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The nurses shaved Steve yesterday and the staples were removed from his head injury. I had not visited since the breathing tube was removed and am proud and pleased with Steve's progress - I arrived and he was sitting up with no breathing mask, looking clean and fresh, watching the news! Steve was cleared yesterday to eat soft foods which means he enjoyed a dinner of mashed potatoes, peas, meat loaf, and a special request, diet coke. This was the first real meal for Steve since his accident nearly two weeks ago. Steve was very hungry and happy to have a decent meal! Though a small amount of fluid remains on his lungs, the breathing tube helped tremendously. His O2 saturation is steady at about 98% and all other vitals remain stable. Steve will stay in the ICU until he leaves for Shepard in Atlanta on Tuesday. The move will be bittersweet as we have gotten close to the team at Jackson Memorial and are indebted for all of the care they have given to both Steve and the family. When we look around the Neuro ICU unit we realize how blessed we are - there some horrible injuries, many of which are young and far worse off than Steve. Thank you for the continued support and prayers. xx 
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We are pleased to report the breathing tube was removed yesterday afternoon! Though fluid remains on Steve's lungs, his breathing is much stronger and he is on Lasix along with frequent breathing treatments.
To Steve's disappointment, he has not been cleared to resume is pureed diet - so ice chips for now. His voice is beginning to come back, though his throat is still very sore from the breathing tube. In terms of feeling and movement - he continues to be able to feel touch on his legs. No real movement or sensation in his hands or arms, but it is still early days and we are grateful we have a platform to work from. Though Steve has gotten very comfortable in his room in the ICU, we are all anxious for him to move to the 6th floor. Assuming he continues to improve, he will probably be moved in the next couple of days... As for long term rehabilitation - the decision has been made! Steve will take up short term residence in Atlanta where he will receive treatment at the Shepard Center. Ginny, the boys, and their plus ones are doing fine, a little tired, but pulling through. Thank you for all of the messages and love! xx Steve has had a minor setback today. This morning his blood saturation levels dropped to an unhealthy level as he was having trouble breathing. The ICU team felt he needed to be intubated and a breathing tube was put in. Upon review, it was found that Steve has fluid built up in his lungs. The hope is once the fluid is removed, the breathing tube will be removed. Steve was kept conscious while the breathing tube was first put in to see if his vitals were stable and they were. We were also able to explain the situation to him and keep him calm.
On a more positive note, it is clear that Steve has some neurological improvement. The spine team has determined the surgery was a success and is confident Steve will have some feeling and movement to build on. Steve and the Orthwein family continue to appreciate all the prayers and well wishes. They have meant so much and made this difficult time easier to handle. We will continue to keep you updated. Update on Steve SR, from Margaret Orthwein.
It is hard to believe the accident happened one week ago today - It feels like we have been doing this for weeks now! Steve's vitals remain strong. He is eager to eat and thirsty as a camel. Steve has been cleared to sit in a chair for short periods and when he is not sleeping he is alert and coherent. The nurses keep saying how tall Steve is ... I never thought of Steve as tall, but post op I do think he has gained a couple of inches! Steve's bowels continue to be the biggest issue, but the physicians are handling the situation accordingly. Yesterday while visiting, I was massaging his legs and he asked if my hand was just below his knee - It was! And then he cracked a funny, and looked at Stevie and said that he better watch out :) There is some movement and feeling coming back, though not consistent it is very encouraging. We have come a very long way in 7 days!!! Steve will probably be moved from ICU in the next couple of days and from there we THINK he will go to Shepard in Atlanta. I have set up a Caring Bridge Page which I will update regularly - Please direct friends and family there. Love and thanks for everyone's support. xx Margaret Steve Sr update. I know everyone is very anxious to hear any news of Steve's condition. So far, things are the same as yesterday. Please be assured that we will update you daily, even when there are no changes. Thank you again for all of your concern.
Update on Steve Sr:
Following Steve's fall, he sustained a serious spinal injury. He can breathe on his own, never lost consciousness, and his mental capacity remains 100%. Today we report that there has been some small progress in Steve's condition. We remain optimistic, and ask for your continued prayers. Your support has meant so much to Steve and the entire Orthwein Family. The outpouring of support has been amazing and Steve is truly humbled by all the love being sent his way. Thank you. Thank you all, for the outpouring of support while the Orthweins go through this difficult time. Your well wishes and prayers are uplifting to the whole family.
As of this morning, there are no changes to report. However, the doctors said that is to be expected for this early following the injury and surgery. We hope to have good news to report in the next couple of days. Sunday morning Steve Orthwein Sr. suffered a serious fall while riding at Port Mayaca. His neck was injured, and late Sunday evening he underwent surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Steve is awake, alert, and with Ginny and his family. The next few days will give the doctors a lot more information about Steve's condition. In the meantime, please keep Steve and the Orthwein Family in your thoughts and prayers, and we will let you know as changes develop. Thank you. |