All,
Your e-mails and blog comments mean a tremendous amount to me during the valleys.
I would say I am climbing the hill now and I will explain that later.
Should I expose the "captain's log"? That certainly put a smile on my face as well as others who continue to read. Jim, thank you! Most of you should know our love of the lake. A few of you have shared some unforgettable times with us on the lake. Nicknames, beverages of choice, games and conversations will be cherished forever. I, we, can't wait to get back out there next summer to continue the memories and stories! I may not be skiing, but I will still be the captain - even "Captain Crunch" on occasion.
Friday, September 26:
You could tell from my post on Thursday afternoon that things were not perfect. I did not and still do not sleep well, much less through the night. Friday morning came and I could tell I was in no shape to go to work. That was for the best since I had 2 appointments shortly after lunch. The first was my post-op followup from the pin removal in my left hand. That went well with no more followups required (another doctor down). From there we had to kill about an hour before PT/OT. That went well. In PT, I walked further than ever before and they are not following me with my wheelchair. I am putting more weight through my right leg and felt the rod against my femur. We are seeing more progress in my left foot. I am moving it higher and separating my toes more. These are good signs that the nerves are coming back.
Saturday, September 27:
I was excited to have my longtime friend, John, come visit from Conway. Other than the results from the Arkansas game, the visit was wonderful. Not much else, just good conversation and food.
Sunday, September 28:
Here is a minor milestone. I returned to church for the first time this morning. For those of you who know me well may not think this was such a big deal. However, the reception as I wheeled in and the comments from the minister melted me. I have so much appreciation for them. I feel like my own personal faith is growing. I will never be able to fully understand the magnitude of the prayers for healing that have been made on my behalf. I remain extremely humble as I begin to realize that am here through the grace of God.
I look forward to seeing my Mom soon as I relax for the rest of the day.
As always, Thank You!
J
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
September 23 - 25 - It is not a walk in the park
All,
Your continued comments still mean the world to me.
Since taking over the blog from Cara and making the posts on my own, I have tried to paint a perfect picture of healing and progress. I have to admit that this is not a walk in the park. Like all things there are hills and valleys. I am currently in a bit of a valley as I am simply tired of being in a wheelchair, tired of the pain - that is continuous, tired of depending on others to do the most basic things.
I am thrilled about being back to work on even a part time basis. It gives me purpose and I feel like I am contributing. The downside is that my lower left leg is throbbing by the time I leave after only four hours. The throbbing is due to vein damage and blood struggles to get back to the heart - typical with orthopedic trauma surgery. I am sitting in my office chair OK and co-workers have helped to form a foot rest to elevate my foot. It just is not the same as my recliner.
Hills:
Wednesday, September 24
My PT session this morning was conducted in the swimming pool. First, I will tell you that the temperature is consistently 96 degrees. They lowered me into the pool and I was able to walk and perform other leg exercises. It felt wonderful except for my left foot preventing a normal gate. I will probably not do more than 1 pool session a week, but it sure felt great to be immersed in water.
From there, we went home briefly for lunch prior to my follow up with the heart surgeon.
This was my last follow-up with him and my prognosis is clear. That is expected, but still fantastic news. It was again confirmed just how close I was to the end. They were thrilled to see and talk to me.
Thursday, September 25
we, Cara and I, had a fairly relaxing morning before returning to work after lunch. It is still a treat for co-workers to come by my cube and say hello and welcome back. The new ness of my return is slowing down, but there are several here checking in on me. Speaking of work, I should get back to it.
Thanks again for your continued comments, thoughts and prayers.
I will add more comments soon,
J
Your continued comments still mean the world to me.
Since taking over the blog from Cara and making the posts on my own, I have tried to paint a perfect picture of healing and progress. I have to admit that this is not a walk in the park. Like all things there are hills and valleys. I am currently in a bit of a valley as I am simply tired of being in a wheelchair, tired of the pain - that is continuous, tired of depending on others to do the most basic things.
I am thrilled about being back to work on even a part time basis. It gives me purpose and I feel like I am contributing. The downside is that my lower left leg is throbbing by the time I leave after only four hours. The throbbing is due to vein damage and blood struggles to get back to the heart - typical with orthopedic trauma surgery. I am sitting in my office chair OK and co-workers have helped to form a foot rest to elevate my foot. It just is not the same as my recliner.
Hills:
Wednesday, September 24
My PT session this morning was conducted in the swimming pool. First, I will tell you that the temperature is consistently 96 degrees. They lowered me into the pool and I was able to walk and perform other leg exercises. It felt wonderful except for my left foot preventing a normal gate. I will probably not do more than 1 pool session a week, but it sure felt great to be immersed in water.
From there, we went home briefly for lunch prior to my follow up with the heart surgeon.
This was my last follow-up with him and my prognosis is clear. That is expected, but still fantastic news. It was again confirmed just how close I was to the end. They were thrilled to see and talk to me.
Thursday, September 25
we, Cara and I, had a fairly relaxing morning before returning to work after lunch. It is still a treat for co-workers to come by my cube and say hello and welcome back. The new ness of my return is slowing down, but there are several here checking in on me. Speaking of work, I should get back to it.
Thanks again for your continued comments, thoughts and prayers.
I will add more comments soon,
J
Monday, September 22, 2008
September 20 - 22 - Can I Go To Work?
All,
Saturday brought a lot of fun with the visit from Tim, Gus and Paul. Even if Arkansas looked bad against Alabama, I was on the back porch with great friends eating rib eye and drinking cold beer. You know the conversations were memorable.
Sunday was a restful day as it should be. Cara and I went to Sam's football game. They finally won their first game and it took an overtime to do it. Sam carried the ball on a reverse, but he was dropped behind the line. On another play, the ball was thrown to him, but one of the two defenders tackled him before the ball got there. Blatant interference, but no call.
I forced myself to try to go to bed early for my big day on Monday.
Today, Monday September 22:
Right on time at 7:30 Mike arrived to take me to work for the first time in over two months. I know some people would savor a few more days of healing, but I have been itching to get back to work. Well, Mike's 4x4 F150 proved to be too much for me to transfer up to. No worries, Cara took me to work. I knew it would be more social than productive, but you have to start sometime. It felt so right to be back at my desk and it was wonderful to have all of my co-workers come to visit and welcome me back even some that I did not know very well. That shows you that I work in a very special place where we treat each other like family. I look forward to that same experience when I get down to Little Rock AFB.
Not to kid anybody, I am not ready for full time yet and left shortly after noon to rest before PT/OT. As a matter of fact, I can't offer more than 1/2 a day for several weeks due to various appointments. I do intend to offer as much as I can.
PT/OT went well again as I walked about 60 feet with that fancy walker (maybe I can remember the name of it next time). I did ask for some time frame on losing the wheelchair and the answer basically was when I could walk better and when I was cleared by the doctor. Since the follow up is October 22, I should expect another month on wheels. This seems like a long time, but she reminded me that the trip from the parking lot to my desk is a lot further away than it used to be and that is referring to muscle tissue and trauma, not miles or feet.
Currently, I am sitting in my recliner watching MNF while the rest of the family is at FHS watching Allen's football game. I was just too spent from the day to make it out there tonight.
Thank you for reading and maybe I will see a few of you tomorrow!
J
Saturday brought a lot of fun with the visit from Tim, Gus and Paul. Even if Arkansas looked bad against Alabama, I was on the back porch with great friends eating rib eye and drinking cold beer. You know the conversations were memorable.
Sunday was a restful day as it should be. Cara and I went to Sam's football game. They finally won their first game and it took an overtime to do it. Sam carried the ball on a reverse, but he was dropped behind the line. On another play, the ball was thrown to him, but one of the two defenders tackled him before the ball got there. Blatant interference, but no call.
I forced myself to try to go to bed early for my big day on Monday.
Today, Monday September 22:
Right on time at 7:30 Mike arrived to take me to work for the first time in over two months. I know some people would savor a few more days of healing, but I have been itching to get back to work. Well, Mike's 4x4 F150 proved to be too much for me to transfer up to. No worries, Cara took me to work. I knew it would be more social than productive, but you have to start sometime. It felt so right to be back at my desk and it was wonderful to have all of my co-workers come to visit and welcome me back even some that I did not know very well. That shows you that I work in a very special place where we treat each other like family. I look forward to that same experience when I get down to Little Rock AFB.
Not to kid anybody, I am not ready for full time yet and left shortly after noon to rest before PT/OT. As a matter of fact, I can't offer more than 1/2 a day for several weeks due to various appointments. I do intend to offer as much as I can.
PT/OT went well again as I walked about 60 feet with that fancy walker (maybe I can remember the name of it next time). I did ask for some time frame on losing the wheelchair and the answer basically was when I could walk better and when I was cleared by the doctor. Since the follow up is October 22, I should expect another month on wheels. This seems like a long time, but she reminded me that the trip from the parking lot to my desk is a lot further away than it used to be and that is referring to muscle tissue and trauma, not miles or feet.
Currently, I am sitting in my recliner watching MNF while the rest of the family is at FHS watching Allen's football game. I was just too spent from the day to make it out there tonight.
Thank you for reading and maybe I will see a few of you tomorrow!
J
Friday, September 19, 2008
September 18 / 19 - Can I Walk?
All,
Yesterday, September 18, was a much needed off day so there is not much to report. Ashley brought more food. Steve, Julie and Bella brought dinner and stayed for a while and that was a lot of fun. It is always fun to visit with friends.
Today, September 19, started fairly slow, but ended big. Of course it is just 5:00 and we are having a dinner party tonight. During physical therapy this afternoon, I stood up and yes, I WALKED a few steps! It was with the assistance of a machine and therapist were on the ready if I wobbled. It will still be a while before I am on crutches, but this is the beginning of the end. I even stood un-assisted for a few seconds with all of my weight on the right leg. It is still very weak.
Yes, this is great stuff. Before you know it, you will forget about this blog and the accident. I will be back to normal and Cara and the boys can relax a little.
Talk to you soon,
J
Yesterday, September 18, was a much needed off day so there is not much to report. Ashley brought more food. Steve, Julie and Bella brought dinner and stayed for a while and that was a lot of fun. It is always fun to visit with friends.
Today, September 19, started fairly slow, but ended big. Of course it is just 5:00 and we are having a dinner party tonight. During physical therapy this afternoon, I stood up and yes, I WALKED a few steps! It was with the assistance of a machine and therapist were on the ready if I wobbled. It will still be a while before I am on crutches, but this is the beginning of the end. I even stood un-assisted for a few seconds with all of my weight on the right leg. It is still very weak.
Yes, this is great stuff. Before you know it, you will forget about this blog and the accident. I will be back to normal and Cara and the boys can relax a little.
Talk to you soon,
J
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
September 16-17 - has it been 2 days?
All,
Tuesday September 16:
The minor hand surgery yesterday morning was not as minor as I hoped, but the pins are out!
I am free to put as much weight through my left arm as I can tolerate. I got back home at about lunch time and was worn out and took a nice afternoon nap.
We went to Sam's football game that evening and then went to Fayetteville High School to pick up Allen from practice.
Wednesday September 17:
We got up and went straight to Health South for PT/OT. From there, Cara and I headed to Tulsa for my first follow up with the orthopedic surgens. All news in good!
First, the bones are healing well and right now it looks like the left hip is going to survive.
I have been cleared to put full weight on my right leg - I had been expecting to be able to put some load on it just on how well it has been doing. I have also been cleared to put 25 to 50 pounds of load on my left leg. Physical therapy is to continue with the new orders and I am anxious to see when I will be using crutches. I always try to push hard and expect a lot, so I am hoping to be on crutches in a week or two. Getting out of this wheel chair will be a major improvement. So many thing will change!
The only downside is that I have to wait until the follow up visit on October 22 to be cleared to drive.
Things really could not be going any better with all things considered.
Allison, if you intend to see me before I am walking around, you better get into your car and head north.....
Thank you all for your support!
J
Tuesday September 16:
The minor hand surgery yesterday morning was not as minor as I hoped, but the pins are out!
I am free to put as much weight through my left arm as I can tolerate. I got back home at about lunch time and was worn out and took a nice afternoon nap.
We went to Sam's football game that evening and then went to Fayetteville High School to pick up Allen from practice.
Wednesday September 17:
We got up and went straight to Health South for PT/OT. From there, Cara and I headed to Tulsa for my first follow up with the orthopedic surgens. All news in good!
First, the bones are healing well and right now it looks like the left hip is going to survive.
I have been cleared to put full weight on my right leg - I had been expecting to be able to put some load on it just on how well it has been doing. I have also been cleared to put 25 to 50 pounds of load on my left leg. Physical therapy is to continue with the new orders and I am anxious to see when I will be using crutches. I always try to push hard and expect a lot, so I am hoping to be on crutches in a week or two. Getting out of this wheel chair will be a major improvement. So many thing will change!
The only downside is that I have to wait until the follow up visit on October 22 to be cleared to drive.
Things really could not be going any better with all things considered.
Allison, if you intend to see me before I am walking around, you better get into your car and head north.....
Thank you all for your support!
J
Monday, September 15, 2008
September 15 - go go go
All,
Saturday evening and all day Sunday were very relaxing and to the point of boring. I started feeling a bit restless with some cabin fever.
That cabin fever was taken care of today.
8:45 this morning I went to see the hand doctor. This included new x-rays of my left hand. The doctor came in and told me that the bones had healed and I can begin using my arm as usual again. With those comments, he got a pair of pliers and pulled out a stainless pin that has been sticking about 1 1/2 inches out of my hand. This is great news however, the second pin is still embedded under the skin. I am scheduled for a minor out patient surgical procedure tomorrow morning to remove the second pin.
11:30 lunch was delivered by Katrenia and Ruben shortly followed by visits from Antonio, Jared and Tony. This was a greatly appreciated visit and it makes me so thankful for where I work. I can't wait to get back! maybe in pieces next week?
2:30 Back to Health South for OT/PT. This is one of those things you dread to do, but are thankful for doing afterwards. They work me hard, but this keeps me ahead of schedule on my recovery.
5:30 As soon as I sign off, we will wisk away to Fayetteville High School stadium for Allen's 2 football games.
As always these days, things keep getting better.
Talk to you soon,
J
Saturday evening and all day Sunday were very relaxing and to the point of boring. I started feeling a bit restless with some cabin fever.
That cabin fever was taken care of today.
8:45 this morning I went to see the hand doctor. This included new x-rays of my left hand. The doctor came in and told me that the bones had healed and I can begin using my arm as usual again. With those comments, he got a pair of pliers and pulled out a stainless pin that has been sticking about 1 1/2 inches out of my hand. This is great news however, the second pin is still embedded under the skin. I am scheduled for a minor out patient surgical procedure tomorrow morning to remove the second pin.
11:30 lunch was delivered by Katrenia and Ruben shortly followed by visits from Antonio, Jared and Tony. This was a greatly appreciated visit and it makes me so thankful for where I work. I can't wait to get back! maybe in pieces next week?
2:30 Back to Health South for OT/PT. This is one of those things you dread to do, but are thankful for doing afterwards. They work me hard, but this keeps me ahead of schedule on my recovery.
5:30 As soon as I sign off, we will wisk away to Fayetteville High School stadium for Allen's 2 football games.
As always these days, things keep getting better.
Talk to you soon,
J
Saturday, September 13, 2008
September 13 Saturday - Slow day?
All,
I did not leave a post yesterday obviously. Not much really happened. I stayed in bed most of the day using the CPM as much as possible. A couple of friends stopped by and I was grateful for their visits. Cameron dropped off some movies. Paul came by to see me on his way home from Afghanistan (that is right, he stopped to see me before his wife and kids). After Paul left, Cara took me to OT/PT. Cara grilled some steaks last night (my first since the accident) and they were delicious. It was a good day overall.
Today looks to be another nice day except for the postponed Razorback game. I doubt us Hog fans would enjoy the Texas game anyway.....
I went to Sam's first football game today. They lost, but Sam got a couple un-assisted tackles including a forced fumble.
My parents are up here hoping to give Cara a little break. Mom is cooking dinner.
Not much else to report - I may take a nap.
Hope to hear from you soon,
J
I did not leave a post yesterday obviously. Not much really happened. I stayed in bed most of the day using the CPM as much as possible. A couple of friends stopped by and I was grateful for their visits. Cameron dropped off some movies. Paul came by to see me on his way home from Afghanistan (that is right, he stopped to see me before his wife and kids). After Paul left, Cara took me to OT/PT. Cara grilled some steaks last night (my first since the accident) and they were delicious. It was a good day overall.
Today looks to be another nice day except for the postponed Razorback game. I doubt us Hog fans would enjoy the Texas game anyway.....
I went to Sam's first football game today. They lost, but Sam got a couple un-assisted tackles including a forced fumble.
My parents are up here hoping to give Cara a little break. Mom is cooking dinner.
Not much else to report - I may take a nap.
Hope to hear from you soon,
J
Thursday, September 11, 2008
September 11 - Time to remember
All,
September 11 will always bring several different thoughts to several different people.
I encourage everyone to take a moment and think about those affected.
We met with and retained our lawyer today and feel very optimistic about the long term results.
That was the good news of the day.
This afternoon's doctor appointment was a nerve evaluation of my left (most severely damaged) leg. The diagnosis confirmed what many others have said and it is not my best news. There is significant nerve damage. He could not completely determine the exact location of the damage, but it is somewhere in my back. (I previously thought it was in my left shin) The fact that there were minor signals and that I am able to slightly raise my left foot indicates that the nerve is not severed. This means that it will likely heal, but at it's own pace. Most of the medical people we have talked to say to expect at least 1 year. Fortunately, my right leg is healing rapidly. I will go to Tulsa next week for an evaluation of all of the orthopaedic surgeries. I would be thrilled if they allow me to start bearing weight on my right leg ahead of schedule.
It took some time, but I got logged onto the Tyson network and e-mail this afternoon. For those of you getting used to my Yahoo account, I will be checking it less frequently. I will be staying logged on to the Tyson account more regularly (maybe even working a little). That e-mail is jerry.hartfieldiii@tyson.com.
I still enjoy all of the calls, blog comments, e-mails and visits - keep them coming.
Talk to you tomorrow,
J
September 11 will always bring several different thoughts to several different people.
I encourage everyone to take a moment and think about those affected.
We met with and retained our lawyer today and feel very optimistic about the long term results.
That was the good news of the day.
This afternoon's doctor appointment was a nerve evaluation of my left (most severely damaged) leg. The diagnosis confirmed what many others have said and it is not my best news. There is significant nerve damage. He could not completely determine the exact location of the damage, but it is somewhere in my back. (I previously thought it was in my left shin) The fact that there were minor signals and that I am able to slightly raise my left foot indicates that the nerve is not severed. This means that it will likely heal, but at it's own pace. Most of the medical people we have talked to say to expect at least 1 year. Fortunately, my right leg is healing rapidly. I will go to Tulsa next week for an evaluation of all of the orthopaedic surgeries. I would be thrilled if they allow me to start bearing weight on my right leg ahead of schedule.
It took some time, but I got logged onto the Tyson network and e-mail this afternoon. For those of you getting used to my Yahoo account, I will be checking it less frequently. I will be staying logged on to the Tyson account more regularly (maybe even working a little). That e-mail is jerry.hartfieldiii@tyson.com.
I still enjoy all of the calls, blog comments, e-mails and visits - keep them coming.
Talk to you tomorrow,
J
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September 10 - Out patient PT begins
All,
Thank you for your comments and continued support and prayers.
Today was not that eventful. I was very pleased that Joe and Dean brought me lunch and my work computer and stayed to visit for a while. I am feeling like I am ready to contribute to work soon.
I went to my first out patient physical therapy appointment this afternoon which was not much more than an initial get to know you evaluation. From there, Cara took me to get a hair cut. Yes, that is right I got my first much needed hair cut in over 2 months. I am ready to go to the Air Force base this weekend.....
That is about it for now. More appointments tomorrow.
As always, stay in touch.
J
Thank you for your comments and continued support and prayers.
Today was not that eventful. I was very pleased that Joe and Dean brought me lunch and my work computer and stayed to visit for a while. I am feeling like I am ready to contribute to work soon.
I went to my first out patient physical therapy appointment this afternoon which was not much more than an initial get to know you evaluation. From there, Cara took me to get a hair cut. Yes, that is right I got my first much needed hair cut in over 2 months. I am ready to go to the Air Force base this weekend.....
That is about it for now. More appointments tomorrow.
As always, stay in touch.
J
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
September 9 - Hello from J!
All,
Hasn't Cara done a remarkable job on this blog? I simply can't put into words how grateful and blessed I am to have so many caring friends and family. You ALL are the reason why I am here at home typing this right now. I feel like my recovery is ahead of schedule with the exception of my left leg. Transitions are easier, sleeping is better and I am increasing my appetite. I was thrilled to be able to be released from the hospital and even attend most of Allen's first JV Fayetteville football game. I think being home will be even more therapeutic than ever.
I have told several people lately - "imagine eating lunch one day and then waking up 3 weeks later not knowing where you are or why you are there" Seriously and gratefully, I do not remember a single second from the wreck. I do not remember anything about heart surgery or traction or orthopedic surgery. The only thing I remember is waking up with tubes coming out of just about every part of my body. Shortly after that realization, the tubes started decreasing rapidly. Cara and my mom started filling in the blanks and told me what had happened. Cara showed me the x-rays. Then it seamed like several doctors, nurses and EMT people from Tulsa to Fayetteville have told me that it is amazing that I am still here. I have been told I must still have a purpose in this life. I am not certain what the purpose is yet, but I do think a lot of credit should go to all of the thoughts and prayers that I have received from all of you. The hospital visits meant the world to me and I would still enjoy home visits probably even more. My schedule with different follow up visits and out patient physical therapy will keep me very busy so please call first so I won't miss you.
Did you know that Cara never went home while I was in Tulsa? She was with me very day and most nights. Cara's parents took turns staying at our house taking care of the boys. When she needed a break, my mom, dad or aunt Mary were there to be with me. Eleanor and her family also made some special trips. I can't thank everyone individually for coming to see me. I am also upset that some of the visits like Mark Waddell, from Bethlehem, PA, were forgotten due to serious sedation shortly after the wreck.
I feel like I am on the downhill slope now and the recovery will be faster than ever.
Please stay in touch. My dad says I need patience and he is right. This is still going to be a long road before things are normal again. Approximately 2 more months without putting any weight on my legs then I get to start learning to walk again.
Obviously, this is my first post and should be my longest post.
Thank you for being a part of my life,
JH3 "J" Jerry Hartfield III
479-445-6377
Hasn't Cara done a remarkable job on this blog? I simply can't put into words how grateful and blessed I am to have so many caring friends and family. You ALL are the reason why I am here at home typing this right now. I feel like my recovery is ahead of schedule with the exception of my left leg. Transitions are easier, sleeping is better and I am increasing my appetite. I was thrilled to be able to be released from the hospital and even attend most of Allen's first JV Fayetteville football game. I think being home will be even more therapeutic than ever.
I have told several people lately - "imagine eating lunch one day and then waking up 3 weeks later not knowing where you are or why you are there" Seriously and gratefully, I do not remember a single second from the wreck. I do not remember anything about heart surgery or traction or orthopedic surgery. The only thing I remember is waking up with tubes coming out of just about every part of my body. Shortly after that realization, the tubes started decreasing rapidly. Cara and my mom started filling in the blanks and told me what had happened. Cara showed me the x-rays. Then it seamed like several doctors, nurses and EMT people from Tulsa to Fayetteville have told me that it is amazing that I am still here. I have been told I must still have a purpose in this life. I am not certain what the purpose is yet, but I do think a lot of credit should go to all of the thoughts and prayers that I have received from all of you. The hospital visits meant the world to me and I would still enjoy home visits probably even more. My schedule with different follow up visits and out patient physical therapy will keep me very busy so please call first so I won't miss you.
Did you know that Cara never went home while I was in Tulsa? She was with me very day and most nights. Cara's parents took turns staying at our house taking care of the boys. When she needed a break, my mom, dad or aunt Mary were there to be with me. Eleanor and her family also made some special trips. I can't thank everyone individually for coming to see me. I am also upset that some of the visits like Mark Waddell, from Bethlehem, PA, were forgotten due to serious sedation shortly after the wreck.
I feel like I am on the downhill slope now and the recovery will be faster than ever.
Please stay in touch. My dad says I need patience and he is right. This is still going to be a long road before things are normal again. Approximately 2 more months without putting any weight on my legs then I get to start learning to walk again.
Obviously, this is my first post and should be my longest post.
Thank you for being a part of my life,
JH3 "J" Jerry Hartfield III
479-445-6377
Monday, September 8, 2008
Monday, September 8
Hurray, J is home! He was released form Health South this morning. He spent a relaxing day in his recliner and went to Allen's first football game tonight. He is in bed now doing his CPM. So far so good! He has several doctor's appointments for the next few weeks. This may just be what we have to get used to this fall. It is so nice to have him home. Now all my most favorite people are back under the same roof!
Love,
Cara
Love,
Cara
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Sunday, September 7
Hello All. Sorry there have been so many days since my last post. Life is gradually becoming more normal and that leaves less time for posting. I know everyone would like to hear from J. I will make sure he makes the next post...from home!
We expect him to be released from the hospital early this week, perhaps as early as tomorrow. We have made a few changes to the house. Thanks to Halcyon Homes, we have a ramp to get into the house, our bedroom and bathroom doors are slightly wider, and we no longer have a shower door. Health South has ordered all of our necessary equipment, so we should be ready.
If J is released tomorrow, he will get to see Allen's first football game. I don't expect him to tolerate 3 hours in his wheelchair, but he will at least get to see some of the game.
We will let you know how tomorrow goes!
Love,
Cara
We expect him to be released from the hospital early this week, perhaps as early as tomorrow. We have made a few changes to the house. Thanks to Halcyon Homes, we have a ramp to get into the house, our bedroom and bathroom doors are slightly wider, and we no longer have a shower door. Health South has ordered all of our necessary equipment, so we should be ready.
If J is released tomorrow, he will get to see Allen's first football game. I don't expect him to tolerate 3 hours in his wheelchair, but he will at least get to see some of the game.
We will let you know how tomorrow goes!
Love,
Cara
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Thursday, September 4
J had a busy day today. He had OT and PT as usual, and he went to see the ear, nose and throat doc. His trach looks good, but there is a problem with his vocal cord. One of J's vocal cords is paralyzed. The paralysis may be from the accident itself or from the aorta repair. The ENT doesn't think it will get better. If it does get better, it will happen within the first year after the accident. There is a procedure that may help J have more volume that involves connecting his paralyzed cord to his working vocal cord. It is likely that J's voice will remain hoarse. While this is certainly not the news we wanted, J seems to be OK with it. This is just one small change, and in fact, his new laugh is very infectious.
As J and I have talked about this whole experience, his primary reaction is one of gratitude. There will of course be days when gratitude is hard to come by, but I am so impressed with the way he is handling this!
Love to you all,
Cara
As J and I have talked about this whole experience, his primary reaction is one of gratitude. There will of course be days when gratitude is hard to come by, but I am so impressed with the way he is handling this!
Love to you all,
Cara
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Wednesday, September 3rd
Good Morning! I start back to work today. It should feel very different to spend my day behind a desk instead of in a hospital room!
Yesterday there were some new theories about the pain in J's left leg. Th most encouraging is that the pain is due to nerve damage that is healing. The other, almost as encouraging theory is that J is having some periformis pain. His sciatic nerve is being pinched by muscles in his buttocks. His doctor has ordered a test for nerve damage, so we should know fairly soon what we are dealing with. In the meantime, they will continue therapy and treat the periformis pain with ultra sound.
Thank you for the continued support!
Love,
Cara
Yesterday there were some new theories about the pain in J's left leg. Th most encouraging is that the pain is due to nerve damage that is healing. The other, almost as encouraging theory is that J is having some periformis pain. His sciatic nerve is being pinched by muscles in his buttocks. His doctor has ordered a test for nerve damage, so we should know fairly soon what we are dealing with. In the meantime, they will continue therapy and treat the periformis pain with ultra sound.
Thank you for the continued support!
Love,
Cara
Monday, September 1, 2008
Monday, Labor Day
Today was a good day. J got back to therapy and continues to work hard. After my post about pain yesterday, J has had some pain free moments. He is able to rest comfortably when he is in bed and does well for short times when he is sitting up in the wheelchair. We hope that as his left femur and knee continue to heal, the pain will decrease. We will of course continue to keep you all posted.
Love,
Cara
Love,
Cara
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