Friday, August 10, 2007

Kelsi has certainly had her ups and downs today. She has come down with another fever. It made her heart rate, blood pressure and brain pressure sky rocket. It was under control again by 4:00 pm. She is totally off all I.V. pain sedation. She is only on oral pain medications now and seems to be holding her own. She had her first visit with a physical therapist today. He came in and worked all of her limbs. She is now starting to move her left arm which she hadn't moved yet. She has been moving all 4 limbs today. It was a wonderful sight! She is still unconscious but we are hopeful that she will be awake soon. We are so grateful for the wonderful team of doctors working with Kelsi and for all of the faith and prayers of each of you! Most of all we are thankful for a wonderful Heavenly Father who is aware of each of us and is there to help us through our trials. Thank heavens we have been blessed to have the power of His priesthood here on the earth!! We love all of you!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Lecia and Randy were talking to each other in Kelsi's room today, when Randy said: "She's opening her eyes!" Lecia then said, "Kelsi, I see your eyes!" Kels had been able to peek open her eye, and when Lecia spoke, she looked at her mother. Also, periodically, Kelsi would respond to commands by squeezing her hand. While this is definately progress, the doctors are still watching her pressures and are saying that it could still be a roller-coaster ride before she's actually considered concious.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Kelsi is still being sedated, but we have witnessed some very tender moments that let us know that she can hear us. Lecia was singing A Child's Prayer to her. As she was watching and singing, she noticed a a twitch in Kelsi's eye, as well as two tears falling. Although we have the knowledge that she is there, and fighting to wake up, the doctors are saying that it will probably be a few more days before her body is well enough to wake up. We appreciate all of the many prayers and acts of service that have been given to support us. We hope that this experience has lifted us all and made us aware of Heaveny Father's love for us.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

The sedation was reduced way down to 2 and Kelsi reacted well for a while. But then the pressure started to climb quickly and the sedation had to be put on high again (18). Since then it has gradually been backed off again to an 8. This is a pretty good sign and the up and down was not totally unexpected. This process will probably be repeated a few more times over the next few days. (Could be weeks but we're hoping for just days.)

Tuesday, August 7, 2007 Status

Kelsi is still asleep. There are signs that she may be starting to wake up. While that is a positive sign it still could be several days (or even weeks) of reducing the sedation before she actually wakes up.

Keep the prayers coming!

First Post. Accident and status as of 8/4/07

On Wednesday August 1st at approximately 2pm Kelsi fell approximately 20 feet onto some rocks. She sustained a severe head injury and at the time appeared to also have broken ankles and a broken arm. From the moment of the accident she received appropriate first aid. Her father was on the trail as a Priesthood leader at the time and within a few minutes was by her side and was soon able to give her a Priesthood blessing. The girls and leaders on the scene responded well and immediately went for emergency personnel while continuing to keep her immobile and treating for shock.

Kelsi arrived at University hospital approximately 4:15pm via Life Flight. Her ankles and arm are not broken. She remains in critical condition in the Nuero-Critical Care unit at University Hospital. There has been bleeding and swelling in her brain. She is receiving excellent care and is expected to survive. She is currently under heavy sedation, which could also be called an induced coma. Whether there will be permanent damage and to what extent will not be know until she does wake up. Until then the doctors and nurses are doing everything they can to help her heal.

The family feels certain that Kelsi's greatest concern is for how this might affect the other girls and leaders. Their hope is that this will strengthen faith and testimony. Their wish is that we do not let the "why" or "what if's" get in the way of the spiritual strengthening that this can be. There have already been several small miracles. There is still a long road to go toward recovery and hopefully there will yet be other miracles along the way.

The family greatly appreciates the outpouring of prayers and the numerous expressions of concern and support in behalf of Kelsi. They are also very appreciative of the many things that have been done to help the other members of the family. Thank you for all that has been and will be done.