Yes, I turned 40 today. The reality has not sunk in yet. I honestly still feel like a kid inside. We all know that this journey to 40 years old was not a sure thing.
Regarding the doctor appointment in Tulsa on the 22nd, he did not release me back to Fayetteville or to therapy yet. However, he did tell me that I could start putting weight on my left leg again. I basically walked out on one crutch and have not looked back since. I will see him again on February 2nd (hopefully for the last time) and would like to walk into his office. Not so fast, when I walk without the AFO, my foot comes down at a funny angle. I hope that some of this will change as the nerves heal, but it has me worried.
What a perfect Christmas holiday! As usual, we went to Fort Smith. As we left the Christmas Eve church service, the sleet was coming down and by the time we made it to Carl and Cissy's house it was turning to snow. Cissy's party was great as always and this year we did not need to leave early to go to my parent's house. I can't remember our last white Christmas. Across town at my parent's house we were able to visit with my Uncle Sam and Daddy Ed, my grandfather, S.E. Lee Jr. Mom's dinner was delicious. We missed 2 of my nephews, Benjy and Alex. Due to the weather, they stayed an extra night with their dad in Texas.
Cara and I escaped to the lake cabin to enjoy a couple peaceful nights to ourselves. I took an extra vacation day to do what I am doing right now - relaxing at home.
J
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Darrell Slaughter
All,
It has been a while since I have published a post. Life is moving fast. Work is busy. I just finished another class, only 2 to go for my masters degree!
I want to take a moment to reflect on lunch last Thursday.
What many people do not know, my son, Allen, was involved in a minor car accident on his way to school last Tuesday. I was happy to be able to be there and make sure he was OK. As the police officer was writing Allen's citation for "following too close" I took the opportunity to see if he knew Cpl Slaughter. He did and I offered him my phone number. Later that morning, Darrell Slaughter called me and we scheduled a lunch meeting on Thursday.
Darrell Slaughter was the policeman who responded to my motorcycle wreck. He is also a motorcycle operator. Not only did he handle the scene at the accident, but even after the dust settled, he went to the hospital multiple times to check my condition. When he heard I was being flown to Tulsa, he called my father to make sure things were OK. In my opinion, Darrell went well beyond the call of duty. He could have written the police report, sent me off in the ambulance and never looked back. My deepest respect and gratitude for Darrell's actions during, but mostly following the accident will never be properly expressed. It upsets me a little that he recently retired from the force. He would say that he does not need it, but if he was still on the force, I would like to reach out to his supervisor and let him know all of the actions that he did on his own to check on my recovery.
We had a great lunch. It meant so much for me to meet him in person. I hope he understood my gratitude and appreciation. Darrell was also in a motorcycle accident on the job which ultimately lead to his retirement. He is a genuine sincere man, husband and father with great integrity. One of the first things he told me was that there was nothing I could have done to avoid being hit. I had heard this many times, but it was more assuring to hear it from a motorcycle policeman who has been intensely trained in motorcycle safety. He described the accident in more detail than I had ever heard it and let me know more about the condition I was in at the scene. We have exchanged e-mail addresses. I told him about this blog and how it helped us so much through the recovery. The Fayetteville Police Department has lost a very valuable member of their team. I hope we stay in touch for years to come. Darrell is another person that I thank for saving my life that day and he even admits he did not think I would make it.
The actual events during the accident:
The driver was driving her friend's car because he was visiting from out of town and was not familiar with Fayetteville. She noticed after it was too late that she was going to hit the car in front of her. She swerved to the right to avoid hitting the car. As she did, the car struck the curb on the right side of the road and veered back left. Intending to hit the brakes, she hit the accelerator pedal instead. This sent her accelerating directly at me. Darrell said initially I would not have seen her because she was shielded from the car she avoided. Then as she swerved to the left after hitting the curb, if I saw anything I would have thought she was getting in the left turn lane. There was simply nothing I could have done.
My condition at the scene:
I write this because I feel it is important with how I conclude this post.
Darrell told me that my feet were pointing in the wrong direction and it appeared that both of my hips were severely dis-located. I had never heard this. I knew my left hip was shattered, but little has been said about my right hip. I have said before that I had developed heterotopic bone growth in both hips. This is hard to explain especially in my right hip. Maybe this growth was due to the dis-location.
I have not been very patient with my recent surgeries from Dr. Norris in Tulsa. After this past lunch, I feel guilty for being so critical. Dr. Norris and Dr. Stafford will get nothing but praise from me from now on. As far as I am concerned, they performed a miracle to get me to where I am today.
I go back to Tulsa on the 22nd to get x-rays following my most recent surgery. I am optimistic that they will allow me to start putting weight on my left leg. I will post an update after that trip. The battle is far behind me, the wounds continue to heal. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I thank everyone for being there for me.
Darrell, Thank You!!!
J
It has been a while since I have published a post. Life is moving fast. Work is busy. I just finished another class, only 2 to go for my masters degree!
I want to take a moment to reflect on lunch last Thursday.
What many people do not know, my son, Allen, was involved in a minor car accident on his way to school last Tuesday. I was happy to be able to be there and make sure he was OK. As the police officer was writing Allen's citation for "following too close" I took the opportunity to see if he knew Cpl Slaughter. He did and I offered him my phone number. Later that morning, Darrell Slaughter called me and we scheduled a lunch meeting on Thursday.
Darrell Slaughter was the policeman who responded to my motorcycle wreck. He is also a motorcycle operator. Not only did he handle the scene at the accident, but even after the dust settled, he went to the hospital multiple times to check my condition. When he heard I was being flown to Tulsa, he called my father to make sure things were OK. In my opinion, Darrell went well beyond the call of duty. He could have written the police report, sent me off in the ambulance and never looked back. My deepest respect and gratitude for Darrell's actions during, but mostly following the accident will never be properly expressed. It upsets me a little that he recently retired from the force. He would say that he does not need it, but if he was still on the force, I would like to reach out to his supervisor and let him know all of the actions that he did on his own to check on my recovery.
We had a great lunch. It meant so much for me to meet him in person. I hope he understood my gratitude and appreciation. Darrell was also in a motorcycle accident on the job which ultimately lead to his retirement. He is a genuine sincere man, husband and father with great integrity. One of the first things he told me was that there was nothing I could have done to avoid being hit. I had heard this many times, but it was more assuring to hear it from a motorcycle policeman who has been intensely trained in motorcycle safety. He described the accident in more detail than I had ever heard it and let me know more about the condition I was in at the scene. We have exchanged e-mail addresses. I told him about this blog and how it helped us so much through the recovery. The Fayetteville Police Department has lost a very valuable member of their team. I hope we stay in touch for years to come. Darrell is another person that I thank for saving my life that day and he even admits he did not think I would make it.
The actual events during the accident:
The driver was driving her friend's car because he was visiting from out of town and was not familiar with Fayetteville. She noticed after it was too late that she was going to hit the car in front of her. She swerved to the right to avoid hitting the car. As she did, the car struck the curb on the right side of the road and veered back left. Intending to hit the brakes, she hit the accelerator pedal instead. This sent her accelerating directly at me. Darrell said initially I would not have seen her because she was shielded from the car she avoided. Then as she swerved to the left after hitting the curb, if I saw anything I would have thought she was getting in the left turn lane. There was simply nothing I could have done.
My condition at the scene:
I write this because I feel it is important with how I conclude this post.
Darrell told me that my feet were pointing in the wrong direction and it appeared that both of my hips were severely dis-located. I had never heard this. I knew my left hip was shattered, but little has been said about my right hip. I have said before that I had developed heterotopic bone growth in both hips. This is hard to explain especially in my right hip. Maybe this growth was due to the dis-location.
I have not been very patient with my recent surgeries from Dr. Norris in Tulsa. After this past lunch, I feel guilty for being so critical. Dr. Norris and Dr. Stafford will get nothing but praise from me from now on. As far as I am concerned, they performed a miracle to get me to where I am today.
I go back to Tulsa on the 22nd to get x-rays following my most recent surgery. I am optimistic that they will allow me to start putting weight on my left leg. I will post an update after that trip. The battle is far behind me, the wounds continue to heal. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I thank everyone for being there for me.
Darrell, Thank You!!!
J
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Positive Post
All,
I think I may have mentioned that we were going to take this Thanksgiving off. We had a great time at Cara's parents house with all of our families on Thursday. It really was a relief to be able to sleep in on Thursday, casually drive down the hill, eat a fantastic meal featuring both smoked and fried turkey.
I look forward to hosting Thanksgiving again next year, but it was a relief at this time to let Carl and Cissy host it.
Cara and I worked on the office a little Friday morning and Allen and Michael came and helped me run speaker wires for her sound system. I retreated to the house leaving Cara there to continue setting things up. My Mom and Dad went to the office on the way to the Razorback game and decorated Cara's office with several of my Mom's art work. Cara is still waiting for a couple pieces of furniture to arrive, but the office looks fantastic.
I announced Allen's birthday in a previous post, but completely forgot to announce Sam's birthday. He turned 12 last Monday and got the present that he had been asking for for months. I still can't believe we got him a drum set. We set it up after dinner Monday and he has been banging away since then.
Some of you know that along with the nerve pain that I have been dealing with, my back has been giving me a lot of trouble. I am happy to say that both the nerve pain and the back pain are retreating. Not gone, but I feel better today than I have since October 22nd after the osteotomy. Some of the relief could be due to Gene Anderson, semi-retired physical therapist, suggesting and helping me lengthen my crutches at church last Sunday. Some of the relie may be because I started taking a different muscle relaxer. Who knows, some of it may just be my body healing. I have a strong suspition that it takes the body longer to recover from surgery than you think.
Cara saw patients yesterday as her first official day of being self-employed. I mentioned before that the transition occured faster than we intended, but with the help of friends and family, the office was put together in no time and her schedule is full this week. We are optimistic that this will be a successful adventure. She is good at what she does and everyone that she had seen previously came with her and she is already getting referrals from physicians that she has worked with before. Feel free to visit her website. http://drhartfieldtherapy.com/
There is a "contact me" link where you can send her an e-mail.
It would be cool if she got even more messages of encouragement.
Things are getting better everyday.
Like I mentioned before, I woke up today feeling better than I have for a long time. I could not have gone through all of this without the prayers and helpful comments from friends and family. I will update the blog with continued healing such as my appointment on December 22nd, but I will also keep the blog going with updates about what our family is up to. Feel free to check it to see if there is a new post.
J
I think I may have mentioned that we were going to take this Thanksgiving off. We had a great time at Cara's parents house with all of our families on Thursday. It really was a relief to be able to sleep in on Thursday, casually drive down the hill, eat a fantastic meal featuring both smoked and fried turkey.
I look forward to hosting Thanksgiving again next year, but it was a relief at this time to let Carl and Cissy host it.
Cara and I worked on the office a little Friday morning and Allen and Michael came and helped me run speaker wires for her sound system. I retreated to the house leaving Cara there to continue setting things up. My Mom and Dad went to the office on the way to the Razorback game and decorated Cara's office with several of my Mom's art work. Cara is still waiting for a couple pieces of furniture to arrive, but the office looks fantastic.
I announced Allen's birthday in a previous post, but completely forgot to announce Sam's birthday. He turned 12 last Monday and got the present that he had been asking for for months. I still can't believe we got him a drum set. We set it up after dinner Monday and he has been banging away since then.
Some of you know that along with the nerve pain that I have been dealing with, my back has been giving me a lot of trouble. I am happy to say that both the nerve pain and the back pain are retreating. Not gone, but I feel better today than I have since October 22nd after the osteotomy. Some of the relief could be due to Gene Anderson, semi-retired physical therapist, suggesting and helping me lengthen my crutches at church last Sunday. Some of the relie may be because I started taking a different muscle relaxer. Who knows, some of it may just be my body healing. I have a strong suspition that it takes the body longer to recover from surgery than you think.
Cara saw patients yesterday as her first official day of being self-employed. I mentioned before that the transition occured faster than we intended, but with the help of friends and family, the office was put together in no time and her schedule is full this week. We are optimistic that this will be a successful adventure. She is good at what she does and everyone that she had seen previously came with her and she is already getting referrals from physicians that she has worked with before. Feel free to visit her website. http://drhartfieldtherapy.com/
There is a "contact me" link where you can send her an e-mail.
It would be cool if she got even more messages of encouragement.
Things are getting better everyday.
Like I mentioned before, I woke up today feeling better than I have for a long time. I could not have gone through all of this without the prayers and helpful comments from friends and family. I will update the blog with continued healing such as my appointment on December 22nd, but I will also keep the blog going with updates about what our family is up to. Feel free to check it to see if there is a new post.
J
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Back to Work!
All,
I have been home in bed long enough. These past two surgeries have really done a number on me. I can honestly say that the nerve pain has decreased (not gone away). Yesterday, I returned to work and lasted the entire day. By late afternoon, I was squirming quite a bit with significant pain. I was exhausted when I got home and layed down with my feet up and went to sleep almost immediately. I am back to work again today and I am happy that this will be a short week. This is a good way to build up my stamina.
Cara went with her parents to Dallas on Sunday and Monday to buy furniture for her new office. Her dad will come up with my nephew to unload the furniture and start assembling the pieces and getting it arranged to Cara's specifications. Things are really coming together and it looks like most of the furniture will be in place in time for her to open the office for business on December 1st.
J.
I have been home in bed long enough. These past two surgeries have really done a number on me. I can honestly say that the nerve pain has decreased (not gone away). Yesterday, I returned to work and lasted the entire day. By late afternoon, I was squirming quite a bit with significant pain. I was exhausted when I got home and layed down with my feet up and went to sleep almost immediately. I am back to work again today and I am happy that this will be a short week. This is a good way to build up my stamina.
Cara went with her parents to Dallas on Sunday and Monday to buy furniture for her new office. Her dad will come up with my nephew to unload the furniture and start assembling the pieces and getting it arranged to Cara's specifications. Things are really coming together and it looks like most of the furniture will be in place in time for her to open the office for business on December 1st.
J.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Signs of healing
All,
I wanted to post a refreshing update.
Last night was the first night that I did not wake up multiple times to take pain medicine. In fact, the only time I woke up is when Cara nudged me so I would stop snoring. The bleeding has either slowed way down or possibly stopped altogether. I am going to continue to heal here at home for the rest of the week, but I am looking forward to returning to work on Monday. I still need to schedule my follow up visits in Tulsa, but surgery is complete. I am going to focus on my recovery from here on out.
Keep thinking about Cara during her transition. The stress of getting everything done is overwhelming. I am confident that this will be a positive change for her and us. We just still need some support for her during the transition phase.
J
I wanted to post a refreshing update.
Last night was the first night that I did not wake up multiple times to take pain medicine. In fact, the only time I woke up is when Cara nudged me so I would stop snoring. The bleeding has either slowed way down or possibly stopped altogether. I am going to continue to heal here at home for the rest of the week, but I am looking forward to returning to work on Monday. I still need to schedule my follow up visits in Tulsa, but surgery is complete. I am going to focus on my recovery from here on out.
Keep thinking about Cara during her transition. The stress of getting everything done is overwhelming. I am confident that this will be a positive change for her and us. We just still need some support for her during the transition phase.
J
Sunday, November 15, 2009
No surgery is minor
It sounds simple enough. Remove a few screws, rotate the bone and re-fix the screws. I had my FINAL surgery last Thursday as scheduled. Dr. Norris said it went very well. The femur was rotated back to the original screw holes. He thinks there may still be some rotation issues in the actual hip joint, but it should not be a major issue. I can remember being in a lot of pain during recovery, but they helped me manage the pain once I got to my room. Just as Dr. Norris and I expected, I was discharged Friday at about noon. After I dressed, I stood up and went to the bathroom. Blood started running down my leg. My nurse applied a new bandage and sent us on our way. The trip from Tulsa to Fayetteville was extremely difficult and I was second guessing the decision to leave the hospital so soon. The pain was excruciating and when we finally got home, the car seat and my shorts were soaked in blood. I could hardly make it to my bed where I was desperate to elevate my leg. Cara immediately applied a new bandage. I took several painkillers and began to relax in bed. The pain decreased quite a bit before my parents got here. Cara's parents were here as well helping with the boys, cooking and helping Cara with her office. I was very happy to have both her parents and my parents with us so Cara could get a break.
I have done very little since coming home other than rest in bed. Things are a lot better now than when I got home on Friday. Cara has been working non-stop on getting her office ready to open. I think the painting will be finished today with the help of several friends. New flooring may be installed this week.
It has been nothing less than wonderful to have all of this support in a time of need.
The surgery was more difficult than I had hoped. I am anxious to get back to work soon, but I am not sure if I will be ready tomorrow.
J
I have done very little since coming home other than rest in bed. Things are a lot better now than when I got home on Friday. Cara has been working non-stop on getting her office ready to open. I think the painting will be finished today with the help of several friends. New flooring may be installed this week.
It has been nothing less than wonderful to have all of this support in a time of need.
The surgery was more difficult than I had hoped. I am anxious to get back to work soon, but I am not sure if I will be ready tomorrow.
J
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Post 2 of 2 - Cara R Hartfield PhD
http://drhartfieldtherapy.com/
All,
You all know that Cara has been my rock throughought our marriage. She has been by my side tirelessly each trip to the hospital. I will never be able to properly thank her for her continued support. Amazingly, she has also been able to continue her career as a clinical psychologist. As we transitioned from Springfield, Missouri to Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2006, Dr. Richard Back, a former employer, invited her to join his established practice. For the past three years she has learned from Dr. Back and has received many referrals throughout the Northwest Arkansas region.
Cara, with the help of other collegues in private practice, is very excited to announce that she will be openning her own practice in Fayetteville, Arkansas serving Northwest Arkansas.
Her practice will be located just off the Fayetteville downtown square at 112 West Center Suite 215.
She has developed a website (copied above) and invites everyone to visit it regularly.
Cara informed Dr. Back of her decision to leave his practice and to open her own private practice yesterday. Her hopes were to stay in practice through the end of this year and open her doors on January 4, 2010. Unfortunately, Dr. Back does not think it is in his best interest to have her stay there through the end of the year. He informed her that she needed to be out of his building one week from today.
We are excited about the transition, but we are not sure if we were prepared for the move this quickly.
Please be thinking about Cara through this transition. She will need all of the support that she can get. While I am layed up from surgery, she will need to pack her belongings, prepare the new office, contact all exisiting clients and inform them of the transistion and when she can continue their therapy sessions.
I will be fine. I ask everyone who reads this post to focus their attention on Cara and her new practice.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our entire family.
Jerry
All,
You all know that Cara has been my rock throughought our marriage. She has been by my side tirelessly each trip to the hospital. I will never be able to properly thank her for her continued support. Amazingly, she has also been able to continue her career as a clinical psychologist. As we transitioned from Springfield, Missouri to Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2006, Dr. Richard Back, a former employer, invited her to join his established practice. For the past three years she has learned from Dr. Back and has received many referrals throughout the Northwest Arkansas region.
Cara, with the help of other collegues in private practice, is very excited to announce that she will be openning her own practice in Fayetteville, Arkansas serving Northwest Arkansas.
Her practice will be located just off the Fayetteville downtown square at 112 West Center Suite 215.
She has developed a website (copied above) and invites everyone to visit it regularly.
Cara informed Dr. Back of her decision to leave his practice and to open her own private practice yesterday. Her hopes were to stay in practice through the end of this year and open her doors on January 4, 2010. Unfortunately, Dr. Back does not think it is in his best interest to have her stay there through the end of the year. He informed her that she needed to be out of his building one week from today.
We are excited about the transition, but we are not sure if we were prepared for the move this quickly.
Please be thinking about Cara through this transition. She will need all of the support that she can get. While I am layed up from surgery, she will need to pack her belongings, prepare the new office, contact all exisiting clients and inform them of the transistion and when she can continue their therapy sessions.
I will be fine. I ask everyone who reads this post to focus their attention on Cara and her new practice.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our entire family.
Jerry
Post 1 of 2 today
All,
I want to make (2) posts today.
This first post is not nearly as important as the one that follows.
This post is just to thank you for your continued support.
I will receive my third nerve block injection today at 1:45.
I must admit that last night was my roughest night to this point. I am going to tell Dr. Ennis that this afternoon and see if he can pump up today's injection.
From there, Cara and I will be going to Tulsa again for another surgery that I mentioned before.
Dr. Norris is going back in to de-rotate my leg about 20 degrees.
The procedure should be fairly minor since the bones have not fully healed.
A small incision, removing a few screws, rotating my leg and re-securing the leg to the hardware. He is expecting me to stay overnight for observation, and we intend to return home on Friday.
With some luck, I hope to return to work as early as Monday.
Thank you for all of your support.
I hope to update my status after tomorrow's surgery sometime this Friday.
Please read the second post for today (maybe you read it first)
Thank you,
J
I want to make (2) posts today.
This first post is not nearly as important as the one that follows.
This post is just to thank you for your continued support.
I will receive my third nerve block injection today at 1:45.
I must admit that last night was my roughest night to this point. I am going to tell Dr. Ennis that this afternoon and see if he can pump up today's injection.
From there, Cara and I will be going to Tulsa again for another surgery that I mentioned before.
Dr. Norris is going back in to de-rotate my leg about 20 degrees.
The procedure should be fairly minor since the bones have not fully healed.
A small incision, removing a few screws, rotating my leg and re-securing the leg to the hardware. He is expecting me to stay overnight for observation, and we intend to return home on Friday.
With some luck, I hope to return to work as early as Monday.
Thank you for all of your support.
I hope to update my status after tomorrow's surgery sometime this Friday.
Please read the second post for today (maybe you read it first)
Thank you,
J
Monday, November 9, 2009
Support
All,
I am certain that I would not be doing as well without the support that I am getting from family, friends and co-workers (which fall into the friend or family category).
The news of needing another surgery last Wednesday was upsetting. I am really getting tired of it. We all hope that it will be the final one and it could happen as soon as this Thursday.
Friday morning I received my first nerve block to relieve the RSD. I want to think some of the pain was relieved, but I still have difficulty standing for extended periods and the nerves are still extremly sensitive along the outside of my left shin and on top of my left foot just behind the big toe.
This morning I received my second nerve block and I still do not notice much of a difference other than the sedative making me feel a little loopy. Thank you Stephen for picking me up and bringing me home.
I am supposed to call Dr. Norris today and let them know how the second shot affected the pain. If it is working, I will likely move forward with surgery on Thursday.
I have another nerve block shot scheduled for 1:45 this Wednesday.
Overall, I had a pretty good weekend. Sitting on the porch watching the Hogs win.
Visiting with Carl and Cissy after the game and it was nice that my sister came by and visited after the game. Her son, Alex, stayed the night and played with Sam and Allen.
Cara and I have several little projects that we are working on. I just wish I could work harder and contribute more. She is really doing an incredible job keeping the house in order, but I can tell she needs some rest.
I will keep you all posted on future appointments and progress.
J
I am certain that I would not be doing as well without the support that I am getting from family, friends and co-workers (which fall into the friend or family category).
The news of needing another surgery last Wednesday was upsetting. I am really getting tired of it. We all hope that it will be the final one and it could happen as soon as this Thursday.
Friday morning I received my first nerve block to relieve the RSD. I want to think some of the pain was relieved, but I still have difficulty standing for extended periods and the nerves are still extremly sensitive along the outside of my left shin and on top of my left foot just behind the big toe.
This morning I received my second nerve block and I still do not notice much of a difference other than the sedative making me feel a little loopy. Thank you Stephen for picking me up and bringing me home.
I am supposed to call Dr. Norris today and let them know how the second shot affected the pain. If it is working, I will likely move forward with surgery on Thursday.
I have another nerve block shot scheduled for 1:45 this Wednesday.
Overall, I had a pretty good weekend. Sitting on the porch watching the Hogs win.
Visiting with Carl and Cissy after the game and it was nice that my sister came by and visited after the game. Her son, Alex, stayed the night and played with Sam and Allen.
Cara and I have several little projects that we are working on. I just wish I could work harder and contribute more. She is really doing an incredible job keeping the house in order, but I can tell she needs some rest.
I will keep you all posted on future appointments and progress.
J
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
2 posts in one day
All,
Please read the previous post from this morning. I really felt like I needed to get some feelings off of my chest. I look forward to any and all comments.
Today's trip to Tulsa was routine to follow up from the previous surgery and to get the staples removed. At the same time I wanted answers on this increased nerve pain in my lower leg. I am sure that I mentioned before that the sciatic nerve was streched when they lengthened my leg and re-aligned the angle of the hip. Nerve pain is not relieved with narcotics like Hydrocodone and I am already on a high dosage of Nuerontin.
Dr. Norris quickly diagnosed the nerve pain as RSD, reflex sympathetic distrophy. He wants me to see a pain specialist as soon as possible to install a nerve block to block the signals in this nerve. Cara just got home and she did some research on the nerve block and learned that it is very effective with nerve pain and is temporary. This means as the nerve heals, the block usually alcohol, wears off.
Now, some less than positive news. As soon as I started using my crutches instead of the walker, I noticed that my left foot was kicked out. It was concerning since it bumped against the walker or the crutch. Dr. Norris is certain that the leg rotated during the procedure. Here we go again yet another surgery. He wants to schedule a derotation after the nerve block, but before the bones fully heal. If we do this soon, it will be a smaller incision unscrewing fewer screws and rotationg the femur about 20 degrees. If we wait longer after the bone fully heals it would be a much more difficult operation involving breaking the femur yet again. For me, it feels like every step forward equals two steps back. I mentioned in my previous post that I am tired of surgery. I am also tired of missing work. Tyson has been nothing less than wonderful throughout this entire ordeal, but how much more will they tolerate? I will move forward with this derotation, but I sure hope and pray that this will be the last surgery.
Here we go again. Please be patient with me and help me maintain my positive attitide. I have to admit that I am about to lose some of my optimism.
Thanks as always for reading and understanding. I love and need the support that I know I am getting.
J.
Please read the previous post from this morning. I really felt like I needed to get some feelings off of my chest. I look forward to any and all comments.
Today's trip to Tulsa was routine to follow up from the previous surgery and to get the staples removed. At the same time I wanted answers on this increased nerve pain in my lower leg. I am sure that I mentioned before that the sciatic nerve was streched when they lengthened my leg and re-aligned the angle of the hip. Nerve pain is not relieved with narcotics like Hydrocodone and I am already on a high dosage of Nuerontin.
Dr. Norris quickly diagnosed the nerve pain as RSD, reflex sympathetic distrophy. He wants me to see a pain specialist as soon as possible to install a nerve block to block the signals in this nerve. Cara just got home and she did some research on the nerve block and learned that it is very effective with nerve pain and is temporary. This means as the nerve heals, the block usually alcohol, wears off.
Now, some less than positive news. As soon as I started using my crutches instead of the walker, I noticed that my left foot was kicked out. It was concerning since it bumped against the walker or the crutch. Dr. Norris is certain that the leg rotated during the procedure. Here we go again yet another surgery. He wants to schedule a derotation after the nerve block, but before the bones fully heal. If we do this soon, it will be a smaller incision unscrewing fewer screws and rotationg the femur about 20 degrees. If we wait longer after the bone fully heals it would be a much more difficult operation involving breaking the femur yet again. For me, it feels like every step forward equals two steps back. I mentioned in my previous post that I am tired of surgery. I am also tired of missing work. Tyson has been nothing less than wonderful throughout this entire ordeal, but how much more will they tolerate? I will move forward with this derotation, but I sure hope and pray that this will be the last surgery.
Here we go again. Please be patient with me and help me maintain my positive attitide. I have to admit that I am about to lose some of my optimism.
Thanks as always for reading and understanding. I love and need the support that I know I am getting.
J.
Motorcycles
Jim,
I always look forward to your comments. You always add humor and make me smile when it is difficult.
All,
I will deliver a new post later this evening or tomorrow with news following my visit to the doctors in Tulsa today. Until then, I feel a need to post a bit of a warning to other bikers.
This blog has been an absolutely wonderful way for people to help me stay positive throughout this journey of healing following a horrific motorcycle accident. It is still a miracle that I am alive and able to make this post and future posts. This miracle is likely a reality due to an outpouring of love, prayers and thoughts from all of my family, friends and even people I have never met.
Let's be honest. Owning a motorcycle was something that I have always thought about. It was always in the back of my mind, but never a priority. It was by chance that I won a contest that allowed me to pursue a longtime desire. It was only a short time, but I looked forward to waking up on a pleasant day and getting on my bike to go to work. The wind, the visibility and the freedom you feel on a bike is simply wonderful. I got on that bike every opportunity that I had and loved the feeling.
I have told friends and family that I do not have any hard feelings about having a motorcycle and I am happy that others can still enjoy their motorcycles. I would be lying if I told people that I do not want to ride a bike again. However, I promise that I have retired from riding a bike. There is no way that I will risk putting my family and friends in this situation again no matter how low the odds may be.
Several bikers ride for years without any incident. Other bikers say it is not a matter of if they will lay their bikes down, but when they will lay their bikes down.
Here is my warning to the other bikers out there enjoying the wind:
Shortly before Bikes Blues and Barbecue this year, a biker was enjoying a ride through a country highway when out of nowhere a deer stepped into his path.
He died through no fault of his own.
Another incident hap penned in this time frame where I do not know the outcome, but the biker was involved in an accident without his helmet and the news reported him in critical condition with severe head trauma.
Just last week I read a report in the paper that hit me very hard and resulted in today's post. A biker and his passenger were enjoying their ride when they were hit by an suv that never saw them. Like my accident, the biker was not doing anything wrong and were hit by a motorist who for some reason did not see them. The biker suffered multiple fractures in the legs and hips like I did. Luckily the passenger was not as severely injured. Thoughts have crossed my mind of trying to figure out who the biker was so I could meet and visit him. His life, like mine will never be the same again.
I have looked through the Internet for other victims that I can share my story with and learn from their recoveries. The only real site that I found seemed to be dedicated to bikers that are getting back on their bikes. Sometimes shortly after leaving the hospital and sometimes years after their accidents. I have not found that person to visit with to this day.
My closing comments:
To those of you that still ride. I do not look down on you and I do not condemn your decision. I only want you to know that you are putting not only yourself, but everyone in your life at risk of suffering a traumatic accident with lifelong affects. If you choose to ride without a helmet, that risk goes up exponentially.
You can talk until you are blue in the face about how safe you are, but that is not the point. The point is that there is no protection great enough to shield you from that motorist or animal that is not paying attention, makes a mistake or loses self control and hits you. It can happen at anytime day or night and the results are not pretty.
One of the many things that I hear during the multiple trips to the doctors is that I am lucky to survive. I have heard that it could take 1 to 2 years to hear - I am well into my second year and still have a long way to go. I have heard that there will be lingering affects for the rest of my life. I will certainly have some form of a limp and I may always require a crutch or a cane - I will work as hard as I possibly can to avoid using a walking device.
I am tired of the surgeries. I am tired of the pain. I am tired of not being able to take my dog on a walk with my wife. I am tired of needing to be cared for.
Please, please please - current and future bikers experienced and novice riders read this post. Seriously understand the risk that you take each time you ride. Please understand that you are not the only one that would be affected by an accident. It may not ever happen. Realize that my accident was a freak accident. Also realize that my accident was not and will not be the only one. Read the paper and watch the news. Innocent bikers are involved in tragic accidents regularly. If I had the ability to go back in time, I would find something other than a motorcycle to bring home from Heartland Honda. The risk is too high. The pain is too real. The changes in my life are permanent and they are not the changes I would choose.
As always thank you for reading this and I know that I am blessed to be able to continue to share my love with my friends and family.
Jerry
I always look forward to your comments. You always add humor and make me smile when it is difficult.
All,
I will deliver a new post later this evening or tomorrow with news following my visit to the doctors in Tulsa today. Until then, I feel a need to post a bit of a warning to other bikers.
This blog has been an absolutely wonderful way for people to help me stay positive throughout this journey of healing following a horrific motorcycle accident. It is still a miracle that I am alive and able to make this post and future posts. This miracle is likely a reality due to an outpouring of love, prayers and thoughts from all of my family, friends and even people I have never met.
Let's be honest. Owning a motorcycle was something that I have always thought about. It was always in the back of my mind, but never a priority. It was by chance that I won a contest that allowed me to pursue a longtime desire. It was only a short time, but I looked forward to waking up on a pleasant day and getting on my bike to go to work. The wind, the visibility and the freedom you feel on a bike is simply wonderful. I got on that bike every opportunity that I had and loved the feeling.
I have told friends and family that I do not have any hard feelings about having a motorcycle and I am happy that others can still enjoy their motorcycles. I would be lying if I told people that I do not want to ride a bike again. However, I promise that I have retired from riding a bike. There is no way that I will risk putting my family and friends in this situation again no matter how low the odds may be.
Several bikers ride for years without any incident. Other bikers say it is not a matter of if they will lay their bikes down, but when they will lay their bikes down.
Here is my warning to the other bikers out there enjoying the wind:
Shortly before Bikes Blues and Barbecue this year, a biker was enjoying a ride through a country highway when out of nowhere a deer stepped into his path.
He died through no fault of his own.
Another incident hap penned in this time frame where I do not know the outcome, but the biker was involved in an accident without his helmet and the news reported him in critical condition with severe head trauma.
Just last week I read a report in the paper that hit me very hard and resulted in today's post. A biker and his passenger were enjoying their ride when they were hit by an suv that never saw them. Like my accident, the biker was not doing anything wrong and were hit by a motorist who for some reason did not see them. The biker suffered multiple fractures in the legs and hips like I did. Luckily the passenger was not as severely injured. Thoughts have crossed my mind of trying to figure out who the biker was so I could meet and visit him. His life, like mine will never be the same again.
I have looked through the Internet for other victims that I can share my story with and learn from their recoveries. The only real site that I found seemed to be dedicated to bikers that are getting back on their bikes. Sometimes shortly after leaving the hospital and sometimes years after their accidents. I have not found that person to visit with to this day.
My closing comments:
To those of you that still ride. I do not look down on you and I do not condemn your decision. I only want you to know that you are putting not only yourself, but everyone in your life at risk of suffering a traumatic accident with lifelong affects. If you choose to ride without a helmet, that risk goes up exponentially.
You can talk until you are blue in the face about how safe you are, but that is not the point. The point is that there is no protection great enough to shield you from that motorist or animal that is not paying attention, makes a mistake or loses self control and hits you. It can happen at anytime day or night and the results are not pretty.
One of the many things that I hear during the multiple trips to the doctors is that I am lucky to survive. I have heard that it could take 1 to 2 years to hear - I am well into my second year and still have a long way to go. I have heard that there will be lingering affects for the rest of my life. I will certainly have some form of a limp and I may always require a crutch or a cane - I will work as hard as I possibly can to avoid using a walking device.
I am tired of the surgeries. I am tired of the pain. I am tired of not being able to take my dog on a walk with my wife. I am tired of needing to be cared for.
Please, please please - current and future bikers experienced and novice riders read this post. Seriously understand the risk that you take each time you ride. Please understand that you are not the only one that would be affected by an accident. It may not ever happen. Realize that my accident was a freak accident. Also realize that my accident was not and will not be the only one. Read the paper and watch the news. Innocent bikers are involved in tragic accidents regularly. If I had the ability to go back in time, I would find something other than a motorcycle to bring home from Heartland Honda. The risk is too high. The pain is too real. The changes in my life are permanent and they are not the changes I would choose.
As always thank you for reading this and I know that I am blessed to be able to continue to share my love with my friends and family.
Jerry
Friday, October 30, 2009
One week later
All,
It has been a week since my last post. As expected, I was discharged and went home last Sunday. Since then I have spent the majority of my time in my bed. I expected this surgery to be more painful than the last one, but I would have never guessed where the pain would come from. They cut my femur and re-aligned the hip as expected. Ironically, there is little to no pain in my hip. While they lengthened my left leg, they stretched the sciatic nerve. I think the doctor assumed that the nerve was tethered in the knee joint. The result is extreme pain along my left shin and ankle with the slightest movement. The drop foot is easily as bad as it was after the first trauma surgery and the top of my foot is almost completely numb.
As we have learned, nerve damage takes a long time to heal. I have a follow up appointment in Tulsa this Wednesday. Hopefully we can learn more ways to treat this nerve damage and expedite the healing.
I hate for this to be a gloomy update. Cara has been wonderful putting up with my moans and growns. I want to return to work soon, but I am worried about managing the pain while sitting in my office chair.
I will post a new update after the doctor appointment this Wednesday.
J.
It has been a week since my last post. As expected, I was discharged and went home last Sunday. Since then I have spent the majority of my time in my bed. I expected this surgery to be more painful than the last one, but I would have never guessed where the pain would come from. They cut my femur and re-aligned the hip as expected. Ironically, there is little to no pain in my hip. While they lengthened my left leg, they stretched the sciatic nerve. I think the doctor assumed that the nerve was tethered in the knee joint. The result is extreme pain along my left shin and ankle with the slightest movement. The drop foot is easily as bad as it was after the first trauma surgery and the top of my foot is almost completely numb.
As we have learned, nerve damage takes a long time to heal. I have a follow up appointment in Tulsa this Wednesday. Hopefully we can learn more ways to treat this nerve damage and expedite the healing.
I hate for this to be a gloomy update. Cara has been wonderful putting up with my moans and growns. I want to return to work soon, but I am worried about managing the pain while sitting in my office chair.
I will post a new update after the doctor appointment this Wednesday.
J.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Recovery
All,
I am back. The surgery went well and I am feeling pretty good. Yesterday was rough, but they are managing my pain. We are still expecting to leave the hospital on Sunday. The drop foot appears to be worse than it was prior to the surgery, but the doctor explained that the nerve was streched when he lengthened my leg. We hope that it will get back to where it was with time.
J
I am back. The surgery went well and I am feeling pretty good. Yesterday was rough, but they are managing my pain. We are still expecting to leave the hospital on Sunday. The drop foot appears to be worse than it was prior to the surgery, but the doctor explained that the nerve was streched when he lengthened my leg. We hope that it will get back to where it was with time.
J
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Hip Surgery Part 2
All,
Cara and I will be leaving this afternoon for Tulsa yet again.
This time, I will call the doctors before we leave town to make sure everything is set. I was able to get in for a CT scan on Monday morning and overnighted it to Tulsa for review. The CT was supposed to help the doctor better determine where to cut the femur so the hip alignment will be as close as possible to normal. It was not supposed to have any effect of wether or not I would have surgery.
I have to be honest and tell you that the pain in my hip increased significantly after using the cane for several days. I went back to the crutch which gives me better balance and allows me to take more weight off of my left leg while walking.
Hopefully this procedure will go well and in time I will be able to abandon all walking devices.
I am signing off for a few days.
I am sure Cara will post an update to let you know how the surgery went.
We are hoping and expecting to return to Fayetteville on Sunday.
Thank you for the prayers, thoughts and kind words.
J
Cara and I will be leaving this afternoon for Tulsa yet again.
This time, I will call the doctors before we leave town to make sure everything is set. I was able to get in for a CT scan on Monday morning and overnighted it to Tulsa for review. The CT was supposed to help the doctor better determine where to cut the femur so the hip alignment will be as close as possible to normal. It was not supposed to have any effect of wether or not I would have surgery.
I have to be honest and tell you that the pain in my hip increased significantly after using the cane for several days. I went back to the crutch which gives me better balance and allows me to take more weight off of my left leg while walking.
Hopefully this procedure will go well and in time I will be able to abandon all walking devices.
I am signing off for a few days.
I am sure Cara will post an update to let you know how the surgery went.
We are hoping and expecting to return to Fayetteville on Sunday.
Thank you for the prayers, thoughts and kind words.
J
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tulsa
Before I discuss my trip to Tulsa today, I must mention what hapenned last night.
Sam had a football game last night. He plays wide receiver and was not looked at all night. Late in the 4th quarter, Sam's team sustained a long drive down the field using the wildcat formation, with Cheyenne receiving the snap. Cheyenne has the option to run or pass and completed several passes in a row. The last pass was in the endzone to Sam. Sam caught the ball for the team's 3rd touchdown of the game!
This is huge as the team went into this game 0-5 with only 2 touchdowns in the previous 5 games. We left the field with a 28-21 loss, but a lot of positive energy and happy boys.
Way to go Sam!!!
OK, so I go to Tulsa today for 2 reasons. First, to get tested for surgery on the 22nd. Second, to visit the doctor and get x-rays. The first item went fine and I am completely healthy. The second item did not go as well as I would hope. It is obvious that I need this surgery to correct the length of my left leg and to try to properly align my left hip. This will improve my stance, posture and help ease my back pain. The doctor gave me a 95% probability that the bones would heal which is good news. The bad news is that most of my trauma occured around my left hip. All of the muscles that help move the hip are damaged and atrophied. I asked him if this could be resolved with therapy and exercise, but he did not think they could fully recover. He said I will most likely have a limp - which I expected, but he also said I may need a cane permanently - this is what I was dreading and trying to avoid. He still strongly feels like this is a better option than the hip replacement. Finally, he wants me to get a CT scan of my hip so he will know where to cut. The problem is the timing. He needs the CD by Tuesday so he can read it. We are put in the position to schedule a CT scan ourselves either tomorrow or Friday so I will be able to mail it to him by Tuesday. This is not a walk-in type of X-ray, they usually schedule 2 weeks out. Without the CT, we may need to postpone the surgery yet again....
J
Sam had a football game last night. He plays wide receiver and was not looked at all night. Late in the 4th quarter, Sam's team sustained a long drive down the field using the wildcat formation, with Cheyenne receiving the snap. Cheyenne has the option to run or pass and completed several passes in a row. The last pass was in the endzone to Sam. Sam caught the ball for the team's 3rd touchdown of the game!
This is huge as the team went into this game 0-5 with only 2 touchdowns in the previous 5 games. We left the field with a 28-21 loss, but a lot of positive energy and happy boys.
Way to go Sam!!!
OK, so I go to Tulsa today for 2 reasons. First, to get tested for surgery on the 22nd. Second, to visit the doctor and get x-rays. The first item went fine and I am completely healthy. The second item did not go as well as I would hope. It is obvious that I need this surgery to correct the length of my left leg and to try to properly align my left hip. This will improve my stance, posture and help ease my back pain. The doctor gave me a 95% probability that the bones would heal which is good news. The bad news is that most of my trauma occured around my left hip. All of the muscles that help move the hip are damaged and atrophied. I asked him if this could be resolved with therapy and exercise, but he did not think they could fully recover. He said I will most likely have a limp - which I expected, but he also said I may need a cane permanently - this is what I was dreading and trying to avoid. He still strongly feels like this is a better option than the hip replacement. Finally, he wants me to get a CT scan of my hip so he will know where to cut. The problem is the timing. He needs the CD by Tuesday so he can read it. We are put in the position to schedule a CT scan ourselves either tomorrow or Friday so I will be able to mail it to him by Tuesday. This is not a walk-in type of X-ray, they usually schedule 2 weeks out. Without the CT, we may need to postpone the surgery yet again....
J
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Time keeps ticking...
All,
Last Friday, Cara and I were thrilled to go to Fort Smith and help celebrate Elizabeth and John's 40th birthday. They threw a great party. Last Monday I rememebered to call Brian and congratulate him on his 40th birthday. This is the year that most of our high school class turns 40 and mine is fast approaching.
I still find it hard to grasp that I will be 40 in less than 3 months.
This is a reality check.
Speaking of birthdays, the reality check continues.
Our son, Allen turns 17 today! This is crazy.
He has requested dinner at Chili's tonight.
He is looking forward to going to Greenwood this weekend for fun with the cousins and their Homecoming.
Capping off his 4 day birthday celebration will be a trip to the movies with Ryan to see Zombieland.
Yes, one of his birthday goals was to go to a rated R movie.
Cara and I are looking forward to going to the Razorback game with her parents Saturday. Great cool weather is expected for the 11:00 kick off.
Hope everyone else is well,
J
Last Friday, Cara and I were thrilled to go to Fort Smith and help celebrate Elizabeth and John's 40th birthday. They threw a great party. Last Monday I rememebered to call Brian and congratulate him on his 40th birthday. This is the year that most of our high school class turns 40 and mine is fast approaching.
I still find it hard to grasp that I will be 40 in less than 3 months.
This is a reality check.
Speaking of birthdays, the reality check continues.
Our son, Allen turns 17 today! This is crazy.
He has requested dinner at Chili's tonight.
He is looking forward to going to Greenwood this weekend for fun with the cousins and their Homecoming.
Capping off his 4 day birthday celebration will be a trip to the movies with Ryan to see Zombieland.
Yes, one of his birthday goals was to go to a rated R movie.
Cara and I are looking forward to going to the Razorback game with her parents Saturday. Great cool weather is expected for the 11:00 kick off.
Hope everyone else is well,
J
Thursday, October 1, 2009
No new news
All,
I really do not have much to report, but I just thought it would be good to create a new post. My recovery from the surgery on September 3rd has gone very well. I do think I am moving better and I do notice more flexibility. I am putting nearly all of my weight on my left leg, but I still use a single crutch for support.
Cara and the boys are doing well. School, football and other activities are keeping us busy.
I miss the reserves, but I am hoping this time off will let me heal enough to return next year. I had a phone call from headquarters mentioning that I needed a doctor's letter stating my medications, current and future limitations to complete my waiver. This was exciting since it indicates a possibility of returning, but with the future surgery on October 22nd, we are going to wait until the follow up from that procedure to ask for the letter. It would be wonderful to return to service even if there are limitations.
All is well in Fayetteville,
J
I really do not have much to report, but I just thought it would be good to create a new post. My recovery from the surgery on September 3rd has gone very well. I do think I am moving better and I do notice more flexibility. I am putting nearly all of my weight on my left leg, but I still use a single crutch for support.
Cara and the boys are doing well. School, football and other activities are keeping us busy.
I miss the reserves, but I am hoping this time off will let me heal enough to return next year. I had a phone call from headquarters mentioning that I needed a doctor's letter stating my medications, current and future limitations to complete my waiver. This was exciting since it indicates a possibility of returning, but with the future surgery on October 22nd, we are going to wait until the follow up from that procedure to ask for the letter. It would be wonderful to return to service even if there are limitations.
All is well in Fayetteville,
J
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Staples are gone
All,
I recovered very quickly from surgery on September 3. I stayed home the following Tuesday and Wednesday, but I was happy to return to work Thursday one week after the surgery. Everything has been going well and my mom and I went back to Tulsa yesterday to remove the staples and to schedule the next and hopefully my last surgery. Right now it looks like I will be returning to Tulsa on October 14th for pre-op testing and a doctor appointment to take X-rays and check progress. The surgery is scheduled for October 22nd. This will be a big procedure, but hopefully since they have already removed the hardware it will go fairly easy. They will be breaking my femur to re-align the hip, iserting a rod through the neck into the hip that will be attached to a plate screwed to my femur and applying bone paste around the neck to stimulate growth.
The recovery continues, but I am starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
J
I recovered very quickly from surgery on September 3. I stayed home the following Tuesday and Wednesday, but I was happy to return to work Thursday one week after the surgery. Everything has been going well and my mom and I went back to Tulsa yesterday to remove the staples and to schedule the next and hopefully my last surgery. Right now it looks like I will be returning to Tulsa on October 14th for pre-op testing and a doctor appointment to take X-rays and check progress. The surgery is scheduled for October 22nd. This will be a big procedure, but hopefully since they have already removed the hardware it will go fairly easy. They will be breaking my femur to re-align the hip, iserting a rod through the neck into the hip that will be attached to a plate screwed to my femur and applying bone paste around the neck to stimulate growth.
The recovery continues, but I am starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
J
Monday, September 7, 2009
Home again.
Cara and I came home from the hospital yesterday as expected. Today is a regular holiday day off, but I am already ready to return to my routine. Honestly, the surgery has come and gone with very little pain. My only discomforts are tenderness around the insciscion sites. I look forward to returning to work ahead of schedule. I look forward to returning to the doctor for follow up visits and advice. I look forward to fully recovering this fall.
J
J
Saturday, September 5, 2009
My hip was(is) messed up
I should not post this without reading Cara's most recent post, but here goes.
First, I am doing very well and Cara and I should be heading back to Fayetteville tomorrow morning.
Dr. Stafford came in to see us this morning. He reminded us that my hip was one of the worst breaks that they have dealt with and they are trauma specialists. I have to keep asking myself why I did not push for a hip replacement, but I am reminded that I am young and if we can save the hip then this is what it best.
Dr. Stafford had not seen the results from the CT scan post surgery, but he was in there during the surgery. This is hard to explain, but after the extra bone matter and the hardware was removed, it was apparent that the hip has deformed during the healing. What this means is that rather than the neck and the ball angling up at about a 120 degree angle towards the pelvis, it is actually closer to a 90 degree angle. This is both good and bad. It is bad because this causes more stress, makes one leg longer than the other and possibly requires surgery (in about 6 weeks) to be corrected. It is good because the surgery would not be as severe as originally expected with new hardware. Dr. Stafford said they would take a wedge of bone out of my femur and fix the femur with the hip in the correct angle. I forgot the term he used for the procedure, but the downtime (no load bearing) would not be as long. The thing I am doing is adding up the dates. 6 weeks of no load bearing from this week's surgery + 6 weeks of no load bearing from the future surgery still equals 3 months. It also equals more trips to Tulsa.
I always try to stay optimistic, but I was really hoping that this would be my last prolonged stay at St. Johns. I am ready for this to be over.
Anyway, like I said before, I am feeling pretty good overall. We will keep you posted as we get news from follow ups.
J
First, I am doing very well and Cara and I should be heading back to Fayetteville tomorrow morning.
Dr. Stafford came in to see us this morning. He reminded us that my hip was one of the worst breaks that they have dealt with and they are trauma specialists. I have to keep asking myself why I did not push for a hip replacement, but I am reminded that I am young and if we can save the hip then this is what it best.
Dr. Stafford had not seen the results from the CT scan post surgery, but he was in there during the surgery. This is hard to explain, but after the extra bone matter and the hardware was removed, it was apparent that the hip has deformed during the healing. What this means is that rather than the neck and the ball angling up at about a 120 degree angle towards the pelvis, it is actually closer to a 90 degree angle. This is both good and bad. It is bad because this causes more stress, makes one leg longer than the other and possibly requires surgery (in about 6 weeks) to be corrected. It is good because the surgery would not be as severe as originally expected with new hardware. Dr. Stafford said they would take a wedge of bone out of my femur and fix the femur with the hip in the correct angle. I forgot the term he used for the procedure, but the downtime (no load bearing) would not be as long. The thing I am doing is adding up the dates. 6 weeks of no load bearing from this week's surgery + 6 weeks of no load bearing from the future surgery still equals 3 months. It also equals more trips to Tulsa.
I always try to stay optimistic, but I was really hoping that this would be my last prolonged stay at St. Johns. I am ready for this to be over.
Anyway, like I said before, I am feeling pretty good overall. We will keep you posted as we get news from follow ups.
J
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Thursday, September 4
Hello! J is out of surgery and in his room. Surgery started at about 1:00 this afternoon and ended around 3:30. He did well, but lost some blood. The unofficial amount is around a liter. We will have to watch and see if he needs a transfusion tomorrow. Blood loss is expected in this type of surgery, and J has already been "typed" with blood waiting in case he needs it.
His pain seems to be managed fairly well. He is resting comfortably with the help of Delotid. He has already said he would like to be off the IV pain meds as soon as possible. He also asked for a Super Sonic cheese burger, but that will have to wait until tomorrow sometime. He is on a clear liquid diet at the moment.
During the surgery, Dr. Norris was able to remove a good amount of the hetero-topic bone growth on the front part of the hip. This means J is now able to lay his left leg flat on the bed, something he was excited to show me as soon as he got to the room. There is more bone growth on the inside of J's femur, but the surgeon did not remove that as there are a lot of blood vessels in that area of the leg, and he did not want to damage them.
Tomorrow J will have a CT scan and radiation treatment. The CT scan is to assess how much healing has occurred since April. The ratiation treatment is to prevent more/regrowth of the hetero-topic bone. Regardless of the CT scan results, J will not have another surgery on that leg for a while. We may elect to have a bone graft in about six weeks to further improve flexibility, or we may just call it good and begin the business of going on from here. We will have to see how much more flexibility is there, and there is just no way to know that until J is able to put weight on that leg.
So, the bottom line is: Today's surgery may be the last... or it may not.
Love,
Cara
His pain seems to be managed fairly well. He is resting comfortably with the help of Delotid. He has already said he would like to be off the IV pain meds as soon as possible. He also asked for a Super Sonic cheese burger, but that will have to wait until tomorrow sometime. He is on a clear liquid diet at the moment.
During the surgery, Dr. Norris was able to remove a good amount of the hetero-topic bone growth on the front part of the hip. This means J is now able to lay his left leg flat on the bed, something he was excited to show me as soon as he got to the room. There is more bone growth on the inside of J's femur, but the surgeon did not remove that as there are a lot of blood vessels in that area of the leg, and he did not want to damage them.
Tomorrow J will have a CT scan and radiation treatment. The CT scan is to assess how much healing has occurred since April. The ratiation treatment is to prevent more/regrowth of the hetero-topic bone. Regardless of the CT scan results, J will not have another surgery on that leg for a while. We may elect to have a bone graft in about six weeks to further improve flexibility, or we may just call it good and begin the business of going on from here. We will have to see how much more flexibility is there, and there is just no way to know that until J is able to put weight on that leg.
So, the bottom line is: Today's surgery may be the last... or it may not.
Love,
Cara
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Good News - possibly
Well, my hip surgery was postponed from today until tomorrow. We were very frustrated and blamed it on a lack of communication between the two different surgeons who will be operating. The fact is that I have not seen either one since April and I have not seen the one I met with today since last October. He let me know that today's X-rays looked better than April's X-rays. There is a possibility that the femoral non-union has actually healed - or at least healed more than it was before. The problem is that the implants (plate and screws) prevent them from getting a good look with either X-rays or CT scans. We also learned that a lot of my discomfort may be more related to the heterotopic bone growth, than to non-union in the hip joint.
I am now scheduled for a surgery at 1:00 P.M. tomorrow. The main scope of this operation is to remove the implants and as much heterotopic bone mass as possible. A day or two after the operation, I will have a CT scan to examine the bone growth at the femoral-hip union. I will also be receiving a dose of radiation to resist any future heterotopic bone growth.
The good news is: if the femoral union has healed, I will not require the bone graft and the new implant in my femur, with the removal of the extra bone mass my hip flexibility and rotation will be improved, and I could be putting weight on my leg in as little as three weeks rather than 3 months.
The bad news is if the CT scan reveals a lack of bone healing in the femoral neck, we go back to plan A with a bone graft and no weight for 3 months. However, this operation could happen as early as Saturday and I would still be returning to Fayetteville on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Overall, I must be happy with delaying the surgery one day an visiting with the doctor today.
J
I am now scheduled for a surgery at 1:00 P.M. tomorrow. The main scope of this operation is to remove the implants and as much heterotopic bone mass as possible. A day or two after the operation, I will have a CT scan to examine the bone growth at the femoral-hip union. I will also be receiving a dose of radiation to resist any future heterotopic bone growth.
The good news is: if the femoral union has healed, I will not require the bone graft and the new implant in my femur, with the removal of the extra bone mass my hip flexibility and rotation will be improved, and I could be putting weight on my leg in as little as three weeks rather than 3 months.
The bad news is if the CT scan reveals a lack of bone healing in the femoral neck, we go back to plan A with a bone graft and no weight for 3 months. However, this operation could happen as early as Saturday and I would still be returning to Fayetteville on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Overall, I must be happy with delaying the surgery one day an visiting with the doctor today.
J
Monday, August 31, 2009
3 - days left
All, in less than 3 days, I will be undergoing hopefully my last surgery. I could have scheduled it as early as June 10th, but we all decided it would be better to wait until later in the summer. What a summer we had. With being on hold in the reserves, we went to the lake more than we ever have in the past. The boys are doing better at every water sport we try. School has started, footbal is getting started, and we told the marina that we were done with the boat for the year.
This surgery will be a pretty big deal, but I am a lot stronger than I was after the accidend so I am hoping for a quick recovery. It will be hard to not put weight on my leg for three months, but we all hope the rewards will be worth the wait. 3 - 4 days in the hospital and then about 2 weeks at home before I try to return to my normal activities. Stay in touch.
J
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Survival Anniversary
To Everyone,
I have said it before and I will say it again. I am so grateful for all of you. The prayers, the thoughts, the visits. They always mean so much. Today is the one year anniversary of my accident and I am so thankful for what I have been able to do with my family and friends. July 29th will come and go every year, but it will have a very special meaning for me. The fact is, it could have been so different. Most people do not survive an aortic tear. My body was messed up and it will always be messed up, but I am back doing the things I want to do with the people that mean so much to me. I am going to celebrate July 29th every year. I survived and I still have so much to give. One more surgery to go. This has been a long challenging ordeal. I feel like I have been tested and I hope I am passing the test. Please take a moment to say a quick prayer, toast a glass, tell a friend - "It is wonderful to be alive and I appreciate life in a way most people can't imagine. I am blessed with many gifts"
I look forward to seeing everyone who has kept up with this blog and my journey again.
Thank you,
J
Monday, July 20, 2009
Surgery is Confirmed
All,
The date for hopefully the last surgery regarding the motorcycle wreck is confirmed on September 2nd. I have a pre-op testing appointment on August 24th, but I expect that to go well.
This is a pretty big operation that will keep me off of my left leg for 3 months, but I hope it will allow me to walk without crutches or canes in the early spring.
Everything has been going great this summer. Look me up on Facebook to see some of the good times we have been having. We intend to continue making the most of the rest of the summer.
I am sure I will put some more updates on the blog before the surgery, but please keep Cara in your thoughts as she cares for me and the boys during and after the surgery this fall.
J
The date for hopefully the last surgery regarding the motorcycle wreck is confirmed on September 2nd. I have a pre-op testing appointment on August 24th, but I expect that to go well.
This is a pretty big operation that will keep me off of my left leg for 3 months, but I hope it will allow me to walk without crutches or canes in the early spring.
Everything has been going great this summer. Look me up on Facebook to see some of the good times we have been having. We intend to continue making the most of the rest of the summer.
I am sure I will put some more updates on the blog before the surgery, but please keep Cara in your thoughts as she cares for me and the boys during and after the surgery this fall.
J
Monday, July 6, 2009
Family Vacation
Words can't describe how wonderful it was to be able to go on a family vacation. It has almost been a year since my wreck and there is still a long road of recovery left, but I had so much fun and am so grateful to have my family. Vacation started Friday, June 26th with a visit with David and Tina Kemp in Russellville on our way to Pine Bluff. We got to Gulfport, MS on Saturday afternoon and visited with my grandfather, Papa (Jerry Sr.), Aunt Sandra and Uncle Terry - Thank you Terry for dinner that night!!!, Cousin Terry and my parents and Benjy Richards. We all went to dinner at Lil' Rays and joined Allison, Bin, Emily and Anna Clair, Scott and Elise. Allison and Bin hosted my family for the night at their house where we continued visiting. We continued our journey Sunday with a stop at LuLu's in Gulf Shores, AL and finally arrived at the Beach House in Seagrove Beach, FL that afternoon. Eleanor, Windell, Michael and Alex joined us at the beach house Monday evening. We had a great time hitting the beach with great (hot) weather every day. Wednesday, Cara and I enjoyed our 18th anniversary (June 29th)dinner at Cafe 30A. Aunt Mary and Uncle Ken joined us Thursday and ate grilled mahi mahi fish tacos for dinner. Saturday, the boys brought Eleanor and Windell's kayaks down to the beach and I thought, "I can do that" I had so much fun in the kayak and felt so "normal" that I wish I had not waited until the last day on the beach to use it. We watched fireworks on the deck Saturday night and made the long drive home all day Sunday.I was so happy, surprised and grateful Sunday night to see that some one had weed eated at our house!
We are also blessed and thankful that Katie stayed at our house and watched over the pets.
Here is a funny confession: I have gained about 20+ pounds since leaving the hospital. After I showered this "afternoon", I noticed a funny tan line. Ever heard of dunlap disease? My new tan line is not due to my shorts being too high, it is due to it lapped over my waist band...
What a wonderful time!!!
J
Friday, June 12, 2009
It has been almost a month since my last post
All,
I am not sure where to start, but I will begin with last weekend.
I am still on hold with the Air Force reserves and every letter I get from the 403rd, I nervously open hoping for some form of news.
Anyway, Jon Vansandt arranged a night at the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball game last Saturday night.
Cara and I were thrilled to get an opportunity to go back to the Air Force base and visit with friends.
I tell people I only saw 2 plays: The commander throw the first pitch and Gus and Phil playing "dizzy bat" between innings.
The rest of the time was spent visiting with my best friends.
Allen's hand is healing very well, and we may convince Cara to let him ski or wake board this weekend. (This will happen if he weed eats at the cabin tomorrow morning) We also need to try out the new surfboard...
Speaking of Allen, he helped me replace the accelerator cable in his car this week and he is on the road solo! Hopefully he will keep his head and be responsible.
As for me, I had (3) different doctor's visits yesterday. (2) of them said I am in good health and scheduled the next appointments in six months. I spoke with Dr. Arnold about postponing my hip surgery until fall and he completely agreed. He told me to enjoy my summer, but to definitely get it done this fall.
I took Sam out on his first "date" last Tuesday night. He says they are just friends, but he did fix his hair and wear jeans...
Cara was interviewed on the news last night asn an expert on internet social networking and the affects of not having real face to face interactions. She looked and sounded great.
http://nwahomepage.com/content/fulltext_news?cid=96702
That is about it for now. We are having a great summer so far and are looking forward to the beach soon.
J
I am not sure where to start, but I will begin with last weekend.
I am still on hold with the Air Force reserves and every letter I get from the 403rd, I nervously open hoping for some form of news.
Anyway, Jon Vansandt arranged a night at the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball game last Saturday night.
Cara and I were thrilled to get an opportunity to go back to the Air Force base and visit with friends.
I tell people I only saw 2 plays: The commander throw the first pitch and Gus and Phil playing "dizzy bat" between innings.
The rest of the time was spent visiting with my best friends.
Allen's hand is healing very well, and we may convince Cara to let him ski or wake board this weekend. (This will happen if he weed eats at the cabin tomorrow morning) We also need to try out the new surfboard...
Speaking of Allen, he helped me replace the accelerator cable in his car this week and he is on the road solo! Hopefully he will keep his head and be responsible.
As for me, I had (3) different doctor's visits yesterday. (2) of them said I am in good health and scheduled the next appointments in six months. I spoke with Dr. Arnold about postponing my hip surgery until fall and he completely agreed. He told me to enjoy my summer, but to definitely get it done this fall.
I took Sam out on his first "date" last Tuesday night. He says they are just friends, but he did fix his hair and wear jeans...
Cara was interviewed on the news last night asn an expert on internet social networking and the affects of not having real face to face interactions. She looked and sounded great.
http://nwahomepage.com/content/fulltext_news?cid=96702
That is about it for now. We are having a great summer so far and are looking forward to the beach soon.
J
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Church Youth Trip
This past Sunday and Monday, we were able to host the 2nd annual church youth group at Table Rock Lake.
We are truly BLESSED to have such a wonderful group of children.
Let’s face it, the weather was miserable for most of the trip.
These kids never complained. We went out and had a blast on the tube, on the knee board and jumping off a few rocks.
In a way, the weather was perfect because there were very few other boats willing to get out on the lake.
We practically had the entire lake to ourselves.
I am sure some of them are confused about getting a little sun burn with all the clouds and rain.
Nothing but smiles and great spirits!
I do not have a Special moment or Highlight.
Sunday’s boating was fun.
Dinner at our cabin was fun.
Monday’s boating was fun and we got a bonus run after lunch.
Monday’s lunch was fun.
I continue to be impressed with our group of kids.
I loved getting to know the junior high group better.
Special thanks to Bethany and Hannah for staying with me and helping tie up the boat and put things away Monday before lunch.
Thank you for trusting them with me and Cara.
I hope they are telling stories for a long time.
Our only regret is the lack of pictures. The weather was just too rainy and wet to risk using the camera.
Cara did get a great picture of most of the group in the boat on our initial outing.
I will try to get a copy of it to share.
We look forward to doing it again next year!
Maybe we should make tee shirts for:
The 3rd Annual First Presbyterian Church Springdale Youth Retreat to Table Rock Lake…
Tim and Lynn, if you are reading this, thank you for letting some kids hang out with you on your dock. That was a life saver. We came and got the tube Monday, but we did not see Sam's flip flops. We will get them the next time we hunt you down on the lake...
J.
We are truly BLESSED to have such a wonderful group of children.
Let’s face it, the weather was miserable for most of the trip.
These kids never complained. We went out and had a blast on the tube, on the knee board and jumping off a few rocks.
In a way, the weather was perfect because there were very few other boats willing to get out on the lake.
We practically had the entire lake to ourselves.
I am sure some of them are confused about getting a little sun burn with all the clouds and rain.
Nothing but smiles and great spirits!
I do not have a Special moment or Highlight.
Sunday’s boating was fun.
Dinner at our cabin was fun.
Monday’s boating was fun and we got a bonus run after lunch.
Monday’s lunch was fun.
I continue to be impressed with our group of kids.
I loved getting to know the junior high group better.
Special thanks to Bethany and Hannah for staying with me and helping tie up the boat and put things away Monday before lunch.
Thank you for trusting them with me and Cara.
I hope they are telling stories for a long time.
Our only regret is the lack of pictures. The weather was just too rainy and wet to risk using the camera.
Cara did get a great picture of most of the group in the boat on our initial outing.
I will try to get a copy of it to share.
We look forward to doing it again next year!
Maybe we should make tee shirts for:
The 3rd Annual First Presbyterian Church Springdale Youth Retreat to Table Rock Lake…
Tim and Lynn, if you are reading this, thank you for letting some kids hang out with you on your dock. That was a life saver. We came and got the tube Monday, but we did not see Sam's flip flops. We will get them the next time we hunt you down on the lake...
J.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Allen did it again
All,
Just to keep you posted. Allen broke his left hand yesterday trying to keep from falling after getting hit in football practice. We have not seen the orthopedic doctor yet, but he should be put into a cast some time today. I hope it will not be for too long so he can enjoy his summer. He was so looking forward to showing off his boarding and skiing ability next weekend with the church youth group...
J
Just to keep you posted. Allen broke his left hand yesterday trying to keep from falling after getting hit in football practice. We have not seen the orthopedic doctor yet, but he should be put into a cast some time today. I hope it will not be for too long so he can enjoy his summer. He was so looking forward to showing off his boarding and skiing ability next weekend with the church youth group...
J
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Bone Scan
All,
There is not a lot of new news to report. I am in the process of getting a bone scan done today to check the blood flow in my femoral neck going to the left hip. The injection was done about an hour ago, and I will go back to get more pictures taken at 1:00.
I am not sure when we will get any news following the scan.
Allen is back to football practice. Both boys are looking forward to the end of the school year.
Cara and I are excited and looking forward to Mark and Sharon flying out here to visit us from PA. I am sure it will be a great visit. We will be going to the lake for part of it and relaxing at the house for the rest of their time with us.
J
There is not a lot of new news to report. I am in the process of getting a bone scan done today to check the blood flow in my femoral neck going to the left hip. The injection was done about an hour ago, and I will go back to get more pictures taken at 1:00.
I am not sure when we will get any news following the scan.
Allen is back to football practice. Both boys are looking forward to the end of the school year.
Cara and I are excited and looking forward to Mark and Sharon flying out here to visit us from PA. I am sure it will be a great visit. We will be going to the lake for part of it and relaxing at the house for the rest of their time with us.
J
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
"We know more now, but we do not know everything"
That is a fitting quote from Cara yesterday.
We both went to Tulsa to talk to Dr. Stafford regarding the CT scan of my left hip. I think I mentioned before that there is still a non-union in the femur. Basically, the fracture between the ball of the hip and the femur never completely healed. The current suggestion involves a fairly significant surgery that must take place in Tulsa. He will visit with Dr. Norris this Monday to form an official plan but this is the idea: 1. remove the existing plate and all screws 2. bore into the core of the femur (saving the bone dust) 3. install a shaft into the femur and secure it to the ball of the hip 4. using the bone dust from the boring as a bone graft around the fracture to stimulate bone growth. Since the bone dust (like wet sand) has my scaffold, cells, and proteins it will pull new cells in naturally for the growth. Any scar tissue in the area of the surgery will be removed, but exploration and removal of other scar tissue will not be done. He did mention the possibility of loosening some tight tendons to help me flatten my left leg while laying on my back. Scheduling this surgery is the big mystery. How long will I be in the hospital? Walking on the fractured hip could increase the risk of breaking the screws, but he did not restrict my current load bearing. We have a lot of plans this summer that I do not want to interrupt, but the sooner I do this the sooner I can be closer to normal. No matter when I have the surgery, I will be starting over with the hip and will be non-weight bearing for (3) full months. I will certainly make a new post when we have more answers.
J
We both went to Tulsa to talk to Dr. Stafford regarding the CT scan of my left hip. I think I mentioned before that there is still a non-union in the femur. Basically, the fracture between the ball of the hip and the femur never completely healed. The current suggestion involves a fairly significant surgery that must take place in Tulsa. He will visit with Dr. Norris this Monday to form an official plan but this is the idea: 1. remove the existing plate and all screws 2. bore into the core of the femur (saving the bone dust) 3. install a shaft into the femur and secure it to the ball of the hip 4. using the bone dust from the boring as a bone graft around the fracture to stimulate bone growth. Since the bone dust (like wet sand) has my scaffold, cells, and proteins it will pull new cells in naturally for the growth. Any scar tissue in the area of the surgery will be removed, but exploration and removal of other scar tissue will not be done. He did mention the possibility of loosening some tight tendons to help me flatten my left leg while laying on my back. Scheduling this surgery is the big mystery. How long will I be in the hospital? Walking on the fractured hip could increase the risk of breaking the screws, but he did not restrict my current load bearing. We have a lot of plans this summer that I do not want to interrupt, but the sooner I do this the sooner I can be closer to normal. No matter when I have the surgery, I will be starting over with the hip and will be non-weight bearing for (3) full months. I will certainly make a new post when we have more answers.
J
Sunday, April 19, 2009
In Memory of Carver
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to my friend, Carver 4/18/09. I will be in Republic, MO for the funeral Tuesday evening. I look forward to seeing friends and talking about the fun things we did together. The picture is from one of those fun times at the chili cook-off in 2002 (green shirt on the right). Carver, we will all miss you!!!
J
Saturday, April 18, 2009
New pets can be very healing!
How can you be worried about anything else when a kitten and a puppy are sleeping by your side.
It has been less than 24 hours and they seem to get along perfectly. I am sure there will be scruffs later, but they sure are cute now.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Can't wait to get our new puppy tomorrow!!!
How can you resist that? We will try to post a picture of the new kitten, Tipsy, as well. Maybe the two of them together. Both are just as cute as they can be. Cara and I are just dying to go pick up our new puppy, Bella.
My medical reality check:
No more squats or kneeling - ever. Dr. Arnold will be satisfied with 100 degrees of flex in my left knee. My therapist is going to push for 105. I will be continuing to increase it on my own, but this is a fact - there is too much scar tissue to expect more flex.
Hip surgery is pending in the very near future. We will be going to Tulsa on April 28th to talk to Dr. Stafford about a possible bone graft. After my CT scan, they discovered that my hip fracture has never healed. A bone graft can possibly stimulate bone growth and healing. The other option is a complete hip replacement. There are a lot of unknowns at this time and hopefully they will be clarified on both April 23rd with Dr. Arnold and on April 28th with Dr. Stafford.
It appears that this is going to be a lifelong experience of learning my limitations.
J
Monday, April 13, 2009
New Family Additions
All,
Things are still going well in Fayetteville.
Allen has been given a clean bill of health and is back to off-season practice in football.
Sam and I had "our" day which went well - we got to Krispy Kreme in time to get a free hot donut (they are the best), picked out a couple more special ones and a dozen for the house. From there, we went to Toys R Us and home. After several failed calls to buddies to take to Locomotion, he decided to go to a movie instead. We saw Alien vs Monsters in 3D. Our day was over after the movie, so he went out and played while I mowed the grass.
Cara drained our little pond, then she went with Allen to the pond next to the hospital and released our (2) 3 year old goldfish. I still can't believe they were stilll alive!
Our fence is done and we are excited about picking up our new Golden Retriever puppy, Bella, this Friday.
Sunday after church, we stopped at Pet Smart and adopted a 6 month old kitten, Tipsy.
We have gone from pet-less after Bubba passed to a new kitten and a new puppy.
I hope they get along and play with each other. Bubba was never fond of Maggie, our Dalmatian but I think that was because he was king of the roost for a few years before we got the dog.
I had a CT scan done on my left hip last Monday and will see the doctor on the 23rd to review the results. My knee is doing well, but I am worried that I am way behind schedule on bending it. We maxed at 90 degrees (that was the most I could bend it since before the accident) twice last week in PT and I could tell last night that I am well short of 90 degrees on self bending...
Talk to you soon,
J
Things are still going well in Fayetteville.
Allen has been given a clean bill of health and is back to off-season practice in football.
Sam and I had "our" day which went well - we got to Krispy Kreme in time to get a free hot donut (they are the best), picked out a couple more special ones and a dozen for the house. From there, we went to Toys R Us and home. After several failed calls to buddies to take to Locomotion, he decided to go to a movie instead. We saw Alien vs Monsters in 3D. Our day was over after the movie, so he went out and played while I mowed the grass.
Cara drained our little pond, then she went with Allen to the pond next to the hospital and released our (2) 3 year old goldfish. I still can't believe they were stilll alive!
Our fence is done and we are excited about picking up our new Golden Retriever puppy, Bella, this Friday.
Sunday after church, we stopped at Pet Smart and adopted a 6 month old kitten, Tipsy.
We have gone from pet-less after Bubba passed to a new kitten and a new puppy.
I hope they get along and play with each other. Bubba was never fond of Maggie, our Dalmatian but I think that was because he was king of the roost for a few years before we got the dog.
I had a CT scan done on my left hip last Monday and will see the doctor on the 23rd to review the results. My knee is doing well, but I am worried that I am way behind schedule on bending it. We maxed at 90 degrees (that was the most I could bend it since before the accident) twice last week in PT and I could tell last night that I am well short of 90 degrees on self bending...
Talk to you soon,
J
Monday, March 30, 2009
Happy Birthday Cara!!!
Yes, today is Cara's birthday!
I wish I had a picture from last Friday night to post. Katie arranged a mini party for her at Grubbs while our favorite local band, Molten Lava aka Boom Kinetic, performed after dinner. Stephen and Amber came down from Springfield and stayed with us. Steve and Julie came as well as, Angie, Lisa and John, Julie F and of course Katie. It was a nice group and the girls enjoyed dancing. I am afraid I cut the party a little short and forced us to come home too early. The band was supposed to give Cara a shout out, but they started late and we left during their second break.
I really could not be happier now and the boys are doing great.
Spring Break came and went without us even noticing.
The boys stayed home and Cara and I continued our routines.
We will be going to the lake this weekend so Cara can do some more yardwork before the season kicks off. I would normally be going to LRAFB and will look forward to phone calls and text messages from them as I watch Cara work at the cabin. The weather should be nice.
Speaking of weather, Allen drove me around with the top down enjoying his new kicked up sound system yesterday. We have really enjoyed the time spent together working on his car.
With all the time that I have been giving to Allen lately, I promised Sam that I would treat him to whatever he wants to do next weekend. It looks like donuts and go carts - I can't wait.
Family and friends mean the world to me and I am constantly overwhelmed recently with humility and gratitude for such a blessed life.
Like I said before, I am happier now than I have ever been.
I hope to share this happiness with anyone who reads the post.
J
I wish I had a picture from last Friday night to post. Katie arranged a mini party for her at Grubbs while our favorite local band, Molten Lava aka Boom Kinetic, performed after dinner. Stephen and Amber came down from Springfield and stayed with us. Steve and Julie came as well as, Angie, Lisa and John, Julie F and of course Katie. It was a nice group and the girls enjoyed dancing. I am afraid I cut the party a little short and forced us to come home too early. The band was supposed to give Cara a shout out, but they started late and we left during their second break.
I really could not be happier now and the boys are doing great.
Spring Break came and went without us even noticing.
The boys stayed home and Cara and I continued our routines.
We will be going to the lake this weekend so Cara can do some more yardwork before the season kicks off. I would normally be going to LRAFB and will look forward to phone calls and text messages from them as I watch Cara work at the cabin. The weather should be nice.
Speaking of weather, Allen drove me around with the top down enjoying his new kicked up sound system yesterday. We have really enjoyed the time spent together working on his car.
With all the time that I have been giving to Allen lately, I promised Sam that I would treat him to whatever he wants to do next weekend. It looks like donuts and go carts - I can't wait.
Family and friends mean the world to me and I am constantly overwhelmed recently with humility and gratitude for such a blessed life.
Like I said before, I am happier now than I have ever been.
I hope to share this happiness with anyone who reads the post.
J
Monday, March 16, 2009
Too Much to list in one heading!
All,
This could be the last picture of me in a military uniform. I intend to fight this as hard as I can, but last Friday I got the call and I have been placed on a "Level 4 Profile". This means no points and no participation in the squadron without medical clearance from Keesler AFB. My healing process is increasing exponentially recently, but there are things that I have not done that are probably required for me to be cleared for duty. Right now, I need to continue to heal, get doctor appointments and try to get the necessary paperwork required to allow me to continue my service. I am extremely worried that March 8, was the last time for me to be in uniform. I knew this was coming and was just hoping it would take a little longer to give me time to be stronger. I have to thank Michael Young for sharing this most recent photo. Michael himself will be leaving service in June.
PaPa:
My grandfather, Jerry Hartfield Sr., was found down and disoriented in his house in Gulfport, Mississippi last Wednesday. My parents rushed down to see him last weekend. The good news is that he is alert and it was not a stroke. He was dehydrated and they put him in a rehabilitation hospital. The bad news is that his days of independent living could be ending. Please be thinking of him as we all try to help find the best place for him. I think my parents are going to be looking at homes in Fort Smith. I think that would be wonderful in the fact that we would be able to visit more frequently. My trips to Fort Smith are already limited, but the trips to Gulfport are way less frequent.
Allen:
Enough about his leg. He is still wearing the Velcro ski boot as required, but that will come off for good soon his leg is healed. The big news is that he has been invited to go to Prom this year. Another sign of aging, am I old enough to take my son to be fitted for a tuxedo? Wow time flies right in front of us.
Cara:
Yes, I place her in a heading by herself. We both went to the lake cabin this weekend, but the trip really was all about her. We had a pallet and a half of landscaping blocks delivered on Friday. She single handedly dug and stacked and created a really cool planting bead all around the front and side of the cabin. We did not take pictures, and we do not have dirt or plants in it yet. However, I sat in a lawn chair in 40 degree temperatures with a light rain watching her work continuously. She still never ceases to amaze me with her will and strength.
The excitement of the coming summer and boating season is boiling up now. We heard several bass boats running around during their tournament while she stacked away. A brief visit to the marina just enhanced the excitement.
My Rehab:
I continue to go to physical therapy 2 days a week. My knee is healing quickly and my leg is getting stronger every day. I still continue to struggle with my left hip and have a ct scan scheduled soon to see what we will do. I do not even want to thhink about the suggested options until we get the pictures and the review.
J
Monday, March 9, 2009
Drill Weekend and Rehab
All,
I think it is about time to update the blog.
Drill Weekend:
It was an honor for me to take Michael and Allen to Little Rock Air Force Base this past weekend to learn more about what we do on our reserve unit training assemblies. We woke up at 6:00 Saturday morning and were at the squadron right around 7. They were able to watch formation and were introduced as special guests. Later in the day, they went on the flight line to see some of our operations and we ate lunch in the "chow hall". The day concluded with an informal gathering at the base lake where other members took the time to visit with them. I let them sleep in on Sunday morning, but they joined me for lunch and the rest of Sunday afternoon. I really hope that Michael was able to talk to several members and get a better idea of what the reserves do.
Rehab:
I think I am really pleased with the knee surgery. The pain in my knee has decreased dramatically and I started physical therapy last Thursday. I will be going to therapy two days a week for the foreseeable future. I am know wearing a lock out hinged knee brace. It is set at 45 degrees right now, but we intend to increase the bending in 20 degree intervals per week. There is still a great deal of pain in my left hip and I still do not walk completely upright. I am using a single crutch to help me walk.
That is about it from Fayetteville right now,
J
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
When does a pet become part of the family?
Is it one year? five years? ten years?
Bubba passed away last night sometime between 11:00 and 12:30. He was definitely a part of our family and was with us for well over 17 years. We all knew it was coming, but he was just so full of love and affection that we hoped he would be with us forever. We knew he was suffering from renal failure, but he seemed to be happy and was still quick to jump in our laps. It just hapened all of a sudden. Cara noticed that he seemed to have lost his balance while walking yesterday morning. His conditioned worsened throughout the day. I was able to hold him last night after I got home after 9:30. Cara and I tried to comfort him in bed before we knew we had to turn out the lights and try to go to sleep.
Bubba will be deeply missed even by those who really do not care for cats. He was not a normal cat. He loved to be around people. Any time we had guests over to the house, he would visit with them and stay in the room where the people were. Cara and I often joked about cloning him because we know there will never be another cat in our family that could compare to him.
Our family is hurting right now. We know he is at peace now and we surely hope he was not suffering during those last 12 hours.
Say goodbye to our very special member of the family.
J
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Quick Note on Allen's Recovery
All, Cara took Allen to see Dr. Coker yesterday and as expected he has been cleared to put full weight on his leg. He still has to wear the protective boot for about 6 more weeks. When he got home, we worked on using one crutch and then using one of my canes. When he came downstairs this morning, he was walking without the cane! He thinks he can make it the entire day at school without crutches or a cane. I hope he does not overdo it. We will certainly hear about it tonight. He told me he was very happy to walk again as I can only imagine. The thought of us both going to rehab together will be a distant memory as he recovers way faster than me.
I am doing well and back at work. The staples will be removed from my knee tomorrow or Thursday and rehab starts next week. I have been trying to obey the doctor's orders of flexing my quad muscle regularly and trying to lift my leg. I think I am very close without the immobilizer and shoe on.
Talk to you soon,
J
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Back from the doctor
All,
I just got home from my follow up with Dr. Arnold. As you may know the knee surgery was way more difficult then it was intended. No I am not going to work today as I had hoped or tomorrow either. You should find me signed on in Facebook as I rest in bed. I will try to do some work from home.
Physical Therapy is to resume in 2 weeks. I am not supposed to bend my knee at all from now until then. We are going to baby step into getting the motion back in my knee as I continue to try to strengthen my thigh muscles. Even during surgery, what was left of the patella continued to dislocate as they bent my knee. He opened my knee using the same scar from the trauma surgery and removed the rest of the bone fragments. This is still going to be a long process. I have to go back next week to get the staples removed, and I will see Dr. Arnold again in three weeks (after I have been to therapy for a week)
The bad news is that my left hip is in very bad shape and will likely require some attention or some form of procedure. The good news is that Dr. Arnold has agreed to help me with it, but he wants some good progress on the knee first.
This all goes back to my need for patience. We are so ready for this to be a thing in the past and it seems like things keep popping up. I know we are still going in the right direction, I just wish I was in the fast lane...
Allen goes to see Dr. Coker on Monday. I will be sure to post an update on his status. I have high expectations that he will be completely healed and cleared to put full weight on his leg.
Check back Monday night or Tuesday,
J
I just got home from my follow up with Dr. Arnold. As you may know the knee surgery was way more difficult then it was intended. No I am not going to work today as I had hoped or tomorrow either. You should find me signed on in Facebook as I rest in bed. I will try to do some work from home.
Physical Therapy is to resume in 2 weeks. I am not supposed to bend my knee at all from now until then. We are going to baby step into getting the motion back in my knee as I continue to try to strengthen my thigh muscles. Even during surgery, what was left of the patella continued to dislocate as they bent my knee. He opened my knee using the same scar from the trauma surgery and removed the rest of the bone fragments. This is still going to be a long process. I have to go back next week to get the staples removed, and I will see Dr. Arnold again in three weeks (after I have been to therapy for a week)
The bad news is that my left hip is in very bad shape and will likely require some attention or some form of procedure. The good news is that Dr. Arnold has agreed to help me with it, but he wants some good progress on the knee first.
This all goes back to my need for patience. We are so ready for this to be a thing in the past and it seems like things keep popping up. I know we are still going in the right direction, I just wish I was in the fast lane...
Allen goes to see Dr. Coker on Monday. I will be sure to post an update on his status. I have high expectations that he will be completely healed and cleared to put full weight on his leg.
Check back Monday night or Tuesday,
J
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Total Patellectomy
All,
With all things considered, I think the surgery went well yesterday. Dr. Arnold said there was nothing he could do to salvage my knee cap as he removed 20 individual pieces of bone. He did re-structure the tendons in an effort to help stabilize the joint. For those who know me well, know that I have had bad knees basically since birth. After Dr. Arnold saw it yesterday, he said the groove that the knee cap rides on is not as deep as a normal knee joint. We are optimistic for better joint very soon. I have to say that I felt great after coming home. I called Joe at work to tell him that things went well and I expected to return by Thursday. Dad and I watched a movie together and I retired to my room for a nap at about 2:30. The truth is I was still high with Diloted and when I woke up the reality set in. Yes, this stuff hurts.
I go back to see Dr. Arnold Thursday morning for a follow up and I am afraid we will be discussing a possible left hip procedure.
I will follow up soon after Thursday's visit.
J
With all things considered, I think the surgery went well yesterday. Dr. Arnold said there was nothing he could do to salvage my knee cap as he removed 20 individual pieces of bone. He did re-structure the tendons in an effort to help stabilize the joint. For those who know me well, know that I have had bad knees basically since birth. After Dr. Arnold saw it yesterday, he said the groove that the knee cap rides on is not as deep as a normal knee joint. We are optimistic for better joint very soon. I have to say that I felt great after coming home. I called Joe at work to tell him that things went well and I expected to return by Thursday. Dad and I watched a movie together and I retired to my room for a nap at about 2:30. The truth is I was still high with Diloted and when I woke up the reality set in. Yes, this stuff hurts.
I go back to see Dr. Arnold Thursday morning for a follow up and I am afraid we will be discussing a possible left hip procedure.
I will follow up soon after Thursday's visit.
J
Monday, February 9, 2009
Two cripple guys in a convertible
All,
(the picture is from Thanksgiving)
Allen and I had another good driving lesson last Saturday. We took off in his Spyder gased it up, drove it through the car wash (yes - it leaks), dropped the top and headed out on the highway. He drove me down HWY 59 through Van Buren and into Fort Smith. We ate lunch with my parents and caused quite a conversation piece as two handicapped people, Allen on crutches and me with my cane, climb out of the convertible and walk to the restaurant. After lunch, we were pressed for time so he took I-540 back to Fayetteville. His driving is improving every time and he expects to take his driving test in March. I am still not sure if I am ready for him to be on the open road without me.
Gall bladder - I started to feel like a different person on Friday in a good way. The weekend went well and my follow up with the doctor this morning gives me clean bill of health.
Left Knee - The surgery date on my left knee has been moved up from March 6th to this Friday. I am very optimistic that this will be the last surgery as a result of the motorcycle wreck and the jump start to the final stages of my recovery.
Allen's leg - Allen will still be on very limited weight bearing on his left leg for the next few weeks, but he is getting around much better. Around the house, he tends to leave his crutches and hop on his good leg.
With both me and Allen having limited mobility, Cara really gets the short end of the stick. She is doing an incredible job of keeping the house in order, but I can tell it is wearing on her. I can only hope that Allen and I will be back in the game soon so we can take some of the burden off of her.
I do not know what I would do without her support.
Sam is doing well.
I will try to update the blog again after my surgery this Friday.
J
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Ice Storms and Gall Bladders
How about that for a subject header?
People in Northwest Arkansas were hit by a major ice storm last week that left many without power for over a week.
Trees down everywhere etc.
We lost some major branches on the Japanese Maples out front, but the Crepe Mertyls in back sprang right back up. The forested area of our yard was thinned out pretty good, so I guess the Storm kick started that plan. Tim Stuthard was nice enough to come by yesterday and arrange the branches and trim them to the right size.
Throughout the storm, we never lost significant power. The lights flickered and the TV's reset a couple of times on Tuesday, but it was while we were sleeping when it was off the longest - maybe 3 hours.
As many will say and have said in the past, we were very lucky and fortunate.
Both Cara and I ventured out to work last Thursday and Friday. You wondered why at times with so few people there.
Shortly after lunch on Friday, I started to get some fairly significant stomach pains. On trip to the restroom did not provide relief I was looking for, so I finally told Vong and Stephen that I needed to go home and lay down. The pain kept getting worse and by the time I wanted to go to the walk-in clinic, it had closed. I refused to go to the ER on Friday night, so I vowed to tough it out and go to the clinic Saturday morning if this pain had not passed. The clinic doctor confirmed Cara's suspicion and sent me to the ER anyway. I was not in the ER for more than thirty minutes before they admitted me into room 5319. One quick trip to ultrasound and a brief visit with Dr. Keller and I was scheduled for surgery on Sunday morning to remove my Gall Bladder.
It turns out that this was a little different than most. The gall bladder was "dead" ugly dark green and black. They call it lathroscopic, but he had to cut the removal hole a little bigger.
I was home for the Super Bowl, but it was not a party. I tried to sleep in my bed, but ti just hurt too much. - -It shows you how good those special drugs really are.
For the past two nights and days, I have stayed primarily on my recliner dozing in and out of naps. My stomach is still swollen like a tick, but each burp relieves more pressure.
There is no speculation that the gall bladder is related to the wreck, it just feels like bad circumstance.
J
People in Northwest Arkansas were hit by a major ice storm last week that left many without power for over a week.
Trees down everywhere etc.
We lost some major branches on the Japanese Maples out front, but the Crepe Mertyls in back sprang right back up. The forested area of our yard was thinned out pretty good, so I guess the Storm kick started that plan. Tim Stuthard was nice enough to come by yesterday and arrange the branches and trim them to the right size.
Throughout the storm, we never lost significant power. The lights flickered and the TV's reset a couple of times on Tuesday, but it was while we were sleeping when it was off the longest - maybe 3 hours.
As many will say and have said in the past, we were very lucky and fortunate.
Both Cara and I ventured out to work last Thursday and Friday. You wondered why at times with so few people there.
Shortly after lunch on Friday, I started to get some fairly significant stomach pains. On trip to the restroom did not provide relief I was looking for, so I finally told Vong and Stephen that I needed to go home and lay down. The pain kept getting worse and by the time I wanted to go to the walk-in clinic, it had closed. I refused to go to the ER on Friday night, so I vowed to tough it out and go to the clinic Saturday morning if this pain had not passed. The clinic doctor confirmed Cara's suspicion and sent me to the ER anyway. I was not in the ER for more than thirty minutes before they admitted me into room 5319. One quick trip to ultrasound and a brief visit with Dr. Keller and I was scheduled for surgery on Sunday morning to remove my Gall Bladder.
It turns out that this was a little different than most. The gall bladder was "dead" ugly dark green and black. They call it lathroscopic, but he had to cut the removal hole a little bigger.
I was home for the Super Bowl, but it was not a party. I tried to sleep in my bed, but ti just hurt too much. - -It shows you how good those special drugs really are.
For the past two nights and days, I have stayed primarily on my recliner dozing in and out of naps. My stomach is still swollen like a tick, but each burp relieves more pressure.
There is no speculation that the gall bladder is related to the wreck, it just feels like bad circumstance.
J
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
My Next Surgery
All,
Thank you all for your thoughts as both Allen and I are recovering from injuries.
Allen goes to the doctor today and should get the staples taken out and receive a new splint.
We do not expect x-rays until 4 weeks from now. He is back in his room upstairs and has been going to school full-time.
I went to Dr. Arnold yesterday to review the CT scan and discuss my options. What is left of my left patella is still broken and dislocated. As I understand it, the dislocation is preventing my leg extensions (not to mention causing a lot of pain). We scheduled an out-patient procedure for March 6th. He is going to remove more pieces of the patella and graft some new tendon material to hopefully resist the dislocations in the future. I had hoped that the procedure would be sooner, but his schedule is full. I am on the cancellation list.
During the visit, he wanted to x-ray my hips. The overall consult from Dr. Arnold was that he hoped the knee would be better, but the trauma to the hips, nerve damage and drop foot were not good signs of a full recovery.
Keep thinking of Cara as she runs the house around two handicapped people.
J
Thank you all for your thoughts as both Allen and I are recovering from injuries.
Allen goes to the doctor today and should get the staples taken out and receive a new splint.
We do not expect x-rays until 4 weeks from now. He is back in his room upstairs and has been going to school full-time.
I went to Dr. Arnold yesterday to review the CT scan and discuss my options. What is left of my left patella is still broken and dislocated. As I understand it, the dislocation is preventing my leg extensions (not to mention causing a lot of pain). We scheduled an out-patient procedure for March 6th. He is going to remove more pieces of the patella and graft some new tendon material to hopefully resist the dislocations in the future. I had hoped that the procedure would be sooner, but his schedule is full. I am on the cancellation list.
During the visit, he wanted to x-ray my hips. The overall consult from Dr. Arnold was that he hoped the knee would be better, but the trauma to the hips, nerve damage and drop foot were not good signs of a full recovery.
Keep thinking of Cara as she runs the house around two handicapped people.
J
Thursday, January 15, 2009
No Real New News
All,
Allen continues to improve. He went to school for a half day on Tuesday and has been for full days since. Cara will be escaping to the lake this weekend, so me and the boys will be flying solo. I think both Cara and I are looking forward to it.
I returned to school this past Tuesday. The walk from the parking lot to the classroom is a doozy, but I look at it like physical therapy. I feel stronger everyday.
Tuesday, January 20th, will be when Dr. Arnold reviews the CT scan of my left knee. We should have some form of a plan of action from there.
J
Allen continues to improve. He went to school for a half day on Tuesday and has been for full days since. Cara will be escaping to the lake this weekend, so me and the boys will be flying solo. I think both Cara and I are looking forward to it.
I returned to school this past Tuesday. The walk from the parking lot to the classroom is a doozy, but I look at it like physical therapy. I feel stronger everyday.
Tuesday, January 20th, will be when Dr. Arnold reviews the CT scan of my left knee. We should have some form of a plan of action from there.
J
Monday, January 12, 2009
Home
All,
I am happy to report that Allen was released from the hospital Saturday evening. When I got home from Little Rock last night, he was using the walker on his way to the dinner table. I wish I found it more humorous to see both of us at the table with different walking aids. I think Cara got some much needed rest in her own bed Saturday night after several nights on the hospital's couch cot. I am sure I interupted her rest last night with my snoring. Sam had a lot of fun spending the weekend with my sister and her kids. He has already said he wants to do it again next month!
Pressing On,
J
I am happy to report that Allen was released from the hospital Saturday evening. When I got home from Little Rock last night, he was using the walker on his way to the dinner table. I wish I found it more humorous to see both of us at the table with different walking aids. I think Cara got some much needed rest in her own bed Saturday night after several nights on the hospital's couch cot. I am sure I interupted her rest last night with my snoring. Sam had a lot of fun spending the weekend with my sister and her kids. He has already said he wants to do it again next month!
Pressing On,
J
Friday, January 9, 2009
Allen is doing well
Hello,
I want to let everyone know that Allen's surgery started right at 5:00 last night and lasted about an hour. Dr. Coker came out and told us everything went very well. He has strong bones and the fracture was fluke due to torque as he came down. He thinks Allen could be discharged as early as Saturday afternoon. I am going to drill in LR this weekend and Sam is going to hang with his cousins in Greenwood. Hopefully this will help Cara focus on Allen's needs and not mine or Sam's. As always, our family is providing wonderful support. You should have seen the case manager yesterday when she walked into the room and saw my parents, Cara's parents and me and Cara. She simply said "that answers that question".
I saw Allen for a couple of minutes just After 7:00. He was obviously groggy after the surgery but in good spirits. I left to pick up Sam from TWD and went home. As expected, Cara stayed the night with Allen. She said he slept pretty good and did not hit his happy button too many times.
J
I want to let everyone know that Allen's surgery started right at 5:00 last night and lasted about an hour. Dr. Coker came out and told us everything went very well. He has strong bones and the fracture was fluke due to torque as he came down. He thinks Allen could be discharged as early as Saturday afternoon. I am going to drill in LR this weekend and Sam is going to hang with his cousins in Greenwood. Hopefully this will help Cara focus on Allen's needs and not mine or Sam's. As always, our family is providing wonderful support. You should have seen the case manager yesterday when she walked into the room and saw my parents, Cara's parents and me and Cara. She simply said "that answers that question".
I saw Allen for a couple of minutes just After 7:00. He was obviously groggy after the surgery but in good spirits. I left to pick up Sam from TWD and went home. As expected, Cara stayed the night with Allen. She said he slept pretty good and did not hit his happy button too many times.
J
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Recovery of Allen Hartfield
All,
Is anybody still out there checking this site? For those who are, the Hartfield Saga continues.
Yesterday during football practice at school, Allen fell and broke his lower left leg. Both the Tibia and Fibula were fractured just about halfway between the knee and ankle. Allen is scheduled for surgery today at around 3:00 P.M. to insert a shaft in the Tibia, the larger bone. The Fibula is to heal on it's own with no hardware added.
Allen is in good spirits and in room 1205 at Washington Regional and should be released to go home hopefully on Sunday. There is a link to the hospital here on the blog and I am sure he would enjoy some e-mail. Please be thinking of him and say a prayer for his quick recovery. Both coaches stopped by the room last night and told him they expect back in practice soon.
Please think of our entire family as I am still hobbling around and Allen comes home on crutches.
Thank you,
J
Monday, January 5, 2009
All, the picture pasted in here is from my first participation in the Heart Walk in 2007. I do not think I have a copy of last year's picture - it was the entire Tyson Foods, Inc. team. As most of you know, the motorcycle that I was riding on when I was hit was actually won during the Heart Walk. For every $500 I raised, I recieved 1 entry for the grand prize. Last year I (with the help of a lot of friends and family) raised over $2,700. I think it was Katrenia who heard my name called over the loudspeaker as the grand prize winner.
After receiving life saving heart surgery, I think it is only natural to continue my support for the American Heart Association. I know the donations are for heart disease and stroke research rather than emergency trauma surgery, but it still rings close to me. I have lost family members to heart disease and I have close friends who have suffered heart attacks or strokes.
I have sent out several "canned" e-mail solicitations recently. If you did not get an e-mail or would still be interested in donating to the Heart Association, please click on the link pasted below.
Thank you always,
J
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