While Regan Gittlein remains
in critical condition in a Greeley, Colo., hospital, there are some signs of progress, according
to his mother, Amy.
After sustaining serious injuries in a July 16 rollover pickup accident near Sterling, Colo., the 19-year-old’s family is hopeful for the results from a scheduled surgery Wednesday this week.
Mrs. Gittlein said Wednesday’s
surgery was scheduled to repair a hole in his diaphragm, likely incurred from numerous
broken ribs Regan suffered in the accident.
She said the diaphragm damage was initially undiscovered
due to so much swelling and bruising Regan sustained.
On Monday, doctors removed the ventilator Regan had been on since the accident, replacing
it with a trach and he is breathing well, she said. That was necessary before the surgery this Wednesday, she noted.
His mother said on Tuesday that Regan remains heavily sedated and is not yet communicating
with the family.
If he tolerates Wednesday’s surgery well, doctors then are planning more surgery next week to repair the fractures in his back, she said.

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