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.