My trip to Norfolk to see Michael

[Denise (Chat moms do it best)]

Hi everyone,
I thought I would stop in and let everyone know that is interested about my trip to see Michael. We got there about 11:30pm. Michaels girlfriend was there to take the family to the house to get steeled down. Michaels CM1 was there to take me to the hospital. What a super nice guy. Is 38 and due to retire this month. I honestly do not remember a thing about the ride there. I couldn’t tell you a single this that I passed on the way there. CM1 walked me up to Michaels room. He was in the ICU. When I stepped into the room my heart broke. My son was hooked up to machine. Tubes were everywhere on him. He was so helpless. I know it was him but it just don’t look like him His face was so big. It looked like a face you would see on a 300 pound man. I called his name a couple times and when he opened them they got very large and with all he had I could see he said "mom" Michael has the most beautiful blue eyes but that night they weren’t. I was looking at him but could see him. The blue in his eyes were like ice. They didnt seem to have the blue. The whites of his eyes were only red. There wasn’t any white. I told him that I was there and would stay there. I spent the rest of the night and all day Friday there with him. About a hour after being there I got such a sick feeling and had to step out in the hall way where I fell apart. After a good cry I pulled my self together and got down to business. I looked for the nurse that was taking care of him and let them know I wanted to know everything that was wrong with him. I wanted to know everything that was done and maybe done. It seemed like every day I was there was something else. By the time I left Michael had 9 different surgeries. Wed. the 15th was is 29th birthday. He spent it in the OR. He had 3 different surgeries that night alone.
He has had 2 on the knee, 2 on the wrist, 1 on the face. Another for the jaw one for the thumb and one on his foot and one on the pelvis.
He still has nothing to drink in 19 days. He has had so many different drugs I lost track. I dont know what he is on any more. They wanted him awake more so they took this away and then they thought he would be better asleep so they gave him this. This pain med wasnt working so they put him on something. They took him off of 1 pain med because they put him in CCU. It just never seemed to end. Then I had to watch him have withdraws because they would just take it away from him.
There was a couple times that when I went in to see him I dont like what I saw.So i would grab a chair and sheet and spend the night. Boy the memories came back as I was up everytime he would breathe wrong.
It was long nights.
I asked every time I returned to the hospital what was done. I always knew who the nurse in charge of him was.
There was times that he would respond to me but there was times when there was just no one home.
When I left yesterday he was in pain. I think that is something he will have for sometime. I told him I would be back if he needed me too and he did shake his head yes and he held my hand tight.
It was really hard walking into him room that night but much harder walking out yesterday.
My understand is that he will be going to Portsmouth tomorrow. Monday. For sure? Who knows?
I am still not real impressed with the Navy. I seemed to of knew much more 3000 miles away then they did being right there. I was given a heads up about a chief and I wont put his name in here. I thought he was ok. But then I kept getting warned about him. The days were passing and I could see more & more of what the other guys in the command were saying. I HATE TO BE LIED TO. And did I catch them. Because of who he is and the fact Michael is still in his command I decide to just bite my tongue and was very careful of what I said. I figured that it would be the best.
I dod get the POA. That was on Wedensday. I think I got eveything take care.
I know in my haert he will pull out of this. He has a long way to go and more hard work then he ever put into anything. He has to deal with alot. There is a chance that he will not be able to stay in the Navy.That will be up to the doctors at the Naval Hospital. We will just have to wait and see.
I want to thank everyone again for all the well wishes and the concren and prayers. It was very thoughtful of all of you.
Denise Holland

[Tamara♥FredDIV281's~Mom♥]

I am so sorry t hear this about your son. I no its hard on the family also. I will pray and keep you all in my prayers..

[Denise (Chat moms do it best)]

thank you. It does take alot out of all

[BethB]

I am so glad that you got to see Michael - and that he knows you were there for him. That will definitely have to be a big boost in his mind that you were there. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you, and as helpless as you may feel, know that you are really making a difference, and are a strong woman and mother. I admire your grace and presence of mind to recognize the wisdom of keeping things o yourself - I don't know that in the same situation I would have that ability. The road ahead will be long and tough, but there are so many of us here to offer what help and support we can, so ask for whatever - you never know who might be able to move those mountains for you.
Keep the faith and keep us posted.

[Denise (Chat moms do it best)]

Thanks you very much for the thoughts and prayers. Ifs been a tough road. He/we have a long way to go. There will be ups and downs. Michael and I have beed though alot and we have been each others rock for a great many years.

[Suzanne]

Denise - do you have any updates for us? Is Michael still in the same hospital or has he been transferred? We're praying for all of you.

[Denise (Chat moms do it best)]

The word this morning is that he will be staying at Norfolk General. Navy said its better there for him.

[DebDeb]

Hi Denise, I just thought you should know that my son just called to tell me he has signed a medical POA and will be mailing it to me. I am an RN, and know how important that POA is, but I was just putting it off. After reading your touching story, I called my son and told him to get the POA ASAP (that was 1 1/2 weeks ago). Today he has it and my copy is on the way! Thank-you for that. By the way, do you know how to start a caringbridge.org web site for Michael? It is easy, and helps a great deal in keeping everyone informed. It will help you keep a journal of his recovery, and the guestbook will help your son! If you need any help with setting one up, please let me know. God Bless. Deb

[Denise (Chat moms do it best)]

thanks I will look into it. And yes that POA for out kids or anyone else for that matter is so important

[DebDeb]

Just let me know if you need help with the web site. Also, are they feeding Michael via IV (TPN) or a tube in his belly? If not, you should inquire why he is not being fed. Nutrition is very important for healing. As far as the pain, they should be able to make him comfortable, there are so many good pain meds out there. There is no excuse for withdrawals, they could have weaned him down, he has enough issues!! It sounds like they need to control his pain better. Hugs, Deb

[Denise (Chat moms do it best)]

the feeding tube he has is through his nose dwon to the small Intestine. He has a couple nurse that do pretty good with his pain. They give him small amounts often. Others give it all at one time and it isnt lasting. I would think that maybe the pain should be easing up. Its been 3 weeks. Some of the pins and screws will be coming out in another 3 week. He has been through alot. I hope everyday that it will start getting better.

[NavyMomCarolyn]

Denise, I came in for an update. I see he is still with the same hospital. I hope their services have improved. What is the GF saying on how they are doing? Do you want moms to go visit? If you say the word, I am sure they will go and check things out for you. It's important to show the staff that someone could be in there, any time of day.

Hugs

[Theresa]

Denise,
I'm glad that Michael is staying at Norfolk General for now. It really is the top trauma hospital in our area. I'm glad to hear that he is getting stronger every day.