No big news to report. Gary's been moved to USC University Hospital just a few blocks from where he was at County General. His stomach is still unsettled (I'm blaming the GU) so he can't really eat or drink anything substantial, but otherwise he continues to heal.
If you'd like to send Gary cards or letters, please address them to Gary or Pam Hilliard, 337 Sycamore Place, Sierra Madre, CA, 91024, and Pam will take them to the hospital.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
A so-so day
Gary is still at County/USC awaiting transfer to Huntington Hospital. In the meantime he has developed some stomach problems and is having trouble with food, not eating it, just keeping it.
He's been scheduled for x-rays to look for problems. Because of this, Gary is very tired and Pam is asking once again that we not attempt to visit him; also all volunteers are on hold until Hal lets you know otherwise. Thanks everyone.
He's been scheduled for x-rays to look for problems. Because of this, Gary is very tired and Pam is asking once again that we not attempt to visit him; also all volunteers are on hold until Hal lets you know otherwise. Thanks everyone.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
A little more progress
Gary has recovered enough to be moved out of the ICU to a regular room. Even better, Pam is working to have him transferred to Huntington Hospital in Pasadena within the next day or two.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
A short (sneaky) visit
Gabor and I snuck into the ICU to see Gary and give Pam time to get some lunch and run to her car. We talked to him for a bit, Gabor helped him eat his lunch: grape juice, broth, and a packet of chocolate GU; my job was to push the morphine button on command. He's quite coherent, but his memory is still a bit shaky and he gets tired easily.
He got a bit embarrassed when I told him about the blog and how many people were worried about him.
Some highlights of the conversation:
Gary: "I'm cold, I need another blanket."
Pam: "You're not allowed to have another blanket."
Gary: "I don't give a rat's ass, gimme another blanket."
Earlier in the visit:
Me: "I'm going to see what's happening with your lunch."
Gary: "Hey, don't make these people mad .... I gotta live with 'em."
Damn it's good to have him back.
He got a bit embarrassed when I told him about the blog and how many people were worried about him.
Some highlights of the conversation:
Gary: "I'm cold, I need another blanket."
Pam: "You're not allowed to have another blanket."
Gary: "I don't give a rat's ass, gimme another blanket."
Earlier in the visit:
Me: "I'm going to see what's happening with your lunch."
Gary: "Hey, don't make these people mad .... I gotta live with 'em."
Damn it's good to have him back.
The latest from Theresa
Gary is now able to sit up and drink water. He's on morphine for the pain and is aware of what happened to him but cannot remember the accident itself. He may be transferred out of the ICU by tomorrow, and when it's possible, eventually transferred to Huntington Memorial in Pasadena.
Reportedly he is getting to be "Gary" again ... in other words, a P.I.T.A.
We couldn't be happier.
Reportedly he is getting to be "Gary" again ... in other words, a P.I.T.A.
We couldn't be happier.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Good News!!!
We just received a call from Theresa (the Hilliard's friend and neighbor) that Gary has been taken off the ventilator and is breathing on his own. Even better, he has regained consciousness and recognized both Pam and Theresa! He was also able to move his extremities when the doctors were talking to him.
While his condition is still very serious, he appears to be on his way back.
While his condition is still very serious, he appears to be on his way back.
A request from Pam
Gabor spoke with Pam recently and she asked that he pass on a message to everyone.
Pam appreciates the well-wishes and prayers from all of Gary's friends but asks that we not try to visit him until he is out of the ICU as it may subject him to unnecessary stress at this critical time in his recovery.
Pam appreciates the well-wishes and prayers from all of Gary's friends but asks that we not try to visit him until he is out of the ICU as it may subject him to unnecessary stress at this critical time in his recovery.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Update from Gabor
The news we're getting back from the hospital continues to be good. Gabor reports that they have been monitoring his kidney funciton, which is showing good signs, but it is still adjusting to carrying twice the load (compensating for the removed kidney). He may need temporary dialisys, but this is still uncertain. His liver is damaged, but the doctors expect it to fully repair itself.
Gary has a fractured vertebrae, which the doctors say should take 3-6 months to heal, but they report no spinal cord damage, and he will likely be on his feet with a brace as his back heals.
Brain scans are showing some minor bleeding, but it is not growing, which is a good sign. They will do neurological tests once they take him out of the deep sedation. They have already started to step down his medication, but they are doing this very gradually.
The doctors have stepped back the respirator, and they are allowing him to breathe on his own, only supplementing his breating as needed (This is a huge improvement).
Pam sends her many thanks for all your prayers and best wishes. She is staying by his side in the ICU, where they expect Gary to remain for 4-5 more days. Once he is out of the ICU, Gary will certainly appreciate your visits. For the time being, check with Gabor for the best time to visit - you can email him at: scorpions69@yahoo.com.
Gary has a fractured vertebrae, which the doctors say should take 3-6 months to heal, but they report no spinal cord damage, and he will likely be on his feet with a brace as his back heals.
Brain scans are showing some minor bleeding, but it is not growing, which is a good sign. They will do neurological tests once they take him out of the deep sedation. They have already started to step down his medication, but they are doing this very gradually.
The doctors have stepped back the respirator, and they are allowing him to breathe on his own, only supplementing his breating as needed (This is a huge improvement).
Pam sends her many thanks for all your prayers and best wishes. She is staying by his side in the ICU, where they expect Gary to remain for 4-5 more days. Once he is out of the ICU, Gary will certainly appreciate your visits. For the time being, check with Gabor for the best time to visit - you can email him at: scorpions69@yahoo.com.
Update from Karen Johnson
It is still unknown the details of how the accident happened but he was brought into County USC Medical Center at 9:14 AM Sunday by LA County Sheriffs helicopter. Gary's condition has improved from acute to chronic in ICU. He had a lot of internal bleeding which they got under control. He lost one kidney and while there was some damage to the other one, it is functioning OK. The Spleen had to be blocked off and will not be functional. Also there was some liver damage, but livers are good at repairing themselves. His CT scan showed no problems with his brain. All his extremities are moving OK but there might be a slight fracture to one of his vertebrae. He is still sedated and on a ventilator.
Update from Gabor
I was just there visiting him. The doctor talked to us about his condition, and told us "he is clearly not out of the woods yet." The internal bleeding stopped, but the liver and kidney functions are their focus now. -Gabor Kozinc
Critical Condition
Gary Hilliard, Ultramarathoner & LA County Department of Public Works employee, was involved in a motorcycle accident Sunday, August 19th, and is now in intensive care at County-USC Hospital.
The accident happened on Angeles Crest Highway, near Red Box. He suffered internal injuries, had a kidney removed, and required 11 units of blood. The good news is that he knew who/where he was, could move his fingers and toes, and that his bleeding has stabilized for the time being. He is under heavy sedation, and the doctors are closely monitoring his vitals to track his kidney and liver function.
His condition is still critical, so please keep Gary and his wife Pam in your prayers during this time.
At this time, it's probably best if visits are limited to family and close friends. Please check back for updates.
The accident happened on Angeles Crest Highway, near Red Box. He suffered internal injuries, had a kidney removed, and required 11 units of blood. The good news is that he knew who/where he was, could move his fingers and toes, and that his bleeding has stabilized for the time being. He is under heavy sedation, and the doctors are closely monitoring his vitals to track his kidney and liver function.
His condition is still critical, so please keep Gary and his wife Pam in your prayers during this time.
At this time, it's probably best if visits are limited to family and close friends. Please check back for updates.
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