Updates from yesterday and today on Pat Mackin. Update from 12/11/14 Update on Pat from Caring Bridge: Pat s halo was adjusted and he was cleared to moved up to a 90 degree seated position today after a series of X-rays were done in multiple positions. The neurosurgical team will keep a close watch to see if there is any more shifting, and they have yet to determine whether he will require the fusion surgery. We are now in a wait and see mode regarding this. Pat is being weaned off of the Fentanyl pain drip to an oral pain medication that is administered through his feeding tube. In theory this medication will last longer, but he will still receive an IV pain med push when needed. Pat was in a lot of pain today. An occupational therapist came in to work with Pat - basically moving and stretching his limbs to keep the circulation going and to keep him limber. He was not able to move anything on his own today. I think he was pretty wiped out by the intense pain. Pat was also placed in the special chair to get him sitting up to assist his circulation, breathing and prevent infection. The goal is to get him up three times a day for a few hours. I watched medical staff placing him in this chair - it was quite the process and very painful for Pat. He went to sleep immediately after sitting up, but it seemed like his breathing was easier. Pats hemoglobin count was low, so he received two units of blood today as well as antibiotics. He still has the right chest tube in, although the fluid output is less. From 12/10/14 Update from Caring Bridge: Today was a difficult day. I want everyone to remember that Pat is still in the SICU and considered critical but stable. This morning Pat underwent a tracheotomy and PEG (feeding tube surgically placed in stomach through abdominal wall). This surgery went well, and Pat now has all of the tubes out of his mouth and nose. After surgery X-rays were taken to check the alignment of Pats C-2 and the neurosurgery team found that there had been a shift and that his spine is unstable. His spinal chord is still intact, and at this time it is not confirmed whether the shift was due to the tracheotomy (which was a necessary procedure) or because of the overall instability in his neck. The tendons that support the neck were injured in the accident as well. The neurosurgeon is leaning towards spinal fusion at this time, but wants to X-ray Pat each time he is moved in any way. At the time I left for the night he was restricted to lying flat on his back with no movement overnight. The neurosurgeon did say that he feels there will be a good outcome for recovery with Pats stroke. I held his right hand today and he signaled to me with his left that he could feel me holding it, so that seems to be a good sign. Facial surgeons looked at Pat today because of his broken nose and orbital bones and the fact that his right eye is currently oriented inward. Because he was sedated for the morning procedure and now cannot be moved they will examine him in a few days. They feel that this will just take time to heal, and the breaks in his face are in line and do not need to be adjusted. If all goes well, physical therapists and occupational therapists will begin to work with him ASAP to work on sitting tolerance and gets his limbs moving. If I didnt mention it earlier, I want everyone to know that Pats saxophones are safe at home. Minneapolis Police officers went to the scene of the accident and retrieved them from St. Paul Police officers and kept them in a safe place until a lieutenant from the Fourth Precinct delivered them to my house. I want to thank everyone from both police departments, but especially Minneapolis, for their support. The MPD has been a savior to me! Everyday is small steps - some forward and some back. I am trying to concentrate on one day at a time. - Jeanine
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:06:26 +0000
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