Saturday morning Brian took his motorcycle for a ride. On his way home, he hit a speedbump at the wrong angle and was thrown from the motorcycle. The people who lived there helped him to the side of the road. A family from the church was driving past and stopped to help and brought Brian home, then took us to a local hospital for x-rays. Pisal, Director of Kingdom International Preschool, which Jody help to open brought them to a hospital in Phnom Penh.
Here are the updates that have been received along with ways to pray:
Update #1 - Brian has a broken clavicle, broken scapula, 5 broken ribs, and air in his chest. They have done x-rays and a CAT scan. Currently, he is in ICU to make sure he is stabilized. On Monday, they plan to do surgery to set his clavicle with a plate.
He is in a lot of pain, but the meds have helped. He is sore but awake, alert, and talking. He was wearing his helmet; he always wears his helmet. Though he doesn’t remember it, he probably hit his head.
Our team has been amazing! Melissa and Jen were at the hospital when we arrived and have stayed with us the whole time. Melissa took great notes of everything they have done and has asked questions I (Jody) didn’t think to ask.
Update #2 - We have been happy with the care Brian is getting at the Royal Phnom Penh Hospital. It is a branch of the Bangkok General Hospital. Many of the medical staff are Thai, who speak English and some nurses are Khmer, who speak English. Sometimes communication is tricky with accents and face masks, there is often a need to repeat things and ask lots of clarifying questions.
Brian is getting a second CAT scan and has gotten lots of x-rays. He is clinically stable. He has a strong heart and strong lungs. All Brian’s bicycle riding has helped. They are managing his pain. He is very tired and has no appetite.
The doctors will have a video chat with doctors at the Bangkok Hospital about whether he needs surgery to set the ribs. If he needs surgery, he will have to be evacuated to Thailand. This gets tricky because of COVID 19. The doctor said it can be done, and they have already had to do it, but it could take 4-10 days instead of hours to get it done. Plus, the Thai airport doesn’t reopen until Friday, May 1. We depend on a mighty God with perfect timing.
Our teammates have been outstanding. Two of them are with me all the time and get all the information I get, write it down, ask questions, research information, advocate for us, pray, order food, and sometimes just sit with us.
Update #3 & 4 - The results from last night’s scan show no further injury to heart, key internal organs, and lungs. They have decided to proceed with the clavicle surgery, and they will also insert a chest tube to assist the lungs. The Dr. is very positive about the surgery.
Received – after the surgery - Praise God the surgery went well. The Dr. is pleased with the results. They were able to achieve their objectives. He is breathing on his own. Brian is back in the room, and Jody is with him. He is awake but a bit disoriented from the anesthesia. Please pray for peace to reign over the disorientation.
Update #5
The Dr. was very clear that today was going to be a hard day. Brian needs to be able to clear his lungs but that is very painful. Pray for him to have the strength to do this.
All his doctors have been very pleased with Brian’s progress. They have compression sleeves on his legs that tighten and release to prevent blood clots. The chest tube has been working well.
Brian has been more alert and talkative. One thing his main doctor said today is that he always gets a good laugh when he comes into Brian’s room.
Ways to Pray for Brian & Jody:
- Praise the Lord that Brian’s life was spared during this motorcycle accident.
- Pray for wisdom for the medical team as they treat Brian for multiple injuries.
- Praise for Crossworld Team that has been able to minister and care for Jody during this time while they are in the capital city of Phnom Penh and for those around the world that are praying for them.
- Pray for Brian to have good, solid sleep which will encourage healing and make a complete recovery free from infection.