Our "Eventful" Christmas Break

Collin and I were so excited to go home at Christmas. We hadn't seen our families since we moved in July. COULD NOT WAIT!! We decided to be sneaky and told our families we were leaving Saturday morning, but actually left Friday afternoon and drove all night. We thought about it all day Friday before we left and neither of us felt like we needed to wait until Saturday morning. We felt very good and had no concerns. We were worried about the possible animals running across the road in front of us in the middle of the night but it never happened. We had a very uneventful drive across Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming. The roads were not bad at all. There was a little snow and wind in Wyoming, but other than that nothing. We cross into Utah and were getting even more excited cause we were so close. My dad called us at about Park City and that's the last thing either of us remember. We ended up sliding on ice, losing control, and getting T-Boned by a semi going the same direction as us (found that out by the driver contacting Collin's sister). We don't remember the accident at all. The highway patrol ended up having to use Jaws of Life to get us out. Since we don't remember anything I'm just going to post Facebook updates from our family. The accident happened December 21, 2013 at about 8:45 in the morning. Nobody knew much that day and couldn't really give updates until the next day, Sunday.

Dec. 22
Update on Collin Scott Cragun and Stefani Barker Cragun--Collin is still sedated and intubated with breathing tube. Latest MRI results came back looking good. His ribs are fractured-not sure of the extent of the fractures. His spleen did rupture and has been removed. He was stable throughout the surgery. There was some brain swelling and they still continue to monitor that closely. 

Stefani broke her collarbone and has a small occipital fracture at the base of the skull. She will need to be in a neck brace for 6 weeks or so. They need to do another scan of the shoulder to see if surgery is needed but waiting until she can stand up. She was also waiting to be cleared by the trauma team, once cleared she can hopefully eat, drink and move about.

We appreciate all the prayers in their behalf. Keep them coming--we can feel your love.

Update #2 Collin is still in sleepy medicine dream land. He looks really good and his brain pressure is still within the normal limits. When they turn off the sedation to see if he is responding, it aggravates the brain pressure. So now we wait for his body to recover. His nurse did comment on the fact that he will have a lot of pain from the broken ribs. Ribs 6-11 on the left side are fractured and 1 on the right side. So it will be good for him to rest.

It looks as though Stefani will be having surgery on her collarbone at some point.
Not many details yet. Stefani has been confused a bit but is getting better every second. She is really tired but was able to see Collin today--emotional but Stefani is an eternal optimist. We all look up to her!!

Thanks again for continued love, prayers and all those who fasted today. We can feel it! Planning on updating once in the morning and once in the evening. Also if anything changes

Dec. 23
I'm sitting here with Collin Scott Cragun--he has since had his chest tubes removed and central IV line. Changing to the standard peripheral IV's- he even furloughed his brow when the new IVs were placed. He is off the heavy sedation and on slightly increased pain medication. The inter-cranial pressure has vastly decreased and has been staying well within the desired parameters. The left side of his brain was bruised so seeing decreased movement of the right leg. He opens his eyes briefly, and expressed to the nurse by pulling on the blankets that he is a Cragun--too hot! As far as the ventilator they are slowing trying to wean him off of it. He has to be able to lift his head off the pillow for it to totally be removed, his is trying to do that. Hopefully today they will turn it down low for 30 min and see how he breathes and let the Respiratory Therapist do a few more tests to see if it's safe to remove it. You can tell it's bothering him, which is good. We are so glad he can communicate with us.

Stefani Barker Cragun is up and doing well. She was able to see Collin and he knew she was there. She is now tube free and on oral medications. Should hopefully be discharged this evening or early tomorrow morning. She has also been able to have some food, a shower and a tooth fixed. Such small things but big blessings in our lives. Stefani is looking forward healing her left shoulder so she can play the piano. Mostly she is looking forward to being with her husband and for His fast speedy recovery.

(I was discharged this day)

Dec. 24
So far today Collin Scott Cragun has had the monitor, that measures his inter-cranial brain pressure, removed. One less tube and number to be worried about. They are taking him down in the next few hours for an MRI of his neck, head and spine. If MRI results are clear they will work on removing the ventilator and possibly moving him to an intermediate unit here in the hospital. They didn't end up doing a vent test yesterday. He was too worn out. He has been quite a bit sleepy today as they have turned up the pain medication. 

Stefani Barker Cragun is at the hospital now visiting her hubby! Grateful for such small blessings and Miracles. We can't believe the outpouring of faith, love and prayers.

#2 Spent Christmas Eve with Stefani Barker Cragun at home and with Collin Scott Cragun at the hospital. 

Stefani arrived to the Cragun holiday festivities with a smile on her face. She was back to our Stefani. We had a good time telling her all the funny things she said while on those heavy pain meds. Love that we can smile and laugh about it. 

Collin had an MRI today but we haven't gotten official reports. The resident did say that it still shows the bruising but no new bruises or bleeds. His constant IV pain med is no longer in use-instead they are giving him IV pain meds every few hours. So he won't have a steady stream of pain medicine. They have tried to lower the ventilator settings but he is not quite ready. They will keep trying though. He was pretty aware and answering questions by shaking head and shrugging shoulders-eyes closed. We asked him to move his right leg, he thought hard and it moved a bit! He couldn't quite move his toes--so more time. They brushed his teeth and he wasn't loving it. We can tell he is ready to get that tube out of his throat and mouth. He is also bothered by all the tubes and wires, I know he can't wait for that stuff to be out of the way!! We saw Santa stop by and leave a stocking full of Collin approved goodies!

We have seen so much improvement these last three days! We are so blessed and so aware of the faith and prayers of others. We know that our Lord and Savior is watching over them. We truly feel Merry!
MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Dec. 25

Merry Christmas from Collin Scott Cragun and Stefani Barker Cragun

Collin spent most of the morning with his Mom and Dad, followed soon by his sweetheart Stefani and her family. The ICU gave us a Christmas present in the form of letting more than two visitors back at a time! He will even get to Skype with his brother-in-law who is serving a mission. (This is Stefani, I still tear up everytime I read or think about Collin Skyping with Taft. It was extremely hard on Taft being gone during all of this. But I know that many of our blessings came because he was serving a mission.)

Stefani is recovering well. She is happy to be at Collin's bedside and is remaining steadfast. Collin is blessed to have such a positive companion.

He is no longer on the ventilator, just a nasal cannula with small amount of oxygen. He was happy to get the ventilator tubing out of his mouth and a large smattering of Chapstick! Simple pleasures are always the best. They also started him on a feeding tube-a small tube that runs through his nose into his stomach. We are happy to see it--meaning his body can function and digest. What a miracle! Everyday he has fewer wires and pumps. He looks really good today. Attempting to talk, moving his legs, left a bit more than the right, and adjusting his weight in the bed. Good things to see.

Still no full report on the MRI. I'm not 100% sure on what the requirements are for them to move him to an intermediate ward in the hospital. It does seem to be coming soon though. Possibly in the next day or two.

We will be spending tomorrow early morning with him until Stefani comes--I'll make sure to ask way too many questions;)

Once again keep those prayers coming! Collin is improving quickly and we know it's because of our Savior's love and the multitude of prayers they are receiving.

Dec. 26

Yet another day at the hospital, but Collin Scott Cragun is making leaps and bounds as far a recovery goes. 

We arrived this morning. He said "hi" to us. He tried talking some more but he is a little disoriented. We asked where he was and said "the North Pole." We might have kept notes of the funny things he said--we laughed a few times. 

Physical Therapy tried to get him into sitting position as his hospital bed can turn into a chair. He did pretty well but it was a lot for him to keep his eyes open. He answered most of their questions correctly, with many reminders for him to open his eyes. There are orders for each part of the physical therapy team to see Collin once a day. The speech/feeding team has to make sure he can safely swallow, the doctors on the team will start evaluating his movement and would like to get him on a regular wake/sleep pattern. Also a goal is to get him to stay awake, move, walk and use the--facilities on his own. He is moving the right leg quite a bit more but not moving his toes or foot yet. He is now taking pain meds through the feeding tube.

They will keep him at least tonight in the ICU--he is still pretty sleepy and unsure of what's going on.

Stefani Barker Cragun is there now, taking good care of him. I'll check in with her later and see if there are any new developments.

Love to you all.

Dec. 27

Wonderful news!!!!!! Collin is out of the ICU!! He was moved to the level I was in before I was discharged! I am so so so happy!!! Hopefully my sweet husband Collincan come home soone! Thanks for all the prayers and fasting for us. I have felt our Heavenly Father's love the last week. I know all of our prayers have been answered. I am so grateful for the Atonement of the Savior and to know that someone else has felt this. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost and the comfort I have constantly felt. Thanks again for the prayers and please keep them coming 

Dec. 28
Collin Scott Cragun is doing awesome--alive and in one piece--1 week post accident!! I talked with Stef and she has asked me to keep updating. Will do so most likely in the evening after I've talked with everyone and I usually see him in the evenings.

I am happy to say that he is awake for longer periods of the day. He has been able to sit up on his own and stand with help at the bedside. He is eating a little-they have him eating during the day but on tube feeds at night. He is acting a little more like himself. The doctors and nurses say he acting consistent with those who have had similar types of brain injuries. It's almost as if he's under the influence. I guess he's just under the influence of a giant bonk to his head. He is quoting Star Wars so our Collin is in there somewhere! He is moving his right leg and a few toes on his right foot. Just in need of therapy. I've also seen improvement with his fine motor skills as well and seem to be returning to normal.

The MRI results showed the brain bruising and swelling but now new bleeds or swelling, the fractured ribs and some bulging discs in his back. He doesn't seem to be in much pain and hasn't had a heavy dose of meds since last night.

For being in a vegetative state 3 days ago to recognizing people and asking questions is amazing. The staff all seem to say that he is improving quickly for this type of injury. I just know it's due to the prayers and fasting in their behalf.

Stefani is spending more time with him at the hospital and is getting stronger each day.

Dec 29
Day 8 for the Collin Scott Cragun and Stefani Barker Cragun update.

Collin was even more lucid tonight. Once he gets tired his memory kinda slips. He hasn't been taking a lot for pain, which has helped him stay awake more. It also helps us to determine where he is cognitively--as we can rule out pain meds being a factor. He had lots of Sunday visitors today-he can recall a few but gets a little mixed up on who actually came. His brain is pushing the sarcasm a little heavy but after talking with him I can tell even more connections are being made. It all just takes time and therapy. We talked a lot about football but unfortunately I had no way to verify if it was accurate-but once we started talking about books and movies I could test his accuracy better. I know books and movies.

He was up with assistance and took a shower. They also removed his feeding tube. I was the bad guy tonight and made him eat his dinner. He ate better than yesterday. In true Collin fashion he as worried about the leftovers.

Tonight at shift change he was a little disoriented with the nurse, but she told me that was the first time today that he was disoriented. Each day we seem to see more of the Collin we know and love! He knows where he is and what happened but doesn't have memory of it. His brain is still rebooting. Major progress though. I can't believe how much the power of the Priesthood has blessed our family. We are so grateful.

Dec. 30

Collin Scott Cragun continues to improve. Not much has changed since yesterday, and I'm sure that will continue to be the trend, smaller improvements. However, we will take any that come. He did have some IV fluids today as he isn't drinking much. He also gets tired from moving around pretty easily and has some trouble with memory--which is all to be expected. Another thing we notice is he has trouble computing things like "if you're 25 this year, how old will you be next year?" I have heard him answer this correctly a couple days ago, so we know he can, it's just not as easy as it was pre-brain injury.

Tomorrow, therapy is going to distract Collin and ask him a series of questions. This will see if he can answer correctly and also how well he can focus. He is definitely not 100% mentally but it does seem to be getting better with time and therapy. In time his personality will adjust back to what it was.

He could possibly be transferred to the rehabilitation floor in the next day or two depending on some paperwork issues. Right now it's just easier to take it one day at a time. The unfortunate wait-and-see game. He really is doing well for where he was a week ago and for that we have much gratitude.

Stefani Barker Cragun has a follow up appointment to look at her collarbone, spine and neck tomorrow. Hopefully it is healing well!

Again thanks for continued love support and prayers!

Jan. 1
Stefani Cragun was given the news yesterday that she is to have surgery on her collar bone. It will be outpatient so that will be easier. The bone is broken in four pieces. Collin Cragun is progressing and doing well. He is now getting out of bed and walking around the nurses station with help. His brain is still trying to put things together. He is able to carry on conversations. His humor is fully intact. We are looking for him to possibly be released from the hospital tomorrow. We are so grateful for all our blessings and most especially for all the prayers and fasting on our behalf.

Jan. 2
Today I sent a text message to Stefani Barker Cragun and told her that I am sure she must be overwhelmed, exhausted and stressed out. I can tell you that if I were in her shoes, I would be. She replied "I'm more overwhelmed by all the good things and miracles that have happened."

I share this because I look up to Stefani for seeing things in a good light. She has the ability to turn every situation into a positive one. I just hope I can be more like her.

Collin Scott Cragun has a good and wonderful companion!

We are blessed by this miracle in our family. Collin is alive and well, he recognizes us and has a sense of humor. What a blessing!

#2
Another quick update for everyone. Collin was released from the hospital today!! We are so happy! He can walk by himself, but his balance is a little off. He still has quite a bit of therapy he needs done from his concussion and the brain trauma that comes with it. Found out yesterday that I have 5 teeth that are either broken or chipped from the wreck. We will be in Utah until the end of the month for sure from doctor, dentist, and therapist appointments. Hopefully we can go home soon after that. Thanks so much for all the fasting and praying. There is no possible way Collin could be where he is without it. We have seen miracles and know that they are from everyone like you. Thanks a ton!!!

Jan. 15
Collin told me today it's been awhile since we've done an update so sorry!! The miracles and blessings are still happening, just not quite so huge and dramatic as they were at the beginning. Since Collin's been home from the hospital his walking has made a huge improvement. Most people watching him walk would never notice anything happened to him so that's great! He had cognitive (brain) therapy today. We were told he'd have that once a week for 6 weeks. Well he's been twice and today they said he doesn't need to go anymore! He's about average when compared to other 25 yr olds with college education so there's not much else for them to do! We are slowly knocking out doctor appointments and having less and less to go to thankfully! Last week we were there everyday and next week we only have 2!!! Wonderful news! I am still healing as well and waiting for the day when I don't have to wear the annoying neck brace anymore. Thanks again for all your prayers. We know they have been answered and are so grateful for the blessings. The blessings definitely outweigh the bad from the accident so we have no complaints!

Jan. 29
Just to update everyone on how Stefani and I are doing. I have been cleared by all of my doctors. The neurosurgeon was even nice enough to say my brain is "perfect". Which means that I'm always right  We are feeling great and waiting for bones to heal so we can take off annoying braces. Stefani had all of her teeth fixed and only has one more doctor appointment to go. Our plan is to return to Iowa Feb 14.

Feb. 1
More great news! I decided to sit at the piano and try to play hymns. With my collar bone broken I haven't been able to really move my arm out like that. But it's healing and not painful at all anymore so I decided to try to play hymns. I play 2 or 3 slow hymns and it was just fine! Then I tried to play some faster hymns, also just fine! Then I thought well how about I try to play for real then?! I tried a hymn arrangement and had no problem. The worst thing was stretching my arm out to turn pages. I then sat at the piano for about an hour just playing! I've missed playing piano SO much! I'm so grateful I am able to now and that it doesn't hurt at all!!!


Well we have returned home and everything is still going great. We are so grateful for all the prayers, fasting, thoughts, donations, and everything else everyone has done in our behalf. There is no possible way either of us (especially Collin) could be doing as well as we are without them. We have seen the hand of the Lord in our lives and are so grateful that we were the ones being blessed with such ENORMOUS miracles! I'm sure there are even a lot of miracles that we don't even know about. I have no doubt that all of this came from God. We're so grateful for our families and all of their support through all of this. That was a lot of driving to and from Salt Lake, but it was all worth it. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything, but I don't want it to happen again ;)

Here are a few pictures of the car. And nothing in the car was ruined except our 2 ice chests.