On the road to recovery there are ups and downs, highs and lows and little bumps along the way. After my visit to GBC yesterday Monday 4-27, Dr Peter decided I need a little out patient surgery on an infected area. I have a 2 inch area on my scalp flap that is not perfect. Dr Peter will be able to remove the infected stuff and here is what I might end up with:
1. The amount of removal will be so small that he will be able to close my scalp together and no other work will be needed if the infection stays away. ( best choice here )
2. The amount of removal will be too great to close the scalp and they will have to give me a temporary graft (cadaver). After this graft heals and there is no infection, they will then get me back in there for a permanent skin graft procedure. ( Yes another surgery )
3. Dr. Peter said something with the words "Wound Vac" and I promptly offered him his favorite 6 pack and then upped it to a case if he would not do the "Vac" on my head. Hah. As you may remember I had a tube coming out of my head for a couple of weeks and that was the "Vac."
If the Vac goes on, this could mean 1-2 more surgeries after they decide to take it off.
Of all the linear inches of affected area on my head, 2 inches is not much. Things could be worse. Whatever I get, option 1 2 or 3, I will persevere, I will not get down, I will get through this.
This little bump will make me all the more thankful for when I can run my head under a hot shower and wash my head. Ah yes the simple things in life are wonderful. As you go though out your day please look for them and be thankful.
Please keep praying.
Take Care----------------Todd
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Home on Vacation
You may remember from an earlier post that I was comparing being able to do the simple things in life with being on vacation? Or if you felt sorry for yourself that you could not do something fun or go on a vacation you could simply not eat or take a shower for a while and the joy of resuming eating or showering would seem like a vacation.
I came home Monday April 20 from my 3rd surgery. I had a successful muscle flap rotation and skin graft. I have had the chance to have about 4 showers with actually putting my head under the shower head. Oh did that feel vacation good. I am also in my own bed next to my wonderful wife of 24 years. My kids are down the hall and its good to home! I am currently wrapped back up as of Thursday 4-23 and my skin donor site on my leg is healing and acts much like a road rash you would get after falling off your skateboard. Prior to this doctor visit I had a most unusual thing happen. I woke up Thursday morning with some pretty bad eye pain. It got to the point that I had to keep my eyes shut and have a black shirt over my eyes as well to keep the light out and pain down. After a call to my trusty GBC nurses, they got me in touch with Dr. Baskin and I got an immediate appointment with him. Once again GBC pulled through for me. Before we left home Heather fed me a bowl of cereal and was teasinig.., "oh great, first your lame and now your blind" hah. Then she started messing with the spoon and making me spill. It was a fun moment inspite of the circumstances. Heather is my Hero. she hauled me down there and Heather and Gracie led me to Dr. Baskin like you would lead a blind person down the street. Of course Dr. Baskin wanted me to open my eyes and I did not. He wanted the lights on and I wanted them off. hah. Finally he pryed open my eye to get some numbing drops in them and things slowly got better. After 5 minutes or so he diagnosed me with Iritus, inflamation of the iris. I left the office with more drops and much less pain and could see much better. Dr. Baskin says he does not think the Iritus (sp) is directly connected to my shock accident but Iritus can come at anyone especially immune deficient or having a stressed body. I will tell you this: This eye pain was greater than anything I can remember done to me in the last 35 days. Ouch. Of course this little bump in the road made me thankful for another one of those simple pleasures in life. Sight. It also made me think of what a priviledge it is to have such great medical care at our fingertips. How does a 3rd world person get through something like this?
Today I can see about 90% better and the pain is minimal and for that I am thinkful.
Right after my eye appointment I had to go to GBC for a check up on my head. Dr. Peter and Dr. Kirt and Lilly cleaned my wound areas, removed some of the staples and trimmed off unwanted overlapping skin from my graft. There is a small area on the back of my head that had been drainaging and needed attention. They actually stuffed some guase inside my scalp and created a better drainage port. I am on antibiotics to ward off this situation. I go back on Monday or Tues to see how things look. I may need to be bandaged up for another week or so even though some of you have seen me with nothing on my head. Air is good sometimes and sometimes not. Needless to say the work on my head was..shall we say..NOT like having a back rub. hah. By the time I got out of there I wanted to go home and go home fast! I looked like the invisible man with my white gauzed head and black sunglasses. ha.
Thursday was a rough day but today has been a great day of resting, visits from friends and a specail delivery of a Kahuna Grill milk shake. Yum Yum.
Take Care everyone. God is Good
Todd
I came home Monday April 20 from my 3rd surgery. I had a successful muscle flap rotation and skin graft. I have had the chance to have about 4 showers with actually putting my head under the shower head. Oh did that feel vacation good. I am also in my own bed next to my wonderful wife of 24 years. My kids are down the hall and its good to home! I am currently wrapped back up as of Thursday 4-23 and my skin donor site on my leg is healing and acts much like a road rash you would get after falling off your skateboard. Prior to this doctor visit I had a most unusual thing happen. I woke up Thursday morning with some pretty bad eye pain. It got to the point that I had to keep my eyes shut and have a black shirt over my eyes as well to keep the light out and pain down. After a call to my trusty GBC nurses, they got me in touch with Dr. Baskin and I got an immediate appointment with him. Once again GBC pulled through for me. Before we left home Heather fed me a bowl of cereal and was teasinig.., "oh great, first your lame and now your blind" hah. Then she started messing with the spoon and making me spill. It was a fun moment inspite of the circumstances. Heather is my Hero. she hauled me down there and Heather and Gracie led me to Dr. Baskin like you would lead a blind person down the street. Of course Dr. Baskin wanted me to open my eyes and I did not. He wanted the lights on and I wanted them off. hah. Finally he pryed open my eye to get some numbing drops in them and things slowly got better. After 5 minutes or so he diagnosed me with Iritus, inflamation of the iris. I left the office with more drops and much less pain and could see much better. Dr. Baskin says he does not think the Iritus (sp) is directly connected to my shock accident but Iritus can come at anyone especially immune deficient or having a stressed body. I will tell you this: This eye pain was greater than anything I can remember done to me in the last 35 days. Ouch. Of course this little bump in the road made me thankful for another one of those simple pleasures in life. Sight. It also made me think of what a priviledge it is to have such great medical care at our fingertips. How does a 3rd world person get through something like this?
Today I can see about 90% better and the pain is minimal and for that I am thinkful.
Right after my eye appointment I had to go to GBC for a check up on my head. Dr. Peter and Dr. Kirt and Lilly cleaned my wound areas, removed some of the staples and trimmed off unwanted overlapping skin from my graft. There is a small area on the back of my head that had been drainaging and needed attention. They actually stuffed some guase inside my scalp and created a better drainage port. I am on antibiotics to ward off this situation. I go back on Monday or Tues to see how things look. I may need to be bandaged up for another week or so even though some of you have seen me with nothing on my head. Air is good sometimes and sometimes not. Needless to say the work on my head was..shall we say..NOT like having a back rub. hah. By the time I got out of there I wanted to go home and go home fast! I looked like the invisible man with my white gauzed head and black sunglasses. ha.
Thursday was a rough day but today has been a great day of resting, visits from friends and a specail delivery of a Kahuna Grill milk shake. Yum Yum.
Take Care everyone. God is Good
Todd
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
GBC GBC GBC GBC GBC update
Hello friends, Though I have much to say to catch all of you up in this experience, I can't go any further without first acknowledging the Grossman Burn Center.
GBC staff I am grateful for each one of you. From the cleaning staff to surgeons, you all are wonderful top notch people. I am going to follow here with some thank you's by name but of course I am going to forget someone. I hope that those I forget will know I appreciate them as well. One of the fringe benefits of getting shocked with 13,000 volts is that I am hoping people will cut me some slack with forgetfulness etc. --hah. After all what would be a better excuse.
Doctors.
Dr. Richard Grossman.
Thank you for the first days of diagnosis and surgery. I was actually unsure of who you were when we finally met. I am honored to be at the hospital you founded and have worked so hard to make it what it is. Your passion and compassion have worked its way completely through the staff. Thank You.
Dr. Peter Grossman.
Many doctors have great skill like you but lack a caring bedside manner. Not you. You made me feel important and secure with your many many bedside visits. Its obvious that you have a great passion for what you do along with a genuine kindness and compassion for those you work with/on. Those daily visits from you meant a lot. Thank You.
Physicians Assistants-- Kirt, Steven.
Much of what I said about Dr. Peter goes for you guys. You are following in the footsteps of a great founder, surgeon (s) and team. Your friendly bedside manner was also appreciated. So Kirt---Who is going to win Idol this year? Thanks you guys, keep up the excellent work.
Dr. Miao ( general practitioner)
Thanks for getting me on some pain meds that did not make me loopy or vomit. I appreciated your bed side manner as well. Nice guy.
Dr. Simons - Phyciatric
Dr. Scharf - Neurology
This may start sounding like a broken record but your care and manner were much appreciated. Thank you.
SALAR, You're awesome. thanks for your excellent work dealing with the insurance people. As you prepare to be a surgeon I know you will succeed with that kind of determination and skill.
Surgical Staff.
It has been an interesting relationship with most of you in that 95% of the time I was asleep and you were awake. hah. I know that your contributions to my surgery were a great part of the success of my surgeries. The few minutes we had before I went to la la land were reassuring and humorous making me feel secure before you all got your scalpels out! So who was the guy who offered me a Martini or a Margarita? Pretty funny guys/gals Thank You.
Transport Staff
Kitchen Staff.
Though we did not meet face to face all that much I want you to know I appreciate you. We had some fun rides down the hallways and the humor was again reassuring.
The food at GBC is really good. I got to choose from a host of different foods and were encouraged to make special requests. Being served great food to my room every day was a privilege. Thanks!
Cleaning Crew.
Antonio, Rosa, Arturo and others.
Your smiles and hellos were always there and your effort to keep it all clean is very much appreciated. Thank you. ( Arturo---Go Lakers!!)
Alan-Thanks for all your photo work. When the guys start talking about all there war wounds I will have some pics to help them put things in perspective! Happy Birthday.
Respiratory Therapists-- Herb and Steve.
Welcome to the land down under! Thanks for your kindness and conversation while getting me in and out of the "tube" I am sure the 18 sessions helped speed my recovery. Herb, have fun with your home owner projects. If you ever need advice please email me. My first advice is: Don't touch high voltage wiring...I know, I am genius. ---Thanks guys!
Burn Tech / CNA. Joe, Brianna and Lorena.
What great aid you give to the nurses. Thank you for your gentle dressing changes and humorous outgoing personalities. Joe I must say seeing you as the first GBC staff person gave me a little scare after getting my little scrub downs in SD. My fears were eased quickly when you ..well...did not hurt me. --ha. Bri. All I gotta say is "You go Girl" It is refreshing to see a young person as motivated, friendly and funny as you. I know you will be a RN soon. Way to go.
Director----Kelli
Good things start from the top. Your leadership of this unit is a testament to your kindness and compassion and skill. Thank you for your friendliness and smiles.
I saved my thank you to the nursing staff for last not because you are the least, quite the opposite. You had to put up with me the most and "do' for me the most from "more water" to meds, to IV's, to help walking,cleaning, and just being a friend. Every day when I went to chamber I would come back and have this perfectly made bed. I learned from Antonio that the nurses did that every day. It is humbling to be served is such capacities every day. You are all so warm, friendly,kind, caring and patient. I could not think of a better crew to care for the burned, especially the severely burned. God Bless You. Thank You Thank You Thank You.
Nursing Staff.
Stacey Julio Tracey
Emily Maria Josephine
Lolita Stephanie Barbara
Jennifer 1 Jennifer 2 Jennifer 3 Molly
Mark Betty Patricia
Mame Helana Kathleen Verona
Fate Valisa Elaine Sue/Susan
Out patient--Marcy Lilly Ruby
( I know I have missed some and I am sorry. I am a little outnumbered.)
--------------GBC INVITE.----------
IF ANY OF YOU WANT TO SPEND SOME TIME IN SANTA BARBARA AND DON'T WANT THE EXPENSE OF A HOTEL, PLEASE CALL THE RIDEOURS. WE WOULD LOVE TO HOUSE YOU. USE US A PLACE TO SLEEP OR A PLACE TO HANG OUT. WE CAN HELP YOU WITH PLACES TO GO AND SEE WHILE YOU ARE HERE WITH YOUR FRIEND OR FAMILIES.
EMAIL TODD FOR PHONE NUMBER ETC. todd.rid@gmail.com.
At this point I will say " see you later" and not good bye. I will be seeing you from time to time as I continue to recover.
See ya--------todd ridenour.
GBC staff I am grateful for each one of you. From the cleaning staff to surgeons, you all are wonderful top notch people. I am going to follow here with some thank you's by name but of course I am going to forget someone. I hope that those I forget will know I appreciate them as well. One of the fringe benefits of getting shocked with 13,000 volts is that I am hoping people will cut me some slack with forgetfulness etc. --hah. After all what would be a better excuse.
Doctors.
Dr. Richard Grossman.
Thank you for the first days of diagnosis and surgery. I was actually unsure of who you were when we finally met. I am honored to be at the hospital you founded and have worked so hard to make it what it is. Your passion and compassion have worked its way completely through the staff. Thank You.
Dr. Peter Grossman.
Many doctors have great skill like you but lack a caring bedside manner. Not you. You made me feel important and secure with your many many bedside visits. Its obvious that you have a great passion for what you do along with a genuine kindness and compassion for those you work with/on. Those daily visits from you meant a lot. Thank You.
Physicians Assistants-- Kirt, Steven.
Much of what I said about Dr. Peter goes for you guys. You are following in the footsteps of a great founder, surgeon (s) and team. Your friendly bedside manner was also appreciated. So Kirt---Who is going to win Idol this year? Thanks you guys, keep up the excellent work.
Dr. Miao ( general practitioner)
Thanks for getting me on some pain meds that did not make me loopy or vomit. I appreciated your bed side manner as well. Nice guy.
Dr. Simons - Phyciatric
Dr. Scharf - Neurology
This may start sounding like a broken record but your care and manner were much appreciated. Thank you.
SALAR, You're awesome. thanks for your excellent work dealing with the insurance people. As you prepare to be a surgeon I know you will succeed with that kind of determination and skill.
Surgical Staff.
It has been an interesting relationship with most of you in that 95% of the time I was asleep and you were awake. hah. I know that your contributions to my surgery were a great part of the success of my surgeries. The few minutes we had before I went to la la land were reassuring and humorous making me feel secure before you all got your scalpels out! So who was the guy who offered me a Martini or a Margarita? Pretty funny guys/gals Thank You.
Transport Staff
Kitchen Staff.
Though we did not meet face to face all that much I want you to know I appreciate you. We had some fun rides down the hallways and the humor was again reassuring.
The food at GBC is really good. I got to choose from a host of different foods and were encouraged to make special requests. Being served great food to my room every day was a privilege. Thanks!
Cleaning Crew.
Antonio, Rosa, Arturo and others.
Your smiles and hellos were always there and your effort to keep it all clean is very much appreciated. Thank you. ( Arturo---Go Lakers!!)
Alan-Thanks for all your photo work. When the guys start talking about all there war wounds I will have some pics to help them put things in perspective! Happy Birthday.
Respiratory Therapists-- Herb and Steve.
Welcome to the land down under! Thanks for your kindness and conversation while getting me in and out of the "tube" I am sure the 18 sessions helped speed my recovery. Herb, have fun with your home owner projects. If you ever need advice please email me. My first advice is: Don't touch high voltage wiring...I know, I am genius. ---Thanks guys!
Burn Tech / CNA. Joe, Brianna and Lorena.
What great aid you give to the nurses. Thank you for your gentle dressing changes and humorous outgoing personalities. Joe I must say seeing you as the first GBC staff person gave me a little scare after getting my little scrub downs in SD. My fears were eased quickly when you ..well...did not hurt me. --ha. Bri. All I gotta say is "You go Girl" It is refreshing to see a young person as motivated, friendly and funny as you. I know you will be a RN soon. Way to go.
Director----Kelli
Good things start from the top. Your leadership of this unit is a testament to your kindness and compassion and skill. Thank you for your friendliness and smiles.
I saved my thank you to the nursing staff for last not because you are the least, quite the opposite. You had to put up with me the most and "do' for me the most from "more water" to meds, to IV's, to help walking,cleaning, and just being a friend. Every day when I went to chamber I would come back and have this perfectly made bed. I learned from Antonio that the nurses did that every day. It is humbling to be served is such capacities every day. You are all so warm, friendly,kind, caring and patient. I could not think of a better crew to care for the burned, especially the severely burned. God Bless You. Thank You Thank You Thank You.
Nursing Staff.
Stacey Julio Tracey
Emily Maria Josephine
Lolita Stephanie Barbara
Jennifer 1 Jennifer 2 Jennifer 3 Molly
Mark Betty Patricia
Mame Helana Kathleen Verona
Fate Valisa Elaine Sue/Susan
Out patient--Marcy Lilly Ruby
( I know I have missed some and I am sorry. I am a little outnumbered.)
--------------GBC INVITE.----------
IF ANY OF YOU WANT TO SPEND SOME TIME IN SANTA BARBARA AND DON'T WANT THE EXPENSE OF A HOTEL, PLEASE CALL THE RIDEOURS. WE WOULD LOVE TO HOUSE YOU. USE US A PLACE TO SLEEP OR A PLACE TO HANG OUT. WE CAN HELP YOU WITH PLACES TO GO AND SEE WHILE YOU ARE HERE WITH YOUR FRIEND OR FAMILIES.
EMAIL TODD FOR PHONE NUMBER ETC. todd.rid@gmail.com.
At this point I will say " see you later" and not good bye. I will be seeing you from time to time as I continue to recover.
See ya--------todd ridenour.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tubeless and thankful
When he woke up from surgery this morning I said, "how do you feel?" " Thankful and so happy not to have a VAC tube!" Oh, that darn TUBE! Once again we are experiencing God's mercy toward Todd. Though his head looks like a Smerf for the second time, his spirits are high and there is a big grin on his face because it feels good to be a little further down the path of recovery. Dr. Grossman said that the surgery went well except that they had to take the graft to cover the flap site from his thigh instead of from his head as he had hoped--there simply wasn't enough skin. I'm kind of glad that they choose another part of his body to harvest skin because I think his head would have been overwhelmed with rawness. He's such a brave trooper and never complains...even when his family would accidently yank on his tube!
Another piece of good news is that for the moment he is relatively pain free with mild medication that he likes! This could all change as the healing progresses, nerves wake up and the leg graft site "dries out". Ugh. From what we are told a graft site is even more painful than some of the head surgery. For now, how great to be thankful for great doctors and nurses, pain killers that really work, a future with skin everywhere and all the love any family could ever dream of and more....we can't thank you and our Lord Jesus enough...there just aren't words adequate for thankful, full hearts. Heather
Another piece of good news is that for the moment he is relatively pain free with mild medication that he likes! This could all change as the healing progresses, nerves wake up and the leg graft site "dries out". Ugh. From what we are told a graft site is even more painful than some of the head surgery. For now, how great to be thankful for great doctors and nurses, pain killers that really work, a future with skin everywhere and all the love any family could ever dream of and more....we can't thank you and our Lord Jesus enough...there just aren't words adequate for thankful, full hearts. Heather
Monday, April 13, 2009
Fasciocutaneous muscle rotation flap to scalp & Split thickness skin graft
Well now that's a mouthful. I just received the paper work for the surgery and that is what they are calling it. I did not explain the surgery in a the previous post exactly right and may never explain it right but basically they need to rotate some of my existing scalp and keep part of it connected at the same time. In my previous post I said they were going to lift up my scalp completely and then rotate it. The docs need to leave some connected tissue to keep it all healing and growing.
Here are some pics.
I think I did 5 push ups before calling it quits.
I tried to mow the lawn and made it a couple of laps around the yard.
Easter Sunday with family. Landon ( my sisters son) and Gracie my daughter with me in the back yard.
Cheers
Todd
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Surgery , Here I come!!
Dr. Peter Grossman took a look at my head yesterday, Friday April 10th and said it was time to make some decisions. The wound bed still did not look the way he wanted so a basic skin graft will not work. What they are going to do is called a "Flip" in laymens terms. CENSOR...might get yucky hear for some.
Picture if you will a 6 inch square with a 3 inch circle in the middle. The 6 inch square would represent the total scalp to be worked on the the 3 inch circle is my wound. Now draw a line down the middle of this square and separate it. You now have two 3 inch by 6 inch rectangles with a half cirlcle on the side of it looking like a bite was taken out of it. Now take those two 3x6 inch pieces and flip them 180 degrees so that the half circle or "bite" is on the out side of the 6 x6 inch box. This in affact covers my wound with vascular 3 layer skin and allows it to join together. I now have two half moon open areas that need skin and those areas ( at or about at my hat line , you know, where a hat band might wrap around your head) will get a normal skin graft. If they have enough room they will take the needed skin from another area on my head or from my thigh. My wound will be covered by a healthy head of hair while the sides of my head will be bald.
I will be leaving SB at 3:30 am Wed morning April 15th and be under the knife around 6am or so. You might be thinking that this is going to hurt and I guess it will but I need to go forward or go crazy having this tube coming out of my head. Pain makes me thankful for when I do not have pain. It is interesting that some of the most basic things in life are so wonderful. A hot shower, a good meal, not being in pain ect. If you are ever feeling sorry for yourself that you can not go on vacation or do something fun just don't take a shower for 8 days and when you take a shower, you will fee like you are on vacation! And yes lather up that scalp and scrub real hard, it to is a nice pleasure. You see folks, this accident has been a good reminder for me not to complain. The simple pleasures in life are a gift to us and often overlooked. Please remind me of this when you see me complain, I am sure my complaining is not over! ha.
I also wanted to mention that my fingers are offically un wrapped and open to the air. They are kind of grungy looking, a little stiff and just a bit numb but last night I got to do one of those simple pleasures, I washes my two hands together for the first time in 3 weeks!! Heck I'm on Vacation!!
Mucho Gusto ( kind of a joke while at Ensanada when asked if I liked some food and I said "nice to met you")
See ya---------Todd
Romans 11: 33-36
Picture if you will a 6 inch square with a 3 inch circle in the middle. The 6 inch square would represent the total scalp to be worked on the the 3 inch circle is my wound. Now draw a line down the middle of this square and separate it. You now have two 3 inch by 6 inch rectangles with a half cirlcle on the side of it looking like a bite was taken out of it. Now take those two 3x6 inch pieces and flip them 180 degrees so that the half circle or "bite" is on the out side of the 6 x6 inch box. This in affact covers my wound with vascular 3 layer skin and allows it to join together. I now have two half moon open areas that need skin and those areas ( at or about at my hat line , you know, where a hat band might wrap around your head) will get a normal skin graft. If they have enough room they will take the needed skin from another area on my head or from my thigh. My wound will be covered by a healthy head of hair while the sides of my head will be bald.
I will be leaving SB at 3:30 am Wed morning April 15th and be under the knife around 6am or so. You might be thinking that this is going to hurt and I guess it will but I need to go forward or go crazy having this tube coming out of my head. Pain makes me thankful for when I do not have pain. It is interesting that some of the most basic things in life are so wonderful. A hot shower, a good meal, not being in pain ect. If you are ever feeling sorry for yourself that you can not go on vacation or do something fun just don't take a shower for 8 days and when you take a shower, you will fee like you are on vacation! And yes lather up that scalp and scrub real hard, it to is a nice pleasure. You see folks, this accident has been a good reminder for me not to complain. The simple pleasures in life are a gift to us and often overlooked. Please remind me of this when you see me complain, I am sure my complaining is not over! ha.
I also wanted to mention that my fingers are offically un wrapped and open to the air. They are kind of grungy looking, a little stiff and just a bit numb but last night I got to do one of those simple pleasures, I washes my two hands together for the first time in 3 weeks!! Heck I'm on Vacation!!
Mucho Gusto ( kind of a joke while at Ensanada when asked if I liked some food and I said "nice to met you")
See ya---------Todd
Romans 11: 33-36
Monday, April 6, 2009
Hurry up and wait. A mentionable Team.
A good evening to you all.
Today I had my head checked....no not that kind of check, you know, my big ol' rasberry on my head. Dr. Kirt removed my VAC and let me tell you, the medical world put duct tape to shame. Man that medical tape sticks well! I couldn't resist and asked to see the wound on my head. Interesting. It looks kind of like Austrailia or some other kind of island. ----Censor...Reading the following might make you quizy---- The edge of the wound, say a 1/4 of an inch border was red with a little blood, but the majority of the wound looked white. Dr. Kirt told me that I was looking at my Gabium (sp). He said it looked OK and was glad to not see any dark stuff but was not willing to plan any surgeries just yet. Doc. wants to keep the VAC on until Friday and then determine the next step. He wanted to see more...well let's just say more good stuff going on to take a skin graft. My fingers got about the same review, rewrapped till Friday. Yes I was hoping for a surgery date and was willing to go under the knfe right then and there but I need to be patient. Me, Patient?
Thanks Dr Kirt, Ruby and Lilly for your careful work.
Team. One of my favorite words. Yes this team I speak of was the Potter's Clay team I was priveledged to be part of while in Mexico. We were having such a good time until I had to go and ruin everything! ha. Folks let me tell you the Westmont college PC student volunteer is a special person. We had a lot of hard work to do and everyone had great atitudes and worked very diligently. We had a great time getting to know each other while working and visiting our favorite taco stand. We were led by Kelly and Evan who humbly and lovingly got us going in the right direction every day. Thank you two for your great leadership. I am also grateful to Rita, Julia, Natalia, Leanna, Christy, Tim, Reed, and Pay-kiss. Sorry bro you said to sound out your name like pay and kiss so that's how I worte it! hah. May the Lord bless you all. See you at the reunion. note....Almost forgot about the best co-construction leader a guy could ever have...Jim... and I thought that even before he saved my life on that roof!!
-----SPECIAL INVITE TO ALL-----
SANTA BARBARA COMMUNITY CHURCH will be having their Easter service at the UCSB Faculty Club Green, 9:30-11:00 a.m. this Sunday April 12th. Come at 9:00 am for some food and chit chat. This outdoor venue is wide open and beautiful. Bring a chair and or blanket or sit in the chairs provided. See you there?
Question for you: What are you passionate about?
Till next time. -----Mucho Gusto!----
Today I had my head checked....no not that kind of check, you know, my big ol' rasberry on my head. Dr. Kirt removed my VAC and let me tell you, the medical world put duct tape to shame. Man that medical tape sticks well! I couldn't resist and asked to see the wound on my head. Interesting. It looks kind of like Austrailia or some other kind of island. ----Censor...Reading the following might make you quizy---- The edge of the wound, say a 1/4 of an inch border was red with a little blood, but the majority of the wound looked white. Dr. Kirt told me that I was looking at my Gabium (sp). He said it looked OK and was glad to not see any dark stuff but was not willing to plan any surgeries just yet. Doc. wants to keep the VAC on until Friday and then determine the next step. He wanted to see more...well let's just say more good stuff going on to take a skin graft. My fingers got about the same review, rewrapped till Friday. Yes I was hoping for a surgery date and was willing to go under the knfe right then and there but I need to be patient. Me, Patient?
Thanks Dr Kirt, Ruby and Lilly for your careful work.
Team. One of my favorite words. Yes this team I speak of was the Potter's Clay team I was priveledged to be part of while in Mexico. We were having such a good time until I had to go and ruin everything! ha. Folks let me tell you the Westmont college PC student volunteer is a special person. We had a lot of hard work to do and everyone had great atitudes and worked very diligently. We had a great time getting to know each other while working and visiting our favorite taco stand. We were led by Kelly and Evan who humbly and lovingly got us going in the right direction every day. Thank you two for your great leadership. I am also grateful to Rita, Julia, Natalia, Leanna, Christy, Tim, Reed, and Pay-kiss. Sorry bro you said to sound out your name like pay and kiss so that's how I worte it! hah. May the Lord bless you all. See you at the reunion. note....Almost forgot about the best co-construction leader a guy could ever have...Jim... and I thought that even before he saved my life on that roof!!
-----SPECIAL INVITE TO ALL-----
SANTA BARBARA COMMUNITY CHURCH will be having their Easter service at the UCSB Faculty Club Green, 9:30-11:00 a.m. this Sunday April 12th. Come at 9:00 am for some food and chit chat. This outdoor venue is wide open and beautiful. Bring a chair and or blanket or sit in the chairs provided. See you there?
Question for you: What are you passionate about?
Till next time. -----Mucho Gusto!----
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Party Fingers Tidbits
Good Day to all of you.
There were somewhere between 100-200 sightings of Todd yesterday at his party. Lots of hugging, a few tears and no wrestling! A BIG THANK YOU to all who came to the party. Heather said to me, "boy you have a lot of friends...I think you have more than me" I don't know about all that but I do know I am surrounded by great people, loving people and people who really care. It is ironic that one might need to go through something like this in order to really see the height and width and breadth and depth of this Love. Amazing. I am also touched by the new friendships I have made. Thank you seems to come up short.
I had my fingers checked yesterday and the Mepolex that came off had to go back on. Not quite healed yet. No problem. Mepolex ( sp ) is basically a 1/8 inch thick foam rubber that is impregnated with a bunch of good healing stuff including some form of silver. All of my other burns were covered in this wonder wrap. I really appreciate this stuff but after they took the Mepolex off my arms and neck I felt like a new person. Let's hope the fingers are ready for the rest of their open air healing when they look at my head on Monday. As you may know we are hoping and praying that the awesome docs at GBC will say its time to get my head closed up.
Tidbits?
Some of you may have read some notes on my time in the Hyperberic Chamber. This chamber is used to promote healing by putting your entire body in this large clear tube. While in this tube you are fed a steady diet of 100% O2 at a simulated depth of 33 feet under water. This light pressure and 100% Oxygen push into the skin and entire body. My wonderful respiratory therapists, Herb and Steve did a great job getting me comfortable with a piece of gum, reassurance, skill and a cool movie to make the 85 minute therapy go by faster. Those who are claustrophobic might find this experience tough but after the 10 sessions I had it was old hat.
Got a chance to see some of my great nurses while at GBC on Friday. Get ready because "I'll be baack" Couldn't think of a better bunch to take care of me after my next surgery!
I keep learning little things about the course of the accident and Heather reminded me that I texted her on that Thursday morning asking her to pray for safety. What is odd is that I am not the most belt and suspenders kind of guy. I also had this great need to ask for the same prayers on Wed. night when the Westmont Prayer and Worship team came by. Did God answer this prayer or not? I had a chance to fall through the rafters but did not, I had a chance to fall 26 feet to the concrete below on the end of the building, 22 feet to fall off the side of the building, I had no acute trauma, my ekg's were like nothing happened, I spent a long time getting off the roof and to 2 Esanada hospitals and then a 1.5 hours trip to UCSD. Any kind of bodily function failure would have been tough to overcome. The surgeons at GBC were getting ready to drill my skull based on the data from UCSD. When they opened me up they saw no need to get rid of what looked like dead bone. There was also fear that my brain would swell but id did not. Ok I will stop. You can decide for yourself whether or not Got answered this prayer. Question for you:
Is your cup half empty or half full?
Blessing to all of you. Breakfast is ready...Thanks Heather for all your care...What a gift.
Todd
There were somewhere between 100-200 sightings of Todd yesterday at his party. Lots of hugging, a few tears and no wrestling! A BIG THANK YOU to all who came to the party. Heather said to me, "boy you have a lot of friends...I think you have more than me" I don't know about all that but I do know I am surrounded by great people, loving people and people who really care. It is ironic that one might need to go through something like this in order to really see the height and width and breadth and depth of this Love. Amazing. I am also touched by the new friendships I have made. Thank you seems to come up short.
I had my fingers checked yesterday and the Mepolex that came off had to go back on. Not quite healed yet. No problem. Mepolex ( sp ) is basically a 1/8 inch thick foam rubber that is impregnated with a bunch of good healing stuff including some form of silver. All of my other burns were covered in this wonder wrap. I really appreciate this stuff but after they took the Mepolex off my arms and neck I felt like a new person. Let's hope the fingers are ready for the rest of their open air healing when they look at my head on Monday. As you may know we are hoping and praying that the awesome docs at GBC will say its time to get my head closed up.
Tidbits?
Some of you may have read some notes on my time in the Hyperberic Chamber. This chamber is used to promote healing by putting your entire body in this large clear tube. While in this tube you are fed a steady diet of 100% O2 at a simulated depth of 33 feet under water. This light pressure and 100% Oxygen push into the skin and entire body. My wonderful respiratory therapists, Herb and Steve did a great job getting me comfortable with a piece of gum, reassurance, skill and a cool movie to make the 85 minute therapy go by faster. Those who are claustrophobic might find this experience tough but after the 10 sessions I had it was old hat.
Got a chance to see some of my great nurses while at GBC on Friday. Get ready because "I'll be baack" Couldn't think of a better bunch to take care of me after my next surgery!
I keep learning little things about the course of the accident and Heather reminded me that I texted her on that Thursday morning asking her to pray for safety. What is odd is that I am not the most belt and suspenders kind of guy. I also had this great need to ask for the same prayers on Wed. night when the Westmont Prayer and Worship team came by. Did God answer this prayer or not? I had a chance to fall through the rafters but did not, I had a chance to fall 26 feet to the concrete below on the end of the building, 22 feet to fall off the side of the building, I had no acute trauma, my ekg's were like nothing happened, I spent a long time getting off the roof and to 2 Esanada hospitals and then a 1.5 hours trip to UCSD. Any kind of bodily function failure would have been tough to overcome. The surgeons at GBC were getting ready to drill my skull based on the data from UCSD. When they opened me up they saw no need to get rid of what looked like dead bone. There was also fear that my brain would swell but id did not. Ok I will stop. You can decide for yourself whether or not Got answered this prayer. Question for you:
Is your cup half empty or half full?
Blessing to all of you. Breakfast is ready...Thanks Heather for all your care...What a gift.
Todd
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Some Facts or near facts of the accident
Good evening friends and family.
I thought I would try and give as many facts as I could of the accident. Many have come in the middle of all this and much of what I am going to say could possibly be found somewhere in the pages of this blog. The following will be choppy and short.
I was in Ensanada Mexico working on a Church with a group called Potters Clay. This Westmont College led minsitry goes to Ensanada every year to build, play sports, and put on a whole vacation bible school event as well. ( More than that too)
I was shocked when my head touched a 13,500 volt open line that was 32 feet off the ground. Notice I said shock and not electrocution. Electrocution would mean that I died. The peak of our structure was 26 feet. This line had gone un noticed as we had to concentrate so much on our footing below. I was at the peak ready to lay some more ply wood and ZAP!! Did it hurt? Never felt a thing. Witnesses said I had an orange glow around my head. I was standing of the top of the open framed roof and fell onto the ply wood side of the roof. My head landed a foot from the edge of the roof and my body lay inbound of that. I was continuing to flop down and off the roof when my HERO Jim Peterson grabbed my tool belt and pulled me to safety. Later through another sheepish story telling of what happpened, Jim mumbled off the part about my face scraping across the asphalt shingles as he instinctively pulled me to safety. This detail for some reason gave me a real good needed laugh. Thanks Jim, hopefully some scars will stay to remind me of you. ( seriously).
I was unconscience for a good 2 minutes and lasped in and out for the 30 minutes I lay on the roof. I was rushed to a local hospital only to be sent to another that might have a CATSCAN machine. Later I took an ambulance ride to San Diego and met the SDSU ambulance. My fearless brother and myself met a EMT medic and a RN. They sent an RN to help out with the severity of the situation I guess. My brother was being interviewed by the RN to get all the data on me. SDSU was intending to take me to the burn center. The very calm cool RN asked about the amount opf voltage I was shocked with and when Jeff told her is was 13.5KV she lost her composure and said Holy **** we got to take him to the trauma center now!! We have had many good laughs from that one ( Jeff tells the story the best) . I spent near 4 days in SDSU and was transferred to GBC ( Grossman Burn Center) I spent about a week there and now am home. I sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns on my right 3 fingers on right hnad, right forarm, arm, shoulder burns. My face was cut up ( ha) but the real doosy is my head. I got a 4thish degree burn up there and this is what is causing some head scratching on their part ha. It's a tricky wound and will need some kind of skin graft. I will know more next week. I wait for surgery with this VAC thing stuck to my head to keep the wound bed healing but not healing over. Skin grafts have to be done perfectly or they will not take. You and I can only receive our own skin for a permantant skin graft. This is what is so brutal about burns. First you get burned , then you get kind of peeled to fix your burns. By what I saw at GBC, I got off easy. Many ( Including our code named "Hope" suffer much worse. If you happen to be praying for me, please ask God for his mercy on the patients who occupy 34 beds at the GBC. Lord come quickly.
Hope to see you FRIDAY April 3rd at our house from 5-7pm for the Todd Is Alive Party. Don't beleive me? Just come on over, we can hug, wrestle and cry together. OK forget the wrestle part. Good night.
I thought I would try and give as many facts as I could of the accident. Many have come in the middle of all this and much of what I am going to say could possibly be found somewhere in the pages of this blog. The following will be choppy and short.
I was in Ensanada Mexico working on a Church with a group called Potters Clay. This Westmont College led minsitry goes to Ensanada every year to build, play sports, and put on a whole vacation bible school event as well. ( More than that too)
I was shocked when my head touched a 13,500 volt open line that was 32 feet off the ground. Notice I said shock and not electrocution. Electrocution would mean that I died. The peak of our structure was 26 feet. This line had gone un noticed as we had to concentrate so much on our footing below. I was at the peak ready to lay some more ply wood and ZAP!! Did it hurt? Never felt a thing. Witnesses said I had an orange glow around my head. I was standing of the top of the open framed roof and fell onto the ply wood side of the roof. My head landed a foot from the edge of the roof and my body lay inbound of that. I was continuing to flop down and off the roof when my HERO Jim Peterson grabbed my tool belt and pulled me to safety. Later through another sheepish story telling of what happpened, Jim mumbled off the part about my face scraping across the asphalt shingles as he instinctively pulled me to safety. This detail for some reason gave me a real good needed laugh. Thanks Jim, hopefully some scars will stay to remind me of you. ( seriously).
I was unconscience for a good 2 minutes and lasped in and out for the 30 minutes I lay on the roof. I was rushed to a local hospital only to be sent to another that might have a CATSCAN machine. Later I took an ambulance ride to San Diego and met the SDSU ambulance. My fearless brother and myself met a EMT medic and a RN. They sent an RN to help out with the severity of the situation I guess. My brother was being interviewed by the RN to get all the data on me. SDSU was intending to take me to the burn center. The very calm cool RN asked about the amount opf voltage I was shocked with and when Jeff told her is was 13.5KV she lost her composure and said Holy **** we got to take him to the trauma center now!! We have had many good laughs from that one ( Jeff tells the story the best) . I spent near 4 days in SDSU and was transferred to GBC ( Grossman Burn Center) I spent about a week there and now am home. I sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns on my right 3 fingers on right hnad, right forarm, arm, shoulder burns. My face was cut up ( ha) but the real doosy is my head. I got a 4thish degree burn up there and this is what is causing some head scratching on their part ha. It's a tricky wound and will need some kind of skin graft. I will know more next week. I wait for surgery with this VAC thing stuck to my head to keep the wound bed healing but not healing over. Skin grafts have to be done perfectly or they will not take. You and I can only receive our own skin for a permantant skin graft. This is what is so brutal about burns. First you get burned , then you get kind of peeled to fix your burns. By what I saw at GBC, I got off easy. Many ( Including our code named "Hope" suffer much worse. If you happen to be praying for me, please ask God for his mercy on the patients who occupy 34 beds at the GBC. Lord come quickly.
Hope to see you FRIDAY April 3rd at our house from 5-7pm for the Todd Is Alive Party. Don't beleive me? Just come on over, we can hug, wrestle and cry together. OK forget the wrestle part. Good night.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Todd tries to type.
Hey folks,
It would be an understatement to say that I am incredibly grateful for all of you. Your prayers and support have overwhelmed me to tears.
I sit here in my office Wed night after 24 hrs of being home. We have enjoyed great meals provided by you and made it home in time to watch Idol. We had a great time listening and judging the group, laughed, and smiled......I AM HOME!!! It feels great. Today I caught up a little in the office , took a nap and hobbled out to the mesa to watch my son fly his RC jet.
Friday I go back to the burn center for a look at my 3 fingers and Monday they look at my head. After that they will inform me of possible skin grafting surgery dates. Right now it is a waiting game, I have this VAC thing taped to my head. I look like a Sci-fi creature but hey, I AM HOME!
I want to acknowledge the great hospitals that worked on me. SDSU Hospital was amazing. When I got transferred from the Esanada ambulance to the SDSU rig/hospital it was like watching a INDY 500 pit crew and an orchestra at the same time. As I looked up I saw this amazing array of people and machines descending on me. I felt safe with them and will never forget the experience. My super cool Brother Jeff and wonderful wife Heather hauled me up to the Grossman Burn Center. a few days later. I am so thankful for this hospital and the entire staff. My nurses and Docs were some of the kindest people to meet. This staff cared for me flawlessly. I made many friends and really miss them.
I plan at some point to really pencil out this journey I am on but until my fingers and head get better, this will have to be the short version.
By many accounts I should be much more severely hurt or even dead. God obviously had other plans. Thank you all of you.
Todd
PLEASE NOTE---ALL ARE INVITED TO OUR HOME FRIDAY APRIL 3 FROM 5-7PM FOR A TODD IS ALIVE PARTY. Come for 5 minutes or 2 hours, we would love to see you.
5275 Louisiana Place
Santa Barbara 93111
It would be an understatement to say that I am incredibly grateful for all of you. Your prayers and support have overwhelmed me to tears.
I sit here in my office Wed night after 24 hrs of being home. We have enjoyed great meals provided by you and made it home in time to watch Idol. We had a great time listening and judging the group, laughed, and smiled......I AM HOME!!! It feels great. Today I caught up a little in the office , took a nap and hobbled out to the mesa to watch my son fly his RC jet.
Friday I go back to the burn center for a look at my 3 fingers and Monday they look at my head. After that they will inform me of possible skin grafting surgery dates. Right now it is a waiting game, I have this VAC thing taped to my head. I look like a Sci-fi creature but hey, I AM HOME!
I want to acknowledge the great hospitals that worked on me. SDSU Hospital was amazing. When I got transferred from the Esanada ambulance to the SDSU rig/hospital it was like watching a INDY 500 pit crew and an orchestra at the same time. As I looked up I saw this amazing array of people and machines descending on me. I felt safe with them and will never forget the experience. My super cool Brother Jeff and wonderful wife Heather hauled me up to the Grossman Burn Center. a few days later. I am so thankful for this hospital and the entire staff. My nurses and Docs were some of the kindest people to meet. This staff cared for me flawlessly. I made many friends and really miss them.
I plan at some point to really pencil out this journey I am on but until my fingers and head get better, this will have to be the short version.
By many accounts I should be much more severely hurt or even dead. God obviously had other plans. Thank you all of you.
Todd
PLEASE NOTE---ALL ARE INVITED TO OUR HOME FRIDAY APRIL 3 FROM 5-7PM FOR A TODD IS ALIVE PARTY. Come for 5 minutes or 2 hours, we would love to see you.
5275 Louisiana Place
Santa Barbara 93111
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