Sunday, January 25, 2009
It all seems like a dream....
I'm glad I was able to go down today and see Hunter and visit Kim at the hospital. It really made me wake up and realize what is happening to see him lying there asleep like that and so helpless with so many machines on him. When this all happened it's almost like it didn't sink in. I knew it was happening, but you know how sometimes it seems like you are in a dream and the whole world is still just going around you. I knew things were happening but it's so hard to react or even know what to do in a situation like this. You never think this will happen to family so close to you! Even when it does it almost seems like it's not real. Today, seeing him like that....... it made it more real than ever!! I know Kim & Duane are trying to be strong, but they have their breakdowns...as anybody would in this situation. And that's okay! I know a lot of us has all had our moments of just can't stop crying! But, I am optimistic. I know all the prayers and fasting are working for Hunter and his family! It's so amazing what Prayer can truly do!! I know we are all in this together as a family to help no matter how long it takes for him to get completely better! We love you Hunter! We love you Kim, Duane, Jessica, Makayla, Alex (and of course Sam too). We are here for you!
Update on Hunter
Hunter, seems to be doing well today. His pressure is at 17 and temp. 98, that is really good for how much they have been moving him today.
I guess I can explain that.
Hunter doesn't like it when they move him, His reading on the machines kinda go crazy every time they do something. He has always been the kind of person who wants to be left alone and not be bugged. (wonder where he get that from) So because of that they have not been able to turn him in bed, so he has been in the same position from the first time they tried to turn him.
When the take him in for ct scans the have to haul everything with him, that's a lot of stuff. It took around 1 1/2 hrs to prep him this morning, just to take him down for it. I have no idea how they lift him and everything off to another table for the scan, all I can say I'm glad it's not me, he's a big boy.
I'm not sure where going to see the Dr. about the scan today it's 4:00 and haven't seen him yet.
Randy and Diann brought their kids by, it was nice to see him, I wish Hunter could of had gotten up and gone and played with his buddy Kaden and Javon. They play so well together, he'll have to hurry and get better so the can play star wars and Pokemon. And it was Bailee's birthday, She's 8 and will be baptized on Saturday along with Gage getting his name and blessing. Maybe with the three boys they'll be able to take on Hunter.
Angela followed Randy and Diann here also, We made her to the hard part and read every one's blogs out loud to us in the waiting room, Mom and Dad where here too. Mom started reading, handed it to me, and then we handed of to Angela. She was the only one that could get past the first line, of Alex's story. I still can't read everything or hear it, I had to get up and leave while they finished reading, Marsha and the Kids got here just as we finished up.
I don't think Alex realizes what an example he is to his little BIG brother. He has been so good to include him in his activities. I don't know what Jessica said to Alex in one of her late night talks in the bedroom to him a few years ago when she came home from college, but ever since then Alex and Hunter got along so well and did many things together. In fact Alex want Hunter to go to the church to practice basketball Thursday so they would be awesome for CBA. or at least look like it, Alex came out in his red shorts, white shirt, and new sweat head and wrest bands that matched. Hunter didn't want to go, he was enjoying laying on the couch next to his dad watching TV and me telling him and him arguing that he was not going to speak in church on Sunday. I finally told him to go play and he didn't want to. So I told him he could go play or I could find a job around the house to do. Hunter could make up his mind fast when the choice was placed before him. Of Course he chose basketball with Alex and Sam.
I thought something would happen to Hunter, just didn't picture it this way, It was suppose to be more like, Hunter blew up something in the back yard playing with match and deodorant, or Experiment went wrong. or Hunter was demolishing his mom's new ...... and he gets hurt. or Hunter found new fireworks or made his own, or C20 canisters and Paper rockets and pine wood derby cars just don't go together.
Hunter loves to take things apart, he never puts them back together but always takes them apart. I could clean his room and find all kinds of things that used to be mine. Of course you had to find more than one piece to figure that out.
He is a great kid, and if you ask him, He is my favorite, I love him dearly and hope I am up to do whatever it takes to help him. May the Lord bless me with patience to go along with my stubburn head that he will do everything he did before (plus like to read.) we keep telling him in his ear when the nurses aren't looking that he loves to read and he's good at it to. (I hope it works).
I don't know if this makes any sense, I'm here in his room all by myself, everyone has gone and I've been up with him since last night. Mom and Dad went over to Uncle Kenny's for Marsha's birthday dinner and then they are going to come sit with Hunter while I go get some good sleep. You'll have to forgive my spelling and grammer, I am tired by it would be bad anyway, Hunter did get his wonderful skills from someone.
Thanks for all the prayers, and concerns we will pull through this, because Hunter knows Mom Always Wins!!! so don't even try to beat me.
We are at our 72 hour mark, things should start going down from here.
I guess I can explain that.
Hunter doesn't like it when they move him, His reading on the machines kinda go crazy every time they do something. He has always been the kind of person who wants to be left alone and not be bugged. (wonder where he get that from) So because of that they have not been able to turn him in bed, so he has been in the same position from the first time they tried to turn him.
When the take him in for ct scans the have to haul everything with him, that's a lot of stuff. It took around 1 1/2 hrs to prep him this morning, just to take him down for it. I have no idea how they lift him and everything off to another table for the scan, all I can say I'm glad it's not me, he's a big boy.
I'm not sure where going to see the Dr. about the scan today it's 4:00 and haven't seen him yet.
Randy and Diann brought their kids by, it was nice to see him, I wish Hunter could of had gotten up and gone and played with his buddy Kaden and Javon. They play so well together, he'll have to hurry and get better so the can play star wars and Pokemon. And it was Bailee's birthday, She's 8 and will be baptized on Saturday along with Gage getting his name and blessing. Maybe with the three boys they'll be able to take on Hunter.
Angela followed Randy and Diann here also, We made her to the hard part and read every one's blogs out loud to us in the waiting room, Mom and Dad where here too. Mom started reading, handed it to me, and then we handed of to Angela. She was the only one that could get past the first line, of Alex's story. I still can't read everything or hear it, I had to get up and leave while they finished reading, Marsha and the Kids got here just as we finished up.
I don't think Alex realizes what an example he is to his little BIG brother. He has been so good to include him in his activities. I don't know what Jessica said to Alex in one of her late night talks in the bedroom to him a few years ago when she came home from college, but ever since then Alex and Hunter got along so well and did many things together. In fact Alex want Hunter to go to the church to practice basketball Thursday so they would be awesome for CBA. or at least look like it, Alex came out in his red shorts, white shirt, and new sweat head and wrest bands that matched. Hunter didn't want to go, he was enjoying laying on the couch next to his dad watching TV and me telling him and him arguing that he was not going to speak in church on Sunday. I finally told him to go play and he didn't want to. So I told him he could go play or I could find a job around the house to do. Hunter could make up his mind fast when the choice was placed before him. Of Course he chose basketball with Alex and Sam.
I thought something would happen to Hunter, just didn't picture it this way, It was suppose to be more like, Hunter blew up something in the back yard playing with match and deodorant, or Experiment went wrong. or Hunter was demolishing his mom's new ...... and he gets hurt. or Hunter found new fireworks or made his own, or C20 canisters and Paper rockets and pine wood derby cars just don't go together.
Hunter loves to take things apart, he never puts them back together but always takes them apart. I could clean his room and find all kinds of things that used to be mine. Of course you had to find more than one piece to figure that out.
He is a great kid, and if you ask him, He is my favorite, I love him dearly and hope I am up to do whatever it takes to help him. May the Lord bless me with patience to go along with my stubburn head that he will do everything he did before (plus like to read.) we keep telling him in his ear when the nurses aren't looking that he loves to read and he's good at it to. (I hope it works).
I don't know if this makes any sense, I'm here in his room all by myself, everyone has gone and I've been up with him since last night. Mom and Dad went over to Uncle Kenny's for Marsha's birthday dinner and then they are going to come sit with Hunter while I go get some good sleep. You'll have to forgive my spelling and grammer, I am tired by it would be bad anyway, Hunter did get his wonderful skills from someone.
Thanks for all the prayers, and concerns we will pull through this, because Hunter knows Mom Always Wins!!! so don't even try to beat me.
We are at our 72 hour mark, things should start going down from here.
from daniel
Dear Hunter,The last time i saw you was at grandma's.
(I think Daniel wasn't exactly sure what else to say....he wanted to say something...but could not find the words (Angela))
From Daniel (age 10)
Jessica
So its been a long weekend. It feels like he has been in the hospital for a week already and it has only been a couple of days. Like it's been mentioned before it is an emotional roller coaster ride but we are making it through. Our family has found more faith and testimony through this trial and that has been a blessing. We love our Savior Jesus Christ and we understand our Heavenly Fathers plan so much more. Not that we didn't know these thigns before but for some reaosn by going through all of this it really shows a real perspective of it. It puts us in a place that is not describable. For myself it has put the word "life" into a whole new perspective. I guess I never really realized how precious life is. In just a moments time life can be changed from being actively playing basketball to laying in a hospital bed with 10 different machines hooked up to your body just so you can live. In a weird way I love just sitting in Hunters room and looking at that little BIG brother of mine. Seeing him so helpless just really shows that it doesn't matter how big or strong you are, anything can happen. This has also given me an outlook on how it is so important that we make good choices in life. I have been riding on the front seat of the roller coaster ride along with my parents and there are times when you cant help but let your mind wonder. Many times the thought of him not making it through this has crossed our path but there is peace and joy in my heart because I know if that was ever the case that Hunter would be in our Heavenly Fathers presence. He has been living his life the way he should. There is no doubt in my mind of where he would be. Hunter didn't know that he was going to fall off a car and get badly injured to the point he would need life support. There was no way for him to do a quick repentance process to make sure things were clear so if he was to die he would be saved. This right here along with this trial and given me an evaluation of my own life I find myself asking myself am I where im supposed to be? I keep thinking of the verses in Alma 5...If we were to die are we prepared to meet God at the judgement bar? Lets face it. All of us are going to die someday, it's something we can't stop from happening. I am just so proud of my little brother. He is such a great young man and a joy to have in life. I can't imagine life without him so I try not to. Remember the good times is what helps me get through this. Especially when I'm in the room with him. I can be strong for everyone else in the waiting room and else where but when Im in the room with Hunter that is when its the hardest. However I found if I think of things that we have done in the past I find myself laughing inside and once in awhile I'll laugh out loud. Hunter is such a funny kid! Oh boy can he make me laugh. I have SOOOOO many stories I could tell. For example I will never forget this story.... When I was in high school I was getting ready to go out running. Since Hunter has always been a bigger kid I would always invite him to go with me. I remember when I asked him if he wanted to go get a good work out in with me he turned and looked up at me. He was sitting at the nintendo, he put down his control and showed me his thumbs. Then bending them (as if they were flexing) he said "look how strong these are!" He turned back to the game and started laughing. I fell right to the ground laughing. I have been really close to Hunter the past couple of years. I love being around him. I still do... even in this conditions Im glad he is still with us and fighting the battle. We have to remember that Hunter knew in the preexistence that he would have to go through this but I see that boy saying "I will do it, give me a body!" He is strong and a fighter, he will get through this and so will all of us. Keep your faith and hope high. I know your prayers have helped him and I know its a trial for all of you as well. I just hope all of you are doing well. If there is anything I can do for any of you please let me know. Really don't be afraid to ask me for anything. I would love to help anyone with anything they need. We are all in this together. Thank your for your love and support.
To Hunter
Hunter - today is Sunday and your mom says your are resting peacefully. The doctor says the CT scan looks the same as yesterday. They are waiting for a specialist to look at the scan to get more information. There is a lot of pressure on your lungs and they might have to elevate you differently to take some of the pressure off. I just want you to know that we love you and care very much about you. If you ever have had a doubt as to whether everyone really cares - you will never have to wonder anymore. So many people are fasting and praying for you today. You are so loved!!!
Sunday Morning
Alex you are a great brother. Hunter is lucky to have you.
Just talked to Kim about the evening she spent with you. Here is an update:
1:00 a.m. his pressure was at 28 and temperature at 99.9.
1:30 a.m. his pressure at 20 and temp 98.9.
2:00 a.m. pressure 18-20 temp 98.8.
2:30 a.m. pressure 17 temp same.
3:30 a.m. pressure 18 temp same - Nurse Shannon is starting to prepare everything to take Hunter down for scan. Scan is at 5:00 am - there is a lot of preparation to do because of all the equipment required. They did an x-ray of the lungs.
4:00 a.m. Hunters temperature dropped to 96.
5:00 Took him in for his CT scan.
8:00 a.m. He is back in his room. They are cleaning him up and rehooking everything.
They had to give him oxygen because his oxygen level was low after moving him for the scan.
Pressure is at 19 and his temperature is at 98.9.
Kim and Duane seem to be doing okay this morning - they have a new nurse that they don't know very well yet - they went from MaryJo to Joe. They have had great nurses.
Duane, Jared & Jessica headed home. Duane needs to do some jobs. Will be back tomorrow.
Just talked to Kim about the evening she spent with you. Here is an update:
1:00 a.m. his pressure was at 28 and temperature at 99.9.
1:30 a.m. his pressure at 20 and temp 98.9.
2:00 a.m. pressure 18-20 temp 98.8.
2:30 a.m. pressure 17 temp same.
3:30 a.m. pressure 18 temp same - Nurse Shannon is starting to prepare everything to take Hunter down for scan. Scan is at 5:00 am - there is a lot of preparation to do because of all the equipment required. They did an x-ray of the lungs.
4:00 a.m. Hunters temperature dropped to 96.
5:00 Took him in for his CT scan.
8:00 a.m. He is back in his room. They are cleaning him up and rehooking everything.
They had to give him oxygen because his oxygen level was low after moving him for the scan.
Pressure is at 19 and his temperature is at 98.9.
Kim and Duane seem to be doing okay this morning - they have a new nurse that they don't know very well yet - they went from MaryJo to Joe. They have had great nurses.
Duane, Jared & Jessica headed home. Duane needs to do some jobs. Will be back tomorrow.
Hunter, the Humane soul.
Hi, Alex here again. I want to let everyone know what a great young man Hunter is. Here are two pictures of Hunter back around 2003. The top one is him helping me with my eagle scout project. if you click on it you can see me in the background with my broken arm. Hunter has always been the great brother. He always helped me when i need it and i remember all the things he did for me when my arm was broken.
The bottom picture is 3 and a half hours later. He worked very hard to help me that day, you can see he's true self in that picture. it shows how innocent he is. it shows how pure his heart is. he has been a spiritual guide to me, he has stepped up to lead the way for me when i should have been the older brother and done the right thing. i know that god is looking out for one of his best sons right now. I'm so glad that i am able to be his brother. i want to take back all of the fights we had, most of them were our way to show our love for each other but some have been pretty serious. I want to take back all of the mean things i said, thought, and wanted to think.
Hunter when you read this i want you to remember that time when you came out and helped me pull weeds. I was teasing you pretty bad and i deserved more then just pulling the weeds, but you came out and helped me because you wanted to play with me.It was a bonding moment i will never forget. Hunter you are a kind giant, you forgive so fast that sometimes i wonder if you really do get mad. You always make me laugh and pull me though the tough times. i don't know what i would do without you. I will always love you and i will always be here for you when you need it
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Alex's Story
Well hi everyone, I'm Alex, Hunter's brother. You all know that Hunter was badly hurt and is in the hospital. Well this is how it happened...
Hunter, I, and some of our friends were at the Whipple chapel playing some basketball Thursday night. We were done around 4:30 and we were hanging out by the cars just goofing around, one by one we started to leave. Hunter, Sam, and I were the last to leave. I got into the passenger seat and Sam in the drivers, Hunter was already sitting on the trunk of Sam's car when we got in. Sam waited a minute for Hunter to get off and get inside the car, seeing that he was staying there we knew that he wanted to ride there to our house. I almost opened my door to tell him to get in but I didn't since I didn't want to fight with him and it was just down the street to our house. Sam’s backed out of the parking spot and moved forward. I watch him as he bounced on the car over the speed bumps. I also watch him as we turned left on to the small road that links the church parking lot, 1st North and 2nd North together. After that point I looked down at my cell phone at a text message. We took a right turn onto my home street (2nd North). We got as far as 20 feet from the turn when I felt Hunter moved off the car. Sam kept moving for another 20 feet till he slammed on his brakes. I looked at Sam as he jumped out the door and ran towards Hunter; I climbed out of the car to see Hunter on the road lying on his side facing away from us. Sam ran up to Hunter and yelled "He's Bleeding". I was still confused at what was going on as I watched Sam running to my house to get my parents. I ran to Hunter and asked if he was OK, he was unresponsive. He was breathing pretty hard so I knew he was still alive. I saw that he had a gash on the right side of he's head right behind he's ear, blood was coming out at an alarming rate. I tried to get him to lay on he's back so he stop sucking in his own blood but he is a big kid and I didn't want the blood to come out faster. The only thing I remember from scouts is to keep him calm so I talked to him till my parents came back with Sam. At this point there are two things I regret, being an eagle scout I should have known to 1. Call 911 since I was first one able to; and 2. I should have somehow tried to slow the bleeding. I know that it is not a big deal since the medics got there so fast but I'm ashamed of not thinking to control the bleeding. When my parents got there I kind of backed up to let them in. My mother told me to get her shoes so I ran home and got them and came right back. Very few minutes later the medics came and took over. After this I just stood around being helpless. Hunter now looked responsive and pretty bloody up. He was trying to sit up and it took around 4 people to keep him down. They took him to the hospital in Mesquite and my parents went home to change and leave to the hospital. Sam and I stayed behind to fill out police reports. When we got done with them about 30 minutes later we went to the hospital to join my family. After this it was all about waiting game…
I don't know much of the conditions of Hunter, but the timeline we are looking at is that he will be in heavy sleep for around a week. Anywhere from a few weeks to a few months he will be able to come home. I was told he will have short term memory problems for about a year.
There is irony in a situation like this. I am very lonely, my family has been in Vegas since Friday, but many people have come to see me, and frankly I’m sick of it. I am sick of people asking if I’m okay, I’m just fine. I wasn’t the one hurt. But it hurts every time someone asks me if I’m okay. I want you to know that I am grateful for you caring and it has helped me to know that but at this moment I rather talk about something else.
As of how I’ve been dealing with all this is that I have been blocking it all out. I must be doing a good job of it because sometimes I forget what even happened, I forget that the rest of my family is staying in Vegas with him and not up there for the day, I forget that Hunter was lying on the road and I was crying, watching, being totally helpless. I moved the memory of that night so deep in my head that it cuts my heart when I remember it. I’ve never cried this much in my life. When I saw him today, in his hospital bed, my bones and joints were stabbed with pain. It is like someone cutting thin slices off your bones. The pain was very clear and sharp. I wanted to leave but my muscles were weak, I had no strength. All I could do was look at him and asked why him and not me. I feel like a terrible brother for not staying in Vegas, but I’m sure he understands my choice to stay away from him right now. I don’t want the memory of him in the hospital bed. He was a very active and happy young man and that is the memory I will keep of him till he is better.
I want everyone to know that I am grateful for everything. People have brought me dinner, bishop has given me a ride to see Hunter, and Caleb and Sam have been keeping great company. Thanks to my other friends and family for checking up on me. Thanks for all the prayers and fasting for Hunter
Hunter, I, and some of our friends were at the Whipple chapel playing some basketball Thursday night. We were done around 4:30 and we were hanging out by the cars just goofing around, one by one we started to leave. Hunter, Sam, and I were the last to leave. I got into the passenger seat and Sam in the drivers, Hunter was already sitting on the trunk of Sam's car when we got in. Sam waited a minute for Hunter to get off and get inside the car, seeing that he was staying there we knew that he wanted to ride there to our house. I almost opened my door to tell him to get in but I didn't since I didn't want to fight with him and it was just down the street to our house. Sam’s backed out of the parking spot and moved forward. I watch him as he bounced on the car over the speed bumps. I also watch him as we turned left on to the small road that links the church parking lot, 1st North and 2nd North together. After that point I looked down at my cell phone at a text message. We took a right turn onto my home street (2nd North). We got as far as 20 feet from the turn when I felt Hunter moved off the car. Sam kept moving for another 20 feet till he slammed on his brakes. I looked at Sam as he jumped out the door and ran towards Hunter; I climbed out of the car to see Hunter on the road lying on his side facing away from us. Sam ran up to Hunter and yelled "He's Bleeding". I was still confused at what was going on as I watched Sam running to my house to get my parents. I ran to Hunter and asked if he was OK, he was unresponsive. He was breathing pretty hard so I knew he was still alive. I saw that he had a gash on the right side of he's head right behind he's ear, blood was coming out at an alarming rate. I tried to get him to lay on he's back so he stop sucking in his own blood but he is a big kid and I didn't want the blood to come out faster. The only thing I remember from scouts is to keep him calm so I talked to him till my parents came back with Sam. At this point there are two things I regret, being an eagle scout I should have known to 1. Call 911 since I was first one able to; and 2. I should have somehow tried to slow the bleeding. I know that it is not a big deal since the medics got there so fast but I'm ashamed of not thinking to control the bleeding. When my parents got there I kind of backed up to let them in. My mother told me to get her shoes so I ran home and got them and came right back. Very few minutes later the medics came and took over. After this I just stood around being helpless. Hunter now looked responsive and pretty bloody up. He was trying to sit up and it took around 4 people to keep him down. They took him to the hospital in Mesquite and my parents went home to change and leave to the hospital. Sam and I stayed behind to fill out police reports. When we got done with them about 30 minutes later we went to the hospital to join my family. After this it was all about waiting game…
I don't know much of the conditions of Hunter, but the timeline we are looking at is that he will be in heavy sleep for around a week. Anywhere from a few weeks to a few months he will be able to come home. I was told he will have short term memory problems for about a year.
There is irony in a situation like this. I am very lonely, my family has been in Vegas since Friday, but many people have come to see me, and frankly I’m sick of it. I am sick of people asking if I’m okay, I’m just fine. I wasn’t the one hurt. But it hurts every time someone asks me if I’m okay. I want you to know that I am grateful for you caring and it has helped me to know that but at this moment I rather talk about something else.
As of how I’ve been dealing with all this is that I have been blocking it all out. I must be doing a good job of it because sometimes I forget what even happened, I forget that the rest of my family is staying in Vegas with him and not up there for the day, I forget that Hunter was lying on the road and I was crying, watching, being totally helpless. I moved the memory of that night so deep in my head that it cuts my heart when I remember it. I’ve never cried this much in my life. When I saw him today, in his hospital bed, my bones and joints were stabbed with pain. It is like someone cutting thin slices off your bones. The pain was very clear and sharp. I wanted to leave but my muscles were weak, I had no strength. All I could do was look at him and asked why him and not me. I feel like a terrible brother for not staying in Vegas, but I’m sure he understands my choice to stay away from him right now. I don’t want the memory of him in the hospital bed. He was a very active and happy young man and that is the memory I will keep of him till he is better.
I want everyone to know that I am grateful for everything. People have brought me dinner, bishop has given me a ride to see Hunter, and Caleb and Sam have been keeping great company. Thanks to my other friends and family for checking up on me. Thanks for all the prayers and fasting for Hunter
FAST FOR HUNTER
Fast for Hunter is tomorrow. If you know anyone that would like to join in on the fast please forward the information.
Grandma T, Dori & John
Grandma Thurston, John & Dori went to visit Hunter at 5 p.m today. They were able to sit with Hunter while the family went to dinner. I just talked to Dori and Hunter seems to be doing well. The pressure has gotten as low as 6 and was up to 15 while I was talking to her; but for the most part it has been low and that is very good. His heart rate was 90 and his temperature was at 98. Dori said all the numbers looked good.
Cat Scan moved to tomorrow morning....
The Cat Scan will be done tomorrow morning instead to see if the swelling on the brain has gone down. If it has gone down and there is enough room they may be able to put something in there to drain fluid off the brain as well, besides just monitoring pressure. They are carefully watching the next 24-48 hours because this is the most critical part. The fever is down to 99 and pressure is now around 16. They have started him on antibiotics incase of any infection and they are upping his medication from every 6 hours to every 4 to try and keep the pressure on the brain more stabilized then it has been. Family is taking a few things down to Kim and Duane right now that they need. Kim will have her laptop and will try to post anything when she can! They are very grateful for all the family and friends that have been able to visit them already! Thank you!!
Saturday 1/24/09 3:30 p.m.
Grandpa and Grandma Laub visiting Hunter. Talked to Duane he is extremely tired and can't sleep. He and Makayla are sitting with Hunter. He is so tired he can't find the words to even talk. He mentioned Bishop Peterson bringing the kids to the hospital was very nice. Alex and Sam are on their way back to Mesquite and Makayla is staying a while longer. Duane said they had a family prayer and a nurse came in to talk to the kids to explain what is going on. They moved the CT-scan up to tomorrow. Hunter has been doing well all day with the pressure being under 20. Alex texted me and told me that Hunter could be in the hospital for a few weeks to a few months. He probably will have short term memory problems for a year.
To clear a few things up....
There is no bleeding on the brain. At the time the injury first occured they had said something about bleeding on the brain, but it is just bad bruising and swelling. That's all it still is. The pressure on the brain spikes up when the medication wears off. So, they keep giving him more medication when that happens. They will continue to do this because they don't want it to spike back up and have a 2nd injury to the brain to occur. They are not sure how long they will have to continue to give him medication for this. Once his body can keep the pressure down on his own, that is when they can start to take him out of the drug induced coma. So, as for now it's all about the pressure on the brain and trying to keep that down. Once Hunters body can handle that and keep it down on his own, then we can move on from that. He will for sure have another Cat Scan on Monday. The pressure hasn't been going up anymore when nurses and others are talking around him. But, when Kim talks, he has a reaction. Maybe that is a good sign. A sign he can hear somebody familiar even though he is in a coma. Also, when the accident first happened, (although the situation is still very bad) how he was fighting back before he went completely out could also be a good sign! Keep Praying! Thanks guys!
More of your questions answered.....for now...
I know some of you are wondering what Hospital he is at. He is at Sunrise Children's Hospital in Las Vegas. I know a lot of you want to do something to help. But, please don't send anything to the room right now and please don't call the hospital. The best thing you can do as of now and for this whole experience is to PRAY!! Pray for Hunter and pray for the family! Thanks! We'll keep everybody updated the best we can! Thanks for all your thoughts already! Kim and Duane really appreciate it all!!
9 - 10 am Update
Spoke with Kim and she confirmed that the only injuries to be concerned with are the fracture to his skull and related head injuries (there are no injuries to Hunter's back or vertebrae, which is good news).
Last night was actually pretty rough. While they anticipated the coma to be induced in about an hour, it was nearly 4 am before the monitor showed the brainwaves as a flat line, indicating a comatose state. During the night, the pressure actually went over 50 on a few occasions, which the doctors were cleary trying to avoid.
Jessica and Kim were heading back to the hospital at the time of this update.
At 10 am, Alex and the bishop were on their way to the hospital as well.
Last night was actually pretty rough. While they anticipated the coma to be induced in about an hour, it was nearly 4 am before the monitor showed the brainwaves as a flat line, indicating a comatose state. During the night, the pressure actually went over 50 on a few occasions, which the doctors were cleary trying to avoid.
Jessica and Kim were heading back to the hospital at the time of this update.
At 10 am, Alex and the bishop were on their way to the hospital as well.
A small update.....
I just got off the phone with Kim. Hunter is hooked up to about 8 different machines right now. And like a cooling system to try and keep his temperature down. The brain pressure is at 23 right now but it had shot up to 50 during the night! Their Bishop, Bishop Petersen and his wife are headed down there right now and taking Makayla, Alex & Sam down.
7:30 am Update (1-24-09)
Talked to Duane this morning. They have some friends that were able to help find them a timeshare in Vegas through Monday, for which they are very grateful. Duane left the hospital at 11 pm, then came back at 4 am to switch with Kim, Jessica and Jared.
Hunter seems to be doing well. His current pressure reading is at 14, and below 20 is the target. He has 24 separate probes measuring brainwave activity and nothing alarming is happening now.
Hunter seems to be doing well. His current pressure reading is at 14, and below 20 is the target. He has 24 separate probes measuring brainwave activity and nothing alarming is happening now.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Series of Events (for St Clair's)
We just wanted to share the events as we heard them over the past two days, as this has affected us greatly. It started with the phone call that you hope you never get - Grandma called Thursday night and shared with us that there had been an accident. As she exited the temple with Brent and Laurie, she picked up a message on her phone about the accident. Brent had already been approached by someone in the temple who had seen Hunter immediately following the accident and mentioned it.
The only information that Grandma had at that time was that Hunter was at the Mesquite Hospital and that he was going to be life-flighted to Las Vegas. We tried for awhile trying to reach anyone who might have information on Hunter's condition - unfortunately with no luck. Dori then called John, who was working a shift with the Highway Patrol, and she asked if he could get any information. John went to the hospital, but the nurses stated they couldn't provide any details, but did state that he had been life-flighted to Las Vegas. John then was able to get in touch with the officers who were on the scene in Mesquite. They shared with John that Hunter was conscious until they arrived on the scene, but shortly thereafter, he became non-responsive. They shared that it did not look good and that he had experienced severe head injuries.
Dori called back and shared that Duane and Kim were home packing to go to Las Vegas and that Hunter would be in surgery all night. Darla was finally able to talk to Duane and he shared that he was very hopeful that everything would be alright.
We woke up Friday morning and the first thing we did was call Duane for an update. He let us know that they did not end up doing surgery and instead attempted to use medicine to relieve the pressure from the swelling resulting from the head injuries. Duane and Kim stayed at her sister's house in Las Vegas and were on the way to the hospital.
Througout the day, it seemed like every time we received news, the updates would go from optimistic to less favorable in terms of the swelling, fever and overall outlook. At times throughout the process, we would hear there was a 50/50 chance of him pulling through, which was obviously difficult to hear.
Around 7 pm Las Vegas time, Kim and Jessica were traveling back to Mesquite, while Duane was going to stay at the hospital with Hunter. Duane called Kim to state that things had taken a turn for the worse - as a result, they were going to have to induce a coma. Kim and Jessica immediately turned around and headed back to the hospital. The medicine used for this would take approximately an hour to take effect.
It makes you realize how much you love not only your immediate family, but your extended family as well. Life is precious - we look forward to the day that Hunter will be back up here at our house smashing holes in the frozen pond (and accidentally falling through for a third time!) We are here to help - let us know how we can. We love you all.
Scott & Darla
The only information that Grandma had at that time was that Hunter was at the Mesquite Hospital and that he was going to be life-flighted to Las Vegas. We tried for awhile trying to reach anyone who might have information on Hunter's condition - unfortunately with no luck. Dori then called John, who was working a shift with the Highway Patrol, and she asked if he could get any information. John went to the hospital, but the nurses stated they couldn't provide any details, but did state that he had been life-flighted to Las Vegas. John then was able to get in touch with the officers who were on the scene in Mesquite. They shared with John that Hunter was conscious until they arrived on the scene, but shortly thereafter, he became non-responsive. They shared that it did not look good and that he had experienced severe head injuries.
Dori called back and shared that Duane and Kim were home packing to go to Las Vegas and that Hunter would be in surgery all night. Darla was finally able to talk to Duane and he shared that he was very hopeful that everything would be alright.
We woke up Friday morning and the first thing we did was call Duane for an update. He let us know that they did not end up doing surgery and instead attempted to use medicine to relieve the pressure from the swelling resulting from the head injuries. Duane and Kim stayed at her sister's house in Las Vegas and were on the way to the hospital.
Througout the day, it seemed like every time we received news, the updates would go from optimistic to less favorable in terms of the swelling, fever and overall outlook. At times throughout the process, we would hear there was a 50/50 chance of him pulling through, which was obviously difficult to hear.
Around 7 pm Las Vegas time, Kim and Jessica were traveling back to Mesquite, while Duane was going to stay at the hospital with Hunter. Duane called Kim to state that things had taken a turn for the worse - as a result, they were going to have to induce a coma. Kim and Jessica immediately turned around and headed back to the hospital. The medicine used for this would take approximately an hour to take effect.
It makes you realize how much you love not only your immediate family, but your extended family as well. Life is precious - we look forward to the day that Hunter will be back up here at our house smashing holes in the frozen pond (and accidentally falling through for a third time!) We are here to help - let us know how we can. We love you all.
Scott & Darla
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