Posted by rae on Nov 30, 2007 in
Medical Updates The MRI shows that Michael’s right knee has torn cartilidge. We don’t know the details yet, still waiting to meet with an Orthopedic. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, there are several options for repair…we’ll just have to wait to see what the doctor says. Mike continues to push himself with each therapy session but fatigue sets in so quickly that out of an hour, he probably has only 30 minutes of real work. Endurance, strength and stamina will all come in time. There has been such incredible progress this week, we’re just waiting with baited breath to see what the repaired knee and 5 more weeks of rehabilitation will bring.
Posted by rae on Nov 29, 2007 in
Medical Updates,
Mom's Corner The results of the blood and urine cultures were negative for staff and the UTI infection is history. Mike had the remaining staples removed from the bone flap incision and with the help of his occupational therapist, was able to take his first shower in five weeks. Oh, yeah. You know that had to feel gooood.
After physical therapy at 3pm, you could see that Mike was spent. He was visibly agitated and uncomfortable while he sat in his wheelchair for the extra hour after PT. I was able to figure out that Mike’s back is part of the discomfort the longer he sits in the chair. After an hour of physical activity and weight bearing exercises, he’s feeling the burn.
About 5:30pm and right in the middle of dinner, they took Mike for the MRI. Hopefully, the MRI will show the cause of the intense pain associated with movement of his right leg, the knee in particular and will lead to the end of one of the last stumbling blocks for Mike’s physical rehabilitation.
The feeding peg was supposed to be removed today but… He’s human right? He probably forgot.
Posted by rae on Nov 28, 2007 in
Medical Updates,
Mom's Corner The Doppler ultrasound revealed yesterday that Michael does have a clot in the right groin area, so the IVC filter could not be removed. At 3pm Michael was taken to the operatory where under local anesthesia, the filter was repositioned. A guide wire was inserted through a blood vessel on the right side of his neck, the cone shaped IVC filter was then pulled up and placed back in position. All they needed to do was move it, not move it to a new location. Michael will be treated with anticoagulants until he is up and fully functioning. Michael communicated in many ways that his neck where the incision was made, was hurting. He was uncomfortable and tired toward early evening and was given medication to ease the pain. The doctor that performed the procedure did not think that the swelling in his knee was related to the blood clot in the groin area.
Michael responded well and excited every visitor that came to call. His speech and memory continue to bring more of “Mike” to the forefront sometimes with a ”hi Emily”, a secret handshake, or an insight of what memory he has of the accident and why he’s in the hospital. The occupational therapist asked him what was injured; Mike answered “my brains.”
A brief update from the hospital case manager, reports that on all levels the doctor and therapists are pleased with Michael’s progress. The feeding peg and remaining staples will be removed Thursday with a well-needed shower to follow. They’ll finally be able to do the “over due” MRI to investigate the pain and swelling in Mike’s right knee. The plan is for five weeks of continued therapy and if everything goes as planned, Michael may be able to begin the new year at home.
Posted by rae on Nov 27, 2007 in
Mom's Corner With the tragic death of Sean Taylor I am reminded of how lucky, no not lucky, blessed Michael is to not only have survived the accident but to be improving with each day. A miracle? An intervention perhaps…
Bear with me…this may get strikingly odd, freakishly squirrelly. But…maybe not.
Michael was in a single car accident on I66 exit 66. The whole 6’s thing really bothers me. This is where it gets weird. Believing that 666 is the “mark of the beast”, the devil himself, ok there’s an extra 6 but who’s counting. So, let’s say that throughout our lives the dark side (the beast) fights to control our thoughts, our thoughts become actions and ultimately the way we live our lives. Our days are filled with opportunities to choose between good and bad, right and wrong, giving and taking, darkness and light. Maybe the battle is larger than we are. Maybe the battle is between who controls, who owns us…who we belong to. You with me?
Psalm 23 reference – Michael is a beautiful, strong, intelligent young man young man that like many of us, might battle between good and bad, right and wrong, etc. Maybe not always understanding that even though we walk in the valley of the shadow of death, we should fear no evil. Just my theory, but I believe that in the wee hours of the morning on October 21, 2007 there was a battle. There was a battle for Michael’s life, for his soul. I believe that God was with Michael, like he has been with him all along. Michael was never alone. Michael lay down in the green pastures of exit 66 and God prepared a table for him in the midst of his enemies. He anointed his head with oil and comforted him. The battle won, glory to God. There is a reason. There is a plan.
Many of you know that about 10 years ago I had stage II malignant melanoma. I regard it still, as a life changing event. My view on life and love forever changed. I mentioned earlier in the blog about making sure I gave thanks every day for all life’s blessings. Because life was so good, I was fearful something bad would happen. Honestly, if anything bad was going to happen, I thought it would probably be that my cancer would return. That because I still love the sun, this time I wouldn’t win. But, there was a plan. Giving thanks to God each day strengthened by beliefs, my faith. God wasn’t building my strength for my own battle, I believe he was preparing me for Michael’s battle. There is a reason.
I don’t mean to preach. Who am I to preach? But I just want you to know that Michael is not infinite. He’s not. During the past times of his struggle and strife, there were footprints in the sand. He wasn’t alone. I do not take what has happened to him lightly. I am humbled by the grace of God. There is a plan. I think it’s big.
Posted by rae on Nov 27, 2007 in
Medical Updates,
Mom's Corner Michael had a doppler ultrasound on both legs to determine if blood clots could be a factor in the swelling and pain in his right knee (deep vein thrombosis) and to also see if there were signs of clotting in either leg. If no clotting is found, the vena cava filter that was placed at Fairfax Hospital to prevent deep vein thrombosis and to protect clots from traveling to the heart, will be removed.
Still no word on the blood or urine cultures to verify that the UTI and staff infections are gone. We hope to hear those results and get an answer about removing the feeding peg on Wednesday.
I’m sure Michael will feel good about having all pegs, tubes and any other foreign object removed.
Posted by rae on Nov 26, 2007 in
Medical Updates,
Mom's Corner Michael continues to give 110% to his rehabilitation therapists. In turn, they compliment his determination to push his physical limitations to the point of exhaustion. Affecting his progress though, is his very swollen right knee. Along with knee, his pelvis and femur were x-rayed last week with no signs of a fracture or break. Michael feels the pain when pressure is applied toward or leg movement toward the hip. After examination from the Doctor again today, an MRI was ordered. The nurse scheduled the MRI but with staples in his head still intact, no MRI. Dr. Gisofi asked the nurse to remove every other staple and says he’d check the incision tomorrow to see how it looked.
We are seeing more movement with his right hand and he is not tensing it as much as before. He will take his left hand and striaghten out his right. At times, he’ll move and wiggle the toes on his right foot but never his leg. Over the weekend his Father asked him if he could feel his leg “yes”. Can you move it? “I’ve been trying to”
Speech is developing and is articulate but still sparatic. Most movements are purposeful but there are a few movement tics that we see Mike working through. Bicycle type movement of his left leg, crossing his left leg and foot over the right, moving his left foot in a tapping circular motion (which he always did when he was going to sleep), scratching his head where the bone flap incision staples itch and the newest and most pleasant, picking his nose. You can see that he becomes aware of the non-puposeful movements and then tries to settle himself to stop. Michael never liked inappropriate social behavior, so we know he’ll work hard to stop picking his nose in front of people. 
We must have humor people
Blood and urine samples were taken Saturday to check the UTI and staff infections that started at Fairfax Hospital. We’re hoping to hear the results soon. If the infections are gone, out comes the aggravating hand IV.
The feeding peg is still in and Michael continues to receive a nightime feeding. The nutritionist will evaluate his diet this week and with the doctor, make a determination to keep or remove the peg. If he’s getting and maintaining enough calories and nutrients, the peg will be removed.
At mealtime, once the food is on, he can hold the spoon or fork and with guidance take it to his mouth. He chews and swallows perfectly. Mike will pick up a cup on his own, take a drink and place the cup back on the tray. If there is something on his mouth, he takes the napkin from the tray and wipes his mouth clean. He will now let me floss his teeth without trying to chew my fingers.
Six days a week M-Sa, Mike’s therapy sessions are 9 or 10am, (lunch between 11:30-12:30) then therapy again at 1pm and 3pm. So far it’s been Occupational first, Speech second and Physical therapy last. They all wipe him out so it’s vitally important that he rest well in between. Thank you for waiting until after 5 to visit. Thank you for keeping your visits short and thank you for caring enough to understand the importance.
We love you all and cannot thank you enough for your prayers and well wishes. Keep ‘em coming. Without your love and support, none of us including Michael, would be able to make it through. It truly takes a village.
xxoo
Posted by rae on Nov 26, 2007 in
Mom's Corner I was able to spend the entire day with Michael engaging in nurturing rituals like feeding, bathing and the basics of communication. The intimacy a mother shares with her newborn child. Grown children don’t realize what great value we place on those intimate moments. How we long to duplicate those times when we share the same psychological space. As they grow, it comes with sharing laughter, a moment of silliness or just talking about our daily lives. How many times have I yearned for that intimacy again with Mike, fearing I would never see or feel it again. Just to feel his emotion, to hear him speak, to see him smile, to hear him laugh. Today, all senses are tapped.
I read to him Mitch Albom’s “for one more day”. A story that asks the question: what would you do if you could spend one more day with a lost loved one? Considering how close we were to losing Michael, and how deeply we have all been affected, it seemed appropriate reading material. Only 197 pages, we’re reading two chapters a day. I feed him breakfast, lunch and dinner. I wash his face, hands, feet and as much of his hair as allowed. I try unsuccessfully to shave him.
For most of the day, Michael’s demeanor was calm and relaxed. This afternoon however, I felt and understood his vunerability. I saw that for now, he has lost his intuitive compass. I could not discount his experience or the reality that in this most vunerable state, he must trust. He must trust and assume that those around him will not harm. That what is so, is so. How heavy is that?
I couldn’t go with Mike to PT. His knee is still very swollen and it is a source of intense pain. I cannot watch him go through it. I wait for his return. After the hour, I walk toward the nurses station and see Mike sitting in his wheelchair. I can see that he is not well. The tech is holding him very tightly by the wrist, too tightly I think, his entire arm was red from her grip. He is struggling to get loose and sweating profusley. Legs shaking, eyes darting, hands gripped so tightly to the plexiglass board on his lap that I notice his finger is cut. He is afraid. He is freaking out. Why? The tech says she’s trying to get his vitals. I get in front of him “look at me Michael” and with eyes locked I say ” I’m here, it’s ok. It’s going to be ok, you’re alright”. I want to attack the technician but stay focused on my child. Panicked, Mike says “sweat, I’m sweating! I have sweat in my eyes!” With my hands I wipe his face. I wipe his eyes. I keep the connection… “you are ok, just breathe”. I show him deep breath out “whew” and I smile. He breathes out “whew” and smiles back. I take him back to his room, wet wash cloths to wipe his face and continue to sooth him. He must trust and assume that those around him will not harm. But I don’t.
I want to be there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to. I feel so protective over this very vunerable man-child. The way we feel about placing our children in day care when they can’t speak to tell you when something is wrong. I’m not implying that Michael is not getting the best care, he probably is. There was probably a good reason that it looked like the tech was wrestling with him, holding him down like an animal. Probably just being over protective. But, until he can become his own advocate, I will most likely be a pain the @$$ to the Mt. Vernon staff. Don’t mess with him. He is not infinite.
I am reminded of Kevin Shon’s prayer ”God bless every Doctor, Nurse, and Medical technician that walks into INOVA every morning and every evening with your medical chart in their memory, your recovery on their conscience, and your tenacity in their hearts.”
Not wanting to leave without giving you the good stuff….Michael cheesed like no tomorrow when Amanda walked in the room tonight. I thought his cheeks were going to pop off. It was that laughing eyes kind of smile. Their visit was filled with conversation (the current mike kind) and a phone call with laughs from Rachelle. Nate and Sylvette joined Amanda to show Mike some love and to sooth their need for assurance that all is well. The evening ended with Michael lifting Amanda’s hand to his lips. Muwah…a kiss. Pretty cool huh? A late visit with his three best girlfriends and his amazing loving brother…what a way to end the day. 
Nate, Amanda and Sylvette watched from just outside his view, and in the comfort of knowing he was loved, Mike closed his eyes to sleep. Goodnight Michael, we love you.
Posted by rae on Nov 25, 2007 in
Mom's Corner Michael has had a rough, but good week in the new place. A wonderful private room with an amazing view and an awesome team of therapists pushing him forward. During a family conversation last night, we passionately discuss Mike’s hospital environment. How many is too many? What is good stimuli, what is bad? What does he remember? What does he find comforting? Who does he find comforting?
We are all so protective of him and his recovery and all knowing that our way is the best way. We finally agree that all of us want the same thing. We want Mike back. We want to make sure that nothing gets in the way of his recovery. That with continued prayers, careful watch, and the best support team out there – you – family and friends, Mike will come back to us.
Karl’s early morning visit today with Mike is what it’s all about. What we’re all hoping for. What we’re all so protective of.
This is Karl’s accounting:
Karl von Schilling
BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!
Today I visited mike at 8:30 AM before I headed up to church. Was in my suit lookin fly when I walked in to visit mike for the first time in 3 days. He laughed at me for looking so dapper before i even made it to the bed then put up his big left paw for the gangster dap. Asked him how he was doing and without missin a beat he spit out a five second long sentence that just ripped out of his mouth with excitement. I was shocked! Couldnt understand what he said though because he was talking so fast and low. I wouldnt let that happen again. After our laugh i started to talk about football….he proceeded to ASK “how was the Tech game?” Can you believe it? Mike actually asked about the game. It was so great to hear. So i told him we beat UVA and needless to say that smile shined!! HOLLA! I told him that we played the turkey bowl and had almost 20 people show up-the usual suspects…a lil bit disappointed he couldn’t be there I could tell but he was still locked onto me for more details about the annual event. Told him we missed him and his speed out there and he looked away. For a second I wondered why, ya know…like maybe I upset him…then I noticed he was tryin to say something. I lean down and he said with a grin “cause im special”….I of course bellowed out with laughter. This was the first joke I’ve heard mike tell in more than a month!! (mike saying he was special was not with conceit, well-maybe a lil bit 
but it was his way of fighting-not for his life or for physical improvement but for his spot in his inner circle, with his boys….I guess its a guy thing and damn did it feel good)
So we hung out for a while impressing me with every response. So alert. When I asked him if he was busy this weekend he replied very articulately “not particularly” with a “matter of fact” expression on his face. ya know-just looking right at me. I kinda chuckled at his astuteness…..
I asked him if he wanted the TV on….he thought about it and said yes. So we watched ESPN for a while. It was nice. He actually kept scratching his head. I told him to stop and he looked at me and said “I have stitches in my head”. He didn’t tell me like I didn’t know he told like “m f-er I have stitches in my head and im going to scratch that shit!) sorry for the language but if you saw his face, youd understand. felt great to see and feel his attitude But yeah we both were taking it all in. oh yeah and he was pleased with his view out of his window. I let him know that the leaves reminded me of the ride down to Blacksburg. He agreed with a nod.
It was just great to get in there and get some dialogue going. It really was mike in everyway, the pauses, mannerisms, him laughing on cue (or not if it’s a bad joke), the look in his eyes when he is thinking…..just everything.
In the half hour I was there I noticed mike lean up and pull his left pant leg down as he was uncomfortable. He was also straightening his very cramped left hand with his right hand. (ie taking care of himself) Just a great great visit on a Sunday morning. So much promise.
If you know me then you know I am a fairly spiritual person and in all the years I have attended church, i have never EVER believed or felt as much as i do today and I have mike to thank for that.
Thank you Mike……
Thank you Karl. We love you so much and know how much you mean to Mike. I’m so happy this day happened for both of you. For all of us. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by rae on Nov 24, 2007 in
Medical Updates,
Mom's Corner Michael has overcome the incredible odds against his survival and continues to amaze everyone with his determination and strength to win. We have personally witnessed miraculous and incredible activity during these last 33 days. From the weeks right after the accident when Michael was still fighting for his life, to overcoming the odds and becoming awake and aware. The day he moved a finger or the first twinge of his mouth to smile, wiggling his toes and the day Nate made him laugh out loud. Michael seems to demonstrate new improvements and behavior each passing day.
Yesterday we were able to watch Michael during his physical therapy session. We watched as he sat on the raised mat in the gym, supporting his weight with arms positioned behind him. One of the therapists asked Michael if he could support himself in the chair and he whispered “maybe, I think so”. At dinner last night, I was honored to see him reach for his drink, grasp it with his left hand and move it to mid-range to show he could do it himself. A piece of the fish he ate got caught between his teeth and he took his finger to try to get it out. Nathan and Sylvette brought in a Yacht magazine and as Nate stood by his side, we watched as Michael reached to hold the left side of the magazine and then took his right hand to try to turn the pages. I am humbled and give thanks to God.
No one can predict the future of Michael’s outcome or just how far he can go with his recovery, but his strength and determination thus far, give us every indication that he will achieve the most optimal recovery and the highest quality of life possible. He will fight to make it so.
Michael’s therapists at Mt. Vernon estimate that he will need at least six weeks of inpatient rehabilitation therapy with outpatient rehab to follow. Requiring a weekly report, the insurance company will only approve 7 days at a time. His case manager will give us a family update every Wednesday to let us know his progress and if the insurance company has granted him another week. The reality of our health care system is that Michael’s continued rehabilitation will be out of pocket at some point. We are commited to do everything humanly possible to ensure and provide Michael every opportunity to continue this journey back to life. Together, we will make it happen.
If it has been a while since you’ve seen Michael and you get a chance to visit him at Mt. Vernon, it will bring tears to your eyes. He charms the nurses with his smile and his strong will inspires even the physical therapists. He will raise him arm and hand to scratch his nose and try to reach his very itchy healing head. He will greet you with that recognizable smile but you may see frustration in his eyes as he tries to speak. The speech therapist explained that Mike has the thought process and the words to speak but is struggling with the ability to initiate. Give him time, he does not give up.
LIVESTRONG Michael.
Posted by rae on Nov 23, 2007 in
Mom's Corner Michael was moved yesterday to room 507, still on 5A. In room 503 Mike had a roommate with family members that didn’t always get along and a fussy baby that added to the almost constant, negative noise. Not the best environment for healing. We shared our concern with his nurse and with great relief found, that they were one-step ahead of us. The move was already in the planning stages.
Room 507 has a good aura, reflecting a mood that will promote healing. When we arrived, Mike was dressed in his own clothes, his catheter had been removed, and the IV stand was hidden from view behind the curtain. Mike seemed so at peace as he looked through his first and new window to the outside. From his bed, he sees the skyline and the spectacular display of fall color. Patches of orange, red and yellow, all representing change. What poetic irony.
Lunch came soon after we arrived. Grilled cheese, tomato soup, fries and vanilla pudding for dessert. Beginning the meal, I fed him a few bites and then asked him to help. With soup and a piece of the sandwich together in a spoon, I placed the spoon between his thumb and fingers. He held on to the spoon and supporting his elbow, I guided his arm upward. He opened his mouth and was able to complete the bite with success. A few more bites from me and then we repeated the sequence with the right arm.
Michael’s right side is not as comfortable with movement as the left, so it didn’t run quite as smooth but he was able to complete the task. Again, with support and guidance on the elbow, with his left hand he held a cup and drank ginger ale from a straw. Not as fluid, but was still able to hold the cup and drink using the right hand and arm. Mike finished the entire tray of food and both drinks but seemed to have his eye on Emily’s bottled water. I asked him if he would like a drink of her water. Mike looked at Emily and then back to the bottle. Although he didn’t respond, I took the extended gaze as a “yes”.
As I put the bottle of water in his right hand, he took his left hand and placed it over his right hand. This motion seemed a knowing acknowledgement from Michael that his right arm and hand needed the support. This was a purposeful movement folks. As purposeful as the night before when he took his left hand and with his pointer finger rubbed and scratched an itchy nose. Purposeful movements. A connection of mind and body. This is huge.
Today is the first full day of therapy. Occupational therapy at 10am. Speech therapy at 1pm and physical therapy at 3pm. He will be exhausted.
If you plan to visit him today, the therapists have asked that visitors wait until after 5pm and to keep visits no longer than 15 minutes with 30 minutes between visitors. Two visitors at a time, one person speaking at a time. They don’t want and we don’t want to compromise his success.