February 12, 2010

Today they took Mitch off the medicine that made him 90% paralyzed. They also brought him "a little" out of his drug induced coma, although his eyes weren't open he was still able answer yes and no questions with the nod of his head. As soon as they started to bring him out of the coma his back and leg started to spasm quickly, this is not the result we or the doctors were looking for. They had hoped that by putting him in a coma his muscles would reset themselves and stop the powerful spasm cycle. It didn't work which was very disappointing to all of us. While they had him "a little" out of the coma, they were able to roll him on his side and mark all the spots that were causing him pain. Again, even though he was still out he was able to give them a yes or a no answer with a head nod. A couple of times he was able to point up or down with his finger. It was a very interesting process to watch. Some spots were so sensitive that he had tears running down his checks by just a simple touch. This broke our hearts as we could see that he was once again experience the horrific pain that he had lived for the prior 4 days, but because of his sedated state he was unable to express anything but the tears. In all, they gave him 15 different botox shots in his back region. The hope is these botox shots will "freeze" the muscle and not allow it to go into spasm. Unfortunately it takes 2-3 days for the botox to start working. Because of his pain and spasms they had to put him back into his coma.

We are sad to report that he has a 103 temperature, has an infection and has developed pneumonia.

We continue to be amazed by all the support and prayers on his behalf, this is so comforting to us and we sure appreciate it. Please continue with the prayers as Sunday is the next big day. If they can tackle the pneumonia and see that the botox is working they hope to take him off the breath machine. Again - thanks to everyone for all the prayers and support.