lone_pilgrim
Member
His name is Michael.
The Accicent:
Michael was involved in an accident late Saturday afternoon (Dec 4th) while he was riding his bike. Someone hit him from behind with their car and the driver kept driving. The police have called it a hit and run accident and are investigating. There was an eye witness who has given information to the police.
Michael is currently in ICU as he sustained a serious head injury. At this time he is unconscious and is on a ventilator which is supplying oxygen to help him breathe. His vital signs are all stable and alll his major organs are functioning properly.
The hospital where Michael is being cared for is one of the top trauma centers in the country. The staff and doctors are excellent so we are relieved that he is in good hands. We feel very blessed to have two nieces who are physicians and a nephew who is a police officier here in ________.
Latest Updates:
On Tuesday, we were informed that Michael would be released from the hospital and transferred to his next level of care within two weeks. Michael will be moved to a Long Term Acute Care (LTAC) facility where the goal of the caretakers is to elicit voluntary responses from him. Occupational and Physical Therapists will be working with him in a capacity that is more aggressive as they specialize in rehabilitation of patients with a severe brain stem injury (Diffuse Axonal Injury).
Michael still continues to struggle with a condition known as "Sympathetic Storming" which unfortunately is a common occurrence in patients with a severe brain injury. He experiences this condition at various times of the day and night. His symptoms include: fever, increased heart rate and respiratory rate, and agitation. These symptoms are treated with medication as needed.
Many of you have expressed that you would like to visit Michael, but because of limited visitation and distance of family and friends, we have posted a picture of Michael in his hospital room on this site.
On December 24th, Michael had two procedures performed which were the next steps for his level of care. Michael had a tracheotomy, and a feeding tube inserted into his stomach (PEG). This enabled Michael to be free from any tubes that were in his nose and mouth.
Michael has done very well breathing on his own since last Tuesday. On Christmas morning when we visited Michael, the nurse informed us that the ventilator had been completely removed and was turned off and pushed into the corner of the room. What a blessing for us to see this on Christmas day! Michael does have a trach collar which provides a boost of oxygen and humidity.
Late on Christmas night during our last visit of the day, we received more good news. The medical team made the decision to move Michael to a room in the intermediate care unit. It is still considered a level of intensive care however, it is not critical care.
Lab tests indicate that Michael does not have any infections at this time. His fever continues to fluctuate, but he does respond to treatments of Tylenol.
During this Holy Season, we reflect on the many gifts and blessings we have received in the midst of this tragic accident. We are grateful to be surrounded by family and all those who are caring for Michael as we celebrate Christ’s birth. We thank all of you who are near and far for your prayers and encouragement.
Mike and I met on our college campus. He was my close friends roommate last year.
The Accicent:
Michael was involved in an accident late Saturday afternoon (Dec 4th) while he was riding his bike. Someone hit him from behind with their car and the driver kept driving. The police have called it a hit and run accident and are investigating. There was an eye witness who has given information to the police.
Michael is currently in ICU as he sustained a serious head injury. At this time he is unconscious and is on a ventilator which is supplying oxygen to help him breathe. His vital signs are all stable and alll his major organs are functioning properly.
The hospital where Michael is being cared for is one of the top trauma centers in the country. The staff and doctors are excellent so we are relieved that he is in good hands. We feel very blessed to have two nieces who are physicians and a nephew who is a police officier here in ________.
Latest Updates:
On Tuesday, we were informed that Michael would be released from the hospital and transferred to his next level of care within two weeks. Michael will be moved to a Long Term Acute Care (LTAC) facility where the goal of the caretakers is to elicit voluntary responses from him. Occupational and Physical Therapists will be working with him in a capacity that is more aggressive as they specialize in rehabilitation of patients with a severe brain stem injury (Diffuse Axonal Injury).
Michael still continues to struggle with a condition known as "Sympathetic Storming" which unfortunately is a common occurrence in patients with a severe brain injury. He experiences this condition at various times of the day and night. His symptoms include: fever, increased heart rate and respiratory rate, and agitation. These symptoms are treated with medication as needed.
Many of you have expressed that you would like to visit Michael, but because of limited visitation and distance of family and friends, we have posted a picture of Michael in his hospital room on this site.
On December 24th, Michael had two procedures performed which were the next steps for his level of care. Michael had a tracheotomy, and a feeding tube inserted into his stomach (PEG). This enabled Michael to be free from any tubes that were in his nose and mouth.
Michael has done very well breathing on his own since last Tuesday. On Christmas morning when we visited Michael, the nurse informed us that the ventilator had been completely removed and was turned off and pushed into the corner of the room. What a blessing for us to see this on Christmas day! Michael does have a trach collar which provides a boost of oxygen and humidity.
Late on Christmas night during our last visit of the day, we received more good news. The medical team made the decision to move Michael to a room in the intermediate care unit. It is still considered a level of intensive care however, it is not critical care.
Lab tests indicate that Michael does not have any infections at this time. His fever continues to fluctuate, but he does respond to treatments of Tylenol.
During this Holy Season, we reflect on the many gifts and blessings we have received in the midst of this tragic accident. We are grateful to be surrounded by family and all those who are caring for Michael as we celebrate Christ’s birth. We thank all of you who are near and far for your prayers and encouragement.
Mike and I met on our college campus. He was my close friends roommate last year.
