The head ICU surgeon is still concerned about injuries to Devin's internal organs. His Spleen, Kidney and liver all suffered severe trauma and multiple lacerations. There has been some internal bleeding from these injuries, but exactly how much of what the doctors are seeing in the CT Scans and/or MRI's is from that bleeding verses other liquids from swelling is not clear... Even if what the doctors were seeing is from something other than blood, both of Devin's feet are too badly swollen to allow surgery on either foot/ankle.
The doctors are also consulting regarding the neck brace and when it can safely be removed. They are considering taking it off later today when they fit him for his 'body cast' or 'back brace'.
Day 4 - Evening
Good news from the CT Scans this morning. The trauma to the internal organs, while fairly severe, look like they have stopped bleeding. If things continue to improve as they have been during the past several days the doctors will not need to operate. That good news really helped to lighten our spirits along with the news that the back surgery went better than we could have imagined as Devin has regained the ability to move his left leg!!! There were a lot of tears of joy. There is a reasonably high possibility that kidney surgery will be required down the road at some point, but until proven otherwise, we choice to believe that will never be required until proven otherwise... We will need to have his blood pressure checked regularly, and if he begins to develop high blood pressure, that is a sign that we need to take him in for testing on his kidneys...
Devin was fitted for his back brace, and his neck brace was removed. After several attempts at getting Devin breathing on his own again, he was successful on the third attempt and by the evening the doctors were able to remove the air tubes that were crammed down his throat (even though they keep you alive, the can be so darn uncomfortable!).
More great news! Half of the drainage devices were removed today! His rate of recovery seem remarkable considering the injuries sustained, and the doctors agree...
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