09/03/12

We saw Jules shortly after 11AM  (there is no visiting between 8 and 11AM when the doctors do their rounds) she was awake and alert.  She was off the ventilator breathing by herself but still receiving oxygen through a manifold under her nose, this is an uncomfortable piece of equipment.  She is able to lift her head from the pillow and turn it slightly to the left and right.

We saw the senior ICU doctor who gave us an outline of where Jules is at now.  The surgery removed the piece of C5 that was pressing on her spinal chord, inserted a bone graft from her femoral head and stabilised the anterior side of her spine with a metal plate.  She requires a further operation to stabilise the posterior side of the spine and that is scheduled for the morning of 10 March, that will involve removing and repositioning of the broken pieces of C3 and C4 and insertion of a reinforcing plate which will be fastened to C4 and C6.  This should fully stabilise her spine.  This surgery is expected to take about 2 hours.  She is on "nil by mouth" until after the surgery.

He explained in fairly plain terms the journey forward.  The damage to the spinal cord is severe at C4-5 and is affecting her breathing as the nerves that control the diaphragm are not working properly, she is unable to take deep enough breaths to cough to expel sputum that the lungs produce, physiotherapy will help this.  The nerve signals that control all function below the elbows and chest are damaged and not functioning.  The next few days and weeks are important as we may get some idea of what damage is permanent and what is spinal shock as the swelling of tissue around the injury site subsides.  There is no sensation below the elbows and chest although she can raise her right arm slightly and we can see some muscle movement as she tries to move the left lower arm. 

The doctor indicated that length of her stay in ICU will be dependant on the progress of her breathing, but is likely to be weeks.  Whilst the prognosis is not bright we remain hopeful as we hear stories of people with similar injuries who in time have made good recoveries.

Jules was assessed by the physiotherapists but we have not received a report from them yet

Peter Curtain had severe injuries at C5-6 some years ago and was given a similar prognosis to Jules.  He was able to move a finger after 100 days and has gone on to walk and lead a pretty much normal life, he said he has plenty of things that don't work but enough that do to allow him to function.  He is going to visit Julie on Sunday.

Darrel, Val and I are holding up well just being there for Jules.  There is a lot of waiting around as the ICU is a busy place.  The care in ICU  is absolutely amazing it is 24/7 one on one nursing and the nurses are so competent, compassionate and caring, nothing is a trouble to them.  Julie has had some friends visit today and Margie and Larissa are coming down tomorrow.  Jules is interested hearing positive things and things that relate to everyday life and work.  She has asked to see some photos of the cofferdams she designed for the aquarium repairs that were completed in the workshop this week, and is interested in the progress of various tenders she has worked on.  We are keeping her updated

Val is going to get some audio books and friends are bringing some of her favourite music for her to listen to.  We will be able to brush her hair and teeth and attend to some of her personal needs by applying moisturiser to her skin, etc.

Louise Boyle who had a bad fall and serious spinal injuries has told us the importance of keeping positive.  She kept a blog about her experiences and feeling as they happened and whilst Jules can't use her hands to type at present we are  intending to keep a computer there and record what she wants.  Louise intends to visit next week.

Val, Norm & Darrel