Saturday, January 19, 2008, 1500

Hello Everyone,

Thank you again for all your words of comfort and prayers. Marcus, Jonathan, and I went up to see John today. He was in an upright position, with his c-collar on. He is on the ventilator, coughing and a bit agitated. He is requiring Fentanyl IV and a low dose of diprivan. He is also receiving Ativan to assist with his anxiety. He sat bolt upright in the bed, pulling his arms, and moving his legs. His eyes were closed, and occassionally open. He did, at one point, nod his head affirmatively to a question. He is requiring quite a bit of medication for agitation. This is not an unusual event, especially for someone who has had a horrendous traumatic occurrence. His chest x-ray is clear, except for atelectasis in his left lower lung. He is on an APRV ventilator mode, and is tolerating weaning from the settings, but airway pressures are occassionally high so they would like to hold off on extubation at this time. Because of an anterior, and posterior repair to his cervical spine, the doctors are being a bit more conservative on extubation, because of swelling. Again, for my non-clinical family and friends, his neck is swollen, obviously because of surgery to the front and back of his neck, and the airway for breathing is right between those. The staff want to make sure that his swelling to the area will not interfere with his ability to breathe well, without the assistance of the ventilator. He is also to go for a repeat MRI today. His post-operative CT scan that was done last night after surgery showed everything in alignment. The MRI is standard post-operative diagnostics. It is also a good idea for him to remain intubated and well sedated so that the MRI can verify proper alignment of the cervical spine and give more information about the success of the operation.
Chris, Marcus and I are asking that visitors refrain from coming to see him at this time. The Critical Care Area allows immediate family, only. We will keep you updated on when and if visitors are allowed. A lot will depend on how he is doing, and if he wants visitors. We are realizing this will be a long process back to some form of normalcy. If there is something you would like to do, please feel free to drop off meals to either Chris or Marcus. I won't be home very often, so I can ask my neighbor Katie to be your contact for meals. I want to ask her first, before I post her phone number, so please bear with me. I am still at Marcus's today, and will be going to pick up my brother Ed and then heading home to Mount Airy, shortly. Chris and Amy plan to go up and see John this evening. In lieu of meals, please consider donating blood to the Red Cross. John has not requried blood transfusions, however, most trauma patients do, and this would be greatly appreciated by the hospital.
Again, please let me reiterate, I know there is no better place for John to be then at the University of Maryland, Shock Trauma unit. He has received outstanding care from his nurses, physicians, and support staff. They have encouraged the family to call anytime, day or night. They are kind and supportive to every family and patient. I know he is with the best of the best.
Take care, and please continue your prayers. We all feel your support.

Love,
Sheri