Good Morning

Where do I start ? Each day he's becoming more aware of people around him. He doe' not keep up a conversation - nor does he always answer questions. But , what he does do is amazing. He asked for coffee this morning and when Chuck gave him a sip of his ( without sugar ) Chris made a face and said " With Sugar ". He got his first breakfeast tray ( of which we took a picture ) and ate most of it. At lunch time he got a full trayand ate most of that. But the wonderful thing is how he talked to us. When given a choice of foods he would say " Want Potatoes ". When asked if he wanted milk or Ice Tea he said "Pudding" We told him that wasn't in the options, but he got it anyway. Dr. Friedman came into the lunch room and heard him talk for the first time. He was so very happy for all of us. He has watched us struggle with this every day since we arrived. After Chris said he was full - he laid down and could not wake up for his next therapy session.

Tonight Jason called and Chris actually took the phone from me ! " Hi Jay - Whats Up " then he cried . It was the saddest thing I've ever seen. Each word is so hard for him to say and it tires him out so much. We intended to call all his friends but he got tired. What a great day.

Barb

Good Morning

Watch out World - here comes Chris Trickle !! Every day is something new - something exciting. Yesterday he told his respiratory therapist " I don't like it " but he got his breathing treatment anyway. It seems like he was answering " Yes or Yeah " to questions - so we told him it was all right to say no. So he immediately told his next therapist "No" when she asked him to do something ! But usually when asked if he's comfortable or okay he'll say " Yep".

The big guess of the day was his food and his eating. We took him to the lunch group and took several items for him to eat. He was so enthusiastic about eating that we had many people from the unit coming in to watch. His gastric doctor came and was so impressed he ordered meals for Chris and tube feeding at night. He's not able to eat enough to keep up 2000 calories a day, but we anticipate that if he continues to progress this way he will be able to reach that goal also. We have to put the spoon or cup in his hand and guide it, but he's quickly learning to help a bit.

Every Tuesday night several magicians come to preform magic for the rehab patients. Chris actually pulled one of the cards from the deck when asked to.

Through all this he is remaining healthy. We pray all this continues. Jen canceled all her appointments and flew in last night. Chuck is here also - we're all happy

Love Barb

Good Morning

Mark this day down on your calender Monday Chris was very alert and he started answering questions with a yes or no and he actually talked to Dr. Ludwig his neurologist!! We'd like to think of 10/27/97 as his wake up day. When Dr. Ludwig came to see him, as he does every day for the past several months , he said "Hello Chris how are you feeling today? " and Chris "Feel Good " well we were so very excited! He also had a good therapy session laying on his stomach and walking on his knees. At 3:00 Dr. Brown used a scope through his trach to be sure he had absolutely no blockage or any trouble with his lungs. After that he didn't talk at all , but twice he gave a nurse and a therapist a wonderful full thumbs up when asked to. We all burst into applause. He is so amazing. As hard as all this is for him he only says things to make us feel better - like "Feel Good and I love you " - everyone should be blessed with a child like Chris and most of you are. Keep your children safe and love them always.

Luis came for Monday Night Football. Chris spent most of his time eating. I think he rediscover food ! Unfortunately Chris' Dolphins lost. But how about those Packers

Love Barb

What a weekend! On Monday through Wednesday Chris was so sick. Thursday he was a bit better, but Friday he was great. He had good therapy sessions and he started eating & drinking again. During one therapy session he said "shoesî". When asked if he wanted his shoes off and he said "yeah". We were so excited! On Saturday I went to Las Vegas to attend Samie and Ajay's Hindu wedding ceremony (which was very beautiful). While I was gone Big Love came to stay with Chris. He shared some good times with Chris ñ therapy went well. Later in the day Bob Gardner came and stayed with Chris until 8:00pm. While he was there Chris talked to the respiratory therapist. She said "Chris" 3 times and he answered what every time. Chuck and I flew in at 11:00pm and we were so glad to be here with him. Thank you Louis and Bob for staying with Chris and making one feel so comfortable about leaving.

Today (Sunday) was probably his best day ever. He talked on the phone for the 1st time. He told Jen twice that he loved her. Chuck and I both heard it. It was beautiful. We were crying. He also ate several different foods and answered yes to some questions. It was so great we have renewed hope. After a bad week and weíve been revitalized.

Good Morning

Weíre still unsettled about Chrisí situation. Dr. Brown told me yesterday that Chris does not have pneumonia. His x-rays are similar to all the previous x-rays that indicate some form of neuro condition that looks like it might be pneumonia. There was another chest x-ray this morning. Chris has no fever or any other symptoms. But he does have a abnormally low temperature and a high white count. Itís all pretty confusing ñ right? Anyway, weíre pretty mush in limbo here Chris is not responding to anything he was doing previously. He is very tired and still will not eat or drink anything. The situation seems to have started when the medication to wake him up was discontinued. So tomorrow I think Dr. Luding will start that back up. I donít know how long it will be until we can get back to where we were. He was so good last week ñ so alert and responsive. It was wonderful. I was so happy, and I know we can get back to that point again.

Mom has been here with me all week. It was good to have company. We will both go back on Saturday for Samie & Ajayís Hindu Ceremony. Luis will come in to be with Chris.

Good Morning

We've had one of those days ñ the kind you can really do without. Chris has been sick all week. This morning he had a chest x-ray and this afternoon he had a x-ray of the abdomen. He also had the ìever presentî labs ñ which means more blood drawn. So after the chest x-ray Dr. Friedman comes in to tell us he has good news & bad news (that always scares me). The good news is he knows what is wrong with Chris, and the bad news is ñ its pneumonia. He really does not feel well. He sleeps most the time and he just looks so sad. Heís not eating or drinking or moving around much. Weíve had some set backs before so I should be used to it, but he was doing so very well and I just didnít think he would get sick again. So, itís just one day at a time. Dr Brown has him on antibiotics again and will just have to hope and pray for the best. Chris is so strong and heíll get better. We havenít heard if the abdominal x-ray is clear or not. I certainly hope so.

We're still trying to get him up and go to therapy and everything, but itís not going well. We'll try again tomorrow

Love Barb

Good Morning

Sorry about not sending a fax for the past few days. I went home for a couple days & Jen & Deanna stayed with Chris. Jen spent her Birthday here and Chris gave her a dozen yellow roses & a dolphin ring. She also had visitors ñ Margie from Nascar & the Nascar Chaplin ñ Eddie. Thanks for visiting.

Chris was very quiet all weekend & was very sleepy. Some of his medications which were being used to wake him up were stopped to see how he did with no medication, but the doctor will probably have to start again. He did so great last week. He did so well with the animals on Friday. An L.A. Times reporter was there & interviewed Chris & us. On Monday he could not stay awake during the morning session but in the afternoon he & Jen and 2 therapists went to the pool. Jen says he did very well.

But today was a bad day. When I came back on Monday night Chris was very sleepy & very cold with a very low temperature. I was worried. On Tuesday he had two seizures in the morning. They were very ugly, and in the afternoon he started vomiting. He had 2 cat scans and there will be more tests tomorrow. He seems pretty sick. Iím hoping its only a strain of the flu. Dr. Friedman, Ludling, Dea and Brown will know.

Hi Everyone

Chris still battling with some out of whack lab reports. The creatin level is still high even though he has had the IV for over 2 full days. I'm hoping today's blood work will show a marked decrease so he can have the IV removed.

Other than the IV he is doing well. He's "jabbering" more and we're hoping he will learn to open his mouth more and words will form more often.

Brain was here last night and so was Ajay. I was glad to have both of them to help me. Getting Chris in and out of bed using a lift is difficult but it was really hard with the IV pole to watch. So the extra hands were welcome. It was wonderful to see both of them. Brain got to stay and help exercise Chris at night. He's practicing for the 25th when Chuck and I leave to go to Samie and Ajays Indian Wedding. Luis is going to be with Chris during the day and Brain will be here at night. Thank you guys.

Jen and Deanna are on there way to stay for 5 days. Its Jen's birthday. If you see her say " Happy Birthday ". She's quite a girl. Monday we have secured permission for her to go swimming with Chris. She can't wait.

Love Barb

Good Morning

Sorry there was no fax yesterday. I just didn't get a chance to do one.

Chris was doing so well on Tuesday . He was up on his knees leaning on a large bolster with a therapist behind him. As she twisted his upper body his right leg would move forward and with giving his left leg a little help he walked several feet on his knees. He also sat upright with no help for 6 minutes. The biggest change was in his appetite. He is eating some fruits and main dishes in the Julin foods. Anyway Tuesday started out so wonderful but at 3:00 there was a order from Dr. Fridman to start a IV - Chris was behind on his fluids. His lab work ( blood and urine ) was still off the mark. So he had to have a IV started and he still has it in. We're waiting for todays labs to see if it has become better. I certainly hope so. It's difficult to find veins any more to have IVs.

Brain is here . He is helping out on a pit crew for one of the trucks ( Rich Crawford ) at Fontana race track Rick Johnson has also called and said he was going to come see Chris. That will be great for Chris - Rick Johnson - in his motto cross days -was Chris' hero. We look forward to visitors

Love Barb

Good Morning

Anther Monday Night Football Game Its sad when you measure time by football games. Luis was here to watch the game with Chris. Sorry about those Cowboys Calvin. When Luis was talking to Chris, Chris was actually talking to him. He was looking up at Luis and moving his mouth and mumbling. We couldn't understand anything. It was was really sad. We could tell that Chris knew who was there and he had a lot to say, but we couldn't get any of it. I'm glad Chris can tell when his friends are here.

Early this morning Chris was moving his tongue up between his teeth . It must sound crazy but it was exciting for all of us. He seldom moves it and he need to so we can understand what he says. He did very well in the first therapy session. He ate little bits of grapes that Paula and Don brought and some apple sauces. He drank water and apple juice. He also sat up straight - unaided for a minute. He also did well in the second session. Then tonight he had his first massage. We have the same lady who came and gave Page a massage come to work on Chris. He certainly seemed to enjoy it and to be very relaxed. I hope he can sleep all night now.

Love Barb

Good Morning

It's midnight on Sunday night. Chuck was here all week end and we had visitors today. The Beckers from Cajon Speedway. Thank you Paula and Don for all the fruit and the very nice visit. They helped me exercise Chris while while Chuck watch 2 TVs in Chris' room. That way he could see the Packers game , the Dolphin game and the Cup race! Sunday is a important day for football fans.

Chris is going through some changes. I'm not exactly sure just what is going on all the medication for the neurological changes have been stopped since Thursday. Sometimes he's very quiet and he's posturing like he did when he was first hurt. He hasn't wanted much to eat or drink lately and I was getting worried. But tonight he drank apple juice and some water so now I'm happy ! He's also had some disturbing lab work the last couple of days. It's just things that have to be watched and adjusted. It's always such a fine line when your trying to get medicines that have the effect a patient needs.

Bob Gradner's letter has had quite an effect on Chris' medical account. People still respond to it and we get lovely letters. Thanks again Bob.

Love Barb

Good Morning

It's actually 1:00 AM and I'm really tiered! So excuse this messy writing. As we're finding out as Chris gets better - the more work we have. Now it's 8 full months since he was hurt. It makes me so sad to realize that our wonderful son has been locked up inside a body that does not work for 8 months.

Chris had a great day on Wednesday. Dina and Susan took him in the regular swimming pool. There is a platform that swings out over the pool and lowers him in. He did very well with that. He got to go in the water chest deep and float his arms and legs. He slept real good after that. But Thursday was a bad day. When I got to his room at 8:30 AM there was a problem with the cap over his "trach" site. Chris was breathing fine but the cap had gotten turned - blocking off his airway. One thing led to anther and the doctors decided to put a actual "trach" back in and remove the cap. I'm pretty upset about it. I was hoping we would be able to take everything out of his neck soon. Now I don't know when that will happen. I'm hoping tomorrow will be a better day for him we'll see

Love Barb

Good Morning

The therapist made a tape today of Chris' session. The purpose is to pass it on to the next facility where Chris may be going later on. We all told Chris we were going to film and he had to be "on" for it and he was. He was very vocal through his stretching exercises. And twice he said it hurt and when asked if thats what he said he said yes! He tried hard to sit up and he moved his hand quite a lot . But he just didn't want anything to eat. He refused everything we tried . I don't know why but we'll try again tomorrow.

Also tomorrow is a pool day. We'll be going to a regular pool downstairs. There is some kind of lift to get him in there. I'll tape it. It should be interesting. I hope he remembers swimming and just comes right around what a wonderful day that could be.

Jen went home today to go to work. She has been here since Friday so we'll miss here. Its so much easier making transfer from bed to chair and all that with two people.

Bryan Reffna and Renee were here today. They are here for testing at Fontana. It was so thoughtful of them to stop and see Chris. Dr. Freidman says we should have a guest book in Chris' room! Maybe we'll do that.

Love you Barb

Good Morning

Monday night football!! Chris & all his friends used to always get together on Monday nights to watch the game & then to play poker. The other high light of the night was the food! They all argued that Barbara Wilen's cheese cake was the best! Well, this Monday night Chris was with one of his friends. Luis was here. We didn't get to play cards, but they did watch the entire game. Luis said - Chris used to say "I didn't come here to play cards - I came to hang out with you guys." I don't think there were ever a group of young men who grew up together & stayed BEST friends for so long. They were wonderful to be with. I love them all and they all love Chris.

Chris was pretty quiet today. He had an emotional day. He been crying quite a bit. That's hard on Jen & I. But, we will continue with some good advice stimulate, stimulate, stimulate - challenge, challenge, challenge. One day we'll have Chris back with us.

Tomorrow the therapists are going to film the sessions with Chris. Its in preparation for his move back to Vegas. The staff in Las Vegas will have to be trained to work with someone with severe injury - as Chris does. On Wednesday he'll be going into the regular pool. That should be interesting. I'll let you know how it goes.

Good Morning

Actually its 1:00am on Monday Jen & Chuck & I just got back to the motor home. Chris has been very restless & has had some twitching that was not normal for him. Apparently its due to an increase in one of the drugs used to try & make him more alert. So the dosage was ordered to be reduced for tomorrow. He's very sensitive to so many things and his reactions are sometimes different from what might be normal for other patients. Anyway we stayed with him later just to be sure he was okay. It makes us feel better I hope it makes him feel better.

What a wonderful night Chuck & I had at El Cajon at the speedway! Bob Gardner, Becky McBride and all the track staff as well as all the drivers & fans made us feel so very welcome. They really showed us how much they love Chris. They held a raffle and sold Chris Trickle T-Shirts. As Chuck & I rode in the fire truck around the track everyone held up their T-Shirts & cheered for Chris. It was a wonderful show of support for his recovery. Some of the pit crew wore Trickle shirts as did many track workers. It was so heart warming. Thanks Bob & everyone! Chris will return to Cajon Speedway one day

Good Morning

Were heading into another weekend and were looking forward to Jerry and Char Spelebery's visit on Saturday. They were such wonderful supporters during our first 2 months at UMC.

Chris remains healthy but we have a few concerns. He still has a "bug" in his throat. The doctors did not want to use antibiotics ( he's had so many and so we all know doctors are trying not to prescribe so many antibiotics) but Dr. Brown had to finally do so. He has some serections, but I think it's getting to be less. He will never get his "trach" area completely clear if he can't get over the problems.

His therapy continues along the same path. He's had a major problem getting his legs straight. He still has a good range of motion but it is extremely painful to get his legs straight. It's so sad to have to put him though so much pain. There is a procedure we can have done to relax the muscle in his upper thigh, but our insurance company will not approve it. So I'll be calling them today. Whether they pay it or not Chris will get the treatment he needs. Have you seen the news lately ? A 16 year old boy killing his mom! What a world.

Barb

Good Morning

Its been a long day. Its 1:00am now & I've bee up with Chris since 7:30pm yesterday. He's had a lot of secretions and he doesn't always cough them up on his own. He was fine all day but tonight at midnight he had to be suctioned to get them out. So I waited until all was well. He's getting very emotional & gets scared & everything seems to be painful & he's more aware of pain & feelings.

Jason flew in to visit today. Chris knew he was there. When it was time for him to leave, Chris looked right up at him & held his hand so tight - he couldn't go. It was so sad. Jason & I were pretty sad. I wish Chris could tell us how he feels - or maybe I don't.

Everyone was saying how great Chris looked today. His skin looks so healthy and clear. His muscle tone is still very good and his legs are building back up. His body is staying healthy - waiting for his brain to catch up.

We're getting so much correspondence from Bob Gardner's letter. People have been so great. We need to keep Chris in physical therapy for a long time so all this help is so welcome. We want to thank everyone again - and again - and again.

Good Morning

Sorry I couldn't fax yesterday. I went up to Chris' room at 7:30 in the morning and didn't get a chance to get a fax out.

On Monday Jackie & Dina (Chris' therapists) took him down to the big whirl pool. It was quite a production to get Chris down into the water. He was pretty nervous about the whole thing. But they finally got him into the tank without submerging his G tube (in his stomach) or his track. After the "bubbles" started he liked it & started falling asleep. You know Chris he can sleep any where! They are always trying something new with him.

We're continuing our efforts to get Chris to eat & drink. The small water bottles have worked good. He holds it in his hand and sometimes tries to pick it up to his mouth. Right now we have to lift his arm & get him to take some water, we're hoping we'll walk into his room one day and he'll be flipping the bottle up in the air like he used to as he walked through the pits before a race.

His neurologist tells us Chris' level of coma is changing a bit. But he still remains unable to follow commands with any consistency. We occasionally get responses to questions - we know it will increase.