Hunter's First Week Home

I was told I needed to keep the blog up, and not sure where to start.

Friday, Feb. 20, I took Alex with me to help Drive to pick Hunter up.While we were gathering all of the things we had in Hunter's room the nurse came in to give me discharge instruction. And of course Alex thought Hunter's wheel chair was really cool and had to try it out. When I say try it out it's how long and high can you pop a wheelie in the wheel chair. Not sure how long but the height was up and over the back side with him landing on his back side lifting his head so it wouldn't hit the floor. I couldn't believe what was going on, for a split second I thought we were going to start all over again. The Nurse asked me why I didn't yell at him. I told her I was so tired I had no strength to do it. My only other thought was, He wouldn't listen, and I brought him to help me, what was I thinking?. We got out all nice and safe.

I talked Hunter into coming home instead of staying at the Ronald McDonald House for the night, our beds sounded so much better. So Alex and Hunter got to hang out while Jessica and I clean our room and did laundry.

Jessica and Alex left before Hunter and I, they were to get a head start so they could help their dad at home before we got there. We took a little longer because in Las Vegas I told Hunter we told Grandma Leavitt we were coming home and she said good, now I can get some sleep tonight. When he heard this we had to stop by Grandma's before coming home.

Duane and friends put up a sign and balloons to welcome Hunter home, Hunter really liked it. Thank you all.

And then the fun begins with perceptions to be filled at the pharmacy. Thank heavens for Insurance.

Saturday, Feb. 21,- We had Hunter get on the treadmill and he was able to do 1 1/2 laps with 10 min rest in between each half. We wiped him out, he was tired all day, I actually had to dress him to go to Las Vegas for the baptisms. Dressing a 15 year old with a bad shoulder isn't easy. On our way to Las Vegas, Hunter just kept saying I Hate Las Vegas, I Hate Las Vegas, I said what do you mean Las Vegas saved your life. He says No, Mom it was the prayers and the Priesthood. We made it the baptism and it was great to see all the family there.

Sunday, Feb. 22, - Hunter only made it through Sacrament Meeting, and then we sent him and Jessica home to rest. Alex wanted to go, but we told him he didn't spend enough time at the side of his hospital bed to be first choice to take Hunter home. and then from 5 - 7 we had family and friend over to visit with Hunter.

Monday, Feb. 23, - Spent most of the day on the phone with Insurance and setting up Dr. appointments. At 12:30 we had an I.E.P. at the High School to figure out what going to happen with Hunter and school. He's going to be on Home bound till sometime in April.

Tuesday, Feb, 24 - Had Dr. Appointment at 9:45 - he was suppose to start his medication for his blood clots. Of course this Dr. had never done it before so we had to schedule another appointment for Wed. to see a different Dr. but did get the prescription for the MRI and Physical Therapy, and medication for Zytac? because Hunter isn't eating anything. Then at 11:00 we went to Mesa View to make an appointment for the MRI, so of course more waiting.

Wednesday, Feb 25, - New appointment at the Dr. Hunter is now taking blood thinners for his blood clots. Let's hope he doesn't get cut. And then back to Mesa View to do the MRI. (we'll find out Fri.)

Thursday, Feb 26, - Today is our lazy day. All we did was Grandma Leavitt's Hair and did some candling on Hunter ears because he was complaining about them popping when we read our book. That boy produces ear wax like sherk does.

Tomorrow we go to St. George for the foot Dr. (I think we are getting a glimpse of what retired people do)

Something funny about Hunter: He notices everything, his new nickname is MONK. Just one example out of many is last night when I went to tuck him into bed it drove him crazy that the 4 screw in the light switch weren't the same direction. I told him he can get a screw driver and fix it anytime he wants. So he's not as bad as MONK because he didn't fix it.

He mess' Jessica, he's always asking when she's coming back. I tell him that she needs to be home with her husband. He gets on my cell phone and calls her and tells her we are all stressed out, and Mom and Dad aren't getting along, and she needs to come NOW. He makes me laugh. He also say everything he thinks. You have to be very careful on what Hunter tells you to know how much of it's true.

Another funny thing is he's always telling Alex it's past his bed time and he needs to go to bed, and that he has to turn off the noise to the game system and that he been on to long. He just might make a better mom than I do.

Hunter Gets Out Early

It's hard to believe it was just 4 weeks to the day, and Hunter will be out tomorrow.

Hunter will be out of Rehab on Friday, He asked the Dr. if he could leave Friday and they said he could. He wants to stay a night at the Ronald McDonald's house. So when we check out of Rehab in the morning we are heading there. We will stay there for the day and on Saturday, Hunter is going to go to his Cousins Baptisms.(Marsha's Kids)That live in Las Vegas.

He was worried we were going to make him go to school on Monday, he just knows Uncle Brent is talking to all his teachers and saving him his homework. He's so overwhelmed when school is mentioned. But Hunter won't be back at school for a while, He still had a lot of work to do physically before he will have all his strength before that happens. We meet with the school on Monday, so we'll know more then.

Hunter still asks about his hair, it really bothers him that he is still so bald. He's always asking, "Why am I so bald". the scare on the back of his head looks like an eye. I tell him he's got an eye on the back of his head now so everyone better watch out.

He still asks the same question over and over. He forgets he already ask or he'll remember he asked but forgot the answer. Today he was, Mom I know I already asked, but do I get to go home tomorrow?

They ordered an MRI for Hunter's right shoulder, but haven't heard from the insurance yet, so we hope we can just do that in Mesquite, of course we have to find us a Dr. we haven't been sick so we don't have one sense our family Dr. retired what maybe 8, 10 years ago. And he should also start medicine for his blood clots starting next week. So were not done with Dr. yet. but a least we get to sleep in our own beds!!!!!

Visit with Mahana

Kim brought Mahana (family Chihauhau) to the hospital for a visit - Hunter was able to go outside and play in the grass with her for 30 minutes. Mahana could not have been more excited to see Hunter.

Later Kim spent some time with Hunter reviewing each of the posts that had been written on the blog. Hunter was constantly concerned when listening - and wanted to call everyone to make sure they knew he was ok!

Hunter will arrive home on Saturday. Duane has let everyone know that anyone that would like to visit can come by the house on Sunday between 5 and 7 pm.

He's COMING HOME......

It looks like Hunter will get to come home on Saturday!!! Yay! As long as he continues to do what the Doctors ask of him then it looks like he will get to come home on Saturday!! Isn't that soooo great! He is doing so good and is walking around everywhere. He was lost for a while, because he just got up and started walking and the Doctors brought him back and said that he had escaped =). Hunter really wanted to show them that he could walk! They have ordered an X-ray on his right shoulder because he is not able to do a lot of moving with his right arm. He will still need some out patient work with physical therapy and speech therapy. The family is very excited to get home and bring Hunter home and also to be able to sleep in their own beds!

Hunter's change of Attitude

I guess Hunter and Duane was having their little conflict in who was going to win the next battle of getting out of bed and doing something. Hunter had been in his bed for a while and Duane wanted him to go for a walk or go and play checkers, Of course Hunter didn't want to do any of those things but lay in bed.

Duane told him that he can be more stubborn, and he will win. Hunter couldn't let that happen and said if his dad didn't leave him alone that he wasn't going to therapy tomorrow.

After alittle time, Duane told him if he wasn't going to do anything he was going to leave and go back to his own room and sleep. He left Hunter a phone and left the room. He went to the nurses desk and watched Hunter on the cameras to what he was doing. He said it didn't take Hunter 2 min. to pick up the phone and ask his dad to come back and play.

Duane says he went back and Hunter was not pouting anymore and played checkers and they got a long very well.

I'm so glad that they are getting some time to build a stronger relationship. Of course I might miss all the talks Hunter and I have on what he wants to tell dad. I think my role in this family is changing allot not sure where I stand. I'm the hard headed one, and wins. This could be scary when we all get back together as a family. Maybe I'll be learning allot more lessons....I better start praying for help again..

Monday, Febuary 16,

Today has been a busy day for Hunter and Duane. He started his day off with 3 different therapy seasons all to do with speech, and large and small muscles of the body.

Some of the things he had to do was. Put his shoes and socks on with tying his shoes. Be able to reach his head, shoulders, knees, and toes with both hands. Walk to and from the bathroom without assistance. Do laps in the gym with his walker, go up and down stairs, ride a bicycle for 10 min.

Duane still has to force Hunter to eat, he's almost starting to be able to eat half his food. (some of those meals they would have to force me to eat too)

One of the other things Hunter has to work take a shower all by himself.

When I called down to check on things. Hunter was sitting on the couch watching TV and Duane was sleeping in his bed. I think we are all so tired we would jump in any bed for a power nap. The problem is the power doesn't stay very long.

I find even taking a turn to be with Alex at home and being able to sleep in my own bed, I still can't sleep very long. 4 - 5 hrs. if we're lucky, and our nights and days are so messed up. This morning at 12:01 a.m.(had to wait for Sunday to be over) Jessica and I was out driving Mesquite looking for food, and the only place open couldn't sell us anything because anything we wanted to order they were out of, Thank goodness for Wal-mart. We came home and made our own taco's.

When I talked to Hunter on the phone, I asked him if there was anything he wanted me to tell anyone, and he says, "not really", I asked him if he wanted to tell everyone he misses school and can't wait to get back, and he says, "not really," I said oh ya, your enjoying not being in school to much, and he said, "not really, I'm going to have to make it all up". So with that comment, I think Hunter's brain in working just fine.

He did tell me I could come back tonight, that he has a couch and a shower I can use. But his dad is taking really good care of him and Alex, Jessica, and Jared and I are seeing how much more we can really mess up our sleep cycle. MaKayla's doesn't count hers had been messed up for years....

Hunter's Dr. and Therapy team will meet tomorrow to discuss how much longer he might have to stay. I hope they find he doesn't really even need to be there.

Hunter meets Sunday's Goals

Hunter made his Sunday goals and did them plus one more.

Dr. came in this (sunday)morning and took the pick line out of his arm. Now all he has left is the filter for the blood clot.

Setting Goals

Finally - Hunter got his first shower since the incident! He really enjoyed it and feels like a new man.

Hunter set goals for himself to walk with his walker 3 times each day and walk with his wheelchair three times each day, both of which continue to be very difficult. In addition, he is committed to his breathing exercises - which are just as important as the walking goals.

Duane/Kim have now moved into the Ronald McDonald house in Las Vegas - which has made the transition to the rehab center really nice. Duane stayed with Hunter at the hospital through the night.

Valentine's Day

Hunter - Happy Valentine's Day - you are so loved! We are so thankful to hear how well you are doing - the Lord has clearly heard all of our prayers.

While most in the rehab center share a room, Hunter is able to have his own! They will start therapy sessions on Monday. He has a walker and wheelchair. Hunter definitely prefers the wheelchair - seems to think it is pretty cool. Hunter says that Duane is very annoying :) He makes him walk a lot - In addition, Duane is turning the TV so Hunter has to get up and fix it!

Hunter is now able to welcome visitors. Hours M-F are 11-1 and 4-8 and Sat/Sun 8-8.

Moved to Rehab

Grandma T said that Hunter was very happy today. He was smiling, laughing, joking and was not as miserable as yesterday. He was able to get out of the chair by himself. He was able to walk a few steps on his own even though he has a big blister on his foot. They finished Moby Dick before he was transfered to the rehab center. The rehab center is on Valley View. Jared & Jessica will be coming tonight to help.

Walking

Yesterday they had Hunter strapped to a machine walking. He has to sit in a chair 8:00-11:30 and 2:00-4:30. Today Thursday he ate very well. He can eat anything now. He had french toast for breakfast. He doesn't like sitting up he wants to lay down. Duane told him if he would walk down the hall that he could lay back down. He did walk with just holding onto the nurse on one side and Duane on the other. He got to lay back down. Grandma T has been reading Moby Dick to him. They moved him to a different room in the ICU. They were able to do that because there is no more infection. He is resting now and will be back up at 1 to do it all over again.

Making Progress

Hunter has made so much progress. That the Dr. told Duane that he may be moved to Rehab on Friday. So Jessica and Duane went to check out the rehab center, It got Jessica approval so It must be good. They think he will be at the center 7 - 14 days.

So Much Happening

Hunter passed his test this morning on swallowing. They tested him with ice chips, pudding, Juice, cheese, crackers, but he couldn't handle water, I guess water in a lot thinner than juice. As they were testing him all he wanted was more food. They asked him when the last time he ate was and he said, "Yesterday" He wanted food, he could see the food tray out his big window and everyone else was getting some.

They also wanted to test his speech while they were there. While doing so, the Dr. came in and okay ed food for him. Meanwhile Hunter continued to answer questions thrown at him not soon after that Dr. Mikita?? who was working with Hunter last week walked in and was totally amazed how far Hunter has come.I tried to remind Hunter that was his Dr. last week, the Dr. turned and left the room and Hunter was like hey, hey, I want some food.

After finishing the testing the therapist personally went and got Hunter some breakfast. He had eggs, muffin, juice, and a little cream of wheat. It was wired not to see him finish his plate. But he did really well with it. After eating and getting his stomach full, he could finally rest a whole 45 min. (Power naps just don't last long enough)

Hunters been dreaming some weird dreams. This morning the waterman was trying to get me and he was sad because he wouldn't leave me a lone. I took his hand and ask him if he wanted to pray with me and let Heavenly Father help us. A little while later he told me he got the waterman. I guess he also asked the night nurse, "what do you do when a boy is drowning?" kinda weird. After his shore power nap he told me while crying that he went to his brothers funeral. It broke my heart. I reassured him that his brother was fine and at school, that he was the only one that got hurt. He also told Jessica after I left that Micheal Jackson is dead, he died last night. Jessica says all she could do was laugh.

It's really bothering Hunter that he can't get up to use the bathroom the way he knows how. They took his catheter out today so he has graduated to bed pans. :( he doesn't like that either.

The Dr. ordered Hunter's legs to be wrapped up to help relieve the swelling in his legs and feet. He doesn't like that either. He told the nurse this morning he was in the hospital because his leg was on fire.

He found the bump on his head today and is having a hard time leaving it alone. He opened the sore so now they have to keep a band aid on it. He did say his head was hurting. In fact Hunter has be complaining about everything, everything except the food, so I guess he almost normal for someone in a hospital bed.

I showed his a card from his Sunday School class this morning. I think it was too much for him. He broke out in tears. We talked about it a little, but I think I'll wait to show him the rest, He so wants to come home. He was begging Jessica last night to take him home with her.

Right now Hunter is very needy. Mostly just to leave anything attached to him alone.
He keeps us very busy.

Orange Juice and Crackers

Duane is working in Mesquite and Kim and Jessica are with Hunter. Duane says he is doing well - he is able to eat crackers and Orange Juice. Yeah!!!

Hunter's Speaking

I've been telling Hunter that when he starts speaking they will let him eat. He had been trying and the first thing I was able to understand was "CHEESEBURGER" "CAN I HAVE A CHEESEBURGER" so what does he get Ice chips. I'm not sure why he wants cheeseburger he doesn't even like cheeseburgers.

Now Nurse Joy has him saying a e i o u apparently it builds the his throat stronger,
he says them and then he gets more ice chips. If he can keep the ice chips down he'll move on to a Popsicle.

Someone Please Call Grandma Leavitt, and Grandma and Grandpa Laub, I'm out of cell phone minutes Till the 16th, and they don't do text. and Grandma should be in bed before 9:00. Thank you.... In fact Grandma Leavitt Loves Visitor's..

Monday, Feb. 9,

Hunter didn't sleep well last night, but got sound to sleep when Duane showed up this morning. He was sleeping so sound that when the Dr. came in he couldn't check him to see if he could follow commands to have the breathing tube removed. So we had to wait for him to wake up.

He just started waking up when I got here, so the Dr. returned and he did everything he was asked to do, so the order went in to be removed.

We had to wait for Ellen to come to do it, I think that was the longest wait, Hunter kept putting his hands up to do it himself. But it's finally out. Now Hunter is reaching to pull out his catheter, (he doesn't waste any time)

He's tried to talk, but nothing really comes out yet. But he is writing okay, He keeps using his left hand instead of his right. He does an pretty okay smiley face and the wrote Love you. I'm so happy he remembers his ABC's and seems to read what I write back to him. He's not squeezing hand or shacking head much today. He will try to circle yes or no on his writing pad when I ask questions. He says his head doesn't hurt but he is tired.

Nurse Joy says his breathing on his own right now is like running a Marathon.

From my understanding we have only 3 more day of gowns and gloves.... YEAH!!
Thanks again everyone for all your thoughts and prayers. Miracles happen every day.

Sunday, Feb. 8,

Last night I was sitting with Hunter and he wasn't doing so great, He kept shaking and glazing off, coughing and throwing up his banana flakes. Victor his nurse was going to give him something for the nausea, and when he reached in the cupboard to get a syringe, Hunter eyes popped open and he watched every move. I asked Hunter if he was addicted to drugs, because it was so amazing he could be coherent as soon as he heard that familiar sound waiting for his next fix.
Victor suspected a lot of what was happening with Hunter was to do with the drugs he was on, so he wanted to try to take Hunter off all his pain medication, and let him get some rest. He gave him a warm bath and then lights out. We all left for the night so that could happen.
He had a good night and then this morning he was back to being like he was on Monday and Tues.
He went down for an MRI this morning but we don't know the results, He'll have a new Dr. tomorrow.
Alex and Duane took the morning shift and Hunter played ball with Alex.
The rest of us went to Church and when we came to see him it was nap time, so we all left to nap also.
Alex, Sam, and Jared just left for home. Jessica, Duane,and myself came back and he's still sleeping.
His lungs are doing better they are talking he might get his tubes out tomorrow, Nurse Mary Jo was excited that Hunter really took a deep nap on his own, his heart rate got down to 78 for a good 30 min.
We just got word he's awake, so goodbye.

Saturday, Feb 7th

Let's see...where to begin. Uncle Walter & Brittnee stopped by last night to see Hunter. Today Randy & I (Angela) went down and took a 6 hour shift from 8-2 pm. Last Night Hunter didn't have a great night, he kept biting on the breathing tube and didn't get much rest. So, today they wanted him to get more rest. They had him sedated pretty good and they didn't want us to stimulate him too much, because he needed his rest. He didn't get too much rest it seemed though. He does what they call "storming" where his body just clenches up and he trembles and moves all over and he'll open his eyes a bit & then he'll stop and be able to rest for about 5 minutes and then he does that again. They say it's just his brain finding new pathways and trying to do stuff. But, as we were leaving today, the neurologist had ordered an MRI and an EEG to check on those to make sure it wasn't seizures and see if it was just "storming" or something more. Anyway, when he would do the "storming," Randy and I would just try to calm him down and tell him to relax and lay his head back. At first they had him sitting up because it's better for his lungs. But, he was falling forward a bit with each movement and I was trying to hold him back and keep the pillow by his neck. Kinda how when a little kid is asleep in their carseat and you wanna push them back to make them more comfortable. He kept coming too forward and his hand actually reached the end of the breathing tube and he wanted to pull it out, so I moved his hand real quick and we kept trying to keep him back. Finally the nurses came in and readjusted him a little better. He kept trying to get his feet off the bed and at one point I was like, "Hunter do you want the pillow under your feet?" and he kept bouncing his feet up and down, so I'm not sure if he meant yes, but we tried to stick the pillow under his feet again, because it had come out. It was kind of a guessing game with what he needed and wanted. He kept wanting to hold our hands and would seem to reach out for us all the time, so we would hold his hand and try to comfort him. Sometimes he would squeeze soooo hard. We had to be in gowns and wear gloves while in there, and he must not like the feel of the gloves or something because he kept trying to rip it off of my hand. He tried pulling it off and then finally he would be fine as long as his fingers were down inside my glove and I'd just hold his hand. He has been doing the same thing to Kim. During all this he was pretty sedated too. The nurses say he's making so much progress and even in a week, he could be totally different with where he is at. But, it all just depends. Other nurses that aren't his nurses have come to see him too because they think his progress is so great. Mary Jo (his nurse) said that it's pretty normal for somebody to be in ICU for about 3-4 weeks, with this kind of injury. But, all injuries are different and all people are different too. So, then she said it would probably be 2 -3 months of Rehab. But, again all situations and people are different. So, He has a long road, but we are happy with the progress he is making. He never rested too much today and all the time when he was "storming" his Heart Rate would go about to 130 and then it would go down a little bit. The last half hour he did finally get some good rest and you could tell he was really resting and his Heart Rate was at 80. They also took the staple out of his head today where the Bolt had been. And a little before we left, he had clenched down on the tube again. Mary Jo said it's uncontrollable for him to do that, but he bit down and it's a little scary, because he's not getting air. So, she was trying to get him to open his mouth and she had to put the Bite Block back in his mouth so he couldn't bite down on the tube. That thing is no fun. He didn't like when it was going in, I know I wouldn't either, something being shoved in your mouth and it makes you gag. Anyway, we are hoping they can take that breathing tube out soon. Mary Jo said he's real border line with it, they really want to take it out and they think he may do okay, but not quite sure... but they don't want to leave it in too long either. So, hopefully soon they will take it out then that will also let us see a little more where he is at, if he can talk or what. We were glad we could step in today and give Kim & Duane a break and also a Happy Birthday to Jessica!! =) The Internet hasn't been working at the hospital and the minutes on their phone are about gone too, so we are sorry the updates have been slim, but we will try to keep them coming the best we can.

Oh Ya!

I forgot to write that Hunter was able to write this morning. He kept pointing to the window and I would ask him questions, but couldn't figure out what he wanted. So I tried the paper and pen thing again and this time he actually tried writing instead of wading it up. At first I couldn't tell what he was trying to write and it scared me that he couldn't remember. So he tried again and this time I would say the letter he was trying and he did a lot better and wrote water. He wanted water, and after the hard work to tell me all he wanted was water, I had to tell him he couldn't have any as long as the tubes are in his mouth. I felt so bad. It did however hide all the water bottles we had in his room out or eyes site so he couldn't see them any longer.
I do have to say it was awesome to see him write and even spell it correctly. I'm hopping that's a good sign about any damage to the brain.