Thursday- Enjoying a milkshake!

Jamie has had a hard day today--so what better way to treat him than with a strawberry shake! He's had a lot of physical therapy and a lot of work done to his knees which is pretty painful for him. But each day he gets stronger and stronger. Enjoy the pic! (He's kind of propped on his side because of how tired his legs were from therapy!)
And he's already had chicken parmesan, fresh fruit, a hamburger, fried chicken and of course sweet tea with every meal!



Jamie enjoying a strawberry shake

Wednesday-Here Comes Some Sweet Tea (and beer..well not just yet...)!

Sound the trumpets--Jamie passed his swallow test today "with flying colors"! Hooray! He even ate a cookie--first time he's chewed something in over 6 weeks. So now he can eat-what a blessing! Not sure exactly what he'll be eating at first, but we'll keep you posted for sure! We know he's ready for a Bojangles cajun filet biscuit and probably some sashimi and nagiri. Hopefully he'll be eating real food very soon because we need to fatten him back up. He's gotten skinny! (Not that he wasn't before :-) We'll get him back up to his fighting weight before long... Come to think of it, his helmet that he has to wear whenever he's out of bed kind of looks like a boxing helmet!

The rehab hospital is a great place-he gets a daily schedule printed out each night for the following day. He is typically in therapy (physical, occupational and speech) starting at 9am with a little break around lunchtime and then again from 2-4pm. So they're working him hard. He may even be able to take a shower in the next day or so which we know is going to feel absolutely wonderful for him.

Stay tuned...

Tuesday Update

Jamie has had a busy day! They don't let you rest much in rehab, that's for sure! He wanted me to post 2 specific things to the blog tonite, first-he has been officially cleared for ice chips and minimal fluids (so he's that much closer to sweet tea!) AND today in his physical therapy he was able to move his left arm!! woo hoo!! His therapist had him hooked up to a vibrating thing that provided stimulation to his shoulder and he was able to move his arm from left to right rolling another device across the table. Wow! He said he really had to focus and it was really challenging but he did it! And hopefully tomorrow it will be even easier.

He's really doing terrific and he is in good spirits.

Stay tuned for more great news!

Great Sunday!

Jamie looks better every time we see him. He gets to wear clothes in his new room (he looks like a doctor because he's wearing scrubs!), he doesn't have that odious nose tube, and he's finally got his glasses back. Now he really looks like Jamie again. Things are looking up!
It was great to see Jamie and visit with him. He is doing much better, but he's a little bored. If anyone has a good book on CD, I bet I know someone who would be THRILLED to listen to it.
Brenda and Michael tell us that the vigorous physical therapy will begin as soon as Jamie's new helmet arrives. Hopefully, he will only have the helmet for a day or two, because Jamie is almost ready to have the bone flap replaced.
Jamie's progress is miraculous; it's just a matter of time until he's back at home finishing his recovery!

Saturday Update-It's off to rehab!

So Jamie was moved to rehab today! He is now at the Charlotte Institute of Rehabilitation which is right next door to the hospital (the smaller building left of the parking deck). He will have his 'rehab evaluation' tomorrow and then Monday it's off to the gym! His new visiting hours are: Mon-Fri 4-9pm, Sat-Sun 12-9pm. Just give one of us a call if you would like to visit Jamie and we'll coordinate a time and tell you where to go.

We'll update you more on Monday with his exciting progress!

Thursday Post Surgery Update

Jamie had his surgery this afternoon where they put a "peg" into his stomach so he now has no more nose tube! He'll have the peg in place through rehab while he works on getting his 'swallow' muscles stronger. Hopefully it won't be too long at all. He did real well through his surgery and was awake when he was brought back to his room. He's pretty groggy so he'll hopefully sleep really well tonite.

Thanks for your prayers!

Hurry Up and Wait

Jamie had a good night - slept almost the entire night through! The trauma team just came in and told us that they were going to have to postpone his feeding tube surgery until tomorrow - Thursday - at 2:30 in the afternoon.

Last night two foot and ankle specialists came to look at Jamie's right foot; they did some debreeding, and underneath there was good, pink tissue! So, his foot and toes are in better shape than initially thought. He could still lose the tips of a couple of toes, but for the most part, they look good. They will continue to "wait and see," barring infection.

We'll keep you posted! Thanks for everything!

Tuesday Update

The neurosurgeon has decided to put Jamie's surgery off a little longer since his previous incision isn't completely healed yet in 2 small places. However he still is going to have surgery tomorrow to put the peg into his stomach so he can finally be rid of his nose tube!! And then he'll be off to rehab. We think they're planning for him to go ahead and get to rehab and then come back to have his bone flap reinserted.

He's had a good day. We'll update you tomorrow after his surgery. We're not sure of the time just yet.

Thanks for your continued prayers-

Sunday Update

We have a special treat for everyone -- pictures of Jamie! (with a couple of his favorite visitors). He had a great weekend visit with Tomoka, who came in from Japan for 4 days, and he is doing well despite having the 'blues' after she left today. He's got a big week coming up; the neurosurgeons are tentatively planning for his surgery on Wednesday to reinsert his bone flap. So keep praying!



Uncle Jamie and Henry



Tomoka and Jamie



Sweet Kiss

Saturday evening update

So we just got back from the hospital and Jamie had just fallen asleep for a snooze. He's had a pretty good day today. It has been such a treat to have Tomoka here for the past couple of days and you can tell it has really lifted Jamie's spirits. We were glad that his surgery got postponed a couple of days since she's only here for the weekend.

Not too much else to report this evening....hopefuly he'll sleep well tonite.

Friday morning quick update

Dr. McLanahan wants to put Jamie's surgery off for a couple of days - he wants the previous incision/scar on his head to be healed completely. So it will probably be early next week. Jamie's feeling good, and actually got 3 hrs in a row sleep last night! Amazing! More to come.

Thursday Update

Sorry for the late update today. Jamie has had a good day filled with the usual rounds of Doctors, Nurses, and Physical/Occupational Therapist. But the biggest news is that Tomoka is here. His nurses were getting him all ready (including moisturizing his lips and having him practice his 'puckering') for her visit! His roommate from Japan and his wife Masako are also here in NC from Japan this week so they are able to visit too.

He's still on the schedule for surgery on Saturday and they're talking about moving him to rehab as soon as Monday. Stay tuned and we'll keep you posted!

Wednesday Update

Jamie is continuing to do well. He had a great physical and occupational therapy session this morning and got quite a work-out. He's also mentioned having pain in his left elbow which could be a great sign for his recovery. At one point he had a therapist working on a leg and one with an arm (both female) and he said "too many girls, can't think." Good thing Tomoka gets here tomorrow! Yes, Tomoka is arriving tomorrow afternoon from Japan for the weekend. She will be great for all of our spirits!

As of right now, he is on the schedule for surgery on Saturday morning to have his piece of skull put back in. I've been taking some pictures of his head because after Saturday, his head will be back to it's normal shape, and he looks really cool right now (at least we think so!) Especially with his punk-rock haircut!

I took his nephew Henry in with me this morning and he sat on the bed with Jamie and gave him some good drooly kisses (while also trying to "help" his uncle pull his nose tube out)--luckily he didn't get it.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers and comments!

Tuesday morning update

What a busy morning! Jamie went down for his xray swallow test, and even though he did much better as far as the sitting upright, etc. goes, his throat muscles are not ready for him to eat food yet. When he gets to rehab, he will have intensive speech therapy to get those muscles stronger.

He has seen all his doctors this morning, and they're all pleased with his progress. Here's the most exciting thing, though: Dr. Bernard (one of his neurosurgeons) came in this morning and said, "Jamie, have you had any movement on your left side? How's that left leg?" And Jamie promptly lifted his left leg! We were amazed, and the whole trauma team was giving him high fives when they came in and saw what he could do.

We are so thankful for all your prayers and support - keep the prayers coming! There's a possibility that Dr. McLanahan (his other neurosurgeon) will replace his skull bone this weekend. After that recovery he's off to rehab!

Monday Update

They have decided to wait another day for Jamie's swallow test. It will most likely be tomorrow.

He's doing pretty well still considering everything--he's watching the Simpsons on his new portable DVD player (while also changing the channels on the hospital TV) while snoozing in and out.

More to follow....keep praying!

Sunday Night Update

Jamie has had a good restful day and was able to have a very long nap this afternoon. And thankfully he is sleeping better at night too.

So not too much to report today--he did not have his 'official' physical therapy this morning, but he did do his assigned exercises. Mainly a good rest day. (And Mom got a good nap in too this afternoon which was MUCH needed!)

We think he might have his swallow test tomorrow so pray for success for him! (and strength for him to sit in the chair--that's the hardest part!)

Stay tuned!

Saturday Update

Jamie has had a good morning and he slept a little better last night. He's had physical therapy and a lot of visitors! Aunt Martha and our cousins Emily and Erica are here from Maryland for the weekend, so they've been able to visit. And this morning when I talked to Jamie on the phone (yes he can talk on the phone a little bit!), he told me to "bring the boys"! So his nephews Oscar and Henry were able to see him--Oscar made sure to tell him that he hoped his boo-boos get better.

He's moving to another room this afternoon (for no other reason than to move from the orthopeodic wing to the trauma wing where a room has opened up). If you would like to visit Jamie, just give Mom, Dad or myself a call and we'll let you know where to go and when a good time is. You can also send me an email if that's easier too!

Friday afternoon

The speech pathologist visited Jamie today to give him a swallow test at his bedside. He had a couple of spoonfuls of apple sauce - he said, "the best applesauce I've eaten in a month . . " The speech pathologist wants to wait until next week to have the x-ray swallow test again. He's swallowing fine, but the muscles in his throat are still weak and confused, and the food could easily go to his lungs. So, he has the feeding tube for a few more days. The physical therapist had him sitting on the edge of the bed today for a few minutes, and gave his legs a good workout. He had another restless night last night, so they have upped his pain meds - hopefully he will sleep better tonight. He's doing great - working hard at recovery.

Thursday- Update

Jamie is now in his own room! He was moved late yesterday afternoon. He didn't sleep too well last night and I think it was because now that he's out of a ward-type setting, there aren't as many 'beeps' from everyone's monitors! He is doing well, just very restless.

He had physical therapy this morning and was able to get into a sitting position briefly. We're not sure when the swallow test will be--could be today or tomorrow. We'll keep you posted on that front.

And we're still just waiting and seeing on how his right foot continues to heal. It's holding it's own right now.

Thanks again for your continued thoughts/comments and prayers!

Wednesday

Jamie is going to be moved to a private room either today or tomorrow. I am so happy how far he has come in 3.5 wks.

Jamie’s swallow test is tomorrow; he hates that tube in his nose and is looking forward to getting it out and getting some real food. (Beer)

Let's pray for Jamie to do well on his swallow test, and a continued quick recovery.

Tuesday Update

Jamie has had a good day. His trach is now gone! He's completely breathing on his own (he has been for a while, the oxygen was just there for support). But now he can talk a little better, although his voice is still pretty raspy and it seems to take a lot of effort. This morning Dad asked him to say something and he replied "Something." Typical Jamie. He also had physical therapy today so he was tuckered out at tonite's visit.

We're not sure but think he might have a swallow study tomorrow (or the next day) to see if he can start eating. Hopefully he gets a good night sleep tonite so he's rested up for it--the swallowing isn't difficult for him, but they make him sit in a chair to do it and that's the really hard part.

We'll keep you posted! Keep on praying!

Monday Update

I have not seen Jamie in 4 days (was up in Michigan with Marc's family for Henry's (our 8 month old) baptism). So to see Jamie this afternoon was amazing! He's Jamie! They were able to put a smaller tube in his trach and he can talk a little better--we can hear his voice a little more. He doesn't talk too much but he's able to answer our questions and even make jokes! He is beyond ready to get his feeding tube out and today I told him that as soon as he did and was eating again I'd bring him in all of his favorite food and he replied "Beer". He's working on swallowing so hopefully very soon he'll be able to eat! He's real close.

The vascular surgeon has decided to wait a couple more days to work on his foot--it seems to be making some progress on it's own. So we just pray that it continues to heal and the antibiotics keep fighting any potential infection.

He also told us tonite that his left knee was hurting and we all replied...'that's great!' Poor Jamie....no sympathy for us on feeling pain on that left side!! We're trying to keep his spirits up--now that he's more awake and alert, he's very aware of his injuries.

So please just continue to pray for his courage, PATIENCE, and peace.

Sunday Night Update

Jamie's had a good day. He's had some good sleep, and some good visits. He will go in to surgery sometime tomorrow - a vascular surgeon will debride (I don't know how to spell it) his right foot, in other words, he will take off the dead skin and tissue and clean everything up.

Jamie looks good - his color is good. He has, however, earned himself a big white glove that looks sort of like an oven mitt, in addition to the restraint on his right hand. He's very quick and sneaky, and will pull out tubes in a flash. Jamie's friends Trevor and Mary Duke came by to see him tonight (Mary's a neuro ICU nurse in Fredericksburg, VA) and Mary is very impressed with how well Jamie is doing, and the excellent care he's getting at CMC.

Will has posted the new visiting hours of the progressive care unit on the sidebar. His room has four beds in there, with two nurses in the same room 24/7.

As soon as we know how his surgery goes, we will let everyone know. Thanks for your continued prayers and well wishes.

Saturday Morning

Jamie has been moved to a transitional room! He has new less restrictive visiting hours. What wonderful news.

Last night he had a new CAT scan and was making very good progress.

Also his vascular system is looking very good.

As the doctors were moving his left leg Jamie felt pain and said ouch, this is just wonderful he can feel on his left side! What wonderful news.

More to come as the day progresses.

Friday morning update

Jamie had a good night - he's getting much needed rest after his two surgeries this week. He will probably go back to the OR on Monday for work on his right foot (it suffered from the life-saving drugs and the cooling technique used the first week. The Drs. are letting it heal itself as much as possible and treating the infection risk with antibiotics). With the possibility of more surgery in the near future, they are keeping the larger sized trach tube. He is breathing on his own and has a small amount of oxygen help. He will have his first CT scan in a while in the morning, to make sure fluid is not building up in his brain. He's got a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in each leg, which is common with his type of injuries. The good news is they can now give him anti-coagulation drugs, which they couldn't do earlier because of the brain surgery. As soon as he gets a smaller trach tube, they will do a swallow study to see if he's able to eat, and get rid of the feeding tube going through his nose (which he hates!). His right hand is still restrained - he tries to pull out any tube he can get his hand on. The left hand is 4 hours on and 4 hours off of a splint that will help keep the tendons in his hand and fingers from drawing up. He has physical therapists every day during the week working on range of motion. All that said, he's lucky to get any rest at all! We truly appreciate all the prayers and good thoughts - and hope you keep them coming. He is making amazing progress, but has a long, difficult road ahead.

Thursday

Jamie was moved to a different ICU room, while we await a opening at the transitional room. The visiting hours have changed, also only two visitors are allowed at a time.

More to come as the day progresses.

Wednesday Post-Surgery Update

Jamie is awake from his surgery and is doing well. The doctors let us see him at 1pm; he is sleepy from the anesthesia, but is alert enough to look around and recognize everyone.

The nurse told us Jamie might be moved to a transitional room in the next day or so. Transitional rooms still have a high patient-nurse ratio and, but are more private and have less restrictive visiting hours.

Jamie is making such amazing progress! Everyone who checks his blog, leaves him notes, and sends him love and prayers makes a huge difference. Jamie truly has a wonderful group to draw strength from: family, practically-family, friends and even people who have never met him, but want him to get better.

Wednesday Post Surgery Update

Jamie's surgery went 'very well' according to the orthopeodic surgeons. They were able to repair his knee with a plate and found that there wasn't any torn cartlidge. (he's becoming bionic!) He now has a brace on it with hinges and the physical therapists will be able to start working with his knee.

He's now back in the ICU to recover from the surgery and will hopefully sleep and rest for the remainder of the day.

Thanks again for your continued prayers.

Wednesday Afternoon Update

Jamie's knee surgery went just wonderfully he and his parents are back on the 9th floor waiting room awaiting him to wake up.

This hopefully is his last surgery on his legs.

Please continue to pray for Jamie's speedy recovery.

More to come as we get to see Jamie.

Wednesday Morning

Jamie's knee surgery is going well, the doctors just called to tell his mom that he is doing perfectly. I wanted to share this with you as we await him to get out of surgery.