Author: boscoj

Jim is continuing to have progress everyday. He is one of the few patients in the NICU (Neuro ICU) that is able to talk. His nurses are appreciative of that…most of the time. The trach that went in on Friday is doing its job. The combination of not being able to use his hands and not being able to communicate when he had the vent in was difficult to say the least.
He spent all day yesterday breathing on his own. So he has the trach hooked up to oxygen, but it is not pushing air. There is still a lot of “crap” in Jim’s lungs that he he took in from the lake. Water, sand, and gravel. Haven’t seen a minnow yet, but it’s not out of the realm. Last night they did turn on the vent to make it easier for him to sleep.
He is able to lift his arms a little. He had even rehearsed a tik tok dance, but it’s not quite ready for posting. I assured him it would go viral.
Dale from OT was just in and went through moving his arms and legs. Plan is to get Jim into his motorized chair later this morning and go for a ride.
Not sure on the time frame yet, but when Jim is ready to leave here he will go to in patient rehab back home in Chicago.

I read Jim all the comments and well wishes that you all have left. He enjoys hearing from everyone. Please keep them coming!

Saturday was another busy day for Jim. First full day with his new trach which is less invasive than the vent and makes communication much easier. Consultation with the physicians. A session with respiratory therapy cleaning out the lungs of debris collected at the lake bottom. Jim also had his first session of breathing on his own. The oxygen was removed, and Jim was on his own for 15 minutes. He passed with flying colors! This will continue to keep Jim’s breathing muscles limber and ultimately get him off of any breathing assistance. The low-grade fever and infection are still present but under control.
Jim’s cognitive skills are fully intact. He had a memory test using verbal skills and retaining information for 5 minutes. Jim continues to get stronger each day. He still does not have a phone or computer, so FB will just have to be without inspirational quotes for a few more days.

Jim had his procedure today. They didn’t get started until about 2 and he was out about 4:30. Suzie said they need to put a larger trach in. I didn’t know there were different sizes, but it seems obvious that you would give Jim the biggest one right away.
On a personal note, the hospital only allows 2 named visitors for the entire stay. Suzie and Mr. Bosco are the two. I was in Milwaukee from Monday to Wednesday and then came back to MN. I am in contact with Suzie multiple times a day, but there is a lag sometimes in getting updates. I am very frustrated that I cannot be with Jim, but this is the situation. I share this to ask all to be patient and understanding on when updates come.
Thank you to all that have left comments. Please keep them coming!

I know for many of you this is your first interaction with Caring Bridge. Suzie will read the comments to Jim. So if you are so inclined, please take a moment to give some encouraging words, share a funny memory, or just let Jim know you are praying for him. Thank you.

Another big step yesterday was getting Jim into a special chair. He was in it for about 2 hours. This helps combat any fluid building up in his lungs. Occupational therapy continues every day.
The vent was put on a setting that is helping Jim when needed. So while he still needs assistance, he is doing a better job of breathing on his own. Tomorrow Jim is scheduled to get a tracheostomy and a PEG (feeding tube directly to the stomach). This will allow the ventilator and the feeding tube in his nose to be removed. This will make Jim much more comfortable. Both of these are expected to be temporary as Jim regains his strength.
The nurse talked to Suzie today about the next steps. First Jim has to get out of the ICU and then he will go to in-patient rehabilitation. The timeline is not set, but great that there is expected progress.

Good morning. Jim was good spirits this morning. Angie, Jim’s OT brought in a letter board to make communication much easier. Clara was able to see her dad this morning. They share the same sense of humor, and she made him laugh.
OT went well again this morning. Strength is continuing to get better in his biceps and his forearms. His hands have trace reflex. Still waiting for his deltoids to work so he can lift his arms.
Yesterday afternoon they did a bronchoscopy to remove some fluid in his lungs. They started an antibiotic as he has also had a low grade fever. He does have a feeding tube which will be in for the foreseeable future.

Monday morning Jim underwent surgery which resulted in fusing his C3 through C7 vertebrae and the decompression of his spinal cord. Jim came through the surgery very well.
He continues to be on a ventilator to help him breathe.
Currently Jim can shrug his shoulders, and has movement in his biceps. As time progresses and the swelling comes down, there is great hope that more movement will come back.
Jim has worked with the occupational therapist yesterday and this morning. He is already showing improvement in his strength. Suzie is going to start working with Jim tomorrow on exercises. He is very excited!
The recovery will be a long road, but all are very positive.
Please keep Jim and his entire family in your prayers.

On the evening of July 4th, Jim had a diving accident on Lilly Lake that caused fractures in his neck. He was airlifted to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. Suzie, Clara and Jim’s family ask for your prayers.