I need to start this entry by saying PRAYERS WORK!!! I was a firm believer in the power of prayer prior to this situation but if there was ever a doubt in my mind it has diminished.
This morning when I arrived at Metro I was greeted with the knowledge that Scott was fighting a fever of 103 degrees. He was packed with ice in his under arms, groin, and feet while a fan blasted his entire body. I can tell you that although I have learned dress warm at the hospital I was freezing in my sweatshirt and jeans. Needless to say, I was not too optimistic at the start of my day.
Scott then informed me that he didn’t sleep last night and stated that a doctor came in and spoke to him prior to my arrival and told him his condition is permanent and his damage was at C2. I explained to Scott that this could not be true as we were told he was labeled a C3 break based off of Xrays. I told Scott that at this point it is too early on in the injury to really tell what his mobility will be. Spinal shock is not something that dissipates overnight. It is not until more time passes and Scott enters rehab that we will get a better idea of his abilities. Regardless, I remind Scott constantly that it is his mind that makes him wonderful and even if he never regained a single thing he would still have more than most people!
Shortly after this conversation the neurology fellow came down from the spinal rehab floor to do a thorough assessment of Scott. She did several different tests to access a baseline for Scott. Upon completion she states that Scott is a C4 complete. With that said, she told him that most patients regain at least one level down upon completion of rehab. This would give him at minimum use of his biceps. In addition, she feels strongly that he will be off of the vent as some point in the future. She also told Scott of an man that is currently in rehab at Metro that had his identical injury about a year ago but is now back in rehab because since he left rehab the first time he has regained use of his arms. This gentleman will still be in rehab when Scott arrives so they can meet and hopefully this man can be a role model to Scott. I know this is a long road and the doctors keep reminding that each case is individual but I feel so optimistic for Scott.
I have read all the posts that you all have left and many of you have mentioned inspirational stories. I want you to know that I have researched them and I have told Scott the stories of these individuals. He really likes to hear them and asks very specific questions such as the precise location of the injury, whether the break was complete vs. incomplete, and how long it took them to recover. He is really striving to learn more about spinal cord injuries and inspirational stories of overcoming them.
Overall, Scotts mood has improved greatly. He is still very scared and questioning his ability to overcome this but he is still eager to fight. He has been talking to me a lot and I must say I am impressing myself with my lip reading abilities! It’s wonderful. It’s been over two weeks since I’ve been able to talk to my best friend and I can’t even put into words how great feels. I missed him so much! I was even able to make him laugh a few times which is a first since this ordeal began. Also, he smile is genuine at last and I love it!
When I left this evening Scott had broke his fever and was doing well. He is still fighting pneumonia and he had a little debacle with his O2 saturation but all and all he is progressing well. After checking out the ICU unit at Metro I opted out of trying to negotiate an overnight. The rooms are tight and it’s not quite as private as Bronson. Plus I feel like I showed up today more positive for Scott because I had a proper night of sleep. This should make those of you who are concerned with me taking care of myself feel better:) I admit that soup is still my meal of choice but at least I’m getting better sleep!
I want to thank you all again for your continued prayers! Scott is proof of their power!