Mike’s Story

Site created on March 24, 2024

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

On Saturday, March 23rd, Mike was at the cabin doing tree work and sustained major injuries from a falling tree. Fortunately, it was a glancing blow, and he was not pinned under the tree, and he did not suffer head or neck injuries, nor did he lose consciousness.

Thankfully, his son Pat, and sister Rose, were both with him as well as other family and friends. They were able to quickly get him the emergency help he needed.

He was taken by ambulance to Longville and airlifted to Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, a Level One Trauma Hospital. He spent some time in the Emergency Department and Imaging to determine the extent of his injuries. He has several fractures of the spine, multiple ribs, two breaks in his femur, heel and a significant wound to the foot. 

He went from the ED to the OR to place a wound V.A.C. on his foot and a traction pin in his tibia to help relax the muscles in his thigh.

The next morning on Sunday, March 24th he underwent his second surgery to place a rod in his femur. Both surgeries were successful, and he is in good spirits and considers himself lucky to be here. The journey ahead will be long but he is a hard worker and has an amazing support system. 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Sue Wilson

It has been awhile since the last update, but in this case, no news it good news!  Mike is not only strengthening and healing his body but is using this time for his mind and soul as well.

Progress is steady for his physical recovery. His second visit to TRIA Orthopedics (4/22) resulted in removal of all remaining staples. X-rays show bones healing as they should be.  He is now able to have the splint off his right foot at night. He his well versed in educating care staff on his best method for using the transfer board and belt to get from chair to wheelchair, etc..  He is also taking in all instruction and advice from Physical therapy and Occupational therapy. 
He is spending more time outside the four walls of his room, joining other folks in the dining area for meals,  worship service on Sundays in the chapel and outdoor patio time with visitors as weatherallows.
His wonderful Sister-in-Law, Connie has  invited him to stay with her, at her single level, zero stairs home, whenever the next phase of his recovery begins.
As always, he is grateful for the time, love support everyone has shown him. ❤
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