News
Update on Mack Hudson
July 28, 2008
Friday, July 25:
A couple of weeks ago, all three of us went to Spartanburg to a Spinal Cord Injury Support Group meeting. Don and I gleaned a lot of good information from several of the attendees who have been injured, some of whom have only been injured for a couple of years all the way to one who has been injured for over 20 years. They basically opened the floor and let us ask about anything we were having trouble with or wanted more info on. The input we got drastically changed the way we were doing a number of things, which drastically improved our quality of life. We also got some really good ideas for future adventures. Mack is slowly, but steadily reclaiming full ownership of himself.
Mack and a friend have joined a local gym and have been going several days a week. He says he is working on his "three pack" (half of his ab muscles don't work so he can't have a "six pack"). All joking aside, he is getting stronger and stronger each week and is getting back to doing more and more of the fun teenager activities he used to enjoy with all of his friends. They have been such a blessing as they do everything they can to make sure Mack can participate in whatever they are doing.
We have finally gone on our first weekend trip since Mack was injured. Don has a very large extended family and every July they have their family reunion. Normally they hold it in Baxley, Georgia. But last year after several of his cousins spent their vacation in Hilton Head, they petitioned the entire family to hold the reunion there. So off to Hilton Head we went.
Mack invited a friend at the last minute and thus created the need for him (Mack) to drive his Jeep to Hilton Head (approx. 160 miles) as there was not going to be enough room in our car for four of us, our luggage, and Mack's wheelchair. Mack did a great job with his driving. Don only had to encourage him a couple of times to keep up and not drive so slowly - ironic isn't it to tell a teenager to speed up?
The pool at the resort at which most of Don's family stayed was really neat. Mack could roll right in while sitting in his chair. His biggest problem was that he kept floating up and out of his chair when he didn't want to. Later Mack and his friend went down to the beach. When you reached the public access at the beach, mats had been lain down and Mack was able to roll all the way down the hard sand, so he and his friend were able to stroll down the beach for a good while. I'm guessing that as Hilton Head has a large population of retirees, they are used to accommodating less mobile tourists, thus the mats. Most of Don's family hadn't seen Mack since he was injured and they were all so excited at what he has already accomplished and how determined he is to just get back to doing the regular things in life he enjoys.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Mack. However, we still covet your prayers daily for our family, and especially for Mack's future (high school is about to start). We ask that you pray for direction for Mack's future as he is going to have to start making those all important life after high school decisions much sooner than he realizes.
Friday, July 5:
Well Virtual School is plugging along. Everyday, Mack faithfully (though moaning and groaning the whole time) works on his school work.
Oh, did I mention that Mack now has a Jeep? Don and Mack looked long and hard for a vehicle that would be functional and that would still have some sort of "cool" factor. Don looked at a number of small trucks, but for one reason or another, none worked out. Then just as we were all getting a little discouraged, especially Mack, Don spotted a Jeep for sale on the SCANA Employee web site. When he and Mack went to test drive it, it turns out that the wife of the employee who had posted the Jeep was our Nursing Coordinator at Palmetto Rich land when Mack was initially injured. She was very instrumental in helping us get into The Shepherd Center. Needless to say, she was shocked and excited that Mack was not only ready to drive this quickly, but that he would be able to get up into the Jeep as easily as he does.
We have to pause here to give God the all the glory for everything Mack has and is accomplishing. Every where we go and everyone that we meet that is familiar with Mack's type of injuries is shocked at how quickly he has literally leapfrogged forward with his recovery. We hear it constantly from professionals in the medical field and others (including family members like us) in similar situations. When they hear that he was just injured in February and find out all of the things he has already accomplished and been doing, we watch them shake their heads in amazement. It is all God and thru your faithful prayers for him and our family.
God continues to bless beyond our imagination. Right after we purchased the Jeep, the hand controls were donated. Mack immediately started practicing his driving. Wednesday re-took his road test - And Passed - So clear the road ways!! Mack is Back. He says it feels so good to be free again. He has been driving everywhere he can think of and bless them, his friends just jump right in with him. So far no one has seemed to be the least bit hesitant to ride with him. Mack's next big hurdle is becoming efficient in getting his chair in and out of the jeep. He can do it, but I have to admit it scares me as he is still wobbly. Time and practice will improve all of that, but until that happens, I feel like the "cat on the hot tin roof" until I know he is in the jeep and on his way if no one is around to lend a hand.
Tuesday, June 17: We have been home one month and it has been a whirlwind of activity. Mack has made a couple of visits back to the high school (just for fun - lunch only - but all three were necessary in order to visit everyone). Since Mack lost a whole semester of work, we knew he was going to have to attend summer school in some fashion. We debated between traditional summer school at the high school and Virtual School as he at least has to complete the English he needs so that he can enter school in September as a Senior. For a number of reasons, we have chosen Virtual School. For as long as I can remember, Mack has begged from time to time to be Home Schooled. Well he has finally gotten his wish and now all I hear is how boring school on the computer is. Just like a teenager, never satisfied.
Mack is going to a gym here in Lexington several times a week and is loving it - we are trying this for the summer in lieu of physical therapy. He is basically doing all of the same activities, strength training, etc., just in a regular gym where he will be able to go additional days on his own as he learns his routine.
Mack is determined to get back into his regular activities and as parents we are trying to let him go as much as possible. He has managed to go fishing with his friends on numerous occasions, he has been swimming at our friend's pool, and we have taken him skiing on his sit-ski. He did an awesome job skiing. All of his friends who were with us, as well as his dad, tried the ski. Mack probably picked it up as quick as, or quicker than anyone else did. Mack has also managed to go out on the lake with one of his friends to ride the friend's wave runners. However, Mack finally admitted the other day, that going out on the lake right now is almost more work than fun. Because he looks so good and is doing so well, his dad and I have to constantly remind ourselves that he is still recovering. Any day filled with strenuous activities completely wears him out, even into the next day.
Our next big hurdle is having a vehicle fitted with hand controls so that he can get back to driving himself again. We'll let you know how that adventure goes.
THANK YOU to everyone for your continued prayers!
Monday, May 14:
We have been home one week today and it has been wonderful!! Chaotic, but wonderful.
Mack's bedroom and bathroom are still not quite finished and he is having to camp in the
living room for a few more days, but that's OK because we are at home. The bathroom is
functional at least, so that is definitely a blessing! If you watched WIS, you took the
tour.
We are still trying to tie up loose ends as to what he will do regarding physical therapy
here. Hopefully, we will have that resolved soon as well.
His friends have been over in shifts every day and every day it's "Mom, we are
leaving to go to _______". It's been great the way the guys have rallied around him
and are continually trying to come up with new ways to help him get up into their lifted
trucks and onto what ever adventure they have dreamed up for the day.
Mack and his dad are going to Alabama to go to camp for the weekend. It's the Adventure
Skills Workshop held once a year (I honestly can't remember at this point if it is
sponsored by The Shepherd Center or just endorsed by it) and it is all about teaching SCI
patients the how-tos of getting back into all of the out door activities they love. We
felt it was important for Mack to be able to go to this workshop as he is such an
outdoors person and we would rather he have seen the correct way to approach an activity
than for him and his friends to try to invent a way to do something and chance his
getting injured.
Once again, thank each and every one of you for your prayers and support thru these last
few months. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers daily.
Monday, May 5:
Mack's count down has begun. We come home Wednesday!! These last three days are going to be a whirlwind of activity as we make sure we have all of our information, supplies, resourses, etc. in hand before we leave Atlanta and head home for good.
Mack is anxious to get home to his dad, his brother, his friends, his house, his stuff, his bed, his room, his dog. I'm just anxious. However, I know in my heart that we are going to be just fine. God has taken such good care of us and has so obviously held us in his Mighty Right Hand all these days and weeks and months that I have no doubts about Mack's future. God has something wonderful planned for Mack.
I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has prayed for Mack and our family (and continues to pray for us) over these weeks and months. We could not have survived, any of us, without your prayers. I would also like to thank those of you who have taken care of my family while I have been in Atlanta. I don't even know who all you are, but each and every one of you have my heart felt gratitude. I would also like to thank each and every one of you who have worked on our house. I don't really know who has done what, but Mack now has a wonderful deck and ramp and a fully accessable bathroom. I don't know if any of the people who have participated in the contruction to our house fully understand the significance of what this will mean to Mack's quality of living, but I feel sure each of you have added many, many jewels to your crowns in heaven.
(Ed. Note: Bev Stephenson will be arranging meals for the Hudsons. If you would like to participate, please contact Bev at bstephenson@sc.rr.com. Also, the WIS-TV 11 p.m. news on Thursday, May 8, will include clips from an interview with Mack as part of a special on the Shepherd Center.)
Friday, May 2:
WE ARE COMING HOME WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TH!!!!!
Sunday, April 27:
Mack muscled through his first full week as an outpatient . Every night he moans and groans and begs for me to massage his arms and shoulder because they are so sore. His therapists are working him hard! This is a good thing. He got in the pool for the first time this past week and had a blast. This is going to be one of his biggest challenges, getting in and out of the pool and back into his chair, but this is one of his big goals, that and getting into tall vehicles. He is also working hard on being able to right himself if he tips over in his chair.
This weekend Mack came home for the first time since his accident. When we turned on our road, our firends and neighbors had lined our road with "Wecome Home" and "Happy Birthday" signs. A couple of families were even waiting by the road to greet us as we drove by. Most of his close friends came over. We had a party the next day for his 17th birthday and had a steady stream of family and friends for the majority of the day. Several friends are back over again today to take Mack fishing. All in all, he has had a great weekend. It is going to be really hard in a couple of hours to pack up and head back to Atlanta.
Mack and I were both overwhelmed at the changes in our house since we have been gone. God has provided for us in ways we still cannot completely comprehend. We now have a huge deck and a wrap-around ramp for Mack on the back of our house, and a bathroom is being added on to his bedroom. I simply do not have the words to express what my heart feels.
The Youth Ministry is now selling bumper stickers to raise money for Mack and his family. If you would like to purchase a bumper sticker, they are $10 (all money goes to the Hudson's). Please call the church office (803-356-8596), send us an email (info@riverbendchurch.org), or buy one this Sunday morning.
This Thursday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. there wil be a time of prayer for Mack at RCC. Everyone is welcome to join us. If anyone is interested in fasting before our time in prayer, these guidelines may be helpful.
Friday, 4/18/08:
Thank you to everyone who has prayed faithfully for Mack all of these weeks. We were officially discharged from the hospital yesterday and Mack started as an Outpatient today!! Yeah!!
We spent our first night in our apartment last night. It went great, although we don't have our timing down yet so we did have to rush a little this morning so as not to be late.
Mack will still be doing all of the same things therapy-wise as an outpatient that he did as a hospital patient. Only now he leaves at the end of the day and we are responsible for him until the next morning--medications, personal care, etc. This has all been sort of like when you have your first child and you are having to learn everything from scratch, only on a much bigger scale.
Mack has a number of goals to reach before we leave. Some will be easy, some will be difficult. Some will be fun, some pure drudgery. Please continue to pray for Mack as he travels down this road God has set him on.
Friday, 4/11/08: We are fast approaching the end of our stay as a "Hospital Patient" at long last, and we are all really having to hustle to get ready for our transition to the day program.
Mack has worked really hard to conquer the skills he has had to re-learn for everyday life (his dad and I have had to re-learn a lot of them right along with him!). Now it is a matter of practice, practice, practice until these skills all become second nature. Every day things come a little easier and a little faster. He and I both went to physical therapy "boot camp" yesterday so that we would have an exerciese routine laid out for him once he no longer has a therapist for his task master.
Mack has several outings ahead of him this next week. This Saturday he is going to Stone Mountain for the afternoon. Of course with his dry wit, his first response when we saw this entry on his schedule for the week was "What are they going to make me do this time, push myself to the top?" Of course, you never know around here what they have in mind when they sign you up for an outing. There are always several goals to be accomplished. His second outing is Wednesday to the Atlanta Airport to learn how maneuver thru security and then board an airplane. This one should definately be interesting.
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Mack all of these long weeks. Please continue to pray for his healing (He is having a small set-back right now that needs resolving). We have already seen so much evidence of prayer in how he handling everything.
Wednesday, 4/2/08: Last week was relatively routine for Mack - More therapy of every kind, still working on re-learning everyday life skills he is going to need in order to come home. He did earn his "Car Pass" so now we can load him up and drive him around Atlanta. He is paying a high price to ride around though - he still gets car sick every time he rides more than a couple of blocks. It is going to be a challenge getting him back to Lexington when the time comes unless something changes.
One of his therapists snagged him and his dad tickets to an Atlanta Braves game on Saturday so they enjoyed several innings before the rain finally ran them indoors. On Sunday, several of Mack's friends came and spent the day. (Don and I benefited as well as their parents came along too.) We all always enjoy good
company!!
Great news! We have a date to transition from the hospital to the day program - April 16th. This means that beginning April 17th, Mack will no longer sleep at the hospital. We will be in hospital housing, with nursing available should we need assistance, so that we can all begin practicing living away from the hospital. Mack will still come to the hospital Monday thru Friday all day for therapy, but will stay with us in an apartment at night and on the weekends until we are discharged.
Monday, 3/24/08:
Mack at the Gym
Mack with his brother Bruce
Mack had a really good week last week. He went on two outings, one to Dick's Sporthing Goods (Bruce got to go on that one) and one to the movies on Friday (his dad got to go on that one). These outings are important learning sessions so that when he comes home we will be somewhat prepared to handle situations he will come up against daily.
Therapy is rolling right along. He is getting stronger every day, learning new tricks, doing more and more for himself. We finally passed enough tests to earn ourselves a "Push Pass" so that as a family we can check Mack out of the hospital and take him anywhere we can go within walking/rolling distance. This was very important as we knew we were going to have company over the weekend and we wanted to be able to get out of the hospital at least some of the time.
Mack enjoyed his weekend as we had GREAT company over the weekend. In fact, one of his friends is staying a few extra days with us to enjoy the daily routine. Company has now become his best medicine.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Mack. We can certainly feel and see them working on Mack and our family.
Tuesday, 3/18/08: Mack had a quiet weekend - not too much company, just a little family and one friend. His therapy has really been stepped up. His day starts at 7:30 and ends at 4:30 and is filled solid with therapy and classes. He now has very little down time, which is a good thing. We can tell he is getting back to the old Mack as he now feels well enough to complain (although not too much) about sore muscles, aches and pains, etc. In his spare time he is burning up the text messaging on his phone and loving every second of it.
Mack went on his first outing last night. He went with six other inmates on the hospital bus to Dick's Sporting Goods. (The purpose of these outings is to teach them how to get themselves across the parking lot, in and out of the door, reach high and low on the shelves, check out the bathrooms, see if they can get from floor to floor, make a purchase). He was looking forward to it so much he could barely eat his dinner, but discovered very quickly that he did not like riding on the bus. His first time back in a vehicle was not very pleasurable, especially in the stop and go traffic here in Atlanta.
Thursday, 3/13/08: Can you believe that March 10 was the one-month anniversary of Mack's wreck?!?!
Tuesday morning Mack got a nice surprise. One of his doctors came by. He and Mack had a "Medical Conference" and after Dr. Murray and "Dr. Hudson" conferred and after a second glance at the x-rays, they both decided that as the fracture in the C1 vertebrea was insignificant, the neck brace could come off. I think the velcro was ripping before the sentence was completely out of Dr. Murray's mouth. Mack was not going to give him a chance to change his mind. However, the back brace has to stay on for at least two more weeks.
Mack's next accomplishment will be to get a Push Pass. This will allow us to leave the hospital for a little while unchaparoned and stroll up and down the sidewalk--maybe go to Chick-Fil-A for lunch, etc. We won't be able to get in the car and go anywhere, but hey, every little bit of freedom is delicious. So many skills to learn before they will even allow us to go a block up the street by ourselves. Once you start practicing, though, you see why. Things are not always as easy as they appear. Mack had to push uphill up the block and back down again on an old sidewalk with the Atlanta traffic--six lanes wide--whizzing by!
Kayla Wilson share this verse with Mack, so we are praying it every day for him: I Peter 5:10, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
We are also remembering Psalm 119:105, "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path", to remind us to let God's Word comfort us, teach us, lead us, and guide us each day. Thank you for your prayers covering Mack (and us) each day.
Monday, 3/10/08: Mack had a great weekend. Saturday was quiet, but he needed the day just to rest. On Sunday he had a couple of friends come and spend the day. They brought him some pictures and a t-shirt that made us all smile. His cousin and Grandma came for the day as well.
Today the remainder of his airway was removed!!! FREEDOM. This is a hugh step because now he is allowed to leave his room without a nurse or tech following him around (which is difficult to arrange if you only want to do something for entertainment purposes). So we are no longer prisoners in his room. We can now go to the cafeteria for meals rather than have his meals in his room. We can even go outside to the garden area in the afternoon after he is finished with his therapy sessions if the weather is nice.
He had x-rays today. We were really hoping that at least the neck brace would come off today, but even though things look really good, he needs two more weeks of wearing it. Even with that we had the encouraging news that the back brace may come off in that same two week span. We'll see in two weeks.
He's doing pretty well with his therapy. We are learning a lot of "new normal" things, even though our prayers are staying the same for a FULL RECOVERY and return to 100% normal function.
Well, it's almost dinner time--our first trip downstairs (alone) to "The Cafeteria"!! Thank you for keeping Mack (and us) in your prayers. Ps. 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path."
Thursday, 3/6/08: Mack has had a good week--nice and uneventful. Not a lot to report, just getting a little better every day. He is learning new skills every day in therapy, but has to work hard to maneuver with his neck brace and back brace on. All that hardware gets in the way, not to mention he's still very sore from his accident and back surgery.
He did get an upgraded wheelchair on Wednesday. It is lime green with front wheels that light up when he rolls. It is a much more streamlined chair, tight turning radius, easy to push, etc.
He still doesn't have much appetite, believe it or not, but is working hard on trying to keep up his strength by drinking the much detested Ensures.
Monday, 3/3/08:
We had a really good weekend--calm and uneventful. We did have a nice surprise visit from a couple of very good friends. It was great medicine for Mack (and for Don and me).
Mack had his trach downsized today. He went from the "plug" to the "button". Next step -- NOTHING!! Hopefully either Friday or Monday he will be free. He has started to settle into a routine of three different types of therapy per day--occupational, physical, and speech. Between the therapies and the busyness of the day, it wipes him completely out.
I can tell we have now reached what may be as hard a place in this process as the beginning was. We have stopped racing towards recovery and are slowing down to a steady pace. Changes now come in small degrees and stages rather than leaps and bounds.
Friday, 2/29/08: Mack decided he wanted a taco from Willie's Mexican Grille today (a lot like Moe's, only better!!) so I trotted on down and got him a chicken taco laoded with as much as his diet will allow. He actually ate the whole thing! Hurray! Anything to get him to eat.
During his PT (physical therapy) today, his therapist took him on a rolling tour (he had to wheel himself the whole way) of the hospital so now he has been places around here we haven't yet been. Mack's goal for today is to be able to sit in his chair until between 5 and 6 p.m. That will be a long day for him.
We are finally settling into a daily routine with therapy, etc. so daily updates will start to be repetative. We will update a couple of times each week as Mack progresses, unless he has a major milestone to report. Thank you for your continued prayers!! We definitely feel God's arms around us, sometimes holding us up.
Thursday, 2/28/08: Mack worked very hard today. Each day he has to take himself to the gym twice, and each time today it was a little easier for him to remember how to navigate from his room and back. Today he had to work on balancing on the edge of the mat--he is trying for a smaller, lighter wheelchair. He also worked on getting himself from a lying to a sitting position--so much hard work!
The head trauma issues are still resolving and there is still a lot of confusion. The lines between reality and dreams are very blurred at times. This is the hardest for me (Julie) and where I need your prayers the most right now.
We were reading a Psalm together this morning before the day started, and Mack asked me how I knew where to find such good verses. Such simple things can bring such joy!!
Tuesday, 2/26/08: Today has been a good day. Mack had a great OT (Occupational Therapy) session, threw a beach ball back and forth, worked on his balance sitting up unassisted, and pushed himself back to his room from the gym - which meant he had to find his way back to his room. The biggest milestone right now, believe it or not, is eating. I know, I know--all boys like to eat, but Mack has to decide he wants to eat again.
I will update more later. Thanks again for all of your prayers. We covet them every moment of every day. Please continue to pray for Mack's full recovery. Please pray that we would be aware of the presence of the Lord surrounding us, that we would feel His arms around us.
Monday 2/25/08, afternoon: Big step today! Mack got out of bed and into his wheelchair and made his first trip to the gym. He had a little weightlifting session today, had to write his name, address, which high school he attends (terrible handwriting, but we were very impressed that he was able to get everything correct).
The hospital is still assessing which way to proceed with his treatment, but as of right now it looks like he will be a dual treatment patient, head and spine. He definately has a ways to go with the head tramua, but he is getting there.
Monday, 2/25/08: There was not much happening medically over the weekend. The doctors will continue their assessment of Mack's situation today. They are focusing now on the head trauma. He will be moved to a room that is specifically designed for patients with head trauma.
Thursday, 2/21/08, afternoon: We just heard from Don. Their little caravan arrived in good shape at the Shepherd Center. Mack tolerated the trip well. He is undergoing some preliminary examinations this afternoon.
Thursday, 2/21/08: They are off to Atlanta on schedule. Mack is being transported in a larger ambulance; Don & Julie are following in the car.
Wednesday, 2/20/08: Don, Julie, and Mack will be leaving tomorrow morning around 8 a.m. for Atlanta! Pray for safety on their trip and that the adjustment to their new living arrangements and schedule will be smooth. Mack has been more alert today, correctly responding to questions about his family and his surroundings. He is responding well to the antibiotics to treat the pneumonia.
Tuesday, 2/19/08: Mack is completely off all breathing assistance and has been breathing on his over 24 hours. He has been moved to a step-down room and is off all pain medications. He has had a low-grade fever that spiked both last evening and tonight as a result of a touch of pneumonia. Pray that that will respond to treatment. Pray, too, for continued progress in the recovery from the head trauma. Also pray that the planned transfer to Atlanta will stay on track for Thursday and will go smoothly.
Monday, 2/18/08: Mack continues to be more and more alert, opening his eyes when they talk to him and responding as he can (not yet verbally). Don & Julie had another good meeting with the representative from the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. There is a bed available for Mack. If he continues to progress at the speed with which he progressed last week, they are anticipating transferring him by ambulance to Atlanta on Thursday. Please pray that there will be no set-backs in the next couple of days which would delay this plan. For those who are wanting to help with meals, household chores, etc, Don responded that while they are extremely grateful for the offers, they are not needing to take advantage of them at this point. However, when they return from Atlanta, it is anticipated that they will need a great deal of help.
Sunday, 2/17/08: THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR MACKS FULL RECOVERY. Great news. Mack opened his eyes and when told to look at different people, he would find whom ever he was told. He would squeeze the correct hand when asked a question and has answered with a nod when asked a question by the nurse. He had to have a tracheotomy tube inserted, but that means that the tube is gone from his mouth. This should help him get off the breathing machine faster. The "back jack" looks good according to the latest CAT scan. Everything is staying in place from the surgery.
Friday, 2/15/08: Praise God! While awake this evening, Mack recognized people, was able to squeeze a hand in response to questions, reached out towards his parents (his wrists are still restrained), and mouthed "Good bye" when they left. While these may seem like small steps, they were huge hurdles to be overcome in his recovery. If he is this responsive tomorrow, they will make a concerted effort to get him breathing unassisted.
Friday, 2/15/08: Mack has been weaned off the sedative and they are beginning to back him off the pain medications. They are seeing small steps of improvement--opening his eyes, raising his head slightly, etc. Don & Julie had a very informative meeting today with the representative from the Shepherd Center. If all continues to go well, Mack will be transported mid-week to Atlanta to begin a four-to-six week rehab program at the Shepherd Center. Both Don & Julie will accompany him to Atlanta where both they and Mack will learn to deal with whatever, if any, limitations he may have. Don will remain for the first week; Julie will stay the entire time. A praise is that there is a nearby efficiency apartment available to them as part of the rehab program.
RCC youth are invited to a designated prayer time for Mack this Sunday between services. We'll meet at 10:25 in the second room on the left in RiverTown and continue until just prior to 11 a.m. You may come and go as your schedule dictates.
Thursday, 2/14/08: Mack was successfully weaned off the ventilator today. His breathing is being assisted with a CPAP device. The blood filter was installed today with no problems. Please pray for Don & Julie as they will be meeting tomorrow with a representative from the Shepherd Center (Atlanta) to assess Mack's situation and to determine if/when he may be transferred there for rehabilitation.
A fund has been established to help the Hudsons with the many expenses that they will incur. If you would like to contribute, send your donation to Riverbend Community Church, 1015 Corley Mill Rd, Lexington, SC 29072. All checks should be made payable to Riverbend Community Church with "Hudson Medical" written on the memo line.
Thursday, 2/14/08: Praise God! Last evening Mack opened his eyes, recognized his parents and gave them a "thumbs up". He also squeezed their hands in response to questions. The "filter" procedure was not performed yesterday so they are expecting it to be done today. The doctors have begun talking about transferring him to Atlanta for rehab at the Shepherd Center once he progresses to that point.
Wednesday, 2/13/08: Normally, following surgery, a patient will be put on blood thinners to prevent clot formation. However, because of Mack's head injury, that is not an option. Instead sometime today he will undergo a procedure to place a "filter" that will catch any clots before they can cause a problem.
Tuesday afternoon 2/12/08: Mack is in recovery after a successful surgery this afternoon. It is anticipated that he will be wearing a back brace for several months while his bone heals. The doctors anticipate that he will remain in ICU through the weekend.
Tuesday morning 2/12/08:
Mack's surgery got underway at 11:24 this morning. The doctors will remove the debris surrounding the broken vertebrae and then stabilize the healthy portions. They anticipate that the entire procedure will take a minimum of 4 hours. Pray that he will tolerate the surgery well. Check back here for another update later today.
Monday afternoon, 2/11/08:
The conference with the Hudsons and Mack's doctors has concluded. The head injury is making positive progress and is no longer the major concern. The attention has shifted to his broken back. Mack is scheduled for surgery tomorrow (pending OR schedules and surgeons' schedules) to stabilize his crushed lumbar vertebra so that he can be moved. Don & Julie have been told that there is only a slight chance that Mack will ever regain use of his legs, but we serve a God of miracles. So let's join together to uphold Mack and the surgeons tomorrow that God may see fit to restore Mack to full heath. Mack is stable and his vital signs are strong.
Monday, 2/11/08: Mack underwent a CAT scan and MRI this morning at 5 a.m. We are awaiting the results. Don & Julie are meeting with the doctors now.
Initial assessment provided at 10:45 last evening by the medical personnel at Palmetto Richland indicated that Mack has multiple facial fractures, including cheekbones and nose, a collapsed nasal cavity, bilateral bruised lungs and a broken back. He also has bruising and swelling of the brain. He will undergo another CAT scan in three hours to determine what, if any, change has occured. Please keep Mack, Don, Julie, and Bruce in your prayers. We will update this as more information becomes available.