Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, August 30, 2013
(BEDFORD) - 61-year-old Michael Hamilton is holding his own but needs continued prayers.
Mike was injured when he fell from his 1989 Ford 7600 tractor and was ran over by the hay rake.
Hamilton suffered severe internal injuries and was flown from the scene to Methodist Hospital for treatment where they removed his spleen and began repairing the damage.
Mike is facing another surgery today and will have many more before he will be able to return home.
His wife Vickie says it is a battle but prayers are keeping her husband alive.
"It has just been amazing how family, friends and complete strangers are praying for Mike," Vickie says. "I know those prayers have kept Mike alive. He will be humbled when he realizes all the prayers that are being said for him."
Mike has a pacemaker and was having troubles with his heart rate.
Another concern is infection. His white blood cell count is very high and he underwent a CAT scan Thursday to try and pin point where the infection is.
The good news is there is currently no fever.
Mike, who is in an induced coma, is on a ventilator and today they plan to remove that and put in a tracheotomy and repair his bladder. As of Thursday night, Mike was stable enough to go ahead with the surgery.
"His heart rate is now averaging 125, with highs in the 150's, which is better than the 180's where it was Wednesday," Vickie says. "It has been a battle but he is holding his own and improving each day We have really been blessed."
Vickie is keeping track of everyone who is praying for Mike and wants those who are to contact her via Facebook to let her know.
"Mike will want to know. Those prayers are keeping him alive," Vickie says. "We need every prayer we can get he has a long battle in front of him."
Mike doesn't look like himself.
"He has went from 170 pounds to 265 because they are pumping oxygen into his system," Vickie added. "His hands and feet are purple and his skin is turning yellow but we will battle those things later. The doctors are battling the more serious issues first."
Vickie recalls the phone call just after the accident.
"Mike called me as he was laying in the field and and said 'Vickie get here I have been hurt and I need you bad'," she says. "He was still conscious when I arrived. He was concerned about us, shared his love and then asked me how bad his tractor was damaged. Then he went into shock and he couldn't talk anymore."
While Vickie and their son Hunter rushed to be with Mike some area farmers came together and finished putting up their hay.
"The people in this community are just amazing," Vickie says. "Mike and I have been married 35 years and love it here. Hunter who is 17 is having a hard time. He and Mike are best friends. Continue to pray for us. I can't imagine a life without Mike and Hunter needs his father."
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