a note from Carrie Stoltz

I was out to see Terry yesterday afternoon and arrived when the Dr had come back with the CT scan results. The neurologist had poked his head in the waiting room and indicated that the scan looked good. David (Debbie's husband) and I went in to see Terry and asked about the pneumonia and the nurse on duty indicated that although the fever hadn't come down (still around 38.7C or 100F) the white count had come down which indicated that the they had chosen the right antibiotics for the pneumonia. She also indicated that a fever was pretty normal for a patient with head injury because the brain normally runs all the thermoregulation in the body...they call them neurofevers.
Terry Sr. called Fern to interpret the CT scans around 3pm. She was a kind lady and reminded all of us that our role as friends and family is to be here for Terry and not get caught up in the medicine. She indicated that Terry was stable and where they wanted him to be at this point in time. She brought two groups of us back to explain the CT scans and answer any questions. They were pleased to see progress in the CT scans and that the brain stem wasn't compressed by the swelling anymore. She showed that the bruising had appeared to lessen as well. She said they were pleased that they were able to only give one dose of the medication that reduces the pressure within the brain and that that was only necessary because of moving him to get the CT scan. They also reduced the blood pressure medicine because his heart seemed to be moving oxygen well itself. They did give him a unit of blood but Fern indicated that was for a hematocrit boost. As she explained, hematocrits carry oxygen in the body and that sometimes your body won't make enough when there has been an injury.
There were lots of visitors today and wish our meeting hadn't been under these circumstances, but it was nice to see/meet all of these people nonetheless.

Also, Fern was also pleased to see that pictures had been posted in Terry's room for him.
David (Debbie's husband) set up a care page for Terry which makes it easier for all of us to post our thoughts for Terry and the family as well as any photos we might have. You can post photos there or can send them to the contact address on the care page. The care page will also have the blog updates on there. This is a really neat site and you all should check it out. Thank you David for setting this up.

Carrie