www.todddube.com - Feb 11 ~ 17

February 11 ~ 17

Monday, February 11, 2002

Pretty Good Day!

Todd has a 103+ fever but feels better. Low settings on respirator for much of the day. Received occupational therapy. Looks and sounds stronger. Increased calorie intake. Asked for soothing music on CD or tape.

Tuesday, February 12, 2002

Pretty Good Day!

Doctors have set 4 goals today. Determine and treat source of 103+ fever; continue his nutrition; begin to wean him from respirator; find a long-term rehab center. Scheduled for a CAT scan to begin eliminating possible reasons for fever. Will find out tomorrow result of CAT Scan. Todd's tracheal tube was disconnected from the ventilator machine for 10 minutes today. He breathed completely on his own with some additional oxygen and cool moist air near his tracheal tube and mouth. After 10 minutes he was re-attached the vent machine. It made him very tired. When he was done he slept. Mom and Dad still working on Shepard Center. Looks like Todd will be going there.

Wednesday, February 13, 2002

Very Good Day.

Todd was moved off his bed and sat up in a recliner for about 6 hours today. Todd said" The move was hard". Also, he spent two 10+ minute intervals off the ventilator machine today. The CAT scan yesterday was negative tying to discover reasons for the fever. The doctors now believe its because of the nerve damage to the spine that may be causing the body to overheat a little. They say it will lower itself with time. One of the doctors spent over an hour speaking with the representatives at Shepherd Center. It is now definite he will be going there soon. For more info on the Shepard Center in Atlanta, Georgia click HERE.

During the time he was off the vent machine, a Passy Muir Valve was attached to his tracheal tube and he was able to speak a little. It made him very tired. Mom and Dad missed his speaking because we left for most of the evening to attend Ryan's induction into the National Junior Honor Society. He had a good nights sleep this night.

Thursday, February 14, 2002 Happy Valentines Day !!

Todd had a good day today.

Todd was moved again to his recliner and said it was a lot easier to move today. He spent 6 hours today in the chair. Also, Todd had 2 sessions of the vent for 45 minutes each. He also spoke quite a bit more than yesterday. Being off the vent caused him to cough a lot. Coughing is good. Definitely leaving on Tuesday for Shepherd Center. Todd watched most of the movie Six Days and Seven Nights today. Todd also dictated a list of stuff to bring to the rehab center. Mom and Dad were so happy to hear his voice and cough.

Hopefully he will sleep well again tonight.

Friday, February 15, 2002

Todd seemed very tired today and not real talkative.

Todd was setup in his recliner again today. Moving to the recliner even easier than yesterday. The doctors did some sort of measurement on Todd this morning to evaluate how many calories he uses during the day. This information was used to determine how much nutrition to give him. He is connected to what I call a "Quart of Vanilla Milkshake" that is fed to him directly into his stomach. Todd spent only one session off the ventilator machine for 1 hour and 20min. He did this later in the afternoon. Todd also got a new bed today. No more air bed that rotates him from side to side. This one is more normal just real squishy.

He did not rest very well due to the change in beds. I think he will sleep better tonight.

Saturday, February 16, 2002

Todd seemed a little better than yesterday.

Todd was setup in his recliner again today 6+ hours. Moving to the recliner was not bad. Today he only spent one session off the vent machine for 1 hour and 30min using the Passy Muir valve again and having some mild conversation. I am not sure why he only had one session but it seemed that the day went by fast. Temp today was 101deg F. Todd has been having a problem with fluids for the past few days now and the Doctors are concerned. He wants water all the time because his mouth is dry and he is a big water drinker. Some of the meds make him dry and the atmosphere in the hospital is dry. He asks everyone who comes near him to give him a sip, a few small ice cubes or he sucks on a small cold wet sponge. This excess of water has caused his electrolytes to be low. This could cause problems if it continues. He has been warned about it but continues to get water any way he can. He is also very hot. For the last few days he has asked for large freezing cold compresses on his face. Mom, Carol, Paula and others has soaked large towels in cold water and pressed them on his face. He likes this for two reasons, it brings his temp down and he bites on the towels and sucks the cold water out. Ewww!

In the evening Jake and his Mom & Dad stopped by. They brought Todd a signed photograph and letter from Mike Utley. Mike was a pro football player for the Detroit Lions who injured his spine in a football game more than 10 years ago. Very inspirational letter. For more info about Mike and his organization see http://www.mikeutley.org/. Its a very good website.

Sunday, February 17, 2002

Today started bad!

He didn't sleep well last night. During the move to his recliner, it tipped backwards and his legs went up in the air. The jolt hurt his neck a little but the whole experience scared the #&%$ out of him. Paula was there just after it happened and he was white as a ghost and more than a bit upset. When I left this morning he was off the vent without the Passy Muir valve. After a few minutes, he wanted to call Uncle Philip. Mom made the call and I put my finger over the tracheal tube and he spoke to Philip. He didn't say much but it was the first time he has spoken on the phone in nearly two weeks. Todd spent three sessions off the vent machine today for about 45min. each. Todd spent the day in his bed. The nurses didn't want to try moving him again. Still having too much water. He is now shut off. Mom removed most of the cards and stuff from his room. One day left. Leaving Tuesday morning for Georgia.

Another rough week!