Gerald Wagner’s recovery

Friday, May 19th, 2023 Grandpa Jerry wrecked his semi near Greeley Nebraska. He was taken from the scene to St. Paul Hospital from there tansferred to Grand Island, and later air lifted to Bergan Mercy in Omaha, NE where he remains in the trauma ICU with multiple injuries. Grandpa has sustained multiple rib fracture to his right side front and back, a T4&T12 fracture, manubrium fracture, lumbar transverse process fracture, hemopnuemothorax on his right lung, bad concussion, many scrapes and bruises, and lots and lots of pain.

On Thursday, May 25th they got Grandpa prepped and ready for surgery. After a small dose of medicine before the procedure started, his heart rate dropped to 40. From there the surgeon set to operate on grandpa decided that it was not safe to continue and to try again the next day. Grandpa was brought back up to his room and evaluated by cardiology to see what happened, everything checked out good.

Friday, May 26th... another go at surgery! This time it was a go. During the procedure, they performed a bronchoscopy, an open reduction internal fixation of right ribs 7-9, a thoracoscopy with drainage of a retained hemothorax, cryoablation of right ribs 4-9, and a placement of right thoracostomy tube. The procedure lasted near 5hours, no complications, and Dr. Phillip was very impressed with how it all went. Grandpa was brought back to the Trauma ICU after surgery and rested well.

Saturday, May 27th, was a slower day with lots of rests and some pain. Occupational therapy started working with him to get him up and moving around a bit. He sat well in his chair for awhile, has been eating well and resting good, still his spunky self and giving crap to his nurses per Jerry's usual self.

With many people asking how they can help, My grandpas sister in law Dawn and daughter in law Amber have graciously put out some donations jars to help grandma and grandpa, whether it be with medical bills, gas going back and fourth, or just for whatever they may need as he will be out of work for awhile while he is healing, anything helps.

But, Uncle Jeremy thought this may be a good idea to have as well as there are still questions to how to get donations to Grandpa. PLEASE, DO NOT feel obligated to give anything it is just another way to make it a little easier for those wanting to help!

We appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and generosity thus far. We cannot thank you all enough.