Hi Gang,

Have been to see Mike again today. He’s in fine spirits and there’s certainly some some good news in the offing. He’s still in the ICU, but that’s to be expected for this week. The good news comes on a couple of fronts. His condition is still serious but stable.

Physical

Mike has been to theatre and had his tracheostomy tube inserted. This tube is still attached to the ventilator, which is continuing to support his breathing. The bases of his lungs remain about the same, but seem to be responding well to the physiotherapy and medication. Furthermore, he has begun the weaning process off the ventilator. He has been doing without it for an hour or two each day, and this will progress quite quickly if the lungs stay clear. While they were there (in theatre), he had his broken jaw fixed. And as an added bonus he had a wisdom tooth removed- you know how expensive the dentist can be! They also had a rethink about the halothoracic traction and have removed that entirely- all that’s left is a dodgy haircut (short sides) and a couple of screw holes. His relief from it’s removal was palpable. This means he can be moved about the bed more easily and the staff can ensure he has the best chance of avoiding further infection in the lungs and pressure areas over any bony prominences. Overall, excellent progress.

His neurological state remains in some flux, and the definitive outcome will be weeks to months away. He is quadriplegic and seems to be a mixture of levels C4 and 5. He has some sensation to touch over his shoulder tips (which would reflect C5), but he doesn’t have any movement of his arms as he had early last week. He can shrug his shoulders. He should be able to retain enough function in his diaphragm (breathing tummy muscles C3/4/5) to not rely on any external respiratory support- allowing him to talk and breathe normally. He has some sensations of hot and cold, plus position sense of some joints below his shoulders, but this remains patchy.

Mentally

His outlook is positive, but vacillating with the stress and the enormity of his injuries. The implications of this spinal injury will grossly impact on his life-long plans, so some negativity surrounding his own outlook is completely normal. Please understand that Mike will need heaps of support in the immediate and long term future. He is a tough nut and coping extremely well.

Visiting and Messages

Mike is keen to see people over the coming days, weeks and months. At this point a trickle of visitors each day is perfect to provide him with enough distraction and support to get through the day, whilst allowing him enough time to rest and recover from his injuries. (plus give Mon an opportunity to go and get a coffee) ICU is a difficult place, and the aspects of day to day care are exhausting when you’re sick. There’s the washing, ablutions, meals, nursing observations, doctor consults, physiotherapy, orthotic specialists and handover times to fit in with family and friends visiting. Please get in touch with Mon or the ICU if you are keen to see Mike. There’s opportunity to visit, but to avoid disappointment it has to fit it in with his complex schedule!!

Outlook

Mike is going really well, and should be on the way to the acute spinal unit in a week or two. And finally, just so you can be sure that he was truly in good spirits today, when asked if he had any messages for his fans he (lip) said: “Don’t go chasing parked cars!”. So the black humour has begun, it’s a good sign he’s on the mend.

Best

Mitch

PS please send any messages of support or questions through myself, Anth or Sam (or Mon) direct.