Jim’s Medical Journal

Lots of activity today. Jim didn’t have a great nights sleep. The vent being on caused more of the crap to loosen in his lungs, which ultimately is the goal, but makes for a rough nights sleep.After OT this morning, the nurses used the hoyer lift to get him out of bed...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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.