NTU Update

So much has happened over the last 7 hours since I posted last. I didn't realize that so much time has gone by. Time in the hospital seems to go so slowly, then something happens and time flies so fast.

As I pushed "publish post" on the last post we were talking to our new nurse in the NTU (Neuro Trauma Unit). She required our attention, so I published and things got pretty busy from there. We got him all signed in and got more pain meds in him. He took a little nap and Brian and I got the tour of the NTU so that we know where things are like the the parent showers, bathrooms, ice and water machines, toys, books, movies and video games.

He was pretty groggy all day falling in and out of sleep. When he wasn't sleeping, he was in a zombie like state staring at the TV or just staring out into space. He would cry out in pain about every 2 hours when the morphine would wear off, and his biggest complaint was the sites of his IV's. We tried to get him to eat, but he didn't have any sort of an appetite. It was a struggle to even get him to have a drink of water at some points.

We finally talked him into ordering some chicken noodle soup and a strawberry smoothie. We really wanted him to eat solid foods so that he could get some Loritab which would last longer and help manage his pain better. We got the food and he ate 3 bites of chicken broth then refused to eat any more.

At about 4:15 I remember him asking me when Grandma and Grandpa were coming and bringing Hailey. He missed his little sister and was looking forward to her visit. My parents brought Hailey and showed up around 5:00. Hailey was so happy to see all of us. She was especially excited to see Jackson, but she had to wait patiently for him to wake up from a nap. When he woke up he was happy to see people visiting but was still pretty lethargic.

We were going to keep the visit short, but anytime we would say that they were leaving he would say "no, stay." Aunt Becky came to visit too and she and I took Hailey on a walk to explore a bit. We went to the 3rd floor where they have a kids zone or play room. Hailey colored Jackson a picture then we went back to the room to give it to Jackson.

Jackson laid in bed pretty much all day except when he had to go to the bathroom. Brian would help him walk, or he would carry Jack to the bathroom and Jackson would whimper on the way there and on the way back. Jackson also started having a fever of around 101 degrees which made him clammy and even more groggy.

Jill, Tayler and Ashton came to visit Jackson too. I honestly have no idea what time they came. Like I said time in hospitals goes either really fast, or really slow. They brought with them lots of treasures for Jackson. My Activity Day Girls did a service project for Jackson today at their activity (a complete surprise to me). They made him a card a blanket and a coloring book. They also made Hailey a blanket and a coloring book and made Brian and I some great Thank You notes. Jill also brought Jackson a super cute gift pack from Fire Station 107. I am constantly amazed at the thoughtfulness of people.

I think Tayler was kind of freaked out to see Jackson in the state he was in. Honestly he was doing better at that point than he had all day, but he was still mostly a zombie. He did get excited to show Tayler the button he gets to push to call the nurse. But just in case some of you come see Jackson in the next little while, be prepared because it may not be a pretty sight.

I walked our visitors out to their cars, and had to get Hailey's car seat from my mom's car. When I came back I was shocked at what I heard.

We had been begging Jackson all day to eat something, and all day he refused. When I got back from the car, I found a more alert Jackson. It sounds like as soon as I left Jackson told Brian that he was hungry and wanted some food. Brian tried to call for room service, but missed the window by 15 minutes. Jackson had eaten a cracker and half a pudding cup by the time I had gotten back from the car.

I am not sure what did the trick but somehow he turned a corner while I was outside at the car. He was more alert and his speech wasn't as slurred. He was watching America's Funniest Videos when I got back and was even laughing a little here and there. I don't know where this boy came from, but I sure am glad he's here. It is such a relief to know that he is doing better, and finally starting to feel like himself.

He ended up eating half a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and some honeydew melon. He drank some apple juice and tapped his little bandaged hand a bit with the music on the television. I am so glad he was able to turn this corner. I literally can breathe a little easier tonight.

I am home tonight with Hailey. We are trying to get some sleep, but plan on heading to the hospital tomorrow morning. Just as I got settled in here at home a bit, I got a phone call from my little Jackson. He sounded like he has a severe cold (due to the nasal packing) but he also sounded triumphant. He told me that he walked down the hall all the way to the movie room and back with out holding Daddy's hand. Hearing about his accomplishment brought me tears of joy.

The doctor and the nurses say that if Jackson can continue healing so well, he may be able to come home as soon as tomorrow. Brain surgery yesterday, Intensive Care Unit today and the possibility that he may be coming home tomorrow.

Tomorrow the plan will be to have his "rhino rockets" removed by the Neurosurgeon. Dr. Riva-Cambrin said that it can be pretty traumatic and that he has the parents step out of the room because it is so messy and nasty. I think I don't want to be there for that part. I think it will cause lots of hysterical crying. We will be there for Jackson though, we want to do anything and everything for him.

I am amazed at the love, support, and prayers that are being sent our way. Thank you all for being here for our family.

Today had a very happy ending to a rough rough beginning. We are praying for more happy endings.