Day 22 Finally some pictures!!! 

.....Patti Here....

The pictures are in random order, but at least we've got them to share! Ashley was kind enough to post the pictures for me. Neither of us could get the ipad to post the pictures.  Glad to know it wasn't "just me".

Here is Scott pushing himself in the wheelchair.  He needs help with steering, but not with propulsion.

Here is Scott walking with the walker.  He has a forearm support for his right arm, since he is not allowed to bear weight axially through his right arm (due to the post surgical precautions) and due to the hemiparesis (neurological weakness) and hypertonicity.  He requires verbal cueing to stand up straight and to lift the R foot (otherwise he will simply slide it).  He can do both things, but he gets fatigued quite quickly and begins slumping.  He is able to walk 500 feet (he did it again this am to prove it wasn't a fluke) with the walker and close stand by assist and gait belt. Not bad for his first and second day of walking.

Here is day one of his most recent facial surgery.  It is hard to see all of the swelling from this angle, but it gives you an idea.  His right eye is sutured closed for 48 hours....although, he pulled it off prior to the 48 hour mark, of course.  For the surgery, they went in through the orbit and in through the mouth to place a plate on his right zygomatic arch.

Another angle of Day 1 following his most recent surgery.

View 3 of Day 1 of his most recent facial surgery

Here is a picture of Scott smiling for the camera.  Notice how the right side of his face moves, the left side does not.  Notice how his left eye is mostly open and his right eye is partially open now. He is definitely awake most of the day, and typically aware most of the time.  He does still appear confused when awakened from sleep or when tired.  Notice, also, how the swelling has reduced significantly, allowing him to to open his right eye.

We made it to Barrow today!  Wahoo!  So far so wonderful!  They appear to be "get'r done" people here.  We are most thrilled by that!  They have a plan for weaning off of the trach and the feeding tubes.  The feeding tube will take much longer to wean off of, but we'll start moving forward.  He is eating pureed foods well, which is a great start.  They will likely wean him to smaller and smaller sized trachs, then eventually take him off....according to the respiratory therapist.  The pulmonologist should see him tomorrow to create a plan of action.

Sooo.... his original room was just painted and still smelled like paint.  So... we asked what options there might be.  We couldn't imagine that a "paint headache" would be pleasant on top of his TBI (traumatic brain injury). So... they moved us to a different room that is sooo much more spacious, has a couch to sleep on, a fan, and a separate area that we can use for "our stuff"!  This room is scheduled to be painted tomorrow, so... we only have it for today.  Then we will head back to the original room while they paint this one.  We have asked to be moved back here once the smell has dissipated.... we'll see.  They didn't sound too encouraging.  The size difference is huge between the two.  Anyway,... we are now in room 21, but will be moving soon.

He is getting a reputation for always saying, "Thank you" to his caregivers, therapists, and nurses. I love that about him!  Oh also... I am so strengthened and comforted by Scott's amazing attitude.  ( okay, okay... I know I'm his Mom.... we already know I am biased.) This morning, we were doing the daily review of his accident and injuries.  I saved the eye for last... and reminded him that his right eye had been pretty badly injured.  I told him that he had traumatic optic neuropathy (he tends to understand best if I use medical jargon) and that he had a positive Marcus Gunn Pupil sign.  His response, " Dang it.  (Then in a very matter of fact tone...) Well, I am just going to have to rely on my friends and family to help me get through that one."  He has not acted upset, or emotional, or depressed.  He immediately understood the gravity of the Marcus Gunn pupil sign and knew what the outcome would be.  We're sad for him, but he is handling things very well so far.  His emotional struggle times may still lie ahead, but he seems to have the attitude of "Okay, well, that's a bummer, but it's what I have to deal with, so I will do just that... deal with it."

Well, we are excited to see what tomorrow brings... likely a bunch of evaluations..... and we know it will bring a room change.  He is starting to have visitors, which he loves.  And.. I just want to mention ... You DO NOT need to feel obliged to bring some form of stimulation.  The social stimulation will be enough for him, and he really enjoys his visitors.  In no way, do we want this to be a source of stress.  If it would make it more fun for you, then by all means... think of some fun way to interact with him, but... do not feel obliged.

Your love and support sustain us and uplift us during this challenging time.  We cannot thank you enough!

Talk to you tomorrow!

Patti