Bumps, bumps and more bumps...

I’ll start with the bad news. After a routine CT scan on Thursday morning showed slight increased swelling, James was sent back to VGH by that afternoon. He was scheduled to have surgery yesterday to remove the skull flap and to see what was causing the swelling. James was not happy with this news and was more anxious than I’ve ever seen him.  The empathetic Neurosurgeon saw his distress and decided to take another look at the CT Scan.  The problem was that there was no clear reason to “go in” again but they were not happy with what they saw on the scan. After a bit of deliberation it was decided to do a smaller procedure instead of a huge surgery. This smaller procedure consisted of drilling a small hole in the space that was putting pressure on his brain. They released pressure and again will send the fluid to the lab to see if it’s infected. James had another CT scan this morning, which showed a lot of improvement. The brain had re-expanded almost to its full size because they were able to aspirate all the fluid that was causing pressure. However, they are fairly certain now that the fluid is caused by infection. The plan is to do another CT scan on Monday. If this scan looks as good as today’s than he should be able to go back to GF Strong and will have another CT scan done in a week for follow up. However, if the scan shows more fluid, we will have to have a discussion about the possibility of more surgery. Their recommendations at this point would be to remove the bone flap and leave it out for at least 3 months, and do another 6 weeks or so of IV antibiotics. This is the worst-case scenario.

James is struggling to stay positive. This was his fourth neurosurgery, fifth surgery altogether. We all feel burnt out, tired and defeated. However negativity is not what we need so on with the positive…

This past week James actually seemed better to me although the Physio and Occupational Therapist both noticed slight decrease in function. Today he was doing incredibly well! Last night and today we were able to talk like we used to. He seemed almost back to normal. The thought of loosing the progress that he’s had today again tares me up but at least I know he’s still there and it will come back.

James was also seen by his orthopedic doctor who was very happy with how James’ pelvis is healing and gave the okay for full weight bearing. This means the physio has a lot more to work with and James will hopefully be walking in no time.

So… although we try to stay positive, James has had enough bumps in the road. I’ve never been so proud of him and never loved him more. In the next couple days we need lots of positive energy going to James’ brain! Think positive and please no more bumps!

Back "Home"

James was thankfully transferred back to GF Strong last Tuesday morning. GF Strong could not accept him back with a peripheral IV therefore a PICC line (central line) was inserted on Monday to manage his IV antibiotics for the next two weeks. James is happy to be back at GF Strong but since the surgery, he has been very fatigued, uncomfortable and flat. He now wants to see visitors, which I’m hoping, will cheer him up (please email me to set up a time: kimbos81@hotmail.com).  James’ left side is still weak but we’re hoping his strength will come back shortly. James is not showing any clinical signs of infection however they continue to monitor the cultures they drew from the surgery. He is scheduled for a follow-up CT scan on Monday.

He’s also scheduled to see the Orthopedic doctor next week. It will have been 10 weeks since the pelvic surgery so we’re hoping the doctor will say it’s okay to start weight bearing on his right leg.

I don’t think I’ve seen James quite this down so far but I know his strength will pull him through this rough patch. If you would like to write to James, I’ve added the address below. He’s not checking his email or facebook at this time.

Thanks everyone for all your support.

James Wood: Room 325

4255 Laurel St.

Vancouver, BC

V5Z 2G9

Post-op update

As planned, James had surgery on Thursday evening to release the fluid causing pressure in his brain and to replace the bone flap.  James was a bit anxious but as usual was cracking jokes with the OR and pre-op nurses.  After a long wait, the neurosurgeon came to speak with us. He explained things went fairly well although they have a slight concern with the possibility of infection. They had cultured the fluid for infection and today they say there is minimal bacterial growth but they are not concerned at this point. They plan to keep James on IV antibiotics for now and keep an eye on him. James has been pretty out of it the last few days and is having a bit of a rough recovery period. However he is showing signs of getting back to being more like himself.

We are hoping James will be able to go back to GF Strong today or tomorrow however if they plan on continuing the IV antibiotics for longer then he will have to stay at VGH as GF Strong may not accept patients with IV needs. He may have to go back on the GF Strong waitlist because they cannot hold James’ bed for much longer. We’re keeping our fingers crossed though.

James is such an incredible person to me. Despite having almost everything that could go wrong go wrong, he keeps his spirits high.

Again if you would like to visit James, email me and I’ll let you know when he is up for visitors.

Big news

Dec.3^rd

James was taken to VGH yesterday (Tuesday) because the team at GF Strong was concerned with increased swelling in James’ head. James was having more problems with his left side and was not acting himself. A CT scan indicated increased swelling (outside his brain), which was putting pressure on his brain likely causing the neurological problems. The VGH neurosurgeon told us it is not life threatening but they do plan on doing surgery tomorrow to drain the fluid and replace the bone flap. They say this is routine surgery and are confident this will alleviate the problem. He should be back at GF Strong early next week. Please send lots of positive thoughts to James tomorrow! Hopefully he will pull through with no difficulties and will be back to himself soon.

Thanks everyone!

Week 2

It is now James’ second week at GF Strong. The team now thinks he will stay as an inpatient until mid January. James has been working hard on walking with the Physiotherapist although he is still not yet allowed to weight bare on his right leg.  He’s also working on overall strengthening. The Occupational Therapist has been helping James work on cognitive issues including planning, organizing, as well as fine motor coordination. The Speech & Language Pathologist has been working with James on reading and writing, memory, attention and his ability to focus.

Last Thursday I noticed increased swelling in his head so he was taken for a CT scan on Friday which sure enough showed increased swelling. The team is not concerned at this point as the swelling is on the outside of the brain, not the inside. They plan to monitor James closely until he sees the Neurosurgeons in the next couple of weeks. James struggles with intense and painful headaches on a daily basis as well as fatigue. Despite this James continues to have a sense of humour. Because James is experiencing increased headaches and fatigue, for now he would like to limit visitors to weekends and only a couple of nights per week. Again, please email me (kimbos81@hotmail.com) to schedule a time.

Some of you know James was able to attend his own benefit show at the Biltmore Pub last Friday organized by Doug Smith. He enjoyed the music and chatting with friends but felt overwhelmed after about an hour and a half. We both want to thank Doug so much for organizing the event! I had a much-needed incredible time but found it very very hard sending James back to GF Strong. Thank you also to Kimberly Love along with her button making crew for making the buttons and donating the funds raised to James and I. Thank you to all the bands for playing an incredible show for James. You were all amazing. Thanks as well to everyone behind the scenes who made that night so special.

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Kim and James

Rehab begins

I am very pleased to announce that James was transferred to GF Strong on Nov. 12^th. It was a bit of a chaotic transfer as VGH left everything to the last minute however, once he was settled in his new room, all was well. They started the rehab process almost right away. The wonderful Doctors, Speech and Language Pathologists, the Occupational Therapist, the Physiotherapist and the Social Worker assessed him within the first few days.  I am very impressed with his team. James has scheduled appointments every weekday and has evenings and weekends off. Visitors are welcomed during these times but please email me (kimbos81@hotmail.com) to schedule a visit.

The team at GF Strong figure he will stay as an inpatient for about 4 to 8 weeks then will continue as an outpatient for as long as he needs. Throughout his time as an inpatient though he will be allowed to go out on day passes. He’s hoping to get out to a Canucks game at some point but his body needs to get used to being up in a wheelchair for longer periods of time first. James and I went to a comedy night that the Peers program at GF Strong put on. They had comedians from Yuk Yuks come to perform. He lasted 1hr and a half in his chair but did complain of back pain after only 45 minutes. James played pool with some family members in the game room last night as well.

James continues to amaze me everyday. His strength gets him through the demanding therapies but I must say I was flattered when James told me that I was his reason to get up everyday. I nearly burst into tears with happiness! I feel so incredibly lucky to have my soul mate by my side. This has been incredibly challenging and it’s only because of the support we have received from all of you out there that I have been able to get through this. Thank you so much!

James – Nov. 4 – American Election Day

James is amazing me everyday. He is now on the 7^th floor of VGH on the orthopedic trauma ward.  He has his own room with a gorgeous view of Vancouver.  Yesterday he had a visit from the doctor who works at GF Strong Rehab Centre and she seemed really impressed with where James is at in his recovery considering the extent of his injuries.  We have been told he may be going there late next week depending on bed availability.  Today he was up with crutches for the first time (a graduation from the walker).  He needed lots of support as he is still quite weak and he tires easily. He is eating more and more each day and last night was the first night he didn’t require tube feeds. Hurray! One more step towards taking the last tube out. Tonight he is following the results of the American election with interest – He said seeing Obama win the election brought his headache pain from a level 6 to a 2 on the pain scale.  He continues to make daily gains.  James has had some visitors.  If you would like to visit James please email me and I will set up a time (kimbos81@hotmail.com).  Keep in mind, I have been extremely busy keeping up my own health and going to and from the hospital so, if I don’t get back to you right away, I will do my best to as soon as I can.

 

Also, I would like to acknowledge and thank the Wood family for their support. I always knew I could count on them but never thought we would need their help so much and so soon after our wedding. Brian is an amazing Dad - he has been by James side since the day the accident happened. Judy is an incredible Mom- encouraging James and being there for him in Winnipeg as long as she possibly could. Now that she has had to return to work she calls at least once a day to check in and speak to James - it is so important to his recovery for him to hear her voice. I can’t thank Brooke enough for all the time she spent with James in Winnipeg which of course would not have been possible without her husband Miles who made sure everything at home was taken care of. And the past two weekends, both of them coming to Vancouver to be with James has been so helpful in giving me some much needed time away from the hospital while knowing James is in the best possible hands. Tara, James’ eldest sister has done a wonderful job of holding the fort when we were in Winnipeg - getting information out to people and organizing an amazing benefit for us. She also made the trek to Winnipeg to visit her brother and show him how much she loves him - and also couldn’t do it without her husband Derek to take care of Paige (their daughter). I can’t express how grateful I have been for both Brian and Judy’s support and help over the past 6 weeks - James and I have both benefited. Not only were they there to help James get better in any way they could but they both helped with an interview with Global TV that was shown a few weeks ago. I also know there has been the Wood network at home helping and supporting us - Uncle Keith, Grampa Harry and all - thank you so much.

 

Kim