Day 15: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back - Wednesday March 28, 2012

Last evening the results from the facial CAT Scan arrived.  Scott will need major facial surgery to repair sinus cavities that have been compromised and lower right eye socket and cheek reconstruction.  This will be done this week, either Thursday or Friday.  The sinus cavities are of significant concern as when compromised or blocked can harbor bacteria that can infect the brain.  This is the reason for the quick surgical response. In addition a neurological physician from Barrow will be in on the surgery.  The good news... Ashley and I were about to shave him but we’ll now probably let the surgical prep work their magic.

Due to the surgery the Pulmonary Physician said he will leave the larger trach in until after the surgery.  This hasn’t seemed to stop Scott from speaking stronger today and drinking a cup and a half of water, one small sip at a time.  A number of mental, memory and reasoning questions were posed.  He passed all with flying colors.  Here is a sample of what was asked:

Q) What year is it? - A) Two thousand twelve
Q) What city do you live in? - A) Glendale
Q) Do you know why you are here? - A) No
Q) Do you want me to tell you why? - A)Yes - Ashley then told Scott about the accident
Q) Can you float a leaf on water? - A) Yes
Q) Are there fish in the sea? - A) Yes
Q) Which is heavier, one pound or two pounds? - A) Two pounds
Q) What kind of Doctor will I become (Asked by friend Nate) - A) A Good One

Then the real tricky one...
Q) Die fenster or der fenster? - A) Das fenster
For those who do not speak German this question asked for him to identify the gender of fenster (German for window).

The Nurse also gave him a bit of a concentration test.  She asked Scott to squeeze her hand every time she said the word “A”.  She then went through a dozen or so random series of letter words including about six “A” words.  Scott squeezed her hand for every “A” and did not for any others.  This went on for about two minutes.

Morning PT today had Scott standing again, even straighter.  He is able to briefly hold his head up on his own.  We then sat him in a wheelchair and went for a ride out of the room!  He interacted and got his bearings.  

By late morning Scott was reasoning and understanding his situation, where he was and why certain things were attached to him.  Now we have the upperhand managing his anxiousness and hyperactivity.  We’ll just have to reorient him every time he wakes up as most likely current memory retention is not 100%.

This afternoon Scott finally had his MRI of the right Shoulder.  Again they will be looking specifically for any possible nerve damage.  We should have the MRI results in the morning and are still anxiously waiting for the Barrows Consult.

Scott has been able to keep the speaking valve in continuously. Another touching day with reasoned interaction by Scott continues to fuel everyone.  We are so very blessed by your outpouring of love and for Scott’s improvement.

Mickey Moore