Sad circumstances to be finding out about this site, but I’m glad that I did. My father (74 yrs) in good shape previously except for hyperthyroidism and arthritis, fell and broke his c4-5 vertebrae on 11-21 while visiting family members in the Philly area. From what I understand he has an incomplete injury. When he fell he dropped forward, hitting his head on a brick wall and then must have lurched backwards really hard. So far, 6 days out from the injury, there are hopeful signs. When admitted he was breathing on his own but had “vocal changes” and could not feel his feet or hands. He got his stabilization surgery, is intubated, and will get feeding tube and trach installed tomorrow. His vital s have remained stable. He has feelings in fingers and toes and can move one arms slightly, have seen him move legs and toes ever so slightly too. I think he will be a lot more comfortable with his trake in. Biggest struggles are temp regulation: he’s hot, clammy in arms, and arthritis pain in shoulders. My question is if anyone has similar experiences I’d love to hear them. I’m also wondering about next steps. They will try to wean from trach next week and if not progressing a lot they said they would move him to long term acute to wean and then rehab. He gets tired very easily (no sedatives) and I’m not sure if even next week he’ll be ready for the rigors of rehab. Do you think that’s okay if we think of next step to stabilize his breathing, wean from vent instead of immediately trying to get him into rehab? I don’t want to waste those days in rehab. He is very motivated and strong. He’s also a veteran. I’ve been looking at sci centers and will choose either magee or bryn mawr (main line rehab) if they accept my dad. I know Magee is probably better but we have family connection to bryn Mayr, lots of family close by and they are accredited. I live across the country so am relying on extended family a lot.
Working...
Comment