Update from LG

The turn around Krusher has made from his days in [big city] to this weekend is just phenomenal to witness and so encouraging.

During my visit Saturday, it dawned on me that it would really suck to look at a hospital room for almost a month straight with no signs of home, your life, or anything familiar. As we can all imagine, a sterile medical environment in no way feels like home.

So KB and I stalked facebook this morning and printed 30 pictures or so that we had access too, thanks to our pages, his page, EP's page, MA's page, etc. It's just a start of a compilation of Krusher's life in photos. We then put the pictures in a photo album. It includes his family, his house from the outside, him playing his instruments, him decked out in Falcons stuff, his housewarming party, Krusher doing his work thing with his camera and [live truck], plus pics from the group at the Masters and stories we've done together. With every flip of the page, I kid you not, Krusher came to life. I wish you could have all seen it. He reacted, he laughed, he smiled, and was so content I think he almost wanted to tear up at the sight of his life..the life we all know he WILL get back to.

EP hit the nail on the head when we talked earlier today. Pictures truly are something so simple, but for him, I think it was everything..it's his connection to the outside world.

So..with that said, there are plenty of blank spots in the photo album for it to grow. When you go to visit, bring a picture of you and him or anything that reminds you of him and tell him a story. He remembers. I told him several stories and I could literally hear him talking back to me (O-K, fo so', dig it.. :)

And EP's right, you have to do all the talking. But he seems to love hearing stories about anything and everything you are up to, or [the station], the Falcons, etc. KB and I also found he responds to really high, positive energy.

Can't wait to see the photos you add..and I know he can't either.

Update from EP

Krusher is back in [hometown]. He's at [treatment center]. Room XXX.

He's still on the traech and speech therapy starts soon...so be prepared to do all the talking. I mean, all the talking. But, the [station] banner we signed hangs in his room to remind him how special he is to us and the family says he's up for visitors. Three weeks in a hospital room is a long time so familiar faces are good therapy.

His mom, Janice, stays with during the week. His dad, on weekends.

If you can get by, I believe he'd love to see you. He's squeezing hands and I got a few thumbs up from him this weekend.

Update from EP

Good news :)

I just heard from Krusher’s mom and Krusher will be coming back to [hometown] Thursday. He’ll continue to get treatment at [treatment center], a local facility, before rehab begins at [rehab center]. I don’t know much more than this…but as soon as the family has more info, I’ll pass it along.

Update from EP

I saw Krusher Saturday. He was on pain meds and not alert but his family was very tickled about the banner we signed for his room and they were so appreciative of all the cards.

Krusher was breathing on his own for several hours Friday and Saturday and that is a big improvement from earlier in the week. He has some paralysis and they won't know how much of that will be resolved until he begins rehab. Likely several more days at [specialist hospital] and then the family is considering a facility in [hometown] for short term continuing care.

Update from EP

I just talked to Krusher’s mom. Krusher is doing better :)

He’s still on the respirator but they have taken it out some…and he has been breathing on his own a little…but he still breathes too quickly so they expect a couple more days to wean him from that.

He’s still running a fever…but not as high. Doctors can’t find any infection.

Krusher is not as sedated as earlier and his mom says his eyes are wide open. X-rays show his lungs are getting clearer every day.

I told his mom I’m coming to see him Saturday and she said “he’d like that.” Won’t he be surprised when he sees the banner and cards from all the station friends :) ?

Update from EP

Krusher's sister called last night. He's had some setbacks...high fever, blood pressure back up, and on a feeding tube. I will keep you updated. More tests scheduled today.

Update from EP

Good things to share about Krusher...I visited him Saturday at Emory. Doctors say he does not have pneumonia.. There's still some fluid on his lungs but it's lessening every day. Because of the breathing tube, Krusher is still sedated most of the time. He was while I was there but he knew I was in the room. His sister Stacee says she plays his favorite gospel singer's music in the room and even thought Krusher is sedated, with his eyes closed most of the time, he has been tapping his foot...to the beat....and moving his fingers like he's playing the trombone. The family hopes the breathing tube can come out in a couple of days. Looks like the plan is for him to be in ICU for much of next week before moving him to a regular room. He'll begin his rehab at [specialist hospital] and then continue it at [rehab center].

Update from EP

I just spoke to Krusher’s mom. Krusher is back on the ventilator. He’s developed some fluid on his lungs. To fight any possible infection, he is on heavy antibiotics and is sedated most of the time. He is still in ICU and looks like he’ll remain at [specialist hospital] through the weekend. I will keep you posted.