Who is Mike Carter?

Mike is a father of five, a friend to many, a respected co-worker and supervisor, and a husband.

A Quick Overview...

On January 5, 2008, around 7:00 p.m., Mike Carter was broad-sided by a tractor-trailer truck just outside of Logansport, Louisiana. He sufferered extensive head trauma and numerous broken bones. He remains in a coma in the SICU at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport.

Mike is the father of five children ranging in age from 4 to 20. He is a husband, father, and supervisor for AEP/Swepco in Shreveport.

His wife 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.

A future which is as of yet, unknown.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Mike's Move and Other Updates

Last weekend (August 9th and 10th) Sonny and I decided that Brinlee Creek Ranch was the best place for Mike. The first part of this week has been very busy making sure everything has been taken care of and getting Mike ready for his trip. I bought Mike a plane ticket and on Wednesday morning he was on a plane to Dallas. From there he was taken to Brinlee Creek Ranch in Anna, Texas. Angie, the coordinator for Pate Rehab has been wonderful. She flew one of their nurses down to New Orleans to fly with Mike so that he would be monitored at all times. Once he arrived at the ranch he was again checked by the staff nurse to make sure that he had made the transition okay. When I arrived at the ranch a short time later, Mike was resting comfortably and doing wonderful. Today (Thursday - 14th) and tomorrow he will be settling in and also will be assessed by several teams.

Pate Rehab is what is called a Post Acute Rehab facility. Mike will work his way up to participating in therapy from 9 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon six days a week. This will be a big change for him. I spent much of yesterday meeting with his team leaders and physicians as well as spending the afternoon and evening with Mike. Mike's brother lives about 20 minutes away and Mike also has a sister who lives about an hour away. It took me four hours to get there yesterday as well as over the weekend. I am sure with time, I will be able to find a shorter route.

Mike continues to do well. He is not aware of time or place. Right now he has a cough and is a little congested. The nurse was going to see about having the doctor see him today (Thursday). He looks wonderful. Mike is up to 140lbs. I brought some of Wesley's transformers with me and gave him one while I was sitting with him. I decorated his room with many of his personal things hoping that these items will help him in time. The staff and physicians all are very positive. Once Sonny and I both spent time here we were both at peace and knew this was the place for Mike. Brinlee Creek is a state of the art, moderate rehab facility. It is awesome. The kids and I will be back next week. They can even bring their bikes to ride and Mike and I can sit and watch :)

After this weekend, I will get Sharron to post more information about visiting and such. This is a wonderful place. Feel free to visit their website.

4 comments:

Candy said...

Ericka,
What wonderful news! Thanks for updating us on the move. Still praying hard for all of you! :)

Rachel said...

That is so great to hear! What a blessing for Mike to be able to go there. I can't wait to hear more positive progress.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

This facility looks amazing from the information I read. Our family continues to pray for Mike's full recovery.

Anonymous said...

This facility looks great. My parents are Mike's neighbors, and I am a Physical Therapist Assistant. I check back almost everyday to see if there is something new on the website. It seems like there is some progress. that is great news..Just remember it takes time to recover from anything....It took him years to become what he was and it may take years to get back but always have faith, hope, and love! I've seen patients just like him come through it! Just pray and encourage him everyday....Please keep us updated...Katie Lee Smith