Vision 4 Eternity

Update from Todd on Eli

7/10 Update:

Eli continues to make progress. A couple days ago while sleeping he ripped his PICC line all the way out and bled all over the bed. Think it was probably bothering him. Then later that morning he was told that he would be getting his feeding tube out later that day, so, while Emily was in the hall on a phone call and I ran down to get lunch, he decided he would play nurse and remove it himself. When I stepped back in the room he was twirling the end of it 🤦‍♂️. So, no more feeding tube 🙌🏻. He’s eating well.

Yesterday he got his PICC line back in and we explained why it was really needed and he hasn’t messed with it since. PT is going great. He is picking up and throwing bean bags with his left hand and walking up stairs no problem.

He’s continuing to build back connections in his brain. He is talking better and more often every day. As long as things keep progressing, Doctors and therapist are thinking that he may be able to go home this week. It’s been a long time to be in a hospital room so he definitely wants to go.

The rest of the family is doing pretty well but it has definitely been hard on everyone.

Thank you for your continued prayers for our whole family and all the love and support we have been given.

This is the latest from Todd . Todd is the director for the compass.

7/5 Update:

On the road to recovery! We had a busy day with visits from the infectious disease doctor, the pediatric doctor, the surgeon, dietitian, speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and his case worker. Everyone was very happy with Eli's improvement! The infectious disease doctor said his official diagnosis is Subdural Empyema (basically infection in the head under the dura layer). Then the infection built up and shifted and put pressure on the brain. He is still on heavy antibiotics and anti-seizure medicine (which he will be for weeks) but most of the discussion today has been about therapy and what goals need to be reached to be able to go home.

Today, Eli got up and walked with minimal support from others! His left side is still weaker but the leg is supporting him ok. Motor skills and especially the fine motor of the left arm are still not good but they're improving and I assume those take longer to come back. He is still on a feeding tube for now but also eating apple sauce, yogurt and pudding. This is all a HUGE difference from just a few days ago when he had been the most critical patient in the ICU for a while. We're so excited and proud of Eli! It is tough for him to be struggling to talk and to do some of the basic things but he is trying really hard and trying hard not to get frustrated.

We feel blessed by the love and support so many have given us and the grace and mercy God has shown us. To Him all the Glory. We'll be in the hospital for a number of more days at least. I will try to give updates periodically along the way to full recovery.

Thanks again to everyone...we Love you!