Thursday, July 2, 2009
July 2, 2009 update
Zach is home now and we are glad to have him here, I am just not a fan of packing his wound..... yuck..... it looks like he has a big hole in his stomach. We have decided to move updates to Zach's or my Facebook pages.... it gives a little more privacy and I finally feel like we are at the end of this for awhile....(crossing my fingers)
Monday, June 29, 2009
June 28,2009 update
Zach is still in the hospital and will be there for another couple of days. He is not showing any signs of infection which is what they have been concerned with.
I have been impressed with Zach. Yesterday was the first he was able to eat again since Monday 06/22/2009, and he has not complained (much)....... He has been through so much over the last six months much more than someone should at the age of 17.
Watching the other kids with him has been very impressive as well. Siblings don't always get along, but they hate being away from him as much as I do. They enjoy just sitting with him in the hospital.
As soon as he gets the okay to leave the hospital I will let everyone know.
I have been impressed with Zach. Yesterday was the first he was able to eat again since Monday 06/22/2009, and he has not complained (much)....... He has been through so much over the last six months much more than someone should at the age of 17.
Watching the other kids with him has been very impressive as well. Siblings don't always get along, but they hate being away from him as much as I do. They enjoy just sitting with him in the hospital.
As soon as he gets the okay to leave the hospital I will let everyone know.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Zach's latest surgery
Zach had his surgery on Tuesday. He went in at 8:30 and got out at 1:30. They did the ileostomy takedown surgery first. That one is considered a "dirty surgery" because it involves the bowels, then they cleaned him up completely and the re-prepped him for the hernia repair and the scar revision. Dr Granger, Zach's trauma surgeon and Dr Fryer, Zach's plastic surgeon came out and advised that he did well and the plastic surgeon said……"Dr Granger did all of the work….. I just made him pretty". Zach isn't sure how pretty the scar is. It's still a twelve inch scar, but we cheerfully point out to him that at least it no longer looks like he has a bum on his stomach.
He has not been able to eat since Monday and they won't allow him to until things start working their way out (he has to poop). We watched tv last night and Zach has become painfully aware of how many commercials are about food. We are crossing our fingers that today will be the day.
I will keep everyone aware of any changes and when he is expected to be released from the hospital. We are hopeful that this will be his last surgery for a while. He does have to meet with the orthopedic surgeon because his hip is causing him quite a bit of pain.
He has not been able to eat since Monday and they won't allow him to until things start working their way out (he has to poop). We watched tv last night and Zach has become painfully aware of how many commercials are about food. We are crossing our fingers that today will be the day.
I will keep everyone aware of any changes and when he is expected to be released from the hospital. We are hopeful that this will be his last surgery for a while. He does have to meet with the orthopedic surgeon because his hip is causing him quite a bit of pain.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Weekly Update 03/24/2009
Zachary is recoving well from his injuries. We only have to look back at the pictures and the scenarios that were played for us to again realize that it is a miracle that he is doing as well as he is. He is walking or shuffling as best he can and does not use the walker as much as he probably should but he never has been one to be bound by restraints.
He keeps asking when he can drive and I am just too reluctant to let him. We just got him put back together again and we are all still reeling from the shock of the event.
Last Sunday we were at the hospital for Greg. His heart was acting up and I cannot help but think that this event has been a catalyst to his condition. We're all a little shell-shocked.
He keeps asking when he can drive and I am just too reluctant to let him. We just got him put back together again and we are all still reeling from the shock of the event.
Last Sunday we were at the hospital for Greg. His heart was acting up and I cannot help but think that this event has been a catalyst to his condition. We're all a little shell-shocked.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Weekly Update 03/11/2009
We met with Zachary's surgeons today and he can now walk using a walker. He is so excited. In 4 weeks we will go back in to see if he can move to crutches.
Then we met with his trauma surgeon to discuss when he can be rid of the ileostomy. We will need to go back to see him in May but we are looking at the beginning of June for him to have that taken down. They will also do a second surgery to re-form his scar on his abdomen.
Zach also asked if it was okay for him to drive. The doctor told him he would need to make sure that all of his reflexes are at 100% so it will be awhile before he will be able to....Thank you doctor.
So we are getting rid of a couple more things that he "brought" home with him from the hospital. We are getting rid of his bed in the family room and also getting rid of his wheelchair. Just a few more things and then we will be back to normal.
Then we met with his trauma surgeon to discuss when he can be rid of the ileostomy. We will need to go back to see him in May but we are looking at the beginning of June for him to have that taken down. They will also do a second surgery to re-form his scar on his abdomen.
Zach also asked if it was okay for him to drive. The doctor told him he would need to make sure that all of his reflexes are at 100% so it will be awhile before he will be able to....Thank you doctor.
So we are getting rid of a couple more things that he "brought" home with him from the hospital. We are getting rid of his bed in the family room and also getting rid of his wheelchair. Just a few more things and then we will be back to normal.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Weekly Update 03/06/2009
Zachary no longer has to wear any dressings on his wound as it is closed up completely. It's not pretty, but he is glad he can take a shower without having to keep it covered up. We did not have any dr appointments this week but I cannot say that it has been quiet or returned to normal..... after all, "What is normal?"
I have returned to work three days a week, much to Zachary's chagrin. He does not like it when I leave him. We have different people to come in and sit with him while I am gone or until the other kids get home from school.
As you may have already determined, Zachary is quite tenacious and he does not take being limited by any situation easily. This week we have taken him out for rides in the car instead of the van that has the wheelchair lift. This has given him the opportunity to ride up front and confront some of his fears about being in the car. It has also put it in his head that if he can get in the passenger seat without any problem he should be able to get in the driver's seat without any problem as well. I came home from work last night and he announce to me that he was going to Wal-Mart. When I realized that he meant that he was going to drive. Yeah.....no way Zach!!!! It took a very long conversation to convince him that it was not going to happen
Next week we have his follow-up with his surgeons. He will find out how much longer he has to have his ileostomy. That has probably been the most humiliating and frustrating part of all of this. He handles it well but when he and I are alone he often comments on how much he hates it. We also follow up with his orthopedic surgeon to find out if he can start weight bearing activity and start his physical therapy. So we will have to wait and see.
I have returned to work three days a week, much to Zachary's chagrin. He does not like it when I leave him. We have different people to come in and sit with him while I am gone or until the other kids get home from school.
As you may have already determined, Zachary is quite tenacious and he does not take being limited by any situation easily. This week we have taken him out for rides in the car instead of the van that has the wheelchair lift. This has given him the opportunity to ride up front and confront some of his fears about being in the car. It has also put it in his head that if he can get in the passenger seat without any problem he should be able to get in the driver's seat without any problem as well. I came home from work last night and he announce to me that he was going to Wal-Mart. When I realized that he meant that he was going to drive. Yeah.....no way Zach!!!! It took a very long conversation to convince him that it was not going to happen
Next week we have his follow-up with his surgeons. He will find out how much longer he has to have his ileostomy. That has probably been the most humiliating and frustrating part of all of this. He handles it well but when he and I are alone he often comments on how much he hates it. We also follow up with his orthopedic surgeon to find out if he can start weight bearing activity and start his physical therapy. So we will have to wait and see.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday Update
We had a very interesting night last night. Zach had a sudden acute pain in his left thigh and so we had to take him to the emergency room to check for a bloodclot. We are happy to report that he does not appear to have one.... but we will be following up with the doctors today.
The interesting part was the doctor that he saw in the er. He actually was the first doctor that saw him on the night of the accident. As he started the exam last night and was going over Zach's medical history.... he said, "I remember you, you were the kid with the colon in your chest." He told Zachary about that night. How he came in and looked pretty good from the outside, not alot of outward trauma in fact he came in as a code trauma level 2, he had a couple of lacerations and such..... the doctor said it was his color and the fact that he did not have capillary refill in his extremeties that they made them concerned. They were pretty sure that he was bleeding internally and so they did an ultrasound which surprisingly did not show any bleeding..... they also did a chest x-ray and that is when they saw that all of his organs had been shoved into his chest cavity.... they decided to take him to get a ct scan, they got through the head and part of the chest when his blood pressure dropped and the trauma surgeon said that they were going to stop the ct scan and they took him to the operating room. So from the time he came in to the er to the time he ended up in the or was 35 mins.
We are once again reminded of how amazed and grateful that we are to the Emergency Room and Trauma team staff for the care that they provided to him. We are grateful for the instincts that they heeded, we cannot ever thank them enough.
We also have been getting the detailed bills concerning his care.... the amount of entries for January 1st is enormous and really gives us an feel for how chaotic that day was. The final total of 52 units of blood and plasma that he used.
The interesting part was the doctor that he saw in the er. He actually was the first doctor that saw him on the night of the accident. As he started the exam last night and was going over Zach's medical history.... he said, "I remember you, you were the kid with the colon in your chest." He told Zachary about that night. How he came in and looked pretty good from the outside, not alot of outward trauma in fact he came in as a code trauma level 2, he had a couple of lacerations and such..... the doctor said it was his color and the fact that he did not have capillary refill in his extremeties that they made them concerned. They were pretty sure that he was bleeding internally and so they did an ultrasound which surprisingly did not show any bleeding..... they also did a chest x-ray and that is when they saw that all of his organs had been shoved into his chest cavity.... they decided to take him to get a ct scan, they got through the head and part of the chest when his blood pressure dropped and the trauma surgeon said that they were going to stop the ct scan and they took him to the operating room. So from the time he came in to the er to the time he ended up in the or was 35 mins.
We are once again reminded of how amazed and grateful that we are to the Emergency Room and Trauma team staff for the care that they provided to him. We are grateful for the instincts that they heeded, we cannot ever thank them enough.
We also have been getting the detailed bills concerning his care.... the amount of entries for January 1st is enormous and really gives us an feel for how chaotic that day was. The final total of 52 units of blood and plasma that he used.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday Update
Well we took Zachary in for his wound care and we are happy to report that they have taken him off of the wound vac. It should be a couple of more weeks before it closes up completely......but considering that his wound was once 12 inches long and 5 inches wide we are happy about that. He was bummed out when they told him that he should not do abdominal exercises for at least 2 years. He was hoping that he could get right to work on his "six-pack".
He did visit his orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday and was told that it will be another 4 weeks before he can put pressure on his pelvis. He was hoping that he could start doing a little more but he is not creating new bone as quickly as he needs to. His left arm is healing very well, all of the restrictions that he has had for it have been removed.
He is making great progress.
He did visit his orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday and was told that it will be another 4 weeks before he can put pressure on his pelvis. He was hoping that he could start doing a little more but he is not creating new bone as quickly as he needs to. His left arm is healing very well, all of the restrictions that he has had for it have been removed.
He is making great progress.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday Febuary 10, 2009 update
Zachary has been home for a little over a week and he is doing well. He gets around on our upper floor in his wheelchair and just seems to be better adjusted now that he is home.
Home healthcare comes in on Monday and Wednesday to change his wound on his abdomen, and we are astounded at the improvement that has been made in that since his time home.
I think that as we look back on the events of the last 6 weeks we are amazed at the enormity of the situation. There have been many little details and things that we all take for granted once they are taken away.
I think when Greg first received the call asking if he was Zachary Brimhall's father that the severity of it hit him right away. For me, now that we are at home and able to relax a little bit, it's hitting me.
We are starting to receive the bills from the hospital. WOW !!!! It leaves us very frustrated at the other driver's insurance company, who is making this more difficult on us.
I often wonder what the long term implications are going to be and we really have no way of knowing at this point.
There are many things that we are grateful for. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support our family has received. I feel very unworthy of the generousity that has been shown to us. There are SO many people that have done so much for us and I know that we will never be able to repay them. We did want to make sure that everyone knows how supportive Zachary's employer www.davesmotors.com has been to us. He placed a thread on his own website about Zachary and the response from his customers has amazed us as well. They sent him a model helicopter that keeps him quite occupied. Zachary has also been working on model cars. This seems to be helping with the numbness that he has in his right hand.
Zachary enjoys having people coming to visit. So all are welcome to visit as long as you can "pardon our dust" while we are remodeling. (we did start that before the accident)
We will be posting some of the photographs that we have taken of Zach during his hospital. Some of them are very graphic so we are just warning you ahead of time.
Home healthcare comes in on Monday and Wednesday to change his wound on his abdomen, and we are astounded at the improvement that has been made in that since his time home.
I think that as we look back on the events of the last 6 weeks we are amazed at the enormity of the situation. There have been many little details and things that we all take for granted once they are taken away.
I think when Greg first received the call asking if he was Zachary Brimhall's father that the severity of it hit him right away. For me, now that we are at home and able to relax a little bit, it's hitting me.
We are starting to receive the bills from the hospital. WOW !!!! It leaves us very frustrated at the other driver's insurance company, who is making this more difficult on us.
I often wonder what the long term implications are going to be and we really have no way of knowing at this point.
There are many things that we are grateful for. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support our family has received. I feel very unworthy of the generousity that has been shown to us. There are SO many people that have done so much for us and I know that we will never be able to repay them. We did want to make sure that everyone knows how supportive Zachary's employer www.davesmotors.com has been to us. He placed a thread on his own website about Zachary and the response from his customers has amazed us as well. They sent him a model helicopter that keeps him quite occupied. Zachary has also been working on model cars. This seems to be helping with the numbness that he has in his right hand.
Zachary enjoys having people coming to visit. So all are welcome to visit as long as you can "pardon our dust" while we are remodeling. (we did start that before the accident)
We will be posting some of the photographs that we have taken of Zach during his hospital. Some of them are very graphic so we are just warning you ahead of time.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday Update
Yeah!!!! He is home. We brought him home this morning, and it has been very emotional for all of us, but especially for him.
We are having a Welcome Home/Birthday Party for him at our house at 6:00 pm tonight for those of you that would like to come.
We are having a Welcome Home/Birthday Party for him at our house at 6:00 pm tonight for those of you that would like to come.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday Update
Saturday is the day that we expect to bring Zachary home. He is very excited about it. He misses Ginger and Sadie (our dogs) and cannot wait to see them. We look forward to bringing him home and having him with us. He will still have a wound vac on his abdomen until it has healed enough for them to close it.
He has been working hard in rehab. It is amazing how much he can do in rehab even though he has so many weight bearing restrictions on his legs and arms. We are sure that when he get the all clear on his fractures that he will be able to re-learn how to do all of the things that he currently cannot.
We have been overwhelmed with all of the support that we have received during this time. We have been truly humbled by the amount of people that have reached out to us.
He has been working hard in rehab. It is amazing how much he can do in rehab even though he has so many weight bearing restrictions on his legs and arms. We are sure that when he get the all clear on his fractures that he will be able to re-learn how to do all of the things that he currently cannot.
We have been overwhelmed with all of the support that we have received during this time. We have been truly humbled by the amount of people that have reached out to us.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday Update
Zachary met with the surgeons yesterday about his abdominal incision, and things look better. They debrieded the wound and it will be re-evaluated on Tuesday.
He enjoys physical therapy a lot. It gives him something to do to try to keep his mind off of things. He is experiencing some bouts of frustration and anger and sadness.
He should be coming this weekend as long as everything continues as it has been. Greg has been working feverishly to get the bathrooms completed and the house somewhat put back together before this weekend.
He enjoys physical therapy a lot. It gives him something to do to try to keep his mind off of things. He is experiencing some bouts of frustration and anger and sadness.
He should be coming this weekend as long as everything continues as it has been. Greg has been working feverishly to get the bathrooms completed and the house somewhat put back together before this weekend.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday Update
Zachary is having some rough days..... he is desperate to go home and is upset to hear that he will probably not be going home Tuesday. It looks like his abdomen incision is not healing like it should be. The trauma surgeon will be taking a look at it on Sunday to determine whether or not he will need another operation.
He has made a lot of strides with physical therapy he is determined to do everything that he has been asked to do. He has amazed us with his determination. It reminds me of when he was 4 years old and was so determined to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels. He worked all day long until he was able to do it.
He enjoys having visitors to talk with and has been texting his friends.
He has made a lot of strides with physical therapy he is determined to do everything that he has been asked to do. He has amazed us with his determination. It reminds me of when he was 4 years old and was so determined to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels. He worked all day long until he was able to do it.
He enjoys having visitors to talk with and has been texting his friends.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday Update
Today Zachary is on the 12th floor and engaging in physical therapy. He still has a lot of restrictions on the amount of weight that he can put on his legs and arms, but being surrounded by other patients that have been through the same type of trauma has made us realize how truly lucky Zach is. The long term prognosis for a lot of them is not as good as it is for Zach.
He will be there on the 12th floor until next Tuesday (at least), and then they will review his case to determine if it will be best for him to stay or to have him come home.
He desperately wants to be home, and we would like for him to be here as soon as possible, but we are nervous to bring him home when he is still so sick, and has open incisions that could become infected. If he had his way he would come home today.
He has had a lot of friends visit him in the hospital and he enjoys that tremendously. It has been fun for us to meet some of the parents of his friends and to hear how much they appreciate and like Zach.......helps us to feel as if we have done something right.
We want to thank everyone for their support. Mere words cannot begin to describe the outpouring that we have encountered. There truly are great people in this world.
He will be there on the 12th floor until next Tuesday (at least), and then they will review his case to determine if it will be best for him to stay or to have him come home.
He desperately wants to be home, and we would like for him to be here as soon as possible, but we are nervous to bring him home when he is still so sick, and has open incisions that could become infected. If he had his way he would come home today.
He has had a lot of friends visit him in the hospital and he enjoys that tremendously. It has been fun for us to meet some of the parents of his friends and to hear how much they appreciate and like Zach.......helps us to feel as if we have done something right.
We want to thank everyone for their support. Mere words cannot begin to describe the outpouring that we have encountered. There truly are great people in this world.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wednesday
As previously mentioned, Zach had another orthepedic surgery on Sunday. During that procedure, docs installed a large metal plate spanning the distance of his pelvis. They secured this to his bones with several screws. He now has so much metal inside him that he was recently asked if he'd be interested in playing IronMan's new side-kick in the next movie since he really is made of metal.
Zachary was moved from his room on the 11th floor to a room on the 12th floor which is the Rehabilitation Floor. We're not sure how long he'll be there.
Zachary was moved from his room on the 11th floor to a room on the 12th floor which is the Rehabilitation Floor. We're not sure how long he'll be there.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday morning
A friend of Zach's found this amazing news story about him. Thought everyone else might enjoy it. (visit the link)
http://www.sun7news.com/index.php?code=216K207qP255dS1znXIv&CMP=OTC-WWYCOVS1001
http://www.sun7news.com/index.php?code=216K207qP255dS1znXIv&CMP=OTC-WWYCOVS1001
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sunday Update
Zachary is in surgery right now to try to get his pelvis stable. They are putting a plate that spans the front of his pelvis to keep it from moving the wrong way. So along with the long vertical incision on his abdomen he will have another long incision horizontally for this surgery.
He has been moved to the eleventh floor, so things are slowly but surely improving. Not quickly enough for Zachary, he is frustrated that his body will not do what he is used too.
He does enjoy visitors, it seems to help him keep his mind off of the more depressing things.
He has been moved to the eleventh floor, so things are slowly but surely improving. Not quickly enough for Zachary, he is frustrated that his body will not do what he is used too.
He does enjoy visitors, it seems to help him keep his mind off of the more depressing things.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday Update
Today Zachary his pain seems to be under better control. It has been difficult for him to get any real rest, but today he seemed to be a lot more comfortable and he said he was able to sleep last night for the first time.
He should be moved to the eleventh floor sometime today. This will be nice for him as visitors can come and go with more ease. He wanted me to let you know that he enjoys visiting with people.
It is hard to believe that it was two weeks ago today that we received that dreaded call asking if we were Zachary's parents and being told that he was in a serious car accident. Looking back at some of those events in the first 24 hours it is clear to us that the surgeons did not expect him to make it, we are extremely grateful that he has more here to do.
We have seen some pretty amazing things happen with Zachary's recovery. The most difficult part for the immediate future is his orthopedic repairs. We originally expected Zach to go in Friday for his next operation, but that likely will happen on Saturday or Sunday, since the surgery is going to be rather long and complicated, the orthopedist wanted to make sure that there was a good block of time set aside and it will most likely be his only operation that day.
He should be moved to the eleventh floor sometime today. This will be nice for him as visitors can come and go with more ease. He wanted me to let you know that he enjoys visiting with people.
It is hard to believe that it was two weeks ago today that we received that dreaded call asking if we were Zachary's parents and being told that he was in a serious car accident. Looking back at some of those events in the first 24 hours it is clear to us that the surgeons did not expect him to make it, we are extremely grateful that he has more here to do.
We have seen some pretty amazing things happen with Zachary's recovery. The most difficult part for the immediate future is his orthopedic repairs. We originally expected Zach to go in Friday for his next operation, but that likely will happen on Saturday or Sunday, since the surgery is going to be rather long and complicated, the orthopedist wanted to make sure that there was a good block of time set aside and it will most likely be his only operation that day.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday Update
We thought Zachary was done with surgery but it appears that he will require at least one more orthopedic operation to fix his pelvis. That is currently scheduled to take place on Friday.
He is having a difficult time getting his pain under control. Today was extremely frustrating for him as he could not seem to find a comfortable position.
It will be two weeks tomorrow since the accident occurred, which is surprising..... it just feels like it has been one really long day
He is having a difficult time getting his pain under control. Today was extremely frustrating for him as he could not seem to find a comfortable position.
It will be two weeks tomorrow since the accident occurred, which is surprising..... it just feels like it has been one really long day
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday Evening
Zach had his second orthepedic surgery today--this time on his left side. They attached several plates and screws to repair his pelvis/hip area (there were three breaks on that side of his pelvis). He's in a great deal of pain today because of the surgery.
He was a bit groggy again after surgery and said some funny things, but Nancy kept those to herself this time. (She said she's going to have to start writing some of this stuff down so she can tease him later).
He was a bit groggy again after surgery and said some funny things, but Nancy kept those to herself this time. (She said she's going to have to start writing some of this stuff down so she can tease him later).
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday Evening
After three days of working with different medication combinations the medical staff has been able to find some things to take the edge off of the pain, so Zach's having a little easier time getting some rest.......as are his parents.
He did meet with a speech pathologist this morning, they had him try a couple of different liquids to determine if he can start to have things orally. His swallow is still a little weak and so they will allow ice chips but not anything else right now. He is happy with that for now. And he asked the nurse to "top off" his cup of ice.
The physical therapist came up to visit him as well today. They had Zachary sit up on the side of the bed for 5 minutes. Watching the effort that this took as well as the amount of pain that it caused him brought the reality of the amount of time that it is going to take for to recover.
Tuesday morning he will be in surgery again to repair the left pelvic bone.
His parents were teasing him that they sold his ATV (but they didn't so don't worry)! We are also teasing the other kids that Zach is our first and LAST child to drive.
He did meet with a speech pathologist this morning, they had him try a couple of different liquids to determine if he can start to have things orally. His swallow is still a little weak and so they will allow ice chips but not anything else right now. He is happy with that for now. And he asked the nurse to "top off" his cup of ice.
The physical therapist came up to visit him as well today. They had Zachary sit up on the side of the bed for 5 minutes. Watching the effort that this took as well as the amount of pain that it caused him brought the reality of the amount of time that it is going to take for to recover.
Tuesday morning he will be in surgery again to repair the left pelvic bone.
His parents were teasing him that they sold his ATV (but they didn't so don't worry)! We are also teasing the other kids that Zach is our first and LAST child to drive.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sunday Update
Zachary has had a couple of rough nights. He is not able to relax or get comfortable so the doctors are trying to come up with the best drug combinations to help him get the relief and rest that his body needs.
He still makes some confused comments, but for the most part he seems to understand what has happened to him. He did say that he was confident that Bill could fix the car......... even though we think the world of Bill...... we are pretty sure that the Honda is waaaayyyy beyond repair.
He wants to come home Wednesday after his surgery and we have explained that it will not be that soon. He is tired of laying in bed.
He is also making a list of all of the different foods that he wants to eat as soon as they will let him. Last night in the middle of the night he was reciting a recipe for a fruit smoothie that he would like to partake of right now. But the most requested item that he has made is for a Diet Coke.
They were going to bring in a speech therapist to evaluate the strength of his neck muscles, they will actually be able to let us know when and what types of food and liquid he will be able to take in. Needless to say...... he is crossing his fingers. At this point he will just be grateful when they let him have ice chips.
He still makes some confused comments, but for the most part he seems to understand what has happened to him. He did say that he was confident that Bill could fix the car......... even though we think the world of Bill...... we are pretty sure that the Honda is waaaayyyy beyond repair.
He wants to come home Wednesday after his surgery and we have explained that it will not be that soon. He is tired of laying in bed.
He is also making a list of all of the different foods that he wants to eat as soon as they will let him. Last night in the middle of the night he was reciting a recipe for a fruit smoothie that he would like to partake of right now. But the most requested item that he has made is for a Diet Coke.
They were going to bring in a speech therapist to evaluate the strength of his neck muscles, they will actually be able to let us know when and what types of food and liquid he will be able to take in. Needless to say...... he is crossing his fingers. At this point he will just be grateful when they let him have ice chips.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Saturday Update
Saturday Morning: Zachary was in surgery yesterday for seven hours for orthopedic repairs. They put a plate and a screw in his right wrist and a plate on his left arm (ulna). They also put in 2 plates and a screw to repair the right pelvic seperation. Zachary has another operation to fix the left side of his pelvis on Tuesday. During surgery they did give him another two pints of blood. He is back on the ventilater and frustrated about not being able to talk. He has not been able to sleep much as the medication and the trauma of the accident seems to be agitating him. We are hoping that next week after his next surgery he will be able to leave the Shock/trauma ICU and be moved to a room where he will be able to have visitors.
Saturday afternoon (1 p.m.): They were able to remove the ventilator this morning so Zach can talk again. They've currently taken him down to x-ray to re-insert his feeding tube and take some x-rays of his pelvis to see how the repairs look. Zach was asking when he can go home--he was hoping it would be in the next few days.
One item that we wanted to address is the rumor that Zachary was hit by a drunk driver. According to the information we have availible now, there is no indication that this was the case, and this was just a tragic accident. We have no malice towards the driver of the vehicle that hit Zachary and want the individual to know that. We are also grateful to hear all the other people involved were not seriouly injured.
We are amazed at the outpouring of support that we have received from all over the world. We are still in shock by the degree that this accident has changed our lives. When we look at everything that will be required for Zachary's recovery, we realize the road ahead of us is a long one. He will not be able to sit for six weeks after his next surgery and he will not be able to walk for 12 weeks.
Saturday afternoon (1 p.m.): They were able to remove the ventilator this morning so Zach can talk again. They've currently taken him down to x-ray to re-insert his feeding tube and take some x-rays of his pelvis to see how the repairs look. Zach was asking when he can go home--he was hoping it would be in the next few days.
One item that we wanted to address is the rumor that Zachary was hit by a drunk driver. According to the information we have availible now, there is no indication that this was the case, and this was just a tragic accident. We have no malice towards the driver of the vehicle that hit Zachary and want the individual to know that. We are also grateful to hear all the other people involved were not seriouly injured.
We are amazed at the outpouring of support that we have received from all over the world. We are still in shock by the degree that this accident has changed our lives. When we look at everything that will be required for Zachary's recovery, we realize the road ahead of us is a long one. He will not be able to sit for six weeks after his next surgery and he will not be able to walk for 12 weeks.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thursday Evening
Zach continued in the same course today as described this morning--he's agitated, anxious, and in a lot of pain. But he is talking a lot to his parents and the medical staff. They were able to find some medication that will help him a little more with the pain. Nancy and Greg's favorite quote of the day from Zach was: "I love you--leave me alone!"
He is also being treated for pneumonia. The doctors said that was to be expected with his condition. The docs told Zach's parents to expect setbacks: "for ever four steps forward, there will be two steps back."
Tomorrow they expect Zach to have orthepedic surgery on his broken bones so he can begin the healing process there.
He is also being treated for pneumonia. The doctors said that was to be expected with his condition. The docs told Zach's parents to expect setbacks: "for ever four steps forward, there will be two steps back."
Tomorrow they expect Zach to have orthepedic surgery on his broken bones so he can begin the healing process there.
Tuesday Night/Wed morning
Last night Zach was awake and talking (they removed the respirator). He was also in a great deal of pain, and pain management is a challenge for the medical staff because too high of dose of pain meds can affect respiration. So they were trying to find a balance.
Clearly one of his biggest challenges right now getting through the pain he's experiencing. (Maybe we can focus our prayers to help him with that.)
He kept telling his Mom that he loves her. He also remembers the accident and was upset that it happened. At one point, he took notice of a big poster on his wall from his friends and neighbors and asked his mom to bring it to him because he wanted to read it.
Surgery looked like it was going to be postponed because Zach was running a fever.
Clearly one of his biggest challenges right now getting through the pain he's experiencing. (Maybe we can focus our prayers to help him with that.)
He kept telling his Mom that he loves her. He also remembers the accident and was upset that it happened. At one point, he took notice of a big poster on his wall from his friends and neighbors and asked his mom to bring it to him because he wanted to read it.
Surgery looked like it was going to be postponed because Zach was running a fever.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Tuesday Morning
According to the nurse, Zach had a good night last night. Today they are tapering him off the medications that have caused the temporary paralysis so he should be coming out of it today.
Greg got a copy of the police report for Zach today. We were grateful to learn the family traveling in the car behind Zach and Marcus are all doing fine, even though they got a pretty good scare.
Greg got a copy of the police report for Zach today. We were grateful to learn the family traveling in the car behind Zach and Marcus are all doing fine, even though they got a pretty good scare.
Monday, January 5, 2009
The surgeons ended up closing part of Zach's stomach during surgery, but also left part of it open. Closing the incision was going to cause increased pressure to Zach's lungs, so the respirator was taking over breathing today. They've also given Zach some medications that will induce paralysis today because they need to keep Zach totally still.
Nancy and Greg, Zach's parents, were expressing their thanks today for the friends of Zach's and their families who have come to visit recently. It's really lifted their spirits to hear how many people consider Zach as if he is a member of their own family, and to hear stories about what he means to them.
Nancy and Greg, Zach's parents, were expressing their thanks today for the friends of Zach's and their families who have come to visit recently. It's really lifted their spirits to hear how many people consider Zach as if he is a member of their own family, and to hear stories about what he means to them.
Monday Morning
Zach went into surgery early this morning. They've postponed closing his abdomen up for a few more days. His right lung is still has fluid and he's having trouble breathing. He also had another transfusion. It was a rough night.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Sunday Evening Update
No new injuries to report today. Zach is scheduled for surgery tomorrow to close his abdominal cavity. He's improved a little today. They did given him some more blood. His vital signs have improved.
Here's a list of his total injuries (for those of you who are wondering):
Torn diaphragm
Ruptured spleen
Shattered left kidney
Part of his colon was shredded
Blood on lungs
Shattered pelvis
Broken left leg
Left arm is broken
Right wrist is broken
Severe gashes on legs
Bruises on face
Here's a list of his total injuries (for those of you who are wondering):
Torn diaphragm
Ruptured spleen
Shattered left kidney
Part of his colon was shredded
Blood on lungs
Shattered pelvis
Broken left leg
Left arm is broken
Right wrist is broken
Severe gashes on legs
Bruises on face
Repost of crash photos
We're reposting these crash photos now that we figured out how to make them bigger.This first one is the view from the rear of the car.
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This is the driver's side with the bumper laying across.
View from driver's side front
Another view from driver's side
Side view toward back of the car
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Saturday Evening
Today brought a little more reality to the picture as the medical staff realized Zach has quite a few more broken bones than previously thought. They found his left arm is broken and will require surgery; his left leg is also fractured.
He also struggled with fluid in his right lung today.
We are grateful for the fasting and the many prayers that are taking place right now.
He also struggled with fluid in his right lung today.
We are grateful for the fasting and the many prayers that are taking place right now.
Saturday Morning
Zach is still in critical, but stable condition. He's having surgery again this morning, having a "Belly Wash" and another procedure done.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Evening Update
We are so happy to announce that Zachary was stabilized today. That means the medical team was able to stop all of the bleeding. This is encouraging news!
The doctors said they expect to operate again Sunday or Monday, at which time they hope to be able to close up his stomach. He will still have a number of surgeries ahead of him.
We understand that many members of Zach's home ward are planning to fast for him on Sunday. His family will also be fasting in his behalf. We would like to invite anyone else who would like to join us in doing so. Zach has a lot of obstacles ahead of him, and he will need continued help from the Lord to sustain his progress.
We are trying to get ahold of some pictures of Zach to post. If you have any pics you can send, please email his Aunt at jchillman@juno.com.
The doctors said they expect to operate again Sunday or Monday, at which time they hope to be able to close up his stomach. He will still have a number of surgeries ahead of him.
We understand that many members of Zach's home ward are planning to fast for him on Sunday. His family will also be fasting in his behalf. We would like to invite anyone else who would like to join us in doing so. Zach has a lot of obstacles ahead of him, and he will need continued help from the Lord to sustain his progress.
We are trying to get ahold of some pictures of Zach to post. If you have any pics you can send, please email his Aunt at jchillman@juno.com.
Morning update
Zach's mom reported in at 11:20 a.m. this morning. Zach was in surgery this morning and was not yet out. The stomach incision they made yesterday has been left open so they don't have to keep re-opening him. They went in again this morning to clean/wash out the wound.
Today, the doctor said there are still some serious issues with Zach's colon, his splein, and one of his kidneys.
Zach's mom also reported that she and Greg had managed to get some sleep last night which had helped them out a lot, and had even managed to grab a shower this morning. Zach's family is very grateful for all the neighbors and friends who have been rallying around them and are helping to take care of their other kids.
Today, the doctor said there are still some serious issues with Zach's colon, his splein, and one of his kidneys.
Zach's mom also reported that she and Greg had managed to get some sleep last night which had helped them out a lot, and had even managed to grab a shower this morning. Zach's family is very grateful for all the neighbors and friends who have been rallying around them and are helping to take care of their other kids.
Crash Photos
We thought some of you might like to see photos of Zach's car after the crash (at the tow yard). These are all pictures of the driver's side of the vehicle
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year's Day 2009
Early morning New Year's Day 2009, while Zach was taking his friend Marcus home from a New Year's Eve Party, he was hit head on by a driver who had veared into his lane. The accident occured on Wasatch Boulevard at approximately 8400 South, in Southern SL County, Utah.
Thankfully, though his friend Marcus has a badly broken arm, he was released from the hospital already.
Zach was wearing his seat belt and the air bag deployed which likely lessened his injuries, especially to his upper body and head/face. However, he did sustain severe injuries to his internal organs including one of his kidneys, his splein, diaphram, intestines and colon. He also has a severaly broken pelvis and broken wrist. Consequently he is in critical condition.
As of 4 p.m. on Jan. 1, the doctors had been sucessful in stopping most of the internal bleeding. Zach was also aware and able to respond to doctors and family and at one point gave his Dad a "thumbs up" signal.
Though many have expressed a desire to visit Zach, he is currently unable to have visitors. The family has been very blessed to hear from numerous friends and family. We hope by creating this blog, we can give friends and families a place where they can receive updates on Zach's condition and progress.
Thankfully, though his friend Marcus has a badly broken arm, he was released from the hospital already.
Zach was wearing his seat belt and the air bag deployed which likely lessened his injuries, especially to his upper body and head/face. However, he did sustain severe injuries to his internal organs including one of his kidneys, his splein, diaphram, intestines and colon. He also has a severaly broken pelvis and broken wrist. Consequently he is in critical condition.
As of 4 p.m. on Jan. 1, the doctors had been sucessful in stopping most of the internal bleeding. Zach was also aware and able to respond to doctors and family and at one point gave his Dad a "thumbs up" signal.
Though many have expressed a desire to visit Zach, he is currently unable to have visitors. The family has been very blessed to hear from numerous friends and family. We hope by creating this blog, we can give friends and families a place where they can receive updates on Zach's condition and progress.
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