Saturday, October 31st

Praise to God, Marty has turned the corner finally. He is breathing unassisted and has been sitting up for 10-15 minutes every day. His infection has disappeared and he has been making great progress the last 2 days. The doctor has said that if this continues, he should be able to move to the next phase of his recovery and leave the ICU in a week or so.

This proves the power of prayer and Brian, Rhonda, Matthew, Michael, the entire Smith and Remington families want to thank everyone for all the prayers that have been said on Marty's behalf.

Now comes the hard part for Marty. He will be in continuing rehab for the next 6-8 weeks, if not longer. He is still in need of your prayers and good thoughts. Rhonda has been at the hospital day and night with only a short break since the accident, which was almost 4 weeks ago. Brian has been there as much as possible, while trying to continue working as much as he can. It has been a tough time for all of them, and your prayers, dinners and visits have really sustained them.

Thanks to everyone,

The Smiths

Tuesday, October 27

God is truly good. Marty still has an infection and they still need to find it, but he is slowly getting better, every day. So far, today has been a good day.

Brian and Rhonda want to thank everyone for hanging in with them during these long and difficult 3 weeks since Marty's accident. It is the love, support and prayers of everyone that has gotten them through so far.

If anyone would like to take pictures of things that are happening now, such as the leaves turning colors, football games, gatherings with friends, these would be a good way to help Marty understand what happened while he was asleep. When he is able, he will need things like this to help him get the time in perspective.

Thanks to all,

The Smiths

Monday, October 26

The family is requesting a special prayer request for Marty. He has an infection and the doctors have been unable to pin point the infection, so have been unable to treat it properly. They have to keep him sedated until they can find the infection and treat it, so please pray that the doctors are able to find and treat Marty correctly so they can allow him to wake up. Marty is doing amazingly well for the injuries he has sustained, and every good thing that has happened is because of the faith of his family and friends and the amazing prayer network that is going around the country.

Brian and Rhonda want to especially thank their extended family for all the support and love they have shown, especially their Aunts and Uncles located all around the country. Even though they can't be here in person, they have been here in spirit from the very first day.

This is Day 22 of Marty's hospital stay. Thank you to everyone for their visits, thoughts and prayers for the Smith Family. Just remember, Marty is healed by the grace of God, we just need him to get to the next step of his recovery.

Saturday

The doctors have decided to keep Marty sedated and allow him to wake up very slowly, so there will very little change in the next several days (we hope). Marty is still in intensive care and still needs all your prayers to help in his healing process.

Thanks to all the family and friends of Brian, Rhonda, Matt, Michael and Marty. The only way they have been able to get through this is with the blessings from God that your prayers have brought. Please keep praying for his continued healing.

The Smith Family

Friday afternoon

Just a quick update:

Marty's fever continues to stay down, which is great news. The doctors are keeping him lightly sedated this afternoon to help him rest.

Thursday, October 22

Marty has been resting quietly all day and his temperature is down. So far, the antibiotics seem to be working.

Thanks to everyone for their continued support and all the prayers that are winging to Heaven. God is surely hearing and answering our prayers.

The Smiths

Wednesday Evening

A late update on Marty. His temperature has been up and down all day, probably due to an infection of some sort. He was doing much better tonight and has been resting all day.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and thoughts.

The Smith Family

Wednesday, October 21st

Great News! They removed the monitor and drain from Marty's head yesterday. The doctor has been so pleased with his progress. His CT scans have been good and his vitals have remained stable. Marty is in the process of waking up, but this is a slow process.

The hospital again cautioned the family to ask everyone to please keep visiting to a minimum in order to decrease the chance of spreading illness. If you have been exposed to someone who is ill, there is usually a 72 hour incubation period before you get sick. You can pass along these germs during the incubation period, so if you are the slightest unsure of whether you have been exposed to illness, please delay your visit until you know for sure. We all need to work together to make sure Marty has the best chance of recovery possible and any illness would be a big set back.

Brian and Rhonda want to pass along how very much they appreciate all the love, support and prayers that have come their way. With God's help, and your prayers, Marty will make the hoped for 100% recovery. Thanks to everyone for being Marty's Prayer Warriors!

The Smith Family

Tuesday morning, October 20th

Marty is still doing very well, the doctor is very pleased with his progress. His temperature has remained near normal, which is very encouraging.

The nurses plan to get Marty up today and sitting upright in a chair, which is a huge step. At this point, his recovery will be measured in inches, not miles, so be patient because we are reporting his progress as it happens. We are now on Marty's time schedule, which is be a slow one.

The entire Smith family wants everyone to know how much the prayers, visits and dinners mean to them. Without family and friends like all of you, this would be a much more difficult time for them.

The hospital staff has asked us to remind everyone that with the flu season kicking in to high gear so early this year, to please stay away from the hospital if you, or someone you come in to contact with, is ill. Marty's immune system is in such a fragile state right now, that the slightest illness can cause devastating set backs. Brian and Rhonda want you to know that they appreciate your concern and willingness to come to the hospital to see them, but if you have been exposed to illness, please either leave a comment on this blog page or text them until everyone is well again. Thank you for your consideration.

The Smith Family

Monday Afternoon, October 19th

Today has been a busy day for Marty. He was awake this morning for quite some time and responded well to commands. He is resting this afternoon and evening so that he can build up his strength. Every day, they will try to keep him a little more active and awake. The next step is to get the trach tube out, but they have to work up to it by getting him more active and aware each day.

His fever has remained down and he is resting comfortably. God has truly answered everyone's prayers and Marty is getting better and stronger each day. Please continue to keep him in your prayers, for he still has a long way to go before he is back to our Marty.

The Smith Family

Update: Sunday Evening

We spoke with Brian & Rhonda this evening...Marty does not have pneumonia.

They are back to their original plan of slowly reducing the sedation meds to begin to allow him to wake up.

Please continue with the prayers. They are very obviously helping in Marty's healing & we only hope you can know just how much they mean to our family.

Sunday, October 18th

The doctors have told us that Marty has developed pneumonia. Your prayers are even more important now. They have changed his antibiotics and sedated him to keep him calm and quiet.
Rhonda asks that you include in your prayers "Pray for continued healing to take place in Marty's body. He is healed by the blood of Jesus. Amen"

Please keep Marty and his family in your prayers.

Saturday afternoon, October 17th

The doctors are still pleased with Marty's progress, but want him to get as much rest as possible, so today has been a quiet day.

He is still not out of the woods, and has a long road ahead of him, so please keep praying.

Rhonda was at the pancake breakfast today, and to say that she and Brian are overwhelmed by the love and support of the community is an understatement. The Brian & Rhonda Smith family as well as the Smith and Remington family are eternally grateful to have such caring family and friends.
We want to thank everyone that donated their time, food and money to make the breakfast such a success.

We will update again tomorrow, but please remember that progress is being measured in inches right now, not in miles, so you may hear the same thing over and over. Just remember that right now, that is a good thing!

Thanks to everyone....The Smith family

Update: Friday Afternoon

Marty continues to make great improvements. The doctor has said that Marty is right where he needs to be.

Now it's just a matter of waiting on Marty to wake up...it is completely on his own schedule.

Please don't forget...if you are hungry tomorrow, a benefit pancake breakfast is being held for Marty at the Mannford Elementary School cafeteria.

Update: Wednesday afternoon

Just got word from Brian...the doctors performed their first "commands test" on Marty & he responded to them & did very well. They are letting him rest for the remainder of the day.

Update: Thursday Morning

Friends & Family:

Thank you all for sticking with us through the past week & a half. It's been rough on all of us but it raises our spirits to know you are all thinking of us.

Now that the most critical days are over, we will probably only be sending out updates once a day. Marty continues to make slow & steady progress. Both our family & the doctors are extremely happy with this. As always, if you don't hear from us often, take it as no news is good news.

Also, we've been told that there will be a pancake breakfast for Marty's benefit on Saturday morning at the elementary school cafeteria. To the individuals who have come together to honor Marty this way, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. How blessed we are to live in such a caring community, one that does not hesitate to reach out & help support a family in their time of need.

We'll be back with another update tomorrow unless something drastic changes before.

The Smith Family

Update: Tuesday Afternoon

Marty continues to slowly & steadily improve. The outer bruising & swelling is beginning to go down & he's starting to look more like himself.

His numbers continue to stay strong & the doctors are remaining positive.

I know these last few updates haven't included many details but that is only because there are not many to give. Don't get me wrong-that is a wonderful thing!

As always-thank you for all of your thoughts & prayers. Remember...no news is good news!

Update: Monday Morning

Marty continues to show improvements. Yesterday was a quiet day in his room, which is why there were no updates.

The doctors are very happy with his progress & the way his numbers are looking. I don't know any specifics, other than he is doing great.

Keep up with the prayers & positive thoughts-we truly believe they are doing a world of good.

Update: Saturday Afternoon

First off...a message from Brian:

Hello everyone this is Marty's dad Brian.Just wanted to take time to thank everyone for their prayers and let you know they are being answered. We are so greatful to you for your love and support during this trying time for our family. Please continue praying for Marty as he makes his recovery and lift him up in the name of our Lord.Thank you again for everything and God bless you all.



Things are still going well for Marty. It's a quiet day with him, which is wonderful. I've been told that there probably won't be many, if any, updates for the rest of the day so if you don't hear anything else today, take that as excellent news.

Update: Saturday Morning

Good morning, everyone.

Marty had an excellent night. His intracranial pressure stayed below 10 all night. This morning while the nurses were working on him, it rose to 11 but that is still a good number.

They are starting to take away his blood pressure medications & his numbers are staying good, which is a positive sign. Before, when they would reduce the medication, his blood pressure would drop.

The doctors are positive about Marty this morning, saying they feel like he's turned a corner. Today is a big day for him & we should know more by the end of the day.

As always...thank you to each & every one of you.

Update: Friday Evening

Final check-in of the evening:

Marty continues to be stable. He is still in critical condition, though.

All of his numbers are looking great & his bodily functions are beginning to do their job.

Pray for a restful night for not only Marty but for Brian, Rhonda, Matthew & Mikey as well.

Update 2: Friday Afternoon

Just got off the phone with family...

Marty has been in very stable condition all afternoon. No changes at all.

Right now, please take "no news as good news:.

Update: Friday Afternoon

The doctor was in to see Marty around noon. Everything is looking good.

Marty is still in critical condition, however it is a stable critical condition. All of his numbers are looking good. The next two days are very important & should give better indication as to how things will turn out.

They plan to begin slowly taking him off of the sedation medications but there is no time being given as to when he will wake up.

Keep up the prayers & well wishes...you all are just as important to Marty's recovery as the doctors are.

Update: Friday Morning

Just a quick update this morning:

Marty had a good night. His pressure stayed at a decent level with little fluctuations so the doctors are happy with that. He did run a slight fever, so they're giving him medicine for that.

Back this afternoon with anything new...

Update: Thursday Evening

Marty is back in his room. The surgery was a total success!

His intracranial pressure is exactly where the doctors want it to be. All of his other stats & readings look great, too.

Even with this wonderful news, he isn't out of the woods yet. So please, keep praying!

Keep yourself safe in this terrible weather-please, stay home. We know that you are all thinking about us & praying & that is more than enough. We will let you know when we feel up to having more visitors.

As always...thank you, thank you, thank you.

The Smith Family

Update: Thursday Afternoon

For those of you that have not heard yet, Marty had a surgery this afternoon. They removed a piece of his skull to try & help alleviate the pressure & swelling.

The surgery went well & the doctors reported that there is no obvious damage.

They are now in the process of getting him back to his room & hooked up to all of his monitors. Once he is reconnected, they will be able to measure his cranial pressure.

He is not out of the woods yet, so please keep up with the prayers.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to each & every one of you who have lifted up Marty, Brian, Rhonda, Matthew & Michael during this time. You are all making a difference & our family cannot thank you enough for your support.

Update #2: Thursday Morning

Family & Friends:

As stated in this morning's first update, Marty did not have a good night.

All the details are not known, just that this morning's status is critical. He is under constant monitoring & the doctor's are reviewing all possible options right now.

Please, no phone calls or visitors this morning. The family truly appreciates all of your thoughts & prayers but right now, all of their focus needs to be on Marty. We understand & appreciate your thoughts & concern & realize that you want to keep updated on Marty. Right now, though, the biggest help to the family will be your understanding that they cannot have any distractions.

As soon as we know anything, I will be back with an update for all of you.

Please. Any & all prayers are appreciated. This morning is a critical time for Marty. Please ask for wisdom for the doctors, that they will be able to make the correct decisions for Marty's care & that the answers come soon. Pray for peace & healing for Marty, that his body continues to heal & that he makes a full recovery.

You all are an important part in Marty's journey to healing & our family appreciates each & every one of you that are saying prayers for us & following Marty's progress.

Please feel free to leave any comments/thoughts/questions either here or at the email address we've set up for the family: prayersformarty@gmail.com. I will check this throughout the day & try to respond to all of you.

Cara

Update: Thursday Morning

I don't have a full update yet, just bits & pieces.

From what I understand, Marty did not have a good night. His intracranial pressure continued to fluctuate & rise overnight. They did an emergency CT scan around 4am. The results of the CT were good, however.

Because of all of the fluctuations, he is under observation this morning. If the fluid levels & swelling don't regulate soon, they will have to take more serious measures.

As always, I'll update when we receive any news.

Cara

Update: Wednesday Evening

More good news on Marty. The doctor has been slowly reducing the amount of meds that Marty is on, trying to see how his body will handle it.

This afternoon while examining him, Marty reached out & grabbed the doctor's arm. Matthew told us that this is a good thing because it means that Marty can localize & identify the pain.

His intracranial pressure is still high but today's CT scan came back looking much better.

As always, thank you to everyone for your thoughts & prayers.

The Smith Family

Update: Wednesday Afternoon

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick update. Marty is still stable, no changes from this morning. That is a positive!

His blood pressure is good, however they've upped one of his medicines to help keep the pressure & fluid down.

All in all, things are going well, Marty is quiet & stable, & that's all we can ask for right now.

We'll update when there is more to report.

The Smith Family

Update: Wednesday Morning

Marty had a stable night. The drain tube is doing its job well. He had a chest x-ray this morning which came back clear, so no pneumonia.

As of right now, Marty is stable & doing as well as can be expected.

The hospital has requested no visitors or phone calls to the nurses station. If you'd like to come visit the family this evening, please go to the 6th floor waiting room, not ICU.

We will be back throughout the day with any updates we receive. If you don't hear anything for the rest of the day, take that as good news!

Thanks again for all your love & support,
The Smith Family

Update: Tuesday Evening

Hi All,

Here is the latest news on Marty:

They placed a drain tube this evening. The fluid levels in his brain had been fluctuating since yesterday evening, rising as high as 40 at times when ideally, it needs to be below 20. The placement went well & he is resting now.

The doctors have stopped the sedation & are now waiting on Marty to wake up on his own. This could take several days to accomplish. He is on medications to help keep the fluid off of his body & required 2 units of blood.

As of now, Marty is doing as best as can be expected. Please keep up the thoughts & prayers-your support means everything to the family.

The Smith Family

Updates on Marty

Friends & Family:

We cannot tell you enough how we appreciate your thoughts, prayers, words of kindness, offers of help & support during this time.

As you all know, we are taking this on a day by day basis.

Brian & Rhonda are beyond grateful for all of your care & support. Right now, though, they need to focus all of their time & energy on Marty.

Please use this blog as a way to check in on Marty, keep up on his progress, & leave your thoughts & prayers.

Any time we have new information, we'll update the blog so that you can see how Marty is doing.

Love,
The Smith Family