After the intense day Aaron had yesterday (5 hours off the vent), which, by the way, was totally amazing, he woke up this morning with a fever of 102 degrees. Blood work was done, as was a test of his sputum (“spit” for those of us who are laymen) and a review of his last chest x-ray (done late last week). A decision was made to send Aaron for a bronchoscopy tomorrow at Hahnemann hospital. This is to be done as an outpatient procedure, but it requires Aaron getting loaded up into an ambulance to go right across the street to Hahnamnn. This is Aaron’s third brochoscopy since his accident. He is not overly fond of these procedures, but knows it’s in his best interest to have one tomorrow. The doctor told him today, because of the fever, they want to rule out pneumonia. They’ll go through Aaron’s trach to his lungs with a camera and look around first. Then depending on what they see they’ll determine what to do next. It is a possibility there is a mucous plug, which they can remove right then. If it’s pneumonia, they’ll do a test to be sure they are using the right antibiotic to treat it. I am sure there are more things they do during the procedure that I am not aware of.
Because of his fever and not knowing what caused it, Aaron was not able to go without the vent today. His spirits were very good, though, and he said he felt good. The last time he had his temperature taken was around 3:00 or so, and his fever was down to 99 degrees. Aaron did have physical therapy today which went well. Again, because he wasn’t exactly up to par, the therapist went easy on him. He drove his power wheelchair and did passive range of motion exercises on his legs. (Because he’s not feeling well, I won’t comment on his driving skills or lack thereof.) Then we attended a session about what to look for when begin looking for a caregiver when for his return home. This was to be followed by a video about an organization called “Helping Hands” that trains monkeys to assist people in wheelchairs. Aaron and I decided it might be easier for us to get a monkey than find the right human caregiver, so that’s the plan!!! And they are so cute, too! (The monekys, not the humans.) They go to “school” for 3 to 4 years of training before they can be “assistants”. Cute and educated monkeys! Does it get any better than that? Anyway, the DVD player didn’t work, so we are going to watch the video at a later time. We did get to look at a brochure with pictures, though. Hope they watch the DVD on a day when I’m visiting Aaron, hate to miss that!!
Please continue to pray for Aaron and his recovery! He’s a tough one, but he can’t do this all alone! Thanks!
Hello Aaron,
I heard about your challenges from a man at work Tom Bacon.
I wanted to write you and share my brother’s story. My brother is Jim MacLaren he was paralized during a triatholon over 15 years ago. He went on to do motivated speaking and was in the media for awhile as well. If you get a chance check out his website http://www.jimmaclaren.com.
Jim has been ill recently and we just moved him here to PA to be near us.
I just wanted you to know that you can do anything you set your mind to. It sounds like you are a very strong young man with tons of support and love.
I wish you the very best and hope that each day brings more healing and peace for you and your family.
Warmly,
Jennifer Hippensteel
Akron, PA
Hey Aar, I hope by now your fever is gone. I had to check out the monkey site I was really hoping for big huge apes that could sit and watch tv with you and you could develop your own ape language with it like Tarzan. Maybe I’ll look into training one for you. Are they potty trained? Keep your head up, for every bad day there will have to be at least double that in good days. I just said to mom yesterday that you are going to end up doing something huge with your life. You can use your humor and your drive to motivate anyone. You are such a celebrity already. I have so many stories to share with you. Lyra was measuring as a 7 month old at her 4.5 month appointment. She is talking/blabbing constantly. Cops caught the eggers that Sean had chased around the neighborhood. Angus slept in Lyra’s pack n play but I think it was only because I tried to save a bunny that he tried to eat and I was keeping it in there. She died after 6 days. I cried like she was my pet. Anyway just wanted to catch up by blabbing to you where everyone can see it. Looking forward to meeting some of your peeps during the fundraisers. Miss you and pray that your recovery goes as quickly as possible.
Love,
Shan
Good morning Bud! Sorry about the setback, but it is only temporary. I agree with Bill, day by day. Take each day as it comes. I’m sure it will be a roller coaster for a while, but just keep pushing through it. Hope you don’t start a trend with the monkey, NO Brian doesn’t need one. lol I don’t mind babysitting his girl Ali, but not sure about a monkey.
Diane, I know this is tough on you too, you too take it day by day and know that we are not only beside and behind Aaron, but you are in my thoughts and prayers continously too. I hope you both have a better day!!! Love you!
Hey Aaron, that is awesome that you stayed off the vent for 5 hours. Continue to keep up the great work! We all still miss you at crump and hoping as always to see you soon. Remember this, I will with the Grace of god, I can, I shall and victory is yours. 🙂 I will continue to pray for you and your family always.
Diane,
I love your blogs, they crack me up!
Aaron, I miss you, it’s been too long since we’ve been there, I was going to come down today but it looks like it’s not a good day. I’ll talk to Jai and we’ll make a plan.
Love you!
Amazing work off the vent Aaron, really impressive. Are you for real getting a monkey!?
Ern, you are going to be o.k. This is just a minor setback. You have been doing a great job, don’t let this get you down! We are all so proud of you and love you lots. You are so strong!!! We are sending you hugs, kisses, prayers, and yes, a monkey!
Love you! Erin Kelli
Aaron,
I was just watching The Office and it was the episode where Michael had on a womens suit. He checked the designer and it was “MISSterious”. Michael then said “it’s mysterious because the buttons are on the wrong side”. I laughed really loud and thought of you as I do just about all the time. My work had your website blocked on Monday which means I check it way too often during the day. It is back to being unblocked for now but we’ll see how long that lasts. Danielle is showing me videos of the Monkeys being trained and it is quite amazing. She now wants one too…shocker. I am now Pro-Monkey.
Day by day. Keep doing what you’re doing and know I love you. See you in 16 days!!
Bill