Nauseated late evening Monday. He slept better, but was upset, angry and restless early today as he wanted the bolt out of his head and he's just uncomfortable. Kept pleading "help me" then "go away." Bridget and Josie stayed in the hospital all night with him so I could rest. I joined them at 5 am. Sam's nurses Jason, Eric and Amanda are gifts from heaven.
Trauma doctors came and asked Sam a bunch of questions. He seemed confused and could not answer or follow instructions. He didn't seem to know what "wiggle" meant, couldn't state his full name or birthdate. When they asked him who his favorite football player was, he kept saying KD. He could not answer the questions as to where he was or what city. He kept saying "11" and I think he thought he was saying Portland.
Eric the nurse said it would be worse today and tomorrow because of the brain bruising. The area of the brain that is injured is the part that controls speech and "finding words." The trauma doctor said he had suffered a "traumatic brain injury" and he will not be the same for weeks or months. He said it would require lots of patience.
Sam told me I was "annoying" when I tried to help him. I took it as a good sign, at first, then he didn't seem to know who I was and kept asking me to leave. I did leave for awhile as my presence seemed to upset him. The trauma doctor said these personality fluctuations are to be expected. He continues to be confused as to who I am. He seems to know Bridget although not her name, and calls her "my friend."
He was belligerent and hostile in the morning. Didn't want to stay in bed. Kept telling everyone to leave him alone and that he was leaving. He told Bridget he was ready to leave as he had been here "all day."
He was able to hold his cup. Today, no water but he can have other liquids. The water was increasing the brain swelling. Although he had trouble keeping anything down yesterday, today he ate two bites of eggs, some OJ and a sip of chocolate milk.
Trauma doctor Dr. Schwartz removed bolt at 10:20 am. All his vitals were good. Gave him a little bit of pain meds which put him to sleep. He will be in ICU at least one more night. A gentleman from Evergreen Orthotics came by to measure Sam for his helmet, which he will have today, then he can get out of bed and sit up.
Bridget has been a godsend as is their friend Josie. These girls show complete devotion to Sam. I am thankful. He's received a basket of goodies from the Corporate Marketing team and gifts from his friends. I feel he is much loved. Thank you everyone for continued thoughts and prayers.
Late yesterday, his neurosurgeon, Dr. Kent Grewe, removed the drainage tubes. Kelly finally spoke with him and he said Sam did have several skull fractures, he said Sam had some brain damage. I am devastated. He also said it could be 2 weeks to 2 months before they put his skull back in place. He said Sam can't go back to school this semester; but maybe someday. There's no rushing this recovery process.
Yesterday evening he tried to get up, with his helmet on, and go to the bathroom. Got too dizzy and couldn't do it.
He has been very emotional when Bridget leaves the room and keeps asking "how is this my life?" and "what happened?" We think it shows coherent thinking. He could answer most of the doctors questions last night, except his phone number.
If Bridget leaves the room, he wants me to call her on her cell phone. He asks where she is repeatedly. Bridget is completely devoted. Sam would prefer Bridget stay the night in the hospital so I defer to his requests. I stayed about 16 hours yesterday.
The rehab process has begun, and he has a speech therapist named Millie. Last night, he was very coherent and answered her questions almost perfectly. The questions he couldn't answer was "Is there only paper money?" and "Name the thing she is sitting on."
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