Forrest is still in Neuro ICU but most of his meds are administered via his stomach feeding tube ( he will have a cool scar right above his belly button) and has only one IV line running fluids now. He is definitely much more aware of his surroundings. He will respond to the "wiggle your toes" command to everybody but me and Austin, what a surprise. He is moving rapidly through what are called the Rancho Cognitive Scores much to the nurses and Doctors' surprise.
You can google the scores, he is just about a 4 now, compared to a level 1 three days ago. Unfortunely this is a level where he still can't meaningfully communicate but can occasionally follow some simple commands. The plus and the minus at this stage is that while the storms are subsiding, he is also now aware of his situation and can't talk to us about that. This stage is associated with increased agitation and that is almost as bad as the storming. He knows something is wrong and is worried but can't do much about it other than move his limbs more. He is working constantly with his flexible squeeze balls in both hands and it appears to be a way to release some of the agitation. He reached up and touched Rae's face today and he can listen to all of us when we talk to him and explain to him he is in the hospital and that he is going to be ok.
A pair of wonderful young adults with the UVA brain injury support group came by. Very nice and articulate young people who came by and talked to Rae today about their previously serious brain injuries and their road to recovery. They were a walking talking advertisement that young brains can rewire and do wonderful things. We certainly needed that and it was a wonderful addition to our day.
Cindy from the UVA Health Foundation came by and told us she was amazed at the outpouring and contributions that have been made to TBI work in Forrest's name. If any of you feel like contributing to UVA Health Foundation the info is on the right on the blog, some of the stories that come out of Neuro ICU are inspiring and heart wrenching at the same time. Rae and I are hoping we can contribute as graciously as you all are doing.
Thanks again to the cast of hundreds who are praying and following the blog. It is worth noting that he opened his eyes and started tracking the morning after the world wide prayer service (the world being centered around Upperville of course).
Bill and Valerie Lee who came down the night of the accident came back last nite and Dr Bill sat in on rounds this morning. They have been a tremendous resource of research and ideas. Stan and Susan Sloane are flying down tomorrow in Stan's plane so we can visit a rehab facility in Atlanta and not be gone all day. Austin and Aunt Trisha will do extended hours and Susan Fitter Sloane will take a shift bedside with Forrest tomorrow. We have multiple offers of housing here in Charlottesville from friends and appreciate them all. We still don't know where we will take Forrest for the next phase in his rehabilation but we know it will be grueling on him and scary for us since we have to worry about the brain and the back fracture at the same time. We do know we will take him wherever will give him the best chance to make as complete a recovery as possible. As I used to say in healing horses "I'll swing a dead chicken over their head if it makes them better." Whatever it takes, Forrest is coming back! The advances in neuroprotective hormones, neuro transmitters, stem cells and hyperbaric oxygen are astounding as well as the top of the line surgical and medical care we have received here at UVA. So as Uncle John said earlier "Forrest has yet to vote," well it appears like he is voting to get on with it. We know it will be hard but with family, friends and well wishers behind him we have faith he can do it.
The quote of the day came from a veterinary friend of mine who reminds me there is still a world out there even though it doesn't seem like it in our little microcosm.
"Don't worry that your children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you." Robert Fulghum We know Forrest is watching and we are watching the miracle happen!
Thanks to all of you.
Kent, Rae and Austin and Aunt Trisha
Picture from Colleen
Great news and improvements each day! This makes us all so so happy. Keep it up ALL of you! Thanks for the news. Aunt Lynn and Uncle Ron
ReplyDeleteRae, Kent, and Austin-
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful news--Although the improvements seem like small steps-Forrest is going the right way> back to you and all his friends and admirers. I'm sure that his frustration now will be translated into 100%++ effort on the way to his recovery. Since Forrest's accident, we have heard amazing recovery stories, which like the ones on this blog are so very encouraging. Forrest has his youth,fitness, determination,intelligence, tenacity, good nature, the best doctors, and the best family in the world on his side--We keep thinking of the day that he will enjoy, and laugh at the slide show, cards, letters, and posts on this blog.
Stay strong, Love,
Jim and Gail
We should never underestimate the power of prayer. Amazing he started tracking the day after the service. It was not just in Upperville, all over the country and world people poured out a tsunami of prayer that still flows over to you.
ReplyDeleteYour positive attitude is inspiring,
Best love
Sally OConnor
So very glad to hear of the progress - no ventilator, wiggling toes, touching mom's face - such great things to think about! Even not listening to you, Kent and Austin, is probably some sort of good sign! I can only begin to imagine how difficult it might be, with greater awareness, to keep the fear and frustration at bay so am sending lots of positive thoughts for patience and peace to be a part of your perseverance, Forrest, and praying that you continue to move through those scores quickly. Holding all of you close to our hearts and sending love, the Shermans
ReplyDeleteForrest,
ReplyDeleteI begin every day with these updates on you. It is no surprise to me that you opened your eyes the morning after the prayer vigil. Oh the power of prayer and the collective good!
When Melissa (Robyn has an older sister. Did Robyn ever mention her? No? That doesn't surprise me. They look so much alike (except Robyn is about 3" shorter) that it totally freaks people out -- even Melissa's two-year old) was a teen we battled with her about her self-esteem (Okay -- we battled with her about EVERYTHING! She was a handful and then some). She was a phenom as an athlete, but still lacked confidence. So we started a new litany that we made her repeat over and over again. It replaced her old, negative litany that I won't repeat in mixed company, but also won't repeat because it's negative. The new one started with, "I am a wonderful work in progress; I work hard to achieve my goals; I am loved unconditionally..." Well, you get the idea, right?
So repeat after me:
With every second that passes, I can feel my strength returning;
I feel the strength of the love and prayers surrounding me;
I am calm and relaxed and allowing my body to heal;
I will do anything to prevent my dad from swinging a dead chicken over me.... :)
You get the idea...I'm sure your parents or Austin can help you add to this litany. Fondly, Kathy
This picture touched my heart. One of my favorite memories of Forrest when he was with us in Mercersburg is watching him play with his dog after a soccer game. Our love of animals is something that Forrest and I share and I know with all the support and prayer your family is receiving and Forrest's character, his dog will be playing fetch with his master soon. He is in our hearts and prayers every moment. The Pattersons
ReplyDeleteHi Forrest,
ReplyDeleteIt's Katt & Kim. We're best friends with you're aunts Tricia & Lissa. Trish has always regaled us of stories about visiting your family and the adventures that were had at your home. When we heard of what happened on the mountain we knew Trish would be near your bedside as soon as she had the green light. Now she's there with you and we know the kind of steady, calm, loving energy she brings to anyone in need. It appears to be a genetic trait that runs in the family!
We're tracking your journey daily Forrest. Every effort you make is an inspiration to us. In our days thoughts of you and your family come to mind, wondering how you are, if the routines have been changed, and how Trish, John, Austin and your mom and dad are doing. We wish that you could be visited by your dog. Maybe a few moments outside in the fresh air and a quick hello from your trusted furry companion.
Hey do you know that your aunt Lissa can knit anything? She just made me a custom, knitted nose warmer. One of the best things ever if you get cold noses. Keep that in mind as you continue to get stronger. Maybe a knitted cover for the neoprene balls you've been squishing.
All for now, we just figured out how to post to the blog so you'll hear more from us soon.
We're here for you and your family!
Katt & Kim
San Diego, CA
Hi Forrest,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Marisa and I am a friend of your Aunt Trish. She has been a wonderful inspiration in my life, and a source of support and strength when I have been in need. I was happy to hear that she was there with you and your family. I've been following your blog for the last week, and your progress has been fantastic! I'm in nursing school right now, and your progress has been motivation for me to study hard. I am amazed at how strong our minds and bodies are, especially when we give them the time they need to heal. Be patient with yourself along the road to recovery. The love from your family and friends will see you through!
We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts, and we look forward to following your progress. Stay strong!
Marisa & Joe
Henderson, NV