I just received word that the Bossier Press Tribune will be running a blurb on the "Ericka Carter for Mike Carter Fund".
It will run on page 2 of the Bossier Press Tribune this Friday.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
January 30 - Day 26
Mike has been having problems tolerating the feeding tube. He has been throwing up sporadically. There has been evidence of old blood from some sort of internal bleeding. The doctors think that he has a few bleeding ulcers in his esophagus and that these are the source of the old blood that he has been throwing up. They have started him on treatment for these ulcers. They also replaced the halo plate yesterday with a new one that is more appropriate for Mike's height.
He still remains in a coma.
He still remains in a coma.
Monday, January 28, 2008
January 28 - Day 24
Mike has had a restful weekend. He is now at Willis Knighton Pierremont on the LifeCare floor. No posts were made over the weekend regarding Mike because the family wanted to allow him a chance to get situated and go through LifeCare's evaluations.
He will be having a plate replacement on his halo today, because it was causing some problems for Mike.....it was too large and putting too much pressure on his abdomen.
AT this time, there isn't much else to report. He is stable, comfortable, and still in a coma.
Pray for Ericka...she had to go back to work today. They are going to try to get into some kind of routine and normalcy as much as possible.
After meeting with the Case Manager today, Ericka will have a better grasp on plans of action in Mike's care and will also be able to give an idea of how visitations work.
He will be having a plate replacement on his halo today, because it was causing some problems for Mike.....it was too large and putting too much pressure on his abdomen.
AT this time, there isn't much else to report. He is stable, comfortable, and still in a coma.
Pray for Ericka...she had to go back to work today. They are going to try to get into some kind of routine and normalcy as much as possible.
After meeting with the Case Manager today, Ericka will have a better grasp on plans of action in Mike's care and will also be able to give an idea of how visitations work.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
January 26th - Day 22
Mike was moved to Willis Knighton Pierremont yesterday afternoon around 2:00pm. He was resting peacefully last night - still in a coma. His doctor there stated that they would run a whole new set of tests. Standard procedure.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Mike is getting moved
They will be transporting Mike from LSU Med. to Willis Knighton Pierremont today around 2:00pm. The Life Care floor is designed to "treat medically complex patients who require acute care hospital services for an extended period of time". (www.lifecare-hospitals.com)
He received two pints of blood earlier today. He is not bleeding though.
One of the first test from the other night cam back and it does show that he has some sort of infection. They have him on a broad spectrum antibiotic right now.
He received two pints of blood earlier today. He is not bleeding though.
One of the first test from the other night cam back and it does show that he has some sort of infection. They have him on a broad spectrum antibiotic right now.
January 25th - Day 21
Mike rested peacefully yesterday afternoon and evening. No more throwing up. He is scheduled to be moved to Willis Knighton Pierremont LifeCare this afternoon.
He is sill in a coma.
He is sill in a coma.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
January 24th - Day 20
They did several cultures on Mike last night and were able to drain off most of his stomach. He was resting peacefully this morning. If all continues as is and he remains stable through the night, they are planning on moving him to the Willis Knighton Pierremont LifeCare floor tomorrow.
Of course, nothing is definite. He is still in a coma.
Of course, nothing is definite. He is still in a coma.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
January 23rd - Day 19 Part 2
Mike has been having alot of problems with throwing up. I'm going to be as cut and dried as possible on this. He went through a scope today to try and see where all this stuff that he is throwing up is coming from. They wanted to make sure that he didn't have some sort of small bowel obstruction. The scope showed everything as all clear. However, he is still having a hard time.
They are in the process of completely emptying out his stomach and bowels. To give him a "fresh start" (Ericka's words). He also has a small raw spot in his trach area that they are trying to heal.
Tonight, they are going to take all kinds of culture: blood, etc. They haven't done anything other than spinal fluid cultures in 10 days. They are hoping that these cultures will pinpoint what is going on.
Mike is still stable and in a coma. He had a high fever tonight and was on ice packs with a fan on him. However, Ericka said that he was cool to the touch. He is on the ventilator and night, but on regular oxygen during the day.
Right now, the important thing is for them to find out why he can't keep anything down and why he keeps running a fever.
The upside is that he does seem to have several of his reflexes intact. The down side is that he is still in a coma.
They are in the process of completely emptying out his stomach and bowels. To give him a "fresh start" (Ericka's words). He also has a small raw spot in his trach area that they are trying to heal.
Tonight, they are going to take all kinds of culture: blood, etc. They haven't done anything other than spinal fluid cultures in 10 days. They are hoping that these cultures will pinpoint what is going on.
Mike is still stable and in a coma. He had a high fever tonight and was on ice packs with a fan on him. However, Ericka said that he was cool to the touch. He is on the ventilator and night, but on regular oxygen during the day.
Right now, the important thing is for them to find out why he can't keep anything down and why he keeps running a fever.
The upside is that he does seem to have several of his reflexes intact. The down side is that he is still in a coma.
Heartfelt Thank You
Ericka wanted to sincerely thank everyone for all the cards, well- wishes, words of encouragement, food, support, and most importantly....the PRAYERS.
It has meant more than you will ever know.
Please continue to pray for Mike, Ericka and the kids.
It has meant more than you will ever know.
Please continue to pray for Mike, Ericka and the kids.
January 23rd - Day 19
As I stated before, they put the halo on Mike yesterday. He seems to be resting more peacefully now. His neck and chin area don't seem so flexed...they appear more relaxed. He is continuing to have trouble with the throwing up. He has problems with this every since they inserted the feeding tube. The doctors are planning on doing a scope today to see what is going on with his stomach and why he is having problems with the vomiting.
As of right now, they do not plan to do surgery on his broken knee.
They are wanting to get his chest stronger. Once his stomach is ok and his chest is stronger, Mike will be moved to another facility..whether he is awake or not.
He still remains in a coma at this point.
As of right now, they do not plan to do surgery on his broken knee.
They are wanting to get his chest stronger. Once his stomach is ok and his chest is stronger, Mike will be moved to another facility..whether he is awake or not.
He still remains in a coma at this point.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
January 21st - Day 17
Quick Update - Mike's shunt was taken out this morning and he has two stitches there. They are also alternating him on and off the vent. In other words, he is being taken on and off the ventilator through the day...part time breathing on his own and part time on the ventilator.
The doctors are planning on trying to do the halo tomorrow. Of course, that can be bumped, but they are wanting to try to do it tomorrow.
The doctors are planning on trying to do the halo tomorrow. Of course, that can be bumped, but they are wanting to try to do it tomorrow.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
January 20th - Day 16
They are planning on doing a CT scan tonight on Mike. If everything looks ok, they are planning on trying to remove the shunt in the next few days. He is still having some issues with the reflux, but they are hopefully going to change that medication out.
He is being weaned off the ventilator and the left chest drain tube. Ortho will probably be around in a few days, if the shunt is removed. They will be talking with Ericka about doing the halo and probably talking about how they will deal with his broken knee. If I haven't mentioned it before, his ribs are taped. There isn't really much else that you can do for broken ribs.
He is breathing all right. Audrey was able to see her daddy tonight. She did well with the visit. She is so inquisitive and wanted to know all about what was going on with Mike - medically speaking. Wes was territorial and wouldn't let his sisters hold their daddy's hand. Baylee is being strong. The visits are tough for her, but also good because she gets to see Mike.
Wes will be going back to his grandmother's house tomorrow, but Ericka has decided to keep Baylee and Audrey at home with her and Kevin. So, for everyone that has been asking about meals...well, we are going to get those started. I will be sending out an email to everyone tomorrow. We'll just sign up for nights. Just see how it goes....
Keep praying... and keep leaving comments for Ericka. She does get them.
He is being weaned off the ventilator and the left chest drain tube. Ortho will probably be around in a few days, if the shunt is removed. They will be talking with Ericka about doing the halo and probably talking about how they will deal with his broken knee. If I haven't mentioned it before, his ribs are taped. There isn't really much else that you can do for broken ribs.
He is breathing all right. Audrey was able to see her daddy tonight. She did well with the visit. She is so inquisitive and wanted to know all about what was going on with Mike - medically speaking. Wes was territorial and wouldn't let his sisters hold their daddy's hand. Baylee is being strong. The visits are tough for her, but also good because she gets to see Mike.
Wes will be going back to his grandmother's house tomorrow, but Ericka has decided to keep Baylee and Audrey at home with her and Kevin. So, for everyone that has been asking about meals...well, we are going to get those started. I will be sending out an email to everyone tomorrow. We'll just sign up for nights. Just see how it goes....
Keep praying... and keep leaving comments for Ericka. She does get them.
January 19th - Day 15 - Evening Assessment
Mike has been dealing with quite a bit of reflux since the surgery for the trach. The nurses asked Ericka if he was lactose intolerant tonight. He is not. Come to find out, they were giving him a medication for reflux that does not work well with his system. They will be changing the medication. The sedation that he was under for the surgery has caused Mike to throw up several times. He is now completely off all sedation.....This will hopefully help with the nausea.
They will be monitoring his reflux and nausea through the night.
Mike is stable, but still in a coma.
Wes got to see his Daddy for the first time tonight. Mike has been doing alot of clenching of his hands...more so in the evenings. Ericka set Wes up on the bed by Mike so he could put his hand in his Daddy's hand. Of course, when Wes did this, Mike closed his hand over his. So Wes got to "hold Daddy's hand" tonight. :)
Pray that the nausea and reflux will fade away.
They will be monitoring his reflux and nausea through the night.
Mike is stable, but still in a coma.
Wes got to see his Daddy for the first time tonight. Mike has been doing alot of clenching of his hands...more so in the evenings. Ericka set Wes up on the bed by Mike so he could put his hand in his Daddy's hand. Of course, when Wes did this, Mike closed his hand over his. So Wes got to "hold Daddy's hand" tonight. :)
Pray that the nausea and reflux will fade away.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
January 19th - Day 15
Mike made it through the night fairly well with the trach. His fever is back up again, but that was expected after the surgery. He had a few spikes in his pressure, but they drained off some fluid and it went back down. He has been resting quietly since.
As of the 10:00 am visit he is doing well. They are planning on trying to take the shunt out in the next day or two if Mike continues to do as well as he is. After that they will look at putting him in a halo for his neck fracture. At this time he is breathing over the ventilator. They are going to try and slowly wean him off of the ventilator now. He is NOT on any sedation now.
For those that are wondering, Mike's face is void of any injuries. Look at any of the pictures of him on the blog...this is how he looks. The nurses shaved him yesterday and since the ventilation tube is out, he just looks like he is resting. Because of these factors, Baylee got to see her Daddy today, for the first time since the accident. Ericka said that it really seemed to help Baylee...getting to see Mike.
Keep praying.......
As of the 10:00 am visit he is doing well. They are planning on trying to take the shunt out in the next day or two if Mike continues to do as well as he is. After that they will look at putting him in a halo for his neck fracture. At this time he is breathing over the ventilator. They are going to try and slowly wean him off of the ventilator now. He is NOT on any sedation now.
For those that are wondering, Mike's face is void of any injuries. Look at any of the pictures of him on the blog...this is how he looks. The nurses shaved him yesterday and since the ventilation tube is out, he just looks like he is resting. Because of these factors, Baylee got to see her Daddy today, for the first time since the accident. Ericka said that it really seemed to help Baylee...getting to see Mike.
Keep praying.......
The BanCorp South Fund
I understand that some people have tried to make donations, but have been unable to. To make it easier, then you go to BanCorp South, tell them the following:
You are donating to the "Ericka Carter for Mike Carter" account
They may contact Debbie Kauffman (318-865-6555) at the Line Avenue Branch in Shreveport, Louisiana with any questions.
I will post the contact woman's name as soon as I have it. However, this should clear up any questions that they may have at the branch that you go to. Thanks once again.
Friday, January 18, 2008
January 18th - Day 14
Mike underwent surgery for his tracheotomy today. Finally. Right now..at 5:40pm...he is very sedated and at present he is more dependent on the ventilator than on his own breathing.
January 18th - Day 14
AM report:
Ericka had to sign the release for them to do the trach. Hopefully that indicates that he will be in surgery for the trach and feeding tube today
Ericka had to sign the release for them to do the trach. Hopefully that indicates that he will be in surgery for the trach and feeding tube today
January 17th - Day 13
They did not get the trach or feeding tube done today. Little has changed. They are supposed to give him a sponge bath tonight.
The doctors have said little about his condition. However, today, they told Sonny, Mike's dad, that Mike must have a special purpose. They stated that he should have died at least twice so far. The first time being the wreck - it is a miracle that he survived that. The second time was a few days ago when his oxygen saturation levels dropped below the 80's. A man in Mike's condition shouldn't have been able to recover from that....but he did.
This really made for a good day for Ericka. Look to the small blessings to find the bigger ones.
He is supposed to get his trach tomorrow. The waiting game continues.
The doctors have said little about his condition. However, today, they told Sonny, Mike's dad, that Mike must have a special purpose. They stated that he should have died at least twice so far. The first time being the wreck - it is a miracle that he survived that. The second time was a few days ago when his oxygen saturation levels dropped below the 80's. A man in Mike's condition shouldn't have been able to recover from that....but he did.
This really made for a good day for Ericka. Look to the small blessings to find the bigger ones.
He is supposed to get his trach tomorrow. The waiting game continues.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The Ericka Carter for Mike Carter fund
A fund has been established at BanCorp South for the Carter family. It was set up to help offset some of the many unseen medical and out-of-pocket expenses that are bound to arise from this situation.
The press release has been sent out to all of the local media outlets: radio, tv, newspaper, magazine. In addition, it has been sent to many East Texas, Minden/Ruston/Natchitoches, and Toledo Bend area media affiliates.
January 16th - Day 12
Still no change in Mike's condition. His pressures were fairly good throughout the day. They have him on an air mattress now. Apparently this is a good thing.
His right drain tube in his chest has been removed. They has his peg inserted and are still planning on performing the trach tomorrow. However, when Ericka called this evening to see what time the surgery would be, she was told that he had been put on the wait list. Meaning that his surgery will either be late in the day or he could get bumped again.
Ericka said that he was doing a lot of moving today. Just hands and feet...small movements, but movements. He clenches his fists too.
Mike still remains in a coma.
His right drain tube in his chest has been removed. They has his peg inserted and are still planning on performing the trach tomorrow. However, when Ericka called this evening to see what time the surgery would be, she was told that he had been put on the wait list. Meaning that his surgery will either be late in the day or he could get bumped again.
Ericka said that he was doing a lot of moving today. Just hands and feet...small movements, but movements. He clenches his fists too.
Mike still remains in a coma.
January 15th - Day 11
Here is the latest from Ericka:
Mike ran a temperature of 102 to 103 off an on today. His cranial pressure went up to 25, but then came back down shortly there after.
The doctors decided that they want to do his tracheotomy in surgery. They feel that this is the best plan, because it will allow them to keep his neck stabilized and keep him monitored. Surgery is booked for today (Wednesday), so they are hoping to get Mike in on Thursday. However, they were able to get his peg in today (Tuesday).
They are slowly trying to wean him off of his right chest tube. Apparently they don't just remove it....it is a backing off process.
Other than that, there has not been much change. Mike is stable but critical. He still has not regained consciousness.
There has been a fund set up at Bancorp South. It is in the name of Ericka Carter for donations towards Mike Carter. This is an opportunity for people to help contribute and offset the many expenses that come with these situations.
Prayers are still the same....healing and strength.
Once again, thanks for all the support. It really does mean alot to Ericka.
Mike ran a temperature of 102 to 103 off an on today. His cranial pressure went up to 25, but then came back down shortly there after.
The doctors decided that they want to do his tracheotomy in surgery. They feel that this is the best plan, because it will allow them to keep his neck stabilized and keep him monitored. Surgery is booked for today (Wednesday), so they are hoping to get Mike in on Thursday. However, they were able to get his peg in today (Tuesday).
They are slowly trying to wean him off of his right chest tube. Apparently they don't just remove it....it is a backing off process.
Other than that, there has not been much change. Mike is stable but critical. He still has not regained consciousness.
There has been a fund set up at Bancorp South. It is in the name of Ericka Carter for donations towards Mike Carter. This is an opportunity for people to help contribute and offset the many expenses that come with these situations.
Prayers are still the same....healing and strength.
Once again, thanks for all the support. It really does mean alot to Ericka.
The inital announcement of the fund
On January 5, 2008, Mike Carter was involved in an automobile accident and is currently in SICU at LSU in stable but critical condition. He suffered extensive head trauma and is currently in a coma with severe brain injuries. He is on a ventilator, has numerous broken bones, among other injuries. He has 5 children ranging from 4 to 20 (Wes, Audrey, Baylee, Lacey, and Kevin). Ericka is incurring the additional cost for parking, hospital meals, and gas to be by Mike's side. Not to mention, additional out of pocket medical expenses in the future. The family needs to focus on Mike right now and not stress over any financial burden that this has created.
Mike is employed with AEP/Swepco as a Construction Supervisor in Shreveport.
An account has been set up at BanCorp South in the name of Ericka Carter for Mike Carter for donations. Please continue to pray for Mike and the family as God does heal and answer prayers.
Mike is employed with AEP/Swepco as a Construction Supervisor in Shreveport.
An account has been set up at BanCorp South in the name of Ericka Carter for Mike Carter for donations. Please continue to pray for Mike and the family as God does heal and answer prayers.
January 14th - Day 10
Good evening to everyone....or should I say good morning?
First of all, I can't tell you how much it has meant to Ericka to hear how everyone has been asking about her and Mike, and emailing for updates, etc. You know, we all know that God is there for us and he will provide, but in difficult times like these, it is awesome to see how God can use people to bring comfort, peace and love to each other.
On a personal note, I really appreciate all the offers of help and concern. Especially in the nursery.
I just finished talking to Ericka about an hour ago and she was very upbeat and positive about Mike's day. He was able to go without an elevated temperature for 8 hours. They didn't have to put him back on the cooling blanket until this afternoon and he had a low grade temp at that time. All of his pressures were good today. If he makes it through the night without any pressure spikes, it will mean that he made it for 24 hours. This is all good.
As of this moment, depending on Mike's night, they are planning to go ahead with the tracheotomy and feeding tube procedures tomorrow. This is also a good sign.
The doctors have told Ericka that the extent of his brain damage is probably more than they first thought. However, she should keep the following in mind: His brain suffered severe trauma. The occipital lobe and the frontal lobe are the areas that received the most damage, those are the areas that will require the most therapy. The other parts of his brain suffered trauma, but the extent of damage and/or lack of damage really will not be able to be evaluated until Mike actually wakes up. All of the tests that they are running now serve more as markers to record his fluctuations from day to day. They don't necessarily mark his actual damage. The doctors told her that they determine their prognosis off of the initial assessment of Mike when he was brought into the hospital. They have a scale of assessment of the brain. The numbers range from 3 - 15, with 3 representing someone that is essentially brain dead and 15 representing a healthy individual. Mike was assessed as somewhere between a 4 and 5 when he arrived. That is the number that they work from in the treatment of Mike. So if they can get him to a 7 or 8...that would be great.
All of Mike's bodily functions are doing well....heart, lungs, etc. He does make movements with his feet and hands. He spent most of yesterday clenching and unclenching his fists.
The accident happened a week from this past Saturday. We are now in day 10 of Mike's hospitalization. He still has not regained consciousness.
So, what to pray for today? Let's start with specifics. Healing. Pray that Mike's brain will be healed. That the trauma will be minimal. Pray that his fractured bones will mend. Pray that he will have a good day tomorrow. Pray that the tracheotomy and insertion of feeding tube will go smoothly. Pray that Mike will come out of the coma in a time frame that allows for maximum healing of his body...not too quickly, but not too slowly. In a larger scope, pray that this will be the turning for Mike and he will find God in this event.
My extra request: Pray for Ericka and the kids...all five of them. For Kevin to be strong and continue to be the strength that he has been for Ericka, for Lacy to be able to deal with the situation, and for Baylee, Audrey and Wes....just to be able to understand and cope. Ericka has really found her strength in her faith in this...pray that she will continue in her strength. She is really doing an incredible job of counting the small blessings as big accomplishments for each day. Please pray that she is able to do that.
Once again, as I close for the night, thanks to all of you for your prayers and support.
First of all, I can't tell you how much it has meant to Ericka to hear how everyone has been asking about her and Mike, and emailing for updates, etc. You know, we all know that God is there for us and he will provide, but in difficult times like these, it is awesome to see how God can use people to bring comfort, peace and love to each other.
On a personal note, I really appreciate all the offers of help and concern. Especially in the nursery.
I just finished talking to Ericka about an hour ago and she was very upbeat and positive about Mike's day. He was able to go without an elevated temperature for 8 hours. They didn't have to put him back on the cooling blanket until this afternoon and he had a low grade temp at that time. All of his pressures were good today. If he makes it through the night without any pressure spikes, it will mean that he made it for 24 hours. This is all good.
As of this moment, depending on Mike's night, they are planning to go ahead with the tracheotomy and feeding tube procedures tomorrow. This is also a good sign.
The doctors have told Ericka that the extent of his brain damage is probably more than they first thought. However, she should keep the following in mind: His brain suffered severe trauma. The occipital lobe and the frontal lobe are the areas that received the most damage, those are the areas that will require the most therapy. The other parts of his brain suffered trauma, but the extent of damage and/or lack of damage really will not be able to be evaluated until Mike actually wakes up. All of the tests that they are running now serve more as markers to record his fluctuations from day to day. They don't necessarily mark his actual damage. The doctors told her that they determine their prognosis off of the initial assessment of Mike when he was brought into the hospital. They have a scale of assessment of the brain. The numbers range from 3 - 15, with 3 representing someone that is essentially brain dead and 15 representing a healthy individual. Mike was assessed as somewhere between a 4 and 5 when he arrived. That is the number that they work from in the treatment of Mike. So if they can get him to a 7 or 8...that would be great.
All of Mike's bodily functions are doing well....heart, lungs, etc. He does make movements with his feet and hands. He spent most of yesterday clenching and unclenching his fists.
The accident happened a week from this past Saturday. We are now in day 10 of Mike's hospitalization. He still has not regained consciousness.
So, what to pray for today? Let's start with specifics. Healing. Pray that Mike's brain will be healed. That the trauma will be minimal. Pray that his fractured bones will mend. Pray that he will have a good day tomorrow. Pray that the tracheotomy and insertion of feeding tube will go smoothly. Pray that Mike will come out of the coma in a time frame that allows for maximum healing of his body...not too quickly, but not too slowly. In a larger scope, pray that this will be the turning for Mike and he will find God in this event.
My extra request: Pray for Ericka and the kids...all five of them. For Kevin to be strong and continue to be the strength that he has been for Ericka, for Lacy to be able to deal with the situation, and for Baylee, Audrey and Wes....just to be able to understand and cope. Ericka has really found her strength in her faith in this...pray that she will continue in her strength. She is really doing an incredible job of counting the small blessings as big accomplishments for each day. Please pray that she is able to do that.
Once again, as I close for the night, thanks to all of you for your prayers and support.
January 13th - Day 9
Sorry I didn't send anything out over the weekend. Just wanted to let everyone know that there really hasn't been any major change with Mike over the weekend. The past few nights he had a couple of spikes with the pressure in his head, but the numbers came down each time.
The trach and feeding tube still haven't been done. The doctors are really just watching Mike at this point and letting his body dictate what they will deal with next. He still has not regained consciousness.
The blessings for the day are that he had an uneventful almost restful day. They were able to do a CAT scan this afternoon. Results are not back yet. We still do not know the extent of the brain damage.
Ericka has been doing very well at remaining solid in her faith and trust in God. She is really finding the little blessings in each day. Please keep praying for her and Mike.
By the way, in the next day or two, I will put up a blog that will serve as the daily/weekly update. It will be much easier to track the changes in Mike's condition. That way, you can leave a comment under the entries. If you prayed for Mike that day or something specific, you can leave a comment and let Ericka know. If you want to let her know that you want to help, you can let her know there. That way, when she is able to, she can log in and be lifted up by your comments and prayers. As soon as it is up, I will send the link.
The trach and feeding tube still haven't been done. The doctors are really just watching Mike at this point and letting his body dictate what they will deal with next. He still has not regained consciousness.
The blessings for the day are that he had an uneventful almost restful day. They were able to do a CAT scan this afternoon. Results are not back yet. We still do not know the extent of the brain damage.
Ericka has been doing very well at remaining solid in her faith and trust in God. She is really finding the little blessings in each day. Please keep praying for her and Mike.
By the way, in the next day or two, I will put up a blog that will serve as the daily/weekly update. It will be much easier to track the changes in Mike's condition. That way, you can leave a comment under the entries. If you prayed for Mike that day or something specific, you can leave a comment and let Ericka know. If you want to let her know that you want to help, you can let her know there. That way, when she is able to, she can log in and be lifted up by your comments and prayers. As soon as it is up, I will send the link.
January 11th - Day 7
Morning Update:
They are planning on doing the trach and halo today. Hasn't happened yet. Mike had a good night. The pressure in his head did rise for a little while. The reason they didn't do the procedures yesterday was due to the added fluid in his body. Pray that they are able to do these procedures today and that his CT scans come back with some kind of good news.
Evening Update:
They did not do the trach or the feeding tube.
They are planning on doing the trach and halo today. Hasn't happened yet. Mike had a good night. The pressure in his head did rise for a little while. The reason they didn't do the procedures yesterday was due to the added fluid in his body. Pray that they are able to do these procedures today and that his CT scans come back with some kind of good news.
Evening Update:
They did not do the trach or the feeding tube.
January 10th - Day 6
Ericka didn't get to see Mike very much today, because two other trauma cases arrived and the SICU was closed down to visitors. However, she did get to see him this evening.
They did not do the trach or feeding tube again today. Mike's cranial pressure increased to 30 today. It was in the 20s by the time Ericka left.
He has had a steady temperature...in the low 100's. This has kept him on a cooling blanket.
They added another drain tube to his chest to relieve some of the fluid build-up there.
In Ericka's words, he seemed a little more rigid. I take that to mean that he has had less movement today.
They did a CT scan because his neuro assessment showed little information today. They had not received the results yet.
That's where they are today.
As always, all the prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Keep praying for healing. Specific prayers. Pray for strength for Ericka. She still has a positive attitude, but she sounds a little worn...understandably.
They did not do the trach or feeding tube again today. Mike's cranial pressure increased to 30 today. It was in the 20s by the time Ericka left.
He has had a steady temperature...in the low 100's. This has kept him on a cooling blanket.
They added another drain tube to his chest to relieve some of the fluid build-up there.
In Ericka's words, he seemed a little more rigid. I take that to mean that he has had less movement today.
They did a CT scan because his neuro assessment showed little information today. They had not received the results yet.
That's where they are today.
As always, all the prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Keep praying for healing. Specific prayers. Pray for strength for Ericka. She still has a positive attitude, but she sounds a little worn...understandably.
January 9th - Day 5
Today was very uneventful for Mike. They DID NOT do the trach or the feeding tube today. Ericka felt like they would delay it because they had previously warned her that the procedure could be bumped back a day. So hopefully, they will do those procedures tomorrow (Thursday).
Mike has been running a fever all day long...hovering around 103.
Overall, it was what Ericka termed as restful for Mike. No changes, not much activity.
So today's prayer requests: Just keep praying for healing. Pray that if they do the tracheotomy, it will go smoothly without incident. The same for the feeding tube.
Ericka is still doing great and has as positive an attitude as possible. Please just pray that her and Kevin and the rest of the family will continue to have strength.
There have many blessings so far in this. Mike is alive, he didn't have to lose his spleen, he is stable now.....and the list goes on. Let's keep praising the positive blessings for Ericka.
Thanks to all of you for your continued support and prayers.
Mike has been running a fever all day long...hovering around 103.
Overall, it was what Ericka termed as restful for Mike. No changes, not much activity.
So today's prayer requests: Just keep praying for healing. Pray that if they do the tracheotomy, it will go smoothly without incident. The same for the feeding tube.
Ericka is still doing great and has as positive an attitude as possible. Please just pray that her and Kevin and the rest of the family will continue to have strength.
There have many blessings so far in this. Mike is alive, he didn't have to lose his spleen, he is stable now.....and the list goes on. Let's keep praising the positive blessings for Ericka.
Thanks to all of you for your continued support and prayers.
January 8th - Day 4
Morning Assessment:
As of last night Mike's status is as follows: no change on the neuro activity. They do neuro assessments every morning and every night. The lack of change could be because of the sedation that he is on, right now it is a waiting game on the extent of his head trauma. His left shoulder is pretty much blown out - that was the side of impact. He has a fractured neck. His left knee cap is broken. However, the good news is that he is now considered stable for surgery...which he wasn't before. He did have some movement of his fingers and foot yesterday also. He is still considered critical and they aren't saying much to Ericka about time frames or anything. They just say that they let his body guide their decisions and course of action.
Evening Assessment:
The doctors have informed Ericka that Mike is no longer in what they consider a "life or death" condition. However, the extent of brain damage is more than what they originally thought. His frontal lobe and occipital lobe have been damaged. These areas control motor skills and emotions. Time will tell on what the outcome will be on these.
He will eventually need a halo for his fractured neck.
His left knee cap is broken and his left shoulder is pretty smashed up too.
He has been running a fever since yesterday. It has fluctuated between 100 and 103. They did have him on a cooling blanket this afternoon. His temperature was 100 after the 8:00pm visit.
They have confirmed that Mike is in a coma. No idea as to when he may come out. The nurse did tell Ericka that he is not being sedated.
They have decided that it is in Mike's best interest and health to put him on a trach and a feeding tube. This is scheduled for tomorrow. There is the possibility that it could be bumped to another day because he is a trauma patient, but right now it is scheduled for tomorrow.
This is definitely a long term care situation.
He does make small movements and other little responses during visits.
This is pretty much the current condition.
Ericka appreciates all the calls, visits, and support that everyone has shown. If you have called or come by and she hasn't gotten back with you, it is simply because she is overwhelmed and occupied with the current situation. Believe me, she really does appreciate everyone's support.
As for what you can do right now.......
Ericka is asking for specific prayers. Pray that Mike will be healed, pray that his head will heal, pray that he will have his emotions intact, pray that he will come out of this coma,...healing in general. Mike is not a Christian...pray that this will bring him to God.
My request is this: in addition to prayers for Mike, pray for Ericka. I know everyone already is, but this will be a long road. Please pray for strength for her. She is doing great and does well in these kind of situations, but everyone can benefit from prayer.
As of last night Mike's status is as follows: no change on the neuro activity. They do neuro assessments every morning and every night. The lack of change could be because of the sedation that he is on, right now it is a waiting game on the extent of his head trauma. His left shoulder is pretty much blown out - that was the side of impact. He has a fractured neck. His left knee cap is broken. However, the good news is that he is now considered stable for surgery...which he wasn't before. He did have some movement of his fingers and foot yesterday also. He is still considered critical and they aren't saying much to Ericka about time frames or anything. They just say that they let his body guide their decisions and course of action.
Evening Assessment:
The doctors have informed Ericka that Mike is no longer in what they consider a "life or death" condition. However, the extent of brain damage is more than what they originally thought. His frontal lobe and occipital lobe have been damaged. These areas control motor skills and emotions. Time will tell on what the outcome will be on these.
He will eventually need a halo for his fractured neck.
His left knee cap is broken and his left shoulder is pretty smashed up too.
He has been running a fever since yesterday. It has fluctuated between 100 and 103. They did have him on a cooling blanket this afternoon. His temperature was 100 after the 8:00pm visit.
They have confirmed that Mike is in a coma. No idea as to when he may come out. The nurse did tell Ericka that he is not being sedated.
They have decided that it is in Mike's best interest and health to put him on a trach and a feeding tube. This is scheduled for tomorrow. There is the possibility that it could be bumped to another day because he is a trauma patient, but right now it is scheduled for tomorrow.
This is definitely a long term care situation.
He does make small movements and other little responses during visits.
This is pretty much the current condition.
Ericka appreciates all the calls, visits, and support that everyone has shown. If you have called or come by and she hasn't gotten back with you, it is simply because she is overwhelmed and occupied with the current situation. Believe me, she really does appreciate everyone's support.
As for what you can do right now.......
Ericka is asking for specific prayers. Pray that Mike will be healed, pray that his head will heal, pray that he will have his emotions intact, pray that he will come out of this coma,...healing in general. Mike is not a Christian...pray that this will bring him to God.
My request is this: in addition to prayers for Mike, pray for Ericka. I know everyone already is, but this will be a long road. Please pray for strength for her. She is doing great and does well in these kind of situations, but everyone can benefit from prayer.
January 6th - Day 2
Mike remains unconscious. A broken left kneecap has been added to the list of injuries. The doctors initially decided to do surgery to remove Mike's spleen. However, they changed their minds and decided to insert a catheter instead. The idea was to drain the blood from the internal bleeding and to take a closer look to see if it was just the lacerated spleen that was bleeding.
Once inside, they discovered that the spleen had sealed itself shut and was no longer bleeding. GOOD SIGN.
He still has some blood on the brain, mild swelling of the brain, and some bruising of the brain.
Right now he is not responding as well as they would like or hope for. He still listed as critical.
Once inside, they discovered that the spleen had sealed itself shut and was no longer bleeding. GOOD SIGN.
He still has some blood on the brain, mild swelling of the brain, and some bruising of the brain.
Right now he is not responding as well as they would like or hope for. He still listed as critical.
January 5th....sometime around 7:00pm - Day 1
Ericka spoke with Mike on his cell phone around 6:48pm. Kevin spoke to him shortly after that. Mike was en route to Shreveport from their camp at Toledo Bend. Within an hour and a half, Ericka received a call from the Chaplin at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport. All she was told was that Mike has been in a bad car accident.
After arriving at LSU Med., more information was available. Friends that arrived at the scene shortly after the accident said that he had been broad-sided by a tractor trailer truck. They had to cut Mike out of the truck. It took approximately 30 minutes. He was in stable condition when they began the process of airlifting him to Shreveport.
Mike was placed in the SICU with the following known injuries: A fractured neck, fractured ribs, internal bleeding in the area of the spleen and liver, swelling of the brain, blood on the brain, and bruising of the brain. He was unconscious from the time of arrival at the hospital. The internal bleeding was contained so they proceeded with a scan on his brain.
The scan and Mike's responses did not correspond with each other. Judging from his physical responses, the doctors felt that he would have a scan that was much worse than the one that he had. They determined that the two main areas of trauma to his brain were the frontal lobe and the occipital lobe. After a few hours, they requested permission to place a shunt in his head to drain off the extra fluid and release some pressure. After performing the procedure, they found that the pressure on his brain was normal.
Ericka did not get to see Mike until after 12:30 am. He remained unconscious. Listed as critical and unstable.
After arriving at LSU Med., more information was available. Friends that arrived at the scene shortly after the accident said that he had been broad-sided by a tractor trailer truck. They had to cut Mike out of the truck. It took approximately 30 minutes. He was in stable condition when they began the process of airlifting him to Shreveport.
Mike was placed in the SICU with the following known injuries: A fractured neck, fractured ribs, internal bleeding in the area of the spleen and liver, swelling of the brain, blood on the brain, and bruising of the brain. He was unconscious from the time of arrival at the hospital. The internal bleeding was contained so they proceeded with a scan on his brain.
The scan and Mike's responses did not correspond with each other. Judging from his physical responses, the doctors felt that he would have a scan that was much worse than the one that he had. They determined that the two main areas of trauma to his brain were the frontal lobe and the occipital lobe. After a few hours, they requested permission to place a shunt in his head to drain off the extra fluid and release some pressure. After performing the procedure, they found that the pressure on his brain was normal.
Ericka did not get to see Mike until after 12:30 am. He remained unconscious. Listed as critical and unstable.
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