Dear Friends:
Adam had a couple of good days. He has been on the computer texting. Since
his telephone was broken from the accident we traded it in for a new one (we
are glad to have that $5 month mobile telephone insurance). Adam sent one
text on it, too. We were not able to have his information transferred to the
new phone; therefore, those of you who have a history of texting Adam could
help
us in a big way. If you would text your name to his phone we will be able
to begin rebuilding his database.
Adam's white blood cell count has reduced. He does have an infection in his
lungs but he is responding to antibiotics. Dr. Scalea, Director of Shock
Trauma, believes since there is no good way to test the graft of the aorta for
an infection they need to be aggressive in preventing it (we don't want another
aorta surgery). Today a PIC line was placed in Adam's right arm to begin
six weeks of antibiotics which may mean he will be hospitalized for that
entire time.
He is able to get nourishment through his feeding tube without any problems.
His nourishment levels are climbing. He spent the entire day off the vent
and has done great.
They did reread the EEG and there appears to be some slight brain injury but
they believe he should fully recover from that. While Adam was at the rehab
he had something like a seizure so Shock Trauma has done an MRI and we are
waiting for the results.
Last night Lisa gave Adam a manicure and pedicure complete with a foot
massage. When Dave asked, "Adam are you spoiled." Adam did a classic Adam
face:
raised eyebrows, slight frown, eyes looking up to the right, and his head
nodding a "yes."
We are planning on going over to look at the rehabilitation facilities at the
Good Samaritan Hospital. We found out they are linked with Johns Hopkins
and all their doctors working in the rehab area are from there. Good Sam has
set some basic criteria for any transferring of Adam there and we have a little
bit to go to arrive at that baseline. It is possible Adam may be moved to
another floor at the University of Maryland Medical Center as a step down
before going to rehab. Stay tuned for more exciting rehab news!?!
There is a funny little story we would like to share. A little over a week
ago we were talking to one of the doctors at the University of Maryland
Medical Center's Shock Trauma and found out that last week every time they
asked
Adam where he was he would mouth the word, "Hospital." When they asked what
hospital he would mouth the words, "Franklin Square." Which is a hospital ten
miles to the east of UMMC. This went on for several days when they finally
had to ask what is his hang up with Franklin Square. We said our church
rents the auditorium there on Sundays for our Sunday services and Dave is an
on-call chaplain there. We told that to Adam's former pediatrician who is
based
at Franklin Square and he said, "Ha, the brainwashing is a success!"
Adam is now ready for visitors but we want to be careful not to overwhelm
him. If you are interested in seeing him please contact us and we will help to
set up a time so that we can keep a reasonable number of people seeing him at
any given time. There are a few things to keep in mind: if you are sick or
have had close contact with someone who is sick please refrain from coming;
make
sure you use the hand sanitizer as you enter his room; and try to keep your
visit to 10-15 minutes. He may ask you to stay longer and that is OK.
Pray
• His MRI comes back normal
• The antibiotics effectively deals with the infection and a return to a
normal white blood count
• The graft to the aorta does not get infected
• His body grows stronger
• Continued success in weaning Adam from the ventilator
• for God's blessing on his nurses...especially, Pam, Angie, Donna,
Katie, and Krystal
• That we would represent God's Grace and Love well to those we
encounter
The task of protecting the aorta reminds us the importance of protecting our
hearts in so many ways: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Keeping
harmful things from infecting the heart should be a priority for us. Proverbs
4:23 (NIV) says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring
of life." During these last 29 days, yes 29 days, since the accident there
have been times that anxiety would seek to infect our hearts and diminish our
focus on our faith in Christ; however, Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) reminds us, "Do
not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus."
Your love and concern for our son is so appreciated.
May God richly bless you,
Dave and Lisa
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