Al Update

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Update on Al:

Al was transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital (Tacoma) ICU on Wednesday evening where he remains today. Madigan Army Hospital was fabulous: the best place to go for first-response trauma care. But, our medical plan uses St Joe’s. The advantages here are several: there is a great rehab unit here, the hospital is closer to home, and no need to go through ½-1 hour security clearance to qualify for a pass on base. Also, Al practices medicine at SJH so as he makes improvements, he will be able to have a “social life” of sorts.

Al has made good progress: walking, starting to do more things for himself, able to use his hands to write brief notes on the new iPad (a real techno gift in this situation).  He will need to wear the “C-collar”, a stiff device stabilizing his neck, for another 5-6 weeks to allow continued healing of his central cord bruising and spinal fractures. Facial stitches have been removed and facial swelling/bruises are resolving. Al’s left wrist cast was changed to an optional splint device that he wears off and on. Al’s dentist and oral surgeon are waiting in the wings to restore his jaw and teeth after more critical priorities have stabilized. He is eagerly anticipating transfer to the in-patient rehabilitation unit as you might imagine.

The worrisome news we got last night is that his larynx was “crushed” or at least fractured, and additionally, there may be signs of infection brewing there. Tomorrow’s CT scan and endoscopy exam will help clarify this situation. So far, no sign of fever or chills. Breathing through a tracheostomy is terrifying, exhausting, and lifesaving. It’s a love-hate relationship, and one he has to successfully negotiate. We had hoped that the trach would be removed after 1-2 weeks but now we have to wait until his airway heals. ?? weeks??  With the trach, he can’t speak or eat. Al told me this morning that he decided to make peace with his trach.

He/we thank you for your emails, thoughts, prayers and interest. Remember to add a little news about yourself so Al will have something outside himself to engage in.

Al and Cheryl