It's Been Two Years - From Noah

Dear everyone who is important to me,

Two years ago I had a stroke due to an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation). Since it’s only been two years, I thought it would be important to tell everyone how much I care about you all. Everything I’ve done has been a learning experience. I had to go to speech therapy (which I probably still need), physical therapy, cognitive therapy, finished my first year of college, and some how I got my license (look out!). Thankfully, I finished all of these “tests”.

For the first time today I looked at the blog (noahupdate.com) that everyone was a part of. I have been so grateful and humbled by the words displayed by everyone. I can’t even explain how amazing all of you are. I care about all of you immensely. Some how I promise the only way I survived (minus the doctor who saved my life) was to receive support. During that time I didn’t necessarily understand why there were so many people in my room. Even then when I had a pouch of brain fluid on my chest, did anyone leave. Now I understand how amazing people can be. Hopefully this year I get to graduate from college. I genuinely have a stronger focus and drive for what I want.

Everyone else tells me I’m the luckiest kid in the world. I agree with that to an extent. The only reason I’m lucky is because I have the strongest support system in the world. My family, friends, people I don’t even know, nurses, doctors, etc. All made me want to live.

Thank you all for every single thing that you have done for me. I love each and every one of you.

Noah Fell

Please pass this along if I don’t have their emails, which is a lot.

--

Noah Fell

noahfell.com

Update from Dad

Dad, "As the holiday season is upon us, it is only appropriate and fitting that we thank the "Tribe of Noah" for the outpouring of love and support that has so much contributed to his miraculous recovery. Noah has undergone 3 major brain surgeries and on December 16 (Adam's Birthday) he had his critical CAT scan. In Noah's own words: "Dad, I am all done". What a wonderful holiday gift for us all. Noah has been told that he may begin again his "normal" life. Yes, he has much to do in therapy as he prepares to resume his schooling and his ability to drive; and yes, he must be diligent about taking medication and not over-stimulating; but our boy is back !! To say thank you to everyone seems so insufficient, but I don't know a better phrase; so I will just say Thank You from us all and wish everyone the happiest of Holiday Seasons."

Saturday update from Mom

Mom: "After installing the shunt, Noah developed some fluid on the left side of his head and it had to be aspirated, although the shunt is working.  There were several incisions made to guide the drain for the sh
unt from his brain down to his stomach. The good news is that Dr. Tabrizi checked his CT scans this morning and there was no extra fluid inside or outside of the bone flap.  3 brain surgeries in 3 and a half months is a lot for anyone;  Noah has handled it like a champ and we are so proud of him.  Today, his spirits are good, although we are all really anxious to get home.  It looks like the earliest we can go home is Monday, because Dr. Tabrizi wants to monitor him for a couple more days. All his sutures and staples will come out in a timely manner, and he will be as beautiful as ever!GO NOAH GO!"

Post-Op

Dr. Tabrizi just came out and said that Noah's surgery was successful, went well, and there were no issues. Apparently, the first thing Noah asked about when he woke was, of course, whether he'd need a catheter - sounds like Noah is himself again!

Wednesday Night

Noah's operation to install his cerebral shunt will be tomorrow morning at 8:30am PT.

The operation is anticipated to last approximately 1 hour and he will be transferred to the ICU again a couple hours thereafter. He will probably spend one night in the ICU and then transfer again to Neuro DOU.

We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers yet again. Go Noah go.

Tuesday Night Update

Well -- the great news is that Noah's surgery to reinstall and refasten his skull using a titanium plate and titanium screws was successful. Noah is once again hard-headed.

Unfortunately, the CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid) has not been draining at the desired rate and has begun to accumulate -- leading to significant swelling on the left side of Noah's head.

Following today's examination, Dr. Tabrizi believes that Noah is going to need to undergo surgery again this Thursday to install a cerebral shunt.

Tomorrow, Noah will take another catscan, and Dr. Tabrizi will decide whether to indeed operate following his review of the results. We hope that Noah's brain will begin to assimilate the fluid tonight, but are prepared for whatever the next few days have in store.

It is now looking like Noah will be in the hospital until at least this Saturday, the 14th. We remain, however, very positive-- and appreciate everyone's support.

Following Morning

Noah is doing great and is in good spirits. Catheter notwithstanding.

The surgery apparently went as well as it could have gone.

Later today, as soon as a private room opens up, Noah will be transferred out of the ICU and into a normal room. The doctor seems to think Noah will be discharged either Sunday or Monday. Noah's not allowed to use his cell phone in the ICU, but will call everyone back as soon as he gets out. Go Noah Go.

Post-Surgery Update

The anesthesiologist and the surgeon just came out and said the surgery went well. We haven't seen Noah yet, but apparently things went as well as they could have.

No word yet on whether a shunt will be necessary - we've been informed that it will take up to 3 months to make that decision. For the next two to three days Noah will have a drain that empties excess CFS (cerebro spinal fluid). Thanks to everyone for their prayers and thoughts. We will update this site again tonight after we see Noah.

"Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best" ?

Tomorrow morning Noah is getting his bone flap (left side of his skull) put back in. In certain ways, this is only the beginning-- we still have cognitive work to do. In other ways, we hope for closure-- from a physiological perspective. Despite the reassurances that this surgery is simple compared to what we've already been through, tomorrow my brother goes into brain surgery.

"Prepare for the worst, hope for the best"

That's what multiple nurses told me from the period from July 28 until Noah came out of his coma on August 6...the 10 worst days of my life (and I suspect those of my entire family). As is the case with most pivotal moments in my life, Noah on the other hand, slept through the entire ordeal.



It's a strange feeling to know the exact worst moment of your life and the exact best moment of your life. For me, the identification of each is now simple -- and that fact alone has unequivocally changed my life. How insignificant my pre-rupture priorities now seem.

I think as a result of liability, nurses and others are forced to paint a cautious and often pessimistic picture for you when you're in a life-threatening situation. False hope can be a dangerous thing for those at the furthest reaches of emotional volatility and financial burden. "Prepare for the worst, hope for the best."

As I promised in a previous post, I will soon detail all of the miracles: the predictions and warnings that proved false. But it's not time yet to count blessings; we have to make it through tomorrow.

So one more time, we ask for your prayers; your positivity; your light.

Right after Noah's rupture 3 months ago, when I was warned of the inevitable mental "deficiencies" Noah would have as a result of the removal of the healthy brain tissue of his lower-left occipital lobe -- I kept trying to tell myself and others that until someone told me that it was absolutely impossible, I believed that Noah would walk out of the hospital and make a full recovery. Well, on Saturday, August 22nd -- 25 days after Noah's rupture, he walked out of St. Jude's medical center, got in a car with my parents and drove home.

So tomorrow, rather than ask you to "prepare for the worst and hope for the best;" we ask that you believe that Noah can make it through once again -- and fight with us until that happens.

Update from Mom

Lailan: "Noah just finished physical therapy! He was wearing his physical therapist out and surpassed all of the markers! The sessions will be bumped up again after his bone flap is replaced in early November. Noah’s speech therapist told him that he was doing remarkably well, and last week he got some glasses for the first time and is working on vision exercises. We are hoping that with therapy, and in time, his peripheral vision will return. The therapy Noah gets at Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital has been phenomenal and we are there 3 times a week for Speech, Occupational and Psych Therapy.





Every day, Noah improves and remembers something he couldn’t the day before. While working on a lesson, Noah was just trying to remember the word “rain.” I started singing huh,huh, go away, come again another day...” Noah said, “No! It’s (and then sang): I can see clearly now, the RAIN is gone!” This was his favorite song in 8th grade that he used to call into the local radio station for them to play it in the morning! Recently, Noah remembered the word, “possum," and then asked if it was “opossum!”

Earlier in the month, Noah tried playing a “Globe” game that he used to play. ( http://www.addictinggames.com/globegame.html) He has gotten his score up to 220! My score was 95....

Noah spends at least 4 hours a day on therapy exercises whether at rehab or at home; and his incredible friends have been there to drill him on everything from reading to word-finding to physical exercises. But the true display of love and friendship is that they return every day to get beaten at cards! Noah continues to beat all his friends in cards at Egyptian War, Spit, and Gin Rummy. And of course, he makes up unbelievable card tricks to entertain us all with.





Team Noah: There are no words to express all our gratitude for your continuing prayers, love and support. We love you!

GO NOAH GO!!

AND A SPECIAL NOTE FROM NOAH:

"HEY EVERYONE. I AM COMPLETELY HUMBLED AND GRATEFUL THAT EVERONE WAS THERE FOR ME. I FEEL I’M GETTING BETTER EVERY DAY. I LOVE YOU ALL." -- NOAH FELL

Update from Dad

Bob Fell: "This past Monday, Labor Day, Noah and Adam swam in my pool with their younger brothers. I was thrilled with the cascades of laughter emanating throughout the house and so very appreciative of how far we have come. But upon reflection, what was most meaningful to me was the extraordinary bond between Adam and Noah. Their love for each other, their respect for each other and the genuine enjoyment they experience in each other's company brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful support system they have forged over the years. As a parent there is nothing more gratifying or rewarding."

Update from Dad

Bob Fell: "In his second week of Rehab, Noah is already swimming and it appears that he is regaining full use of his right leg. He now even enjoys running, having lost almost forty pounds! Noah is also doing eye exercises and will probably be fitted with new glasses. Words are starting to come back: Noah just picked up the phone and called me and was able to recite all the months of the year. Something he could not do with ease 2 days ago. The brain is truly a remarkable organ. We are seeing improvement every single day. Noah is emailing, calling friends and family, exercising and regaining strength and clarity of thought and word. Throughout, his disposition and determination are a joy to behold. Keep up your good thoughts and encouragement. This boy is going to 100% recover in record time.....GO NOAH........!"

Monday

Dad: "The Santa Barbara Rehabilitation Clinic is just absolutely outstanding. Noah had physical, speech and occupational therapy today. Each of the therapists were well-trained, highly professional, and sensitive to Noah's needs. They were also very communicative with us. Noah will be doing outpatient therapy 3 days a week.

The speech therapist emphasized how important rest and avoidance of over-stimulation is for Noah's recovery. We are going to add psychological counseling and neuro-optometry to Noah's increasingly full plate (thanks cousin Kenny for running interference with the hospitals and the insurance company. You are just the best). Ultimately, Noah will be getting "homework" as he begins to overcome aphasia. We are betting that with Noah's fantastic support group, he will "break the record" for recovery time. How thankful we are to all of you.

Please remember to call Lailan before planning any visits....."

Friday

Dad: "On Saturday another wonderful chapter begins in the "Noah Miracle." We will be driving Noah back to Santa Barbara in the morning!! We have been advised by the doctors that we must avoid "over stimulation" at all costs and that he will be fatigued by the long drive. Accordingly, please understand that we will be enforcing "visiting times" for Noah and limiting the amount of visitors at any given time. Please call Lailan before visiting. Noah is still without a good part of his skull. It is our hope that Noah will begin outpatient therapy in Santa Barbara next week. His safety and therapy are key to his recovery. This will not be an easy or simple process.

Having said that, how very far we have come and how very thankful we are for the support and love you have all shown. Irrespective of which faith or beliefs we prescribe to, we've come together and created an incredible support team for "the boy who deserved a shot." For this, our family is eternally grateful."

Monday Morning

Today marks my return to the real world (the office)... so updates may become a bit more sporadic. That said, I will still be seeing Noah every day, and will do my best to keep everyone in the loop.

The biggest and best news as far as I'm concerned is that yesterday Noah moved his right toes. Since Noah's surgery, Noah had been unable to move his right toes and barely able to move his right foot. Yesterday, after nearly 3 weeks, Noah regained movement in his toes -- something that had all of us concerned. His movement remains very limited, and he is only barely able to move them, but it's coming back!

As some of you may have noticed in my August 8th post, I shaved my head after Noah's head was shaved for his brain surgery. Apparently, however, I'm not the only one....





Noah's therapy continues -- as does his progress. Noah beat us multiple times playing Gin Rummy yesterday, he's taken a couple walks in the park (see below), and he continues to make us laugh with his undiminished sense of humor.





Noah with his therapist Shelby

We continue to appreciate the relentless support, love, and prayers that you all have given us. I cannot stop reminding myself what I would have given to be at this point 2 weeks ago... in a post sometime soon I will explain how far we've come, the odds that Noah beat, the countless miracles that occurred to keep Noah alive, and yet, how far we've still got to go. Love to you all.

Saturday

Dad: "Noah had a full day yesterday. He walked upstairs by himself (holding the railing) and came back down. He went outside for the first time in 2 1/2 weeks (on the patio). Noah also started on some incredible software programs on the computer. Bless those nerdy programmers.

Progress continues. We are encouraged but will not be satisfied until Noah is 110 percent. Our hearts and love go out to the "tribe" of Noah faithful. So far we have over 2500 distinct hits on Noah's website. I think we should start selling advertising."

Thursday

Noah just before his discharge from Western Medical and transfer to St. Jude's



St. Jude's Medical Center in Fullerton


St. Jude's is a very nice, modern facility -- and the therapy Noah is receiving is phenomenal. Every day he undergoes about 3 hours of therapy -- including occupational therapy, neuropsychology, medical social work, speech therapy, and physical therapy. His progress continues to astound everyone around him, albeit he has some serious work to do.

Noah is still unable to move his right toes, and has some numbness and pain in his right foot. As a result, we took an xray of his right leg, which came back healthy. The doctor believes this could mean one of two things -- nerve damage or a herniated disc -- but more likely the former. One of the doctors theorized that he did damage to his leg when he fell as a result of his rupture (16 days ago), but because we were so concerned about keeping Noah alive, we didn't catch the leg problem.

Noah got his stitches removed, and an updated CT Scan, which was compared with a scan taken a couple days ago back at Western Medical Center. Albeit this morning had us very scared because his swelling and pain seemed up, the doctor gave us very positive news tonight. Noah's swelling is down, and he appears to remain free from hydrocephalus -- let's pull for that trend to continue!

Noah still is missing a piece of his skull about the size of your hand that will have to be put back in (see below). We had heard that this might not happen for many months, but because Noah's swelling is down significantly, we might be able to put it back in sooner than anticipated -- of course Dr. Tabrizi will make that decision.


This is before Noah's stitches were removed.

This afternoon, the speech therapist had Noah write the names of his mother, father, and brother. To be honest, he had a very tough time with Mom and Dad, but when it got to me, he put the pen to the paper and wrote B-A-L-L-S, looked up at me and laughed.

I'm starting to suspect that Noah is enjoying himself. He refused to eat the hospital food tonight and had me go pick up a bunch of sushi, guilt-tripped my mother into about 2 hours of back-scratching, watched about 3 hours of television, and forced me and others to massage his un-toe-nail-clipped feet...while leveraging his inability to move his toes. Suspect.

goooooo NOAH!

Tuesday

The following story might be inappropriate, but like Noah, I've lost my filter after this 14-day emotional rollercoaster... so beware...

Two days ago, Noah was having a hard time urinating, and they had to administer a catheter. I've never seen Noah scream as loud in his entire life... he was shrieking like you cannot imagine. When it was over, the nurse told Noah that she'd give him 2 hours to urinate on his own, and if he couldn't, she'd have to do it again. About an hour into it, Noah said, "I have to pee," and asked to go to the bathroom....but he couldn't go. In a panic, Noah looked at me with utter desperation and said "Dude, please, teach me how to pee." Long story short, we figured it out. In any case, ever since this experience, Noah has taken the opportunity to tell everyone he meets (including 60-something-year-old female nurses) that he can pee... obviously as a means of making sure that nobody comes near him with a catheter. Anyways...

This morning, Noah called me on my cell phone at 6:30am and said, "Balls, where are you?" (Balls is an endearing, I think, nickname that Noah called me BEFORE his rupture...amazing how the things you want him to forget...). I showed up just in time to go to Noah's 7:30am CT Scan. On the way to the scan, Noah made friends with the guy pushing the gurney. One of the first things he tells the guy is, "Hey... I can pee." It took a little explaining...

But, back to my comment about Noah not having a filter... This morning, Noah's in the CT scan, and I'm outside the room because I can't go near the xray. So I guess the xray was operated by a female attendant... and I hear Noah yell from inside the scan, "Hey Balls, this girl is sooooo hot." Followed by an explosion of laughter from all of the male employees in the room... I never got to see if she actually was :)

Tomorrow morning, Noah will be transferred to St. Jude's to begin serious Neuro Rehab. We are so blessed to be at this point. It is a miracle. What we would have given 14 days ago to be where we're at. Noah continues to make progress, and I'll close with a couple more photos that say it all:



Noah and Dr. Tabrizi





"The Three of the Boys"

Monday

This is how today started...

Dad: "Noah, what day is it today?"

Noah: "I can't remember."

Dad: "Can you say Monday?"

Noah: "Mon..."

Dad: "Mun-Daay"

Noah: "Mun-dee?"

Dad: "Noah, when you can say all seven days of the week, I'll buy you the new Blackberry."

Noah: (looking at me): "Let's do this!"

(30 seconds later)

Noah: "Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Gimme my free ****!"

Noah's progress is staggering. He still has a long way to go, but it is truly remarkable and breathtaking to watch him re-boot from hour to hour. He has aphasia -- and is needing to re-learn everything from reading to large parts of vocabulary and named retrieval -- but he is improving noticeably every day. Most of his memory seems intact; but he has a very hard time expressing himself. As a result, he sometimes gets frustrated and, for now, we still need to limit the number and length of visits.

Although Noah can move his left toes with ease, he is having a very hard time moving his right toes -- that said, today he began physical therapy... and we are thrilled to share another photo that says it all:




Watching Noah taking his first steps again was unreal -- he was absolutely fearless.

It's looking like Noah could be transferred to St. Jude's Medical Center in Fullerton on Wednesday for rehabilitation services. This is obviously another enormous step forward.

Today, Vicky -- an ICU/ER nurse who was there when Noah first came in -- visited Noah and was in total disbelief. Like many other doctors and nurses, she believes Noah is a miracle. As my mother says, "there are no imperfect miracles" and we believe and pray that Noah will make a full recovery.

Words cannot describe our joy, gratitude, and love for all of you.

A Message from Noah

Noah Kawika Fell (while looking at the collages of photos made for him by his friends): "Wow, I have a lot of friends. Can you tell all of them I just want to say thank you so much and I love everybody."

End of Day Saturday

Despite the fact that my brother keeps calling me Louie (and sometimes thinks I work at the hospital), I'm getting the feeling he knows who I am. My father showed him a picture of me and him today, and asked him who I was... his response: "Some dork" -- as he proceeded to look at me and laugh at his own joke.

Noah was transferred out of the ICU to the Neuro DOU -- a HUGE step forward. Noah has his own room (thanks Dad! -- this took a little Bob Fell rhetoric); a window; a room with light; his own bathroom... and he's thrilled. He has been extremely anxious to leave the ICU -- confiding with my mother that he had seen too many bad things occur around him in the ICU and was ready to leave.

I can't describe my own joy in sharing this picture with everyone... notice Noah's thumb is up at the very bottom of the photo... and the sign on the top right that says "No Bone Flap on Left" (he still is missing a piece of his skull on the left side):




Photo credit: Lailan McGrath

GO NOAH!!!

A Special Thank You

Noah's medical team has been extraordinary; but we would be remiss if we did not give a special thank you to Dr. Peyman Tabrizi. He could have given up on Noah upon the advice of others who thought there was absolutely no chance. But he said, "This boy is 22 years old; let's give him a shot." There are no words to express our gratitude, so we'll simply say "thank you." WE LOVE YOU DR. TABRIZI! Noah will give you a kiss shortly!

Saturday Morning

12 days ago, when Noah arrived at the hospital, the emergency nurse who admitted him couldn't decide whether or not to write DOA ("Dead on Arrival") on my brother's chart. Late last night, Noah turned to me and said "Louie, I think I'm going to make it." And proceeded to ask me, Uzo (a male Nigerian sitter), and Angel (his gay Filipino male nurse) for a kiss.

Noah counted to ten yesterday; he told my parents that it was "weird to see them together" (ha!); he asked me to pound it (bump fists); he looked at a picture of a friend and said "he's the man;" he refused to go the bathroom until they brought a bedpan (yeah!); and he even tried to convince me that the doctor had told him while I was out of the room that he could leave the hospital... "Louie, let's get out of here!"

We've got a journey ahead of us, but Noah is a living, breathing, and now talking miracle. Go Louie, er Noah, Go!!!

Friday Morning

Yesterday turned out to be quite an eventful day. Noah is talking up a storm. He's having a tough time remembering things -- and he is having some trouble speaking. That said, when his mother walked into the room, he said "Mom! Where have you been!" and when his father walked into the room, he said "Dad, I love you." Of course when I walked into the room he said "Louie, unlock these!" (he's in restraints). And I had to say... "Noah, I'm your brother Adam." He didn't really understand that (he spent 6.5 hours calling me Louie), except for one moment when he got mad at me and said "Adam! Stop it!" (I proceeded to dance around the room with joy, but 3 minutes later he called me Louie again... and proceeded to for the next 5 hours). To give some context, Louie is Noah's close friend with whom Noah was playing video games the night before his rupture.

Noah continues to be extremely restless, having not slept a wink last night. He still cannot tell us what year this is nor hold up 2 fingers, but what amazing progress from where we were!

Everything is moving in the right direction -- we now need everyone's thoughts to push him to the next level. Let's hope that confusion gives way to clarity; clarity gives way to articulation. C'mon NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Noah is Speaking

Noah Fell just looked at me, his father, and his mother and said "I'm cold" and "I'm tired." It's an absolute miracle.He's still very, very out of it, and we are still not out of the woods -- but we can definitely see the light through the trees!!!

Thursday Morning

Day 9: Today brought more good news! Noah is obeying commands for the first time in his life!

We are still not out of the woods. We may have to install a cerebral shunt if Noah does not begin draining his excess cerebrospinal fluid and possibly a feeding tube because Noah is not digesting his food.

However, all signs are improving and for the first time, we are beginning to feel we are on the way to recovery. Bless you all for your thoughts, care, and positive energy that you have bestowed upon Noah.

Wednesday Evening

There isn't much more to report this evening. That said, tomorrow will be a very important day as Noah will be taken off of all sedatives (even the pentobarb is now more-or-less out of his system) so we can see if Noah will respond to commands and whether he can breathe on his own.Obviously, we're excited for tomorrow and appreciate your continued prayers as we head into such an important day. E Kawika malama pono!!!!!!!

Wednesday Morning

Day 9: Dad: "Morning brought the joy of Noah opening his eyes and the difficulties associated with his partial awakening. Noah had to be sedated and his arms restrained because he wants to take the tube out of his throat-- that boy can't stand to be annoyed! Noah is definitely on the road to recovery, and when he can take "commands," Noah will be allowed to breathe on his own and we will be well on our way.

We are not allowed to see him directly nor talk to him because he gets agitated. He has no idea how much we will agitate him later on!

Your love and support is working; keep it up! We continue to remain optimistic and so very thankful for the love expressed consistently throughout this difficult ordeal."

Tuesday Evening

Noah is moving. Mouth, throat, hands, legs, and even some eyes -- it's a miracle to watch. He is still very sedated, and he is not yet conscious; however, it is wonderful to watch him move. Noah's neurosurgeon is very encouraged by his numbers, and feels he has an 80% chance of remaining free from hydrocephalus. Noah also had an EEG scan this morning, but the results of that test remain to be seen. The brain catheter that monitored his ICP has been removed because they are comfortable that his ICP is stable. Noah's fever and diarrhea seem to be more under control, but we still await the results of the stool culture we took this morning-- just to be safe. One thing we learned this morning from the doctor is that until Noah's level of pentobarbital is below an index of 10, we shouldn't expect much conscious activity. 2 days ago, Noah's level was at 43. Yesterday it was at 31. We won't know what level it was at today until tomorrow morning. Again, we cannot express our graditude for all of the wonderful gifts, thoughts, prayers, positivity, assistance, supportive phone calls, and visits. We are looking forward to tomorrow.

Tuesday Morning

Day 8: Noah's temperature elevated somewhat last night, but they have sucessfully brought it back down. He is now shivering again, which shows an automatic reflex (a good thing).Noah still has elevated levels of pentobarbital in his system, so his emergence from sleep will take longer than today. We're all so terribly appreciative of your thoughts, positivity, and prayers; we are all fighting together to hold him in the light. E Kawika, makaukau 'oe, e ala e!

End of Day, Monday

We continue to make progress. Noah got the shivers this afternoon (something we were told might happen) and he has coughed about half-a-dozen times now. The doctor decided against a tracheotemy (sp?) as he hopes Noah will be able to breathe on his own. Noah remains on no sedatives, and we expect more movement tomorrow. That said, Noah's blood test this morning still showed very high levels of pentobarbitol in his system, so the process of waking up will continue to be very slow and gradual. We pray for clarity and the opportunity to tell Noah how much we love him-- no matter what the next couple of days brings. C'mon Noah - c'mon!!!!

Monday Morning

Noah coughed at 3:06am last night. How thankful one gets for small steps in the right direction. He has had a lot of sedative in his system and we will have to wait for the next 15 - 24 hours to see any movement- which will be very minimal at first.

We remain hopeful and optimistic and we know your thoughts and prayers are working.

Mid-day Sunday

Today came with more positive news-- unlike yesterday, Noah is beginning to digest his food, and they have begun feeding him again. They have taken him off of all sedatives for the time being so they can look for some movement. That said, the nurses have been clear that it can take some time before the pentobarbitol leaves the system (we've heard anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, or more).Noah seems to have the pnemonia and other respiratory complications relatively under control--and we hope that will remain stable. There are a lot of things to be grateful for, and we now begin a very important new stage in this process as we wait for Noah to wake up. Let's go Nooooooooaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!

Saturday End of Day

All news remained relatively positive through to the end of the day today. Noah has been taken off of the original heavy sedative (pentabarbitol)-- and we are beginning the slow process of waking him up-- which could be a couple days or many days--depending on how things go over the course of the upcoming days. C'mon Noah!!!

12:30pm, Saturday

Mom gets a chance to rub Noah's feet. Photo credit: Bob Fell





This morning came with more encouraging news. Noah's ICP (brain pressure) levels are considerably lower (which is desirable), and all of his other vital signs seem to be stable--considering. Furthermore, his oxygen saturation remains close to 100%, despite the fact that they've lowered the 02 concentration he is breathing from 90% to 45%. This is all very good news. Lastly, we met with the Neurologist today, who is encouraged by the CT scans and who remains hopeful that if we can rebuild Noah's health to a point where we can wake him up, that damage might be less than originally thought. We remain very hopeful. Lastly, we learned that Noah has been taken off of pentobarbital anesthetic and has been put on propofol as a prelude to hopefully waking him up and taking him off the ventilator -- another step in the right direction. We also seem to be making progress on his pnemonia and the secretions from his lungs are less in volume and viscosity. The Pulmonologist also decided that he did not need another bronchoscopy today. Noah's doctor is very clear that we are not yet out of the woods; however, we are encouraged by Noah's progress. Thank you all again for your love and support; it is clearly helping Noah.

July 31

Today marks 72 hours since the completion of Noah's surgery. He remains in an drug induced-coma and state of paralysis to give his brain a chance to heal. We had been told and were prepared that this general period of time might be the peak of the swelling resulting from the trauma. Yesterday we learned from Noah's angiogram that the AVM was completely removed and there was no residual bleeding. We came in this morning (Friday) to find that his brain swelling had increased some but his ICP (intracranial pressure) seems stable. He continues to fight the pnemonia in his lungs but a second bronchoscopy we authorized today extracted less mucus today than yesterday. Overall he's medically stable at this point considering the extent of his illness and the bottom line is that we remain hopeful that we can get Noah's health to a point where we can wake him up and assess where we are at. Go Noah go!