Jeff’s Story

Site created on May 5, 2022

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 Tuesday Jeff had an unfortunate accident while trimming trees. He is in the St. Cloud Hospital where he is waiting for surgery to fuse some vertebrate. He has several broken ribs and a cracked sternum along with a deflated lung that has been repaired.  He is conscious and quite verbal as usual!!!! It will be quite the road to recovery but one that will be accomplished! Thanks so much for all of your prayers and support it is much appreciated!! Will give you updates after surgery. 

Update: 
Surgery on his spine was successful. Jeff has 6 fractured thoracic vertebrae, one of which was crushed. He had surgery fusing them and now has 2 rods and 10 pins stabilizing his spine. He is able to move all extremities and did not suffer a head injury. He also has 6 broken ribs and a cracked sternum which may at some point need surgical attention. His lungs were punctured and collapsed. He was sedated and on a ventilator his first night after the accident, but the chest tube(s) have re-expanded his lungs and he was able to be extubated and put on oxygen.  
Jeff will be able to explain it all better when he’s able, as despite the pain and meds, he is as alert and curious as ever. Thank you all for the support and please continue keeping him in your prayers! 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Jeff Olson

The day started off rough for Jeff. They were concerned that the trauma had also injured his colon. A scope and scan was done and everything turned out good. The staff could not believe the size and extent  of his bruises. 
The pain in his ribs and back has gotten much better.  In fact, he has been able to taper way down on his pain meds. He’s busy doing his rehab activities and behaving (as much as possible for Jeff!)

He will hopefully get a specific plan and timeline for going home when he sees his doctors again tomorrow. 
Jeff wants everyone to know that he feels the prayers and support and they are responsible for his incredibly speedy recovery. Thank you to every one! 

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