Hunter's doing Great

Haven't updated in a month... Hunter and everything else keeps us busy. So thing are going great. Life is Good. We've have now seen all the Dr.'s. Still doing blood test all the time for the blood thinners. He'll go to Las Vegas for another ( ??? ) where they'll put all the wires to his head to watch brain movement for seizers. So sometime in the next two weeks he has Dr. Orders to stay up all night long and play video games so he can be slept deprived for the test. (every teenagers dream) but we have to wait for Insurance approval. Insurance everyone nightmare. The only other nightmare worse than them is not having any at all.

But right know there is another family member that needs everyone's prayer at this time. And they have there own blog you can find it at www.shanejensenfam.blogspot.com
We know that prayers are felt, and right now they need ours. Please keep them in mind their roller coaster look like a long rough one.

Monday, March 16, 2009

This last week pretty much like the last, appointment, appointment to more appointments. Hunter's doing really good.

Tues, March 10, ended up being a pretty good day. no therapy, no Dr. appointments, and his teacher called and had meetings so no school. (yet we still stayed busy)
We found out Jessica and Jared are having a GIRL!! So I guess the can't name her JUNTER after all. Hunter's got to be sad about that one.

Wed, March 11, Started the day off with blood work at Mesa View, which they have upped his dose the full to half to half to full. Good thing they write everything down for us so we can keep it on the fridge. Then off to Physical Therapy were Duane decided Hunter needed to go 5 days a week, Hunter compromised and says he'll go 4.
then after therapy, off to school.

Thurs. March 12, While I went to St. George to get Jessica so we could bottle more meat Duane took Hunter to all his appointment, even school!!

Friday, March 13, Hunter gets a visitor Justin (Jessica's brother in Law) He and Hunter hit it off pretty good at the wedding and are good friends. He got to come and visit for the weekend. He went with Hunter the Physical Therapy, Therapy took a lot longer but the two of them seemed to have fun. Not sure about the people who work there but they were. (Just kidding)

Hunter wasn't quite thinking today, he actually brought out his air soft guns so him and Justin could go out back and shot army men. Then Hunter and Justine went for a ride on the Rhino, but Hunter is afraid to go in the dirt with it, in fear he will tip over. And of course Alex saw it as an opportunity for war, Air soft gun War. Alex and Sam against Justin and Hunter. Let's say Justin got Alex good and Alex really made Hunter mad. So then Hunter stayed home while Alex, Sam, and Justin went for a ride.

Friday, Evening Jessica and I took a break from bottling meat the take the boys bowling. Calab, Sam and Alex left in one car and as the rest of us went to get in another car an air soft gun came out the window and was ready to shoot, Hunter saw this and decided to run. Well we found out Hunter can't run yet. He feel flat on his face and bruised up his already hurt knee really good. I'm sure the blood thinners didn't help with the bruising. It was so funny watching the boys bowl. It was cosmic bowling and they let us have bumper pads because of Hunter's strength and Justin has never been bowling before, so we only thought it was far to ask. It was fun to watch. Hunter would go to bowl he would bring his arm back and about the time he would be by his side his whole arm would just fall. He has so much work to do to become strong. But in all we had fun, we followed that up by Hunter getting to shoot of his pinewood derby car rocket engine he created. Our neighbors must love us.

Saturday, March 14, Duane and I have been married 22 years!!! Hunter and Justin stayed home most of the day watched movies and played video games. While Duane, Jessica and I went to the St. George Temple where Brittney was going for her first time. She gets married on the 21st. When we got home we got things cleaned up from bottling meat, and played board games with the boys. We were all tired thought we all went to bed early (10) but come to find out today Hunter says they stayed up.

Sunday, March 15, Justin's dad came and got him early (8) but he went into to wake Hunter up to tell him goodbye, Hunter actually got up and stayed up. Got showered and ready for church and gone to church before I had to even remind him what time it was. He beat Alex and I to church. He passed the sacrament today. He said he got a little tired but it was good seeing him being able to do what he believes in.

Monday, March 16, Had foot Dr. appointment this morning. We are cleared unless things don't change in the next 4 week. While we were at this appointment with the help of nurse in the Office she was finally able to get some answers for me on the IVC Filter that I have been trying to get answered for over a week now. We are scheduled next Monday to go down to Mountain View Hospital to have it removed. It's suppose to be an out patient procedure. We also found out the reason we have not heard back on the appointment for the neurologist is because the one Dr. Anson wants us to go to is not on the Insurance list. So now we have to wait to here from them to see what we do next. I keep telling myself one day everything will end.

After this we ran over to Grandma and Grandpa Laub's for a minute and saw Grandpa's awesome chicken coop. And to return Great Grandma Leavitt's pressure cookers we borrowed. Then we had Therapy and school and then Homework.

Wow!! and now we start another week...

Another week

I heard some people think Hunter is still in the Hospital. He's Home and he's doing so well. His mind seems to be the same Hunter. He gets angry easier and we joke with him that we are going to send him to anger management school. He's just so frustrated that he has no con troll over his life. Everyone is telling him where to go what to do etc.... I totally understand what he feel. I am so thankful for the miracle of Health he has, but I too will be happy when life is back to normal.
But he's doing really well and seems to just need to build strength and become stronger and more balanced so he can return back to normal school.

Feb 28, March 1, : Hunter gets to stay with Jessica and Jared and Jessica got him to eat almost 1/2 of a slice of french toast. Yeah! On Sunday we meet up for the child exchange (ha ha) at Uncle John and Aunt Dorea's House. And what a wonderful feast they had waiting for us. Thank you so much.

March 2, Monday, took Hunter into Mesa View for blood work due to blood thinners he is on, and of course new computer system so it took much longer than planed 1 1/2 hrs latter we found out his numbers were too high and they have him off medication until Thursday and he'll start on a half of dose.

First day of school for Hunter. He gets 5 hrs a week with a teacher and we do this at 1:50 Mon - Thurs. it doesn't sound like much but they do accomplish allot and he is tired with that short amount of time.

March 3, Tuesday : Took the day to visit Great Grandma Leavitt, He enjoys going over and visiting with her. I think Grandma Leavitt is still stronger than Hunter. and then of course we had School. After School we had another Dr. appointment to find out about the MRI on his shoulder. Found out everything is okay and he can start therapy. So then we went to Therapy to set up time.

March 4, Wednesday - Went to Las Vegas for Dr. Appointments, this time with the ones that monitored his brain pressure in the TICU. Hunter needed to us the rest room after they took us back in the office so while he was out of the room the Dr. comes in and Hunter's gone, I told her where he was and she said, "He's walking?" she was so surprise that he was doing so well. The other Dr. in the Office that also helped with Hunter was also excited how well he has recovered with no damage from their view, and said we never had to come see them again. However they are setting us up with the Neurologist for our next appointment to see about the seizure medication to see if we can start taking him off it.

March 5, Thursday - Hunter started Physical Therapy today, he did really good, he listens and try's everything they tell him too. unlike with his dad. He doesn't even argue with them. and the we were off the Mesa View for another blood test, and of course they couldn't find us in the computer again and we had to do the registration all over again. so another day of long registration to wait in a 2nd waiting room for the test. Test was good and he'll start back up on 1/2 medication tonight.

After Blood test we were off to the eye Dr. we just can't get enough of this wonder fun. Hunter's eyes have changed 4 steps. not sure if that is normal or if it's because of the accident. I'm so tired I forget to ask some questions at times.

March 6, Friday - Kinda a quieter day. No Dr. Appointment, Hunter and I went to do Great Grandma Leavitt's hair and then took her for a long ride to Mesquite to see what has changed in the landscaping of the hills. Grandma just wanted to get out of the house for a while. We enjoyed the ride and visit with her.
And then of course he had school because we missed because of Dr. Appointments the days before.
Jessica and Jared come to visit.

March 7, Saturday, No school.... No homework..... No Dr. appointments..... But of course everyone had to go outside and pull our really big big weeds and tiny ones too, that grew so well while we were gone. It was so nice to see it get done. and I'm sure Jessica a Jared were glad they came to visit and help out. Hunter help was taking our garbage to a bigger garbage and was our water boy (somethings never change)

March 9, Monday, The weekend was kind of stressful. I think everyone was so tired that all we did was annoy each other, and too much noise going on that any little chance we have had today we have been taking naps. It's almost that everyone has hit a block wall.

We started the day off with Dr. appointment for his foot, he didn't get cleared thought thing look pretty good they want to see him one more time next Monday.

Next was Physical Therapy, a trip to Grandma Leavitt's and Grandma and Grandpa Laub's. and back to Mesquite for School. By 4:00 we had dinner and back to a nap before bed time.

Friday,Feb. 27,

One more day at the Dr. Office, this time we went to St. George to the get Hunter's foot checked out. Dr. Stewart ended up cutting off Hunter's leather like skin from the bottom of his foot from the bed sore he got from TICU. It actually looks pretty good. New skin was already coming in underneath it and there was no infection. So another appointment finished with great news. He'll see him again a week for Monday, and it should be his last appointment with him.

Haven't heard on the MRI on his shoulder, so maybe Monday we'll know more.

After his appointment we meet up with Jessica and she finally got her Birthday Gift from Jared. He got her a really nice Lazy Boy Rocker Recliner, I think I actually enjoyed siting in the chairs at the store for 2 hours while she decided which one. Just sitting and rocking and caring about anything else. Duane and Hunter hauled it to Cedar City for her, while she and I went looking for maternity clothes. (found none)

Hunter gets to stay up there tonight with Her because he finally ate 5 bites of something. (yogurt) that's the most and fastest he ate without us basically holding him down, threatening him to eat. It is so much work for him to take a bite of anything, it's so wired, he used to eat all the time, now he won't eat at all.

Jessica will bring him back home tomorrow after Jared goes to work.

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.

Thursday, Feb. 5 Evening

Today has been kind of a differnt day. Not to sure what to think of it. Though it has been a good day as far as the resperator.

Mary Jo is back and her and Bill are really working Hunter over trying to get him to breath on his own so the tubes can be removed. He accutally responded better today and got some of the numbers closer to where they need to be to remove it. But now he is very tired but restless. He just stares off to the celling and acts like he's not going to listen to anyone anymore. Mary Jo told me today that by the time she gets done with him this weekend Hunter wasn't going to like her.

Hunter got his hair buzzed today. Looking at him you wonder if he's in here for head truma or cancer. His his head is a white as can be. He looks like his Uncle Walter.

Amy is his night nurse tonight and he keeps snaping his fingers at her and then puts his hand out for her to hold. Not sure what he wants, but if you ask me he's just flurting.

We're hopeing he will get some rest tonight so Mary Jo can work him hard again, They would like to take the tubes out in a couple of days.

Thursday, Feb. 5, morning

Grandma Thurston was on shift last night and just before MaKayla came on, Hunter gave Grandma a scare. He started to bite on his breathing tube and was not going to let go. I guess he made the nurses work harder trying to get him to stop so he had a set back because now he had to return to the bite block which he hates.

MaKayla says he kept waking up during the night. She had a hard time following the rules not to play with him at night. Apparently they work on secret hand shakes. And a confirmation he remembered her and he knew she loved him.

MaKayla says they've already been up for chest x-rays and blood work. Hope everything looks even better today.

He's sleeping right now and looks so peaceful. But that will all change here in the next hour, then let the games begin....

Wednesday Night

Hunter's heart rate is down, which is good... and his temp is down to 101, so that is better! He still needs to get his breathing to 20 times per minute on his own before they can even think about taking the breathing tube out. The Sedation medicine and other medications are still slowly coming out of his system. He seems to be getting stronger, but still has a long way to go. He is very agitated. He worked his leg a little off the bed, so they had to put a strap like thing from the top of the bed to the foot to keep him from getting his legs off the bed. He also chewed through the tape that keeps the breathing tube in his mouth and started pushing it out with his tongue. They are trying not to stimulate him too much, because the Dr. said that wasn't good either. But, he said the moving and agitation and things will get worse before it get's better. Physical Therapy came in again today and his legs seem to be getting a bit stronger. Then, at one point he seemed to be snapping his fingers at Grandma Laub trying to get her attention. So, they thought that was great that he could snap his fingers. He has a lot of work ahead of him, but his progress has been so great!

Slumber Parties and Games

My new favorite past time is slumber parties with Hunter.(This is Jessica, the older little sister)I haven't had a computer to do any updates lattely so now that I have the chance I decided to take it. Since its been a few days I dont know what dates this actually all happened but ill try the best I can. When Hunter was first waking up he would lift his arms up a little. I was on that night for a slumber party in Hunters room. While I was the one who wanted to stay up all night, Hunter was still sleeping with his eyes closed. The reason I couldnt sleep is because he was making those small movements and I was just to excited to sleep... afraid that I would miss something. Towards the early morning he was trying to open his eyes a little. About 6:00 am they were really starting to open. He got to the point where he had them opened looking at me for two seconds and then he would close them up to the beginning point of just barely having them opened. By this time I was ready to crash. At 6:30am I couldn't keep my eyes opened for the life of me. It was very exciting though. We Continue to have slumber parties and they continue to get better each time.

Now for the games part. As it was mentioned I played ball with Hunter for 4 hours yesterday. Boy was that fun! Okay so honestly I really enjoyed the first half hour of it after that it got really old but Hunter seemed to really like it. Before we started playing ball though I made him really upset so Ill start this story from the beginning. I came in to take my shift at 10:00am. I got there and Hunter was pretty busy with his hands. My mom was going to go to the store to find him a ball to play with because he kept wanting to hold her cell phone and his Ipod. We had figured a ball would be better becaues it wouldnt break. While she was gone to the store Jared had called me and Hunter was holding my phone. I took the phone from him and put Jared on speaker so Hunter could hear. I put it back into Hunters hand so he could hold it while Jared talked. Hunter really liked hearing Jared's voice but as time passed he started to get really upset. He kept opening his mouth to talk but because the tubes are still in nothing would come out. I could tell he was getting frustrated so I told Jared I would call him back later because I needed to get Hunter to calm down. Once I hung up I looked at hunter and his chin was trembling and his chest was shaking. It looked like he was wanting to cry. He wanted to hold the phone still but he was still very upset. I tried everything to calm him down but nothing was working. Hunter had the phone in his hand and opened it up as if he were calling someone. He couldnt get it to send to anyone though so I finally decided to try to call Jared back to see if that would calm him down. Jared said hello and then Hunter closed the phone back up after a few seconds. Meanwhile I was trying to get a hold of my mom. She should have been back already and she wasn't answering her phone. Finally she called back and said she would be on her way to see if she could calm him down. I knew she could because he responds to her so much better than anyone else there. Once she got back to the room Hunter was calming down. She asked Hunter if he was mad at Jessica and he shook his head no. For some reason I dont know if I believe him :) He likes me now so I guess thats a good thing. Once he was calmed down my mom was ready to leave but she gave Hunter a racquetball to play with before she left. He loves that ball! Once she left we were playing ball non stop. He would find the ball next to him on his pillow and then put his hand over the side and drop it. I would let it bounce once and then put it back in his hand where this process would repeat itself over and over again. After a little while I was worn out. I told him I needed a break for a minute and so I kept the ball. I was sitting over in the chair relaxing and he kept putting his hand over the edge of his bed waiting for the ball. I would tell him to give me a minute to rest and he would put his hand back in his bed and wait. Well he would wait about 5 seconds before it was up again waiting for his ball to come to his hand. It made me laugh every time. The nurse told us not to respond to his every move but its so hard for me not to. My mom said just tell him you are still in the room when he wants you and then let it be. But once he gets that hand over his bed I cant ignore it. Thats how I got stuck playing with the ball for 4 hours. I was so happy when my shift was over! I'm so happy to see Hunter doing so much better but that kid sure can make me crash as soon as I walk into the hotel.

I am heading back to Cedar to be with Jared for a day and pick him up to go back down there for the weekend. Before I left Las Vegas I stopped at the hospital to say goodbye to Hunter. I went in and played ball with him for only 5 minutes this time but that was enough. I gave him a hug and asked him if it was okay if I went home. He nodded his head yes. Then I asked is it okay if I bring Jared back with me and he nodded yes again. But then he stuck out his hand off the bed and put it on my hip and pushed me away to go get Jared.

Feb 4, Morning

Hunter started off with a restless night, His nurse Jessica could see he wasn't going to get some rest, so they gave him some sleeping medicine so he would sleep.
He slept frown 1:00 - 6:00 then lights on.

First thing he wanted was his ball we bought him yesterday so he can play. He played ball with Jessica for 4 hrs. When we say play ball its like playing with a toddler. You give him the Ball, he throws, you chase, then give it back to him. But today playing with his dad, Duane will throw the ball by Hunters hand, he has to find it and throw it back.

the Infectious Disease Dr. came in this morning, Hunter's white blood count is 22,000today, as long as it goes down that's good.

Physical therapist came in just now and worked with Hunter, He had to count with his fingers thumb to first finger, then second etc..... He did well. She gave him a comb and asked if he knew what to do with it and he throw it down. (Little does she know he's never been able to learn that one before, but at least when she handed him a tooth brush he opened his mouth and tried to reach it.

As far as knowing any damage Hunter may have from the fall, this is the only way we will find out, is by working with him and seeing what he can and can't do.

They're working on his legs now, they work with them first to see the strength he has for when it's time to walk. he's able to kick but needs more on bending.

Dr. Davis hasn't come in yet, we are still waiting. but it's not even 9:00 yet.

Duane and I just really want to Thank everyone for everything they have done. I'm not usually one to ever ask for help.

I started doing thank you notes, but can't remember where I've put them. Half the time I'm looking for something like sunglasses, I find them on my head. Cellphone, looked for it, it was in my sweatshirt pocket the whole time. I'm not "losing it" anymore, I've Lost it. But that's beside the point.

We are so amazed of things and notes people have done or wrote in. Things we've never thought you would do for others in a time like this.
Again, Thanks so much.

Kimberly and Duane

Are you Ready for an Update??

Well, Hunter is making lots of progress! The Doctors are pretty amazed how good everything looks and the progress he is making. Everyone has been pretty exhausted, Kim, Jessica, Grandpa & Grandma Laub have all been taking 6 hour shifts with Hunter. Duane is headed back down today and Makayla and Grandma T will also come down tomorrow to help out with a shift. Hunter is needing a lot of attention and they are pretty worn out with shifts. The Sedation medicine is still in his system a little bit and he is on pain medication, so he still is a little "out of it" I guess you could say. His eyes have been a little more open today and he is shaking his head "yes" and "no" to answer. The Doctor asked him a couple questions and told him to give a thumbs up with his right hand and then with his left. He lifted a finger not his thumb, but it was on the right hand. So, he seems to know Left from Right. Kim asked him a few questions about his IPod she was holding. He answers by moving his head or squeezing her hand or blinking his eyes. He knew that he got it from his Birthday. He didn't seem to know anything about the accident or playing basketball before.

He is very restless and he gets very frustrated. He keeps biting his breathing tube and his hands are still restrained, but he got a hold of part of the tube and tried to pull it out and he tries to push it out with his tongue. He doesn't have too much strength and he still has a long ways to go, but he is making great progress. They did Physical Therapy a little bit with his arms and legs today. They are also trying to make him know night from day. Before his room had to be dark all the time, but now they open the windows during the day, keep the t.v on and try to keep him awake and moving as much as possible during the day and then let him sleep at night. They had checked him for anymore blood clots, and he has none! His blood count is down, that's good and his heart rate is down a little bit. He still has a fever. They tried to cut back on the breathing machine to see if he could handle it on his own, but he is not ready for that to be taken out yet. And yeah....he get's banana flakes in his feeding tube now. Yippee!! =)

We are so happy with the progess you are making Hunter! Keep up the good work!
And thanks to everybody for your continued support and prayers!

Monday Night

Duane and Kim were able to change to a place that is clean and the beds are soft. It gave them a boost today. Thank you for everyone that had a part in that. They are still close to the hospital and should get better rest at the new place. Hunter is doing really well. Duane said he is responding to questions with a thumb up or a squeeze of the hand. Duane asked him if he likes hospitals to squeeze his hand and he actually shook his head NO! They took the neck brace off tonight and was able to wash his neck. That must feel good to get that off. Kim and Duane are very excited about the progress he is making.

Monday update

Hunter went down for the CT Scan on his head and the MRI on his neck. They are guessing that they won't get the results of those today though. His Fever spiked during the night. His heart rate and fever are still high. They have his arms restrained so he won't try to pull the tubing out of his mouth. Kim says he really wants it out. He acts like he wants to talk but he can't with the stuff in his mouth. He seems to always want to hold Kim's hand. She tries to ask him questions and tells him what happened and tells him that they are trying to make him better. She tries to have him squeeze her hand or blink to answer her. She said his eyes still look all glazed over. He is still on 4 or 5 different antibiotics, some for the bacteria and things he does have, and some to prevent him from getting some infections. He had a reaction to one of the antibiotics, it gave him a rash, so they are changing that one. That's it for now!

We are so happy he is awake and things are looking pretty good! We wish we could go down and see him again! Thanks for all your prayers!

Update

The updates may be a little less from Kim & Duane because they can't take the laptop in the room. Everything still has to be scrubbed down good. So, they will keep talking to us and we will try to let you know what's going on the best that we can! The Doctor left an order to have the Bolt removed (the thing that meausures the brain pressure). So, that should be done sometime today! Then they will be able to do the MRI on his neck and if everything is okay with that, they may also be able to take the collar off his neck. He is moving pretty good and his eyes are open more often. Kim put the phone on speaker phone for Grandma Laub to talk to him and Kim said his eyes were rolling. That means he could hear her! That is great! His heart rate and fever are still a bit high. So, they are trying to control that.
Thank you all again for your continued prayers and support!

Sunday Morning

Hunter's starting to wake up. It's really awesome to see. He's opening his eyes up a little and raising his left arm about 6 inches off the bed. He responded to the nurse when she told him to squeeze her hand. It's all so wonderful to see, all except the little tears that we wipe from his eyes.

Jessica took the 1:00 - 6:30 shift and says she only got 30 min of sleep, because of Hunter's movement, you just want to be there the whole time so you don't miss anything.

The Infection Specialist came by all ready this morning, in fact I rode the elevator with him, but had not meet him before so we had no idea we we're coming in to see the same person.

He says Hunter is on 4 different Antibiotics, He said they are trying to stay one step a head of him. His white blood count is 51,000 and normal I guess is 10,000. He said it's most likely from the c-biff ??name?? But things are looking up.

We have a new nurse today named Teri. She's with Hunter now doing the usual clean up and changing his bedding. That is such a chore, as we all know he's a big boy.

The Dr.'s should be coming by anytime in the next hr.

Saturday Night Update

Hunter is doing pretty good. He's able to have noise in the room, so we have been talking, reading and letting him listen to some TV.

I have been watching these nurses work so hard to help Hunter, and I can tell you there is not enough money in the world to do some of the things they have to do. I guess that's why it take special people to do each job people do for a living. I just found one more that I wouldn't chose to do. But they do their job well, you should of has seen them last night when they heard about the bus roll over by the Dam. It was crazy, but they were ready to do what the were trained to do. It makes me see what great care Hunter has been under since he got here.

They removed the 24 probes from his head today and removed the machine from the room. His room is looking larger. They seem to think the ------ can't remember what they call it. The one that measure pressure, might come out in the morning. They said when that happens they'll be able to do an MRI of his neck.

Hunter is coughing a lot more, and has the shakes, and is still fighting a fever. His heart rate has been really high, up to 156, they just gave him medicine again to bring that down.

His oxygen level on breathing is 40% and a new one thing I learned tonight was pip he's at 12 but they would like it at 5. Not sure what pip means but Bill(2) says I can ask the same questions again.(both breathing nurses names are Bill, they're trying to make things easier for me)The breathing machine gives Hunter 20 breaths per min, and he is making the machine do 28 so that is good.

They now have him on insulin and pricking his finger often because his blood sugar levels are high.

The bacterial sickness Hunters has is call C-biff (that's me sounding it out)

It seem we concur one big thing and we are told of allot of little things.
There is so much more to come, but we are so thankful for all the small and major step of progress Hunter has made with the help of the Dr.'s, Nurses, and most of all our Heavenly Father. Oh the things we take for granted in our lives.

If you are calling.....

If you are trying to reach Kim & Duane they probably aren't answering their phones. When they go into the room they have to scrub everything down (because of the contagious bacteria that Hunter has). They would have to scrub their phones and everything with alcohol. So, they are leaving pretty much everything out of the room while they are in there for now. So, people have been calling and if they do miss your call they will try to return it when they can! Thanks so much!

Things are looking Good!

I just talked to Duane and he said things are looking good! They are going to watch the pressure for the next 24 hours and if it stays down they will take the bolt out (the thing that measures the brain pressure). The pressure is staying down pretty good now, so that would be great if they can take that out! They are starting to stimulate him now, they can touch him and talk to him....YAY! Kim can talk now!! =) It still may be a few days before he actually comes out of it though.
Thank you for all your prayers!

Friday Evening...

haha, I know there's a story that goes along with the name "Fred" (see post below). Maybe Kim will have to tell that one! =)

I just talked to Kim. Things are going pretty well. He is off of the Coma medication but they will keep him sedated. They want to do all that very slowly. So, he may still be asleep for another week or so. All his numbers look pretty good. They did get one of the culture tests back and he has a bacteria in his intenstines. It is highly contagious. There is a name for it, but who can remember those big words! Kim and everybody hasn't been back in the room since that test was done, but they had mentioned that they will have to wear gowns and get all dressed out if they go back in the room. They can't spread this highly contagious bacteria throughout the hospital. Sick people are very prone to it. Aunt Erica came down to visit today and is still there. Aunt Marsha is also there again. Jessica is still there with Kim, and Jared (Jessica's husband), Duane and Alex came back down today also!
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers! Keep them coming! Prayer is so powerful!

Hunter (FRED) Thurston & friends at Ko-Laub (kolob)

 

Eventful Morning

It's been a eventful morning in the room of Hunter. I don't even know where to start.

Breathing - Hunter's nurse had a concern about his breathing tubes as if He had a kink, so his Nurse and the Nurse just over the breathing machine worked on it for a while trying to fix it.

Dr. Rounds - Dr. Mikia made rounds this morning the told me he looked at the head scan from yesterday and it look about the same, a little better. He says it's still going to be a long ways to go. (I'm taking that from now till we will be finished). He said they wanted to replace his breathing tube to one size larger and that the anesthesiologist??(sleep dr) would be coming up so they could do that.

Tube replacement - I was told that when they replaced the tube I would have to leave while they did it, so I went ahead and went back to the room, where Jessica and I made us a really good breakfast and hung out there, Meanwhile Duane called and said the hospital called and asked for permission to scope his lungs. I guess while they where replacing the tube they came into some goop. He gave permission so they did that. They were able to see he had a lot of goop in his lungs for they where able to suction allot of the out and they will run cultures on it. They are going to give him medicine to help loosen it up so it will all come out. Mary Jo says because of the drugs for the coma puts everything to sleep, the normal process we each do to keep our lungs clean was also asleep. So this is good.

Coma- GOOD NEW, GOOD NEWS!! Mary Jo just stoped the medicine all together for the coma. If his pressure stay down for the next 24 - 48 hrs. they will most likely remove the bard measuring the pressure in his head. (of course he'll stay sleeping longer) But his brain is waking up and If all this happens the way they want it to they will be doing a MRI on his neck to see if they can remove the neck brace from the accident.

His pressures have been reading 3 - 5 since Jessica and I got back.

Our hearts are full of gratitude for all these miracles that keep happening on our behalf. Thank you everyone for all your prayers.

Back at Hunter's room, couldn't sleep very long, wanted too, but too much on the mind a guess, because I think my pressures could pass Hunter's right now.

Hunter's pressures for the night so far have been really good. He's at 5 to 6,as long as they keep his upper body elevated. When they lay him down the pressure rises due to drainage in the head. but his temp. has gone up a little.

They have taken some cultures again today. They have him on two different antibiotics right now. We should get results this afternoon on yesterdays cultures.

His coma medicine is down to 1% and he is starting to cough when they do some things.
We still have to try to be quiet, he's recognizing more noises.

The nurse last night removed the foot board off his bed. He is so tall that his feet have been hitting the bottom of the bed. He actually looks really comfortable right now. (Of course I have had little sleep in the last week and have a horrible headache.)Not complaining mine should be gone here soon.

Duane, Jared, MaKayla and Alex I believe are all come down for the weekend. It will be nice to see the family.

Kim

Hunter is resting, and for everything that has been going on today, he's doing so well. They have him back in his bed, and are slowly taking him out of the coma again. however they will keep him asleep until they are happy with the pressure on his brain. So he will be sleeping for a while still.

They are doing a few more things to help hunter, he is tolerating movement alot better. his bed messages every once in awhile so you'll see his body bouncing from it. His bed will fill with air in parts and tilt him also, they are trying to get him moving because he has been in the same position for a week now.

The nurses also have a bouncy massager they hold in their hand and it bounces on his chest for compressions to try to loosen up the goop in his lungs from being on the breathing tubes so long.

We just switched Nurses and now we have Amy. This is our first time with her.

Mom and Dad just left to get home, they work in the temple tomorrow and needed to get back, their help is much appreciated.

Jessica and I took a break after we saw Hunter back at his room, We ran to the store to get food and Oder killer for our room. (I tell you pregnant women can smell everything).

Darla stopped in Mesquite, and Duane sent down our own bedding with her. We stripped the beds at the room and put our own bedding on. We can feel a goodnight sleep coming in our mist.

The cousins wanted to come see Hunter, but we weren't able to let them, Darla wanted to sit with him tonight so we could get sleep, but in talking it out, she would still have to drive to Mesa, AZ. by 1:00 tomorrow, so they are on their way there now.

Since we didn't get to get our sleep today with being woken up, we are going to leave Hunter in the Hands of the nurses and keep the room quiet while we go snore in our room next door. We will return early morning and be here for when the Dr.'s make their rounds.

Kim

Update on the Update

I just read the last post that was left. As it was mentioned that Dr. Davies was supposed to come in and talk to us.... Well he forgot about us. We never heard from him. After waiting in the waitingroom downstairs for 2.5 hours we went up and asked the front desk if everything was okay. They was only supposed to be gone 1.5 hours. to do the fillter for the blood clot and the 2 scans. They desk called up to the trauma center and they told her that they were back into the room already. We came back upstairs and there was Hunter in his bed as good as before. Mary Jo came in and talked to us about everything the Doctor was supposed to tell us. (Which is below)

So since we never heard from the doctor I guess we told the truth on the last post. We said we would write again once we heard from him and technically we havent heard from him yet :)

Sorry to keep you all waiting so long before we did update. After the long waiting period Grandma and Grandpa Laub stayed in the room with Hunter. Mom and I went back to the room to relax for a little bit. That is why it has taken so long for us to get back to you. Sorry to keep you worried. Please forgive me. Thanks again for all the prayers.

Update on Hunter

This is Jessica doing it this time. I have never done the update so I hope I get everything right. They took him in and did the surgery for the blood clot. The filter is now in his stomach and this will stop any clotting from going to the lungs, heart and brain. Everything went well, in fact Hunter did so well that they were able to do two scans while he was down there. They did a scan on his lungs to see if there was any blood clots there. They found that everything is good in the lungs. They also did a scan on his head and they said it was good. While moving him around from table to table to do the scans his head pressure only got to 25, which is really good. They were expecting it to be a lot higher than that but I guess Hunter is getting used to being moved. Once he was back in the room the pressure went down. We just checked on him and the pressure was at 9. He still has a small temperature but everything is looking good. I think that is everything....If i have missed something I will update it later. Thanks for all the support. We appreciate the prayers and thoughts that are with Hunter and our family. Thank you.

Surgery Waiting Room

Oh course they can't leave me alone either, sleeping really good, got phone call to came sign papers to proceed with Hunter's treatment and care.

We (mom, dad, Jessica and I) are waiting in the surgical waiting room right now. Dr. Davis is inserting a filter in Hunter stomach to catch the blood clot if it tries to move from his leg, It's suppose to be temporary but if its there for two months it will become permanent.

If he tolerates that well then they will take him in for chest and head scan. The chest scan it to see if there are any blood clots in his lungs. Head scan to check swelling.

If he doesn't tolerate it they well do scan another time. Mary Jo and Michelle (DUANE CUTE NURSES HA HA) are with him the whole time, they will do everything they can to keep him stable throughout the procedure.
We'll update when Dr. Davis comes and talks to us.

Kim

Thursday Morning

Hunters oxygen levels aren't as high as they would like. They want to check his lungs for a blood clot just to be sure. But they need to do a CT Scan on the lungs to check that. They already have a CT Scan scheduled for tomorrow morning on the Brain. So, they are waiting to here from the Doctor to see if maybe they'll will just do both CT Scans today instead of waiting. They would like to do them both at the same time because it is just a big ordeal to move him and to get ready for the CT Scans. They really would like to try and take him off of the coma medicine again. They said it is going to be a trial and error with that and the different pain medications and what his body will tolerate. Also the room needs to be dark and very quiet for all of this. They teased Kim they need a new roll of duck tape because she has such a hard time being quiet. Kim & Jessica went back to get some rest at the room, Kim was with Hunter all night. Grandpa and Grandma Laub are now with him.

Orson F Whitney Quote (Era 1966)

We are keenly aware of many in our circle of family and friends. They too, are in a crisis mode as they deal with health issues, life and death situations, financial woes, and pain. please know that our prayers are sent heaven ward on your behalf also.

Many years ago I read an Orson F. Whitney quote that plunged into the core of my heart. I typed it, laminated numerous copies and have sent it across the world as occasion dictates. Today, I send it back to myself and all who are reading this blog. I endorse it and know it to be true. (Grandma T)

No pain that we suffer,
no trial that we experience is wasted.
It ministers to our education,
to the development of such qualities as
patience, faith, fortitude and humility.
All that we suffer and all that we endure,
especially when we endure it patiently,
builds up our characters,
purifies our hearts,
expands our souls,
and makes us more tender and charitable,
more worthy to be called the children of God,. . .
and it is through sorrow and suffering,
toil and tribulation,
that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.

results of ultrasound

It's 11:00 p.m. and I finally made it into the room without being asked to leave, They have the results of the test back and he does have small blood clots in his arm like they thought, but he also has on blood clot in his right leg. They can't really do anything about it right now but watch it. I was told they don't want to put him on any blood thinners at this time, they just need to concentrate on the head.
His pressure is at 13 and his temp. is 99.3
Hunter has started to have bowel movements, which is a good sign they say, (but our pregnant Jessica can say otherwise) therefore because of this they had to remove the tubing from his upper leg area to his arm so that he doesn't get infected. When moving it to the arm that is when they suspected the blood clot.
Right now Nurse Larry is in the process of moving all the IVs and medicines over to his arm.
Mom, Dad, and Jessica are on their way over to the room (thank you St. Clairs) to sleep for the night. They will be back in the morning to be with me when the Dr.'s come in with updates. It's nice when their is more than me to hear it so when I mess is up, they can correct me on what I heard.
Hunter is doing good for the most part, and we know things are going to work out for the best.
We like to thank everyone for everything, Food, Expenses, Cards, time, rides, but most of all the most important help we can have, Prayers. Everything is in the Lord's hands and all we can do is learn patience and wait, I never thought I could be taught that, but right now I think he's winning and I am learning, It's as hard as not to touch Hunter or talk in the room.
Once again, Thank for everything and please pray for the Dr's. and Nurses to make all the right choices in the care of Hunter.
Kimberly

One more thing....

They just called to inform me of one more test they are doing tonight. They had suspected maybe a small blood clot in Hunters arm. It is small and in a small vein, nothing that can move to the lungs, or brain or heart. So, right now they are doing an ultrasound over his entire body to look for any other blood clots. They are hoping the radiologist can tell them the results sometime tonight. They are also hoping they will be allowed in the room sometime tonight.

Wednesday Night

Jessica and Grandma Laub got there this afternoon and have only been able to be in the room for about 20 minutes. They keep sending them out. They've been running lots of tests. X-rays, lab work, urine samples. Hunters fever had spiked and his body is retaining lots of water, he's very swollen. We don't have the results of any tests or no exactly what's going on at this point. Kim and Grandpa Laub got down there this evening and nobody has been allowed in the room at all tonight.

Update on Hunter

Duane just informed me that Hunter took a step back. They had to give Hunter his full medicine and put him back in the coma. I believe they have to wait 24 hours to try again. I think there will be a lot of ups and downs over the next few days.

Change of Plans

Grandma T went home with Duane and MaKayla. Grandma Laub and Jessica on the way to Vegas. Grandpa Laub and Kim will come tonight.

Picture from Trek 2008

(Thank you Janarah for sending me this picture!)

Janarah was Hunter's Trek "Ma." This is a picture from Trek this last summer of Hunter and his Trek "brothers and sisters." I know this experience was proabably a real growing experience for Hunter. Thank you all so much for caring and praying for Hunter!!

(Angela)

Wednesday Afternoon Update

Duane and MaKayla on the way back to Mesquite. The doctor told them that they need to be quite in the room today. They have the room dark. They need his brain waves to not be active. As long as his pressure is down they won't need to give him medicine. Grandma T is sitting with Hunter today.

Angels Among Us

There are angels among us both living and on the other side. I am thankful for the love of Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ for sending them to us in our time of need.
I want to thank each of you. The outpouring of love, concern, offers to help, and your fasting and prayers overwhelms us. Our angels keep us going. God bless each of you. love, Duane

Wednesday Morning Update

Duane just called to say he was able to sleep. MaKayla sat with Hunter and they switched at 3:00 a.m. His pressure has been under 20 since then. It is currently at 12 and his temp at 99. Duane was able to give Hunter a fathers blessing and is feeling very peaceful this morning. Duane is going to wait for the doctor to come in and then head back to Mesquite to do his work. Kim and Jessica will be here tonight. MaKayla doesn't want to leave Hunter's side but Duane is telling her she should continue with work and they can have her help on her day's off.

Tuesday Night Update

MaKayla is sitting with Hunter tonight. Duane and Grandma are going to try to get some sleep. Hunter's temp was a little high and they gave him something for it. MaKayla just called and said it is at 101. Hunter was sliding down in his bed and they had to move him up. While they were moving him back up - his pressure would go high but soon came back down. MaKayla has been with him for the last 2 hours and says that his pressure has been between 20-27 and only once came down to 16.

Tuesday Afternoon

Duane was able to sleep a few more hours while Grandma stayed with Hunter. His pressure did go to 23 but goes back down. His temp is 100.8 and seems to be flushed in his face. He did have a little nose bleed. His heart rate was up a bit but they say it is where it should be. This is normal for coming off the medicine. Makayla is coming to Vegas tonight. Aunt Audrey is coming to visit.

Tuesday morning

Just got off the phone with Duane. The doctor came in and said they are going to cut his medicine in half today and slowly bring him out of the coma. Duane said that Hunter is not doing so well - he started off with 2 really cute nurses and now he has 2 really old nurses. Of course he was kidding and went on to say they have loved all the nurses. They have been so awesome. Duane was only able to sleep a couple of hours last night and went back over to sit with Hunter around midnight. At 5:00 a.m. Duane was able to help give Hunter a sponge bath. They changed all his tape and sheets. He said it was a neat expierence to be able to help with that. In the process, Hunter's pressure went up to 30 when they turned him to his side - then came back down to 17 when they put him back on his back. Duane is going to try to sleep this morning and Grandma T is going to sit with Hunter. I haven't talked to Kim, but Duane said she is doing better and is in good spirits this morning.

End of Day 5

Hunter's pressure has been under 20 all day. His temperature was a little low, but it has been a good day overall. We are praying that Kim and Duane can get some rest tonight. They are both extremely tired. Duane was able to get a room at a hotel across the parking lot from the hospital and Grandma T is staying the night with him. Kim has come down with a cold and will stay at home in Mesquite tonight. May the Lord bless both of them and their family.

Hunter and Kaden
Thanksgiving at Aunt Erica's


Kaden and Hunter playing Star Wars.


Hunter and Kaden at Grandma and Grandpa Laub's
cabin in Ko-Laub (kolob)


Hunter with Great Grandma Leavitt at Grandma's
90th Birthday party. (2 years ago)


For Hunter's and MaKayla's Birthday a couple of weeks ago we went
to St. George and went Lazer taging and mini golf. We
had so much fun. All his family and Sam was there and some of
Dori's kids Ashley and Alexandrea and their friend Allison.

It was so late when we finished playing that we were

surprised Pizza Hut was still open. We got a dinning room

all to ourselves.

To Hunter and the rest of the family

Just wanted to say thank you for letting us know what's going on. After reading all the posts I feel like I know Hunter a little bit now. I didn't read any of it till today Mon. 1/26, and will definitely be praying for him and I will put him on the prayer list at our church also.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you even though we don't know each other very well or at all. I think of you often and wonder how you're all doing.

When you wrote about trusting the Lord it reminded me of what Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 12:22-32 ..."Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat: nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn: and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Consider the lillies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you. DO NOT FEAR little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.


He, God, the Creator, who is without beginning or end is in control.... Love Willow Gardea(Laub)

Grandpa & I just got home from setting with Hunter last night and today. It hurts to see your children and grandchildren hurting so much, and we feel so helpless because you can't talk to him or touch him. Grandpa finally just whispered to him sleep well hunter and I told him we loved him, hope you know that Hunter you are a special young man and we're so glad of that because you have such a long hard journey ahead of you. Therapy is hard and yo want to abuse your therapists because if they don't hurt you they're not doing you any good. I hope we can all give you some of our strength to help you through this time. Yes, Kim was all but told to leave the hospital today, seem her voice is the one Hunter even in the deep coma tries to reach to his mama for help. We're all praying it seems, with every breath we take for him to come through with as little damage as possible. They said he would probably start coming out this weekend but they really don't know either. When he does that's when Kim and Duane will need all the support and love and prayers from family and friends. It's not gong to be easy but with all of us with them we will all grow and gain the blessing and lessons that the Lord has sent this trial for us to learn from. I Know we will all gain from this bad nightmare if we all pull together. In behalf of the Erik Laub family we want to thank all of you for your faith, fasting and prayers. After all how can the Lord not listen to such a large number of his children praying and fasting for the same purpose. There will be great rewards when we all hold our faith and grow from all this. We love all of you so much and appreciate your concern and love for our Daughter and her family. Erik and Judy Laub

CT scan

Just talked to Dori and she tried to explain the reason for the scan to me. If I don't have this right - I apologize. They did the scan to determine whether putting a stunt in would be necessary (to drain fluid to release some of the pressure.) Everything was fine and they decided it was not necessary. They have decided they will start weening him off the coma medicine tomorrow which will slowly bring him out of the coma. It can take awhile for him to come out of the coma, but should be sometime after Friday. His pressure has remained under 20.

CT scan

Monday afternoon

Kim is not feeling well. Alex brought Duane to Las Vegas and then took Kim home to get some rest. John, Dori and Grandma T are on their way to Vegas to sit with Hunter. Duane is trying to get an update on the CT scan. Hunter's temperature is down below normal. They are trying to warm him up but all the other vital statistics look good.

On Saturday John and I were able to sit with Hunter and give Duane and Kim a break from the hospital. While we were there Hunter stayed stable. When you are in his room you are not allowed to touch him or talk. They want the brain activity to be minimal. Next time I will bring a book, crossword or something. On Sunday my family and friends participated in the fast for Hunter. We love Hunter and pray for a speedy recovery, so we can have more get together's. Since we have moved here to St.George we have had more opportunity to hang around the cousins. We have had a lot of great memories since our move. Our families have done a lot of fun things like Lake mead, go to the cabin, and play games. We are so grateful for the good times. It reminds us of how precious life is and to count our blessings and to cherish the good times.

Picture is Hunter and Abby at Lake Mead.

We have enjoyed reading everyone's blog and we are amazed at the strength of each of you. Your family is a great example to our family. We Love Duane & Kim and family and want to help in anyway we can, call us when you need something. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
John & Dori and family

Alex: your words were inspiring and poignant. Thanks for sharing

Jessica: Compassionate oldest sibling. Takes responsibility serious.

Jared: (Jessica’s husband) A rock

MaKayla: Grandma’s favorite--Hunter’s tender sister

Sam: There is not a malicious bone in his body. He is kind, considerate, offers to help with every task, and has incredible “moves” on the dance floor. I just wanted Sam to know that he is definitely a “forever” member of the Thurston Family. We love you Sam!

Hugs! Grandma Thurston

Monday, Jan, 26, 2009

Back at Hunter's room, Mom and Dad sat with Hunter while I went to get some sleep. Slept a few hours..
Hunter seem to of had a good night. He should be really excited Uncle Brent is going to check him out to school today!! talk about snow days.. were having a blizzard.
His pressure is at 14 and temp is 98 heart rate 83. I have to try to be quite today he hears everything I say. I'm surprise they haven't kick me out yet, we all know I don't whisper, and they have his room so cold, they have to keep it cold to maintain his temp. I think I might be getting a cold.. so if that's the case and I get kicked out I may be calling some of you sooner to come sit with my baby..
They just came and took cheat x-rays to check the lungs and drew blood to check for oxygen levels and nurse also mentioned c20, (I told her we could be in trouble with c20 Hunter likes playing with that stuff, he might be hiding it somewhere.)
It is not possible at least for me to understand this stuff they try to tell me. I ask allot of question, and I'm sure most of the are dumb, I get that look once in a while, but they are very nice and try to figure out what I mean and try to answer.
I was told yesterday the the Dr.'s make round about 9:00 so maybe we'll get news on ct scan from yesterday.

Learn to Laugh and do our best

I have to tell you, Last week before this happened I was getting very upset with the family because we weren't communicating very well. As everyone knows I am very stubborn and always right, (as my family tells me). I ask question they don't answer because they just know I'm going to talk around it until I'm am right. I'm sure you get the picture.
Duane's favorite types of show are like, operation reop, cops, judge Judy, you know all those shows where everyone fights, and then there is that annoying morning Las Vegas News that trying to be like the Today or Good Morning America. I tell him if he really want to listen to fighting he can just turn off the TV and I can start. I find those shows so annoying and don't like the spirit they bring into the house, or it's I'm just jealous all the girls are gone and it's just me and the boys and I can't watch HG TV anymore.
Anyway,back to the story, with all this going on I told them I thought our family was falling apart and that we don't communicate and we needed to start pulling our family closer together.
Duane asked our family if we would speak in church on Sunday and by Monday with all this going on I told him to find somebody else. There was no way we could talk on "Being an example in Righteousness" we could do "Being an example of what not to do" we are realy good at that, when the kids learn to drive we take them in the car and say "this is what you don't do" my kids and their friends know so many "this is what you don't do" Look, Hunter, Alex and Sam just taught us all one. any way So Duane thought of other people to ask, but it came down to us again, and Thursday was when that discussion happened just before the boys went to play basketball. Hunter didn't want to do it, I was not in the right spirit to do it. but, Duane said that's why we should do it.
I don't know who ended up speaking in church, but I'm sorry. We won't complain next time, because that would have been over by now. but if you know our family (or me) can't do things the simple way, everything got to be done big. So hear we are learning another one of those life lessons in a BIG way.
To my point (like I said I have to talk tell I'm right, or make you think so) My reading material I brought with me was an Ensign and Scriptures. I have truly enjoyed these talks again. The talk that I swear I love the best is Elder Joseph B Wirthlin's "Come What May, and Love It."
he says.... every life has peaks and and shadows and time when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are the happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times become stronger, wiser, and happier as a result." he says the.."the Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness."
.."the Lord has opened the window of heaven and showered blessing upon my family beyond my ability to express. yet like everyone else, I have had times in my life when it seemed that the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear....." he says ".. How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can't-at least not in the moment...." "...If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward time of greatest happiness.
He mentions a few thing he has learned over the years of times of testing and trial.
#1 " Learn to Laugh , the first thing we can do is learn to laugh,....It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."
#2 "Seek for the Eternal: you may feel singled out when adversity enters you life, You shake you head and wonder, "Why Me?"
My niece came in yesterday and ask grandpa to put a note on Hunter's bed. I hope she won't be upset because I read it or that I'm sharing it with you. but this comes from the tender heart of a young girl, they grow up so fast but I think she's 11 now. She wrote:

why? inspire by: Hunter 4 u buddy get well soon!<3

Have you ever done something and it turned out wrong. Have a broken heart have a sad song, and you think.....
What did I do to deserve this. I never did anything wrong. I've always been a good person! So tell me what did I do to deserve this?
Stuck here no turning back. I can't get out of this trap! And i got to say what did I do to deserve this. Everything has a reason. Why did you do this... To me right now why.......
Tell me why do I deserve this. i never did something wrong. Why to me. Come on just tell me Why?
Written by: Monica mari Laub-Domiguez
inspired by: Hunter 4 you buddy get well soon!=)<3

She is so sweet, this is her 2nd letter to Hunter so far. Thank you.

Brother Wirthlin goes on to say: " the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt..." " Learning to endure time of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others"
"Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering, He understands our grief, We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others...
He says "The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do you best, then leave the rest to Him." I really like that. So that is my motto for this experience. Put your trust in the Lord, Do your best, then leave the rest to Him.
In Conclusion we says: " I know why there must be opposition in all things, Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.
As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our aHeavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say as did my mother,"Come what may, and love it."

The talk goes on. You can read it for yourselves at lds.org if you want.

There is so much we can learn just from this one talk. This is what is helping me. I'm putting my trust in the Lord, Do what ever I can, then leaving it up to him. It's all we can do.. It's all Hunter can do with each breath he takes, and it's all I've ever asked of my children ( "Do YOUR Best!!) I don't care if they get straight A's or a star on sport team at school, as long as they can look themselves in the mirror and say "I did my best, I couldn't of had done anything else to make it better"
there is nothing in the world any parent wants more for their kids than the best... It's the same with our Heavenly Father, He wants the best for all of us, so what ever we learn from this experience, I hope we can do our best and learn so we won't have to do it again. Like mom always said, "Do it right the first time and you won't have to do it again." and Learn to Laugh along the way.
Well, our family is communicating better, and we have become closer, So lessons we learn the harder way... Guess I'll have to read Elder L Tom Perry's talk again "Let Him Do It with Simplicity" We could have saved a lot of time if we would of had learned that lesson first, but who can do thing in order,....Not us!!