Posted on 12/09/2006 8:48:18 AM PST by knittnmom
Ian is one tough little cookie! He and the family are still in my thoughts and prayers.
Ian and his family will be in my prayers till he goes home with his family in perfect health!
Good morning! When I visited yesterday, Ian was a little tuckered out by his full day. Here's the story from Tom:
December 21, 2006 at 03:24 PM CST
Good News!
Sorry it's taken so long for the update on Ian's leg, but here it is.
This morning, they set his leg in a cast that puts pressure on one side of the leg to reduce the angulation of the fracture. Then, they did an x-ray to determine if the procedure was successful or if surgery was going to be needed.
We just got the results and we are pleased to report that he will not need surgery. He will, unfortunately, be required to be in a full-leg cast with no weight bearing for the next four weeks. After that, it will be a walking cast for another two weeks. This, of course, complicates the rehab process as now they take walking off the list of discharge criteria, but add in teaching us how to manage a child with a head injury that can't walk but still needs to get to the bathroom, get in and out of vehicles, etc. At this point, we're still waiting for a clear understanding of what specifically needs to be accomplished before he can actually go home. We should have that in the next few days, though the Christmas holiday will definitely stretch the process for a couple of days at least.
On the congnitive front, Ian continues to improve. His periods of lucidity are growing longer each day and his sense of humor is reappearing. Today, when one of the therapists asked him if he knew his name, Ian said, "Yes I do." When the therapist asked him what his name was, Ian responded, "It's a secret. I'll tell you on Christmas." We also heard about his plan to take all of us to the enchanted forest--we got there by counting to fifteen. We weren't sure why we were there, but Ian seemed to enjoy the process.
He seems to be remembering a lot/most of what he knew before the accident. He does, however, struggle with some short-term memory tasks and got a little frustrated today with a memory game that was pretty easy for him before the accident. He also sometimes exhibits something they call "perseveration," where he gets stuck on a phrase or idea and repeats it several times in a row, no matter what you ask him. They tell us this is pretty typical, and should improve over time. The therapists have also said that they are extremely happy with the progress he's made so far.
One more thing: I want to make sure that everyone knows how much we appreciate the efforts of the police, firefighters and EMT's that responded to the calls at the time of the accident. Many of them have stopped to visit us, bringing gifts and hugs for Ian, Reagan and our family. They did a phenomenal job for us and they put their lives on the line for all of us every day, and I can't thank them enough for their professionalism, care and compassion.
Again, thanks so much for your prayers for Ian and our family. We continue to pray for Ian's full recovery--he's come so far, but still has quite a way to go before he's as good as new. We ask all of you to keep praying for us--we know it will impact Ian's recovery in miraculous ways.
Tom and HJ
Carolyn
BTTT
Sending up continued prayers for this whole family!
Thanks for the report, Continuing Prayers for Ian.
Blessings for continued healing.
((((HUGS)))) and more prayers!
More prayers for healing on the way for Ian.
Thanks for the update.
Prayers continuing for Ian and his family. I know it will be rough being there instead of home for Christmas...but, I believe Ian's health is a great gift...it sounds like he is coming right along...
sleuth
LOL! Good idea!
May God watch over and heal this family. Words seem so inadequate, but my thoughts and prayers are with them.
Still praying that he be healed completely in mind and body, and for perseverance for his family.
Thank you. It's been amazing and humbling to see our prayers answered right before my eyes.
Thank you. His family is grateful for all the prayers on their behalf.
Prayers up for this family.
((((HUGS))) for all concerned!
Thank you, and all others who are praying. There is much to pray for - but also much to be thankful for!
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