Hi. Trache done and in Halo off but prob has to be back on later. He is resting well and we got a smile! Too tired to open his eyes. I am going to sleep well.

Dear Friends/Supporters,

Michael continues along the not unexpectedly rocky path of recovery following his accident last Saturday. He remains in the ICU (intensive care unit) at the Austin Hospital, where Mon remains by his bedside for as long she is physically able.

Physical Update:

He is in a serious but stable condition. The surgeons have fixated his neck fractures with some metal screws and rods, and have further re-inforced their internal work with a a halo-thoracic brace. This contraption keeps the neck completely still (in a neutral position) with a framework of metal and plastic between the chest and head. This is not comfortable for Mike, but it is important to prevent any further neurological damage, as there are some suspected fractures high in the neck.

He has some collapse and consolidation at the bases of his lungs, which is essentially normal for someone who is unable to deep breathe, cough or mobilise. These small infections are being treated with antibiotics, and they should clear once he gets a tracheostomy (tube at the notch at the front of the neck, which will go into his breathing tube- the trachea) and can sit up and be rolled about more easily. This is planned for today or early next week. The medical team have also discovered a fractured jaw and a potentially fracture right wrist. These will be fixed in due course.

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