Monday September 13

Around 4:30 Derek was making a fire for us to cook supper and somehow the paint thinner he used to start the fire exploded. We called 911, and he went to hospital by ambulance.
We waited at the hospital and they told us he was going to be air lifted to Halifax. Halifax has a burn unit. They don't treat severe burns in PEI.
In the QE Hospital in Charlottetown, Derek had an amazing nurse named Rebekah who wrapped his burns. Big shout out to her as this obviously is not something she would do too often. Derek was in excellent spirits as he was joking that he's definitely ready for Halloween and could go as a mummy
He was air lifted to Halifax at around 8pm. Logan and I got to visit him for a few minutes at the Halifax Infirmary when we arrived.

Tuesday September 14

Derek saw the surgeon this morning. Derek said he reported We talked that roughly 60% of his body is burnt and probably has 3rd degree burns in 3 spots which are back of both legs and back of one of his hands
We visited with him in the morning. He is very tried but not in much pain.
He did some physical therapy exercises and saw some doctors.
We think he will be in Halifax for about 2 weeks.
Later in the day, Derek is finding it very hard to get comfortable. Pain is setting in and he is regularly taking pain meds.

Wednesday September 15

Logan left this morning to go back to PEI.
I headed to the hospital. On the way I stopped at Tim's and got Derek a coffee. I was not sure if he would be up for it or not. I was pleasantly surprised That he sat and drank it later in the morning.
The surgeon was in. I met Dr Jack. One of the first things he told me is that Derek is doing extremely well considering his injury. He said most people he sees with this sort of injury would not be up and moving but would be in an intensive care unit. So we need to be thankful that Derek is such a trooper and doing so well at this stage. He said I am never allowed to call him a wimp because he certainly is not that. So Derek is basically the Rockstar we all thought he was anyway. Next he said that Derek will require surgery for skin grafting and that will most likely take place on Monday. Hopefully only one surgery will be required. For now he needs to take his pain medications when he is doing and they seem to help somewhat. Doctor Jack also mentioned that we would be all getting to know each other quite well as he will have to spend some appointments in Halifax and attend clinics more often. He will be able to do some of his therapy and PEI but we will definitely be making lots of trips to Halifax and the process will most likely take about a year.
Then the physiotherapist came into work with him to do stretches and to explain what he should do to help the healing. They also had him up walking and gave him some tips on how to walk better. They gave him some exercises to be doing while he's in hospital.
Next to the occupational therapist came in and they made a splint for his hands. This is so they stay in a proper position for proper healing.
Next the pain management doctors came in and explained that he probably should have some different medications while getting his dressings changed and during physio as these are painful times for him. They suggested a drug and explained the side effects and he will try this tomorrow for the dressing change.