latest update

Dear Beloveds,

I just got off the phone with Beth and she asked me to send this update. She is so tuned into this tender community and how we all want updates as often as possible about Michael.

The doctor is not allowing the family or Beth to see Michael today because he has been overstimulated and he also over stimulates himself by trying to talk. He needs his rest. Beth was going to try to slip in there quietly just to make eye contact with him. Please keep sending Michael soothing loving thoughts.

As you read, yesterday was very difficult for everyone. Michael had 2 respiratory arrests - the whole family was in the room when he had the second one last night and that was very scary. Luckily nurses and a doctor were in the room so they saved him. Again. Please keep praying that Michael can breathe comfortably.

SURGERY TODAY FOR TRACHEOSTOMY AND PEG TUBE
Michael will have a surgery today, soon, for a tracheostomy (also calle d tracheotomy) and a PEG Tube. The tracheostomy will be a tube inserted into his throat so he can breathe. This will hopefully be temporary. In the meantime it will enable him to breathe without fear of suffocation and to talk! He may sound a little different but we will be able to understand him. It will also help him be able to transfer to Craig Hospital in Denver for rehab so he can get out of ICU. Craig Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the country for spinal cord injuries and they specialize in helping people learn to live with paralysis with as much support, knowledge, skills and happiness as possible. https://www.craighospital.org/

The PEG tube (Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) will be inserted into his stomach through his abominal wall so they can feed him. This will also hopefully be temporary. We are also hoping that we can work with the dietician because Michael's body loves organic whole foods.

Both of these surgeries will m ean that he will no longer have any tubes down his throat, which means that he will be able to talk again. This will be a huge relief for him and for everyone. I know we are all thinking of Michael and how hard it has been these last few days that he hasn't been able to communicate.

Please pray that these surgeries go as smoothly as possible. Please send Michael calming healing light, and energy and focus to his medical team. And prayers that he heals very quickly from these surgeries and that his body accepts these tubes.

EEG
The neurologists finished the EEG today at noon and did not see any damage in Michael's brain. They did the EEG for ~11 hours so they had a good look. Yay - something we can rejoice! Beth said the neurologist was very adorable - had a white coat, bow tie and a doctor's bag - like a cartoon character.

SAD NEWS
Some very sad news is that Michael currently has a syndrome that makes it feel like he is getting an elect ric shock when touched. OUCH. This can happen with people who have paralysis. We aren't sure yet if it is every time he is touched, every where he is touched, how strong it is or if it is just some times and in some places. When Michael can talk again he will be able to tell us specifics (I am sure he is tracking it!). This could last just a few weeks, a few months, or the rest of his life. There are medications for it, but it would be great if he didn't have to take any additional meds.

Please pray that this syndrome passes as quickly as possible so that he can be touched. Michael needs to be touched - not just for comfort and love, but also by his caregivers and to receive different therapies. And we need to touch him, too!

(Beth said it sounded like "Lumerre's" Syndrome, but when I google that or other spellings I can't find it. Does anyone know what it is?)

BLOOD PRESSURE IS MORE STABLE
Last night and today Michael's blood pressure is more stable. Phew - more news to rejoice over.

HEADPHONES
Beth got some noice cancelling head phones - thank you everyone!


Like Beth asked us to do yesterday, we can hold Michael's hands. And as Annie Brook said in her Well Wishes post last night 'waking up at night,' we can send Michael loving "amygdala eyes" watching over him.

Thank you everyone for your love, focus and prayers. We can feel you aching with all of us. Our hearts are breaking open for Michael. And tears. I am sure many of you are crying as often as I am. I am receiving so many sweet emails from Michael's loved ones who are thinking of Michael and what he needs and how they can help him. I am so touched. Beth and Michael's family is so grateful to all of you. Please keep praying and holding Michael and his medical team in love and light and soothing thoughts.

Love to all,
Tauna