Hey Everyone :)

This is Raydene :)

We obviously made it home.  Discharged June 13 and then back to Rexburg. My dad was kind enough to let us live in one of his rental units on 4th West and we have made a nice little home.  Although we have some mobility issues here, it has definitely been a God send.   Daily life at home compared to daily life in a hospital is obviously different and has been a definite adjustment.  Therapies come to our home twice a week and we get some daily help from an aid.  My job wasn't held for me but we are making do.  I am home helping Danny and raising the kids...funny how life works.  You spend your days wishing "if I only had this one thing everything would be ok" and then when you have what you prayed for you wish you had those things that you inherently had to give up for the answer to the last prayer...I hope I get a small reprieve from the lesson learning soon...

Paul told us on his first visit in June that our goal was for Danny to be standing for  30 seconds with the walker within 6 weeks and walking with it by October.  We reached the first within 3 weeks and are  now standing for 5 minutes and stepping.  None of it is without assistance but it is ALL an improvement from what we were told back in March by the doctors...they were talking nursing homes back then...

We have enjoyed being home even with the challenges and especially enjoy the visits...sometimes friends to say hi or help with a plumbing, carpet, or moving problem, but we appreciate and enjoy each visit and would love to see more of you....going out to visit can become an issue when most homes aren't wheelchair accessible.

Daily life now consists of playing with the kids, personal issues related to the accident, doctor visits, LAUNDRY, and cleaning...BUT how can we complain...how many of us get to spend this amount of time with our spouse and kids?   There's a trade off for everything.  We are broke and humbled but more content with each other than ever before...

BBQ at my parents's (Danny) Saturday evening from 5pm to 7pm.  We would LOVE for everyone to come.Although I haven't been able to respond to everyone's notes and posts, I am very grateful for the support and look forward to being back home.  We'll be having burgers and hotdogs.

111 North Center, Rexburg (by the library).

 The standing chair :)  He starts in a seated position and then they pump it up slowly over 5 or 10 minutes, taking his blood pressure every couple minutes.  I asked today how they decide who uses the standing chair and they said they put everyone in one in it to help promote bone and muscle growth.

Danny says, "Don't take anything for granted.  You never know what may be taken from you...even if it's just standing up."

We're gonna have a party :)

So Danny is obviously slacking since he told me he would take over the blog :)  He gets discharged from the hospital on June 13 and we are heading back to Rexburg.  Our plan is for him to continue out paitient rehab at EIRMC for the next year...or as long as we can afford.  He can do board transfers now on his own.  (Sliding across a board from chair to bed or seat).  His upper strength is getting better.  He still has limited motor skills in his fingers.

His trach hole has healed nicely and just a small scar remains.  The bed sore he has had should be completely healed by the time we leave.  We got results from a CT scan today and he will be in the neck brace for at least another month :( He was not pleased with that news.

We will be living in Rexburg thanks to help from my Dad and I will be returning to work at the hotel thanks to the patience and support of the Wilcox family.  Danny and I have spent the last week trying to be completely self sufficient within the hospital and figuring out what things we still need to learn and figure out.

Our life will be completely different but I'm not sure that either one of us would trade this experience for the knowledge we have gained.  We have learned so much about what is important in life, who is important, and what we want for our life together.

They started Danny on the FES bike a couple weeks ago.  They hook him up to electrodes that stimulate his lower muscles. 

ALSO, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY BBQ ON SATURDAY, JUNE 16 FOR DANNY!  WE ARE NOT FOR SURE WHERE WE WILL DO IT, BUT IT'LL BE 5PM TO 7PM IN REXBURG...SO CLEAR YOUR CALENDAR IF YOU CAN AND COME SAY HI.  DANNY WOULD LOVE TO SEE EVERYONE.

We are also going to have a garage sale at Danny's parents (111 N Center, Rexburg) on the 16th from 9am to 2pm :)  Pass the news on so we can clear out the house!  We are coming home with a manual wheelchair, which is way better than having to have the electric wheelchair that is SO heavy and big and would require a van...

Danny is doing the standing chair this afternoon for the 3rd or 4th time so I'll post pics.  He can make it to fully standing, with the chair doing the standing, without passing out now and they have been able to cut back the dose of his medication for his low blood pressure.  Yeah!

I'm taking over the blog.  I just want to tell everyone thank you so much for all the help and support.  I'm starting to have movement in both my legs.  My discharge date at this point is still set for June 13. 

Thank you to everyone who has come to visit, sent us messages here, sent us cards and financial support.  We could not have done any of this without your help and it is truly appreciated.

It's official!!  Movement in the left leg documented by the therapists!  Wahoo :)

Danny is doing amazing with rehab.  Last week when he was sitting up with Shannon it was a struggle to situp like that for 30 seconds.  This week he can do it for minutes at a time without issue.  He rolled right and left by himself this week.  He can raise his behind up off the mat using his arms and arching his back (learning how to do transfers)...

He is getting additional movement in his fingers back :)  There has been some movement in his legs and feet.  The doctors and therapists sat it is all likely to be involuntary muscle spasms.  Danny and I truly believe that he is regaining some control.  Many of the "involuntary" movements seem to be a natural movement that he has been trying to do that it just delayed.  On more than one occasion he has concentrated on moving his legs/feet together in bed and then moments later the "involuntary" spasm does it.  These spasms just started in the last week or so.  Nurses say they are common in spinal cord injuries but we believe they are sign of Danny's improved pathways.

The trach hole :) Healing up and uncovered for good!

Last day with the trach!!  It came out on Friday at noon.  Wahoo!!

Beautiful Gracie :)

Amy, Robyn, Candace, Mom, Nicole, Jamie, Jessica

Danny, me, Davis (my princess and maid of honor), Billie, Grace (Grace LOVES Billie!!)

Christian, Dad, Troy, Justin, Jeremy

Cody, Danny, Lynn (the best man)

Cutting the cake.  Danny suprised me and had his thereapists help him bake the cake for the wedding!!

Our Care Coordinator, Jody, decorated, bought us a cake, and drinks.  She is AMAZING!

We love you Nicole.  You have been a lifesaver.

Danny got a little too much sun!

Danny and I will be getting married at 1pm on Saturday, April 28 at the University of Utah Medical Center in the Rehab Commons on the 2nd floor.  You can park in the valet section at the hospital lobby entrance (it's been approved)...in the front lobby entrance, up the right hall to elevators labeled A, up to the second floor, right out of the elevator straight down that hall to the end where it then turns right, to the end of that hall, turn left, past the elevators and then right :)  There are signs and lots of people to ask for directions of you get lost.  Everyone and anyone is welcome to come.  It won't be anything fancy or lavish, just Danny and I expressing our love and commitment to each other and we would love to have anyone who would like to share this special day with us and the kids.

No more catheter!!  The trach will hopefully be removed on Friday...the doctor is being extra cautious with that as they do not want to have to put another in if he does have anymore issues with secretions in his lungs.

Danny working with Shannon, his amazing physical therapist!!  Sitting up on his own.  His strength and endurance are getting better everyday.  We are so happy to be here.

Danny has started a regular rehab schedule each day and this has been his first day off :)  He is very excited and motivated as are his therapists.  They are all very optimistic about his potential.  He gains more control of his muscles each day.  Still no movement below the waist but we are still optimistic as each day is better than the last :)  Danny still gets pretty dizzy with quick movements but with some adjustments to his blood pressure medications to help keep it higher he is doing well.  Dealing with Danny's injury on top of the narcolepsy has been a learning experience for the staff here.  He no longer has any infections, fevers, or pneumonia.  We are hoping the trach will be removed tomorrow and the Foley by the end of the week.  No more tubes and wires!!

We went to church today and wedding ring shopping (all here at the hospital).  We are getting married here at the hospital on Saturday.  It has been so nice to be close to Danny's family now and have that support.  We had the kids here with us this weekend and it was awesome.  This experience has sure helped Danny and I realize what things in life are truly important.  And although the experience at the hospital in Meridian was not very positive, we did learn to trust each other and we did meet some amazing people.  I believe that Danny and I needed that time alone to understand each other.

I also added some new pictures to the picture page today.

We transfered to the University of Utah yesterday.  Danny went via ambulance; I followed in the car.  This hospital is very nice and all the staff has been very kind.  They ask Danny how he wants to do everything rather just telling.  The doctors we have been very welcoming, thorough in their explanations, and very caring.  We are very happy to be here.

This morning was VERY scary as Danny coded after being transferred to a chair.  His blood pressure dropped and he quit breathing.  Everything is good now.  Will post more later.

We found out today that the rehab at EIRMC cannot accept Danny based on the level of his spinal cord injury.  We need everyone's prayers that we will be accepted tomorrow at the University of Utah's spine center.  The hospital we are currently in is definitely not for us and we hope to be leaving here tomorrow.

Because we pushed and caused a lot of waves (surprise coming from Danny and I!!)  He is now off the vent and had the ng tube removed (feeding tube inserted through his nose and into his small intestine) and is on solid food today.  He was so happy to eat meat :) (and ketchup)...

The process of dealing with all of these different doctors and staff has definitely been a challenge and we have learned a lot through the process.  It is definitely important to do your own research and not just trust blindly...money definitely makes the world go round for a lot of people.  This experience has brought Danny and I closer together and taught us to trust each other so much more.  I can't believe the issues that we used to think were so big and insurmountable.  The amount of personal growth and knowledge we have each experienced/gained during this time certainly makes coping with the realities more manageable.

Danny says that you for your support to all those who have helped us, loved us, and prayed for us.  He is talking up a storm now!! 

We have learned so much over the past couple of days.

• Sensory and Motor systems in the spinal cord are grouped together, therefore you can easily lose one or the other during an injury.  Danny obviosly still has sensory in his lower half but we are still very unsure if he will have any motor.  If one where to have to chose one or the other, sensory is the better one to have as individuals with paralysis do not die from not be able to move or walk but rather other health issues that may not be aware of because of the lack of feeling. 
• Danny will have the speaking for 4 to 6 hours tomorrow in two hour increments.
• He will start swallow tests on Monday with the tube fooding to hopefully end by the end of the week and back on normal food! 
• New rehab by the end of next week or beginning of the next assuming all goes well with trials this weekend and next week.  Idaho Falls is sounding somewhat promising...we'll see :)

Everyday has it's ups and downs but overall every week has been better than the last.  Danny has been very touched by all the kind words and help.  We are SO thankful to all of our family, friends (present and past) who have helped us, both financially and with their service and open homes/lives.  THANK YOU does not explain the gratitude we feel.  You are each amazing and may your blessings be 100 fold.

Danny left his room for the first time since the accident today! It was a wheel around the hospital and it sure felt like a HUGE step.  No vent, no tubes, no alarms...He was off the vent for most of the day today, only on tonight to rest.  Saturday will be another 12 hours off the vent with the hope of being completely wiened by Monday.  Danny is VERY eager and pushes the doctors and nurses everyday.   He is staying very strong, hopeful, grateful, and positive despite all the variables we do not know.  We have each other and the kids no matter what happens.  What else matters?

Today turned out to be pretty awesome.  We met Michelle, who is charge of respiratory therapy here.  She is an amazing woman and so full of knowledge.  I believe that she is the reason we ended up at this place.  We needed her to appreciate the medical services available now vs 10 or 20 years ago.  Her medical career began in California where she helped invent many of the devices that Danny is currently using to help with his lung issues.  She explained her story and a 10 year old girl who had been paralyzed after a hit and run in a crosswalk and how it all came to be.  Her ideas and inventions were not based on the desire to get rich but make this girl's life better.  It makes us appreciate the sacrifices that others have made.  As our son told me a few weeks ago, the answer to our prayers may be someone else's crisis or our crisis maybe someone else's answer to their prayers.  Good does come from EVERY situation.  It may not always be good for us, but someone's life is somehow made better at some point.  Life truly does have such a ripple effect.

Thank you to EVERYONE who has EVER touched our lives...good and bad.  Our experiences in the past have helped prepare us for the present.  If Danny hadn't spent the time away that he did, I'm not sure he could handle the situation he is in now.  If we didn't have John, we couldn't be where we are now.  So seriously, everything does happen for a reason.  Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and knows what we need to learn during our time here, so just be thankful for whatever you do have at this very moment.  We are just here to learn to be grateful, understanding, loving, empathetic...

The nights are hard.  Danny and I have come up with a little bit of a schedule.  He'd rather not be alone at night as he has had a very hard time sleeping and getting comfortable.  He is exhausted as am I.  I typically stay with him until 5 or 6 am and then I go stay at the Bishop Foote House (owned by St. Lukes Hospital) for a few hours where I have a room.  It is only $15/night and it is a normal house with kitchen and 3 baths.  It is so nice that they let me come stay here, otherwise I'm not sure what we would do.  Things are getting super tight as we still have kids, rent, utilities, car payment, plus travel and stay costs.  I have been working as much as I can via my laptop and the phone but we could use help if anyone has even an extra $20 sometime.  I set up a link on the blog to donate via paypal (<a href="http://iamtotallydesperate.com/?q=user/1537">Make a Donation</a> and also setup an account on Wells Fargo  under Raydene Morgan for donations.  I had to setup under my name as Danny can't write or go to the bank and that was our only option.  We would appreciate any help we can get...

If anyone is coming to town to visit, the Candlewood Suites only charges $59.99 + tax per night if you tell them you are with someone at the Complex Care Hospital.  It is SUPER nice with all rooms having kitchenettes, free breakfast, free laundry, exercise room, spa, good priced food options, and awesome staff.

Danny would LOVE some visitors here in Boise.  I know it is hard for those who come because he doesn't have a voice...but I am pretty good at reading lips and will make sure I am here.  Call me at 208.709.5528 and let me know when you are coming and I will be here to translate :)  The only time I am usually gone is from 5 or 6 am to noon....

Thank you all for your good wishes, love, and support.  It truly is appreciated.

It is hard to stay positive when surrounded by people who are just doing their job.  Like it is anywhere, some of the nurses and doctors seem sincere in their caring but others are obviously not and it is SO frustrating.  I have a hard time sometimes holding my tongue :)  Imagine that!  I just need to remember that they each have lives outside of here and I have no idea what they are going through either...

Danny sat up on the edge of the bed today for a few minutes which is the first time he has sat up without a chair or the bed supporting him.  He got really light headed...said he feels like he got his bum handed to him today. (paraphrased)  He is getting more coordinated everyday with his movements and the breathing without the vent is going well.  Saturday is still the plan for the speaking valve.  We both just want out of this place and somewhere closer to home.  We are ready to get back to life and closer to the people we love.

I'll start posting more pics.  I told Danny today that just because this is going on, it is still our life and we should have memories of it.  There have been a lot of positives in this experience too and Danny and I have each grown so much.  This has definitely changed our perception of life, what's important, and our love for each other and the kids.

His lungs are getting stronger everyday.  He is down to 21% oxygen, which is what we all normally breath and is doing great.  They doubled the length of time for his 3 sessions breathing on his own and will do that each day until he is off the vent.  He gets to wear this awesome vest a few times a day that shakes him to loosen anything in his lungs :)  and then they use a "cough assist"...it's a machine that forces large breaths into his lungs and then sucks them out really fast, acting as a cough.  It brings up a lot and will hopefully keep him from needing another bronchostomy.  Assuming everything stays as clear as it has been, Saturday is the plan for the speaking valve. 

It sounds like they only plan on keeping him here for 10 to 14 more days and then they want to send him to a different rehab.  Burley if he is still on the vent or Idaho Falls (hopefully) if he is off the vent...everything is still very unclear. 

He is getting more feeling back in his legs which they say is a GREAT sign :)  He still has not been able to move below the waist but has feeling everywhere.  He still says it feels different than before but like it is "waking up."  They did some electrical stimulation of his legs today and exercises with his arms and legs.  His arm strength is getting better and the physical therapist says it is good that he does have some strength/movement in his fingers (to grasp) it just means that the muscles are weak.

He is working hard and completely exhausted tonight after a hard day's work.  Everyone here is very positive and they are all  excited about Danny's eagerness and progress.

Danny is completely off of the sedation, has the oxygen turned down to 25%, and is doing awesome.  He was moved out of bed to a chair for a couple hours.  They did 3 sessions of having him breath on his own today and he did great :)  Speaking valve within a couple of days...hopefully the nurses all still think he is as sweet and nice as he has them convinced he is when he has a voice :)

So we are hoping to be out of this rehab and into one closer to home within the next couple weeks :)  Danny has to stay here until the medical issues with his lungs are resolved but then they want him to move to an inpatient rehab to focus just on the rehab of the spinal cord injury.  We are hoping to find something in Rexburg or Idaho Falls but we aren't really sure what our options are yet...

Danny is down to 30% on the oxygen and keeping his levels up :)  Last week he was at 90% to keep his levels up.  Good progress.  He has been having short times throughout the day off the ventilator and has done very well.  They will keep lengthening the time off the ventilator each day until he is strong enough to not need it anymore and then he can get a speaking valve...wahoo!

So I left Boise yesterday and wasn't planning coming back to Boise until Tuesday so I could spend some time with the girls and work but decided to surprise Danny as an Easter present with a visit from all of us today (Me, Lynn, Davis and Grace)...he actually cried when we walked in :)  He is scared and obviously mistrusting (as life has dealt him many unfair blows, including some of my actions in the past) and was so happy.  I went home for one night and it was the most miserable night.  I want nothing but to be with him and to make sure he is taken care of.  No fault of the hospital, but who is there to help him sit up when he needs or help him spit or to comfort him...After all of this has happened, so much about life seems small and unimportant.

It was pure bliss today to have Lynn, Davis, Grace, and Danny all in one room happy.  My life felt whole, complete, and happy.

Thank you John for your patience and understanding.  You are an amazing father and man.  Thank you for all your help!

I will not leave Boise again until he can leave this hospital.  He needs me here and if I were in his position, I woould want/need the same.  I know the kids are well taken care of and I hope that someday they will understand.  I would do the same for them.

I don't know how we will manage everything but I do know that Heavenly Father loves us and we will find a way.  Although I am very prideful (as Danny reminded me yesterday) and I don't want to share this, I feel like it is my duty to share the experiences of our life:

I am completely out of money and as I drove back to Boise tonight (John thankfully met me half way or I wouldn't have had enough gas to get back) I wondered what I will do to wash my laundry, shower, and such...(I can stay with Danny but no showers or anything available)...I got a call from a friend I have had for 20 years...she is in Boise and asked if I needed anything :)  I said, "yes, a shower tomorrow."  The Lord does truly take care of us but we have to have faith.  Danny has always been such a preacher but now I realize that it is just that he has faith and he understands so much more than I ever have.  I am often amazed that he has had the patience to wait for me to understand.

I'm not sure how he even survived this but I thank Heavenly Father everyday for not taking him from us.

We are at

Complex Care Hospital of Idaho

2131 South Bonito Way
Meridian, ID 83642-1659
(877) 801–2244

I'm still not very familiar with the roads here but if you are coming from Rexburg way, it is exit # 46 (Eagle/McCall exit).  Left at the light, get in the right lane...then right on Goldstone into Elderado Business Park...straight through the stop sign into the parking lot :)

Visiting hours are 8am to 8pm daily.

Anyone is welcome although I'm not sure if there is an age requirement for kids, so call first if I haven't posted anything.  You just sign in at the deskon the visitor sheet and get a "visitor" sticker.  He is currently in room ICU9...not sure if or when that will change.  You'll have to get directions to his room at the desk.  It's a maze and he is far from the front door...but no more getting buzzed in.  Wahoo!

They will start weaning Danny from the ventilator tomorrow.  Which means if all goes well, he could have a valve on his trach by Monday so he can talk!!

Danny and Lynn have been playing the xbox :)  Lynn is expecting Danny to practice up so he can be at least a little bit of a challenge for him.  Danny likes all the nurses here and is in good spirits although today was rough as he seemed to have some sort of reaction to his meds or something.  Everyone here has been very kind although I'm sure they all think I'm crazy ;)  Those of you that know me know that I can sure lose it from time to time...but that's why Danny and I fit together so well.

I know very little. I am powerless. I am completely imperfect. Thank God he doesn't leave us here alone and comfortless. I cant tell you how Danny is feeling or what he is thinking.. He has strength when I don't. I dont know how to do this gracefully and I dont know how to help my kids understand all that is going on. I am scared and amazed everyday at the faith and love Danny has. Thank you for loving me Danny

The last few days have been a roller coaster for sure.  Danny's sedation has been taken off and he is dealing with every thing remarkably well.  His spirits are high :)  We found out yesterday that we are having a miscarriage.  It is definitely a hard blow and life can be cruel but Danny reminded that day not to forget that we are the Saturday warriors and we can't let all of this drag us down.  He is an amazing man with more faith than I have ever seen in anyone.  He is definitely rough around the edges but he is pure gold.  I know with more surety everyday that he is my soul mate.

We are going to Boise by ambulance at 8am.  I have a friend following us in my car with our son.  I'm not sure how long we will be able to stay or where we will stay but I have learned that I just have to keep moving forward and have faith that the Lord will help us find a way.

Danny got fitted with a new neck brace yesterday and was THRILLED (to say the least)!!  The old one was rubbing his neck raw.  I have so much more to say but have to work so that I can go to Boise in a few hours.  Will try to post again soon...thank you all for your support and thank you SO much to our friends and our family who have helped so much.  I have had to learn that in order to be the vessel that the Lord needs me to be I have to be willing to be the one who needs help, no always just the helper.  Not sure I like this lesson but obviously it was needed...

We had a good night together.  He is so much more comfortable and smiling.  We both can't wait until we can just lay next to each other in bed and watch a movie together :)  He gets so irritated when he asks me to do things and I say I have to check with the nurse.  He says I worry too much...and I said did you really think just cause you were in an accident that that would change...he laughed. 

His lungs are still pretty congested but a little better everyday.  Danny and I definitely will have to learn patience :)  He is doing great focusing on getting those lungs cleared up  and figuring out how to cough using different muscles.  It is so frustrating for all of us that he cannot use his vocal cords.  They say that they can put a valve on the trach so he can use his vocal cords but they can't do that until he can keep his oxygen levels up on his own....more patience...

He was so glad for all the visitors and love yesterday.  He told me again this morning how great it was and that mom gave him a hug and kiss :)  He has always said how his family are the ones who have always been there for him, even in the worst of times.  Thank goodness for such a wonderful family!!

Today was a good day.  Danny is a lot more comfortable and the sedation is mostly off now.  He is ready to get out of here and ready to start working.  He enjoyed all the visitors he had today.  He had lots of family here today and some friends too :)  He seemed happy tonight...and very tired. 

Danny has a wonderful, supportive family who could fill you in much more on all Danny had to say and do today.  Hopefully they all had as much fun with him today as I did this evening.

Danny is sitting up today and seems to be relatively comfortable.  He has figured out how to get a pretty good whisper out even with the trach.  He obviously wants to go home and is frustrated with the progress but each day is a little better than the last (mostly).  His lungs get a little clearer everyday.  Right now we are waiting to hear about a rehab in Boise.  Hopefully he can go there on Monday and get the rehab started.  It will be so hard for him and all of us to have him go so far away but we will figure it out somehow.

They removed the sedation for most of the day today.  He was definitely back and talking (mouthing, as he still has the trach)  with everyone most of the day.  The short term memory loss has improved substantially!!...and he is definitely Danny.  Sherrie told him today he better clean up his language for Candace's visit tomorrow :)  He smiled.  His strong will is obviously still intacted and he is ready to work.  Danny is still the strongest man I know.  I admire him more everyday.  What I thought I saw in Danny 12 years ago he keeps showing me over and over.  I doubted him then but he can remain wonderful, faithful, and diligent during the toughest trials.  As he mouthed today (and got pissed cause I kept interrupting him with my "what, what, say it again...") "The Lord is my Shepherd"...

There is a spinal cord rehab in Boise that we are trying to get Danny into.  They will move him there as soon as he is accepted, ventilator and all.  We need him to start rehab so we have the best possible outcome. 

Danny was pretty out of it most of the day with all of the medications they are having to give him.

Sitting up (more like laid back in the recliner) didn't last very long.  His oxygen levels dropped.  He is still extremely sedated and out of it most of the time.  They moved him back to his bed after about 10 minutes.  During the move the feeding tube that is up his nose got pulled out so they had to get the radiologist to come to make sure it is where it needs to be...so we've been in the waiting room most of the morning/afternoon.  Nicole and Billie have been here with us today which has been awesome.

Danny was pretty sedated yesterday.  They rolled him over onto his stomach for 8 hours to help his lungs drain.  They sound a little better everyday.  Right now that is the biggest issue.  We can't start working on anything else until they get his lungs cleared up.  He is back on his back this morning and breathing on his own.  They are going to sit him up in a chair around 10:30 this morning for a few hours.  He is progressing, it is just frustratingly slow. 

The doctors and nurses have been really good and patient (as I can be pretty trying to deal with at times).  He says they treat him well when I'm not here, which is a huge relief.  He smiled when I told him about my grouchiness with some of the nurses.  He seems like the quiet sweet one now :) 

They are getting him up now so will post again shortly...

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Yesterday was definitely a roller coaster. Danny still has a lot of lung secretions. They turned the ventilator off yesterday for 1 minute to see how well he can breath on his own. While his breathing seems to be fine, he cannot keep his oxygen levels up on his own so they will do the same test again today. The goal right now is to get his lungs to heal/clear up so they can turn off the ventilator. After the ventilator is turned off then we will wait for them to clear up enough that they can take the trach out. He needs the trach until his lungs are clear enough that they don't have to suction them out for him.

He was awake a lot yesterday and his memory loss seems to have improved substantially. I asked him if he remembers what is going on and he mouthed "DUH!" He is back and definitely still Danny :) He is mouthing a lot of words and obviously super frustrated cause I am not a good lip reader. This will teach us a lot of patience with each other. He should be able to talk to us some once the ventilator is shut off and they show him how to plug the trach so he can force the air past his vocal cords.

I talked the nurses into sitting him up a little more and untying his wrists after making him promise repeatedly that he wouldn't pull on the tubes and neck collar. He did as he promised.
He didn't have the same full range of motion in his arms as he had on Friday when they had to restrain his arms but I am hoping that is just because he has been unable to use them.

Again, I know you are all eager to hear updates on Danny, and I apologize for being slow to post. It is hard to fit in work, kids, and so many trips to Pocatello.

Today will be a better day.

Oh my gosh...I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner but Danny has had his contacts in all this time. No wonder he didn't want to open his eyes!! Took those out and I'm going to order him some glasses today...

Danny is headed in the right direction :) He was awake for awhile this morning before I got here and the nurses said they think he even smiled. They only have him sedated lightly and he didn't become agitated when he woke. He has a lot of secretions in his lungs still and the meds they are giving him cause a lot of mouth secretions which are obviously uncomfortable for him. He looks a lot better today. The puffiness in his arms and legs has gone down and his coloring is really good. I think I'll stay with him for most of the day as I really want to talk to him when he wakes. I wish I could be here every minute.

Dr. Jackson just came in and said his lungs are sounding better today and they will try this afternoon to have him breath on his own for a little while...will keep you posted

Today is a better day :)

Tonight actually turned out pretty darn good :) Danny was awake more than he has been and I know he could hear me and enjoyed listening to the stories of today...just shared my day with him, told him what I ate (as he's always on me to make sure I'm eating well for the baby) and it was kinda nice to make him listen for so long; He's usually the one talking :) I read him the blog and the comments and I can see that he is starting to soak everything in. Please post all your positive thoughts and support; I know he loved hearing them.

Sorry I am slow to post...it has been a stressful day and I finally got an hour alone with Danny and I needed to talk to him. Not for him but for me...

So they put the trach in and everything went fine. They are going to leave him sedated until tomorrow. His lungs are still very congested and the muscles he uses for coughing are not working properly. We still do not know anything more as we really have to wait for his lungs to clear and for him to be stable breathing on his own.

Patience is definitely a virtue. Tomorrow will be a better day.

They are going to do the trach today at 4:30 pm. This will allow them to remove the intabation tube, still be able to suction out his lungs as needed, and hopefully lessen the sedation substantially so he can talk to us!! He will likely be in the ICU for another week and then we would move to the 4th floor. After that a spinal cord rehab...

Danny still has a lot of secretions in his lungs and due to the spinal cord injury the muscles normally used for coughing have become weak. This is why they have not yet removed the intubation tube. They are discussing putting in a trach and removing the tube. They have lessened his sedation this morning to see how much he can cough and the doctors are all discussing if the trach can be put in with the other incision he had for the spinal surgery...

...and I apologize for those of you that haven't been personally told but DANNY AND I ARE HAVING A BABY!! Our due date is November 5.

Danny bit through the intubation tube again tonight. The nurse said he thinks this is a new record...5 times. They put a hard plastic around the tube that he shouldn't be able to bite through and hope that he will only need it for 12 more hours. I sure hope so...I miss talking to my best friend.

I am starting this blog to keep everyone updated on Danny. I think this will be easier than trying to keep everyone updated via text. I also want to apologize to Danny's wonderful family whom I flipped out on today. This is a hard time for everyone and I was selfish in my self-pity. I hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. All that matters is that Danny is alive. I can't imagine life without him...

Danny was in a car accident on Thursday, March 22, 2012 around 6pm near Malad. He was heading to pick up his car that had broke down in Tremonton. He was driving a Ford F150 and pulling a car trailer. We don't know any details of the accident but that he was transported from the accident scene to Malad Hospital and then life flighted to Portneuf in Pocatello.

He has two huge lacerations on his head (about 12" long on each) that have been stitched up. He had a brain bleed that the doctors say is doing fine. He cracked his sternum, has 5 fractures in his neck, bruised a lung, and broke a finger on his left hand.

He was awake and talking to me in the ER at Portneuf. He didn't remember anything that happened and we would have to repeat everything to him every few minutes as the head trauma caused short term memory loss. He became very agitated because he couldn't remember/understand what was going on so they had to sedate him heavily. They ran multiple MRIs and a MRA. They determined that the force of the accident caused a compression of his spinal cord at C6 and C7 which is what they believe is causing the paralysis from his chest down.

We opted for surgery Friday morning to fuse and stabilize his neck and reduce the narrowing of his spinal column at C6 and C7. While doctor doesn't believe that this will repair the paralysis there is a slight chance and at this point there is nothing to lose. He currently has a pick line, is intubated, and heavily sedated. He will be in a neck collar for a few months.

Danny is still intubated today. Although they where aiming at removing the tube today, Danny lungs weren't strong enough as he now has pneumonia. They had turned down the sedation so that he could wake up and they could see if he would be able to breath on his own through the tube and keep his oxygen levels up on his own. Although he did well breathing on his own, he oxygen levels did not stay up. They will try again tomorrow. They don't want anyone with him while they wake him as he becomes so agitated because of the tube.

We won't know until the tube has been removed and he can talk if the short term memory loss has improved. The doctors are unsure if that is permanent or if it will get better. He still has not moved below the chest. He has use of his arms but has some loss of the use of his triceps (as of the last test they could do with him on Friday). That may have improved but we will not know until they have lessened the sedation and can have him do the tests. Before they sedated him on Friday, he did have some feeling in his legs and feet but could not move them. We don't know if he still has that feeling until we can talk to him.

Tonight the nurses said that his lungs are sounding clearer.