Jackson had a good day with no major changes. The cranial pressure monitor continues to stay consistently low. Our nurse tonight told us that the next CT scan is scheduled for early Monday morning. If they like everything they see, they will most likely remove the big bolt in his head that measures pressure. After that, they will work toward reducing the sedation over the following few days. Lots of good movement when agitated today. I put lotion on him and massaged his feet and hands. The swelling on his face and around his eyes looked significantly better today. From everything we can gather from the nurses and doctors on his case, everyone feels positive and is optimistic.
Emalie and her friend Rae (who was at our house the day of the accident) came to visit Jackson for the first time today. They said he looked better than they thought he would. They asked lots of questions and seemed comforted to see that he is being taking care of, and that he is moving toward recovery.
We are thinking of all of you as you are thinking of us. We are so grateful to have such great friends and family. Know that we love you!
-Heather
Hello,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jahlela, and I am a friend of Stuart Mayo's. I heard of Jackson's accident through one of Wendy's posts on Facebook. I am sending all the love, good wishes, and healing vibes I possibly can from across the country in Berkeley.
4 years ago my 12-year-old brother was in a skiing accident with a tbi and a severed femur. He had a portion of his skull removed to allow the brain to swell, and spent a week and a half in a medically induced coma like Jackson is in now. (This is a good thing! That wonderful brain needs to rest and be able to focus its energy on healing!)
Leif, my brother, came home after 6 weeks in the various hospital states, including a separate rehab center (mostly for his leg). It was a long process we were blessed to share with family, friends, medical angels, and complete strangers (we, too, stayed in the Ronald McDonald house). You will continue to be amazed, I'm sure, at just how much the world wants its children to heal. Leif is now happy, healthy, and in high school. He is deaf in one ear and has a slight limp, but is otherwise perfect -- except for the teenager bits! I'm sure Jackson's recovery will be just as miraculous.
The best thing in this process is to keep channeling the love and energy everyone is sending -- and take care of yourself too, Mom, Dad, and siblings! Trust that if you need a break, there are dozens of capable hands that can step in for a few moments. Having strong, healthy vibes in Jackson's room will help calm him, and protect his energy. Don't be bashful about asking a guest who becomes too excited or anxious to come back later.
Please keep sending updates. It will help your friends and family from feeling helpless, and will be a fascinating re-read some day. And take pictures! It's unbelievable how encouraging it is to be able to see the progress. Here is ours if you want to share the joy of low ICP numbers. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/leifhasle/journal/1/createdAt/asc
I would apologize for the length of the post, but I know how much waiting time and late nights there are. Most importantly, please know that it is going to be alright. You will get your Jackson back, in whatever form God chooses, and that you have all the support in the world traveling through this miracle.
Love and Blessings
~Jahlela Hasle
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DeleteJahlela,
DeleteThank you so much for taking the time to post this. It was so uplifting and brought me a lot of comfort. What an amazing story! Thanks again for sharing that and for thinking of us!
~Heather