Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday.

B. & E.

"Lasers"

Bink had his first laser treatment last Monday.  He said that it really did not hurt.  As the doc was getting ready to treat him they warned him it may pinch a little.  He pointed out that he has been tattooed and pierced to which they said that this would not even register for him.

I kept meaning to post pics, but had not had a chance.  So, enjoy.  Well enjoy probably isn't the right word, but you get the idea.

Christmas Came Early!

A little recap of our day.  Like the other follow-up visits to Allentown, it was a long day filled with lots of information.  

We started our day with the orthopedic for his wrists.  A new round of x-rays were taken and Bink was given some good news.  His  early Christmas presents were that he was given permission to drive again and he was told that he need not wear his splints every day any longer. He wasn't sure which item brought him greater pleasure. He is excited about a little re-found freedom, but also about getting a good night's sleep without the plastic arms.  He is to continue his PT and he will head back for another evaluation after the first of the year.

Next appointment on deck was at Burn Recovery.  Going in to today we knew that the conversation at Burn would really be focusing on discussions of scar management. Bink and I had talked about whether or not he would participate in scar management on the drive.  He decided that he wanted to go through with this piece of treatment despite the fact that there was going to be some pain involved.  We learned today that without the treatment, he has an increased probability of visible scarring.  

The dummy version of the treatment involves daily application of lotion that is blended with aspirin.  The aspirin treats the inflammation.  If you haven't seen me showing off his torso, you probably cannot even tell he was burned.  His face, although splotchy, looks as though he has spent time at the beach.  While his torso is healing, it is still really red.  What the red means is that the nerve endings in his skin, while thriving, are having problems sending the message to heal the skin.  Bink will be getting checked monthly for progress on this front.  Next appointment for this will also be after the first of the year.

Finally, while at Burn Recovery, Bink's doctor asked if we would participate in a clinical trial related to the treatment of scars with lasers.  Two areas on his right arm were selected for inclusion in this trial.  The first area for treatment will be the wrist scar on his right arm.  The second area of treatment will be a five inch square burn on his upper right arm that was deeper than the rest of the burns.   The study is at the most basic level determining the efficacy of the use of lasers to treat scar healing.  This is a three-month trial that he is participating in because he felt that it was the least he could do considering the care he has received.  He recognizes that he doing this now, could potentially help someone else down the road.  There is a little time commitment to participating in this, but we both feel it is important.  He will head back on December 15th for a follow-up with this one.

Three weeks ago, we left a little bummed, today we were able to leave in good spirits.  There is still a long path in front of us, but we are both so incredibly thankful for the small miracles and incremental steps.

On a side note, to all of those who have participated in Bink Care (a happy twist on day care), THANK YOU.  I think that he, and I, would have lost our minds the past month and a half if you all would not have so generously volunteered to pick him up and have him visit.  Our friends and family have gotten us through until today and no words will ever express how grateful we are. All I can say is that you know where to find us if you ever need anything on a dark day. Play dates are always welcome. 

I will wrap this up with a simple good night.

Brrr...

Bink started his physical therapy this past Wednesday.  It is working out nicely really as he opted to go to Health South which is at our local Y.  When the weather is not as cold as it is today, he is able to walk over.  I think he likes the freedom of the stroll.  On super cold days like today though he will have to accept a ride.  

One of the side effects of the burn is that the nerves in the skin where he was burned are somewhat exposed and make him supersensitive to heat and cold.  Despite his hatred of lotions he has to make sure he stays moisturized all the time and when outdoors he must really bundle up.  I have seen him wearing a winter coat more in the past month than I have in the eight years that we have been together, so I can happily say he is following that order.

I will post again on Tuesday evening when we return from Allentown for more follow-up visits. This weeks appointments are for his wrists and his burns.  He is really, really hoping that his ortho clears him to drive this week.  Stay tuned.

B. & E.

Cyber Monday

I have heard that there are still folks checking this blog on a pretty regular basis so I wanted to post a note as it has been about a week.

No particular news on Bink in the past week. The inability to help around the house is driving him a little nuts, but I think he secretly is liking it. Just kidding. My Dad was here over the weekend to take care of a few things I couldn't do and it just bummed Bink out that all he could do was watch. But, so it goes.

Injury wise he is looking better as the days pass. He is a bit blotchy as I am guessing you have noticed in the pics I've been posting. His torso is still quite pink, red and purple. Over the weekend he commented that it seemed that that was what was taking the longest to heal. To which I pointed out that from what everyone has told us, that was what took the brunt of the fire. He conceded on that one.

Take care everyone. Be careful this holiday and/or hunting season (hopefully not at the same time of course).

B. & E.

Outing

Just wanted to throw a pic up that did not involve a hospital room.  

For a change of scenery we made a break for Northern VA to spend some time with my family.  I think Bink liked getting a change of scenery.  We actually went to a shop to paint our own pottery.  He was unhappy with his painting so I promised to take him back some time when he had better use of his wrists.  

Enjoy.

B. & E.

Seriously?

A little over two hours each way and three doctors appointments later and we are home again. Needless to say, we are both a bit tired at this point.

First appointment of the day was for the wrists. Bink was hoping to get cleared to drive, but alas it did not happen.  His wrists look good and he will begin rehab on them.  He no longer will have to wrap his wrists, but will have to keep the splints on.  We head back in three weeks for another evaluation.

Second appointment, burn recovery.  They felt that things were looking good.  Still a little more red than they thought he should be, but healing.  Back in three weeks for another follow-up on this one.  Looks like Bink will be starting scar therapy at that point.

Last appointment of the day was for his spine. We thought this would be a simple follow-up, but ended up learning that he had in fact broken his back (where the initial comment was a compression fracture).  The doc said that usually he would have been braced while still in the hospital, but the burns prevented this. The same still holds true.  Bink has to take it easy and we will return back to this doc after the first of the year for another evaluation. 

Today was not as good a day as some.  Bink was so excited about wanting to drive again and that didn't happen.  Compound that with news about his back and he was a little bummed.  But, we knew that that would be the case.  

Bink is in the market for hobbies to occupy his time, but we can't think of any.  If you have any suggestions, please share. 

Take care everyone.

B. & E.

Bink's Gone Wild

Made you look. At first he said he would do a girls gone wild type of shot to show off his tank top, but I wasn't fast enough with the camera. Instead you get the mundane. He has developed two bald spots that we all speculate as to why they are there. And, he says he has more acne now than he has ever had in his life (from the lotion to keep his skin from cracking).

It's odd not to post every day after having done so for a while. Fortunately there is not a lot going on though. We have not made any return trips to the ER since last week and are hoping to keep it that way.

We do head to Allentown tomorrow for three appointments. It's funny we both would love to have doctor's closer to home, but at the same time feel it is a worthwhile drive knowing how good those in Allentown are. Bink's big hope for tomorrow is that he gets the OK to drive.

An update on my car theft stuff. Good news, I think. They caught the person who took the belongings from my car and when we are in Allentown, we are going to jump in to the police station in Bethlehem to claim my jackets and jewelry. I am pretty excited about that.

Updates hopefully tomorrow

Status Quo

Well, not much to post this week with regards to Bink.

He refers to himself as a houseplant. He says that all he has to do is sit in the corner and occasionally get watered. To say that he is a little stir crazy is a bit of an understatement. Something about not being able to what he wants when he wants that has made him a little nutty. Trust me, he realizes the alternative and is extremely grateful that he is where he is, but I think that he just never thought he would spend this kind of quality time with the couch.

Healing wise, his pink tank top is starting to get a little tight, itchy and scabby. That means it is healing though.

Take care.

B. & E.

Lessons Learned

I am starting to step back and think about the things I have learned through this experience.  I thought I would share a few of the general things I am taking away from this whole experience.

1. Do not put off preparing legal documents.  We have been talking, since we were married, about drawing up wills, power of attorney, etc.  We always assumed that because we were relatively young we need not worry with such things.  WRONG!  If you have not done these things, stop putting them off.

2. Never underestimate the strength of your friends and family in a crisis situation.  When you feel like you are going to lose your mind, they will be there.

3. Sleep is overrated.  I know that new mothers have told me this, but having not yet had children I did not get this.  Adrenaline will keep you going.  On the flip side, not sleeping will catch up with you so do what you can to catch a few zzzz's.

4. Wedding vows are more than words.  You never know when they will be tested.

Trust me when I say I have learned many other things, but thought I would share these.

E.

Attention Seeker Alert

I thought to myself this morning that I was going to back off on blogging every day and go to every other or so.  But, then someone decided to try to get a little more attention today.

We started this morning as usual.  Bink opted to shave and then get in the shower.  After about ten minutes he yelled for me.  He was on the verge of blacking out.  So, I helped him sit down in the shower and after a couple of minutes he was back up and telling me he was okay.  Being that I am a little overprotective at the moment I declared that we were headed to the ER.  Bink begrudgingly agreed to go, despite not wanting to go at all.

So, five hours later we are home again.  We are told that, thankfully, nothing is wrong.  Or at least nothing was found.  We are scheduled to be back at the doctor's this week so we will have him take a peek as well just to make sure everything is kosher.  

I think he just wanted another fancy hospital bracelet.

Take care everyone.

B. & E.

Here's Bink!

Day 18

Sorry for the delay in getting anything posted. Since we got home we have been on the constant move. Neither of us realized just how hectic it would be once home.

Yesterday we were back in Allentown for the first of many follow-up visits. We felt like we had just left. We met with the orthopedic doc who performed the wrist surgeries and the burn recovery center. Both offices were pleased with the progress to date. Bink is still healing, but has definitely come very far.

Yesterday we stopped at the CCEDC and today we stopped in to Trinity for a visit. We have both been floored by the generosity of both of our respective colleagues. There is the unfortunate reality that sometimes you forget just how loved you are until something awful happens. Both of our workplaces have been fantastic in looking out for us and making sure that we get any help we need. Neither of us could have anticipated the outpouring of assistance we have received. When Bink first woke up, one of his comments was that we really did not have that many friends. I think everyone has proven otherwise to both of us.

For those that have not seen Bink since the incident, I am guessing you want to see a picture. I will try to get one tomorrow and post it.

If anyone is interested, here are a couple of links that are pretty interesting (okay, interesting to me):
Lehigh Valley Hospital Burn Center: http://www.lvh.org/burncenter
BioBrane: http://www.uwhealth.org/servlet/Satellite?cid=1116338384509&pagename=B_EXTRANET_HEALTH_INFORMATION%2FFlexMember%2FShow_Public_HFFY&c=FlexGroup

Thank you again to everyone. I don't think that we will ever be able to say thank you enough.

B. & E.

Day 15

WE ARE HOME!!!  Ecstatic does not even start to express how we are both feeling.

Last night was a little rough.  I had gone back to the hotel to grab a shower and check out in anticipation of our departure.  In the hour it took for me to pack up and shower, my car was broken in to.  Yep, I'm serious.  Whoever it was got a bunch of clothing, two of my winter jacket and Bink's escape clothes.  The only two things about which I was really upset were Bink's game day hat and the jewelry that Bink had given me for my 30th birthday.  Fortunately a few items were recovered and about 5 minutes ago I finally went through what was returned and am happy to report that the game day hat is not lost.  PSU is still being supported by Bink's hat that his namesake gave him almost two decades ago.  He wasn't worried about the hat, he was just happy to be on his way home.

Among the things taken last night, my house keys and apartment keys.  In the line of fab people that have helped us out through this, Andy Wray came over and changed our locks.  So, for all of you out there with keys, FYI.

I am pretty excited about crawling into my own bed, so is Bink.  Take care everyone.  

B. & E.

Day 14 - Part 2

Fingers crossed folks, we may be getting out of here tomorrow.  

Bink didn't spike a fever today which was fantastic news.  Also, almost all of his BioBrain came off today.  It was much like a scab in that as the skin that burned began to heal, the BioBrain dried out and started to peel off.  Bink is pretty excited at the prospect of getting a shower instead of a sponge bath.

Hopefully tomorrow's post will come from Burnham.

E.

Day 14

We chatted with the physician's assistant today.  It looks like our target escape will be on election day.  We were again reassured that his wounds are healing well, but that we will be facing many follow-up visits on a variety of things.  He is having to stay in the hospital at this point because of his infection.  Again, not a wound infection but more of a flu/pneumonia bug that was exacerbated by the nine days of ventilation.

Bink has really been complaining about how bland the food at the hospital was.  Honestly I don't think anyone likes hospital food, but he was despising it.  Because he has not been eating I picked him up a bacon cheeseburger, but he was too tired to eat it.  Yesterday I picked up some McDonald's in an effort to bribe him to eat.  He has come to the conclusion that it is not the food that is bland, but in fact his taste buds are a bit off.  Knowing that, he is going to just gut through the food a little more happily at this point.

Hopefully just a few more days.  We both want to be home in time to vote!

E.

Day 13 - Part 2

According to a few folks that saw Bink at the beginning of all of this, he looks fantastic. It really amazing what modern science and fabulous care can do for a person.  He really looks like himself, just a little pinker and a scalier.  Reflecting on the fact that you could not tell it was his two weeks ago to seeing him today is fascinating.

His sutures were removed from his wrist today.  That brightened up his day a tad.  I think for him it was some visible progress.  Because he does not remember/know how he looked when he started a last week, he doesn't see the change that those of us looking at him do.

Indications today were that had he not still been fighting this respiratory infection, he probably would already be at home right now.  Hearing that makes us both even more anxious to get home, but we have to be patient because he really is receiving amazing care.  

I think that the target date for escape is looking more and more like Monday.  The escape will actually be to our house amazingly enough.  I have been provided with tutorials on caring for his wounds so he will be in kind of okay hands.  His BioBrain really is like a scab that dries out as it heals and you cut off the edges as they become unattached.  I love picking at things, so this should be fun!

Take care everyone.

E.

Day 13

Happy November everyone.  We are still hanging in here.  

I spent the night at the hospital last night at Bink's request.  The night was fairly uneventful. He is still running a fever at this point.  I think what is making it the worst for him though are the hiccups to which he has been subjected since they woke him up on Tuesday.  As it stands, if he is awake, he likely has the hiccups.  Really, that is not anyone's idea of a good time.

We are still really hoping that they tell us to go home tomorrow.  We both just want to be back in our own space.  I think that he particularly is feeling like an inmate, but with less privileges.

Hope everyone had a safe Halloween and 3rd birthday.

E.

Day 12

We are still here.  Bink is definitely getting anxious to get out of here.  They warned me of that.

Today was pretty quiet.  His splints were downsized so that he could use his elbows and opposable thumbs which made him happy.  

He is hating hospital food, but who doesn't?  I promised to bring him back a bacon cheeseburger when I return this evening. 

Sorry for the briefness, but I am a girl on the run.

E.

Day 11 - Unofficially as its over

Morning folks.  A little delay today on account of having spent the night at the hospital with Bink. 

He is doing well.  He has started to get up and walk to the bathroom.  He is still a bit wobbly, but over the past 12 hours that has really improved.  His poor nurse kept having to tell him to wait until she could assist him, but he was being stubborn and just wanted to do things himself.  They had put a monitor on his bed so that they would know when he was getting up without assistance. Needless to say it went off many times through the night.

We have started to hear the nurses say that they hope to have him out of the hospital by early next week at the latest.  Best case I think would be Sunday.  He is really anxious to get home and I think will do whatever he can to speed up the process.  It seems the major concern is his balance and stability.  Knowing Bink he will have that licked pretty quick just through pure stubborness.  

They said that once he was extubated things would pick up.  They weren't kidding.

Take care everyone. 

E.

Day 10 - Officially

I actually came back to the hotel to get some sleep.  Bink had been awake all night last night and really all of today, so I figure that he should sleep through the night.  I tell myself that so as not to feel as guilty leaving tonight. :)

They did remove his collar today.  The docs did not see any additional traumas and felt this was a safe decision.  Within the next day or two another doc will be checking on the compression in his vertabrae to determine treatment.

He is still fighting the pneumonia.  They are hoping that once he is cleared regarding the vertabrae that his being up and moving should help this along.

I just keep telling myself that this is the story of the tortoise and the hare.  

Remember that we are still at #14 due to a technicality.

E.

Days 9 and 10

Sorry for not posting last night.  We had a long, but forward moving day yesterday.  

They were able extubate Bink around 3 PM yesterday.  So he is awake, but not completely coherent.  He has made some really left field comments that no one quite gets, but that was to be expected.  At one point he was counting, starting at 11 and ending, 2 hours later, at 14 due to a technicality.  Who knows.  I spent the night in the hospital last night and am just now at the hotel to grab a shower and a quick nap.

Today they have removed his catheter and an A line that was in his groin.  This was done in anticipation that his neck will check out okay and he will be able to move around a little more.  A few docs need to take a look at him to assess his back and his neck before he will be cleared to move freely about the cabin.  

I doubt there will be a post tonight as I anticipate staying at the hospital again this evening. Really this is for my peace of mind so that I know he is not alone and confused at any point.

Take care everyone, I will keep you posted on how things are going.

E.

Day 8

It was officially a week today that all things went down.  He looks so much better than he did a week ago, but we definitely have a way to go.

He was starting to move around a bit more today.  He is still out, but he was running a marathon around his bed.  He kept propping his leg up and kicking his pillows around.  At one point in the day as they were adjusting him I saw him open his eye for about 30 seconds.  His eyes are still swollen, but at least he gave it a go.  I was really excited about that.  I never thought that seeing him open an eye would be so exciting.

They are running some tests, but think he may have pneumonia.  They are not too concerned at the moment, but are giving him antibiotics and suctioning him regularly.  (He really hates that, see the post below for the comment on his gag reflex.)  They hope that when he is extubated in the next day are two, are able to remove his collar (he has been in a stabilizing collar since he was in Lewistown just to make sure there were not additional injuries to his back/spine) and are able to get him to sit up that the infection may run its course a little faster.

In honor of the pic that my uncle sent out earlier, this is one of my favorite from this years trip to the OBX.

Stay tuned.  

E.

Day 7 - Evening

Oh how time flies.  

Bink had a bit of a rough night that spilled in to the morning due to his sensitive gag reflex. Because they are backing off his meds he is starting to not be pleased with the feeling of his respirator and such being in his throat.  After all, this is the kid who can't brush his teeth without gagging ridiculously.  They will keep working through this one, but it made today a little interesting.

Overall, he looks good.  Vitals are generally good and you can see progress in his healing.  

It is going to be a short one tonight.  I am getting a little down time for myself finally and am going to take advantage of it by getting some sleep.

Take care everyone.

E.

Day 6 - Evening

Today was a pretty good day.  

They unwrapped a little more of his face and we are really beginning to be able to see what is going on.  It looks like he has gotten a little too much sun.  He is still a little poofy, but we are starting to be able to see Bink finally.  Friends were here today that had been here on Monday and they were able to see the drastic improvement.  Being here everyday we feel like we are seeing differences, but sometimes you begin to question yourself and think you are just trying to see the best.

He is in fact dealing with a little bit of an infection, but as of this evening it seems really manageable which is really great news.

They are working him off of his meds at this point.  The wake up process could take a few days so we just have to be patient.  Anyone that knows either of us knows that we are not at all patient, but sometimes you don't have a choice.  So, we wait.  

Take care everyone.  Don't forget to hug your spouse, kids and/or family for me.

E.

Day 5 - Another Late Night

Today brought us no real changes.  They have begun to scale back the meds, but we've not seen any signs of response letting us know he is waking up.  We were told that it will be a gradual process that will seem a bit like the movie "50 First Dates".  I really don't mind the idea of repetition, I am actually anxiously awaiting it.

As today was two days post surgery, all of his dressings were changed.  His face was a little less covered today and I was able to see his right cheek.  It is amazing what five days will do, and how absolutely grateful one can be for the most simple of things.

Today was the first time we heard the word infection.  They have said it is not in his wounds, but he may be fighting a little something he came in with.  They are closely monitoring that one and taking samples quite often.  

I am off to get some sleep.  They keep warning us that we need to be rested for when he does wake up.  They keep stressing the importance of it, so I should comply.

More tomorrow and please keep us in your prayers.

E.

Day 4 - Late Night

It is hard to believe that we have been here for four days.  I would be lying if I said it wasn't tough but the support of everyone has really been getting us through this.  I can't say it enough, we appreciate all that you folks are doing for us, from offering us places to stay to making sure that we have anything we need.  I have always felt blessed by having you all as our friends and family, but I never knew how great you all really were/are.

This evening they began to taper some of his pain and sedation meds in hopes of being able to extubate him over the next 24 hours.  I have learned all kinds of new words I never thought I would know.  That particular one is the process of taking him off of the respirator.  What they did actually is called debriding.  If you are curious, I suggest a Google.

Insofar as today's activities, as I mentioned earlier, they did an initial surgery on both of his wrists.  He now has plates in both wrists.  Interesting note on this one, the nurses say he will likely be in more pain from the wrist surgery than the burn trauma.  Sounds absolutely insane to us as we look at his burns and still cannot recognize him, but these folks know what they are doing and saying.

For those that know the back story on this one, you will be happy to know I was able to get my car fixed here at a local dealership.  Let's hope that I don't get stuck in the parking lot again!

When I said goodnight he remained in the coma.  I look forward to the day, hopefully soon, where he will actually be able to say goodnight back.  

E.

Day 4 - Midday

He came out of his wrist surgery and things went well. They put plates in both of his wrists. His left wrist has the more severe of the two, but both were corrected.

He is still in the induced coma, but they hope to start working him out of that in the next day or two.

I will probably put a little something more out here at the end of the day.

E.

Day 3 Afternoon

Bink is out of his burn surgery.  

His eyes are less swollen than they were the past two days, still swollen, just less so.  His lips are the same story.  To get a mental image of what his skin looks like remember back to when you were a kid and you would skin your shin when you fell.  His burns are bumpy, red and splotchy. 

Tomorrow he will have both of his wrists worked on.  Initial comments are that the docs will be putting in plates, but that could change once they get in there.  

You all are great for checking in with us.  Thanks again.

E.

Day 3 Morning

He will be headed into surgery at 10 AM.  

Last night was good, no major issues.  Organs and vitals are still good.  

I will keep you posted this afternoon.

E.

Day 2

A little late on the entry, but wanted to let everyone know what's going on...

He did not go have surgery today.  He will be having it somewhere around 10:00 tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.  What surgery is for him is at its most basic level really cleaning his skin with a powerwasher to the point that they can attach a synthetic product that will encourage his body to grow new, healthy skin.  Tomorrow will not be addressing his back or wrists.

Not a lot of other news.  His vitals have been steady and his organs seem to be operating well. It has been a quiet day and he is still in a drug induced coma and that will continue for at least the next few days.

I want to say thank you to everyone for sending along well wishes and phone calls.  I will beg your forgiveness if I don't get back to you each time you send me a note.  I am pretty sure that you all understand why.

The surgery is anticipated to last a couple of hours.  I will try to post something midday.

Again, thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers.  We need them.

Just an aside - Because he is in the ICU items such as cards and flowers cannot be put in his room.  He has to be in as sterile an environment as possible (to visit we have to wear gowns and gloves).  While we, his collective family, appreciate the gesture, we can't risk his health.  Thanks for your understanding.

E.

Day 1

Can't sleep, so I thought I would make use of my time.

Quick recap, Bink was at work and somewhere along the line, the story depends on who tells it, he was standing on a 6-8 foot ladder and opened a furnace (?) and was blown back by flame/hot air.  They have said that it is a flash burn that he has.  The short is that he is in the ICU/Burn Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Long version, he has 2nd degree burns over about 30% of his body, he fractured both of his wrists, burned a cornea, fractured a vertebrae and is currently in an induced coma.  They are saying that all things considered he looks good.  They are optimistic that as a pretty healthy 33-year old that things will be okay, but they have all cautioned us about the adverse things that could happen.

I will try to keep updates regularly here.  We are in for the long haul and I want to keep you updated.

Thanks for the prayers and keep him close to your heart.

E.