Keep TDS in your prayers!

[K-Man]

Newest Update...TDS was awake and responsive for a bit!!

11/09

There are good days and bad. But Sunday was good. Jason had another surgical procedure to prepare his leg for it's final surgery. The doctors told Suzy that the tissue looked good and they are hopeful he can be "formalized" by mid-week. Since things don't always happen on schedule, we don't count on specific dates anymore.

During rounds this morning, Dr. Kulvatanyou, MD, a trauma surgeon and the attending physician this morning directed the nursing staff to begin weaning Jason off of one of his sedation drugs to see how he would respond. Until now, there has not been much response except when the meds were stopped, and then he would likely have a bad reaction. Usually these episodes happened when they would stop the drug quickly. Today Dr."K" asked Rachel, RN, to slowly reduce the sedation and begin to measure his reactions. In a matter of a couple hours he was awake and responsive to commands. His eyes were following movement in the room and staff could measure his awareness of pain in his extremities. This is big!

Even after surgery this afternoon, as pain medicine continued, but with the sedation drugs turned off, Jason was alert and responsive. He was moving limbs, responding to specific questions with specific numbered blinks. He squeezed my hand on request several times, made some grimaces at pain, moved his head and neck about and followed staff with his eyes. Considering the level of pain medication he is still receiving and given he just had another surgery with general anesthesia hours ago, we are very encouraged.

We refer to the sedation medicine "Propofol" (forgive me if I don't have this right) as "Milk of Amnesia"(not our word, but the Nurses). Its power is that it gives the recovering patient rest, but also causes them to remember very little of the bad days. The problem with these drugs is that sooner or later they have to stop. For the moment, Jason is tolerating life without one of the big ones.

There was a "No Change" CT Scan Saturday, which told us that there was not problems in the gut. There is however some infection in the body and still some mild pneumonia. The Respiratory Therapists are working very hard and tell us his lungs are improving.

The jaw and tracheostomy look fine. Fever is minimal. Every day is a new day with something else to challenge the body and the spirit, but we are very thankful for the prayers and support of so many that are sustaining Jason and us.

With so much tragedy around us we are truly grateful.

Stan & Suzy

[trailangelmary]

I read this update as a good news update. Although I know TDS has a long way to go yet, this is encouraging. I will continue to pray for TDS.

[adventurousmtnlvr]

I too am keeping up with this thread. Any good sign is encouraging. And any bad one is just something else that too shall pass. If we didn't have a bad day, we wouldn't learn to appreciate the good ones and life would be boring. He is so lucky to have all of your there. Just make sure that even when you think he can not hear you .... that you say only GOOD, positive things to 'attract' positive events. Subconscious is a powerful thing. If anyone there is having a minor breakdown ... leave the room. I mean this in good spirit by the way. I firmly belive in the power of positive thinking. And for those who do not ... that's ok too ... but it sure can't hurt anything

[RedneckRye]

Latest update from TDS' Dad, 6pm Monday...

Remember what we said about schedules? Jason's surgery plan called for final revision of his amputation on Wednesday, but the phone rang at 5:45am this morning asking for permission to proceed with the "formalization" of the amputation. At 11:00am the anesthesia folks took him to the operating room.

At 1:45pm we received a call from the OR telling us that surgery was going well, and Dr. Ertl, MD, the specialist would be coming out to talk to us soon. The initial report is good, but Dr. Ertl cautioned that there is still risk of infection, etc.

The right ankle/foot is still waiting some healing of skin before surgery proceeds.

The nurses and doctors in the Trauma ICU continue to reduce sedation while trying to control pain. Jason was even alert and communicating shortly after today's surgery. He is letting us know that he's not happy.....but at least he's letting us know.

Stan & Suzy

[yappy]

I am keeping up with this thread too. Keep your chin up TDS... Life is a complete mystery and I know that I take my good health for granted sometimes. Everything changes in an instant. I am looking forward to the update that has him feeling better and getting ready to leave the hospital. There is something about that guy. Even though I did'nt spend much time with him I remember a sweetness, a genuine good person..... I say he will be hiking again..

[pipesmoke]

We are pleased to hear of the improvements Jason is making. I came close to losing my feet many years ago and can appreciate his feelings. The fact is ,though, strong will can overcome anything. We are keeping Jason in our thoughts. Wish him well for us, Pipesmoke and Mrs. Smoke

[Trillium]

I have been praying daily for Jason, Stan & Suzy ever since I read this thread about a week and a half ago.

[K-Man]

Latest update from TDS' Dad, 6pm Monday...

Remember what we said about schedules? .....

Thanks Redneck!!!! I was away from the Comp for a few days.

[peanut05]

My thoughts and energy are with you TDS...

[superstar]

This is truly upsetting. My heart is bursting with love and hope for TDS and his speedy recovery.

[K-Man]

Newest update 11/13...

For several days I've been back in the office trying to catch up, and Suzy has been at Jason's bedside most of every day. I will relieve her tomorrow.

Suzy reported today that Jason was completely weaned from the ventilator, but would get some support at night. That is a big move and an important sign that his general good health is helping him survive this tragic accident. She also said he is trying to sit upright in the bed and continues to communicate by nodding and smiling and squeezing her hand. His eyes are wide open when awake and he is aware of what goes on in the room. We can only wonder just how much he comprehends, as he is still getting large doses of pain medication as his wounds heal. Since his jaw is wired shut, and the tracheostomy prevents talking, we imagine he is saving up some special comments!

Suzy has talked to Jason about his injuries and the amputation, but again, we still do not know his level of comprehension. We have been told several times that nurses and doctors have talked openly with him, but they do not expect him to recall the details of this time in the ICU.

Suzy was also told today that surgery on his right ankle/foot would be soon, indicating that the skin was healing on his foot and doctors now believe it is safe to go ahead. She also reported that Tuesday a therapist discovered that Jason had dislocated his left shoulder. Today she said doctors believed the dislocation was not serious and would be self correcting.

I always told Suzy she should have been a nurse. Now she's doing the OJT.

Back at the office, our staff is doing a wonderful job in a difficult situation. It sure pays dividends to build a company with great people. Thanks to Amber, Lacy, Liz and our leader, Julie.

Every day brings new challenges. The difficulties are accompanied by improvements, for which we are thankful.

Thanks for your continued support and prayers.

[Bob Anderson]

The local Hashers spent Saturday afternoon running/hiking/drinking up towards Hawk Rock in Duncannon. Afterwards we all went to the Doyle Hotel and did down downs on the balcony then to the bar. I was able to meet and hang out with Trail Angel Mary - a true angel - and we traded stories about the trail and the people around it. We toasted and prayed for our brother TDS . I took a picture and posted it on the photo site (and it might be here too).

JEB

[Cuppa Joe]

TDS,

I know you cannot see what's up right now, but I do remember and will never forget out "discussion" about the Redskins at the Partnership Shelter and ensuing conversations .. Well, my friend, they are doing pretty well this year, a year that I can actually say I am a fan without crawling into a hole

I do wish you well, with all my heart and soul .. When you are capable, we will have to talk about the "Skins" again

Get well

[K-Man]

11/17 Update...

Thanks for the cards and kind notes for Jason and his family. Although he is not quite ready to deal with the mail, he will have some encouraging words when he is able to do some reading. We have been saving them for him.

You may recall, we have been waiting for several weeks for skin on Jason's right ankle to heal so that the orthopedic doctors could repair broken bones in the ankle. Connecting ligaments between the phibia and tibia bones at ankle heigth were disrupted in the accident, so some stablilizing screws or pins were installed to keep those bones in the proper allignment. Some other bone fragments were put back in place and secured with screws, which may stay or go later. Dr. Teague, MD, one of the Trauma Orthopedic Surgeons, performed the repairs. He said that Jason's surgery should be successful, but that he and Dr. Ertl will continue to follow his progress in coming months. Dr. Teague, MD, believes another slight fracture, higher, below the knee may also be indicative of torque at the knee, and may have caused some ligament damage there. He said they would not worry about that at this time, but rather sometime later after he started rehabbing the legs.

An earlier report on Sunday from Drs. Smith and Godslevski, MDs indicated that the amputation surgery on the left leg looked very good. Guaging the success of the internal repair (Ertl Bone Bridge) will take a little longer.

For the past few days there has been remarkable progress in Jason's healing. He came off of the Ventilator, permanently Friday night. Since then he has been breathing completely on his own with just a slight oxygen boost. He does not like having the jaw wired shut, nor is he really pleased with breathing thorugh the tracheostomy, but he is tolerating these inconvenient procedures very well. For over a week Jason has been communicating with jestures and nodding, winking, thumbs up, etc. But, beginning Saturday, we started a conversation. With the help of Beth, RN & Kelli, RN, we learned how to cover the tracheostomy appliance to allow more air to pass through the vocal cords, creating sound! Wow. Not all of the words are understandible just yet, but we are talking...and that's good news.

In case you're wondering, we consider Jason and our family fortunate. His accident was dramatic, and the injuries, although terrible, could have been much worse. Every day for the past three weeks we have observed the continuous stream of severly injured accident victims, many of whom are very much worse than Jason, coming to this OU Medical Center, Trauma ICU. Many don't leave, but the remarkable work of these doctors and nurses is evident every day.

It appears now that Jason will recover, in time, and although he will face challenges, his outlook is promising.

[Wonder]

I'm so happy to hear about him healing more and more everyday!!!! Thanks for the updates!!!

[Gaiter]

a second for what wonder said

[Jester2000]

. . .the phone rang at 5:45am this morning asking for permission to proceed with the "formalization" of the amputation.

Not sure how a tuxedo is going to help in this situation, but hey, I'm no doctor. Glad to heat that TDS is recovering bit by bit. I hope everything continues to go well!

[RedneckRye]

Not sure how a tuxedo is going to help in this situation, but hey, I'm no doctor. Glad to heat that TDS is recovering bit by bit. I hope everything continues to go well!

It is pretty simple how a tuxedo will help.
If you see a hiker in a tux, you probably won't notice much else about him, let alone a missing foot.
I'm picturing powder blue jacket with pit zips, quick dry ruffled shirt, and a cumberbund with stash pockets for a map and whatnot.

I was down at my parents place over the weekend and realized that the screen saver photo on my folks computer was of TDS, Rabid and me on the PCT in '06. Mom had put it up recently without even knowing about TDS's situation. Kinda odd.
Thinking good thoughts everyday.

[arla]

I've listened to some of TDS' adventure stories and know he has overcome some serious mishaps while living his dreams. Go TDS!! Sending you love and healing energy from Pacific Coast Highway...

[RedneckRye]

11/21 Update from TDS's folks....


Yesterday was a big day. Jason underwent some radiological studies to determine if he would be able to swallow efficiently without pushing something down his windpipe, and to check out his repaired bladder. Both studies came back positive. Suzy tells me that he is sipping away, and I guess that means it's going all the way through!

Jason is recovering well from Monday's surgery on his right ankle/foot, and the left leg amputation is doing very well, also. We have not heard the results of an MRI on the right knee, but doctors expect that he may have to have a knee repair in the future. They will give that one some time, though.

Even better, Jason has improved enough in the past few days that he has been upgraded and moved from the Trauma ICU unit to an intermediate care room. That happened about 8:30pm last night. He seems to be very happy about the change of scenery. I have not heard the report on how he managed the first night without constant visits from the ICU team, but we hope he slept well. Doctors ordered that he have an aide with him around the clock for some period of time, but we think that will be temporary. I'm sure they have concerns that he not try to get up or move around much without assistence, not to mention he is still getting some pain meds IV.


We are hoping that he can have some liquified pumpkin pie by next week. We also hope some day he will be able to comprehend the extraordinary effort made to save him.

Stan & Suzy