Day 8 Update

Hi everyone: This is Claudia again. I spoke with Mendy earlier this afternoon, and here is what she shared with me:

Daniel has actually been mobile today. He walked 20 feet with support. I should say he was made to walk 20 feet with support. The doctors want to see how his pelvic fractures will hold up with his using it somewhat. He is to go in for more X-rays later this afternoon so the doctors can evaluate how his breaks fared. (I know, sounds weird, making him walk with a broken pelvis, but I'm just the messenger here ... of course the other half of this blogging duo will tell you that I sometimes get details mixed up, but I promise I wrote down the details as Mendy was giving them to me. Granted Mendy had had practically no sleep all night long, so I'm sure Bill will follow this post with any needed corrections).

We are hopeful that there won't have to be any more surgeries. Daniel ate a bit this morning -- cream of wheat and some juice. The doctors also cast his broken right wrist - say that three times fast - by extending the cast from his repaired elbow. The wrist was broken in such a manner that it did not need to be re-set, just cast so that it can heal.

Mendy also said they took the splint off of Daniel's leg and changed the dressing on his leg wound. If you will remember, he suffered a deep gash near his kneecap. The gash is about 5 inches long, which should give Daniel a scar to rival the other males in the family who have had assorted accidents (you know who you are!). The wound looked healthy with no signs of infection. This is good news!

Finally, the doctors have switched Daniel's pain meds to some that seem to work tolerably well and do not give Daniel hallucinations anymore. With what that poor boy has been through, it's about time he can have some relief.

We continue to hope that Daniel is done with assorted surgeries and can now begin his recovery in earnest. The nurses say he is young and strong, and now that he appears more stable, we may see an acceleration in his improvement -- but nothing is certain. Your prayers and support are appreciated more than you can know. Please keep them coming. We are so amazed at Daniel's strength and what he has had to endure -- not to mention his family, as well. His life, like all of ours, is truly a miracle and we are so grateful that he has made it this far.

Warmly, Claudia

PS -- We hope to post some pics by later in the evening, after Bill gets off work.