Alright, I've kept everybody on the edge of their seats long enough. Geoff is doing great. Spoke with him yesterday, he is bored because they don't do therapy on the weekends and no one is there with him. He said the computers are slow and he gets frustrated with them. Still on a short leash as he is about 75% of the way to walking unassisted. The trach is capped and his voice is getting much better. He can actually carry on somewhat of a conversation. Mostly he wants to come home. Projected release from inpatient care is July 11, no decision yet if he is staying there for outpatient or coming home. More as I get it.

Atlanta update!!! Geoff arrived just fine and was trying to walk into the facility. They had to strap him to the gurney to wheel him in. Initial indications are he is going to do well there. Today, he spoke most of the day with his trach uncapped. Plan is to cap it either tomorrow or the next day. If all goes well with it capped, they will remove it. They have him on a high calorie diet to put some weight back on him. Before he left, he had lost 14 lbs.

Hello all. Geoffrey is in Atlanta!!!! Of course, he had to leave on a positive note. After text messaging his girlfriend for half an hour, he was sitting in the chair and made a noise through his mouth. We asked if he wanted to try to talk, he said yes. Gloved him up, told him to take a deep breath, cover his trach, and try. He did and his first word......"what". We asked him what time the ambulance was supposed to be there, he said "8:30". The nurse came in and asked him what his name is..."Geoff". Between that and Geoff constantly trying to get out of the room (under his own power on his two feet), we couldn't have had a better send off. I'll be visiting next week from the 1st through the 4th. More as I get it!!!

Evening all. Last post before Geoff's big Atlanta adventure!!! I couldn't have had a better fathers day today. When I went to see Geoff, he had a card for me, with "Happy Fathers Day" hand written by Geoff himself. Geoff had 15 visitors today so he was quite awake. He even wanted to get into his recliner for a while. Still not eating too much, but it's mostly because of the trach and trying to swallow. He tends to cough a lot while trying to swallow and that puts an end to it. They should remove the trach soon after he gets to Shepherd. I intend to continue the blog and keep everyone updated as much as possible, but I probably won't have daily updates. I'm already looking forward to going to Atlanta next week to visit him. With any luck, within the next few weeks, I hope that Geoff will take over updating this blog and keeping everyone updated. Fear not, if he doesn't, I will!!

Evening all. Not much to report today. Evidently Mr Geoffrey decided to try a little walk about last night. Today he was sporting a bed alarm and a sitter. Geoff didn't have much of an appetite, as lunch was still untouched and dinner soon arrived. During our visit today, Geoff slept the entire time only waking as we were leaving. A note on his tray from friends showed we were not the only ones to visit a sleeping Geoff. No worries, supposedly he was up all night last night. TYpical for those of you who know Geoff!!!

Howdy all. Atlanta is a go. Geoff leaves Monday morning at 9 AM by air ambulance from Pensacola. Geoff is in room 245 for anyone interested in visiting before he leaves. On the days events, Geoff ate REAL FOOD for the first time in almost a month. OK, it was hospital food so that's as real as it gets at this point. Geoff had rice, fish, banana, and a dinner roll, washed down with ice tea. Kinda weird is that everything has to have blue dye added to ensure it goes the right way and nothing blue comes out of his trach. Geoff was even able to use the spoon to feed himself. Photo's coming!!! (He is so done with the dad and photo thing, but what's he going to do?). Nurse asked mom to bring in shoes because his feet are getting issues associated with laying in bed for prolonged periods. Threw his socks to him, he put them on for Grandma and Grandpa, needed help with the shoes though. Then Geoff decided since we were dressed we may as well get up for a bit. Geoff sat up, put his legs over the side of the bed, and started to stand up. After we addressed his desired final rest location (the recliner, duh, dad) he put his hands on my shoulders and stood up. Moved the padding to the recliner and after several steps to the recliner, sat down. Looked quite proud of himself. He should be, I was!!!

Good evening all. Geoffrey's writing skills improved immensely since yesterday. Yesterdays writing was barely legible at best, today, he was spelling and writing words, names, and short sentences. Still not 100% sure about the rehab location, Atlanta is possibly going to offer him a scholarship for his time there past 3 weeks. At and are approval of the scholarship, and getting Geoff there. Air ambulance is actually less expensive as insurance will pay most, but we are not sure yet if the Neurosurgeon will allow Geoff to fly. Ground ambulance, along with being a 5 hour drive, is $5400, with insurance covering $400. If all goes as planned, he will go to Atlanta, otherwise we will stick with the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center plan. Not sure what Geoff thinks about this as every time I tried to talk to him about it, he looked away. Kinda thinking he would rather stay here, we'll see though. Will try to upload photos of his writing skills for the slideshow.

Hello followers!!! What a day Geoff had today. Geoff was very alert and almost his old self, laughing at Comedy Central on the tv. Physical Therapy came in and Geoff was being prepared to get out of bed. Nurse Lori started to put his socks on until I stopped her. I threw a pair of socks to Geoff and he put them on himself. Photos will be posted!!!! Next, he stood up. Folks, I haven't been so proud of Geoff standing since he was somewhere around the 9 months old range. Geoff sat in the high back chair for almost two and a half hours until the coughing wore him out. Geoff is now off of the antibiotics and has been cleared to go to a rehab facility. 23 days after his accident and he is leaving the hospital. For all of the local folks, he is most likely going to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Shepherd in Atlanta has accepted him also, however FWB would allow family and friends an opportunity to visit. When Geoff receives visitors, his face lights up. Initial game plan is 3 weeks in house rehab, followed by an undermined amount of out patient. When we know more, we will let you know.

Howdy all! Geoff did great again today. I'm really glad he stopped all the hurdling. Today, he again had Physical Therapy, where the tech stated that his "deficiency" on the right side is gone. Geoff rested on the edge of the bed and held himself up nicely. He didn't fall asleep immediately afterward either, staying awake in his recliner for a visit. Later, Nurse Terry made a ball out of a pair of socks and Geoff, Terry, and Angela played ball. Not a lot of power behind that pitch right now, but give him some time. You can see the frustration in his face, I think his mind is running like before in the processing department, but the do it department is not up to speed. Geoff did noticed his hair cut again today, and in the process felt the scar. Dad helped him follow the scar and he got a little upset. I asked him if he wanted a hat to cover it, he shook his head yes. I asked him if he wanted a stocking cap, he made a gesture like he was grabbing the bill of a baseball cap. Settles that!!! Speaking of gestures, he told his friend Tony how much he loves him. Do ya'll know what a Jersey crotch grab is?? The boy is going to be all right!!!!

Good evening all. Well, Geoff had quite the day again today. Shortly after I posted the last update where Geoff didn't want to converse much, things changed. First, he got his bath early, and he chose what he wanted shaved. Left the Goatee and Mustache, got rid of the sides. Oh yeah neck brace is now gone as well. Nurse Enid called us in to watch physical therapy. Watch.......not me......Geoff didn't want to hold his head up for the therapist. Dad voice came out, head came up. Spent about 10 minutes holding his head up, sitting on the edge of the bed with his feet flat on the floor. Evening visit was good too, as he got another cool bed. This one folds into a recliner. Geoff seemed much more awake and wanting to look around. He was reminded that today is his and Michelle's aniversary. He looked at her, puckered his chapped lips, and got his first kiss in 3 weeks.

Early afternoon edition. The vent has left Geoffs room. He is strictly on filtered air now. Geoff was very awake this morning, but was liking the cartons on the tv more than visiting. Well, he is still a teenager after all. Shave coming tonight during his bath. Speech Therapy came by to work on his swallowing skills as he had the ET tube out for 4 days now. Had a little trouble at first as he didn't want to open his mouth, but when the first ice chip made it's way in, he was ready for more. Geoff wasn't really conversant so far today, but they did say he would do this. Time, more time. Geoff has orders to PCU (Perioperative Care Unit), a little less intense group that is not quite ready for a regular bed. 4th floor, visiting hours are, UGH, the same as where he is now.

Geoff made it almost through the night off the vent but had to be put back on for a bit. Back off today, and Nurse Angela said if he can stay off of it through tomorrow, he may get moved to a room and out of ICU!!! Physical Therapy came by again and had Geoff on the edge of his bed, which wore him out for his visits. He again was answering questions with yes and no nods of his head, and waved to his nurse at one point when she walked by his room. I'm looking forward to the move so I can stay in his room and visit more. These 30 minute visits every three hours are rough. He's doing great folks, small steps at a time.

Alrighty guy's, latest and greatest on Geoffs recovery. Geoff has been off the vent all day and the respiratory doctor wants to leave him off all night to see how he does. So far, so good. Physical therapy came by to assess Geoff and start working with him. They determined Geoffs weak side is his right side. They had him sitting up on the edge of the bed even!!! The nurses removed Geoffs arm restraints so he has full mobility now. He is still wearing the neck brace, but that should go soon as well. Geoff is now adjusting himself in bed to get comfortable. It shouldn't be too long before he steals the remote and cleans out the nurses fridge at 2AM.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we truly feel blessed by Geoffs condition and his progress so far. We appreciate the letters, notes, cards, and well wishes we have received so far, and greatly thank you all for your support during these times. God Bless you all.

To the moderators at Police Wives, the flowers are beautiful. Hopefully Geoff will be in a regular room soon so we can take them back to him. For now, we are enjoying them at home. Thanks to all the ladies who are leaning posts for my leaning post.

I'm sure you have all seen the "happy dance" snoopy does in the Peanuts comic strip. Well, if you had been in the ICU unit this afternoon, you would have seen a 300# white guy doing the happy dance!!! Geoffs surgery went well, he now has a trach tube to breath through and a feeding tube to his stomach through the abdomen. I really didn't expect him to wake up, since he had only been out of surgery for 40 minutes. Geoff opened his eyes with about 10 minutes of visiting left. You coul tell the kid was clear, he looked right into my eyes. Okay, so dad has this figured out, he still can't talk so we will use eye blinks right?? Wrong, after squeezing my hand on request, he began moving both legs up. I leaned over and asked if his stomach hurt. Eye blinks, not Geoff, he NODDED YES. Dad was dancing, crying, Geoff probably thinks i've lost it, with the nurses all cheering. You go boy!!!!!!

Good afternoon. Geoff continues to leap small buildings in great bounds! Off the Diprivan this morning, bottle is gone. Vent back down to allow him to breath better on his own. Geoff was much more aware today, giving thumbs up and hand squeezes upon command. Doctors are hopefull he can come off the vent all together otherwise they are going to have to perform a tracheotomy on him. Geoff is very much aware of his surroundings and is very emotional right now. You can see the fear in the kids eyes. This will be it for tonight unless they call with more info, pop is home and getting some rest before my doctors appointment in the morning. Thanks again for all the support and prayers, and keep those prayers coming.

Hello all. Sorry for no mid afternoon report, we were hoping for more good stuff. As every day, milestones were made. This morning, the doctors removed the ICP vent and monitor that was in Geoffs skull. They also removed the staples from the head surgery site. This morning, they also dropped his ventilator to 10 breaths per minute to allow him to breath on his own with little assistance. Geoffs breaths were rapid and shallow, and the nurse said that was to be expected as he has been paralized for a week. Also, Geoff was moving his legs this morning, first time since the accident. Found out the game plan is to ween Geoff off of the vent (soon) and when he can go 24 hours on an O2 mask, he can be moved out of the ICU unit. Lungs looked great today, 2nd day in a row. They are stumped as to where all the infection went. If they had seen Geoff cough and blow all that junk down his vent tube, they would have their answer. Best part of today, Grandma and Grandpa got to finally see Geoffs eyes open tonight.

Hello all. Geoff continues to improve as the day gets long. He is definitely responding to voices, and will follow you with his right eye. Left eye is fixed for now, but he is still on Diprivan. They tried to bring him up earlier, but he started chewing on his ET tube again. Lungs are still yucky, but he is coughing more and moving the junk out on his own now. No word on the ultrasound of the gall bladder or the last head CT. Geoff is moving his arms quite a bit, but no leg movement yet. Hey, the kid has only been semi-conscious for a day now, no marathons yet. I did tell him he was probably going to miss the Drowing Pool concert on the 24th though. Darn the bad luck.

Good evening all!!! Nope, Geoff stayed asleep tonight, but is moving quite a bit. The restraints went back on when the nurse suctioned his mouth and he tried to swat her hand away. The trauma surgeon, Dr. Benson, said that was promising news as it shows high brain function. Lungs continue to be an issue, they are supposed to clean hm out tonight. His last CT scan of his lungs also showed he has the Hough curse, his gall bladder is full of stones and appears to be inflamed. This may explain why he keeps running fevers. Ultrasound tomorrow on the gall bladder, chest x-ray in the morning to check the lungs. I'm just looking forward to waking him up again!!!

3:30 PM, Geoff opened his eyes and squeezed my hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Back to sleep now. Geoff was off the Diprivan for 40 minutes. He started freaking out and they had to put him back out. I haven't been this happy since he was born.

Monday early afternoon update.........Doctors took the paralytic off this morning. Geoff is still on Versed and Diprivan and quite out of it. (Diprivan is what they are calling milk of amnesia). Nurse Holly was suctioning his mouth out and he closed his lips on the suction tube like a straw. Geoff has been coughing on the vent, and is breathing well above the vent setting. Lungs, well, there always has to be a bad part of every story, this is his. Lungs are still filling with fluid, and they believe he has a Plueral Effusion under his right lung. Plan is to clean the lungs again, then tap his abdomen to drain the effusion. The monitor on Geoff's head, known as a BIS, registers the level of conciousness of the patient. At 20, they can operate on you. At 60, you should be awake. Geoff was running 25 when I went in to see him and after talking to him and rubbing his arm, it shot up to 45. Still too many drugs on board to wake up, but definitely forward progress!!!!!

Evening all. We got kicked out of the room early today because another patient wasn't doing too good and the staff were REALLY busy. What we do know is that Geoff's lungs are better today than yesterday. The doctor came in last night after we left and suctioned his left lung good. This morning, Geoff was on 100% oxygen through the vent. This afternoon, he was back at 55% like the other day. So far, he had only had the excess cranial fluid drained once today. All his stats looked good. Game plan now is for Neuro to get with Respiratory and figure out when to back off the Paralytic. Oh yeah, he's off the Barbiturates!!!!!! No beanie on his head today, he looked really funny with a crew cut. Grandma and Grandpa saw the scar on his head. Thought for a minute we were going to need a bed for Grandma. All for now.

Sorry for the late post folks. Geoff continues his hurdle with the lung issue. Yesterday was the right lung, today is the left. Doctor was coming in tonight to clean it out. Nurse Fran said with the difficult cases like Geoff sometimes it is required daily. ICP's were good, only needed draining once. The song "I'm a little tea pot" keeps playing in my mind. Temp shot up to 102 today, then back to 99. Geoff is now sporting a pair of heel protectors to keep his heels from flattening out. Folks, they are PLAID. Teal, purple, pink plaid. Good thing he is in a coma right now. Good news is they did cut his hair today, so it all matches.

Good evening all. Geoff did great today. Initially breathing and pulse/oxygen levels were low, the respiratory doc cleaned his lung twice today and his breathing got much better, pulse/oxygen rose nicely. They backed off the Barbiturates and paralyzer, and dropped the oxygen in the vent. ICP's remained in the teens, breathing at 15-20 times per minute(vent set at 15). This mornings CT scan showed his right side still has swelling. Nurse said they would trim his hair to match (he would be sooooooo embarased to see it now) and give him a shave. They set his bed on vibrate and he tolerated it nicely. Sould help break up the junk in his lungs. Still on track for a next week wake up call.

Early afternoon update. This mornings CT scan showed one of Geoff's lungs was full of "stuff". They did a procedure where they use a scope and suction to clean out the "stuff". Nothing bad came out color wise, which was good. ICP's remained good throughout (single digits, at one point 5). They had to up the paralytic during the procedure and low and behold, the kid is breathing above the vent again. Nurse Enid can't explain how or why, as he should not be able to do it on his own. EEG was being hooked up when I left. Geoff is still on the Barbiturates, but they should be backing him off today. More later as it comes.

Good afternoon all. Geoff is doing great today. Barbiturate rate cut in half again, ICP's were in the single digits!!!!! This mornings CT scan showed there is still swelling on the right side of his brain, but the blood from the bruise is being absorbed nicely. Was watching his breathing and saw he was occasionally stopping (vent still breathing for him). Figured out that every time the paralytic was dispensed, his breathing stopped on his own. 30 seconds later, he would be breathing again. Scary stuff. I'm glad the paralytic is the next to go. Probably doing it because of the main line they are dispensing to in his neck. Will ask later, questioning minds want to know!!! Side note, grandma made cookie bars for the night shift last night. Nary a crumb to be found this morning. New nurse today, Angela.

Good evening all!!! Yup, I'm in a great mood because Geoffrey is also. ICP's have been low all day, even when they are not not draining his little head. Neurosurgeon spoke with me and told me they are backing off the Barbiturates at 50% per day over the next 4 days, then the paralytic the same and so on. It won't be until next week until we can start waking him, but he is still optimistic of good results. Geoff is still not out of the woods, but we are making forward progress.

Okay followers, had loads of questions for the nurses, here's what I know. Tomorrow, IF, and that's a big if, Geoff's ICP's stay low, they will start in the morning with taking him out of the drug induced coma. They will watch his pressures and such, and IF all is okay, they will back off the sedative and see if Geoff want's to wake up. Lot's of if's and and's, but it is progress no matter what.

Just got off the phone with Dr. Wolfe. ICP's have been good for last 24 hours, good enough they are going to take Geoff out of the coma tomorrow and start trying to wake him. As the doc told me, he has had some high numbers and may not wake tomorrow, but at least they are going to try. No word on what time, i'll keep everyone posted. Wooo Hoooooo!!!!!!

Okay folks, Geoff likes his new bed. ICP's down all afternoon. 14 when I left!!!!! (2-15 normal) Still on loads-o-meds. Maybe he thinks he's at Disney? All I know is I'll take it!!

Early post today for all the followers. Geoff's ICP is still running too high. Doctors want to keep him in the coma for a few more days to try to help. This mornings CT scan showed more swelling on his right side than he had before, explaining the high ICP's. Doctors upped his Manitol dose (diuretic medicine) and placed it on a constant drip rather than every 8 hours. New bed arrived, I'm thinking about getting one myself. It's programmed to lift and tilt, uses air, and is much more comfy. Also has a "thumper" mode, kinda like a massage chair, just more powerful. In the words of Mr. Scott, "He just needs more time, captain". If anything changes, I'll post later.