Tyler continues to improve. We found out on Friday that we can take him home on Tuesday. Great news for all of us!!! Tyler's day is full of therapy. Usually, speech and physical therapy in the morning and occupational and physical therapy in the afternoon. He his walking well but still has to work on his balance. His short term memory is improving also. As the doctors and therapists say it will just take time. Tyler will be having out-patient therapy at least 2 or 3 times a week once he is home.
Tyler met with the neuro-psychologist on Friday for 2 hours for an evaluation. If I understand what the doctor told Tyler, the evaluation indicated that Tyler has some neurological problems that can be explained as if he had been drinking alcohol. His reflexes are slow, he has a tendency to be impulsive and not use very good judgement. He cannot drive, operate machinery nor go to work for approximately 6 weeks. We have a referral to a neurologist for a follow up visit.
Now for the fun part. On Saturday we had a birthday party for Sean at the hospital. It was pouring rain the whole time but that did not stop the party. We brought our grill and barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs and also had plenty of chips, potato salad, macaroni salad and spinach dip. Cheesecake for dessert with tricky candles that would not go out. Fun was had by all.
Sunday, Tyler's dog Patch came to visit. We sat outside and ate lunch and enjoyed the nice weather. Quite a boring day for Ty. Tuesday cannot get here soon enough!!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Monday thru Wednesday 1st week at Rehab
Monday was not a very good day for Tyler. He was so extremely tired. He was only able to participate in 2 therapy sessions and then back to sleep. He was able to eat some breakfast and a little lunch but was cranky and sleepy. The speech therapist wanted to observe Tyler at dinner to determine if he could be upgraded to a regular diet with no theraputic dinning. Ty was able to eat normally and therefore can now go on a regular diet. I wonder if the food will be any better!!
Tuesday was a much better day! Tyler woke up by himself at 8:15 and had a good breakfast. He was in good spirits and seemed like the old Tyler again. Laughing and joking around!! He attended physical therapy at 9:30 and then came back to his room to sleep. He didn't wake up until 2:00 when it was time for speech therapy. He ate his lunch while doing his therapy and joked around with the therapist. Good going Tyler!! He also attended occupational therapy with a little push from the therapist then off to physical therapy. He worked very hard in the afternoon. The therapists are working on his short-term memory, cognitive skills, balance and the weakness in his left leg. Slowly but surely he is improving.
Tuesday dinner was a lot of fun. Tyler's friends Amanda, Travis and Sean were there and we all had some good fun and laughs. Ty certainly enjoyed himself and the best part of the day for Ty was getting his cell phone back. Teenagers!! You got to love them!!
Wednesday was also a good day. We were concerned that Tyler might just be so tired after his busy day on Tuesday but that did not seem the case. Dr. Larson woke him before 8 and Tyler was very responsive to his questions. Even making a few jokes. Dr. Larson said that Tyler's left leg is getting stronger but he still has a way to go. That is okay we will take it one day at a time.
He had speech therapy at 8:45 then physical therapy at 9:30. He came back to his room for some rest and then had lunch at noon. Tyler decided that he had better take a nap before his therapy in the afternoon so took an hour long nap. It is very good that Tyler understands that he needs to pace himself. Joey's mom and his sister Stephanie came in to visit at 2:00 and we had some good laughs before his afternoon therapy began. He had occupational therapy at 2:15 and physical therapy at 3:30. Therapy went well. Tyler worked hard. He is definately beginning to understand how serious his injury is. He understands that his left leg is not working all that well. He also started reading this blog and it kind of spooked him.
He took a shower after his sessions and by the time he was finished several of his friends showed up. We ordered pizza and had dinner outside on the patio. Ty tried doing a wheely in his wheel chair but mom was right there to stop him in the act. Just what we need another accident!!
Ty's recovery is truly amazing to all of us. Dr. Larson calls him one of the incredibles. Yes, Tyler is incredible. He is loved by many people. Thanks to all of you again for your love and prayers!! Please comment on this blog so Tyler knows that you all love him.
Tuesday was a much better day! Tyler woke up by himself at 8:15 and had a good breakfast. He was in good spirits and seemed like the old Tyler again. Laughing and joking around!! He attended physical therapy at 9:30 and then came back to his room to sleep. He didn't wake up until 2:00 when it was time for speech therapy. He ate his lunch while doing his therapy and joked around with the therapist. Good going Tyler!! He also attended occupational therapy with a little push from the therapist then off to physical therapy. He worked very hard in the afternoon. The therapists are working on his short-term memory, cognitive skills, balance and the weakness in his left leg. Slowly but surely he is improving.
Tuesday dinner was a lot of fun. Tyler's friends Amanda, Travis and Sean were there and we all had some good fun and laughs. Ty certainly enjoyed himself and the best part of the day for Ty was getting his cell phone back. Teenagers!! You got to love them!!
Wednesday was also a good day. We were concerned that Tyler might just be so tired after his busy day on Tuesday but that did not seem the case. Dr. Larson woke him before 8 and Tyler was very responsive to his questions. Even making a few jokes. Dr. Larson said that Tyler's left leg is getting stronger but he still has a way to go. That is okay we will take it one day at a time.
He had speech therapy at 8:45 then physical therapy at 9:30. He came back to his room for some rest and then had lunch at noon. Tyler decided that he had better take a nap before his therapy in the afternoon so took an hour long nap. It is very good that Tyler understands that he needs to pace himself. Joey's mom and his sister Stephanie came in to visit at 2:00 and we had some good laughs before his afternoon therapy began. He had occupational therapy at 2:15 and physical therapy at 3:30. Therapy went well. Tyler worked hard. He is definately beginning to understand how serious his injury is. He understands that his left leg is not working all that well. He also started reading this blog and it kind of spooked him.
He took a shower after his sessions and by the time he was finished several of his friends showed up. We ordered pizza and had dinner outside on the patio. Ty tried doing a wheely in his wheel chair but mom was right there to stop him in the act. Just what we need another accident!!
Ty's recovery is truly amazing to all of us. Dr. Larson calls him one of the incredibles. Yes, Tyler is incredible. He is loved by many people. Thanks to all of you again for your love and prayers!! Please comment on this blog so Tyler knows that you all love him.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Tyler's 1st Weekend at Rehab
Tyler started rehab on Friday. He was put on therapeutic dining for his meals. Because of the issues he is having with swallowing they are cutting up his food very small and limiting the types of food he can eat. Someone needs to be present when he is eating to make sure that he does not aspirate.
The food here is not very good. Tyler barely ate Friday and Saturday. We finally got smart and starting bringing his food in from home. On Sunday, Tyler ate 2 plates of spaghetti and green beans for lunch and 2 plates of pot roast, potatoes and carrots for dinner. Oh and don't forget about the chocolate chip cookies he had as well.
Tyler's left leg is still weak but they are getting him up and making him walk. It seems to get better each day. On Sunday, Tyler pushed his brother in the wheel chair from the therapy room back to his room. It was quite the feat!
The food here is not very good. Tyler barely ate Friday and Saturday. We finally got smart and starting bringing his food in from home. On Sunday, Tyler ate 2 plates of spaghetti and green beans for lunch and 2 plates of pot roast, potatoes and carrots for dinner. Oh and don't forget about the chocolate chip cookies he had as well.
Tyler's left leg is still weak but they are getting him up and making him walk. It seems to get better each day. On Sunday, Tyler pushed his brother in the wheel chair from the therapy room back to his room. It was quite the feat!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Tyler's Brain Injuries - An Explanation
I don't think any of us understood the seriousness of Tyler's brain injuries until we came to Health South Rehabilitation Hospital. Tyler is suffering from a Subdural Hematoma AND a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. To learn more about these injuries click on the links below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subarachnoid_hemorrhage
http://www.answers.com/topic/subarachnoid-hemorrhage?cat=health
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subdural_hematoma
http://www.answers.com/topic/subdural-hematoma?cat=health
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMETS!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subarachnoid_hemorrhage
http://www.answers.com/topic/subarachnoid-hemorrhage?cat=health
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subdural_hematoma
http://www.answers.com/topic/subdural-hematoma?cat=health
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMETS!!!
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital
Tyler was admitted to HealthSouth Thursday afternoon after a long drive from Phoenix. Dr. Larson examined him and determined that Tyler could not wiggle his left toes. Concerned that Ty may have something going on, he sent him to TMC emergency room for another CT Scan. After hours of waiting and poking by the ER team, the CT Scan was completed and did not indicate further bruising or bleeding. Back to HealthSouth he went to lay down in bed and get some very needed rest.
Tyler started his rehabilitation on Friday. He was evaluated by the speech therapist who recommended that Tyler be put into theraputic dining. A therapist is present at all meals to watch and evaluate eating and swallowing.
Ty is having some severe headaches due to his body absorbing the blood clots in his brain. The nurse indicated the headaches could continue on for several weeks. Ty is spending a lot of time sleeping which has all of us concerned. We all need to be patient and let Tyler's body heal. I think we forget that it has been less than a week since his accident. To his family and friends it seems like weeks!!
Tyler started his rehabilitation on Friday. He was evaluated by the speech therapist who recommended that Tyler be put into theraputic dining. A therapist is present at all meals to watch and evaluate eating and swallowing.
Ty is having some severe headaches due to his body absorbing the blood clots in his brain. The nurse indicated the headaches could continue on for several weeks. Ty is spending a lot of time sleeping which has all of us concerned. We all need to be patient and let Tyler's body heal. I think we forget that it has been less than a week since his accident. To his family and friends it seems like weeks!!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Thursday, July 19th On the road to Tucson
Tyler has been released and we are heading down to Tucson. We are unsure how long Tyler will be in rehabiliation but we are hoping for a full recovery!! It is hard to believe he has come so far in just 5 days. We have been blessed!!
Thursday, July 19th Tyler is released from ICU
Fantastic News!! Tyler is being released from ICU and will be transported down to Tucson to the HealthSouth Rehab Hospital. As soon as a bed is available, we will be on our way!!
Thank you for all your love and prayers!!!
Thank you for all your love and prayers!!!
Wednesday, July 18th An Amazing Day
When we arrived at the hospital Tyler's left hand and arm were very swollen. This is the same arm that his shoulder injury occurred. The nurse was concerned that a blood clot had developed in his arm. An ultra sound was ordered.
The nurse told us that they would start rehab today. They needed to get Tyler out of bed, try to keep him awake as much as possible and also for him to eat on his own. Sounded great to all of us!!
After much reluctance from Ty, the nurses were able to get him out of bed and into a chair. Tyler was not very happy about that. All he wanted to do was stay in bed and sleep. He was still very lethargic. He slept in his chair most of the day. He awoke several times for 10 or 15 minutes which was enough time for the nurse to feel comfortable taking out his catheter. It was another big step for Ty!!
The speech therapist examined Tyler and had him eat some crackers and water. Tyler has some trouble swallowing so they will need to work with him to help him learn how to swallow again. He will meet with the physical and occupational therapist later today.
When I left for lunch, I kissed Tyler good by and told him how much I loved him. He opened his eyes and said "I love you too Mom." What a perfect day for me!! I had my son back.
An ultrasound was performed in the afternoon and came back negative. Concerned that the swelling was due to a possible fracture the doctor ordered x-rays. They had to put him back into bed to take the x-rays which was just fine by Ty. The X-rays also came back negative. We found out later on that the IV was not put in correctly and the fluids had flowed to his arm and hand....mystery solved.
Dinner time was not good for Tyler. The nurse tried getting Tyler out of bed but he would have nothing to do with it. Ty was very irritable and did not cooperate at all. The nurse finally went and requested assistance from a male nurse who came in and took charge. After much resistance from Tyler, they were able to get him in his chair for dinner. All he kept talking about was going home. He was tired of the hospital and wanted to go home.
When dinner arrived, Ty took one look at it and said, "You have got to be kidding me." It did look horrible. Shredded turkey, fake mashed potatoes, mushed up green beans and cold rice. YUCK!! Tyler looked at the nurse and asked her if she would eat this stuff. Of course the nurse said she would. Tyler told the nurse that he wouldn't eat this stuff even if he was healthy. The nurse told him if he wanted to go home he had to eat. After much hesitation, Tyler finally ate some food. Not much but some and complained about it the whole time.
We were warned that when patients with head injuries start coming to they act very irritable. We were definately witnessing that with Ty.
We had to leave for the shift change at 6:30 and got back at 8:30. Tyler was back in his bed but awake. He kept his eyes closed but was able to carry on a good conversation. His friends were all out in the lobby so we took turns bringing Amanda (Ty's girlfriend), Wes, Kale, Sean, Andrea, and Nick back to see him. Believe it or not Ty was up talking to his friends until 10:15 when they finally kicked us out.
Another day full of progress!! We thank all of our friends and families for their love and prayers. It is certainly working...
The nurse told us that they would start rehab today. They needed to get Tyler out of bed, try to keep him awake as much as possible and also for him to eat on his own. Sounded great to all of us!!
After much reluctance from Ty, the nurses were able to get him out of bed and into a chair. Tyler was not very happy about that. All he wanted to do was stay in bed and sleep. He was still very lethargic. He slept in his chair most of the day. He awoke several times for 10 or 15 minutes which was enough time for the nurse to feel comfortable taking out his catheter. It was another big step for Ty!!
The speech therapist examined Tyler and had him eat some crackers and water. Tyler has some trouble swallowing so they will need to work with him to help him learn how to swallow again. He will meet with the physical and occupational therapist later today.
When I left for lunch, I kissed Tyler good by and told him how much I loved him. He opened his eyes and said "I love you too Mom." What a perfect day for me!! I had my son back.
An ultrasound was performed in the afternoon and came back negative. Concerned that the swelling was due to a possible fracture the doctor ordered x-rays. They had to put him back into bed to take the x-rays which was just fine by Ty. The X-rays also came back negative. We found out later on that the IV was not put in correctly and the fluids had flowed to his arm and hand....mystery solved.
Dinner time was not good for Tyler. The nurse tried getting Tyler out of bed but he would have nothing to do with it. Ty was very irritable and did not cooperate at all. The nurse finally went and requested assistance from a male nurse who came in and took charge. After much resistance from Tyler, they were able to get him in his chair for dinner. All he kept talking about was going home. He was tired of the hospital and wanted to go home.
When dinner arrived, Ty took one look at it and said, "You have got to be kidding me." It did look horrible. Shredded turkey, fake mashed potatoes, mushed up green beans and cold rice. YUCK!! Tyler looked at the nurse and asked her if she would eat this stuff. Of course the nurse said she would. Tyler told the nurse that he wouldn't eat this stuff even if he was healthy. The nurse told him if he wanted to go home he had to eat. After much hesitation, Tyler finally ate some food. Not much but some and complained about it the whole time.
We were warned that when patients with head injuries start coming to they act very irritable. We were definately witnessing that with Ty.
We had to leave for the shift change at 6:30 and got back at 8:30. Tyler was back in his bed but awake. He kept his eyes closed but was able to carry on a good conversation. His friends were all out in the lobby so we took turns bringing Amanda (Ty's girlfriend), Wes, Kale, Sean, Andrea, and Nick back to see him. Believe it or not Ty was up talking to his friends until 10:15 when they finally kicked us out.
Another day full of progress!! We thank all of our friends and families for their love and prayers. It is certainly working...
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Tyler W. Ramsier Medical Fund
Due to the overwhelming request of Tyler's sponsors, supporters, friends and family who have asked about donating money for Tylers recovery, a fund has been set up in his name to satisfy that request. The account was set up at Bank of America. Contributions can be made at any BofA branch by giving them the account # 457-005-143-052 and giving them Tyler's name.
The monies contributed will only be used for Tyler's medical bills. Any remaining funds left in the account after Tyler's recovery will be used to assist other families of riders who have catastrophic medical needs.
The monies contributed will only be used for Tyler's medical bills. Any remaining funds left in the account after Tyler's recovery will be used to assist other families of riders who have catastrophic medical needs.
Nurse Michelle
Nurse Michelle came in at 5pm on Tuesday to check on Tyler. She checked all of his lines and IV tube. She made sure he could wiggle his toes and fingers. Then she made her mistake. Nurse Michelle had put some mouthwash on a sponge and washed out Tyler's mouth with it. Tyler was not happy. You could tell he did not like the mouthwash and I'm sure he did not want to swallow because his throat hurt so much. As soon as the nurse turned her back, Tyler spit the mouthwash right at her. Dana and I could barely hold our laughter. Was it intentional? Who knows and who cares. It is nice to see we are getting our Tyler back!!!
To sum up Tuesday...Tyler successfully flipped off one doctor and spat at one nurse!! Way to go Tyler!!!!!!
To sum up Tuesday...Tyler successfully flipped off one doctor and spat at one nurse!! Way to go Tyler!!!!!!
Meeting with the Rehabilitation Doctor
Tyler meet with Dr. Kravetz late in the afternoon on Tuesday. Dr. Kravetz had to nudge Tyler for a few seconds to awaken him. Dr. Kravetz asked Ty his name and Tyler was able to tell him his name. One thing to remember is that Tyler has a hard time talking after having the respirator tube in his throat for 2 days and also a tube into his stomach for 2 days. His words were hard to understand.
Dr. Kravetz asked him if he knew the people in the room and Ty responded with mom & dad. Ty was asked where he lived and he responded Tucson. Dr. Kravetz asked Ty to hold up 2 fingers. Tyler was able to hold up 2 fingers correctly. Then the doctor asked Tyler to hold up only 1 finger. Ty dropped one finger and successfully flipped off the doctor. Everyone in the room was laughing. Although I am sure it was not intentional it sure did lift the spirits of everyone there.
Dr. Kravetz was extremely pleased with Tyler's responses. He will be sending a speech therapist and a physical therapist in on Wednesday to evaluate what Ty's rehabilitation needs will be. With luck, by the end of this week or the beginning of next week we will be able to transfer Tyler down to the Healthsouth rehabilitation unit at North West Hospital.
Dr. Kravetz asked him if he knew the people in the room and Ty responded with mom & dad. Ty was asked where he lived and he responded Tucson. Dr. Kravetz asked Ty to hold up 2 fingers. Tyler was able to hold up 2 fingers correctly. Then the doctor asked Tyler to hold up only 1 finger. Ty dropped one finger and successfully flipped off the doctor. Everyone in the room was laughing. Although I am sure it was not intentional it sure did lift the spirits of everyone there.
Dr. Kravetz was extremely pleased with Tyler's responses. He will be sending a speech therapist and a physical therapist in on Wednesday to evaluate what Ty's rehabilitation needs will be. With luck, by the end of this week or the beginning of next week we will be able to transfer Tyler down to the Healthsouth rehabilitation unit at North West Hospital.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
A great day for Tyler. He was taken off the respirator and oxygen and is breathing on his own. He was able to respond to the neurosurgeon that his neck did not hurt so the neck brace was taken off. When his dad asked him if he felt like crap, Tyler shook his head yes. His dad asked him to give a thumbs up and Tyler responded accordingly. Tyler responded to his mom with a nod of his head when she asked if he was awake. Even more amazing when the neurosurgeon asked Tyler to show him 2 fingers, Tyler displayed 2. What all this means is that Tyler is understanding our questions and is able to process the information correctly.
Tyler is still very lethargic but no longer in a coma. He is aware that he is in a hospital but may not know why. Tyler's CAT scan came back the same as before indicating bruising of the brain. But no change from the day before. Ty will also be meeting with a rehabilition doctor this afternoon for an evaluation. We can only hope for the best!! Our love and prayers to Tyler.
Tyler is still very lethargic but no longer in a coma. He is aware that he is in a hospital but may not know why. Tyler's CAT scan came back the same as before indicating bruising of the brain. But no change from the day before. Ty will also be meeting with a rehabilition doctor this afternoon for an evaluation. We can only hope for the best!! Our love and prayers to Tyler.
Tyler's Ordeal Sunday & Monday
Sunday was not a good day for Tyler. At a little after 1:00pm Tyler crashed between 2 trees at the Cinders. Unconcious and unable to respond to the paramedics, he was air-lifted to John C. Lincoln Hospital in Phoenix. A CAT scan revealed brusing of the brain. He also had a possible separation of his shoulder.
He was placed in the trauma ward in the intensive care unit. He did not respond to stimulus and was put on a respirator to help him breathe and put in a neck brace to secure his neck from possibly injury. Family and friends poured in to offer there support and love for Tyler.
Tyler's sponsors and friends wanted to create a fund that they could contribute monies to help cover the costs of Tyler's medical bills.
Monday was a little better day for Tyler. He started responding to stimuli and even fluttered his eyes on several occasions. He still was unable to breathe on his own and remained in a coma. Although, the morning showed hope that he was coming out of his coma by evening he was back in a deep sleep.
He was placed in the trauma ward in the intensive care unit. He did not respond to stimulus and was put on a respirator to help him breathe and put in a neck brace to secure his neck from possibly injury. Family and friends poured in to offer there support and love for Tyler.
Tyler's sponsors and friends wanted to create a fund that they could contribute monies to help cover the costs of Tyler's medical bills.
Monday was a little better day for Tyler. He started responding to stimuli and even fluttered his eyes on several occasions. He still was unable to breathe on his own and remained in a coma. Although, the morning showed hope that he was coming out of his coma by evening he was back in a deep sleep.
For Tyler
This blog was created to help let people know of Tyler's condition and any information about his recovery.
We would like to thank everyone so far for their support.
We would like to thank everyone so far for their support.
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