Week 3

As I wrote last time, we took last week for a relaxing vacation...and it turned out to be just what the doctor ordered.

But right before we left we got the results of Eric's CT scan back - and everything is perfect clear. They say there isn't any permanent damage to his hip area, and that it's just a matter of time for it to heal. So, knowing that we were going on vacation, his doctor prescribed him some vicadin and a prescription Tylenol to help him sleep at night and we headed to Ship Bottom, NJ. The weather was beautiful, water was freezing, and family time was treasured. We spent the whole week being lazy, reading, playing games, laying at the beach, eating good food...and yes Eric even got a round of golf and some fishing in.

He commented that he could tell a huge difference this week in how he felt, and he notices a drastic difference between now and when he left the hospital so we are headed in the right direction! He even started feeling so good that he stopped taking the pain medication all together and slept through the night on several occasions! So he is completely off all medication (minus vitamins) and both yesterday and today worked full days.

It's just amazing how far we've come, and where God has brought us from just a month ago. For those of you who haven't heard, the city of Sarasota is giving Andy Cratty an award for his efforts in saving Eric's life...but there isn't an award in the world that can thank him enough!!!!

Week 2

Eric is making great progress, but he seems to have good days and bad days. His good days are very managable, but his bad days are really bad with the pain in his hip/stomach area. So we went back to the doctor on Wednesday to discuss his symptoms including:

-He has numbness in his legs and toes; he said it feels like his feet are asleep all the time. The doctor said this is from nerve damage and could take 6+ months to heal.
-He is taking a large dose of Tylenol/Advil regularly and was concerned with how long before it could be harmful. The doctor said 2 weeks...and since we're at that point, he wants Eric to stop taking them.
-He continues to have severe pain in his hip/stomach area. The doctor ordered a CT scan (which we had today) so that he can determine the extent of the injuries and which pain medication to prescribe in lieu of the large doses of Tylenol and Advil.

As many of you know, we're leaving for a much needed week long vacation this Friday. We're headed to the Jersey shore with my family for a time of relaxation. We continue to appreciate all your prayers and words of encouragement!

Jana

Week at Home

Eric's first week at home has been a good one. He continues to be in a lot of pain, especially in his hip area where they found 2nd and 3rd degree burns internally. This pain is making it difficult to sleep or find a comfortable position to rest. We went to the doctor on Wednesday to try and find a solution. They gave him some sleeping medication, but it didn't seem to help much at all. So now we're back to good old Tylenol and Advil - just taking it more regularly and alternating between the two. All the doctors we've seen are just amazed at his progress and his story. I even heard one say that "he's making medical history" so we feel blessed every day!

Although Eric has been home from work all week, we tried to keep some normal social activities. He mentioned that it helps to get out of the house and get his mind of things. So we spent several evenings over at his parents house with his sisters and their children. We also went to see the fireworks on 4th of July, and to a birthday party last night. So he's getting out of the house and moving around which is good. Eric is planning on returning to work tomorrow (Monday) possibly beginning with half days to see how things go. He has no memory of both Monday and Tuesday (the day of the accident) so it will be strange returning to projects and clients he doesn't remember working on or talking to. He's already read some emails that he doesn't remember writing...which I'm sure feels strange.

So please continue to pray for us. Mostly that the pain would subside to a manageable level so he can sleep at night and get rest. Also for his first few days back at work that they'll be a smooth transition.

And for all you Rambling Randy fans, I'll see if I can get him to write another entry soon. :)

Jana

First Day Home

Jana here, reporting on our first day home. :)

But first of all, a special thanks to Jenn & Randy for creating and updating this blog with each bit of news. It was such a blessing to know that they were spreading the word when I wasn't able to do it myself.

Our first day home was wonderful. Eric and I commented that it would be nice to always have off work and spend our days lazying around. He's still in a bit of pain, but it's become manageable. He has trouble sleeping at night because of the pain, yet each day he seems to grow stronger. Last night we went on our first walk around the block (pictured below is Eric & my dad). Watch out all you basketball boys...we came upon a low b-ball hoop and Eric jumped up to touch the rim - so he'll be back in no time!

Today we had many visitors, which Eric enjoyed because he doesn't always remember those that came in the hospital. I'm just amazed how each day he grows stronger! Only the awesome God we serve could have made it happen that six days later he would be sitting at home being his good old self. I was going to take our house key off his motorcycle ring and give it to his mom so she could stop by while I go back to work this week. He made the comment, "But then how would I ride my motorcycle?". What am I going to do with him!

I'll try to keep putting updates as he makes even more progress. I might even get the man himself to write a few words, if he's feeling up to it. :)

I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers, words of encouragment, and support over the past few days. It made us realize what a strong community family we're a part of. And although we recognize this could be a long journey of healing for the both of us...at least we're doing it together.

HOME!

Need I say more? Eric and Jana came home today shortly after 2:00 I believe. Eric was ready to get out of there and go home. So much so that he didn't even wait for his mom to bring clothes for him...he went home in his hospital clothing. On top of that, he didn't wait for a hospital escort, He just asked for their own wheelchair and Jana pushed him out of there. "We're Leaving" I believe were the words that Eric said.

Eric is feeling much better, even better then yesterday. He will be taking the next week off for sure it sounds like, and then checking things out the following week. If I know Eric at all, he's gonna get bored...maybe I will sneak him out of the house for a round of golf or something haha :)

Keep Rejoicing

Cleared to Go HOME! June 29

Well I just got a message from Jana saying that the doctor sees no reason why Eric can't go home today. Can you believe that? The guy got struck by lightning, and now he gets to come home 5 days later! If it's not clear to everyone out there, let me clear this up. MIRACLE! Plain and simple, it has been abundantly clear that Eric was in God's hands the whole time.

Jana did not know exactly when today, just that it would be later this afternoon! It will be another adjustment for them to be home, but a good one. The hospital has been home for the past few days, so it will be nice for them to be back in the comforts of their own home. Continue to pray for healing and rest for Eric and Jana.

WOW!

Eric in his new Room!

Jenn and I went to see Eric.....AND Jana tonight! This picture seems to paint the picture of how everyone seems to be feeling. The past two days have been so great. We have had the pleasure of hanging out with Eric and Jana's families, and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course the reason we all met together was not good in the beginning, but it has turned into rejoicing.

It was so much fun to see the smiles today on everyones faces!

Look at ERIC, doesn't he look Great...

I know it might sound a little funny coming from another guy,

but I can say it....

HE's HANDSOME :)

Now that Eric is feeling a little better, and possibly will be coming home tomorrow, we can't help but be super excited. We are looking forward to sitting down At HOME with Eric and talking with him about this whole experience, and about the discussions we had with him in the hospital.

This truly has been a wild ride of emotions. It will continue to be an adjustment for Eric and Jana for the next while, so keep them in your prayers. Thank the Lord, and tell your friends and family that you Love them...even if they may get a chuckle out of it :) ( We told Eric tonight we loved him....it was fun haha :)

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE

PTL!

"The Rambler"

6/28-Room Change

Eric's pain level is better today!

He is now out of ICU and into a regular room and is excited to see people. The family is asking that visits be limited to 10-15 minutes, so that Eric can get the rest that he needs.

They are planning on releasing him tomorrow...PRAISE THE LORD!!

What a faithful God we serve! Hard to believe that he is almost ready to come home and it's only been 5 days.....

AMAZING!!!

Update #2 6/27 (technically 6/28)

The test showed 2nd (possibly 3rd) degree burns on the inside of his body. The main area of pain is located in his abdomen, so please pray for that specifically. Eric is still in intense pain, so we appreciate your prayers for him!


We are hoping that he will be doing well enough to be moved out of ICU and into a regular room, tomorrow.


He walked some today, so that is encouraging.


I'd also like to ask for prayers for Jana, Eric's family, and Jana's family. These past few days have been filled with ups and downs, lack of sleep, joy, praise, sadness, concerns, and many more emotions. It can be overwhelming at times, so please pray for them too.

Talking with Eric on the PHONE!

This is Rambling Randy Miller again! Well tonight we didn't get a chance to talk to Eric at the hospital, but we did get to talk to him on the phone. While we were at home, I called Loren (Eric's Dad) to see how he was doing, and to ask about going in to see him tomorrow. I told Loren to make sure and tell Eric that we were all wanting to come in and talk to him again. Loren then said "well why don't you talk to him right now?" I was like "OK, SWEET." Eric then got on the phone and said "What's up Miller?" It sounded so great to hear his "real voice". It was like hearing ERIC like always before...maybe a little tired...but still Eric. We did talk to him last night but he was tired and didn't quite sound like himself. Tonight, however, he was laughing on the phone, and even joked with us a little.

After getting Eric on the phone, I asked if it was ok with to put him on speaker phone because my wife Jenn (author of this blog...I'm so proud), Kelby (trying to take over BEST MAN status but not gonna!) and Jill (pregnant with a monkey baby), Rod (my older brother) and his wife Jessica (sherbet shoes), were all over at our house. We all took turns talking, joking, and encouraging Eric. It was so much fun. After our short conversations (5 minutes maybe) with Eric we all were so excited. We had just talked to our little ET and he sounded great. At the end of the conversation I asked Eric if he was tired, he of course said "yes"...so we told him to get some rest and that we would be in to see him tomorrow (Sat.)

Talking to Eric totally made our night. We have all had some rough days, but it all seemed to melt away when we talked to him.

Eric, if and when you read this blog...you need to know that we have been worried sick, scared, crying, --happy, joking, excited, praising the Lord and jumping for Joy, all because you are still here with us...WE ARE CRAZY ABOUT YOU, you little sand-bagging son of a gun.

WE LOVE YOU

Randy Miller

Update #1- 6/27

Eric is sitting up in a chair and has had some crackers to eat. He is starting to speak more and has a better short term memory. His fever is gone-praise the Lord.

However, he is having intense pain in his lower abdomen, so they will be running some tests today, to determine the cause.


Prayer Requests:
~Thanksgiving that he is improving by the hour and that his fever is gone
~Relief from his pain
~That the tests would find the cause of the pain and that it would be resolved quickly


I just want to say again that we all appreciate the amazing comments! I have been printing them up to take to the hospital. Everyone loves to read the comments and we have laughed and cried over them. It is inspiring to see the support from all over the country. We can feel the love and prayers! Keep it coming....

The Hero - Andrew Cratty

This is the man who the Lord sent to help save Eric's life.

Left to Right: Kristy Sommers, Rachel Troyer, Andy Cratty, Loren Troyer, and Jana Troyer

What a terrific man Andy is! We enjoy having him around and listening to his enthusiastic details of Tuesday night. We are so grateful to him and all he did for Eric and for spending time at the hospital with us. What a kind and selfless man to risk his life to help someone else! "Thank You" isn't enough to express how much his selflessness means to all of us, but from the bottom of all our hearts...

THANK YOU ANDY!!!

Talking with Eric - HOW COOL!

Well this is Randy Miller (BEST MAN at his wedding!) and I thought I would just put a quick note in about our conversations with Eric tonight. When I say we, I mean Kelby Hochstetler, Andy Collins, and Me. Tonight around 8:30ish the three of us went in to see Eric and found him sleeping on his belly. We didn't want to wake him, but after a couple minutes he rolled over and looked around at us. We encouraged him, joked with him, and told him how good looking he was. We talked with him about what happend to him, about things from the past, and just random things as well.

In one of our conversations, Andy said "Eric, Derek Rose went first in the NBA Draft" and Eric responded by saying "for the Bulls?" Which obviously means he knew which team had the first pick in the draft. Eric then proceeded to ask, "Who did the Magic get?", Which is totally like Eric to want to know the latest sports news.

During our time in there, he did complain about pain in his stomach and on his right side, but he answered all our questions and responded to all our comments. It was such an awesome time to be in there talking with him! How crazy, the other day we were so unbelievably upset, and today we were overjoyed.

When we first got in there I said "Eric did you see Andy over there?" and he said "yeah." Then I said "you see Kelby?" He mumbled "yeah." Next, Andy asked Eric if he knew who I was and he just grunted...it was funny. Anyway, it feels like I'm babbling, and I probably could quite a bit longer, but I will end it with this one last short conversation we had.

I said
"Eric, we had Dutch Heritage to eat tonight."
"You didn't get me any?"
"We've got more, and were eating fish fry tomorrow...you want some?"
"Yeah"
"Did you get a ticket?" (It's for a Palm Grove Youth Fundraiser)
"Yeah"
"Did you get one for Jana?"
"No"

Which is true, He got one for himself, but Jana didn't want one, so he remembered that from last week. Like I said already, it was awesome to be in there talking with him, and seeing the amazing improvements he has made in just today alone. We are anxiously looking forward to his progress in the days to come. Continue in your prayers, and don't forget to PRAISE THE LORD!

Update #4 6/26

Eric is doing well. He is talking more and asking questions. He still has a fever, so they are keeping a close watch on that. He seems to remember lots of details about the past week. He is moving his entire body now and was even asking if he can get up and walk. The nurses told him that he had to wait until tomorrow. He also asked if he could watch ESPN.




Please continue to pray for healing of his burns and that the the Lord would relieve the pain. He is still in a considerable amount of pain, especially on his right side and stomach.

Update #3 6/26

Eric is awake and he has been speaking a little bit. Thank you Jesus!!

He asked for Jana!!!!




Prayer requests:

~ Eric is running a fever, so pray against infection

~He also said that he is in pain, so pray for comfort and that the Lord would ease his pain

Update #2 6/26

Eric is off the ventilator and all his tubes are out. He nodded his head yes when Jana asked him if his burns hurt. He even tried to sit up.

He was grumpy :) and agitated (most likely from the pain), but we still take it as a good sign that he is trying to communicate. They are giving him pain meds and have sedated him, so that he can rest. He did not speak, but the pain meds made him very sleepy, plus the ventilator probably made his throat sore. He will be resting for a few hours, then they will try to get him to speak again.


Thank you all for the kinds words and prayers. I will be printing the messages so that Jana can read them to Eric. Please feel free to offer stories of inspiration as well as funny memories/stories that Eric would like to hear.

Again, we are so appreciative of the prayers and words...THANK YOU!

6/26

Great news! Eric is gaining consciousness. He wiggled his toes, squeezed a hand, and opened his eyes on command.


Keep Praying!!


He is breathing on his own!!

Things That Make Us Cautiously Optimistic

~Eric did not take a direct lightning strike

~Andy (jogger) said that Eric "responded" after one or two applications of CPR. He did not respond with consciousness, but his upper body responded

~Andy doesn't know if Eric took a breath of his own, but he was spitting up and moving his jaw and mouth

~Andy said that Eric opened his eyes several times as he was doing CPR



The real test will be tonight as they begin bringing Eric out of the medically induced coma. We covet your prayers, but are hopeful.



~Bob (Jana's Dad)~

6/25- Update #1

Big News! Eric is doing very well. His kidneys have improved significantly and his heart is doing great.

Around 9 PM tonight, they will slowly be bringing Eric out of the induced hypothermia and medically induced coma. His core body temperature was lowered to 93 degrees, and it will take around 11 hours (or more) to slowly raise his body temperature back to normal. They will also be bringing him out of his induced coma and perform a CAT scan after he regains consciousness.


Specific prayer requests:

~Pray a prayer of thanks that the Lord had His protective hands around Eric last night. The Lord put Andy in the right place at just the right time.

~Pray that Eric's Body responds well as he comes back to consciousness and as they raise his body temperature

~Pray for peace and comfort for Jana and the family as they wait for results

June 24, 2008

Eric was fishing (wading) in the water at Siesta Beach on Tuesday night when he was indirectly struck by lightning. A jogger (named Andy) saw it happen and didn't see Eric come back up, so he ran and pulled Eric out of the water and started CPR, then ran to get help.

He is in the Cardiac ICU and they have him in a medically induced coma and are bringing his temperature down to 93 degrees for at least 17 hours (LINK). Then, they will bring his body temperature back up and bring him out of his coma. We don't know if there is damage to his heart or brain, but things look positive and we are praying that the Lord is going to bring him back to full health.

Welcome

This is a blog for Eric Troyer. You will be able to find updates of his progress here.



Please take time to post words of encouragement and prayers in the comment section. Eric and Jana need to be encouraged during this time, so your prayers and kind words are very precious to them.