Update Wednesday Nov 5 9AM
With a level 4 of cognitive functioning, Aaron responds primarily to his own internal confusion. He again pulled out his PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) and nasogastric feeding tube, which forced the nurses to put the hand mitts back on. The doctor mentioned if Aaron doesn’t pass a swallow test soon, he may have to insert a gastric feeding tube (a tube inserted through a small incision in the abdomen into the stomach and is used for long-term enteral nutrition).
When admitted to the hospital, Aaron had a Glasgow Coma Scale rating of 8 (severe). After 3.5 weeks, Aaron is still very agitated and restless. He is experiencing loss of sleep (essentially not sleeping at all), which is common for traumatic brain injury patients. Aaron has spoken a few more words – very garbled. He was able to answer my simple questions, but was confused with more complex ones.
The GP is still quite concerned about his respiratory system. Aaron is not kicking the infection as quickly as the doctor would like. The doctor is also concerned about a possible re-fracture of the T12. Aaron broke his T12, L1, and L2 a few years ago while racing at Loudon International Raceway in New Hampshire. Brain injury patients do not correctly assess pain, so it is a bit difficult for the doctor to gauge whether or not to put him in a turtle shell.
I would like to thank my brother Scott for everything that he is. He has been my rock throughout all of this. Scott is surely the most amazing person I have had the honor of knowing.
Take care –
Scott and Tedi
