June 24, 2008

It has now been one week since Chris’ accident. He had a good night last night. He was able to get some rest, which is a good thing since today was surgery day. Early this morning, Chris’ oxygen level started to drop, and the nurses had to administer oxygen using a bag. The mucus and fluid had built up in his respiratory system and caused it to be harder to get deep breaths. After the oxygen bag and some mucus extraction, he returned to breathing normally.

Chris’ surgery started in the late morning and lasted about 5 ½ hours. The surgeons removed all of the skin from both of his thighs, all the way to the knee, and some skin from the center of his back. This skin was grafted onto his chest, sides and arms. The surgery took a long time and was difficult for Tiffannie and Earl to wait through, but it will likely be the only major graft surgery they all have to endure. Because they were able to get so much done today, there will likely only be touch-up surgeries to follow.

Now the waiting begins. Chris has to lie flat on his back and be completely still for 5 days. They will not even change his bandages and bedding for the first 3 of those days. It is extremely important to the success of the grafts that he not move. Since he was put on a breathing tube again for the surgery, he and his parents made the decision to leave the tube in for these five days. With the tube, the doctor’s will be able to use a stronger sedative and pain medication. This will allow Chris to be sedated for all five days and therefore decrease his chances of moving too much and compromising the grafts. It is likely that Chris will not remember anything from between the time he went into surgery and the time they take him off the sedative in several days.

Melissa C and Jairah visited today. I am sure that spending some time with such a cute little girl brought some joy to Tiffannie and Earl while they waited for Chris to get out of surgery.

So many people from Carlin have expressed their concern for Chris, Tiff and Earl and I am truly impressed by what a close and caring community the Hyatt’s have to call home. Many of you are wondering what you can do to make sure the family knows that you are thinking of them. I suggest that you send a card, letter, artificial flowers, or other gift, but fresh flowers are not allowed in the Burn Center due to the risk of infection. The address is listed in yesterday’s posting.

Also, please note that the only account that has been set up to receive donations in Chris’ name has been set up at Nevada Bank and Trust in Carlin. Any money that has been given to the family so far has been put into a college savings account at that bank. I clarify this information about the account just to ensure no false donations are solicited in Chris’ name.