All,
On the legal front there is not much I can say. It is a fact that the owner of the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle both had individual insurance policies. However, their policies were the state minimum for personal injury. My motorcycle insurance policy had under-insured motorists coverage for my injuries. These three individual claims will cover maybe 1/3 of my total medical bills. There does not appear to be further assets to acquire for the rest of the bills. My personal health care plan has already paid a significant amount to the bills, but they want to be reimbursed if the injuries were the result of an accident with someone else at fault - they obviously are. At this time, it is the goal to make me "whole" which could take a significant time. There is a very real possibility that I will never be "whole" again. My attorney has transitioned from insurance policy claims to medical bill negotiations. The intention is to reduce the total amount of the bills as far as possible. As I understand it, it appears that we will not have to pay any medical bills, but at the same time, we will not be getting any pain and suffering money for the ordeal.
On the medical front, not much has changed since my last post. PT sent me home on Friday with a cane to use around the house. I tried a little over the weekend, but felt very unstable. I have no faith in my left leg so the limp is much more pronounced with the cane. I learned at PT yesterday that my left hamstring has become very weak. I think this is something I need to focus on. The left knee is still giving me a lot of trouble and my left ankle is tighter than ever when I wake up.
I have some very specific goals to achieve and one small one was accomplished this morning. I showered standing up! Up until now, I have been sitting on a plastic shower stool.
Now if I could just figure out the socks and shoes.....
Thank you all for your support!
J
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
October 23 - The Latest Results
All,
OK, after leaving a little early on Tuesday and being out all day yesterday - for obvious reasons, I had some catching up to do here at work this morning. I have responded to the immediate requests and can spend a few moments to summarize the Tulsa trip yesterday.
Thank you for all of your recent comments and it is wonderful to see that you are still checking up on me!
The bad news first:
As I expected, there are some unknown problems with my left knee. Dr. Norris, who I saw yesterday was not the surgeon. He had us schedule an appointment with Dr. Stafford on November 20th I think. Until then, I need to tough it out.
Now, the great news:
I am officially cleared to drive!!! - I know that some of you know that I had been cheating this a little, but it is official now. Look out, I am back on the road. I will honestly miss the routine Cara and I had in the morning as she drove me to work and picked me up from work.
I am cleared to put full weight on my left leg! Despite the problem in my knee, Physical Therapy will really be able to work on strengthening my left leg. I hope to be on it as fast as I was on my right leg. We turned in the wheel chair yesterday for good. Soon, I will retire the walker for the coveted cane. Allen had recently turned me onto the TV show House. I look forward to using a cane just like Dr. House!
Goals:
Things keep progressing very well with my recovery. This alows me to continue to make new goals as others are achieved.
I think my next goal to go along with weight on my left leg is to learn how to climb steps again. I have gone up single steps with the help of the walker, but stairs have been a deal breaker. As soon as I can safely manage stairs, I will be able to schedule a weekend at the lake with Cara!
Another goal - somewhat personnal - is to keep returning the devices that help me function at the house. The bedside commode that strattles our toilet. The shower stool that I sit on to shower. I look forward to returning these items and repairing our bathroom and removing the ramp. While it is nice to know that our house can become handicap accessible, it will also be nice to return it to normal as well.
Talk to you soon,
J.
OK, after leaving a little early on Tuesday and being out all day yesterday - for obvious reasons, I had some catching up to do here at work this morning. I have responded to the immediate requests and can spend a few moments to summarize the Tulsa trip yesterday.
Thank you for all of your recent comments and it is wonderful to see that you are still checking up on me!
The bad news first:
As I expected, there are some unknown problems with my left knee. Dr. Norris, who I saw yesterday was not the surgeon. He had us schedule an appointment with Dr. Stafford on November 20th I think. Until then, I need to tough it out.
Now, the great news:
I am officially cleared to drive!!! - I know that some of you know that I had been cheating this a little, but it is official now. Look out, I am back on the road. I will honestly miss the routine Cara and I had in the morning as she drove me to work and picked me up from work.
I am cleared to put full weight on my left leg! Despite the problem in my knee, Physical Therapy will really be able to work on strengthening my left leg. I hope to be on it as fast as I was on my right leg. We turned in the wheel chair yesterday for good. Soon, I will retire the walker for the coveted cane. Allen had recently turned me onto the TV show House. I look forward to using a cane just like Dr. House!
Goals:
Things keep progressing very well with my recovery. This alows me to continue to make new goals as others are achieved.
I think my next goal to go along with weight on my left leg is to learn how to climb steps again. I have gone up single steps with the help of the walker, but stairs have been a deal breaker. As soon as I can safely manage stairs, I will be able to schedule a weekend at the lake with Cara!
Another goal - somewhat personnal - is to keep returning the devices that help me function at the house. The bedside commode that strattles our toilet. The shower stool that I sit on to shower. I look forward to returning these items and repairing our bathroom and removing the ramp. While it is nice to know that our house can become handicap accessible, it will also be nice to return it to normal as well.
Talk to you soon,
J.
Friday, October 17, 2008
October 14 - 17 Time Flies By!
All,
As you can see, I am posting fewer and fewer updates. The simple reason is that there are no major updates. I continue to improve on the walker, but it does take time and I am pushing my limits. I still have considerable pain in my lower left leg particularly in the evenings before bed. My hope is that this is the nerves coming back to life. My complete focus right now has to be October 22. This is when we go back to the doctors in Tulsa for what could be a final follow-up. I am hoping to get official clearance to drive! I am also hoping to get clearance to put full weight on my left leg. With this, PT will be able to get more aggressive and we will be saying goodbye to the walker and advancing to a cane. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Please stay in touch,
J
As you can see, I am posting fewer and fewer updates. The simple reason is that there are no major updates. I continue to improve on the walker, but it does take time and I am pushing my limits. I still have considerable pain in my lower left leg particularly in the evenings before bed. My hope is that this is the nerves coming back to life. My complete focus right now has to be October 22. This is when we go back to the doctors in Tulsa for what could be a final follow-up. I am hoping to get official clearance to drive! I am also hoping to get clearance to put full weight on my left leg. With this, PT will be able to get more aggressive and we will be saying goodbye to the walker and advancing to a cane. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Please stay in touch,
J
Monday, October 13, 2008
October 9 - 13 - Sorry for the delay...
All,
What has happenned with the time? - Oh yeah, it was Allen's birthday.
October 9 - My dad came up after work to look after me in preparation for Cara to go to the lake on Friday morning.
October 10 - Cara left for the lake after the kids went to school and my Dad took me to work. Dad picked me up at noon to go to lunch. After lunch we messed around at the house before going to PT. PT was a pool session and those are my favorite where I get to walk without any attachments. When we got home, my Mom was there. We watched some of the Fayetteville homecoming game.
October 11 - We went to Sam's football game and then to lunch at Oseguras in Springdale. This was a calculated lunch because I arranged for a guy from Bentonville to meet us there and show us his 280ZX. Allen liked it and I loved it. After lunch we went home to listen to both the Mississippi State game, my dad's alma matter, and the Razorback game. Go Hogs! - a win and more signs of improvement. Dad left shortly after the State game, but Mom stayed.
October 12 - Lazy Sunday morning reading the paper in bed while drinking coffee. Just before Mom left and Cara got home, Allen got a guy to bring his Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder to our house. I liked it and Allen loved it. There will be some serious discussions before we buy Allen's first car. I think I have too much emotion.
October 13 - I am at work and about to leave for the day. The major change for this entire post is that I left the wheel chair at home. I used the walker to get to my cube. We will see in my next post how exhausted I get today as I go to PT and Allen's football game.
Summary: It was another relaxing weekend. I still feel like I am improving dramatically with the exception of my left knee and foot/ankle. I am using the walker far more than the wheel chair. October 22 is the next follow up in Tulsa. I am hoping this follow up clears me for a lot more activity esspecially driving.
J
What has happenned with the time? - Oh yeah, it was Allen's birthday.
October 9 - My dad came up after work to look after me in preparation for Cara to go to the lake on Friday morning.
October 10 - Cara left for the lake after the kids went to school and my Dad took me to work. Dad picked me up at noon to go to lunch. After lunch we messed around at the house before going to PT. PT was a pool session and those are my favorite where I get to walk without any attachments. When we got home, my Mom was there. We watched some of the Fayetteville homecoming game.
October 11 - We went to Sam's football game and then to lunch at Oseguras in Springdale. This was a calculated lunch because I arranged for a guy from Bentonville to meet us there and show us his 280ZX. Allen liked it and I loved it. After lunch we went home to listen to both the Mississippi State game, my dad's alma matter, and the Razorback game. Go Hogs! - a win and more signs of improvement. Dad left shortly after the State game, but Mom stayed.
October 12 - Lazy Sunday morning reading the paper in bed while drinking coffee. Just before Mom left and Cara got home, Allen got a guy to bring his Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder to our house. I liked it and Allen loved it. There will be some serious discussions before we buy Allen's first car. I think I have too much emotion.
October 13 - I am at work and about to leave for the day. The major change for this entire post is that I left the wheel chair at home. I used the walker to get to my cube. We will see in my next post how exhausted I get today as I go to PT and Allen's football game.
Summary: It was another relaxing weekend. I still feel like I am improving dramatically with the exception of my left knee and foot/ankle. I am using the walker far more than the wheel chair. October 22 is the next follow up in Tulsa. I am hoping this follow up clears me for a lot more activity esspecially driving.
J
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
October 6 - 8: Allen turns 16 today!
All,
Am I really old enough to have a 16 year old son? Life could get a lot trickier for us now. Cars, jobs, girls etc...
October 6:
OT/PT went real well with improvements on walking and simply standing. Did you know it takes more energy to stand than it does to walk? Allen's football game in Fort Smith was rained out, so we did not make the trip.
October 7:
After work, we went to Hanger Orthodics to get a cast made of my left lower leg. From the cast, they will make a custom brace to help eliminate the drop foot. This is encouraging, but at the same time, I do not want to have a brace for the rest of my life. The fact that I am able to raise my foot a little is a positive sign that it will come back to normal.
As far as home goes, we left the wheelchair in the car! I am going to spend the rest of my time at home without the chair. Hopefully, I will go to work with the walker soon instead of the chair.
October 8:
Yes, today is Allen's birthday. I am still glad I have boys and do not need to worry about a big Sweet 16 party.
I am at work now and have PT and my last session of OT this afternoon. We will likely go out to dinner.
Talk to you soon,
J
Am I really old enough to have a 16 year old son? Life could get a lot trickier for us now. Cars, jobs, girls etc...
October 6:
OT/PT went real well with improvements on walking and simply standing. Did you know it takes more energy to stand than it does to walk? Allen's football game in Fort Smith was rained out, so we did not make the trip.
October 7:
After work, we went to Hanger Orthodics to get a cast made of my left lower leg. From the cast, they will make a custom brace to help eliminate the drop foot. This is encouraging, but at the same time, I do not want to have a brace for the rest of my life. The fact that I am able to raise my foot a little is a positive sign that it will come back to normal.
As far as home goes, we left the wheelchair in the car! I am going to spend the rest of my time at home without the chair. Hopefully, I will go to work with the walker soon instead of the chair.
October 8:
Yes, today is Allen's birthday. I am still glad I have boys and do not need to worry about a big Sweet 16 party.
I am at work now and have PT and my last session of OT this afternoon. We will likely go out to dinner.
Talk to you soon,
J
Monday, October 6, 2008
October 3 - 5 - Not much new
All,
There has not been a lot of change from my last post to this post. Pretty much a relaxing weekend.
Friday, October 3:
PT/OT went very well. I think I only have 2 more OT appointments, but I will continue the PT for quite a while. I spent most of the PT time walking with the walker around Health South. As always, I was pretty tired when I finished and I need to thank Gene for the ride and I think he enjoyed seeing old faces at Health South.
Saturday, October 4:
Really a pretty slow day. Eleanor came up for a quick visit and a trip to the Tyson store in Lowell. The boys went to the Razorback game while Cara and I watched it on TV. I did walk with my walker from the recliner down to the bottom of my driveway, climbed into my truck and parked it next to the house. Another sign that I am almost ready to be released on the street. I can't wait for the trip to Tulsa on October 22!
Sunday, October 5:
Here is another small sign of improvement. I was able to climb onto the riding lawn mower. That is right, I mowed the lawn while Cara edged and trimmed! It felt great to both be outside and help with the yard work.
Sam's game ended in a tie after neither team could score in overtime. Sam caught a pass, ran a reverse and made a tackle. I think he had a great game.
I hope everyone else had a nice weekend and as always I look forward to your comments,
J
There has not been a lot of change from my last post to this post. Pretty much a relaxing weekend.
Friday, October 3:
PT/OT went very well. I think I only have 2 more OT appointments, but I will continue the PT for quite a while. I spent most of the PT time walking with the walker around Health South. As always, I was pretty tired when I finished and I need to thank Gene for the ride and I think he enjoyed seeing old faces at Health South.
Saturday, October 4:
Really a pretty slow day. Eleanor came up for a quick visit and a trip to the Tyson store in Lowell. The boys went to the Razorback game while Cara and I watched it on TV. I did walk with my walker from the recliner down to the bottom of my driveway, climbed into my truck and parked it next to the house. Another sign that I am almost ready to be released on the street. I can't wait for the trip to Tulsa on October 22!
Sunday, October 5:
Here is another small sign of improvement. I was able to climb onto the riding lawn mower. That is right, I mowed the lawn while Cara edged and trimmed! It felt great to both be outside and help with the yard work.
Sam's game ended in a tie after neither team could score in overtime. Sam caught a pass, ran a reverse and made a tackle. I think he had a great game.
I hope everyone else had a nice weekend and as always I look forward to your comments,
J
Thursday, October 2, 2008
September 29 - October 2 - Wait til you hear this!
All,
I hope the crew's spirits increase again after this post.
Monday, September 29:
PT/OT was in the morning and I need to thank Susan for the ride. PT went well with an R-jo walk exceeding 400 feet! I got home at lunch fixed my own sandwich and waited for Cara and Sam to come home. Shortly after Sam came home, we took off for Allen's football game in Fort Smith. Overall a good, but tiring day.
Tuesday, September 30:
Back to work, now it is official that I am not supposed to be here. There is a form that needs to be filled out and returned to HR. Is this red tape? So I call to get an appointment and got it for 2:00 (this would not work with Cara's schedule). I call back and get one on the 1st at 3:00 (I forgot about OT/PT). Cara calls and gets a new one for today at 1:30.
This was my longest and most productive time at work to date. Went home tired.
Wednesday, October 1:
Work again in the morning. Lunch at Viejo. AT&T store to replace the phone that was lost during the wreck - yes, I kept the same number.
OT/PT in the afternoon. This is where it gets good. OT started out with the usual arm exercises. Julie suggested that we go to the kitchen and work on standing and reaching for items. I mentioned how I was tired of the chair and wanted to use the walker. Long story short, I did use the walker and can say I am walking. Now, I can't walk very far this is still new stuff to my legs and my left leg is still limited. PT was a very enjoyable session in the pool (Debbie did make sure I would feel it later - just because I am in the pool does not mean I do not work out). I was also able to borrow a walker and did some limited walking around the house. You would not understand how many doors this opens for me! I was exhausted by the time we all got home.
Thursday, October 2:
Yes, I am still at work against the rules. I will leave in less than an hour to visit my doctor and hopefully satisfy the HR requirements for being here.
Yes, yesterday was one of the best days that I have had since the accident. Being able to walk down the hall in my own house....I assume there will be another acceleration in my rehab!
Thank you,
J
I hope the crew's spirits increase again after this post.
Monday, September 29:
PT/OT was in the morning and I need to thank Susan for the ride. PT went well with an R-jo walk exceeding 400 feet! I got home at lunch fixed my own sandwich and waited for Cara and Sam to come home. Shortly after Sam came home, we took off for Allen's football game in Fort Smith. Overall a good, but tiring day.
Tuesday, September 30:
Back to work, now it is official that I am not supposed to be here. There is a form that needs to be filled out and returned to HR. Is this red tape? So I call to get an appointment and got it for 2:00 (this would not work with Cara's schedule). I call back and get one on the 1st at 3:00 (I forgot about OT/PT). Cara calls and gets a new one for today at 1:30.
This was my longest and most productive time at work to date. Went home tired.
Wednesday, October 1:
Work again in the morning. Lunch at Viejo. AT&T store to replace the phone that was lost during the wreck - yes, I kept the same number.
OT/PT in the afternoon. This is where it gets good. OT started out with the usual arm exercises. Julie suggested that we go to the kitchen and work on standing and reaching for items. I mentioned how I was tired of the chair and wanted to use the walker. Long story short, I did use the walker and can say I am walking. Now, I can't walk very far this is still new stuff to my legs and my left leg is still limited. PT was a very enjoyable session in the pool (Debbie did make sure I would feel it later - just because I am in the pool does not mean I do not work out). I was also able to borrow a walker and did some limited walking around the house. You would not understand how many doors this opens for me! I was exhausted by the time we all got home.
Thursday, October 2:
Yes, I am still at work against the rules. I will leave in less than an hour to visit my doctor and hopefully satisfy the HR requirements for being here.
Yes, yesterday was one of the best days that I have had since the accident. Being able to walk down the hall in my own house....I assume there will be another acceleration in my rehab!
Thank you,
J
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