Mike Goes Home

Yesterday, Shawn and Susie took Mike back home to Cougar Mountain. Although Mike is not very familiar with his surroundings, he has his "home" environment to explore and is making connections . He was able to sleep through the night- a whole 12 hours!
Today Susie took him to the park on a 1/2 mile loop walk, shopped at Costco and he read magazines at Barnes/Noble. They are settling back in and are enjoying their time together back home. Therapy starts up on Monday.

Mike's Goal- Home by March 31 !

Mike has set a new goal to go home by March 31. He continues to work hard with his therapists. Yesterday he took a walk outside around the block with Suzanne, Mom and his PT. He was a little overwhelmed by all the new stimulation, but did quite well with the physical part. When the meningitis penetrated the mastoid (on the left side) the speech and communication center of the brain was affected. The meninges is still inflamed, which has caused comprehension, memory and speech problems. The neurological recovery will be slow but Suzanne and his doctors are very optimistic, looking for much improvement in about three months. Mike still needs 24 hour care at this point.

Keep the miracles coming through all your love and prayers.

Spirits are Strong- Saturday

Mike spent a day with his rehab specialists, showing continued growth and improvement. He meets twice a day with his speech, occupational and physical therapists working intensely on many tasks. It is exhausting for him, but he continues to make more and more connections.

Some buddies from University of Montana called and visited and had Mike laughing about old times. A special thanks to Terry, Kelly and Lee who lifted everyone's spirits.

Mike has been moved to room 633 across from the nursing station.

Friday Evening 3/23

Mike has had a busy day with evaluations and therapy from Speech, PT and OT specialists. His body is strong and his new hips are working perfectly with no pain.

The hardest work for Mike right now is memory, word association, cognitive skills and speech. Because of the aggressive therapies to rehab him, he needs periods of total rest and lack of stimulation. Therefore, we ask for no visitations until further notice. We need your continued love, support and prayers for his full recovery.

Suzie spends at least 12 hours a day at Mike's side assisting in communication. She receives your messages but is unable to return each call. She is lifted by your voices of concern and love and sends her deep gratitude to each of you. Please continue to reach out. Mike is able to read and loves getting cards from you.

Home address:
6264 168th Place SE
Bellevue, WA 98006

We have no report yet as to a potential return to home. Thank you ALL for your part in helping Mike be a MIRACLE.

Visitors Limited

Your love and support is greatly appreciated, but we need to limit visitors. Mike's focus needs to be on himself right now, for his health, concentration and learning to continue positively. I will post specialists' results later this evening.

Thursday Evening.....A little update

A more complete rehab evaluation will be happening on Friday. I will update the blog with the results.

Thursday-Swedish Cherry Hill Hospital

Mike moved this afternoon to the Swedish Cherry Hill Hospital (Room 649) where they can focus on his assessment and rehab. This is another move forward. Let’s allow him to get settled in and oriented. Tomorrow we will better understand the visitation programs. Way to go Mike!

Wednesday Evening-Rest needed Thursday

Mike's has had a couple of days of slower progress but nonetheless
continues to improve.  On Thursday we are going to limit visitors
to allow Mike time to rest as his sleep has been inconsistent.
Please continue to pray for strength for Mike and Suzie as this is a
difficult road.  Let's do all that we can to lift their spirits!

A Special Massage for Suzanne-Wednesday AM

Yesterday Mike looked up at Susie and asked her to sit down next to him as he patted his bed. When she moved in next to him, he begin to massage her back. Mike may not have all the words to express his thoughts but his actions speak of love and thankfulness.

Mike continues to grow stronger. He has been taking his daily walk around the tenth floor, shaving, bathing and feeding himself and making keen observations- commenting on helicopters near his window, comparing glowing Seattle sunsets with ones from San Diego and asking Kevin and Rose 'How are things in Olympia?'.

However, his language development and recall are frustrating to him as he searches for words and thoughts to connect them. He has also had some restless nights as his sleep patterns have been short and inconsistent.

Thanks again for your support and love.

Sunday Morning-day of rest

Suzanne has requested that Mike have a complete day of rest. Please send your thoughts and prayers but no visitors today. Thank you.

"Maybe in two weeks" Friday/Saturday

While scanning a fishing magazine, Mike's friend Jim asked when he would be ready to go fishing. He looked up and responded, " Maybe in two weeks".
Mike has had a very busy and productive two days. He shaved and bathed himself this morning, walked the 11th floor loop, and continues to feed himself. While on his walk he recognized and read an Ireland poster and a painting of the Walla Walla hills. Yesterday Karin led Mike in a 1.5 hour spiritual meditation. He emerged alert and refreshed.
All of the doctors and specialists (physical, occupational and speech) are extremely positive about his progress. The meninge is still infected but there is no brain damage. He just needs time and love. He has both in abundance. Thank you all for your continued love and support.

Thursday - New room -#1015 10th floor

After a good night's sleep, Mike had a healthy breakfast of Cheerioes and pancakes. The physical therapist had him stand briefly on wobbly legs and will be working with him daily. He continues to work on language development and memory recall, trying hard to find words that match his thoughts. When asked who he was rooting for he read from the muted TV, "Indiana". (Too bad, Zags.) He is adjusting to his new room.

Wednesday Afternoon

Mike continues to make small steps towards recovery. He fed himself, works hard on finding words to complete thoughts and has been able to move his toes and fingers on request. Recognition is still a challenge. Continue to pray and hold positive thoughts.

Tuesday Evening

Mike is working very hard. He is able to form some words and small sentences but can become frustrated when the words are lost or can't be found. He is less agitated tonight after a tough day. ALL your thoughts, prayers and love are deeply appreciated and needed.

"I'll see you later"

More progress-Mike verbally responded to the the doctor today as he left his room- "I'll see you later." He also was able to eat a small helping of apple sauce.

I will have more information this evening.

One in a million....

Dr. Hough reported that he has never had a patient with such a severe case of spinal menengitis and live. He stated "he is definitely one in a million."
Mike continues to be very responsive to his surroundings- reaching out for necklaces, smiling, opening cards, tracking colors and even a spoken "Yea." The respirator has been removed.

Monday- More encouraging news..

The white light of hope continues to shine. Mike had a restful evening followed with bright moments of alertness and small moments of activity- movements in hands, raising eyebrows, trying to rearrange himself in his bed and a SMILE for everyone. (: (:(:

The last report said he was even watching sports on TV.

And some more promising news..

Two medical reports-the EEG report is normal plus his lungs are 'perfectly' clear.
Suzanne told Mike he is the love of her heart and he reached up and touched her pearl necklace.

Sunday Afternoon

Miracles are happening- Mike has responded with eye contact on three different occasions. He is able to voluntarily track guests in his room. He has been responsive to Suzanne's voice and seems to be gaining some stamina with his alertness. It's a wonderful birthday gift for Suzanne.

Sunday Morning

Mike developed some seizures in the night and this morning. He is being treated with anti-seizure medication to reduce them. Our family thanks ALL who are giving support, love and prayers.

Early Saturday Evening

Mike is still in a coma state resting comfortably. He did attempt to open his eyes around 4:oo which is another very positive sign. Keep the prayers coming.

Saturday Noon

Mike has responded- Just a few moments ago Mike moved his foot on verbal request, he squeeezed Suzi's hand when asked, and tried to close his eyelids when they were held open.
He also flinched when his eyelashes were stroked. Hold on to these incredible moments of HOPE! Keep praying.

MRI scan results are promising. There is no sign of brain swelling as it is confined to the meninges.
This is very good news.

Friday evening update

A team of doctors met with us and decided it would be best to place Mike on a respirator to assist his breathing. He is resting more comfortably.

Diagnosis

Mike has been diagnosed with spinal menengitis. His vital signs are strong, but the bacterial infection has created tremendous stress to his system. Overall, his condition is serious. He is resting somewhat comfortably, but not conscious to his surroundings.

The best way you can help at this time is to be positive and to send your thoughts and prayers to Mike and Suzanne via this blog. We will make sure they get your messages.

We will do our best to keep you informed so be sure to check the blog periodically.

Your love and prayers mean the world to Mike and Suzanne.