"6 weeks to 3 months" is about all we heard from the neurologist.
We arrived at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL on Monday, March 12th. A team of doctors from neurology, orthopedics, rehabilitation and more than we can remember, started a comprehensive diagnosis of Dan and his condition.
The Orthopaedic Surgeon and Neurosurgeon met with us later that night and used the words "6 weeks to 3 months" which was much better than "malo"or bad we had previously heard. This meant that within 3 months Dan will be ..... no one really knows. His injury is termed as complete, i.e. there is no movement or feeling below the level of his injury. The level of recovery with spinal cord injuries varies from patient to patient. We do know that recovery is a very slow process.
Dan has been fitted with a "halo" neck brace to help steady and heal the broken vertebrae. Surgery might also be required at a later time. We are waiting for a tracheotomy which will get the uncomfortable breathing tube out of his mouth. He is able to mouth words, but it's more difficult to understand him than one might expect. A PEG tube will be put directly into his stomach instead of the current feeding tube through his nose.
The doctor said Dan will be in ICU for a minimum of 2 weeks, and then if he remains stable, he will enter the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, next door. His therapy will be modified for him for whether he is on or off the ventilator. The links can give you more information than is here.
We had extremely encouraging news on Wednesday when Dan took several breaths on his own. This lasted several hours, but he has not breathed on his own again since that afternoon. The doctors told us that this if often the case with spinal cord injuries.
Although there are few answers now, we know the the Most High God is in control. We are comforted in the knowledge that not only is He sovereign over all, but our God is good and loves and delights to call us His own. We continue to be in awe of His presence and peace. Thank you for praying and taking care of us!
Huge Milestones
11 months ago
8 comments:
love you all -- we won't stop praying! Our GOD is capable of AMAZING things.
I am a student frm Puebla camp in which your son served. It is AWESOME to see how POWERFUL our God is.
My family and chuch keep you and your son in our prayers, and remember that God is in control of every situation.
Remember that These [trials] have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (I Peter 1:7)
In Christ,
Abraham Vivas
(abrahamvivas@gmail.com)
Father God,
I thank you for Dan, and for his heart, and willingness to minister with others from Cedarville. I lift his body up to you God and pray for healing. Please grant the doctors the wisdom they will need. I pray for Dan's family, and ask that you give them peace and comfort through all this. Lord, we know that nothing is too great for you. I thank you for your love and sovereignty Lord. Amen.
Praying for ALL of you! I went to CU with Dan in the fall of 2004, before I left due to having to wait for a double lung transplant. I know first-hand that God is indeed GOOD and SOVEREIGN; there is NOTHING that can thrwart His plans! Praying for strength and wisdom, as you travel this long road. Love you guys!
Amber N. Metz
Our missionary group met last night for prayer. We prayed for you, Dan, and your sweet family and continued recovery. God is good!
Hey Dan. This is Dr. Brown. We miss you at Cedarville and can't wait for you to get back. There are still six weeks of classes left and then final exams. The time will pass quickly. The cold weather seems to be gone and now everyone is looking forward to Spring. We pray for you several times a day and everyone is wanting to know all about how you are doing and when you will be back. You are loved and missed! Our Lord is watching over you. Keep everyone smiling!
Blessings always,
Dr. Brown
A Prayer from "The Valley of Vision"
O Fountain of All Good, You are all my good in times of peace, my ONLY support in days of trouble, my ONE sufficiency when life shall end. Help me to see how good your will is in all. Nothing exceeds your power, nothing is too great for you to do, Nothing too good for thee to give. Infinite is your might, boundless your love, limitless your grace, glorious your saving name. I ask great things of a Great God.... Amen
I pray that God would fill your hearts with encouragment as time passes. I will continue to pray for the details I know God will work out. He is sovereign and faithful. Praise to our Father!
In grace,
Jen Morzak
Dear Dan and family,
We will continue to pray for strength and rest for you all, and for Dan to breathe on his own. It is encouraging to hear that ya'll are laughing and smiling. It is a huge testimony of your faith! We will continue to pray that you all stand firm in your faith, knowing and resting in God's sovereignty.
"God is our REFUGE and STRENGTH, an ever-present help in trouble, therefore we will NOT fear..." Ps. 46:1,2a
We love you guys,
The Morzak family
jen says Go CUBS!!!!
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