THE HOSPITAL: days 1-8
DAY 1 - 3/27
Garrett was snowboarding Saturday (March 27th) and crashed into two trees. The first tree was hit at high speed. This impacted his left shoulder (crushing everything the tree hit). He then bounced off that tree and hit his head on the second tree (fortunately his wife had insisted that he begin to wear a helmet). He was air lifted to the hospital in Kalispell. He was in surgery for seven hours. He broke his back, but thankfully he didn't sever his spinal cord, broke three ribs, 12 back fractures (this still needs to be confirmed), and smashed the arm/shoulder/collar bone.
In the process there was a compound fracture that may have been the culprit that tore through the artery that runs down his arm. He also destroyed the spleen, which caused massive internal bleeding. One final thing is that the tree impact smashed the nerve bundle in the shoulder.
Upon arrival at the hospital a trauma team was assembled to work on the injuries. His spleen was removed, the blood flow was stanched and a lot of the time in surgery was dedicated to saving his arm. His shoulder was crushed, there was little blood flow to his arm and he has severe nerve damage in his arm.
A.L.E.R.T. Helicopter rescuing Garrett on Blacktail Mountain
He spent the night sedated and on a ventilator.
DAY 2 - 3/28
The ventilator was removed and Garrett was breathing on his own. The day was spent stabilizing Garrett so they could go to step two.
Garrett’s parents and siblings arrived today, which was a huge encouragement.
Garrett’s parents and siblings arrived today, which was a huge encouragement.
Garrett's parents visit Garrett in the ICU
Isaiah visits Garrett in the ICU
DAY 3 - 3/29
During the initial operation, the Doctors had to splay open the arm in four lengthwise cuts. This helped the blood starved muscles swell as the doctors turned the blood back on. Now the swelling has subsided and the deep cut needs to be cleansed and stitched back together. This must be done over a period of days and operations. Today (3/29/10) is the first of the operations.
Garrett is now out of surgery, which went better than expected, as they were able to close up the entire arm. So this will mean no more surgeries of this type. They replaced the drain tube in his side/chest cavity. The concern of the doctor is now that infection does not develop. This is a very real and dangerous prospect.
Also, one of the nerves was found up in the shoulder and pulled down to the elbow, where it was tagged for possible further use (specialists will have to assess if this is possible).
Garrett was moved out of ICU and on to the main floor. This is the beginning road to recovery. They will have him working on pneumonia issues, walking, nausea, eating, drinking and such things.
Late in the evening Sarah brought Isaiah (their 10 week old son) to the hospital. This was very uplifting for Garrett, and Sarah.
DAY 4 - 3/30
Garrett begins recovery and stabilization. Garrett will be put on his feet and given a little food. More poking and prodding by the doctors. They moved Garrett into a chair in the morning, but so far he has been unable to walk. Foodwise, he has been eating popsicles. He can't eat solid food until he...well we won't go into that. Just pray that he can eat soon, as he is getting hungry (no solid foods since Saturday morning).
Garrett has completed the unmentionable task and was given some Jello as a reward.
(from Nell @ 5:30p.m.) Just left with Isaiah visiting Garrett. He's sharing about the Lord with all the aides and nurses. He keeps an upbeat attitude and is a favorite patient among the staff there on the med/surg floor. Garrett has an amazing strength of faith, with the knowledge of a hard road before him and Sarah, he has a deeper knowledge that God's design for his life is one to be embraced with gratitude.
The day ended late with Sarah attempting to come home from the hospital in a white out on the highway. She made it to the edge of Kalispell and called home in tears. She is home now and ready for much needed rest from the trials of the day.
What Garrett needs specific prayer for are the nerves in the arm, since the crash with the tree smashed the bundle of nerves running down the arm. Doctors can do little about this, but God can. So pray against infection and for the nerves in the left arm.
DAY 5- 3/31
A NEED that the Morrison’s will have very soon is a lazy boy type recliner (this has been graciously provided for...thank you for all the offers).
Sarah has marched back to the hospital, through a new layer of snow, for day 5. She was able to get several hours of sleep, though today looks like it will be another long one. Isaiah is doing well and is currently asleep. We will spend some time with Garrett's family this morning, and that will give Sarah some private time with Garrett. We heard that Garrett was having breakfast (liquids still) this morning. One thing he really needs strength for is walking. He really can't leave the hospital without being able to walk. All the broken bones/ribs make this a painful experience. Pray that he is able to get up and walk.
Garrett ate a sandwich for dinner this evening. During my visit he showed me his back, on which is the most awful bruise I recall ever seeing. No wonder his back is messed up (though I suspect much of the "bruise" is pooled blood from the internal bleeding).
Garrett is improving. The day brought the removal of all the tubes/hoses from the right arm (they now have been rolled into one that goes directly to the heart. His drain tube under the left side of his chest is removed. So only two tubes remain. If he can walk to the toilet then they will remove one of the two remaining tubes. Still, infection is an ever-present danger. The staff is hoping to put him on pain pills instead of the medication that is going directly into his body. We are getting close, so please continue to pray for these improvements.
Garrett is improving. The day brought the removal of all the tubes/hoses from the right arm (they now have been rolled into one that goes directly to the heart. His drain tube under the left side of his chest is removed. So only two tubes remain. If he can walk to the toilet then they will remove one of the two remaining tubes. Still, infection is an ever-present danger. The staff is hoping to put him on pain pills instead of the medication that is going directly into his body. We are getting close, so please continue to pray for these improvements.
DAY 6 - 4/1
GOOD NEWS!!! April 1, 2010 (And not a joke!) - Garrett is scheduled to be released from the hospital on Saturday...assuming all continues to go well. Catheter tube was removed, so Garrett will now have some mobility. He continues to gather strength. Also, Garrett's friend Nate has come from Washington to be an encouragement (arrived yesterday evening).
I went to see Garrett at about 17:30 and found him standing outside his room talking to some friends. He was able to make a couple of laps around the upper floor of the hospital. The one major hurdle remains. Let's call it "the prayer of Ehud" (you have heard of the Pray of Jabez...this is a little more earthy). Prayer that heaven and earth MOVE on this one.
Garrett told me that he is having more and more pain as the days progress. A lot of this has to do with the doctors weaning him of pain medication. The is allow the pain to come in and headaches as he detoxes. He is feeling the broken and fractured bones now.
One last thing for the night: Many of you have been praying for Garrett and we have seen God do a great work. I think it would be appropriate to thank Him for His loving-kindness to the Morrison family.
DAY 7 - 4/2 (Good Friday)
Garrett is healing up, but his pain is beginning to grow. Sarah is off to the hospital early this morning, after coming home after mid-night last night. We are coming down to the last lap on the "emergency" portion of this struggle. An MRI is planned for the day. I will update when I get some more information. Today is a day to reflect upon the sacrificial death of Jesus. This puts it all into perspective.
I (Nell) just returned from the hospital with Isaiah. We have taken him there each day to see his daddy. He loves to hear Garrett's deep and booming voice. He is always so happy in the hospital room... and such a big bed to sit in!
Garrett got his big cast like wrapping taken off of his arm today and an ace wrap put on it. The staples run from his neckline down to beside his thumb as they opened the arm to search for the nerves and allow room for swelling muscles. His shoulder was shattered by the first tree he hit, so the sling that holds his arm in place can get a little irritating as it puts pressure in the scapula. His whole left half of his body is starting to turn from a deep purple to a lovely yellow, which is part of the healing process. But... no bones were broken in the arm itself. Most of the impact was in the shoulder area.
He's trying to figure out how he can get to work next week, but with fractures in his back, one arm and broken ribs he's thinking that bike riding is out.
Today we cut his hair and he shaved and showered...so I think he probably feels a bit better. Please continue to pray for his pain level to subside.
Sarah is very tired, but is hanging in there. Isaiah will continue to stay with us at night and some of the days until Sarah and Garrett get their routine down. After Garrett recovers they will begin their search and correspondence with the three doctors in the USA that specialize in reconstruction of nerves. Garrett's injury is quite unusual (the pulling of nerves until they snap and coil) so they will be beginning a new chapter in a month or so.
DAY 8 - 4/3 (By Nell & Steve)
Garrett came home this afternoon!!! To think he was in the hospital only 7 full days is really due to Gods work, both supernaturally and through the hands of the doctors. Thank you once again for your prayers and concerns.
In some ways the decisions and work that need to be done is just beginning. Phase one is complete...getting Garrett back into a safe physical condition. Phase two will be the future works to make use of Garrett's left arm. Please continue to pray for him in this area.
By: Sarah
HOME ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY:
By: Garrett
I sat watching Isaiah this evening, propped up on the couch, figuring out how to move everything, kicking and drooling...and trying to sit up, and after a few minutes observing I looked at him and said, "SON, YOUR DADDY KNOWS HOW YOU FEEL"...propped up on the couch, figuring out how to move everything, kicking and drooling (at least a little), and trying to sit up." :)
But seriously, in many ways these last few days have been marked by much of the above. We've been busy adjusting to life, so posting was put to the back burner, but i'm excited to share with all of you, all 815 of you (WOW!!!), my perspective on the last five days. There is quite a bit to read, 4 full days of entries, but if you make it through, you should get a glimpse of my perspective, my joy, my pain, and God's grace for me to persevere. So take five mins, and learn about "The last five days of the rest of my life." Man, it's good to say that.
Oh, And yes, I'm typing with one hand :) Seriously.
DAY 8 - 4/3
(Nell & Steve posted on this day as well, that post is a few paragraphs above)
We got home the day before Easter. I kept telling the nurses, "I'm going home for Easter" and they'd just smile. It was a big goal to shoot for, but God's grace and we drove out of that hospital parking lot exactly 7 days TO THE MINUTE after I went into surgery the weekend before. 2:15PM. That was God.
Sat night was a little celebration of my coming home. I asked to have it. It was much less a celebration of ME, and so much more a celebration of God's incredible victory over death. For He has done GREAT things. He spared my life.
The first night was marked with some pain :( The nerves continue to fire, and despite their severed status in my shoulder, the pain continues to be felt in my whole arm and hand. The only way I can describe it, is like when your leg or arm is asleep, and it starts to wake up, that point where you feel stars tingling ALL OVER and it HURTS and you hold really still and try not to move until it's finished...it's like that, but more intense. "Phantom pain" it's called, is pretty weird.
Unfortunately, the nurse copied the dr.'s orders incorrectly, onto my hospital discharge sheet, "600mg daily" instead of "600mg 4X daily". This wasn't discovered until 9pm, already 2 doses behind, and the neuro pain was INTENSE to say the least. But after a catch up dose and 20 mins, I finally stopped yelling and fell asleep. During the struggle, I told Sarah to just "ignore me", so she started doing some housework :) She's been amazing through all this.
DAY 9 - 4/4
Nell and Steve captured this well in their post. Today I went to church, and was "so inspired by the sermon and friends". She didn't mention I was a bucket of tears, and the elders brought me my own box of kleenex. I held it together until "Wonderful, Merciful Savior", when in the chorus we sang:
"You are the One that we praise.
You are the One we adore.
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for.
Oh, our hearts always hunger for."
I lost it, and thereafter piled a mountain of tissue on the pew bench next to me. Making it to church on Easter was not my goal achieved, but God's. Everyone knew it. Whether they came up to me, or just passed by and smiled, I knew that they knew: this was HIS victory.
Came home encouraged, and exhausted, slept the rest of the day, in my "cool 'grandma chair'" … with the motorized footrest up.
DAY 10 - 4/5
I felt really good this morning, slept 8 hrs! Had a big bowl full of fiber cereal to help things MOVE along :) Percocet and iron pills are my enemy regarding this matter. But all in all okay.
Worked on stretching muscles out, and buttoning my pants one-handed. An old friend from my SBS 3.5 years ago happened to be in town. He came over tonight, and we had an amazing time. He said he was so encouraged by everything, especially God's incredible faithfulness. And that's what I want, you know, I want people's lives to be changed through this. The cost of my arm has already been bought back 10 fold, by my future bro in law coming to the Lord in the hospital, and by the numerous people already changed. That makes this "arm load" a whole lot lighter. Praise you Jesus!
DAY 11 - 4/6
Got staples out today!!! 23 in my stomach from the splenechtomy, and 29 in my upper left chest, above the pec, due to the vascular reconstruction in my shoulder from the ruptured artery which feeds my arm. 52 staples out this go around. Sarah said that's a lot. Just wait till the arm gets pulled next Mon.
I had three Dr.'s operating on me in the O.R. This visit was with the trauma Dr, Robin Harrison. She said things look wonderful, and since I was her last patient, we stayed 1.5hrs and talked about missions, as she is interested in the "Doctors Without Boarders" program. Truly an amazing woman.
Pain is moderate today. The neuro pain is intermittent, and Dr. Harrison said this is very normal, however not much to do if the meds I'm on aren't working, as neuro ... anything pretty much, is still considered new medicine, and is rather uncharted waters. We pray.
After the appt, we made our loop around Target and Costco where we bought those water bottles with the push button to open, which makes it easy for me to use. Also got a new showerhead with a hose to make showering easier. I absolutely love Costco. :)
Today I took a shower, and by God's grace giving me creativity and patience, managed to do all of the washing myself. I also got myself completely ready, very excited about that. Even did my hair. What a great day!
DAY 12 - 4/7
Best day so far pain-wise. Woke up with energy. My friend, Nico, came over to sit with me for a couple hours while Sarah went to her Bible-study. I appreciate him a lot. He's the one who set up this page as well.
After lunch I rested a bit then headed over to my office in the I.T. dept...NOT to work mind you, only to "visit".
It's funny I came back to a computer on my desk telling me, "Insert disc 3 of 3". See Friday before my accident, I put in disc 2 and went home. All this time, this computer has been sitting here waiting. I smiled when I thought of how drastically life had changed since I put in disc 2.
"Insert disc 3 of 3" ...I can still do THAT, I thought. I smiled, and slipped in the last disc. The computer wound up, and spun away, as if there had been no delay. A smile found its way on my face. I sat there humbled, thinking, life changes so fast. I almost didn't make it back, to insert disc 3.
I spent the rest of the afternoon in my office, talking to people, helping people out, and being helped by people in ways they don't even know. To share life with others is so priceless.
Dinner was steak; someone brought a meal over tonight. So good. I'm glad to be alive today.
A GOD STORY!!!
By Garrett:
Last Tues in the hospital, I met with the financial aid office (rather they met with me since i was in bed), and we discussed paying for my upwards of $200,000 in hospital bills. Disability, Medicaid, and hospital charity case, were all options mentioned. Although difficult to qualify, we felt medicaid was our best option as it is full insurance coverage. I signed the application papers, and handed them over in prayer and faith.
2 hours later, I got a call from the aid. "Are you sitting down?" She asked. "Medicaid has accepted you for March and April. ALL your hospital bills are covered! Have a great day!" I was in tears.
God in His mercy has paid the way. Now, coverage is only through the end of this month, and there will be many expenses down the road with further surgeries, meds, ect. So we have still created a medical savings fund for this, and your prayerful donations are so appreciated. HOWEVER, this is one monstrous debt, that's already paid! Praise God and rejoice, for He is GOOD!!!
DAY 13 - 4/8
We took Garrett’s snowboarding jacket out to look at it today. I hadn’t taken it out of the bag that the ER nurse had given me yet. They had warned me of the amount of blood that was on the jacket, but I wasn’t prepared for it. His blood was still soaking the hood. I thought it would have dried by now, but it was still very wet and coagulated. It looked like someone had spilled a jar of strawberry jelly in his hood. A bit gross to describe and I apologize, but it just hit me a little more that I almost lost him... we almost lost him. There have been many moments this past week when Garrett and I are doing everyday stuff (like at the store, watching HGTV together, playing with Isaiah, etc.) and we just look at each other and say, “Wow... we almost never did this together again.” I can’t imagine what that life would have been like, but the realization of it makes life feel a bit more real and moments seem more precious. I hope we never lose this outlook on life.
DAY 14 - 4/9
We had an appointment with Dr. Fortenberry, the vascular surgeon, today. In Garrett’s first surgery, Dr. Fortenberry restored the blood flow to Garrett’s arm by repairing his torn artery and closing off a number of veins that had also been torn. We found out that Garrett actually had about 15 veins (as far as I could see in the x-ray... it could have been more though) that were torn, which was another reason why he lost so much blood so quickly. Dr. Fortenberry is the doctor that saved Garrett’s arm from having to be amputated. At the appointment, he did a Doppler ultrasound on Garrett’s veins and we were happy to hear that his blood flow is still good... the arm (which Garrett now calls “Larry”) is alive and doing well!
DAY 15 - 4/10
Garrett spent most of today with friends... it was very good to see. I think it distracts him a bit from the pain. It has been really bad these past few days. A lot of the pain is due to the muscles and nerves. I believe that he has a pretty high pain tolerance, but there are times when he sits and just yells because it’s so bad. Please pray for his pain to subside...
DAY 16 - 4/11
My mom washed the snowboard jacket today and it took four washes (including a wash with oxy-clean)! The jacket had been cut all along both arms so it’s not savable. Garrett is very sad. :(
Praise! I was taking Garrett’s bandages off his arm the other day and I wasn’t being very gentle (after all, he can’t feel it, right?), when all of a sudden, he yelled, “Ahhhhh! What are you doing?!” We looked at each other and realized that he felt something! While it’s still not very much or very far down past his shoulder, it is something new and we will rejoice and praise God for every little bit of feeling that returns back to his arm. Please join with us in praising the Lord for these small victories!
DAY 17 - 4/12
Today, Garrett had an appointment with Dr. Blasingame, the orthopedic surgeon. He had the rest of his staples and stitches taken out of his arm. We counted 130 in his arm, which makes it about 200 staples/stitches taken out in total (this includes the ones in his arm, abdomen, shoulder and leg)! They took another x-ray of Garrett’s shoulder and we were finally able to see some of the damage that is causing the pain that Garrett has been experiencing. Wow! Pretty amazing! His shoulder was torn apart! Dr. Blasingame will be the doctor that we will be working with for the next few months and he will be monitoring Garrett’s progress as well as referring him to a specialist. We left this appointment very encouraged. Praise the Lord for such good doctors!
Scars from his faciatomy (above & below)
Scar from his spleenectomy (above)
Scar from surgery to repair his clavicle, artery, & shoulder
What is next? Good question. We don’t exactly know... the doctor’s don’t even really know. We will wait three or four months to see how Garrett’s arm is doing. There’s still possibility that some feeling could be restored simply by waiting, so that is the first step, as well as his shoulder having to heal. Meanwhile, we will be contacting a Neurological Surgeon in St. Louis who specializes in the area of nerve reconstruction. If she is willing to take Garrett as a patient we will probably start corresponding with her and preparing to be in St. Louis for the duration of the surgeries. We are not completely sure as to the timeframe of these surgeries. We do feel encouraged that so many advances are currently being made in this field. Please pray that we will be able to receive care from this doctor in St. Louis.
May 6, 2010
Hello friends and family!
Garrett had an appointment with Dr. Blasingame, the Orthopedic Surgeon, today, and he said that everything was looking really good and Garrett is healing well. He also told us that it is about time to start looking at specialists to work on his nerves... which we have already been researching! In the next week, Dr. Blasingame will be sending all of Garrett's medical records as well as a referral to Dr. Susan MacKinnon, a surgeon in St. Louis. Dr. MacKinnon specializes in nerve transplantation, peripheral nerve surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery. At the bottom of this e-mail, I have included a web address to an article written in April of 2006 in US News about Dr. MacKinnon. We have had a strong feeling about Dr. MacKinnon since hearing of what she has done and is doing in nerve reconstruction and we are excited to see what God is going to do! We are praying that she will agree to take Garrett as one of her patients. Please be praying with us!
Thank you so much for your continued prayers!
~Sarah (and Garrett & Isaiah)
US News article address:
May 16, 2010
Hello!
This update has been a long time coming and we apologize for that. We have been blessed by those who have continued to write on Garrett's wall and for all of you that continue to pray! We've had a lot on our plates in the last month, but I will just share some of the big things that have happened.
On April 15th God brought a wonderful woman into our lives. Diane Miklos is a hand therapy and lymphedema specialist. She has been working with Garrett's arm and shoulder two to three times a week, and is teaching us how to do physical therapy at home. The swelling in Garrett's arm has gone down significantly, his scars are healing and he is regaining strength in his shoulder. (I have posted some photos of his arm so that you can see his improvement.) Just this past week he was given a machine that we can use at home that stimulates the muscles in his shoulder so that they contract… it’s basically a workout for his muscles without having to lift. And although it makes him sore, he is already seeing some improvement how his shoulder feels. Garrett has also recovered about an inch and a half of feeling in his arm (on his shoulder) since leaving the hospital. We are very encouraged and thankful for this!
A couple weeks ago, Garrett received a phone call from a man who is doing a small documentary for the hospital on their trauma center. He had heard of Garrett's injury at the recent surgeon convention here in Kalispell and he wanted to interview Garrett for this documentary. The following day, Garrett went to the hospital, sat down in front of a camera and told his story. A couple days later, Garrett received a call from a reporter from "The Daily Inter Lake", our local newspaper, who wanted to include his story in her report of the hospital's trauma center. The article was on the front page of this Sunday's paper along with a picture of Garrett that was taken in the hospital. If you would like to read the article, here's the link:
Today, Garrett played the djembe (hand drum) on the worship team at church. He did an awesome job and many people commented on how they would have had no idea that he was only playing with one hand had they not known about the accident. We both felt like it was another victory that God is claiming in our lives. It was a very good day. :)
Prayer requests:
-Garrett has been cutting down on his medication, but he still struggles with pain. Please be praying that his pain would be controlled and that he can soon be fully off his medication.
-We are still waiting to hear from the doctor in St. Louis, so please pray for favor as she looks over Garrett's medical information.
Thanks for reading and for your continued prayers... we love you all!
June 14, 2010
Hello! We are back home in Montana! Here's an update as well as I know how to write it. Please send me a message if you have any further questions and I will do my best to answer them! :)
Well, as you've probably guessed, Garrett didn't have surgery. Dr. MacKinnon wants to wait another six weeks to see if he will gain any further return of muscle function. If he does, the surgery will be less involved. As it stands right now, Garrett has gained only the function of a lower muscle in his shoulder blade. While this is good news (in that this is the first muscle that is supposed to return in an injury like Garrett's), Dr. MacKinnon still would like to see his bicep and triceps return first. Why? These muscles are prime nerve donors that would be used to restore the function in Garrett's forearm. If the bicep and triceps do not return before the surgery, Dr. MacKinnon will have to use Garrett's peck as a nerve donor for both the upper and lower arm. What is a nerve donor? A nerve donor is a muscle has multiple nerves that can be moved and attached to other muscles that have lost function. The brain then relearns to use that moved nerve to control that muscle. So, her plan is to use Garrett's own nerves that work, to restore the ones that don't. Its quite incredible!
Garrett will be having surgery on July 27th. We will be there for a full week and then return to Montana for the recovery.
We do have some prayer requests:
1. Pray that function will return to Garrett's bicep and triceps.
2. Our next trip to St. Louis. We again are in need of finances for airfare and other expenses while there.
3. Wisdom for Dr. MacKinnon and the other surgeons as they prepare for the surgery.
4. While Dr. MacKinnon is confident of Garrett getting his forearm back after surgery, she is very concerned as to whether or not he will get any function in his hand back. We need a miracle… and we serve a God who is able to heal. Please pray for hand function to return!
Again, we are so blessed by all of you and all your prayers. We serve a mighty God! I pray that through all this, you too are deeply touched by the faithfulness of God in all circumstances. Our God is so good!
Just a note: We had a good time in St. Louis as a family. We were blessed to stay with some wonderful family friends (they also helped out a lot with babysitting Isaiah during our appointments with Dr. MacKinnon)! We also had the opportunity to take Isaiah on his first zoo trip! :)
Just a note: We had a good time in St. Louis as a family. We were blessed to stay with some wonderful family friends (they also helped out a lot with babysitting Isaiah during our appointments with Dr. MacKinnon)! We also had the opportunity to take Isaiah on his first zoo trip! :)
July 24, 2010
Dear friends, family, friends of our family, family of our friends, and all of you whom we don't know but have been faithfully praying for us,
Today(Saturday) we leave for the long awaited trip to St. Louis! For those who are asking or are just curious, here is our schedule for this coming week:
Monday (26th) - Garrett goes in for a full day of pre-op appointments and testing.
Tuesday (27th) - Garrett's surgery. We don't know how long his surgery will last, but we do know that the doctor reserved the OR (operating room) for the entire day for his surgery. Garrett will stay the night in the hospital.
Wednesday (28th) - Garrett is discharged from the hospital. (Yes, they told us that he will only spend one night in the hospital!)
Thursday (29th) - Garrett goes back for his post-op appointment and his arm & hand therapy.
Friday (30th) - Garrett may have a few more appointments at the hospital, but we're not sure yet. We return to Montana in the evening!
As of yet, we do not have specific details of the surgery. I will post updates on the "Praying for Garrett Morrison" facebook page throughout the week, so check the info tab on his page for more details.
We again wanted to thank you all for praying and coming alongside us these past four months. Garrett's surgery day (July 27th) will mark exactly four months since his accident and we have so much to be grateful for. We have seen God do amazing things!
In our last update (in mid June) we mentioned needing finances and airfare for this trip to St. Louis and since then we have seen over a $1,000 come in, as well as 80,000 air miles given to us from a close family friend (this paid for two round trip tickets!). We have seen God provide in abundance! Thank you to all of you who have sent money. What a testimony and blessing!
Many of you have asked for a list of current prayer requests, so here are a few:
1. Garrett's surgery. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors (unfortunately, Garrett hasn't gotten any more feeling or function back in his arm since mid June, so the surgery will be much more involved) and peace for Garrett and the family as he goes into surgery.
2. Garrett's recovery. Please pray for a quick recovery. Garrett has done a great job getting his medication to a minimum, so it would be wonderful if he did not have to go back to taking the heavy doses that he took after his accident. Please pray for his pain levels to not be as severe as they have been and for his nerve pain to completely go away (he still has pretty bad nerve pain every day).
3. Isaiah is coming too! Although he is pretty flexible, he is still a 6 month old! Please pray that he will travel well, adapt to the change, and sleep through the night! :)
Thank you again for praying! If you would like to send Garrett a word of encouragement or prayer throughout the week, you can either post it on the "praying for Garrett Morrison" facebook page, OR send it as a message to me (or reply to this update). I know that your encouragement would mean a lot to him right now. :) Thank you so much! We love you all!
In His loving grace,
Sarah
July 28, 2010 - POST-SURGERY UPDATE!
Thanks for all your prayers, I am sitting in our hotel room, I was released this morning. Just minutes after I sent the prayer request Tuesday morning, I was wheeled into the OR, and surgery began. It lasted 6.5 hours! Everything went great, it was long but that was expected.
They were able to find the two nerves with ease, and move one and graft another. The Doctor said in spite of all the damage and few good nerves to use, it "couldn't have been easier, it was a piece of cake". I spent the night in the hospital, and got out this morning. We have a follow-up tomorrow, and fly home Friday.
I am doing well. I was able to get up shortly after surgery and walk around, I did have a breathing tube during the op, so my throat is pretty sore. One of the incisions was on the left of my neck, where the nerves come off the spine, so I'm all taped up and can't move my head very easily, but that should change tomorrow when bandages come off. I also lost feeling on parts of the neck, up to my ear, but this is common due to the nerve being moved around during the graft. It should, however, come back as the nerves re-grow themselves an inch a month, so within one or two mths I should get the neck sensation back.
At that rate however, it will take 12 to 18 months for any feeling / movement to return to my shoulder (rotator cuff) and eventually elbow flexion, and up to three years for the max amount to return. But trust me, I am willing to wait. The thought of being able to move my shoulder and elbow EVER AGAIN, is worth any amount of waiting, and it's thrilling to think about what that might feel like, as I began to regain small amounts of feeling, then slowly, it begins to respond and move....wow. Pretty exciting.
The hand is in His hands, no news or thoughts of restoration from this surgery at least, but perhaps more down the road. We just take this a step at a time, as He leads, and if God wills restoration on this side of heaven, that is another miracle He will surely unfold. But for now we rejoice in this step, and rest in His goodness and unfailing grace, to walk out this long process with unfaltering faith.
God is bigger you guys. Thanks for all your prayers, and please continue to lift this up, and express thanks as He has done great things! Also, thank you so much for all the encouraging words and comments. Its amazing to hear how God is redeeming this situation over and over, and using it to glorify Himself.
Bless you!
~Garrett
September 21, 2010
Garrett wrote the previous update the day after his surgery in St. Louis. The following day, we went back to the hospital for Garrett’s post-op appointments. We were very encouraged. I’ve had it on my heart to write another update for a while, so sorry that only now I have sat down to write it.
As Garrett wrote earlier, Dr. MacKinnon was thrilled with the success of the surgery. What a huge blessing! While we were met on Monday (day before the surgery) with the sobering news that this is going to be a LONG process with many surgeries in the future, we were met with just as much hope at this next appointment (two days after surgery). Dr. MacKinnon is willing to work with us as much as we need until we see his arm progress. Knowing that she is with us for the long haul is really encouraging. She isn’t giving up and I believe that helps us not want to give up. Also, Garrett asked her point-blank if we needed to start looking into prosthetic hands. Her answer was a confident, “No! That would be foolish!” We were very encouraged by that answer! Dr. MacKinnon said that ten years ago she would have never dreamed or imagined the things that they… that SHE… is doing with nerve reconstruction. She strongly believes that although they might not have anything they can do for Garrett’s hand right now, it will change, and she is committed to helping us when that day comes.
As for right now, we are waiting and simply continuing to live life. Garrett is back to working full time and doing things around the house & garage (preparing for the long winters in Montana). This past week he has surprised me with the amount of work that he has done on our car… by himself! ☺ (Yeah, I’m not much help in that department) I am so proud of him. We are still seeing God pour out grace and, as Garrett would say, His ‘gift of creativity’ to do things with one arm. We appreciate all of you who continue to write and let us know that you are praying. Please keep praying! We also thank all our friends and family who have come over to mow, help lift large items, cut firewood, etc. It’s been almost six months since Garrett’s accident, and we still feel like we are supported by so many and not walking through this alone. We are deeply touched by your friendship and sacrifice. Thank you!
I’ve included the video that was made by the hospital that Garrett was in after his accident. Kalispell Regional Medical Center just recently acquired a level 3 certification for their Trauma Center and they used Garrett’s story as a promo. If you are not clear as to the severity of Garrett’s accident, this video will give you more specific details as Garrett’s story is also told from the perspective of the head Trauma doctor that initially assessed him in the ER and assisted during his first operation. We have always prayed that God would use this accident in our community and we feel that this is simply one way that we can give back to the hospital. There is also a possibility that Garrett will be speaking at the First Alert Helicopter Fundraiser Banquet this next year. Please be praying that many opportunities will come in which we can pour back into our community.
I will leave you with a quote that my Aunt posted on this page right before Garrett went into surgery in St. Louis. I believe that this is what we are all called to… especially in hard times. I pray that this blesses you and encourages you like has for me.
"If I can stay in the middle of turmoil calm and unperplexed, that is the end of the purpose of God. God is not working towards a particular finish; His end is the process -- that I see Him walking on the waves, no shore in sight, no success, no goal, just the absolute certainty that it is all right because I see Him walking on the sea. It is the process, not the end, which is glorifying to God." -- Oswald Chambers
March 15, 2011
Almost a year since the accident and we have some great things to report!
First, we will start with improvements in Garrett's arm. Yes, there are improvements… multiple improvements!
In November, Garrett's physical therapist, Diane, referred him to another PT whom she felt would be able to help him in ways that she could not. We are so thankful for Diane and all that she did for Garrett in the first six months post-accident and were sad to leave her care. However, Garrett's new PT, Brian, has proved to be just what he needed for this stage of recovery. Garrett goes to Physical Therapy twice a week and they have focused primarily on using electricity to help stimulate the nerves and muscles in his arm. As a result, we are seeing nerves regaining their function in his arm and in his hand! As of December, Garrett is able to lift his arm fully out to his side. We were so encouraged by this improvement! Then in January, Garrett came home from one of his PT appointments and said, "look what I can do!" He held his hand out and moved his thumb! Since then, he has been able to move his thumb, pointer, and middle finger. Although the movement is only little, we see him gaining strength weekly. Just to make it clear, we have not yet seen the results of Garrett's surgery in July (it could take 8-18 months before we see results from the nerve graph). These improvements are all due to restoration in the nerves that were hyper-extended during the accident. We were told by doctors that if he didn't get these nerves back within 4-6 months post-accident, he would never regain them… but, here we are 10 months later and the nerves are being restored! We NEVER expected this! Praise God for his healing power!
Second, Garrett has been asked to speak at the First Alert Fundraiser Banquet this coming April. The First Alert Helicopter services the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas. Without this service, many people in need of immediate medical attention would not survive the drive to the hospital in Kalispell. Garrett is one of those people. It took six minutes for First Alert to get to the hospital after picking Garrett up on the mountain. If Garrett was to have been driven, it would have easily taken over 90 minutes for him to arrive at the hospital. According to the head trauma doctor in the ER, Garrett would not have survived the 90 minutes needed for ground transportation. While we are so blessed by the excellent doctors that saved his life during his emergency surgery, we are well aware that these excellent doctors would have never been able to operate if it wasn't for the First Alert Helicopter. We are thrilled that we can give back by Garrett speaking at the fundraiser!
Many people have asked Garrett if he will ever go snowboarding again. He always answers with a confident "yes!". So, on December 17th, the opening day of Blacktail Mountain, Garrett and two friends went snowboarding! Garrett says that it was, "easier than expected." While they were prepared to ski the "bunny-hill" all day, it only lasted about 5 minutes. Next thing you know, all three were riding all over the mountain. Garrett and Micah (his friend that was with him during the accident) were finally able to finish the run that they hadn't completed the year before. Garrett said that it was, "a little erie, but a great victory." I'd also like to give a little shout out to 'Volcom' for sending Garrett a new (free!) snowboarding jacket this year! They heard his story and wanted to see him get back on the mountain. We are so blessed by their generosity!
Lastly, we feel so blessed to announce that we are expecting our second baby in August! We would appreciate any prayers you might pray on our behalf during this pregnancy. Sarah is diabetic and it has been a tough first five months already. Please pray for safety and health for Sarah and the new little one, as well as rejoice with us in God's beautiful gift of new life.
As you can see, we have SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR! God's goodness is always a constant in our lives, but there are times when it seems more 'visible'. We pray that these 'visible times' will strengthen us for the hard days and will encourage you in your lives. May all of our lives be a constant offering to the One to whom ALL glory is due. We are so thankful!
~Garrett, Sarah, Isaiah, and baby
