MEDICAL UPDATE FROM THE DOC WEDNESDAY 4:33PM
Cody is doing remarkably well! In everyones' opinion he's so much better than we ever anticipated at this point in his recovery and from our standpoint is almost ready for rehab! Here are the big milestones of the day:
*The EEG is off, finally. No seizures in the past several days and he is on a steady regimen of anti-seizure medication that is working for him.
*With the EEG leads off, Cody went on his first roadtrip today. He walked up and down the unit twice with the therapists. His buddy TJ was instrumental in this adventure, as Cody seems to respond really well to him. If anyone can get Cody to follow commands, it's TJ. I think we may make him his personal aid here!
*The foley catheter is out (that's the catheter in his bladder) which he's really excited about. He even managed to go on his own in the commode, which his nurses are really excited about.
*In the process of his walk, he managed to get his feeding tube out...again. He did OK with the Speech Therapist but unfortunately, he's not a great eater. This is one of the main issues we're working on. If he is unable to meet his caloric needs on his own, he may need a more permanent tube, called a PEG or G-tube, to temporarily help him out until he can do it himself. Because he's getting better every day, we are hopeful that we can get by without it.
*Regarding his infection, his white blood cell count (a marker of infection) has started coming down and he has had no more fevers. He will stay on the antibiotics he is currently on for another week.
**Overall, Cody is extremely impulsive and reasoning with him is like reasoning with a 3yr old. He still has to be restrained and has a helmet on now so he doesn't injure the side of his head without bone during his nearly constant flailing. He is much more verbal today and drops F-bombs about every other word. This is exactly what we expect with this kind of injury.
Again, we are all very pleased with his progress and are looking forward to watching him continue to improve. In spite of his impulsivity and aggression, this is by far the best day he's had yet!
Cody,
Here's an F Bomb for you...F%#$ING AWESOME!
You go dude!
I have to admit I was a little nervous today with no updates...but who cares! Its all good!
Keep it up!
Hope the rest of you guys are hanging in!
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Yay Cody!!! I've walked in a hospital gown before...did you show your bum to the nurses? I bet they loved seeing your backside for a change! See you soon!
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This is truly miraculous and an answer to prayer! Blessings on the Marshall clan and all those by Cody's bedside, you are "lovers" in the very best sense. We will continue to pray for Cody's recovery and for strength and perseverance for all who serve and care for him.
Bless you all,
Steve and Linda Richardson
(Kaylin's folks)
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Cody!
This is awesome news! Keep up the great work! Keep on dropping f-bombs if it helps!
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Wow!
This sounds so positive!
FABULOUS!
We are so happy to hear it.
It will be a long hard road but you've got the love and support of so many.
You can ALL do it.
Keep it up.
Bambi, Sandy, Brooke and Todd Wood
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Cody!
Can't wait to see you flying down under the Superstar Quad with your family. It's always a joy to watch you and your siblings when "the Marshall's are back in town"!! Keep moving forward, keep taking baby steps forward. We're all keeping good Karma for you.
Barb, R.N.
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F%#* YEAH! Great News!
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COOOODYYYYY!!!!!! THATS UN-F*#KING-BELIEVABLE!!!! YOU'RE TOTALLY KILLING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! keep it up!! nice work tj, that must have felt pretty damn good!! keep the good news coming!!!
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So good to hear that things are going well! I know there is still a long road ahead but how great it must feel to be making incredible progress! Keep being feisty Cody and working hard! Thanks for the updates, I'm addicted to the blog! You guys are always in my thoughts.
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Great news! That's awesome he's up and walking! As far as the feeding goes... have you tried pizza and cheetos yet?? The less vitamin content, the better, for Cody! Ben and Jerry's ice cream could be a good call too. Keep up the good work Cody. You'll be out of there soon enough, keep toughing it out. Have you found a head gear sponsor for your helmet yet?
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You don't know me but I am so impressed with cody progress as well as your knowledge and understanding of the process after a head injury. I am assuming the hospital staff is really top-notch! My son had a tbi and know one prepared us for what's normal for tbi and what isn't. He's doing great !! Just remember those f...bombs aggressiveness are normal...
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Hi Cody and Family! WOW! I'm so excited and impressed! You are a trooper, Cody.I've written before, but wanted to remind you that I'm a Speech Therapist, too (and a TBI "survivor").You probably already have great ideas,but I wanted to share some others that have been helpful to my family and others. So, here are some ideas presented by Rita L. Bailey, Ed/. D., CCC-SLP. BRS-S:
COMMON THERAPEUTIC FEEDING TECHNIQUES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING METHODS/STRATEGIES:
*Tap lip to alert the him that the bite is being presented.
* Give a verbal cue that the bite is being presented.
* Use rhythmic, but slow food presentation.
*Slow or alter the rate of food presentation to match the his abilities.
* Use extra pressure to the tongue with spooning to encourage muscle movement.
*Present the food on alternating sides, or on a specific side to improve acceptance, sensory awareness, or skills.
* Alter the food to increase sensory characteristics (sour, salty, increase seasoning, spices, sweetness).Be careful not to overload with sugar! (Sleep is hard with TBI!)
* Present the food to the tongue without extra pressure, but wait for the lips to move around the spoon before withdrawing. This facilitates lip closure and may decrease the presence of a bite reflex by avoiding stimulating the jaw with spooning.
*Encourage self-feeding whenever possible - even if it's messy!
*Talk softly to the him and explain what you are doing as you are doing it.
*Use external jaw support (hand cupped under chin to support jaw movements with chewing).
*Use the bowl of the spoon to stroke the tongue to facilitate tongue cupping before placing the food in the tongue depression.
*Start with a cold food, alternate temperatures, tastes, and textures when feeding (I found that carbonated beverages (later) helped my swallow reflex along because the "bubbles" were felt in my throat that stimulated the muscles to do what they already knew how to do).
* Pace the meal.Use smaller, but more frequent meals for him if he fatigues easily.
*Encourage self exploration with the food and muscles.
*Minimize spoon to teeth/jaw stimulation to decrease bite response.
*If the he bites the spoon, wait for the bite to be released. Don't pull against the spoon (also, I have found that if you are getting a lot of bite responses, then move the spoon (cool) into the mouth along the cheek, then move to the tongue. This helps a lot!
*Avoid constant face wiping. When wiping, tell him that you are going to do it. This could be over-stimulating (and could REALLY tick him off!)
*Adjust the bite size according to his abilities.
* Present new or seldom eaten foods to him along with his favorites.
*Tap the tongue to alter prior to presenting the bite (we want to see good tongue mobility in order to stimulate a good swallow response).
*Reduce noise and light distractions for Cody if he is easily distracted by these (I was!)Lastly, ask your Speech Therapist about all of these ideas, and more! Hugs!
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Hi Cody -
I was away at the Cape for a few days and not online. It's amazing to come home and read a bunch of updates at once and see the great progress that you have made just this week. Keep it up! Do try to go easy on your family, friends, doctors, nurses and therapists as they all work tirelessly to help you heal and progress. You really have an awesome team. Go Cody, go!
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Cody, you are AWESOME!!! WAY TO GO!!! Of course you've exceeded everyone's expectations .... You're a STAR!!! You have so much love around you and coming to you from all of us, fabulous medical support, and the Power of Prayer from around the world ... You're going to make it ... Keep on fighting ... You're doing great!!
Love,
Carol
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Great news Cody. So happy that you are up and about, keep up the walks and the f bombs if that helps, whatever it takes!!! Keep the faith, we're thinking of you here in Vt.
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Great news!!!!!!!
Cody, you and your team are doing an outstanding job. You've got to walk before you run......but you'll be running before you know it.
Go Cody go!
-Peter
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To Cody & the Marshall Family,
Like so many others, I follow your updates daily. I sneak several peaks while at work and always right before I go to sleep. I share your progress every day with my family who don't always get on line. You are truly a fighter we know you will be back on the slopes this coming winter! Barb & Don: I imagine you are the first parents to be thrilled with their child dropping F-bombs to everyone he comes in contact with. Go Cody Go!
Barb, Randy, Kali & Spenccer Wood, Pittsfield VT
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Cody, You are the man! Hearing all the good news from the day is super encouraging. You're walking!? Unreal. Keep up the good work and don't forget to learn some other swear words
Chip and Marina
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Cody.
Get the popcicles going, what flavour is your favorite? chocolate, lime, any fruit? Work those kiss-suck muscles(not trying to be suggestive) and the swallow reflex should kick in. Glad to hear your cruzing the halls....Go Cody Go!
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Codewa,
Good to hear how well you are doing buddy! It must have been exciting to walk the halls with TJ. I know things must be frustrating for you but you are making phenomenal progress and are a testament to the power of prayer! As for the food problems, I would recommend pizza margarita, i have never seen Cody turn one down. Just make sure it only has cheese, that must be the problem with the hospital food...
Keep up the good work, there are more people around the world praying for you then you even know.
Go Cody Go!
Johnny
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Cody,
I have not met you but my mom is friends with yours from working at Stowe. I've heard wonderful things about her and your family. I've been following your progress daily. A friend of mine at GMVS many years ago was in a skiing accident and wound up in a coma. He pulled out of it and proceeded to become one of the nations or shall I say world's best kayakers for many, many years. He has more recently regained full movement of his face and after a new surgery has much of his hearing back that was lost in one ear.
Above and beyond all of that, he has been and continues to be one of the happiest people I know. He appreciates every day he has to live life to its fullest. I see you have that strength in you to far exceed any and all expectations of your journey back to health.
Best wishes!!! You Rock!
Wendy
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Heck ya Cody! You old fowled mouthed sailor you! Keep up the amazing work!! I am so proud of you and all of your progress!
Lots of love!
Lauren
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All of this is so great to hear!
Have you guys started thinking about rehab? If going back East is an option (to be closer to your parents) have you considered Spaulding Rehab in Boston? Another Vermont friend of mine was in a serious accident and had TBI in addition to other things, and Spaulding was great for her. Like you, she was an elite athlete and the doctors and nurses were blown away by her progress and determination.
Walking, talking, swearing at everyone and making progress on the infection are all so great to hear about. The news the past couple of days has been rad!
Go Cody go!
jeanna
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Dear Marshall family!
It´s so great to hear this news!
Go on Cody,
greets from austria
p.s.:thank you for all this updates.
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Yay Cody! Your teacher friends from SES are constantly thinking about you and your incredible family. Keep up the great work! Love, Maria Dorion Garland
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Great News, Cody and all of you Marshalls! Joe fondly recalls calling Cody "Caboose" during all of their ski days long, long ago. I hope Joe gets to ski with Cody in the future so he can be the "caboose!" Caboose no more for Cody!!
Thinking of all you constantly!
Loren Pepe
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