5.31.08 Blogging Bedside

Hi everyone. Sorry for posting so late in the day. It's just tough cause I don't want my face in the computer when I could be with Steve, ya know?

Steve drove his chair outside for a little while this morning. He really is remarkable working the chair with the sip and puff. Although it's frustrating since his vision is still poor. The problem is that they don't have an optomologist on staff who can examine him for a new prescription. And he has little to no vision in his one eye.

Late this afternoon he started to not feel well, so he got back into bed around 3:30. He then fell asleep and he just woke up.

This morning I got the read all of your comments to Steve, so thank you, thank you.... they really mean so much to him. His link to the outside. Please, keep them coming everyone.
Kris got here early this morning, and here is a photo I got to snap of them outside. I'm sorry that Steve's eyes are closed in the photo of him in the gym. But at least you get to see him on the bike. This particular bike is not for muscular development, but to help with spasms. Eventually, he will likely use the bike where they will connect electrodes to his legs and that bike will engage his muscles. One day at a time. Did I mention that he was in the chair for a whopping eight hours yesterday? Awesome.

OK, I'm getting back to the kid. Thanks for reading.

5.30.08

I am SOOOO impressed with Steve. Operating the wheelchair by himself with the sip and puff, he got onto the elevator, got off on the first floor. This allowed him to the see the entrance to the building for the first time, and the corridors leading all different directions. He went down the one hall with glass walls--and into the Shepherd Center gift shop. His physical therapist, Katie, encouraged him to go around the tight aisle, which he did like a champ! Seriously.He maneuvered with amazing precision, passed the glass jewelry cases. The only incident was the card rack that was at the end. The corner was too tight so he actually nudged the rack along. But once the big, orange, plastic rack started moving, he laughed. I mean, he was trying not to so that he could still hold the sip and puff, but he was laughing, bigger than I've seen in a long, long time. THAT was awesome. And no harm done. Katie said that it looked better where he had placed it. Ah, what a treat. From there, we continued back upstairs to the gym. I got to watch Steve on the bike which was very cool. I have photos, but I am not the Center's computer and I see there is nowhere to hook up my cord. I'll have to post those later.

It seems that Steve had an uneventful night, he got some sleep. OK, gotta dash and get back to him. I am telling you, seeing him smile like that was like a dose of sunshine.

5.29.08

Steve had three hours at the gym this morning--which probably explains why he fell asleep at 5 PM and slept until 8 PM. April's voice on the phone was the thing to finally wake him. I tried to wake him by stroking his brow and talking, but nothing. April on the line, pow, eyes open. Good to know.

Steve-o is a lot thinner than when I last saw him. He has been practicing his swallowing exercises and next week they are going to test his swallowing. We pray the test goes well, which could indicate the possibility of him regaining his ability to talk and eat.

Last night he woke in the middle of the night to ten people around his bed--a mucus plug had blocked his airway and set off the alarm. The same thing happen a few days earlier when MaryAnn was alone with him in the room. She had to take off his ventilator tube and manually give him air (a process called bagging).

A few of the Atlanta Falcons came in to sign autographs for Steve. And his buddy Lex came by to visit, but unfortunately it was after Steve was already asleep.

Steve seems so much more comfortable than he has been. And actually since he's up now, I'm going to stop pecking at this keyboard and go be with him.

5.28.08

Steve selected an electric teal wheelchair with mid-wheel control. It should be ready in a month.

Steve didn't go to the group activity. The activity was playing cards, and since his vision is not very strong yet--he passed. Instead he and MaryAnn watched a movie. He fell asleep early again and tonight he was concerned that he might not sleep through the night. Hopefully, he's sleeping soundly and won't stir until morning.

I probably won't get to do a post in the morning before I have to leave for the airport. So, next you'll here from me, I'll be with Steve. Whoo hoo!

5.28.08

Steve is getting measured today for his own wheelchair--he'll be able to pick out the one that he wants. Although I am sure he'd like the all-terrain model, I imagine he may need to start out with something that will have more maneuverability through the house.

Yesterday in the gym he used a bicycle that allowed his legs to move. He asked if he could work out his arms and he was able to use a machine that held up his arms and allowed them to move. One of therapists commented on his precision steering his wheelchair pretty close to the wall, and MaryAnn replied "Yup, that's Steven." Apparently, a while back there was a contest to see who could pull farm equipment into the barn really close to the wall. No surprise, Steven did exceptionally well.

He has a group activity in the gym today; I hope the socialization is inspiring for him. He has been sleeping through the night--which is awesome. Until he gets used to it, I am sure the gym routine is going to be exhausting.

5.27.08

Steve slept through the night! Good thing because he has a busy day on tap. Assistive technology was coming at 10 AM, and then he has physical therapy and occupational therapy scheduled between 1 and 2:30.

And, I am SO excited to say that I am flying to Atlanta on Thursday. I should be with Steve by around 3 PM. I can't wait. I can't wait....

5.26.08

Steve went outside today for the first time in two months! He sat under a shady tree with Kris, April and MaryAnn. After about 20 minutes, it got too hot and they went back in. Steve fell asleep and slept for most of the afternoon. When I last spoke to MaryAnn, Alan and Virginia were just arriving.

So far, Steve continues to be stable. I get nervous writing that because I don't want to jinx anything. But fingers crossed, we are moving forward from here. One day at a time.

Joe is making tremendous progress getting the house ready for the renovations. Jeremy, Jason and Johnny were over today helping out and of course Steve Willet, Joe's buddy, has been on hand constantly. The Shepherd Center gave Steven a tentative release date of June 18. This means the house has to be ready for him to return home. The builder is coming tomorrow to meet with Joe.

Courtney emaileed me a few days ago (sorry folks, I hadn't checked my email) and the first batch of T-shirts are in! This was the order for folks in Alabama, so if you ordered one, please contact her so that you can pick it up! And thank you, thank you!

Finally, today was MaryAnn and Joe's 29th wedding anniversary! I've long admired the strength, love and friendship within their relationship. Thanks for being such a great example for me guys. I love you, xo.

5.25.08

Steve's temp was a little low today so they bundled him in a blanket to get it back up. He was in his chair for about six hours--that's a long stretch. Ashley and Sarah watched a movie with Steve on the computer before they headed back home this afternoon. April is going to be staying with Steve--which is awesome.

Landy, Steve and Lindsey came to visit. Landy had Steve smiling with her storytelling. I think Alan is coming by tomorrow. He always gets a grin out of Steve, so that is something to look forward to. Overall, we so happy that last two days have been more stable than his last weeks.

5.24.08

Steve was stable today. April got to stay in his room with him last night, which I am sure was comforting. He didn't have any fever or blood pressure issues during the day, which we are so thankful for. He got into his chair in the afternoon, which is good because getting into bed later meant that he wasn't falling asleep too early. Here's praying that tomorrow is just as stable.

5.23.08

Steve continued to have a difficult time today. First, this morning he had issues with his blood pressure, and then later with his head profusely sweating. Also, he's been falling asleep in the late afternoon and then he doesn't sleep through the night. He told MaryAnn "Don't let me sleep," so she was doing her best to keep him awake today. She said that she was reading him the blogs and it really helped him. So a huge thank you to everyone!

He's resting comfortably right now. April, Kris, Ashley and her sister Sarah are there with him.

And I know you are not going to believe what I am about to tell you, but Joe and MaryAnn had a bag stolen from them. It was either taken from the hotel or, Joe thinks, from his truck in the parking garage at the Shepherd Center. In the bag? Their check book, insurance paperwork for Steven, Steve's cell phone, the specs for Steve's euipment, Joe's work stuff and his watch. I told you that you weren't going to believe it. It's really hard for me to reach deep within myself and find a place that could even conceive of forgiving whoever did this to them.

However, I refuse to end a post on that note. So I will simply focus on all of you who are pitching in to help Joe with the work and renovations on the house. It sounds like he's really got things underway. Thanks for the help with the electrical work, the generator, the renovation itself, the plumbing, the storage help. Thank you. It's amazing and inspiring.

5.22.08

Joe just got home to Huntsville so that he can get renovations underway. He called so that I can relay a message from him and MaryAnn: They would love for Steve's friends to come to Atlanta to visit Steve. He needs you guys. Since he's on the second floor now, a group of you can visit with him in one of the gyms or possibly outside (not sure if he's clear for outside yet). It would be so good for him. Just please remember that everyone who comes needs to be in tip-top shape. Pneumonia is a serious concern for someone in Steve's condition so if you've got a throat tickle or a stuffy nose, we have to request you stay at home and sip your chicken soup. You need a clean bill of health before you can come.

Also, the noteworthy news for today is the Steve drove his wheelchair to the gym using the sip and puff technology. And he took himself back to his room too. Watch out Shepherd! Joe is picking up a new set of glasses for Steve which means that soon he will be able to start using eye recognition software to communicate.

A Letter of Hope to Steven

Although Steve's temperature stabilized yesterday, the day didn't get any easier for him. He was very upset and anxious. To say it's been a tough time would be an understatement, and you guys know that. Today marks two months since the accident. On this occasion, I'd like to take a little space to send a message to Steve from all of us.

Steven,

I want to talk about this community of yours: Team Steve-O. I have no way of tracking the number of page views for the site, but I do know that my profile page alone—has almost seven thousand page views. Seven THOUSAND. And that is just the people who click through on my profile. The number of page views for your blog is easily double or triple, I'm sure. Think about that for a minute. We'd fill the Von Braun Center a few times over. All for you. We are your massive family of hope.

The fire in your spirit connects us. And then there's that easy grin of yours and relaxed way you have; the way you seem to be everyone's buddy. Your "anything is possible" attitude. This community is a testament to your character.

I do not know the kinds of thoughts that you have had for these past two months. None of us can. I only know that, on behalf of everyone here, your massive community, I want to remind you to hold us with you. Know that beside your bed, we all stand. Everyday. Though your body struggles to learn a new way to communicate within, know that your light continues to shine on us. We are all with you. And you know what? We're not going anywhere. Steven, you have your own army. And it's the best kind of army, it is fully equip with love and strength and caring and commitment, and healing prayers. When it's possible, focus on us. Recall every name, familiar and not, listed here on the comments. Thousands of people are hoping that you feel safe and calm and loved. Let these two months worth of words and caring live in your mind and bring you comfort. And just as the season changes from cool to warmth, may you too move away from unrest and return to the calm of your home. Know that with each passing day, you are one day closer. And know that wherever your mind takes you, we will always be just a thought away from that place, in a memory or a card or a comment. We are your family of hope; we love you and we think about you endlessly. May everyday be brighter than the day before. Sending you thousands and thousands of big, warm hugs.

5.21.08

Steve's temperature is fluxuating between 95 and 101. His body is cold but he feels like he is burning up. This is just too much, ya know? He's doing his best to endure this rollercoaster. I know that body temperature is an ongoing issue for those with a spinal cord injury, but I just pray for his comfort. Immediately.

5.21.08

Since Steve's temp was low yesterday, he didn't get to go to the gym for occupational or physical therapy. He's scheduled to go today. It's great that he is moving toward a routine.

I got a smile out of him on the phone last night telling him about how Sadie is obsessed with construction equipment--and that backhoe loaders are her favorite.

Not much more to report as of right now. I am not sure if MaryAnn and Joe have classes today--I know they have on the past two Wednesdays. If that's the case, I may not have an update until much later in the day.

5.20.08

Steve was in his chair today for six hours! His temp dropped pretty low, so they were trying to bring his temp back up, which they did successfully. Now that he's out of ICU, they can put photos and posters on the wall, so Grandma and Mom are working to spruce up his space. Mare and I only had a short conversation so, more later folks.

5.19.08 PM

Steve's in room 211--the second-floor room that he had before he was moved back to ICU. He was exhausted tonight. Joe said that he was chatting away and then he looked over and Steve was asleep. I hope he dreams of chocolate or something just as sweet.

We are thankful that Steve had no fever today and his stomach/feeding tube didn't give him any issues. Tomorrow he will have occupational and physical therapy. Hopefully the new routine will lift his spirits, in the same way that your continued love and support do. Thanks everyone!

5.19.08

When I talked to MaryAnn a little while ago, she said that they were getting Steve ready to be moved out of ICU. Unfortunately, he didn't have a restful night, he was upset and anxious. She's going to call a little later and let me know how the move goes and give me an update on how he's feeling.

5.18.08

Steve's doing better today. They discovered that he had an infection in his nasal passages, which they now believe was the source of his fevers. PLEASE let this be the cause and therefore, no more fevers! NO MORE FEVERS!

There is a chance that he'll move back to the second floor tomorrow. Provided that he ready and able, that would be awesome. He was in his chair for three hours when I talked to MaryAnn. He told her that he had a dream about chocolate. I bet that was very exciting, especially since on and off, he's had some bad dreams lately. So overall, a good weekend for Steve. Let's hope this is the start of a solid, strong week.

5.17.08

For the first time in seven days, Steve was up in the chair today--and for four hours! Awesome. His new feeding tube is working well, which is a relief. His temp was about 99 this evening, which we will take. If it stays there--great. Overall the weekend seems to be treating him much better than the week did.

Skylar, who is from a nearby town and was at Shepherd for some therapy, came by to see Steve yesterday. Skylar was in a car accident and broke his C5. He operates his wheelchair using sip and puff, and he recently got off his trach. MaryAnn said that he looks wonderful. Unfortunately, he stopped by at a bad time, so Steve wasn't able to see him, but the family definitely appreciated his visit.

Steve has Kris and Steve and April there with him as well as my parents. He's got a lot of love around him so hopefully that will keep him uplifted tonight.

5.16.08

As the day went on, Steve started to feel better. As of earlier tonight, he was sleeping, though MaryAnn was hoping he would stay up so that he would sleep through the night. Unfortunately, in the time that we were on the phone, his temperature was climbing. It was 101.1. Hopefully, it never got higher than that.

Steve no longer needs blood transfusions, he had lost blood as a result of the recovering from the sinus surgery. His feeding tube seemed to be the root of his stomach issues. He had a procedure today which we hope will means these issues are behind him now.

The doctor said that his fever at this point could be the from the surgery. Apparently, fevers aren't uncommon after procedures. So, it seems that by days end, he was having a better day than yesterday. My parents arrive in the morning, so they should keep him pretty assumed with their travel tales.

5.15.08 Update and T-shirt info

Hi all,
Not much has changed as of tonight. When MaryAnn left after 9 PM, Steve still had a temp of 102. I know that we all hope that Steve will be able to fall into a deep sleep and wake up feeling better tomorrow. Yes, yes, yes.

For anyone interested in getting a T-shirt from Courtney, she's going for round two on these awesomely cool bad boys. She's turning the next order in on May 30th. So if you are out of state, you can contact her, let her know what you would like and then just get a check in the mail to her. She will need the money when she places the order, so act fast, as they say. The shirt is available in the following sizes: youth: s, m, l adult: s,m,l,xl ,2x ,3x. Courtney's contact info is 256-755-7585 or 256-828-9325 or cjlburrough20@gmail.com. Courtney has been asking $12 or $15 for the shirts. Anything over the $6 it costs to make the shirt will be contributed directly to Steve's Donation Fund. So thanks everyone!!!

5.15.08

I wish that I had better news for everyone. The list of issues that Steve is dealing with this morning is far too long. I don't know where to begin, but here goes. He's starting to run a fever. His hemoglobin is a little low, so they are going to start giving him blood. His stomach issues are not resolved; they are still trying to figure out the exact problem. A gastrologist is due to come and see him today. His sinuses are very, very sore. To write that he is in pain is hard for me, but it's the truth.

Things can only get better from here. So let's hope for an answer to his stomach complications; a quick heal on his sinuses, an immediate leveling off and then decrease on his temperature, and nothing but rest and comfort from here on out. As we've seen, things can change very quickly here. So, I'm banking on a fast turn around.

5.14.08

Steven feels a lot better today. The awesome news is that he had no fever yesterday. So it looks like maybe the sinus infection was the cause of those terribly high fevers. Fantastic! Here's to more comfortable nights for Steve, whoo hoo! We don't know for sure, but MaryAnn thinks that Steve will be in ICU for the rest of the week. The goal at this point is to just keep him healthy and get him strong enough to move back to the 2nd floor. Since they are taking it slow, he'll rest in bed and not get into the chair today.

5.13.08 Steve's address again and a brief update

Steve continues to recover, he's still asleep. They gave him some pain medication so hopefully, he's resting comfortably.

As for sending things to Steve, you can still send things to the address below. He did receive mail that was sent to that address even after he was moved to the room. Once he does have a new mailing address, I will post it. But for now the ICU one is fine. Thanks everyone!

Steve Collins
ICU
Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

5.13.08

Steve had his surgery this morning. Everything went well. The doctor saw a little infection in the trach, but he said that should clear up quickly. Steve's feeding tube is flowing again and hopefully, his stomach and digestion issues are resolved. He was sedated for the sugery, so it's hard to know how long he will be out for. MaryAnn is going to call me when she hears more from the doctor.

5.12.08

As of a little while ago, Steve was asleep. As the day goes on, we should know more about his stomach situation.

We were thinking that maybe the fevers were due to what was happening with his stomach--but the doctors don't feel the two were related at all. Therefore, they are likely going to go ahead and operate on his sinuses, to eliminate the infection there, which we hope, will mean no more fevers. We are not sure when they are scheduling the operation. I assume they may want to wait until his feeding tube is flowing again and he has some nourishment in his system.

5.11.08

Sorry for the delay in my post, I was at my mom's house on Long Island, and you know what that means...yup, no online access (however she does promise to buy a computer within the month, so sit tight, Grandma's going cyber soon).

Anyway, Steve was doing okay today. Unfortunately, he had a fever again. Not as high as yesterday, but it was about 101 when MaryAnn left tonight. They haven't given him any nourishment yet; they want to make sure that his digestion issues are taken care first. All around, it's just been a tough 48 hours. So basically, I am going to try and do a little something here. MaryAnn had a rough Mother's Day, as you might imagine. I am hoping that I can harness the power of Steve's people to bring MaryAnn some smiles, and hopefully, in the process, we will get a few grins from Steve too. How does that saying go, "Love me, love my mom" or something like that? (I might be making that up, but go with me here.)

Please share your posts like, "Steve's mom is so cool because....." For instance, I could start you out with, "MaryAnn is so cool because she was enough years older than me that I didn't have to go to high school with her and say, "Yeah that 5'10", blonde, blue-eyed girl, yeah, that's my sister." Get it? Or, "Steve's mom is so cool because she owns Dance Dance Revolution and can do it pretty well provided she's not laughing hysterically." Feel free to run with it. The goal: smiles, smiles, smiles. And as always, I thank you. xo Aunt Jean.

PS--Reminder: If you would like to get a Steve-O shirt, tomorrow is the deadline. Please contact Courtney (256) 755-7585/(256) 828-9325 or cjlburrough20@gmail.com. Thank you!

5.10.08

Steven is back in ICU. MaryAnn and Joe got a call early this morning that Steve was having trouble breathing. They now know that the discomfort was actually caused by stomach issues. They are thoroughly checking his stomach and digestive system. He had an extremely high fever--but it's come down now. He's stable and sleeping. The doctor expects that Steve will be in ICU for another day or two, just until all the tests are completed and he's feeling okay again.

Sending lots of love and restful thoughts your way Steve!

5.9.08

Steve was looking and feeling good yesterday. It was the first day since the accident that he wasn't in a hospital gown! Finally, he's in clothes. Whoo hoo. That alone has got to make him feel better! Also, they took the collar off yesterday, largely because he was developing sores beneath it. MaryAnn is really nervous for it to be off, they were told he would wear it for 12 weeks. But the staff must feel that his neck is healed enough for him to be ok without it. I suppose there are just going to be a lot of these scary moments as we adjust to him being out of ICU.

Unfortunately, he did not get to see the building come down, the wrecking ball started on the other side of the building. Maybe in a few days he'll get to catch them tearing down the side facing him. Mare said that he does have a view of the buidling from his room. They did a CT scan to see if the sinus infection he has would be severe enough to cause the fevers. MaryAnn and Joe should have the results of that today.

He's got occupational and physical therapy today. I think this will is scheduled daily for him now. Jim, Courtney and April are coming to visit today. Their company will undoubtably bring on that beautiful smile of his.

5.8.08 Steve's injury

I have deliberately left things vague as to Steven's condition until we had more information. However, at this point, Steve and his family have a clear sense of what his future could hold.

First off, as you know, Steven's injury is a C2. This is pretty much as bad as it can get in terms of a spinal cord injury. A typical prognosis for a C2 is life on a ventilator. It is very possible that Steven will not recover any movement below his neck. We do not know yet whether he will regain his ability to talk or eat.

Obviously, we remain hopeful for the best possible scenario, but his family also needs to be realistic about his condition. Joe, MaryAnn and Kris just wanted to make sure that everyone is clear on this information. And they express their deepest gratitude for your continued prayers and support.

5.8.08

Things went pretty well for Steve yesterday. He got a full tour of the facilities and set up in his new room. Right now, he doesn't have a roommate, but he may get one down the line. The room is smaller, and it's in an older building, but MaryAnn said it was nice. They did a sonogram on Steve's legs yesterday to check for clots and that came back negative. Awesome. Some of Steve's ICU nurses came down to visit him yesterday. After a month with him, they missed him.

Today they are demolishing the building next to the center, something that we were talking about with Steve last week when we were in the gym with his incredible physical therapists, Carol and Briana. They got permission to bring Steve back up today so that they can watch the wrecking ball together, even though Steve is no longer their patient.

In his new space, he will be getting a lot of physical therapy to help keep his muscles active. Hopefully, he had a restful night last night. As for the concerns that I wrote about yesterday, after spending the day getting acquainted, MaryAnn felt much more comfortable with the change. I expect an update from MaryAnn later today. She and Joe are in respiratory classes until late this afternoon.

T-shirt sale to benefit Steve's fund

Courtney, one of Steve's friends from Huntsville, emailed me the message below. Since it's a tight time frame, this is really for folks in the Huntsville area who will be able to get the money for the shirts to Courtney by Tuesday. Thanks to Courtney and everyone who nabs a shirt!

Hey Everyone, I had a screen print made up for Steve and will be taking orders on them till Tuesday May 13th. Yes, I know that is a short period but the company will only hold the screen for a week! The shirt is going to be teal with white writing on the front and on the back of the shirt. The front is going to have "Team STEVE O" and the back is going to have "Pullin' for our hero" with a off road vehicle on it.
The cost of the shirt is going to be a min. of $12.00 and a max of $15.00 ...so if you pay $12.00 Steve will make $6.00 and if you pay the max $15.00 Steve will make $9.00! So if you or anyone else would like one please let me know. I WILL NEED YOUR MONEY UP FRONT! I know that this might be hard to do in a short time but the company is giving us a break so we can raise some money for Steve to put in his account! Plus like I said before they will only be keeping this screen for a week! If you would like to call me you can @ 256-755-7585/256-828-9325 or email me @ cjlburrough20@gmail.com As most of you know we will be going to see Steve this weekend so if you want a shirt out of the first batch then you can meet up with Melissa Broadwell her number is 1-504-202-2595(Zach Hubert's girlfriend) or Jennie Baker her number is 256-975-5668

**I am planning on doing another sale so if you can not get your money to me by Tuesday I will put you on the list for the next batch.**

5.7.08

Steve is leaving ICU today. His departure is not because he is so much better, but because the staff strongly feels that, emotionally, Steven needs to be around other people his own age. Hopefully, the company will do him well. Unfortunately, he will be confronted with the fact that most of the people around him will be able to do a lot more than he can. MaryAnn and Joe have been told that Steven is in God's hands regarding what abilities will come back to him.

The doctor is going to check his trachea and throat in a few days. We just hope and pray that at least one vocal cord works--which would give him the ability to talk and swallow. Please, please channel your energy toward this goal. Beyond that, the next miracle we are praying for is that he will have the ability to breathe on his own.

Steven had a fever this morning and he was very upset and uncomfortable when MaryAnn and Joe arrived. Once he is out of ICU--many of the monitors that he has had will be gone, he will only have a heart monitor. It's a big jump going from "intensive care" to the floor so we are just hoping he still gets the attention that he needs right now. The Shepherd Center has been amazing and we have every reason to believe that all of his needs will be met--but the change is just scary. And unfortunately, MaryAnn and Joe are in classes all day tomorrow, starting at 8:30. These classes will help them learn how to tend to Steven's medical needs. It's less than ideal timing since it will be Steve's first full day in the new environment with a new staff.

With everything going on, Mare and I are not sure how much we will be able to talk in the next day or so, but obviously, I will let you guys in on any news once I have it.

5.6.08 Aunt Jean with Steve in Atlanta

Here are two pics from my visit. I think Steve is looking great. Gosh I love these boys.

I talked to MaryAnn this morning and she said that Steve is homesick. He can't sleep, he's still feeling cold and just generally uncomfortable. He wants to go home. There is a chance that he could be home in as little as four-six weeks once he is moved out of ICU. MaryAnn says that they may move him to a regular room as soon as tomorrow.

I know that it's really hard to know what to say to Steve these days. Please just continue to share your enduring love, support and company as you have been.

5.5.08 Posting Comments

Hey again,
I just remembered that Joe had asked me to explain how to post a comment. Since I am not sure what problems in particular some of you are having, it's hard to know what to advise. But I think the main point is that you have to click on an ID--even if it's anonymous. Then in the body of the text you can ID yourself. Oh, and this might sound really obvious, but maybe it's not, so I'll just say that in order to get to the comments window, you have to click on the word "Comments". Sorry if this doesn't remedy the issue. Just keep trying!

5.5.08

Steve is doing well this morning. At a little after 11, he was in his chair already. His physical therapists should be in soon to exercise his legs and maybe get him out of his room a little. There is a chance that he will be moved out of ICU this week--but we aren't sure yet.

Steve had a fever of 103 yesterday afternoon when they moved him back into bed from his chair. They believe this was due to dehydration--so I expect that this won't happen again.

Before I left, Steve thanked me for coming, and said that it helped a lot. I'm sure that is true for everyone who comes to visit with him. Uncle Joe and Deb are still with him today. And Courtney and Jim and April are due to see him towards the end of the week. Once Steve is out of ICU and has clearance to go outside, visits will be so much easier. Then I expect there to be little caravans of friends direct from Huntsville. In fact, they might need to make that roadway over the mountain a major highway to facilitate a faster drive, right?

(PS--It's not my modem, it's the construction taking place next to my house, the cut our cable cord. Hopefully, by sometime tomorrow, I will be back online and have more regular posts again.)

5.3.08

Hi all! I am so sorry for the delay in my posts. Yesterday morning, I selfishly wanted to soak up as much time with Steve as I could before my flight, so I didn't write a morning post. Then when I got home last night, I learned that our modem was burned out and I didn't have online access! It was terrible. So, I apologize that I didn't get to update everyone yesterday, so here it is....

Steve had a good day yesterday. He did not have a fever and felt only a little cold. He was in bed when I left for the airport at 2, but they were getting him into his chair then. He was in his chair for about four hours and during that time, he had a visit from Alan aka Boss. This is Jeremy and Jason's dad, who is also like a second dad to Steve. He talked and talked, keeping Steven entertained and informed about the goings-on at home.

Uncle Joe and Debbie flew in this morning and they are with him now. A little later, Jeremy, Melissa, Johnny and Kristen are due to visit with him. I know that this infusion of friends and family will help lift his spirits.

Steve is still on his cycle of antibiotics and will be for a few more weeks. His trach is healing nicely. We are just hoping that he can keep the fevers at bay so he can continue to avoid the severe discomfort that he had a few days ago.

I'm going to try and get another post up soon, but if I don't, it's only b/c I haven't been able to get online again today. Sorry everyone!

5.2.08 Evening

Kris, Ashley and I are in Steve's room right now. He barely has a fever (99.0) though says that he does feel cold. However, it seems more bearable tonight than it has been. We had a good day; Steve was in his chair for about five hours. When we went to the gym, he was able to see the blue sky with a few fat, white clouds, three buildings and some treetops. It was nice to see the daylight light up his face.

They increased Steve's calories since he lost a little weight with the halo on. He looks good--his face has filled in. All in all, a solid day. The kind that we were hoping for a just a few days ago, ya know? Onward and upward....

5.2.08

Steve seemed to have a restful night. He didn't have a high fever, though this morning it did get to about 101.4 but it's been dropping steadily. He does not seem uncomfortable though. In fact, he seems really peaceful which is wonderful to see.
Steve and I got to talk a good deal this morning. He thanked me for coming. He's so sweet and still so big on thanking everyone.

Right now they are moving him into his chair. We are going to stroll back down to the gym (which really is just a short walk down the hall, but that's big since he's been so stationary.) For the first time, he will be using a portable vent that hooks onto the back of his chair.

They came in and did the echo cardiogram on him last night at about 6 PM. We don't have any results yet, but his nurse said that he didn't think they saw any bacteria.

5.1.08 Afternoon

Steve has had a solid day so far. He was in his chair for about six hours, he had his tour this morning and he had visits from both his buddies--Lex and Lorenzo. Both guys are super positive and encouraging. Lex made him smile a lot. It was AWESOME. He's a funny guy that Lex Luger. He talked a great deal about food. Steve and Lex shared their mutual love of Outback Steakhouse.

The doctors have approved friends visiting Steve. But this being ICU means that the numbers of visitors allowed is limited. Joe has requested that anyone intending to visit, email SteveCJ5@mchsi.com. He will coordinate the visits so that no one makes the trip and is unable to see Steve. Thanks everyone.

Fingers crossed, Steve will continue to feel good right into and through the night.

5.1.08

Steve had his trip down to the gym this morning. It was great for him to just move and lay his eyes on something new.

Last night his temp was about 101. The problem with the fever and chills is that the nurses don't want for his fever to elevate, so sometimes we have to take the blankets off of him. Obviously, a hard thing to be willing to do given his discomfort, but necessary. And if they are really concerned about the temp, they have to actually put on the cooling blanket. So it's like you are fighting two contradicting battles. Luckily, he had some pain medication that I think allowed him to get some sleep last night.


The ID doctor ordered an echo cardiogram for today so that should be happening sometime soon. He just wants to make sure that all the valves around the heart are clear. He says that his heart sounds good, and he doesn’t suspect anything, but it's just another precautionary step to see if there is any bacteria that is being missed in the blood tests.

Steve looks good today. But like we've said earlier, he misses him friends. So let's try again to give him some insight into your day to day affairs. Thanks guys!