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.