More on TJ Friday Aug. 7

From granddaughter Brandy:

He has had a very good day today (Friday). He had physical therapy today and was very good to the commands they had gave him. We have definitely seen the improvements in him today and have made all of us felt very happy!!

TJ Collins status Friday Aug. 7, 2009

This is TJ's daughter Barb and I will try to update you as much as I can.

Dad started having light seizure's on Wednesday & Thursday. They said this is not unusual but, need to get them stopped. They increased his med's which seem to only fix them for a short time. They even changed med's & it still wouldn't stop the light tremors.

As of last night they have sedated him to the point he is resting more and not able to open his eyes and it's like he's just sleeping. They decided to do this so he will rest and hopefully give his brain and body time to heal.

His vitals still have been real good so hopefully he just needs to rest and recover.

They said sometimes when they are sedated like this they have to incubate them and this is just a precaution to help them breathe, so far they have not had to do this. Thank God!

It's been real tough to see dad like this but, we are keeping the faith and have left this in God and the doctor's hand's.

Thanks so much for the extra prayers and all the concern.

He's a strong man as many of you know but, a body and a brain can only go through so much!

Barb Collins Ortiz

TJ Collins to have third surgery

We were told that TJ will undergo a third brain surgery around 5p Sunday, 8/2.

Updated: 8/5/09 2:56p
Brandy called. He came through surgery just fine. Doc is 99% certain that all the blood clots are out. TJ cannot speak and his right side is affected. He was VERY agitated this AM when he could not talk to a visitor. The family had him smiling and laughing today.

The doctor has requested minimal visitors since he gets upset since he cannot talk.

He will have to undergo therapy for speech and movement.

Overall, it looks somewhat positive.

TJ Collins Tues 10:15a

Linda & I spoke with son Rick. TJ came through the Sunday evening operation just fine. He was alert yesterday until late evening when he became very confused. He knows who Barb is but does not recognize anyone else.

They did CT scans around midnight and again this AM. They are awaiting the doctor to read the scans. Rick said he was told TJ's behavoir is abnormal.

Between nurses, doctors, family, friends, etc. there were 40 people in and out of his room. Rick has ask that folks reduce the amount of stimulation he is receiving per doctors orders. He needs his rest to recover.

We will be glad to be a conduit to the family & TJ. At this time no flowers as he is in ICU.

TJ has another operation

TJ went in for surgery again today. He came out all right after surgery. Now we will just have to see what happens after this.

Tonia Bacon

TJ Collins to have additional surgery

Barb called around 5p and TJ is scheduled to have additional surgery tomorrow unless he becomes serious before then. The surgeon said it is not unusual to have an additional surgery. TJ seems fine at this point.

Barb was going home to sleep at home and will be back at Lutheran tomorrow.

TJ Collins recovering great!

Linda & I saw TJ shortly after lunch today. He knew who we were. We talked back and forth. He seems like TJ. He was complaining about the food quality which is probably a good sign.

Saw the family in the waiting area and they said the doctors told them he might go home as early as Monday. Barb said that TJ's job is to get the motor home ready for Kendallville.