Brett Cole update as of Sunday 3/4

Dear friends and family:
It has been over a week since my last update. These tend to be an emotionally draining exercise but therapeutic at the same time. Thank you for your continued prayer and support for all of us.
Brett has had a terrible week suffering with excruciating phantom pain. He describes it as a level 10 pain and it feels like someone is stabbing his hand. He feels specific pain in his missing pinky and ring fingers and sometimes along the outer edge of the missing hand. These episodes last from 10 to 30 minutes and he cries, moans and screams in pain. He sometimes gets very agitated and active seeking some relief.
Unfortunately, the doctors have not been able to help. On Friday, they changed Brett's phantom pain medicine to Valium and it seems to reduce the length of the episodes. I think it is simply putting him to sleep. Brett has been sleeping in four hour increments and we rejoice that he can get this rest.
Our good friends (Henry & Candice Turner) run a medical supply distribution business. Henry was able to bring a TENS unit to the house Friday night. This device uses electrical impulse to interrupt nerve pathways in order to ease pain. Our doctor agreed to allow this device although they had not prescribed it for treatment. Brett seems to have responded somewhat to this treatment but it has not eliminated the phantom pain.
We have requested an appointment with a pain specialist as early as possible. It appears that we may see a pain relief doctor on Tuesday. The medical profession does not really seem to know how to deal with this issue. Drugs are the most common treatment. They don't know how long this will last. It is different for each person. They say it may pass within a few more weeks but they really don't know. His attitude has been good when he has visitors and not in pain but the pain robs any ability to have positive thoughts.
We are thankful for each day and Brett has been able to sleep in our bed for the last week. Moving out of the chair into the bed was a big accomplishment. His neck pain has eased but occasionally he gets tight around the neck. Thanks for your prayers regarding these issues.
Brett is eating regularly and able to take care of himself for most basic functions. He is using his left hand to feed himself although sometimes he wants us to help. I get tickled when his stubborn independence kicks in. We raced in tying shoes with the left hand. I used my toes and he said I cheated because that would only work with one shoe off. He opens candy with one hand and his mouth. When he feels strong enough, Brett has read email and uses the (MtoC) interface for typing. (That is the Mom to Computer interface for the computer challenged!) : )We visited the trauma doctor on Wednesday and he reminded us that it had only been three weeks. This doctor was on the team that operated on Brett. He pointed out that Brett's injury had a very high mortality rate and he was fortunate to have Doctor Alonso as his attending surgeon. He said that Dr. Alonso has written clinical papers on this type of injury and is considered one of the best. We are thankful for the medical care provided to Brett.
I returned to work on the 26th but quickly realized that I was needed more at home. I took off on Friday because Coleen was totally exhausted and Brett was constantly calling for me. He says my eyes make him calm down so I have spent a lot of time by his side. I intend to work from home and the office as time allows over the next few weeks. I am thankful to work for a great company with great staff and bosses. Thanks for all the support.
We also covet your continued prayers. Please pray for Brett's pain to cease. I lay hands and pray fervently and we know others are lifting him up in prayer. Also pray for Brett's attitude as he deals with the anger he is feeling each time he suffers in pain.
Again I express my heartfelt gratitude for all of the cards, calls, gifts, kind words, meals, encouragement and prayers. We truly are uplifted by the kindness.