The ventilator was removed this morning...one whole day earlier than originally expected! Kidneys are functioning, heart is pumping to desired pulses, and the pain meds are helping him cope, without causing any confusion or psychosis. Thank God! His chest is still quite painful, especially when he coughs (getting rid of the vent "stuff" in his lungs), and he pushes his booster pump like crazy. But doctors say this is normal, and he is doing very well. When I left him this morning to post this good news, he winked at me! then smiled. Said to tell everyone that he almost died, but he made it. Poor guy must have been scared silly with the heart surgery. He is getting one more unit of blood, so that will help give him some energy.
As soon as they can regulate his blood pressure without the IV drips, and can maintain his pain meds with pills, he can get out of the ICU. He is anxious to get back to rehab readiness. I will let everyone know when he is "out" and ready for visitors. Maybe we can get webcam for the dinner so he can say hi and see everyone.
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What Happened?
On Saturday, August 2, at approximately 11:30 a.m. Terry McDowell was involved in a head-on collision on Ormond Road in White Lake Township, MI.
An unknown young-adult fell asleep at the wheel, crossed over into the opposite lane, and struck Terry's van head-on. Police are still investigating.
Paramedics rushed Terry via helicopter to Beaumont Medical Center's Trauma Unit. He is in stable, but critical, condition and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit.
From what we know, there is no damage to the spinal cord or brain. He will undergo more X-rays and scans today to determine if there are further injuries. His injuries, as of Sunday, Aug 3 at 10:00 a.m. include:
> Broken right femur
> A compound fracture in his left femur
> A broken tibia
> A shattered ankle
> Slight cut to his liver
> Dissected aorta
> Fractured pelvis
> Unknown back injury
> Three broken ribs
Terry underwent 11 hours of surgery on Saturday evening. The first surgery was cardiac surgery to repair the damage to his torn, or dissected, aorta. They performed non-invasive heart surgery and used a stent to repair the aorta. The surgery was completed without complications.
The second surgery was orthopedic surgery to repair his broken bones. He came out of surgery strong, but remains in critical condition due to the complications that could arise from heart surgery and a compound fracture of the Femur.
He is expected to remain in the ICU for at least 48 hours.
An unknown young-adult fell asleep at the wheel, crossed over into the opposite lane, and struck Terry's van head-on. Police are still investigating.
Paramedics rushed Terry via helicopter to Beaumont Medical Center's Trauma Unit. He is in stable, but critical, condition and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit.
From what we know, there is no damage to the spinal cord or brain. He will undergo more X-rays and scans today to determine if there are further injuries. His injuries, as of Sunday, Aug 3 at 10:00 a.m. include:
> Broken right femur
> A compound fracture in his left femur
> A broken tibia
> A shattered ankle
> Slight cut to his liver
> Dissected aorta
> Fractured pelvis
> Unknown back injury
> Three broken ribs
Terry underwent 11 hours of surgery on Saturday evening. The first surgery was cardiac surgery to repair the damage to his torn, or dissected, aorta. They performed non-invasive heart surgery and used a stent to repair the aorta. The surgery was completed without complications.
The second surgery was orthopedic surgery to repair his broken bones. He came out of surgery strong, but remains in critical condition due to the complications that could arise from heart surgery and a compound fracture of the Femur.
He is expected to remain in the ICU for at least 48 hours.
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5 comments:
YES! Way to go BUD! Keep her between the tubes and we'll see you soon!
HeeHee
Kooz!
:)
Your update just blesses us! I know that sounds funny, but we have just been praying for Terry and his family and friends so much. When he had the set-back, we felt defeated for you all. So WAY TO GO!!!!! Keep moving ahead and healing and we will keep the prayers coming.
The Cherioli's
Very glad to hear of Terry's improvements. Thanks again for letting us all follow along.
Sadly we won't be able to make the benefit dinner, but will be pulling for Terry and all of his family just the same. Including a contribution via Allen.
The Habbens
great to hear terry that your doing better this last surgery is a butt kicker i had it done myself. let alone all the other surgeries already ....hang in there terry .....still praying for you and your family.... :-]
What a relief. That was some serious stuff. It's all dowhhill from here.
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