Medical Update from Marty Taliak 1/4/09

Sunday 4 January 2008   Tracheostomy done today but with balloon inflated cannot speak but much more comfortable without the endotracheal tube. Lungs otherwise doing well with the left pleural effusion draining into the chest tube.   Spinal fractures: Thoracic spine fracture or fractures are not completely evaluated because their inability to get her into the MRI Scanner and the neurosurgeon is concerned about instability although she has been laterally transferred to the CT Scan table but fixating the humeral fracture will require a left lateral position. She has fractures of T-8 and T-9 which may be slightly subluxed which are the point of concern because if they slip the spinal cord could be injured.If they are unstable then plates or a bone graft could be necessary to stabilize the vertebrae There are also pedicle fractures of L-1,2,3,4 and a compression fracture of L-5.  As of now she is not on the surgical schedule for tomorrow but this may change.after the neurosurgeon sees her in the morning   Still sleepy from the tracheostomy sedation. Brought her glasses for today so hope to communicate more after the narcotics wear off. Still having significant discomfort   Now has a duodenal feeding tube placed for nutritional feeding thru her nose.   Extremity surgery still in the air until the neurosurgeon makes his decision.   Kerry's friend was in today with a crystal placed on her abdomen and a picture of a guru at the bedside. One cannot say that all stops are not being pulled for her recovery and appreciated. One cannot argue with success!   She received another 2 units (1000 cc) of blood today in anticipation of surgery.   Marty