Wednesday, March 14, 2012
9:35PM DST
Cole rested comfortably in his own room throughout the night until about 9:00 this morning when he was served breakfast. Rhonda attributes his restful night to having a comfortable bed to sleep on. But there's no breakfast in bed at this hotel. As part of Cole's therapy, he has to get out of bed and sit in his chair if he wants to eat. And eat he does. Tom keeps telling the staff once Cole regains his appetite, the hospital won't have enough food for him. Today they realized what Tom was talking about. Cole ate all of his omelet for breakfast, had pizza for lunch and a hamburger and fries for dinner. Cole chooses his meals from a menu kinda like room service. That could be a recipe for disaster.
He's going to need all that food for energy though because tomorrow Cole starts a regiment of physical, occupational and speech therapy. He was given a wheelchair today but was told not to get used to it because he won't need it for very long. And there's no getting out of school either. Cole was evaluated academically and it was determined that he can begin school work tomorrow too. After about a week, Cole's progress will be evaluated in all areas and it will determine how much rehab he will need.
Today, when Cole wasn't resting or being evaluated, he watched a little TV, talked on the phone to his brothers, familiarized himself with an iPad, visited with his cousin Angelie and her boyfriend Joaquin and read the blog.
Rhonda said Cole seemed to be more alert today. His words were clearer and he stayed awake a little longer. When asked what sort of accident he had been in, Cole told the therapist he had been in a motorcycle accident. He named the days of the week, some of the months and named some fruit. Rhonda said he still spends a lot of time sleeping because he's exhausted and that he gets tired pretty quick.
Perhaps the most memorable event of the day was when Cole received a poster and card from friend. After looking at it, Cole giggled and had a big smile on his face. :)
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Finally On His Way
Tuesday, March13, 2010
3:30 PM DST
After getting an MRI this morning and eating a little lunch this afternoon (he's on a regular diet now), Cole is finally on his way to Children's Hospital in a medical transport vehicle with momma following in her vehicle. Once they arrive, Rhonda expects to just settle in for the evening and then begin Cole's rehab program tomorrow. Rhonda plans on sleeping at the hospital for the next couple of nights until Cole gets settled in and then maybe staying at a nearby friends house or using the Ronald McDonald facilities after that.
3:30 PM DST
After getting an MRI this morning and eating a little lunch this afternoon (he's on a regular diet now), Cole is finally on his way to Children's Hospital in a medical transport vehicle with momma following in her vehicle. Once they arrive, Rhonda expects to just settle in for the evening and then begin Cole's rehab program tomorrow. Rhonda plans on sleeping at the hospital for the next couple of nights until Cole gets settled in and then maybe staying at a nearby friends house or using the Ronald McDonald facilities after that.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Going to Hollywood
Monday, March 12, 2012
5:00 PM DST
Well it’s been another monumental day for Cole. Today he was
wheeled out of his room to the PT room where he performed more mental and
physical exercises, which included multi-tasking. He’s doing so well that he’s
being released from Loma Linda tomorrow, transported by ground (sorry Cole no
helicopter ride this time) to Los Angeles and admitted into Children’s Hospital
Los Angeles where he will undergo more intense physical, occupational and
speech therapy. He’ll be in therapy sessions from 9am-4pm several times a week.
Cole hasn’t eaten all day because he’s been waiting to have
an MRI. He told his mom all he wants to do is eat and have a shower. Cole is
getting more talkative and able to carry on more of a conversation. He had a conversation with Grant about the RC car he’s getting and about the new
racetrack in the backyard. Cole is very excited about it. He also talked to Aunt Andrea on the phone told her he loved her and wanted her to come visit
him again.
Just a reminder, if you want to make a comment on any of the posts, you will have to open a Google Account. The directions are on the Sunday March 11 1030 post.
Just a reminder, if you want to make a comment on any of the posts, you will have to open a Google Account. The directions are on the Sunday March 11 1030 post.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
10:30 PM DST
Cole had PT a little late today, which started with the therapist asking him a series of questions. The therapist pointed to Tom and asked who he was. In a quiet sort of raspy voice, Cole said "My Dad". The therapist then pointed to Rhonda and asked Cole who she was. In the same voice Cole replied "My momma". Cole even told the therapist their names. Next Cole was asked the names of his brothers. He very confidentially recited all their names. When asked if he had fun with his brothers Cole said "No." (what would you expect from the youngest of 4 boys). Cole was also able to tell the therapist he lived Apple Valley.
Next was the walkabout. Today Cole would set a record. Being supported in the upright walking position by the therapist, Cole slowly shuffled his feet forward as he exited his room. Left then right then left then right. He was followed by Rhonda and Grandpa Dick who joyously looked on like parents watching their infant taking steps for the first time.
Occasionally Cole got off balance because he was in a hurry so the therapist slowed him down or stopped him. With Tom a few feet in front of Cole walking backwards blazing the trail repeating "Look at me Cole, look at me.", Cole worked hard as he shuffled out of his room, all the way around the nurses station and to the entrance of the corridor where Uncle Jay and Aunt Sheree were watching and waiting. From there, Cole was rewarded for his hard work by getting to sit in a wheelchair and being wheeled down the corridor to a large window which over looked the front of the hospital and the mountains. Prior to arriving at the window, the therapist asked who I was. He replied in the same quiet raspy voice "My Uncle Jay." Then the therapist asked who Sheree was and he replied "My Aunt Sheree" After standing up from the wheelchair and looking out the window for a few minutes, the therapist pointed to Grandpa Dick and asked Cole who he was. Cole replied "My Grandpa". Cole was totally exhausted by this time and was wheeled back into his room for a well deserved rest.
It was pretty impressive!
I've been told that some people are having difficulty posting comments on the blog. I found out that you have to open a google account in order to post a comment. Here's how you do it. It's really really easy and it doesn't cost anything.
1. Go to the website-www.colestheman.blogspot.com
2. Select the post from the right column of posts that you wish to comment on
3. Enter your comment in the comment block
4. Click "Select Profile"- if you don't already have an existing Google Account you will have to open one. It's really really easy.
5. To open a Google Account Click "Google Account" after you click "Select File"
6. Click Publish.
7. You will be taken to the Google Account screen.
8. Click the "Sign Up" icon in the upper right corner and follow the directions.
9. After completing the Sign Up page (it's really easy and doesn't take long) your comment should be published.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
1:30 PM DST-Just a quick update on Cole. Last night when his brothers arrived in Cole's room, Cole obviously was excited to see them and was very alert. During the visit with his brothers, Cole spoke on two occasions. Once was when Stieler asked him if he could see him, Cole answered "yah". The other time was when Cole was standing up hugging Garrett. Cole told Garrett that he loved him. When Garrett and Stieler showed Cole a video of the RC track they built in the backyard for him (someone donated a RC car for Cole), he cried. This morning when a friend visited Cole, Cole recognized him and was able to say his name and say hi and goodbye.
Cole continues to make small subtle improvements everyday, in everything he does. He seems to understand when spoken to but only occasionally responds or initiates speech--and this really has only occurred in the last couple of days. During PT he needs a lot of assistance from the therapist and seems more alert when he's on his walks. He still is not able move the right side of his body very much and although the neurologists thinks that Cole can make a good recovery, everyone recognizes that it will be a long and difficult process.
For Tom, Rhonda and his brothers, it continues to be one day at a time. Cole will remain at Loma Linda until he can eat on his own and actively participate in PT for at least 3 hours. It's unknown how long it will take for this to happen.
As always, thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
1:30 PM DST-Just a quick update on Cole. Last night when his brothers arrived in Cole's room, Cole obviously was excited to see them and was very alert. During the visit with his brothers, Cole spoke on two occasions. Once was when Stieler asked him if he could see him, Cole answered "yah". The other time was when Cole was standing up hugging Garrett. Cole told Garrett that he loved him. When Garrett and Stieler showed Cole a video of the RC track they built in the backyard for him (someone donated a RC car for Cole), he cried. This morning when a friend visited Cole, Cole recognized him and was able to say his name and say hi and goodbye.
Cole continues to make small subtle improvements everyday, in everything he does. He seems to understand when spoken to but only occasionally responds or initiates speech--and this really has only occurred in the last couple of days. During PT he needs a lot of assistance from the therapist and seems more alert when he's on his walks. He still is not able move the right side of his body very much and although the neurologists thinks that Cole can make a good recovery, everyone recognizes that it will be a long and difficult process.
For Tom, Rhonda and his brothers, it continues to be one day at a time. Cole will remain at Loma Linda until he can eat on his own and actively participate in PT for at least 3 hours. It's unknown how long it will take for this to happen.
As always, thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2010 5:00 PM PST
Cole's had another busy day! He frequently sits up in bed and hangs his feet over the side (with assistance). He listens to Adele with one ear bud in his ear and the other in Rhonda's. When Cole accidentally knocked his ear bud out, he picked it up and put it back in. When he had enough of the music, he took the ear bud out and handed it back to Mom.
Cole ate a late lunch after working out with the physical therapist (PT) He had chopped chicken, rice, peas, applesauce, cottage cheese, apple juice and ice chips (and what ever that liquid is in his feeding tube). He was more alert today during lunch and was able to feed himself and take drinks from a cup with just a little assistance. He did better today than yesterday. After lunch it was nap time.
Cole's PT session included a walk out to the nurses station and back. He did a little better than yesterday using his right leg during the walk. Cole also stood at the side of his bed--with assistance--a couple of times throughout the course of the day and although he didn't speak today, he was certainly able to let his parents know what he wants and doesn't want by giving them either a thumbs up or down.
Grant participated in a fund raising walk today that benefited a charity supporting brain injuries and now Garrett, Stieler and Grant are home slaving away making an outdoor RC car track in their backyard--Cole will love that when he gets home.
Cole's room is adorned with an autographed jersey from Ryan Abbatoye, a "Cole's The Man" sweatshirt from a family friend, pictures and cards from classmates and some mylar balloons. Cole is often seen sitting up in bed looking at them all.
Cole's had another busy day! He frequently sits up in bed and hangs his feet over the side (with assistance). He listens to Adele with one ear bud in his ear and the other in Rhonda's. When Cole accidentally knocked his ear bud out, he picked it up and put it back in. When he had enough of the music, he took the ear bud out and handed it back to Mom.
Cole ate a late lunch after working out with the physical therapist (PT) He had chopped chicken, rice, peas, applesauce, cottage cheese, apple juice and ice chips (and what ever that liquid is in his feeding tube). He was more alert today during lunch and was able to feed himself and take drinks from a cup with just a little assistance. He did better today than yesterday. After lunch it was nap time.
Cole's PT session included a walk out to the nurses station and back. He did a little better than yesterday using his right leg during the walk. Cole also stood at the side of his bed--with assistance--a couple of times throughout the course of the day and although he didn't speak today, he was certainly able to let his parents know what he wants and doesn't want by giving them either a thumbs up or down.
Grant participated in a fund raising walk today that benefited a charity supporting brain injuries and now Garrett, Stieler and Grant are home slaving away making an outdoor RC car track in their backyard--Cole will love that when he gets home.
Cole's room is adorned with an autographed jersey from Ryan Abbatoye, a "Cole's The Man" sweatshirt from a family friend, pictures and cards from classmates and some mylar balloons. Cole is often seen sitting up in bed looking at them all.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012 3:00 PM PST
Cole has had a very big day so far. It started out with a visit from the neurologist who determined Cole is ready to begin the process of losing the feeding tube (something Cole's been diligently trying to do since he got it) and start eating and drinking on his own. The neurologist ordered an evaluation by the speech therapist, who determines if Cole can chew and swallow well enough to eat and drink on his own. The speech therapist started out by giving Cole small ice chips and by the end of the 30 minute evaluation, Cole was eating bananas, crackers, applesauce, diced fruit and drinking apple nectar. Cole was able to feed himself with a spoon and take drinks using a glass with some assistance. Needless to say, Cole passed the test with flying colors and can now start eating real hospital food (yum yum). Until Cole becomes a proficient eating machine, he will remain hooked up to the feeding tube.
Cole also received a bath today and finally got his hair washed. He really wanted to keep the drealocks but mom and dad weren't feeling it. He was a little more alert during the bath and was very helpful by responded to verbal commands and holding the shampoo and soap.
Next the physical therapist arrived for a workout with Cole and what a workout it was. With a lot of assistance from the therapist, Cole walked out of his room to the nurses' station and then back. The left side of Cole's body did very well but the right side need assistance from the therapist. Later, after Cole was back in bed, Rhonda heard Cole actually say that his arm hurt. These are the first words uttered by Cole since the crash.
Probably the most emotionally charged moment of the day was when Cole voluntarily sat up, scooted to the edge of the bed, laid his head on his mom's shoulder and put his arm around her and hugged her. It was an emotional embrace.
Cole has had a very big day so far. It started out with a visit from the neurologist who determined Cole is ready to begin the process of losing the feeding tube (something Cole's been diligently trying to do since he got it) and start eating and drinking on his own. The neurologist ordered an evaluation by the speech therapist, who determines if Cole can chew and swallow well enough to eat and drink on his own. The speech therapist started out by giving Cole small ice chips and by the end of the 30 minute evaluation, Cole was eating bananas, crackers, applesauce, diced fruit and drinking apple nectar. Cole was able to feed himself with a spoon and take drinks using a glass with some assistance. Needless to say, Cole passed the test with flying colors and can now start eating real hospital food (yum yum). Until Cole becomes a proficient eating machine, he will remain hooked up to the feeding tube.
Cole also received a bath today and finally got his hair washed. He really wanted to keep the drealocks but mom and dad weren't feeling it. He was a little more alert during the bath and was very helpful by responded to verbal commands and holding the shampoo and soap.
Next the physical therapist arrived for a workout with Cole and what a workout it was. With a lot of assistance from the therapist, Cole walked out of his room to the nurses' station and then back. The left side of Cole's body did very well but the right side need assistance from the therapist. Later, after Cole was back in bed, Rhonda heard Cole actually say that his arm hurt. These are the first words uttered by Cole since the crash.
Probably the most emotionally charged moment of the day was when Cole voluntarily sat up, scooted to the edge of the bed, laid his head on his mom's shoulder and put his arm around her and hugged her. It was an emotional embrace.
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