University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

[SgtMaj]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Spinner, we're still keeping him in our prayers.

That breathing thing was probably nothing more than the effect of the coma drugs. At least that's what we'll hope for. Also hope his spinal cord heals up good, though from the sound of it, it sounds like maybe it has somehow survived the shattered vertabrates, or may be healing itself which would be a very good sign. Anyway, my wife and I will keep praying for him, and for you, and if there's anything you need, you just let us know, ok?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Will do Sgt.
I was thinking the same thing about the drugs they had him on maybe had something to do with his diaphragm(sp) not working right to let him breathe, but with him awake now, maybe they can tell more.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Sorry to hear all of this, Les. He obviously must be a fine person for you to have this concern for your daughter's ex. I think that caring this much speaks well of you too.

I may have somewhat of an answer to your post about his condition right after the accident v. his present condition. I just did a little bit of surfing and what I learned is that breathing problems associated with spinal cord injury result from damage above C4 - you mentioned that Chris' C4 & C5 vertebrae where shattered. My guess is that his spinal cord is not severed above C4 but that, as swelling, blood clotting, loss of blood to the spinal cord, etc. occurred around the upper portion of C4, the nerves that control breathing were affected. With a C4 & C5 injury, the information that I read suggets that he should be able to be weaned off the ventilator completely over time

Since Chris Reeves had been one of the most publicly visible persons to suffer from spinal cord injury, and was partially dependant on breathing assistance after his accident, it is worth mentioning that he was a C3 "tetraplegic." His situation was quite different in regard to breathing issues than your Chris' condition will be, just because of the location of the injury.

The long term outcome in your situation will depend on whether Chris has truly suffered a cut or severed spinal cord, has what is referred to as "complete spinal injury," or has any of the several classifications of an "incomplete spinal injury." In any of these situations, however, the articles indicate that because he is probably ok above C4 (after the short term problems heal), he will have a much better quality of life even if there is "complete injury."

It sounds to me like Chris has a strong family network and a lot of love within that network. I have to think that this will be of tremendous help to him as he faces the challenges that the future will bring. And, as someone else said, the learning curve in regard to spinal cord injury has steepened considerably in recent times. I have read some very interesting stuff about stem cell research and its role in learning how to repair neurons in the spinal cord. There have already been successes during experiments with lab rats, in which spinal cord repair has resulted in improved motor function in the limbs.

Please pass on to Chris when you can, that he and his family are in all of our thoughts and prayers.

 

[oops!]

Re: University of Southern California, San Diego-Hillcrest

Re: University of Southern California, San Diego-Hillcrest

she said that he opened his eyes and smiled.
The nurse told him to blink once for yes and twice for no and she ask him some questions as in if he knew who his mom was, who his dad was, and who his 1/2 brother was, which were all there and he acknowledged that he did.
She then ask if he was in pain and he blinked a strong once, so maybe that's a good thing also.

i would think that is a VERY good sign......

more prayers and thank you's comin

oops

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Well, they were going to operate on Chris yesterday to put a cage around his spinal cord and he spiked a fever on them so that was put on hold.
They got his fever down and ran some cultures to see where the fever came from.
They know it's infection that caused it, just not sure where it's at.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Thanks for the update - I was wondering how he was doing but didn't want to ask because I know y'all have enough on your minds at the moment.

Best wishes from "da bayou."

 

[beerrun]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

SBN- I am so sorry to hear all this. I must have missed it. Geez- if you dont have some bad luck. Sounds like everyone is keeping in touch with you pretty well and like theres a bit of improvement. Definitely thinking of you and sending good thoughts. Please keep us posted.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Well, they say Chris had his best day so far yesterday.
The nurse got a chalkboard with the abc's on it and he got out by blinking and her pointing to letters that he was hungry and wanted football game.
He also was trying to talk, but was unable with tube down throat.
They are cutting his 02 back little by little to get his lungs working again.
He does have pneumonia although a small touch of it, still affecting him somewhat.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

That's great news, Spinner!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

that's great progress.

 

[QC]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Awesome! Why in God's name would he have to ask for Football during the playoffs? Sheeeesh . . .

 

[beerrun]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

thats great news. was thinking about him today . Thanks for the update

 

[oops!]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

tee hee hee

if he knows football and the playoffs ..hes all there...

now just more "knee time" for the rest of him.

great news
oops

 

[sbn2]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Not much change as of last night.
Still trying to ween him off the 02 but having trouble with that.
Ever time they cut him back, his 02 level goes down and they have to turn it back up.
It may be at the point where his lungs won't support his body any longer.
He is trying to talk, but finds it almost impossible with the tube down his throat.
Will post more when I know more.
Still can't have flowers but can get cards in his room.

More updates as I get more info.
Again, thanks for everyone's thoughts.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Thanks for the update SBN. Still saying prayers for Chis.

Eric

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

All of it sounds good spinner. Being able to identify that he wants food and entertainment shows that his brain is not too damaged. Keep up the faith and we'll keep the line open with the man above.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Well, you all hold the fort down and don't tear anything up.
I will be gone till the morning of the 23rd.
Chris has requested that I come out.
There are some business that only he, my daughter and myself knows about and I'm sure that it is the reason.
Company paying for all expenses.
Gots to run and get things ready to leave in the am early.
Have to catch a flight at 7 in the am.
Update when I get back.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Our thoughts are with all of you.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Thanks Jay.

Well, the trip was not as nice as I had hoped.
The people out there had been sugarcoating his condition a little.
He is very weak and his 02 level will not stabilize.

Chris appointed me POA when he went in the Marines to be able to pay his bills etc while he was in there.
All their business was back here and since he and the daughter were at Camp Lejune, they wanted me to take care of business back here.
Would make sure bills were paid etc. on their place here and any other bills that needed taken care of.

They have the tube out of his throat and have a trac(sp) in now.
He still can't talk, duh, but he can move his mouth and make words, you just have to watch real close.
Big smile on his face when I walked in and that done me good.

Let me just say that he and my daughter have been divorced now for 3 years but they remain close as do he and I.
They just could not see eye to eye and things.

They also had life insurance policies on each other that he has paid all along that only he and I know about.
That was 1 of the reasons he wanted me out there.

His mom flew back home the day before I got there but his dad was still there.
His mom and dad split 20 year ago and I find out that all they have done since they got there was fight among themselves in Chris's room.
This came from a nurse.
All I can say is I was not very nice to his dad about this and let it go at that.

He is very thin and can not get his 02 level right and he fears that he is not going to make it and wanted to get some stuff taken care of just in case.

Took me about 4 hours to get out of him that he wanted me to make sure LIP was up to date for him.
This was a slow process and painful at the same time.

Chris is a fine young man. Was a Marine, boxer, some belt in Judo and don't know what else, all with just his large intestines.
Small ones taken out at young age by shotgun blast to the stomach.

I left there with the bad feeling that it would be the last time I see him alive.
Well, going to read up some and relax.
This jumping time zones wears me out.

 

[QC]

Re: University of California, San Diego-Hillcrest(UPDATE)

Thanks for the update. I thought about trying to meet up with you, but this was not a social visit and your schedule was tight, so I decided not to even bring it up. Safe now, you're gone . . .

I am always intrigued by young people who have their act together and respect important things like LIP, POA etc. I didn't really until I met someone who did (Mrs. QC) . . . Wishing and praying for the best for Chris. It is awesome he has someone like you that he can depend on. Parents sound like PsOS

This jumping time zones wears me out.

You can simply KMA