Monday, March 31, 2008
3.31.08 He's Approved!
We found out late this afternoon that Steven was finally approved by Blue Cross to go to the Shepherd Center. We leave in the morning. Hallelujah!
3.31.08 Morning Visit
We are still waiting to hear back from Blue Cross about whether or not Steven has been approved for the Shepherd Center.We met this morning with the caseworker from Blue Cross. She basically wanted to know why we felt Shepherd was the place for Steve (it seems obvious to us, but I guess insurance needs everything spelled out). Right now, we are waiting for the doctor here to talk to the doctors at Blue Cross. The Blue Cross caseworker said that we should know by early afternoon.
Steven looks good this morning, the swelling in his face looks almost all gone. He was given an antibiotic again because there is an infection in his lungs. Hopefully, it will clear up soon, they started him on antibiotics last night. As I mentioned yesterday they are keeping his ventilator turned up so that he doesn't get too fatigued before he is transported. They just want to keep him stable. His doctor did say that he was in good shape for the move.
He seemed tired today, but said that he did get to sleep last night, which is good since we weren't too pleased with his less-than-positive night nurse. But today, Paul is his nurse again, and he's smiley and attentive, so Steve is in good hands.
Steven looks good this morning, the swelling in his face looks almost all gone. He was given an antibiotic again because there is an infection in his lungs. Hopefully, it will clear up soon, they started him on antibiotics last night. As I mentioned yesterday they are keeping his ventilator turned up so that he doesn't get too fatigued before he is transported. They just want to keep him stable. His doctor did say that he was in good shape for the move.
He seemed tired today, but said that he did get to sleep last night, which is good since we weren't too pleased with his less-than-positive night nurse. But today, Paul is his nurse again, and he's smiley and attentive, so Steve is in good hands.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
3.30.08 1:30 Visit
The trauma doctor who performed the tracheotomy on Steven last Saturday night just spoke with MaryAnn and Joe. He said that he did not expect to come in today and see Steven here, since he was flat lined on the table when he saw him last week. He was amazed at the progress that he has made, as are the nurses on his unit (we've been told that he's a bit of a celebrity here in the hospital).
So far the doctors have been on the grimmer side of things, but today, Dr. Nujar said that he wants for Steven to walk back in here one day to shake his hand. We are overjoyed by this statement, my guess is that he probably doesn't get to say these optimistic things everyday. But we are also very aware that it will be a long, long, difficult road of recovery and we will need to take on day at a time. Steven does have a lot working in his favor, like his progress thus far, his age, his strength and his drive. And the love and prayers from all of you. Thank you.
We still expect for him to depart for the Shepherd center on Tuesday morning. Our goal for the next day and a half is to just keep his spirits up and keep him strong for his transport.
So far the doctors have been on the grimmer side of things, but today, Dr. Nujar said that he wants for Steven to walk back in here one day to shake his hand. We are overjoyed by this statement, my guess is that he probably doesn't get to say these optimistic things everyday. But we are also very aware that it will be a long, long, difficult road of recovery and we will need to take on day at a time. Steven does have a lot working in his favor, like his progress thus far, his age, his strength and his drive. And the love and prayers from all of you. Thank you.
We still expect for him to depart for the Shepherd center on Tuesday morning. Our goal for the next day and a half is to just keep his spirits up and keep him strong for his transport.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
3.29.08 4:30 Visit
When MaryAnn and Joe went in to see Steven, they asked who he wanted to see (a good number of his friends were in the waiting room). He replied that he wanted to see everyone. So all of his friends lined up two by two, and we filed 20 people through his room in the 20 minutes allotted.
He looks really good this afternoon, the swelling in his face is so reduced that he is really starting to look like his old self. Again, the biggest challenge is communication. It's so hard to understand what he is trying to say.
The nurses must have changed his radio station, MaryAnn heard a boy band playing in the background. She asked if he wanted the station turned back and he said yes. So now he is back to listening to rock 'n' roll in the ICU. (Did I mention that last night when I told him that Guns n Roses were on, he said "Turn it up.") Rock on Steve-o, you're doing great.
He looks really good this afternoon, the swelling in his face is so reduced that he is really starting to look like his old self. Again, the biggest challenge is communication. It's so hard to understand what he is trying to say.
The nurses must have changed his radio station, MaryAnn heard a boy band playing in the background. She asked if he wanted the station turned back and he said yes. So now he is back to listening to rock 'n' roll in the ICU. (Did I mention that last night when I told him that Guns n Roses were on, he said "Turn it up.") Rock on Steve-o, you're doing great.
3.29.08 Morning Visit
Steve was chatty this morning! Unfortunately, we continue to be really bad at reading his lips, so we couldn't understand everything that he was saying. We do know that he asked Adrian and Amanda about his dirt bike and he said that he wanted to leave here already. We anticipate him to be asking really serious, big-picture questions, but yesterday and today he's just trying to make small talk. It took us a while to figure out that all he was asking Lindsey was "Are you working today?"
He was fatigued after having his vent turned down yesterday, so today they have it turned up to 18. He needed the oxygen. It's basically like yesterday was a respiratory workout day for him, and today is a rest day. We think this is why he is more talkative today. His swelling has gone down a lot. He's starting to look more and more like himself. The doctor said the other day that he had about 20 liters of liquid in him and his body seems to just be churning it out.
Again, MaryAnn and Joe thank you all so much for your continuous prayer and support.
He was fatigued after having his vent turned down yesterday, so today they have it turned up to 18. He needed the oxygen. It's basically like yesterday was a respiratory workout day for him, and today is a rest day. We think this is why he is more talkative today. His swelling has gone down a lot. He's starting to look more and more like himself. The doctor said the other day that he had about 20 liters of liquid in him and his body seems to just be churning it out.
Again, MaryAnn and Joe thank you all so much for your continuous prayer and support.
Friday, March 28, 2008
3.28.08 1:30 Visit
They are turning Steve's ventilator down for short spells so that he has to work a little more on his own. Basically, they are giving him mini-breathing workouts, working toward the goal of possibly being able to remove him from the ventilator. Pretty awesome, huh?!!!
They took the staples out of his chin and that looks to be healing fine. They were sending in a muscular therapist this afternoon to hopefully move his arms and legs around a bit. Hopefully, he will have some sort of muscle therapy everyday.
His move to Atlanta has been moved to Tuesday morning because some of the insurance paperwork is still being processed. So in the meantime, he'll continue with his breath workouts and hopefully continue to strengthen his lungs.
Oh yeah, and I told him that I loved the nicknames here--Boomer, Bubby, Dirty, and once he's well enough we are going to work on one for me.
They took the staples out of his chin and that looks to be healing fine. They were sending in a muscular therapist this afternoon to hopefully move his arms and legs around a bit. Hopefully, he will have some sort of muscle therapy everyday.
His move to Atlanta has been moved to Tuesday morning because some of the insurance paperwork is still being processed. So in the meantime, he'll continue with his breath workouts and hopefully continue to strengthen his lungs.
Oh yeah, and I told him that I loved the nicknames here--Boomer, Bubby, Dirty, and once he's well enough we are going to work on one for me.
3.28.08 Morning Visit
Steven seemed tired again today, much less awake than he was two days ago. We hope to ask at the next visit why that might be, since he hasn't had any pain medication (he was offered it, but declined it). He does not seem to be taking as many breaths on his own today. He asked his mom when will he be able to walk. She said that we are going to need to see what they say when we get over to Atlanta. The goal right now is to keep everything positive. MaryAnn and Joe want to wait till they get to Atlanta before they discuss the severity of his condition with him. They will have the proper emotional support staff in place there.
Bobby Cooper (from Steven's work) went in to see him and told him that he can't wait for Steve to get over to Atlanta so he can run him around the block in his wheelchair. Steve said "Me too."
Since Steve's been asking the same questions each day, we wonder if there is any short-term memory loss. Of course, with such limited communication, it's hard to know for sure.
Bobby Cooper (from Steven's work) went in to see him and told him that he can't wait for Steve to get over to Atlanta so he can run him around the block in his wheelchair. Steve said "Me too."
Since Steve's been asking the same questions each day, we wonder if there is any short-term memory loss. Of course, with such limited communication, it's hard to know for sure.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
3.27.08 Evening Visit
Steve was doing well tonight, swelling is still going down, but he seemed tired. Again he was asking, "What happened?" Ashley told him all about the accident. He then asked when he was going to Atlanta.
Steve will be transported to the Shepherd Center on Monday morning. I told Steven that I know it's hard right now, but he will be able to better communicate once he is in Atlanta. Communication continues to be a major frustration. Lip Reading is difficult and we only have 20 minutes at a time to visit with him and most of yesterday's 1:30 visit was spent trying to understand what he was trying to say. He was asking for water. But in Atlanta, he will be able to communicate through technology called "sip and puff" which uses his breath to control things like calling for the nurse, and with he'll be able to use a visually-operated computer.
I told Steve that he's made amazing progress and he just has to keep strong. When I told him that we can only see him for short visits, and if we had our way, he would be in a room full of people, he said "I know."
When he spoke with April, he asked her, "When are we going to the beach?" And, "How did you get off of work?" She told him that she was going to be off for three months so that she could go to Atlanta with him.
Steve's grandmothers, Aunt Karen and Uncle Joe have to leave in the morning to go back to New York. He told them all "Thank you" and "I love you." They will be back soon to see him in Atlanta.
I have no news about his vitals--except that everything is stable--which is fantastic.
To everyone who has made such generous contributions to the family: continuous prayers, nourishing food, time off for Steve and his family, and monetary gifts,we can't thank you enough. It's clear that Steven and his family are loved far and wide. Thank you, thank you.
P.S. I know that all y'all call him Steve and I have been trying to do that for most of this blog, but I am his aunt, and he's always been Steven to me, so I will likely flop back and forth. Just wanted to clarify.
Steve will be transported to the Shepherd Center on Monday morning. I told Steven that I know it's hard right now, but he will be able to better communicate once he is in Atlanta. Communication continues to be a major frustration. Lip Reading is difficult and we only have 20 minutes at a time to visit with him and most of yesterday's 1:30 visit was spent trying to understand what he was trying to say. He was asking for water. But in Atlanta, he will be able to communicate through technology called "sip and puff" which uses his breath to control things like calling for the nurse, and with he'll be able to use a visually-operated computer.
I told Steve that he's made amazing progress and he just has to keep strong. When I told him that we can only see him for short visits, and if we had our way, he would be in a room full of people, he said "I know."
When he spoke with April, he asked her, "When are we going to the beach?" And, "How did you get off of work?" She told him that she was going to be off for three months so that she could go to Atlanta with him.
Steve's grandmothers, Aunt Karen and Uncle Joe have to leave in the morning to go back to New York. He told them all "Thank you" and "I love you." They will be back soon to see him in Atlanta.
I have no news about his vitals--except that everything is stable--which is fantastic.
To everyone who has made such generous contributions to the family: continuous prayers, nourishing food, time off for Steve and his family, and monetary gifts,we can't thank you enough. It's clear that Steven and his family are loved far and wide. Thank you, thank you.
P.S. I know that all y'all call him Steve and I have been trying to do that for most of this blog, but I am his aunt, and he's always been Steven to me, so I will likely flop back and forth. Just wanted to clarify.
3.27.08 Good News this morning!
We just found out the results of the MRI. Steven has swelling in the spinal cord, but there is nothing severed! That is amazing news!!Additionally, there is no pressure on the cord. Awesome news again! And the MRI also confirmed that there is no brain injury, which we already knew.
Steven was very tired during the morning visit today. The fatigue could be because he was sedated for the MRI last night or because he has started to take some small breaths on his own! The respirator is set at 12, and it indicates that 27 breaths are being taken (I am not sure the time frame) So, Steven is taking quite a few breaths on his own. WHAT A DAY AND IT'S STILL EARLY!
During visitation, he asked his mom "Why can't I talk?" She told him that he had a trach tube. He asked why. She told him that it was to help him breathe. He asked Kris "What happened?" Kris told him that he flipped his jeep and that it landed on him. Kris said that Jesse Lee lifted it off of him. He then closed his eyes. He seemed very tired. Apparently when Johnny walked in though he perked up again and smiled. That kid really seems to have anti-depressant qualities. You better stick around Johnny.
We still do not know for sure when Steve will be transferred to Atlanta--it could be tomorrow or Monday. Will let you know as soon as we know more.
Steven was very tired during the morning visit today. The fatigue could be because he was sedated for the MRI last night or because he has started to take some small breaths on his own! The respirator is set at 12, and it indicates that 27 breaths are being taken (I am not sure the time frame) So, Steven is taking quite a few breaths on his own. WHAT A DAY AND IT'S STILL EARLY!
During visitation, he asked his mom "Why can't I talk?" She told him that he had a trach tube. He asked why. She told him that it was to help him breathe. He asked Kris "What happened?" Kris told him that he flipped his jeep and that it landed on him. Kris said that Jesse Lee lifted it off of him. He then closed his eyes. He seemed very tired. Apparently when Johnny walked in though he perked up again and smiled. That kid really seems to have anti-depressant qualities. You better stick around Johnny.
We still do not know for sure when Steve will be transferred to Atlanta--it could be tomorrow or Monday. Will let you know as soon as we know more.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
3.26.08 4:30 Visit
Once again, Steve had a good crowd for the afternoon visiting hours. Jesse, the man who saved Steven's life by single-handedly pulling his jeep off of him, came by and got soggy hugs and thank yous from Steve's mom, aunts and grandmothers. Thank you just doesn't begin to express our gratitude. When Jesse got to see Steve, Steve asked for him to "Keep in touch." And actually, I suspect that is a message that Steve would give to everyone in the waiting room if he could only see you all.
Communication continues to be challenging, but Ashley (Kris's fiance) is very good at reading his lips. She was able to translate for Jason as Steve talked to him. Steve asked, "Are you working in the shop?" (no doubt wanting to talk Jeep), "Who's out there? [in the waiting room]" and "Tell everyone thanks for coming."
He had a fair amount of laughs as Grandma and Nana explained how, when left home alone together, they messed up the washing machine and overate candy. Nana also told him that they did his laundry, and that his socks have too many holes.
We needed to get Steve high top sneakers to keep his feet flexed, and I told him that I was able to find a cool pair of baby blue wrestling shoes, and so he'll be styling. He said "Perfect."
He told April that he loved her and asked about Kyle. April told him that Kyle was fine, but wanted for him to play Barbies with her.
On the medical front, we learned that the bacteria in his lungs shows no infection and so he was taken off antibiotics earlier today--whoo hoo! He has not had any morphine since this morning, which we take as a good sign also. He was tired at the end of the visit, and seemed ready for some peaceful sleep.
His spirits are definitely lifted by seeing his friends so please continue to come and bring out that beautiful smile.
Communication continues to be challenging, but Ashley (Kris's fiance) is very good at reading his lips. She was able to translate for Jason as Steve talked to him. Steve asked, "Are you working in the shop?" (no doubt wanting to talk Jeep), "Who's out there? [in the waiting room]" and "Tell everyone thanks for coming."
He had a fair amount of laughs as Grandma and Nana explained how, when left home alone together, they messed up the washing machine and overate candy. Nana also told him that they did his laundry, and that his socks have too many holes.
We needed to get Steve high top sneakers to keep his feet flexed, and I told him that I was able to find a cool pair of baby blue wrestling shoes, and so he'll be styling. He said "Perfect."
He told April that he loved her and asked about Kyle. April told him that Kyle was fine, but wanted for him to play Barbies with her.
On the medical front, we learned that the bacteria in his lungs shows no infection and so he was taken off antibiotics earlier today--whoo hoo! He has not had any morphine since this morning, which we take as a good sign also. He was tired at the end of the visit, and seemed ready for some peaceful sleep.
His spirits are definitely lifted by seeing his friends so please continue to come and bring out that beautiful smile.
3.26.08 Shepherd update
We just met with the Shepherd Center liaison and are relieved to report that Steven has been accepted into the center. We are just now waiting for word that there is a bed available in their ICU, and for the insurance approval. With luck, we will know tomorrow about the insurance, and Steven will be transported on Friday or Monday morning. He will then be evaluated and a few days later, doctors will meet with MaryAnn and Joe and have more information about his rehabilitation. We are very eager to get Steve to the center, since they have much more experience with C2 injuries (2nd vertebrae). The woman from Shepherd stressed that there are no knowns at this point about Steve's ultimate capabilities. She added that it could take as long as a year for the swelling to fully go down.
I will be setting up a patient page through the Shepherd website for Steve shortly, and post the address here so that you can track his progress.
I saw him a few minutes ago, and he looks good. His swelling has gone down somewhat, and I was able to make him smile (and he was able to mouth "I love you"). The nurse said that his vitals are stable today, which is great news. I think he is ready to leave here and he's in good shape for the move.
MaryAnn and Joe are still waiting to see the eye doctor since Steve complained of blurriness yesterday. They are also expecting to meet with the speech therapist who will help them learn how to better communicate with him. Reading his lips can be challenging and so frustrating when we can't figure out what he is trying to say. That's a really hard part.
I will update you once we hear more.
I will be setting up a patient page through the Shepherd website for Steve shortly, and post the address here so that you can track his progress.
I saw him a few minutes ago, and he looks good. His swelling has gone down somewhat, and I was able to make him smile (and he was able to mouth "I love you"). The nurse said that his vitals are stable today, which is great news. I think he is ready to leave here and he's in good shape for the move.
MaryAnn and Joe are still waiting to see the eye doctor since Steve complained of blurriness yesterday. They are also expecting to meet with the speech therapist who will help them learn how to better communicate with him. Reading his lips can be challenging and so frustrating when we can't figure out what he is trying to say. That's a really hard part.
I will update you once we hear more.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Steve's Recovery Page
This page is for the friends and family of Steven Collins, aka Steve, aka Steve-O, aka Skippy (ask his Uncle Joe about that one). The purpose of this page is twofold. First we will post updates on his recovery and progress. Secondly, we ask that you add your own stories and messages to share with one another and Steve once he is well enough.
As many of you know, a representative from the Sheperd Center in Atlanta is coming sometime tomorrow. They will assess Steve's status and hopefully let us know when he will be able to move to the center. We don't know what time they will be here.
As of this morning, Steve said that he wanted to go outside! He's been communicative, his lungs are stable and his other vitals continue to hold steady. In other words, Steve is as badass as we suspected he was. He's a champ.
On behalf of Steve's family, we thank all of you for the tremendous love and support that you have shown in the past few days.
As many of you know, a representative from the Sheperd Center in Atlanta is coming sometime tomorrow. They will assess Steve's status and hopefully let us know when he will be able to move to the center. We don't know what time they will be here.
As of this morning, Steve said that he wanted to go outside! He's been communicative, his lungs are stable and his other vitals continue to hold steady. In other words, Steve is as badass as we suspected he was. He's a champ.
On behalf of Steve's family, we thank all of you for the tremendous love and support that you have shown in the past few days.
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