Lauren Graham

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UPDATED September 23, 2009

RE: Lauren update as of September 22, 2009

It has been a month since I last wrote.  So, there are several things to report.  However, Lauren would like this to be the last update I write.  It is awkward for her, at this point, to feel the center of attention, and to feel as though her life is being documented for so many to see.

Lauren has continued in her sculpture class, 6 hours a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays.  She is doing really well in this class and they have just wrapped up their plaster sculptures. They will now begin a project with wood.  Her teacher, who has been wonderful, is also working with her on an independent study.  If she were to not do this, her student loan would come due in November.  Her summer would even have eaten up her grace period.  When speaking with the lender on the phone she repeatedly said, “I understand”.......sorry, but I don’t think so.  So we are waiting for all of the paperwork to process, a new accounting statement, and the lender to be notified that she is now taking 6 credit hours, which will satisfy their “part-time” requirement.  Though Michell’s law applies to the Insurance Companies, and we have all of the necessary documentation from the neuro-surgeon, it does not apply to lenders.    We had a meeting with someone in disability concerns this past week and they are working with us to allow Lauren the compensations she will need with her brain injury.  They will give her a note taker in her class, allow her free xeroxing of notes, and allow her to schedule her tests/exams in their exam room, with extra time and no distractions.  As long as she is an ISU student, she can request any of these compensations she feels she needs.  We are also now aware of more handicapped parking that is accessible for us.  Yesterday Lauren went for the "Nexus" training, which showed her how to go about scheduling her exams from her computer.

So, Lauren is doing a 3-D  independent study with various levels to challenge her.  We have been purchasing and preparing.  It has aspects that we can take with us to the Feast in the WI Dells, which is very helpful.  Once back from the Feast, she will have to really crack down on this project.  But, since some therapy will be wrapping up, that will allow her more time to do this various aspects of this project.

We currently go for therapy to OSF in Peoria on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and usually Fridays.  She had 3 re-assessments today, in Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Physical Therapy.  PT & OT are both preparing to release her soon.  We will also be wrapping up the warm-water therapy at Easter Seals next week, the 29th, which is good timing, since her instructor is due with her baby at the same time.   (We did get to meet our local "celebrity", Jake Grys, who is 9 and has brittle bone disease, and their home was the January 11th Extreme Home Makeover show.)

Speech Therapy has improved BEAUTIFULLY over the last month!  Her memory continues to improve, and the therapist has her remembering and repeating up to 7 things, backwards, and quite often the opposite word of what she was told.  ie: hot/cold, wet/dry.  It is a challenge for me! The Speech Therapist told her today that she is "normal" and we need to now work on speed.   As we drive the 35-40 minutes each way, each day, we quite often play Taboo or word games.  Terri Cortelyou was kind enough to let us borrow her Sequence game, but we have been keeping our eyes peeled at Good Will and Salvation Army.  We found a new, unopened Sequence this past week for $1.99.  We also found Taboo and a second Scrabble game for the same price!  We have a large bowl of Scrabble tiles on the kitchen counter that we usually spend time with each evening. On Friday nights the rules change and we can ONLY use proper names from the Bible.  We are doing everything we can to improve brain function, along with just allowing her quiet time each day.

Her vision has continued to improve, however at a much slower rate.  There are still dead spots, one in each eye, along with no depth perception.  Her drivers license will expire right after the Feast and that is just the way it needs to be right now.  We are glad that the dead spots continue to get smaller, though!

For some time now Lauren has been walking without any assistance.  She is in a “regular” pair of tennis shoes, that we bought big to allow for the swelling of the left foot.  We went to the orthopedic surgeon a few weeks ago and he said the plate will definitely need to be removed.  As she walks the tendon rubs over the plate in there and will develop really bad scar tissue over time.  We go again on the 30th and he will do another x-ray. If one of the screws is working its way up, he will want to remove everything right away. We do not anticipate this. The current plan is to have the plate removed over Christmas break.  Unlike the past surgery, though, she will be allowed to walk on it immediately.

One thing that has been VERY exciting to see first hand, daily, is the fact that Lauren’s Bible knowledge is still there.  Her Ambassador Bible Center experience and knowledge is just right there!  God has been so merciful! I can not tell you how much it has meant to us to have the support of so many who, in many cases, experienced much the same experiences in their lives.  There are many who have lost their children in car accidents, had Traumatic Brain Injuries themselves, had family members who had brain injuries with less favorable results, or have experienced very similar circumstances, and have been incredible prayer warriors for us and our situation, along with being by our sides physically at BroMenn hospital!  We are SOOOOO  VERY grateful to EVYONE!! Lauren has received over 460 cards, and many gifts. In fact, we hang our heads in shame that we are still not caught up on the thank you’s we need to write!  We are forever indebted to everyone.  The love and concern that has gone into each card that was sent has been very heartwarming and appreciated. 

This entire experience has been an amazing opportunity for us on several levels, along with  letting our lights shine.  This has been an opportunity for God to build incredible faith in our lives, and wonderful relationships that were not there before.  God has seen to every little detail!  We are so grateful to Him and to each of you.  There are 2 songs that have continued to come to mind for me, "Praise You in the Storm”, and the one that states that, “Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child”.  And my favorite scriptures have now become, I Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks:” Paul’s short & sweet verses really say a lot to me.  We have so very much to be thankful for, including each of you and your diligent prayers!

For those of you going to the Feast, I hope you have safe journeys and a Wonderful Feast!!

With love and appreciation,

Susan, Ken, & Lauren

UPDATED August 24, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

I apologize for writing again so soon, but there has been a lot going on in Lauren's life. I am hopeful that the next update that is written will be written by Lauren herself!

There were a few things I failed to mention last week. The Neuro Surgeon said that he did not need to see Lauren again until next year!! That was very nice to hear. (We found out that Dr. Seibly is from MI, which explains why we like him so much.)

Also, I failed to mention that her vision has continued to improve, those it is far from "normal". She has what we call a "dead spot", though it is really more like a large "star" that she would get in her vision when her blood sugar is too low. The double vision continues to clear up, especially when her head is up tall and looking forward, not tilted.

We have another appointment in 2 weeks with the orthopedic surgeon. He did point out that Lauren should not have a problem with arthritis in her foot over time, since she really had no injury to any of the joints.

Dr. Carnahan changed Lauren's supplements quite a bit to allow for less nausea. She does not need nausea right now. She will remain on the Alzheimer's supplement, Neurochondria, for around a year. We go back to see Dr. Carnahan in 2 months.

On Monday we went to ISU for the first day of classes. Photography II was the first class. Lauren has not used the book before that he uses for his class. The reading assignment for the first day was 110 pages. The class will be shooting black and white on manual cameras (and medium format cameras) with light meters. This is what Lauren did at ICC already. With her vision off and the heavy dark room use, along with the B/W chemicals, we dropped that class. Her advisor, Nancy, has been just wonderful to work with!!

The afternoon class is sculpture. That went well. The instructor, who is Jewish, is very nice. In fact, when given the church's letter for excused absence for the Feast Days, she was very accommodating.

I still have a little research to do as far as Lauren's loan. I am fearful that if she is only doing 3 credit units this semester that it will use up her 6 month grace period on her college loan, and that her college loan will come due immediately when she graduates. Her advisor has offered an independent study, but I am not sure it is doable, along with all of the therapy right now.

Her tuition was due on Friday, and Wednesday we got that paid, along with getting her parking pass. The nice thing is that with her handicapped placard, she paid less for her parking pass for this year.

Both Tuesday, yesterday and today at PT, they have had her up on her left foot more and more. She can make her usual geriatric statement with her 4 legged cane, or she can walk with just one crutch now. I have a feeling she will be in a bit of pain tomorrow after all of her OT and PT today. She was re-evaluated in both yesterday and she will not need much more OT. However, this is when they will pick up the pace on the PT, with waling, jumping and eventually running. (Today we returned the wheel chair. That was a good feeling.)

Each time we have Speech Therapy, I see an improvement. The rewiring of the brain to draw out the knowledge that is there continues to happen. We thank God daily for His intervention and continual involvement in Lauren's healing. Thank you all very much for your part in this process!!

On Tuesday Nicole's flights from Ohare and DFW went on time and safely. We are already missing her, however, it is nice that she is back home with her husband, Kelly, who was REALLY missing her! (UNM starts for them on Monday.) We look forward to having Nicole with us at the WI Dells this year for the Feast of Tabernacles. The timing on her return could not have been better! She left just about the time Lauren is oked to start getting around more on her own! It is perfect, as has been all of God's timing in this entire process.

On a personal note: Thank you all too for your many prayers for all of the us, not just Lauren. I know it is those prayers that have kept me in good health, and able to remain well. This has been a huge blessing! thank you!!!

Have a wonderful Sabbath.

Love and appreciation,

Susan

UPDATED July 24, 2009

Dear Family and Friends, 

This past Thursday, the 16th, Nicole and Lauren went to the Field Museum and enjoyed the Pirates exhibit that is currently there. We packed ourselves up to depart RIC.  Our rented wheel chair was delivered, and we had a lovely visit with John Barbush.  We also found out that, though it was Lauren's 21st birthday on Friday, she would not be able to consume alcohol....for two years.  The doctor had failed to tell us this and the PT mentioned it.  So, Friday morning I asked the Doctor about it. Since Lauren's greatest chance of seizure is for the first 2 years and alcohol can be a trigger, she should avoid it for 2 years.   So, Nicole and I will do so also.  It is the least we can do.   

Friday morning Lauren did not receive the blood thinner, and we were very grateful to be done with that.  We were given discharge instructions and left around 10:00 a.m.  We stopped at the Family Christian Book Store in Joliet and bought Lauren Francesca Battistelli's, "My Paper Heart" cd.  When we arrived home there was a banner and a lovely balloon bouquet to greet her. She also had several "care packages here waiting for her. I had called Ken to have him chill a bottle of Trader Joe's sparkling blueberry juice.  It was very good.  She took right to using the walker Van Baker provided, getting herself around the house quite nicely.  The Radebaugh's bath bench has been a real blessing too.  It provides safety and privacy both.  How nice it is to be "home" and have her sleeping in her own bed again!! 

Sabbath we went to Canton for church and it was nice to see so many come to Canton for church & to see Lauren. 

On Monday my sister, Laura, arrived around noon.  It is very nice to have her here, to have the added help.  Monday I also spoke with the Neuro Opthamologist from Chicago.  We agreed to not fill the prescription with the prisms in it, since Lauren 's eyes have changed so much since we had the appointment with him on Thursday. We will give her eyes until Monday the 3rd of August to see if they have plateaued a bit and we could, if we need,  have her examined again and fill a totally new prescription.  In the mean time he will look into if there is a Neuro Opthamologist  in Peoria, Springfield, Bloomington/Normal, or Champaign, or if we will need to go back up to Chicago.  She is diligently doing her eye exercises throughout the day.    

Lauren had a speech evaluation and an occupational therapy evaluation Tuesday.  We also went by the Peoria Fencing Academy, where she worked, (and hopes to again soon).  Coach, along with the children and the other teachers, were all very glad to see her.  Later this morning we see the case manager at OSF Rehabilitation, and Lauren will have more evaluation. We will probably begin therapy 5 days a week, starting next week.  The goal, from RIC, was to have her do 5 days a week. 

We already received our temporary handicapped placard that will go through the end of January.

Lauren's left foot is finally healing up better.  It is still quite swollen and there is still a lot of scabbing on it from the surgery, but it is starting to really look good.  Initially it had looked like you blew up a black balloon, so some swelling and scabs is looking great now. 

Mentally is still, and going to be, our biggest hurdle.  Every day there is vast improvement, but the simplest thing can stump her, especially if there is background noise or distractions.  We appreciate VERY MUCH everyone's continued prayers for her healing and restoration of her brain.  Thank you very much for the support, love and prayers that have gotten her thus far.  (And the nearly 400 cards she has received.)  We are very grateful! 

With love and appreciation, 

Susan

UPDATED July 17, 2009

Dear Family and Friends, 

We are very grateful that things continue to progress rapidly in the direction of healing.  Since the ENT appointment on Tuesday Lauren's volume continues to return.  Tuesday night she made her first phone call from her cell phone to Debbie Pennington (before she leaves to visit her sister for the rest of the month).  She has sung a few lines here and there with Nicole, but the main problem is remembering the parts (alto, tenor, or soprano) along with the notes. It will also be quite a while before she had the multi-octave range she always had. 

Yesterday Ken came up for a the afternoon and part of the evening.  He got to see her learn many techniques we will be using at home to deal with bathing, stairs, steps, and car transfers.  With in just hours of requesting (locally) a standard walker, crutches and a bath bench, we had all three to borrow.  (Ken is going to Bloomington/Normal today to collect the items from the Radebaugh's and Van Baker.)  Insurance will cover the cost of the rented wheel chair, which I just received a call about, and it should be here around 08:00pm tonight.

This morning Lauren received the last blood thinner injection and we are now "med-free", which we are very grateful for.  She is taking Neurochondria for the brain, but it is a natural vitamin based product.  I did not wake Lauren early this morning to use the bathroom (like we usually do around 04:30 am, and go back to bed).  She slept through and her bladder managed to do fine.  

Things continue to be very scrambled with the brain.  For someone who normally writes, edits, and has not problem with writing  & reading skills, it is tough to watch her struggle to read something and struggle even more to process it and write a short paragraph about what she read.  It comes out so scrambled.  This mornings speech therapy went much better and Nicole & I continue to see great improvement daily.  It was VERY nice to see the words "final patient schedule" on the bottom of today's therapy schedule.

This morning we had our appointment with the neuro ophthalmologist, Dr. Zost.  Two days ago Lauren's double vision was more side by side but today it seems to be more one above the other, with the left object slanted.  He did an examination and wrote a prescription for special lenses.  He says that the optimum healing in the brain for the eyes is in the first 6 months.  Her eye alignment is disrupted, with some crossing going on, and one eye going up more and the other tracking down more.  He says the special lenses will speed the healing as they will help the brain to reorganize itself even quicker.  He also gave her exercises to do.   Just a week ago if she reached to touch something she was way off mark by up to 2 inches.  Today  that is greatly improved.  As things begin to improve she will probably start to see double vision again and need to have another prescription for a while.  

We are headed to the Field Museum this afternoon, as  soon as therapy is done.  Nicole and Lauren wouldn't want to miss the special pirates exhibit going on now.  Tonight, thankfully, is our last night.  We had a suggestion that if we feel too isolated we could install a camera in Lauren's bedroom when we get home.   :)     SOOOO NOT happening!

The therapists have all been wonderful and have given me may materials to work with on our own, including xeroxes of "assignments" to continue to get the brain working quicker & rebuilding what used to be there....and still is, just needs to be brought out again.

Our neuro surgeon in Normal, Dr. Seibly, recommended RIC and OSF in Peoria as his top choices of rehab.  OSF, near us in Peoria, is not in our insurance network.  However, yesterday, the case worker, Susan, came to me and told me that when she called OSF they agreed to take Lauren, and will write off the remaining percentage that is not covered by insurance, which I believe will be 20%.  Even Dr. Brkic said that this just "doesn't ever happen".  So, starting Tuesday Lauren will continue rehab in Peoria at OSF, as an out patient from home.

Tomorrow morning we will eagerly head home, and at 03:43pm Central time  we will cheer as Lauren turns 21!!  Sabbath we eagerly awaiting being with some of you at church (& Bible Study) in Canton. 

God has been very merciful to us throughout this entire trial.  Lauren is one of God's many miracles!!  Thank you all for your part in making this the case!!  We wish we had the time to thank each of you personally, but we know you understand that we just can't. 

With much appreciation and love,

the Graham's

UPDATED July 4, 2009

Greetings: 

Here is today's update from Susan which just came in.

Best Regards,

Ken

Dear Family and Friends,

I am writing as the sun is setting, entering Sabbath #4 that Nicole & I will not be able to attend church and fellowship with  many of you.  I really am missing that!!  I will certainly have a whole new appreciation of going to services when this is all done.

God's mercy is amazing.  We are going by leaps and bounds in the physical area.  Lauren is transferring herself from bed to chair, etc, quite nicely.  The PT had 2# weights on her legs today.  Though the left foot is to be non-weight bearing, she can lay on the mats and exercise it very nicely.  She is also developing great upper body strength again using the walker to walk about 100-110 feet today.

The speech therapist had an easier time of things today. We were VERY pleasantly surprised.  She gave Lauren flash cards to read and then find the object.  She did really well.  We also had her  write on paper and it made perfect sense.  God  is doing an awesome healing for her!  They are talking about giving her a  med for attention and to help Lauren focus.  We will see how she does over the week end before the Doctor is approached on it on Monday.  I am praying the attention span will be near normal and we can avoid any further medications. (The ONLY med I am currently allowing is the necessary blood thinner, to prevent blood clots, since her leg is so inactive.)  And again this morning at 05:45a.m. I woke up to hear the nurse trying to wake Lauren to "take your medicine" and I stopped her immediately since it is a med I AM refusing and the Doctor has not yet gotten it off her chart.  (I have already talked to the nurse she will have until 07:00a.m. tomorrow and clarified it for tomorrow morning.)  Yes, it is a bit exhausting staying on top of everything.  I am SO thankful to have Nicole here!  One of us can watch over Lauren while the other goes for dinner, gets a shower, runs some laundry, etc.

Lauren is still holding things about 3 inches from her right eye to see, while squinting with her left.  She has a "right inattention".  We do not know how much it will heal on her own, therapy will help correct, or how much God will just choose to heal the vision!  When we are out and about she seems to see just fine at a distance.  There is amazing architecture all around to see, marble, granite, plants, etc and she loves it.

Today we got another 3 hour pass, used the restroom and headed out in her wheel chair again.  We toured around, went to Starbucks, bought her a blackberry beverage and shopped at Trader Joe's.  On Tuesday the Museum of Contemporary Art is free admission.  We are right across the street from Northern University's School of Law.  As I write, Nicole and Lauren are sitting in the cafeteria, overlooking Lake MI, watching the people pour in at Navy Pier for the 4th of July fireworks.  Nicole is reading from her Bible to Lauren.  Earlier today Nicole started reading and showing the cards to Lauren that she has received!  She is absorbing it now and is so thrilled to have received them!!!  THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!

We have the Knochel's little electric cooler, which is serving 2 purposes, that of "white noise" and breakfast/lunch items for Nicole and me.

And the great hand crocheted hat from Debbie Pennington has done triple duty!  Because Lauren has such a huge area of her head shaved, the hat covers that & keeps her head warm when we go on our "road trips" when it is windy or cool.  Also, we have started braiding Lauren's long hair and tucking the braid up under the hat, which keeps her better focused on her therapy.  I am praying for no more meds and a good attention span.

The therapists have all been great, though the facility/doctors don't impress me.  Each therapist has had wonderful ideas that we can continue with throughout the day, so the therapy continues (from us) all day long.  We want to be 100% and home! (Since, personally, I am tired of having spent the last 3 weeks in rooms with "monitors" (cameras) in the room. )

As I watch the suffering, both her and in the hospital, it makes my heart ache, and makes me pray more fervently that God will speed His son's return!  This world needs Him so badly!

Thank you all so very much for your prayers!  God is doing some rapid, amazing healing.  Have a wonderful Sabbath.

Much love,

Susan

UPDATED June 27, 2009 8:56 PM

Greetings: 

We have had many answered prayers again today, we can't thank you all enough for your prayers.  Our amazing day began at 3:30 a.m. when Lauren managed to get her mittens off, and then solved her discontent by removing her own feeding tube.  :>)  Then at 9 a.m. the nurse removed her catheter, so Lauren proceded to have the most peaceful sleep she's had in a couple of weeks.  Since 4:50 p.m. when the speech therapist and Susan woke her, she has been eating, sitting up in a chair and awake.  

She smiled big when Josh Arnold came to visit after church.  She picked up Susan's cell phone off the bed and began pushing buttons to find the pictures in it of her cats.  (Instinctive behavior for teens and young adults :>)  Susan gave her her own cell phone and she began pushing buttons like she always does (but with her left hand).  With her right collar bone fractured and more stitches in the right arm, she doesn't use the right hand often. 

Lauren fed herself grapes and a strawberry, then took Kiwi off of a spoon (cut up).  She's holding the cup and drinking with the straw.  She's smiling at many things.  

The only thing she hasn't tried yet is verbal communication.  She has not spoken, although she's tried and lipped words, but hasn't said anything yet. 

Thank you all for your prayers again.  She makes all these giant steps but after a few hours, tires and needs to sleep again. 

Best Regards,

Ken and Susan

UPDATED June 26, 2009 2:02 PM

Greetings:

We've now moved upstairs to the 5th floor in the Neuro area and have a wonderfully large private room.

The nurses keep talking about her accident and things related to it and Lauren was not comprehending as she just really became alert this morning.  So about 2 a.m. when Lauren became alert and cognative, Susan explained to her about the car accident.  Now she at least understands why she is here.  

Today she has returned!  Lauren didn't remember the "accident" conversation or even that Nicole her sister has been here.  Clearly the brain has been healing and shut down in many ways up until now. However, I suspect this will continue on and off for a while yet. 

She is awake, processing, herself, and no fever!  Lauren promised my wife Susan that she would NOT pull the feeding tube and Susan has had her mittens off her hands (they were on to prevent her from getting a grip on any of the feeding tubes, catheters or IV's).  But while semi-conscious she tried to pull them anyway - Ha.  She does not like all those tubes and connections. 

Her strength & determination will serve her well in the next stage -- she has been accepted into RIC (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago).  

She has been studying the stitches in her left palm and has explored & scratched at her head stitches.  She even tried with her left hand to feed herself some applesauce this morning.  

The right hand was injured more as was the right side of her head so it is less active even though she is right-handed.  I suspect the right hand will become more active again when the right side of the brain (or left side, I didn't take physiology or anatomy) heals up some more.  

I have thanked God repeatedly for every little bit of progress she's made.  Thank you all for your prayers too.  We've had so many cards and emails and calls I don't know how we'll every respond to them all. 

Much love to you all,

Ken and Susan

 UPDATED June 25, 2009 6:48 PM

Greetings:

We've had three days now of very slow to negative progress.  They ran an EEG on her brainwave activity and there apparently is a slowing of activity in the frontal lobe area, which is consistent with her cognitive responses over the last 3 days.  Lauren has been a little less responsive in the last 3 days then she was before.  The slowing of the frontal area, probably indicates some damage there that is now healing, so it has become inactive at the moment.  The MRI last week did not indicate physical damage except in one area on the back right hand side of her head.  However, we know there were more areas than that less damaged but which had less swelling.  There were 4-5 tiny spots of dried blood scattered throughout the brain area, but most swelling was in the back right hand side.  

Now it is apparent that is not the only area of damage.  I guess I should have guessed the front did receive some damage too, as the area just above her right forehead has many stitches in the scalp.  Now we'll have to be patient as this area heals too. 

Lauren has been moved to the 5th floor of the hospital now, but because of her high heart rate, we don't want her getting too stimulated while the brain is healing.  She was barely O.K.'d to move up here because of the heart rate.  So visitors are fine but we won't want to have folks right in her room, until we can get her relaxed enough for the heart rate to go down and a little more healing occurs.  Those who come to visit we'll probably just visit with you in the 5th floor lounge.  

Susan and I would certainly solicit your prayers for the frontal lobe area to heal, and come back "on-line" again.  

Thank you all again.

Best Regards,

Ken

UPDATED June 25, 2009

11:36 PM June 24 report

Greetings: 

There were so many people in the ICU waiting room today, Kelly Gard (my son-in-law) and I were unable to set up computers with internet and get anything done.  There was hardly a chair to be found.  Every room in ICU was full and there were many families there visiting them. 

So Update XIX I just sent as I got home this evening from last night.  

Here is what happened today.  We had a little regression today. 

Lauren's temperature dropped in the early morning this morning but came back again at mid-day.  They've ruled out pneumonia and possible spinal fluid infection.  I asked the surgeon if the lower temperatures she's experienced could come from the brain trying to heal itself and dealing with the bruising?  He said yes that was possible, but he wanted to rule out anything else that might be dangerous.   I feel that the temperature may be coming from the overdose.  But I'm not a doctor. 

Susan and I believe, as does the neuro surgeon that she's been overdosed on sedatives and pain-killers.  She had the shakes yesterday and today (days with almost no pain killers or sedatives).  I felt she had finally stopped shaking this evening at about 7 p.m. (typically about 48 hours to get the medications out of her system). 

At about 8 p.m. I had a discussion with the nurse who wanted to give her 25 units of Fentonyl ( a pain killer, this is a fairly low one time dose).  She felt it was necessary because Lauren's heartbeat had been up for over an hour.  I expressed that perhaps it was up and had been up today as her system was trying to process out all of the medications? 

She was insistent that it was needed.  Susan stayed to talk with the surgeon again about all this and whether, if necessary, wasn't there something else they could give her?  

I'll find out from Susan later what was given.  In the mean time Lauren has been sleeping most of the day,  Although she wakes up for short periods and is somewhat responsive during those times.  

She did take a whole cup of applesauce this morning for lunch and some water by spoon.  This shows she's swallowing again!  However, its been a couple of days since she came off the breathing and feeding tube so they put a much smaller tube down through her nose to the stomach to get some nourishment into her.  She can swallow but she isn't getting enough by spoon to sustain her.  Hopefully, if tomorrow is a good recovery day for her and she can start to eat more, they'll take that tube out too. 

That's about it for today.  We've had our two steps backward yesterday and today, so I'm praying for some steps forward tomorrow and the next day. 

Thank you for your prayers -- everyone. 

Best Regards,

Ken

11:18 AM June 24 report

Greetings: 

Dr. Seibly, Laurens primary neurologist and surgeon, because of her temperature today felt it necessary to do a lumbar tap, or the procedure to take a sample of spinal fluid from the spine.  This is to identify or rule out infection in the brain and spinal column.   We'd hoped to avoid this but he is performing the procedure as I write this, and I'll hold it for the 30 minutes or so it takes for him to do it so I can include his assessment of how it went.

The fluid will have to go to the lab.  Initial return on what the red cell and white cell count is, and whether bacteria is present will come back tonight late, but it will take 48 hours to do a minimum culture to identify the bacteria if it is present.  If he finds bacteria present he'll begin an anti-biotic immediately.  

A temperature of what Lauren had is not untypical of brain trauma.  They can come about as simply a part of the healing process.  Doctors like to rule out the other possible causes though, before they become serious. 

UPDATED June 23, 2009 6:23 PM

Greetings: 

The x-ray of Lauren's lungs was clear, no pneumonia.  However, her temperature is 100.9 degrees.  They've given her at little Tylenol for the temperature.  At 101 they will again want to do a spinal tap to check the spinal fluid for infection.  We'd really prefer they didn't have to do that.  I've again anointed her for the temperature and breathing.  She's resting but breathing is difficult for her.  They come in and put the oxygen on her with a small vaporizer with a solution to help her be able to cough and clear out her lungs and throat twice a day.  This works well for an hour or so, but then she's breathing pretty hard again after that.

Your prayers for the temperature and breathing would be appreciated.

Thanks again,

Best Regards,

Ken

UPDATED June 23, 2009 4:00 PM

Greetings: 

A number of things are in the works.  First, the foot surgeon Dr. Paul said they redressed her foot this morning.  He will redress it again in a week and remove the stitches.  

Her neuro surgeon said he will remove the stitches from her head probably Friday.  They may move her to a neuro room tomorrow. 

They have done the x-ray and we are awaiting the results of it and the cultures they took this morning as well (regarding the fever and possible pneumonia).  

Lauren has been asleep for several hours, breathing heavily.  She is un-sedated at the moment, yet sleeping very soundly.  She did swallow applesauce on her own this morning, and tried for a graham-cracker, not too successfully. 

We'd appreciate your prayers regarding the fever and possible pneumonia. 

The dietitian is trying to work with Susan on Lauren's many food issues. 

The case worker is working on rehab for Lauren, God willing, in Chicago.

That has the neuro surgeons top 5 choices of facilities.  :)  

Best regards,

Ken and Susan

UPDATE June 23, 2009 3:18 PM

Greetings: 

This morning they left the sedation on Lauren allowing her to continue sleeping after an exhausting day yesterday.  She has a temperature today, and they are afraid it might be pneumonia.  (Wish they could have taken the tube out sooner).  They'll be taking her down for an xray to check her chest and see.  Obviously, we are hoping that it isn't pneumonia.

This is the nature of brain trauma, two steps forward and one step back.  

I will send another update when we know what that it is or isn't pneumonia. 

Thank you again for all your prayers.  So many people praying at this point I can't even estimate the numbers.  Thank you. 

Best regards,

Ken

UPDATED June 22, 2009 2:40 PM

Greetings: 

Great news!  We came in and were ushered right into ICU.  The Respiratory doctor took her off the breathing machine and pulled the tube this morning!  She had good breathing scores and was responsive to commands early this morning so they took her off.  She's been off pain killers and sedatives for about 3 hours now, and is beginning to get tired.  She is responding to our voices, although too many at once becomes confusing and frustrating.  We gave her some drips of water off of a sponge when she nodded her head she wanted water.  

Her eyes open and close frequently still.  But when open she looks at you and listens and moves her lips trying to talk.  The condition of her throat will prohibit that for a day or so. 

She's coughing up quite a bit of flem, as her lungs and throat clear out.  

I suspect they will have to give her something to help her sleep in a few more minutes as she can't sustain the excitement much longer without rest. 

Thank you all for your prayers.  Now we have the therapy road for a while yet to go.

Best regards,

Ken

UPDATED June 22, 2009 Midnight

Greetings: 

Today has been mostly a day of waiting.  She's been heavily sedated (and a large amount of pain killer) at the surgeon's request, giving the brain quiet time to heal.  Tomorrow they will give here 2 "sedation vacations."  This is where they turn the sedation off for a period of time and reduce the pain killer to see how she "surfaces" and does or does not respond to commands.  (commands like "squeeze my hand, wiggle your toes, open your eyes.")  This is done once on each shift with the shift change in nurses.  

I've been negligent and not given people our address if they wish to write, and several have asked in the last couple of days, so here is our address:

               Ken and Susan Graham
               357 Heritage Drive
               Mackinaw, IL 61755

You can write to the hospital, but we have no idea how long we'll be at the hospital, and she may be moved to a rehab center next week, depending upon how she progresses, so I won't give the address at the hospital.

Thanks again for your prayers,

Best Regards,

Ken

UPDATED June 21, 2009  1:43 PM

Greetings: 

Happy Father's Day to all the men out there.

I just talked with the surgeon this morning and we had a long talk about head injuries.  I've already been impatient hoping for Lauren to come out of it quickly.  He mentioned than an associate that works with from time to time immediately said after looking at Lauren's charts that she'll be on the breathing machine for 3 weeks.  Susan and I asked him if Lauren was outside the "normal" in any way and he said no, not at all.  After reaching the 2 week mark on the breathing machine though, they start looking for alternatives to prevent infections and such.  

The alternatives for later this week are a tracheostomy, where they put the tube in through the trachea rather than the throat tube.  I asked about it healing and he said the hole will heal usually within a few days after they no longer need it.  And with it there is less chance of infection, sinus infection, etc.  Much easier to move her around and take her on and off the breathing machine as that becomes appropriate. 

In addition a Gasterectomy as well where they place a feeding tube directly into the stomach, which allows many advantages in her eating and also heals pretty quickly after being taken out, and frees her face area of all tubes, which are really bothering her.  

The temperature she had for two days (probably from the urinaryinfection) was completely gone last night after I had anointed her for it Saturday.  If it had continued they would have wanted to do a spinal tap to check her spinal fluid for infection.  We really didn't want that.  So, God simply healed it.  He continues to intervene all along the way as necessary. 

Now all we need to do is wait, for the brain to heal.  

Warm regards to all.

Ken

UPDATED June 20, 2009 6:19 PM

Greetings: 

Earlier today, they took her off the sedation and we tried to awaken her.  She'll squeeze your hand and look at you if you open her eye, and she'll try to open her eyes, but hasn't been successful yet.  

Today has been a transitional day.  Lauren has a urinary infection, so they've been watching her temperature.  They have transitioned to a different sedative.  At the moment she is sleeping deeply on the newsedative.   She's been so restless, they want to keep her sedated for the next two days.  Then try waking her again.  The brain recovers and heals in its own time.  When it has healed up, it will become responsive.  So we wait. 

Thank you for your prayers. 

Have a good remainder of the Sabbath.  

Best Regards,

Ken and Susan

UPDATED June 19, 2009 6:30 PM

Greetings: 

It is with concern that I write this update.  Susan and I and Nicole have been in with her for the past 1 and 1/2 hours in which most of the time Lauren has been without either sedative or pain-killer.  She seems fine without both at the moment and is very active.  When we open her eyes she takes in the familiar faces of Susan and Nicole and myself very readily.  However, her brain is apparently injured sufficiently at the moment (although it can return in time) that she is unable to process too much activity and input all at once yet. 

I know of many case of brain trauma where the individual progressed over a 2 year period before becoming fully normal again.  So I'm hoping it won't be that long, and that God will intervene and shorten it for Lauren and us, but we'll have to see what His will is.  I feel certain He intends to give all her faculties back to her, but perhaps I need some lessons in patience and compassion in the mean time.  (I was hoping I was ovestocked in those departments, but perhaps not...Scotsmen can be impatient, and have tempers :>)

 I'm sure the surgeon and trauma doctors will have something to say in the morning.  The nurse keeps assuring us all that is going on is normal for brain trauma and the brain doesn't come back all at once but in stages. 

So we certainly appreciate and continue to solicit your prayers. 

Best Regards,

Ken

UPDATED June 19, 2009 3:30 PM

Greetings: 

The day nurse Leslie took Lauren off the sedative at 1 p.m. today. 

Susan, Nicole and Kelly and I were there to help control her arms and legs.  She tried several times lifting her eyebrows (part of trying to open her eyes) but wasn't quite successful.  I suggested to the nurse that they lower the pain killer and within 5 minutes she was really active and trying to open her eyes.  I had her drop it from 25 units down to 10 units.  I finally gently opened one eye and she immediately fixed her eye on Susan.  Again in a moment of holding open her right eye she fixed it on Nicole, then on a picture of her cat.  However, when the pain killer is low, her heart rate goes up some and the excitement of our all being there was a bit too much and it shot up quite a bit, so the nurse felt we should up the pain killer a little.  She pushed it up to 20 and she really seemed to be coming around the longer we went, but her heart rate also kept going up.  She has a strong heart, so we were not too concerned as long as it didn't go on for too long.

Finally, the nurse felt we needed to give her a break.  So they turned the pain killer up to 25 again and turned up the sedative.  So we left and let her rest again.  We'll try waking her up again later this afternoon. 

Thank you for your prayers and loving communications.  Please pray we can get her up and awake soon.

Best Regards,
Ken and Susan

UDPATED June 19, 2009  12:27 EDT

Greetings: 

I came in this morning and got a quick update from the night nurse. 

Lauren did open her eyes this morning for the day nurse Leslie, when they reduced her sedative diprovan and pain killer fentenyl.  Her level of fentenyl is only 25 % of what it was yesterday, so she is much closer to waking.  They have her sitting up in a chair for a couple of hours this morning.  It is all we can do to keep her in the chair, because of her squirming and restlessness.  Since 5 a.m. this morning her ventilator has been only in response mode.  She is doing the breathing.  

We'll update you again as soon as she is responsive.   

Thanks again for all the cards, emails, love, and concern. 

Warm Regards,
Ken and Susan

UPDATED June 18, 2009 10:00 PM EDT

Greetings: 

It's Thursday evening about 9 p.m. Central time.  Lauren's CT-Scan on her Intestinal area was fine.  It showed nothing abnormal, though her hemoglobin count was a little low.

About 7:30 p.m. her nurse with the three of us present (Ken, Susan, and her sister Nicole) dropped her sedative to zero, and we all attempted to wake her.  She did squeeze Nicole's hand and my hand on command once. 

But she did not open her eyes, although she was very restless.   I'm not a doctor, but I know our family does not need nearly the dosage of aspirin, advil or any other pain killer that most people need to be effective.  So I feel the pain killer is still too high for her to come to consciousness.  It's been lowered from 100 yesterday to 50 today.  But I think 25 or less, temporarily, while we attempt to wake her would be enough.  But I'm not the doctor here.  And the nurses are only allowed to do so many things without getting a doctor's approval.  I'll speak to the doctor about it in the morning, if they attempt another wakeup unsuccessfully. 

Susan is presently in with Lauren at the moment.  I'll send this now, but she may have something more to add when she gets out of ICU.  

Thanks for your prayers in all this.

Best Regards,

Ken

UPDATED June 18, 2009 1:30 PM

Greetings:

Overnight it was decided to change the antibiotic she was on.  Apparently yesterday she had a little fever.  When we came in this morning they had her sitting up in a chair like recliner.  This is part of the "getting her up" process.   She'll go back to the bed for wakeup later.

Several events occurred in the last few minutes.  The surgeon was astounded that they had her on so much pain killer a few minutes ago and asked that they drop that dosage.  He said it was a large dose and no wonder she had not come around this morning when they attempted to wake her up.
One of us will need to be with her in the room at all times now, as she could begin to come around at any time and they want someone familiar there.

Thanks for your prayers,

Best Regards,
Ken and Susan

(to earlier posts)