(6:00 a.m.)
We are planning to take Sam III to the Shepherd Center today. I've checked with Sam's nurse, Rocky. He says that the x-rays taken this morning are any better than those taken yesterday according to the radiologist.
(7:00p.m.)
Sam was released from the Medical Center about 11:00 and arrived in Atlanta at Shepherd Center about 1:00 p.m. He was taken to the ICU and was checked by physicians. A number of tests were run including new x-rays.
I spoke with his medical and othopedic doctors. Sam is expected to have surgery on Thursday to repair and stablize his spine. This will allow the halo to be removed. The doctors say that he will be able to begin rehab much more quickly. He will need to wear a collar for about 4 weeks.
The biggest disappointment was that the medical doctor thinks that Sam may need to have the ventalator for an additional 2 to 4 weeks. If he didn't smoke, the time on the ventalator would be much less.
Please continue to pray for Sam. Also, please continue to leave comments.
I saw many other patients in wheelchairs at Shepherd. Most of them Sam's age or younger. Hopefully having peers with similar circumstances will have a positive impact on his rehabilitation.
George writes this: (9/18/2007 5:00p.m.)
I just wanted to say thanks for all the prayers and support that Sam and our family have received during this difficult time. Sam is heading to Shepherd tomorrow morning. We met with a represenative from there this morning and she informed us that Sam will undergo surgey in the days to come. He will then begin a rehab program that takes 6 to 8 weeks. After that time he may attend a day rehab program while staying in nearby apartments that Shepard provides for patients. As we all know Sam is pretty stubborn so I have no doubt in my mind that he will come out of this, especially with all of your love and support. Thank you again.
LeeAnne writes this: (9/18/2007 5:00p.m.)
i just wanted to thank everyone for their support and prayers. Everyone has been so wonderful through all of this. Please keep posting because I know Sam will love to see all the support and love that he has from everyone. Sam is being transported to Sheperds tommorow and will have surgery this week so please continue to pray. again thank you everyone for all you have done. Sam and our family are truly blessed to have such wonderful and caring friends. Thanks for everything!Love,LeeAnne
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Monday September 18th
Today Sam will transported to Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Tuesday at 8:00a.m. We thought that he might be moved today, but his doctor wants to try and clear up some mucus in right lung.
Sam's care at the Medical Center in Columbus has been super! All of the nurses are so caring. Thanks in particular to Jeff, Chinna, Kay, Scott, Rocky, and Gwin.
Thanks to all who are taking the time to send personal comments. Sam will really appreciate reading these in 2 or 3 days when is able to read them.
Keep the comments coming!
Also thanks to all of those that have been able to make personal trips to the hospital. Your prayers and support are so appreciated.
I will post more details later in the day. (5:00 p.m.)
Sam's care at the Medical Center in Columbus has been super! All of the nurses are so caring. Thanks in particular to Jeff, Chinna, Kay, Scott, Rocky, and Gwin.
Thanks to all who are taking the time to send personal comments. Sam will really appreciate reading these in 2 or 3 days when is able to read them.
Keep the comments coming!
Also thanks to all of those that have been able to make personal trips to the hospital. Your prayers and support are so appreciated.
I will post more details later in the day. (5:00 p.m.)
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Sam III's Progress Report for September 17
Sunday, September 17, 2006
This morning Sam seems to be more alert and aware of his surroundings. He recognizes me and really wants to talk in spite of the tube in his mouth. In between interruptions, he seems to be resting well. I’d like to talk more to him, but his reaction is to talk back to me which seems to be very frustrating to him causing him to flail his arms and attempt to pull at the ventilation tube.
At 2:00 p.m. today, the word is that the tube will be pulled tomorrow.
We were just notified that Sam will be transported to Shepherd Spinal in Atlanta on Monday at noon.
I will be updating this post throughout the day.
This morning Sam seems to be more alert and aware of his surroundings. He recognizes me and really wants to talk in spite of the tube in his mouth. In between interruptions, he seems to be resting well. I’d like to talk more to him, but his reaction is to talk back to me which seems to be very frustrating to him causing him to flail his arms and attempt to pull at the ventilation tube.
At 2:00 p.m. today, the word is that the tube will be pulled tomorrow.
We were just notified that Sam will be transported to Shepherd Spinal in Atlanta on Monday at noon.
I will be updating this post throughout the day.
Sam III's Progress Report for September 16
On Saturday morning Sam would have a couple of procedures. The first would be to install the halo. The purpose of the halo is to prevent movement of the damaged bones in the neck and allow them to begin to mend. The halo device attaches to the head with four screws that are actually screwed into the skull. The device is anchored by a vest that is worn by the patient. The Neurosurgeon told us that the device would be worn about 6 months.
After the halo was installed, the pulminologist did a procedure to remove mucus from Sam’s left lung.
Sam was sedated for the procedures and continued to be sedated for the remainder of the day.
After the halo was installed, the pulminologist did a procedure to remove mucus from Sam’s left lung.
Sam was sedated for the procedures and continued to be sedated for the remainder of the day.
Events Surrounding Sam III's Injury
Friday, September 15
This post contains the events that took place on September 15 relating to Sam’s injury.
George and LeeAnne were hosting a painting party at their new house. They’ve had the new house for about a week and haven’t yet moved in. They are painting the kitchen, dinning room, den, and the ceiling in the master bedroom. The house is located in Ladonia,, AL, about 15 minutes from downtown Columbus.
Those attending the party were George and LeeAnne, Sam III, Bobby Simmons, Dean and others.
Sam announced that he would be the first to tryout the pool. He dove in from the side of the deep end toward the shallow end. He did a belly flop but dove too deep hitting the bottom.
Everybody thought that Sam was making a joke, when floated to the top of the water. After a couple of minutes, George decided that maybe Sam wasn’t kidding and jumped in to get Sam out of the pool.
Sam was fortunate that LeeAnne was an experience lifeguard and trained in CPR. Their friend Dean who also plays in Skydog Gypsy is also a respiratory therapist nurse. He administered mouth to mouth.
Dean said that Sam didn’t have a pulse after being pulled from the pool. George said that he as turning blue.
Fortunately Sam began to respond to the CPR efforts.
The ambulance staffed by the Ladonia Volunteer Fire Department arrived and on the trip to the Medical Center in Columbus, Sam became conscious. George reports that the medics were asking Sam question and he was verbally responsive but was experiencing paralysis from the chest and lower.
I got a call from Bobby Simmons about 10. I had already gone to bed about 9. I heard the phone ring earlier about 9:30 but it was in the office and we rarely get calls on the land line. My cell was on vibrate, so I wouldn’t have heard it if it rang.
Bobby efficiently relayed the situation and I left Jaime, who was sleeping, to go to the Medical Center.
Many of Sam’s friends gathered over the next couple of hours and waiting outside the emergency room entrance for news.
Cat scan fortunately revealed no brain damage. X-rays would show fractures in c-6 and c-5.
The hospital staff moved Sam to ICU on the 8th floor about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.
This post contains the events that took place on September 15 relating to Sam’s injury.
George and LeeAnne were hosting a painting party at their new house. They’ve had the new house for about a week and haven’t yet moved in. They are painting the kitchen, dinning room, den, and the ceiling in the master bedroom. The house is located in Ladonia,, AL, about 15 minutes from downtown Columbus.
Those attending the party were George and LeeAnne, Sam III, Bobby Simmons, Dean and others.
Sam announced that he would be the first to tryout the pool. He dove in from the side of the deep end toward the shallow end. He did a belly flop but dove too deep hitting the bottom.
Everybody thought that Sam was making a joke, when floated to the top of the water. After a couple of minutes, George decided that maybe Sam wasn’t kidding and jumped in to get Sam out of the pool.
Sam was fortunate that LeeAnne was an experience lifeguard and trained in CPR. Their friend Dean who also plays in Skydog Gypsy is also a respiratory therapist nurse. He administered mouth to mouth.
Dean said that Sam didn’t have a pulse after being pulled from the pool. George said that he as turning blue.
Fortunately Sam began to respond to the CPR efforts.
The ambulance staffed by the Ladonia Volunteer Fire Department arrived and on the trip to the Medical Center in Columbus, Sam became conscious. George reports that the medics were asking Sam question and he was verbally responsive but was experiencing paralysis from the chest and lower.
I got a call from Bobby Simmons about 10. I had already gone to bed about 9. I heard the phone ring earlier about 9:30 but it was in the office and we rarely get calls on the land line. My cell was on vibrate, so I wouldn’t have heard it if it rang.
Bobby efficiently relayed the situation and I left Jaime, who was sleeping, to go to the Medical Center.
Many of Sam’s friends gathered over the next couple of hours and waiting outside the emergency room entrance for news.
Cat scan fortunately revealed no brain damage. X-rays would show fractures in c-6 and c-5.
The hospital staff moved Sam to ICU on the 8th floor about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Friday, April 14, 2006
How Nerdy are You?
Well I haven't blogged much lately. Would you like to see my nerd score. Perhaps this low score is the reason why I have not been an avid blogger.
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