www.todddube.com - Feb 18 ~ 24

February 18 ~ 24

Monday, February 18, 2002

Very eventful day.

Todd's agenda included removing the staples in his neck (all 29 of them!), getting a hair cut from dad, getting a shave and shower from the nursing staff, moving to his chair, and 3 one and one half hour sessions off his ventilator. During his third session, he used his Passy Muir valve and was able to have a conversation with his visitors. They do not let him use his valve all the time because it tends to tire him out.

The bad news for the day for Todd was NO MORE WATER OF ANY KIND. His sodium level was still 3 points below normal and the doctors blame the visiting staff. Each time someone new would visit, Todd would sucker them into giving him just a few ice chips or a sip of water. With the volume of visitors, his water intake was excessive enough to cause his electrolytes to drop to levels of concern.

The good news for the day for Todd was he could have Gatorade instead. Carol was immediately dispatched to the cafeteria to get Orange, Tropical Fruit (not fruit punch) or Blue flavors ONLY!!! The look of pure joy on Todd's face when he received his first dose, was wonderful. He could only have 1/3 cup every 2 hours and he would count the minutes until his next dose.

Kyla gave Todd a flag of Ireland for friends and family to sign that Todd could take with him to Atlanta. Lots of friends and family came by to say good-bye. It was an exhausting day for Todd. We all left early so Todd could rest up for his big trip in the morning.

Tuesday, February 19, 2002

Todd slept fairly well last night.

Mom, Marc, Memere Claire, Dad and Carol arrived at the hospital at 7:30. Todd was still asleep and we waited until 8:00 to start getting him ready to leave. The flight nurse and respiratory therapist from Atlanta arrived right on schedule at 8:30. It took approximately one half hour to unplug and package him to go. Mom rode in the ambulance and the rest followed behind. The plane was very small and it was going to be a very cozy flight with 2 pilots, 2 medical personnel, Todd and Mom. Dad's got video of the entire ordeal. The plane was specially modified for this type of transport. He left from the Municipal Airport right outside Westover on a Learjet 25 for his 2.5 hour trip.

Mom said the flight was smoother than a commercial flight. There were 2 other planes just outside the windows, which was a bit unsettling. Todd loved the flight. They arrived in Atlanta right on schedule at 12:30. He was in his new room by 1:00. Todd was a bit disappointed that they have temporarily set him up in ICU until he can be weaned from the ventilator. They begin tomorrow. He has been assessed for occupational therapy and had a full series of X-rays. Tomorrow's activities are scheduled to include breakfast of eggs (for the first time in 2 weeks), electrode stimulation on his arms to see what he can feel, and his first attempt in a wheel chair.

Mom is staying in an apartment that is a 10 minute walk from the center.

From this point on, we will do our best to update daily information, however the information may not be as timely as we would like. Please be patient and stay tuned. We thank you all for your continued interest in Todd's progress.

Wednesday, February 20, 2002

Todd's First Full Day in Atlanta!

Todd was off the ventilator for the entire day. If he remains off all night, he will be moved to the Spinal Cord Injury Floor and out of ICU. Todd had a small portion of scrambled eggs and pancakes for breakfast. They included a blue dye so that the doctors could tell if any went to his lungs instead of his stomach. When he was suctioned, some dye did appear. They will try again tomorrow. Mrs. Shepherd, of the 'Shepherd Center', came to visit today. Other activities today included sitting in a wheel chair for about 2 hours. When he first sat up he was a bit dizzy. Todd also continued his 'range of motion' exercises.

Todd says "Hi Y'all!" More from our southern boy tomorrow.

Thursday, February 21, 2002

Todd did not sleep well last night.

However ~ he made it all night without the ventilator machine! He did have some supplemental oxygen using a Nasal Cannula but that is normal. Todd has moved from ICU to a single room! He was also fitted with a different neck collar today. This one is a lot softer and has better padding than the old one. Todd's Tracheal Tube was replaced today. The new one is smaller and has a valve similar to the Passy Muir that allows him to talk all the time. Another exercise that was done today was some sort of electrical stimulation of his arms. One arm seemed to respond real good and the other was excellent. I am not sure what this test means or does but the results were very favorable. He also spent time in a wheel chair. At the end of the day Todd spoke to his Dad by phone. A very busy day and some great steps forward.

Friday, February 22, 2002

Todd spent a few hours in a wheel chair again today. He was able to accomplish this without losing blood pressure which is a very good sign. He had a fever last night of 102 degrees. Today was his first occupational therapy session in the gym. They had him get dressed in real clothes for the first time. He did range of motion and muscle stretching exercises. His doctors have completed their initial testing.

Starting Monday, he will be starting on a regular diet. Over the next couple of weeks, they will work on removing Todd's tracheal tube and replacing it with an even smaller version called a Button Tracheal Tube. He has therapy tomorrow morning. He will then have the rest of the weekend to rest and get ready for Monday. He is still wearing his anti-embolism stockings. He has met several patients and staff personnel.

Saturday, February 23, 2002

Todd had therapy in his room this morning. His supplemental oxygen has been removed. He had the afternoon off and took the opportunity to catch up on his sleep. Very quiet day.

Sunday, February 24, 2002

Todd got a good night's sleep for the first time in more than 2 weeks. Unfortunately, Todd is not absorbing his food efficiently and they will be adjusting his tube feeding tomorrow. He has been off his oxygen for the past 2 days. He was dressed in street clothes again today and attended church services with Mom. Not sure what religious denomination, but it was church.

Todd spoke with his Dad, stepmom, brothers, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins on speaker phone today. He lost his voice quickly but we all enjoyed hearing him. He received a superman towel from a patient, Janelle, who is leaving the center soon. His scheduled activities begin tomorrow.

Mom has been doing a terrific job keeping us updated so that we can keep you informed of his progress. Todd has not had a chance to get to a PC yet, but hopefully, with Mom's help, they can find the time to begin messaging with people through the website message board.

A lot of activities this week! Tomorrow starts the first full week in Atlanta.