April 22, 2014

~ Written By Naomi and Jeff Harm ~

It was a very trying day for Jacob yesterday on April 21st. Yes, he did receive an MRI, but it took over 4 hours to complete, as he absoulutely has to lay still. With a TBI (traumaic rbain injury) and placing a patient in an MRI tube- this can be painful process- by all the loud noises it makes- which causes the brain heightened pain.  It can set anyone off to not lay still, and it was very uncomfortable for Jacob. Because they were checking mostly on his cervical neck and spine area, they discovered he now has three additonal acute compressed vertebraes in his back, which caused the additional huge discomfort to lie totally flat on his back, causing much pain, anxiety and spiked heart rate again.  So once again the sedatives and pain medications were give to calm and relax him, but it took a great deal of time to calm him his pain down, and bring his heartrate back to a safe level.He willnow have to wear a body brace for the next two months to support his back, vertebraes, and all the broken ribs. The MRI also showcased and dicumented the TBI and the severity of the concussion, which makes it even more important now that Jacob willl need and require quality neuorigical care and rehab to improve his condition.

We has parents felt helpless and felt so bad for him, and much of the afternoon he was unresponsive again due to all the medications. That is the most frustrating part, just when we get a sense he is starting to wake up another procedure or surgery has to take place, causing some gains and some setbacks. We just wish the healing process could be faster, but we now realize this is going to take years.

Jake was scheduled to go in for his right femur surgery today, but due to the backup in the operating room things have been delayed once again. It may or may not occur tonight and we will just have to wait for now. In the mean time he can rest and heal more. 

Thank you to all of you that have sent cards, well wishes and gifts for Jacob and Heather and our families. This is aiding in the recovery to stay postive and assisting Heather greatly with out of pocket expences and car travel to and from the hospital. We appreciate your support, gestures and effort you have graciously given of yourselves to support our entire family during this trying time.