Patti and I made the hour and half drive to Redwood City this morning to see Daniel in Redwood City. When we got there, he was awake and looking around. He saw us and Patti told him to say something after saying good morning and some other things. He said hi. She told him that I was loud and I’d say something and he totally smiled. So, he hasn’t forgotten me.

Patti wasn’t sure if he really was aware of who she was to him, so she asked him. He said he did know here and that, “You where here before. You kissed me.” Patti and I laughed and he smiled while she said, “Yes, I kissed you.” It was very sweet.

At one point while there, he was saying to put something to the right. It seemed to be talking about work and something to do with equipment. So, his thought processes are definitely there, but it’s still hard for him to concentrate on us. We later found out from the doctor that he’s most likely exhausted and just really needs to rest more then be stimulated.

He now has feeding tube and single IV. Gone are all the tubes in his mouth and nose. The feeding tube goes down one nostril and there’s a funnel the other to assist him in breathing. He had a bad cold during the accident and he still has it. His heart rate also seem much stronger then the last time I saw him. His breathing was about 20 rep’s a minute, which is about the limit the doctor desires for him to hit. So, if it decreases, it’ll save him from having a respirator on during the night.

The hospital was planning on moving him upstairs today out of CCU. That was originally the back-up plan as Patti was hoping for a transfer to Sacramento. But when we looked at the location of the hospital on the map, it was realized that it would be just as far as Redwood City. This would make the drive too far for Daniel’s sister and mother, so they decided to keep him there which would be closer to family.

Daniel feel asleep while we there and the nurse said the doctor wouldn’t be in for about an hour and half, so Patti and I went to across the street to get some thing to eat for her. When I walked out of the hospital, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Erik’s Delicafe was right there! Then as we got closer, Starbucks was next to it. What a dream!! I wasn’t hungry and Patti just wanted french fries, so we got me a coffee from Starbucks and got her fries elsewhere.

When we returned to the hospital, Daniel’s sister and dad where there. She was feeding him water on a sponge stick and he was totally communicating to her. Saying he wanted more and that he wouldn’t eat it. Well, he did chomp on the sponge and she and Patti were trying to get him to stop and it was kinda funny to see Daniel chomp on it. He was very thirsty to say the least and his sweet sister squeezed more water into his mouth for him. They also put mouth balm on his lips, too.

Soon after, we met with the doctor. Basically Daniel has Spinal Cord Injury (SPI). It’s similar to Christopher Reeve’s injury, but not as severe. This is actually a common injury with about 50,000 people a year getting it. The majority come from car accidents. Daniel will most likely be paralyzed from the waist down. He can have some improvement in 12 – 18 mo. He may get wrist and maybe fingers movement back. Most likely he will never walk or have movement in his legs again. Though the doctor didn’t rule it out and said anything is possible. Speech and swallowing should come back normal within the next two weeks, depending on his cold.

So what does this mean for his future? He will need wheel chair, but he will be able relatively self sufficient. He will be able to feed himself, brush his teeth, put on his cloths, move onto seats and so forth. He will be near independent. Patti asked if he would be able to play the piano again and the doctor, being a pianist himself, said if therapy goes well and he pushes himself, he would not count that out at all. It’s possible!

Daniel will be transfered to Vallejo after he over comes his cold. It appears he still has pneumonia. This is making things difficult for him, such as breathing which is wearing him out. There appears to be no head injury as it appears on CAT scan, but he’s not as alert as he should be. This may be due to pneumonia wearing him out. H may have mild brain damage at worst, but it’s too hard to tell right now due to the pneumonia.

Daniel is fortunate to be moved to Vallejo as it is the best SCI facility in the Bay Area. Kaiser’s son had MS. This place was built just for him. So, he will be getting the utmost attention. In fact, his therapist is from this facility and is able to guide Daniel perfectly into transition for this facility. Once there, he will have intense therapy for about four weeks. After that, it will be out patient therapy. Patti will also be trained in how to assist him and how to adapt to their new life. It sounded like she will get a lot of hands on training, too. Thankfully, there will not be a need for two people assistance as first thought, which is great news.

This therapy is long term rehabilitation. It won’t be an easy journey. The first twelve months are the most important. Medical complications may arise such as blood clot, bed soars and this pneumonia may turn into a bad thing. So, prayer is needed for him and the family for this tough journey ahead of them. Nothing is too tough for Him!

I’ll keep you posted on his condition and try to get pictures on my next visit. I had to turn off my phone, so I couldn’t snap any pix with it. I know he’ll improve ’cause God is great. When he’s transfered out of CCU (again, hopefully today), then his children will be able to see him which will be the first time for the two boys since the before the accident. So, that will be a blessing for them to see their daddy. Be praying that it would be a blessing and not a difficult time for them.

Please be in continual prayer for Patti and the whole family. It was difficult for his sister to hear the news today and I can’t imagine how tough this is all for them. They need strength that only the Lord can provide and He will through our prayers. He hears his sheep!

One Response to “Daniel’s Update for This Afternoon”

1. Shane Says:
   December 9th, 2003 at 20:29

   We are still praying. Hang in there Patti, family, and all those that are helping and being a support!! We are praying for you.

   -The Eckert’s