt where the hospital's focus is on the next step. While this is obviously sensible, we have no idea what could be happening now that could have a long term positive impact. Would music help him right now, or merely confuse him? Should we work more on developing his movement? ..etc etc. There doesn't seem to be any particular person looking at his case from the broad and long term view. We plan to start investigating, but don't really have any clear starting point to track down in depth unbiased advice. Any suggestions of people to talk to or books to read are very welcome
Monday, March 07, 2005
Bedside report 7 March
Thank you for all those jokes and anecdotes, we will try them on Mike tomorrow. Big thanks also to Paul (Fonterra) for lots of motivational talk today about the weekend's Ironman and anecdotes of amazing recoveries from serious head injuries. All Mike's mates seem to have done extremely well.
Mike made more progress today. The physiotherapist (Kylie's very impressive friend Araminta)had Mike sitting upright on the edge of the bed this morning fighting manfully to get his neck to lift that concrete head of his into a fully vertical position. You could see him working hard to do it and he managed a few centimeters. I got the sense that the challenge interested him.
His eyes are opening more, when he is not exhausted, but are not obviously taking anything in yet. He smiled again (the third time since his accident) when his Mum told him that his Dad was meant to be helping but was distracted by a new number puzzle game "Sudoku" in the Herald (page A10, they were right that today's one was easy). I think his swallowing and coughing is getting stronger, but not enough yet for them to risk taking out his "trachy" as they call it. His right hand, which has been pretty passive and entirely easy going up to now, was clenching strongly today. To put your hand into either of his now may feel like putting your hand into a clam. Maybe he is dreaming of Indian wrestling.
We are still trying to train him to signal 'yes' or 'no' by tapping. Notwithstanding his opening of the eyes etc, he is still out to it.
We were told today that he might be moved to Wellington early next week. Apparently ACC contract the management of head injury cases like Mike's to a firm called Cavit that has units in Auckland and Lower Hutt. They would fly him down in a special plane (sponsored by NZ Post). If you can forgive the excrutiating pun, will keep you posted on this.
Mike's Dad
Mike made more progress today. The physiotherapist (Kylie's very impressive friend Araminta)had Mike sitting upright on the edge of the bed this morning fighting manfully to get his neck to lift that concrete head of his into a fully vertical position. You could see him working hard to do it and he managed a few centimeters. I got the sense that the challenge interested him.
His eyes are opening more, when he is not exhausted, but are not obviously taking anything in yet. He smiled again (the third time since his accident) when his Mum told him that his Dad was meant to be helping but was distracted by a new number puzzle game "Sudoku" in the Herald (page A10, they were right that today's one was easy). I think his swallowing and coughing is getting stronger, but not enough yet for them to risk taking out his "trachy" as they call it. His right hand, which has been pretty passive and entirely easy going up to now, was clenching strongly today. To put your hand into either of his now may feel like putting your hand into a clam. Maybe he is dreaming of Indian wrestling.
We are still trying to train him to signal 'yes' or 'no' by tapping. Notwithstanding his opening of the eyes etc, he is still out to it.
We were told today that he might be moved to Wellington early next week. Apparently ACC contract the management of head injury cases like Mike's to a firm called Cavit that has units in Auckland and Lower Hutt. They would fly him down in a special plane (sponsored by NZ Post). If you can forgive the excrutiating pun, will keep you posted on this.
Mike's Dad
Bedside Jokes?
Any suggestions anyone for simple (eg one-liner) jokes that might trigger Mike's trademark smile? So far he has smiled twice, a great morale booster. Another idea would be for amusing anecdotes that might stimulate Mike's long-term memory.
Thanks
Mike's Dad
Thanks
Mike's Dad
Sunday, March 06, 2005
6 March Post Mike's Ironman continues
We're thinking of the Ironmen and women resting up and presumably still euphoric. You all must be feeling so thrilled. We're presuming from your successes that Mike would have made his eleven hour goal. Strange to think that just over a fortnight ago Mike's biggest problem was how to cope if he didn't come in under eleven hours. None of us have dared mention 'Ironman' to Mike in case he is more conscious than he appears to be. He will be so furious to realise that he missed out on the Ironman. The key to recovery is supposed to be tranquility, not fury!
Its a frustratingly slow process here. Each day Mike makes a little more progress, but it is fairly small. Today he had his eyes half open a bit longer and some of that time seemed to focus on familiar voices. We keep telling him his first goal is to really get on top of swallowing and coughing, because then they can take the trachy thingy out of his throat. We think that is going okay.
We really appreciate all your comments on the blog. It is taking all our emotional and physical resources to get through this ordeal and your support makes a huge difference to us. It feels like there's an army of Mike supporters out there, helping us all on our journey.
From Mike's Mum
Its a frustratingly slow process here. Each day Mike makes a little more progress, but it is fairly small. Today he had his eyes half open a bit longer and some of that time seemed to focus on familiar voices. We keep telling him his first goal is to really get on top of swallowing and coughing, because then they can take the trachy thingy out of his throat. We think that is going okay.
We really appreciate all your comments on the blog. It is taking all our emotional and physical resources to get through this ordeal and your support makes a huge difference to us. It feels like there's an army of Mike supporters out there, helping us all on our journey.
From Mike's Mum
Saturday, March 05, 2005
5 March Update - Take a deep breath
Heartiest congratulations to all those of Mike's squad who took part in the Ironman and achieved their objectives, and commiserations to any who found that it was just not their day. Big congratulations in particular to Ben Schurr who was in the accident with Mike, yet mustered the concentration and will power to swim for over an hour, cycle for almost 6 hours at over 30 k an hour (unassisted) and then tell his body that it now had to run a marathon -- which it did in 3.5 hours. Mike will be delighted with your effort Ben.
Now for some unwelcome news. The hospital staff organised a family conference on Friday afternoon. Contrary to our earlier more informal advice, they told us that the MRI scan done on Mike was 'not good'. It confirmed the presence of the sort of diffuse brain damage that would be expected from the rapid deceleration of the brain in the skull caused by a head-on crash. On thinking about it, this is of course consistent with Mike's slow recovery. He is still unconscious 13 days after the crash - yes, his eyes sometimes open and he sometimes responds to commands, but he is not yet swallowing consistently, and he doesn't respond consistently, nor does he seem to generally follow what is happening around him. Due to the diffuse nature of the brain damage, the hospital staff do not know what sort of long-term disabilities he might suffer.
The hospital staff say that they do not make predictions in individual cases because they have been proven to be wrong time and time again. This is confirmed by the many anecdotes relayed by friends and well-wishers of people they have known who have recovered amazingly from serious head injuries. We have decided that we must plan for likely scenarios, but still hope that Mike will perform way above the norm for someone with his injuries. We agree with Mike's friends that if anyone can do it, he can do it.
The hospital staff advise that the quality of care in Wellington would be as good as in Auckland. Since Mike's close family is concentrated in Wellington it makes sense to shift him down there, possibly in the next week or two. We hope to get the chance for you to visit him before this, if the hospital agrees.
Posted by Mike's Dad.
.
Now for some unwelcome news. The hospital staff organised a family conference on Friday afternoon. Contrary to our earlier more informal advice, they told us that the MRI scan done on Mike was 'not good'. It confirmed the presence of the sort of diffuse brain damage that would be expected from the rapid deceleration of the brain in the skull caused by a head-on crash. On thinking about it, this is of course consistent with Mike's slow recovery. He is still unconscious 13 days after the crash - yes, his eyes sometimes open and he sometimes responds to commands, but he is not yet swallowing consistently, and he doesn't respond consistently, nor does he seem to generally follow what is happening around him. Due to the diffuse nature of the brain damage, the hospital staff do not know what sort of long-term disabilities he might suffer.
The hospital staff say that they do not make predictions in individual cases because they have been proven to be wrong time and time again. This is confirmed by the many anecdotes relayed by friends and well-wishers of people they have known who have recovered amazingly from serious head injuries. We have decided that we must plan for likely scenarios, but still hope that Mike will perform way above the norm for someone with his injuries. We agree with Mike's friends that if anyone can do it, he can do it.
The hospital staff advise that the quality of care in Wellington would be as good as in Auckland. Since Mike's close family is concentrated in Wellington it makes sense to shift him down there, possibly in the next week or two. We hope to get the chance for you to visit him before this, if the hospital agrees.
Posted by Mike's Dad.
.
Friday, March 04, 2005
4 March Update -- Ironman Special
Mike smiled a second time today when Lee told him that one of Bryce's former bosses, Chet, had said that Bryce was a stubborn bastard so that if Mike was the same, that made two stubborn bastards.
Tomorrow is the Taupo Ironman event that Mike had set his extracurricular heart on achieving in a good time. We all know that the only thing that would have thrilled Mike as much as achieving a good time himself (11 hours or under?) is knowing that his friends in the squad had also achieved great times compared to their expectations. So we are sure that if Mike had enough consciousness to know what had happened he would be urging his mates on tonight. Courtesy of Jonathon Walbridge, First NZ Capital, and Ben Schurr (Fonterra)each of Mike's colleagues will have in their emergency ration kits for the marathon leg of the event a card from Mike saying "Efficient Form! Mike". Those of you who are economists (like Mike) will appreciate that efficiency is the key to obtaining maximum benefits from limited resources -- in this case fitness and energy. Lee, not being an economist, thought it was ridiculous of Mike, to tell her a few weeks ago that she was not allowed to barrack him tomorrow by crying "go Mike!", because he might then loose "efficient form" and run too hard too early.
Mike's ironman mates (male and female) have been a marvellous support to us and to him since his accident and our thoughts and hopes will be with them tomorrow. Keep your minds focused, don't get over- excited and blow out early. In short, keep efficient form! May the force be with you.
More news on Mike tomorrow -- after the main event.
Mike's Dad
Tomorrow is the Taupo Ironman event that Mike had set his extracurricular heart on achieving in a good time. We all know that the only thing that would have thrilled Mike as much as achieving a good time himself (11 hours or under?) is knowing that his friends in the squad had also achieved great times compared to their expectations. So we are sure that if Mike had enough consciousness to know what had happened he would be urging his mates on tonight. Courtesy of Jonathon Walbridge, First NZ Capital, and Ben Schurr (Fonterra)each of Mike's colleagues will have in their emergency ration kits for the marathon leg of the event a card from Mike saying "Efficient Form! Mike". Those of you who are economists (like Mike) will appreciate that efficiency is the key to obtaining maximum benefits from limited resources -- in this case fitness and energy. Lee, not being an economist, thought it was ridiculous of Mike, to tell her a few weeks ago that she was not allowed to barrack him tomorrow by crying "go Mike!", because he might then loose "efficient form" and run too hard too early.
Mike's ironman mates (male and female) have been a marvellous support to us and to him since his accident and our thoughts and hopes will be with them tomorrow. Keep your minds focused, don't get over- excited and blow out early. In short, keep efficient form! May the force be with you.
More news on Mike tomorrow -- after the main event.
Mike's Dad
Thursday, March 03, 2005
3rd March update
Quite good progress today. Mike is more aware. Bryce reminded Mike that we called him 'Concrete Head' when he was little. That raised a lopsided smile and a small thumbs up gesture. On and off during the day he had his eyes open and seemed aware of who was there. When he first noticed Tracy it was clear he was puzzled as to why she was here and not in the UK. We're training him up on a code of one hand squeeze for 'yes' and two squeezes for 'no'. The rest of the time he is still not very conscious and seems to tire really quickly. We don't know if he is trying to talk because the tracheotomy prevents him speaking.
I told him that you Ironmen had gone to Taupo and I'm sure he kind of knew what I meant - greatly helped by Louisa's wonderful donation of her 2004 Ironman Medal.
We do appreciate the holding back of visitors. From watching the other head injury cases on the ward, there's a stage of real confusion and agitation as the patients come out of the coma. The main stability is apparently the voices of the aged parents!
I told him that you Ironmen had gone to Taupo and I'm sure he kind of knew what I meant - greatly helped by Louisa's wonderful donation of her 2004 Ironman Medal.
We do appreciate the holding back of visitors. From watching the other head injury cases on the ward, there's a stage of real confusion and agitation as the patients come out of the coma. The main stability is apparently the voices of the aged parents!
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
2nd March Update
The physiotherapists got Mike sitting up in a wheelchair today for 30 minutes. He was more alert than before, but still far from fully conscious. The idea in sitting him up is to help him to regain control of swallowing and coughing. The experience seemed to exhaust him and he spent the rest of the day in a largely unresponsive state. He opened his eyes while in the wheelchair and could move them left or right on instruction, but with some effort. No sign of recognition or awareness in his eyes. Perhaps I need to improve my appearance, or perhaps he does not think I would make a good ironman 'father and son' partner. We are all realising that this is a long haul effort. Is he unconscious or is he just sleeping? Apparently the distinction is debatable clinically. It is nice to be by him and he seems to enjoy physical exercise, particularly hamstring stretches.
Mike's Dad
Mike's Dad
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
1st March Update
Lee here this time. Our eerie head injury world continues. Mike had an MRI scan last night and they could not find evidence of diffuse brain injury. This does not mean that he doesn't have it, just that the scan didn't show it. It does mean however that the injury can't be massive because that should have showed up.
This morning the physios (who happen to be friends of Kylie's) got him sat up and worked on teaching him to hold his head up. While it was heartbreaking to see his weakness and lack of consciousness, it was still progress. He was able to respond a bit to instructions and got his eyes partly open, but I don't think he was focusing at all.
The Ironmen and women are gradually leaving for the Taupo Ironman this weekend. They have been fantastic support and inspiration. We will miss them. Thanks guys. It's so exciting to see you nervously head off. Mike's heart is with you all. Our very very best wishes. Bryce is reading all the multisport magazines Paul left. I'm not sure I will forgive you if he decides to train for the Ironman, but que sera. He just read this and says he welcomes any tips on how to deal with no cartilage in his left knee.
This morning the physios (who happen to be friends of Kylie's) got him sat up and worked on teaching him to hold his head up. While it was heartbreaking to see his weakness and lack of consciousness, it was still progress. He was able to respond a bit to instructions and got his eyes partly open, but I don't think he was focusing at all.
The Ironmen and women are gradually leaving for the Taupo Ironman this weekend. They have been fantastic support and inspiration. We will miss them. Thanks guys. It's so exciting to see you nervously head off. Mike's heart is with you all. Our very very best wishes. Bryce is reading all the multisport magazines Paul left. I'm not sure I will forgive you if he decides to train for the Ironman, but que sera. He just read this and says he welcomes any tips on how to deal with no cartilage in his left knee.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)