Day 1: Final update of March 14, 2012

It is 9:30 pm Flagstaff time.  Scott has had a busy and eventful day.  He still has a long long way to go, but we are so very grateful for the little signs of progress along the way.  He was given IV nutrition today for the first time.  They have returned him to heavy sedation to allow him to rest and get strong for tomorrow's surgery.

He and we will be in a holding pattern tonight and most of tomorrow.  They do not want to progress him and exhaust him prior to the second arm surgery tomorrow.  So... it will be an evening of rest and a day of rest tomorrow.  So... we will try to catch up on some rest, as well, so we have strength for the next stages. The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow between 3 and 4.   In the meantime, the goal is to get the swelling in his arm down as much as possible prior to the surgery.  If the swelling is down enough, they will close him up. If it is not down enough, they will do a skin graft instead to allow an avenue for pressure release in the arm.

Depending on various factors, most importantly his neurological status, they will try to remove the artificial ventilation following the surgery tomorrow.  He needs to be intubated for the surgery, and he has so many facial fractures that they do not want the additional movement of taking it out today, then putting it back in tomorrow, so they just left it in, and will try to remove it tomorrow.

They will also try to wake him up again after surgery. Anxious to see how that goes.  It's stressful to see his body struggle when they remove the sedation, but it is what he needs and it is the next step, so it is good to see his body struggle, too.

He looks peaceful and comfortable when he is sedated.  We know he is getting stronger during these rest periods, gaining the strength to wake up.

So.. for now...we  will be on a holding pattern, awaiting the completion of the next surgery, trying to regain strength for Scott and for us, changing his position every 2 hours to avoid bed sores, constantly monitoring one thing or the other, and just waiting.... I probably won't have much to report on until after the surgery tomorrow. I will keep you all updated as we have news.

We are feeling the benefit of all of your prayers.  We are so very grateful and appreciative of the love and support...we are touched and amazed by the outpouring of love shown.  We also want to give special thanks to Scott and Ashley's ward members who have provided shuttle service for us family members who have had to fly into Phoenix, unable to get a rental car during spring break and spring training, and needing a ride to Flagstaff, 2.5 hours north...late at night..etc...  and who provided a HUGE gift basket of snacks, water, kleenex, toothbrush/paste, magazines, etc.... It was exactly what we needed!

And honestly to our many loved ones who have offered so much help, wanting to be able to help, but needing to wait and wonder .... we know it is so hard to be far away and want to do so much....but we feel your love and prayers...we feel them working... That offers us great comfort and strength.

Love you all,
Patti