M encouraged me to return to work - this particular position - saying he would do what ever needed to be done and he completely fulfilled that promise. Caring for the children and house, his share was surely at least half all the while working very hard at his law practice.
Along the way from Austin on February 9th, M collided with another car (I've been told both drivers contributed). The other driver also is a middle-aged (how M hates to be characterized as such) professional. The other driver was uninjured; he stopped and called 911. M suffered very serious head injuries, but remarkably little trauma to the rest of his body - bruised lungs, two cracked ribs, and fracture of the transverse process of one or two lumbar vertebrae.
M was first treated in a small hospital, then transported to a trauma unit out of town. There was a possibility he would not survive. Thanks to help from the doctors there, and friends of friends knowledgeable of the workings of the local hospital, M was transported by Lifeflight the next day. He was on a ventilator and a intercranial pressure monitor (see http://www.doereport.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=3449) and drain was used to relieve pressure on his brain from the bruising and swelling.
Though sedated for a while, he was never in a medically induced coma. Over the ensuing days, his intercranial pressure has stayed normal and now preparations are being made to remove the monitor/drain. He has been weaned from the ventilator, but has a tracheotomy because he is at risk for aspirating secretions and getting pneumonia. The trach allows caregivers to suction secretions.
Every hour, round the clock, M's neurological status is tested. He rates a "10," whereas just about anyone reading this will be a 15. We can initiate conversation. M is not responding to commands, though his eyes are open and he responds to his chest being rubbed. (Look up Glascow coma scale for more.) A week ago, the neurosurgeon told me he thought M would wake up, but it would take time. M will be moved to another, less-intensive ward in a few days. By the middle of next week, if he continues to be stable, he will be moved either to a long-term acute care hospital, while we wait for his brain to heal enough for him to be more aware; or he will be moved to TIRR, a top-of-the-line rehabilitation hospital. The neurosurgeon and TIRR will make the decision of which is most appropriate for him for the time being.
I visit every chance I can (visiting hours in this unit are strict) and tell M things about the day and how much I love him. Last week was our 30th Valentine's Day together. But everyone insists M looks 30. Please be in prayer for his complete, swift recovery. Please also pray that we as a family will continue to be drawn together.
Whenever I visit, I'm always upbeat and I talk about when he comes home, when he wakes up, never if and I don't allow caregivers to plant that seed either (to the extent I am there). I've been told that people still hear, and can recall, things told to them while in a coma.
Thank you all for your concern, offers of help, and help. Don't worry, if I haven't asked you for something yet, your turn will come. This will be a months-long or even years-long recovery process.
God bless you and keep you.
