WASECA, Minn. — Waseca officer Arik Matson is recovering after undergoing reconstruction surgery Monday to repair fractures in his skull after being shot on duty, according to a post on his CaringBridge site.
"The surgery to repair the fractures in his skull and face went well!," his sister-in-law Nicole Matson posted on Arik's CaringBridge site. "He’s resting in his room now for the night. He’ll be dealing with some pain and swelling in the next few days he heals so his docs want to limit visitors to allow him to recover. Thank you for all of the prayers! Keep them coming!!"
Matson, who was shot in the head while responding to a 911 call earlier this month, was cleared for the surgical procedure after a CT scan on his head came back with a positive result, the post said. He also went through some speech therapy, where doctors placed a valve on Arik's trach for about 10 minutes, allowing him to speak.
"We got a noise or two out of him after Megan (Arik's wife) bribed him with a kiss, so that was a good start to the day," Nicole Matson posted.
According to the post, officer Matson also went through physical therapy on Monday morning where doctors slid him onto a tilt table and he was able to put some weight on his legs. He was even able to throw a ball to his brother Jared, twice.
Matson has appeared to make steady recovery, and a few days ago opened his left eye and made eye contact with people.
A GoFundMe for Matson has been set up and continues to grow. Donations can also be made to Farmers State Bank of Freeborn, Hartland or Albert Lea.
