August 23-26

August 26
Overview of Payton's Situation
On August 22 Payton complained of having a headache and feeling nausea. They were flu like symptoms and so he went to bed, woke up on Thursday morning to go to his first day of college. He complained that he still had the headache, went to a coupe classes then came home early and went to the doctor.. there they treated hi for migraine symptons. Payton woke up friday not feeling better but took the medicines as prescribed. He continued to rest heavily Friday and on Saturday morning when he went to get up he could not operate his left leg. Angie then took him to the American Fork Hospital emergency where they began tests and CT scans. There the could see a mass in his head but could not identify it, also his white blood cell count was up. At that point they determined to do a Spinal tap for meningitis as his symptoms indicated this was a high probability. After reviewing the results, the hospital staff determined that they would transfer Payton to Primary Children's Hospital, one of the top neurological centers in the country. Unfortunately, all of this time Angie was alone to handle the situation as Bruce had traveled late Friday night to Afton Wyoming to do a 100 mile bike race with Dan. The whole time this was happening, Bruce was not reachable by phone, finally about 2 pm Bruce called to say they had finished the race and he was on his way home. Angie then forwarded the bad news of the situation and it was long four hours home as both of us called when there was reception to receive the latest updates. When they decided to move Payton to Primary Children's, Bruce just had Dan drop him off there and Bruce arrived at the emergency room in time to talk to several of the doctors that were trying to evaluate Payton's condition. They determined that the mass was an infection that had come into the cranial cavity from Payton's sinuses, and it had build an abscess that was putting pressure on the brain that was causing Payton to be pretty lethargic as well as it was affecting his motor skills o his left extremities. There was another pocket of fluid between the two hemispheres that was putting additional pressure. The doctors immediately started heavy antibiotics to stem the spread of the infection and stop the abscess and fluid packets from growing. They determined to monitor this through the night and do another CT scan in the morning. They also did n MRI of Payton's spine, all looked well there.

Payton continued to be very lethargic and showed signs of motor deficiency on his left side. The CT scan was completed and the neuro surgeon determined that the antibiotics where not working fast enough and additional pressure was building in the skull. It was determined that emergency surgery was needed and so a whirlwind of decisions and emotions and lots of prayers and the plan was set. We called the hospital chaplain, they arranged quickly for an Elder to come assist Bruce in giving Payton a blessing and he was off quickly to the operating room. the surgery lasted just over three hours. During this time Angie and I were in an and emotional haze, we went through so many tears and emotions, and out thoughts and prayers were with the surgeon who is one of the best in the world and for Payton that thing's would and could be fixed. the surgeon came out after the surgery and reported on the situation. There was lot of infection puss material that they cleaned out, they cleaned out and repaired the sinus area that was causing the problem, Payton brain was swollen and "angry" so the decision was made to leave the front plate of bone off at this time so the brain could have more area to expand. The incision goes from ear to ear over Payton's head, the skin was pulled forward to expose the skull, then the skull frontal plate was removed to give access to the sinus area and the area between the two hemispheres. When the swelling settles down hopefully the next few days they will operate again and re-install the bone plate. It will then require 6-8 weeks to heal, just like a leg or and arm that has been broken. Payton is breathing on his own, has so many tubes and wires hooked to him it boggles the mind and resting with moments of discomfort. He is on heavy antibiotics and morphine for the pain. Several other medications are being administered for swelling, seizure activity and a variety of other possible complications. Now it is just a waiting game to see what the next corner or obstacle we will face in getting Payton healed.

Mallory was bale to come up for a couple hours today to be with us while we waited for Payton's surgery. She spoke in her sacrament meeting today, we felt bad we had to miss it.

Angie and I are exhausted today after a crazy day yesterday, very little sleep Saturday night and then all of the decisions, emotions and anxiety we faced today. There are several times just looking at each other we have tears come. I have really struggled today. I see my son laying there fighting for his life and wish I could trade him places. I see a great young man with such a Bright future and pray it will all turn out. It tears both of us up, we are scared and anxious to what lays ahead. the prognosis at this time is positive, yet there is so much we won't know for a while such as if there will be any effects of the trauma on the brain to motor skills or other items. Payton is responsive when we talk to him, he is going to need all of the rest he can get as his body fights these battles.

We have been so grateful and touched at this time for the tremendous support and concern we have received from family, friends and our ward members. We truly believe in that the prayers of many can work miracles, we thank all for the kind messages and thoughts. AS you can imagine we are severely limited on phone use and right now we are most concerned with our son. rather than try and follow up with each, know that we appreciate you and look forward to better times in the near future that we can thank you personally. Many have inquired about visiting, right now that is not a realist option as the ICU has strict procedures on having the parents, immediate family and grandparents visit. Only two visitors can be here at any given time. Due to the fact that we are wanting to spend each second possible with our son, Angie and I need to stay in the room with him.

I will try to update this as things unfold, it will be much easier and less taxing to us at this time that retelling the same details over and over. Please feel free to check often to see how tings are progressing. This may be a little deeper detailed than you are looking for but I am writing this blog for all, and in doing so I might express emotions of the moment or thoughts that may offend. If so I apologize, my intent is to relay our thoughts and feelings, our challenges and our victories as we go through this experience