Big Developments!
DJ is going HOME on Thursday!!!!! He has done really well in his rehabilitation and has surpassed expectations...it was first thought that he would be going home in March. However, Since his determination and hard persistence, he will be going home to Vernon this week. He is ecstatic! Of course, I will not be seeing him as much , since I live 45 minutes from him, But I'll keep in-touch on his continuing progress by phone or visits on the weekend.
He is now able to get around really well on his wheelchair, stand alone, and use crutches too. Although, he will continue therapy in Chipley for a while, as he is not back to "normal" yet.
We are very thankful to all our friends and family who have continually held him up in prayer. I will not be posting as much since his recovery has progressed. I will post every once-n-a-while. Just to keep ya'll in the "know". Because, you know, he hasn't walked yet without the crutches or returned back to work either. So I will let you know when the "big" stuff occurs.
I want to sincerely thank all of you for everything! THANKS.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
February 3rd
I realized today that I haven't posted an update in about a week or so....
I have been seeing DJ just about every day lately. I have been bringing him lunch (home cooking), he really doesn't like any of the food they provide and he can't afford to skip any meals.
His rehabilitation has been progressing really well. In the last few days he has:
continued in upper body strength training
begun multiple leg stretch sequences
stood up with the assistance of crutches (his muscles are still too weak to hold him up on their own)
"walked " (with the assistance of some contraption I can pronounce, much less spell)
even "climbed" a couple of stairs (again with the assistance of a strange contraption)
DJ was talking to me at lunch today and said that one of his physical therapist was out for 3 days... when she returned she was astounded at his improvement in such a short time. He is really making a lot of effort and working really hard to get back to "normal". He is really excited about his progress. He continues to excel daily and is making strides in his recovery. He knows this is due to all of the prayers going up for him and he is very thankful for this. He wanted me to tell ya'll that he is extremely thankful every day for all of your prayers. He knows that this is the reason for his improvements daily.
DJ is hoping to continue at this same level and return home in March. Of course this all depends on his daily therapy and counting on no setbacks. But I believe that he can do this... of course, he would still be on crutches for a while with continued therapy for some time.
Over all he has improved greatly, seeing where he started out a few short weeks ago. Please continue to pray for improvement and the physical and mental strength that is needed for healing.
THANK YOU!
I have been seeing DJ just about every day lately. I have been bringing him lunch (home cooking), he really doesn't like any of the food they provide and he can't afford to skip any meals.
His rehabilitation has been progressing really well. In the last few days he has:
continued in upper body strength training
begun multiple leg stretch sequences
stood up with the assistance of crutches (his muscles are still too weak to hold him up on their own)
"walked " (with the assistance of some contraption I can pronounce, much less spell)
even "climbed" a couple of stairs (again with the assistance of a strange contraption)
DJ was talking to me at lunch today and said that one of his physical therapist was out for 3 days... when she returned she was astounded at his improvement in such a short time. He is really making a lot of effort and working really hard to get back to "normal". He is really excited about his progress. He continues to excel daily and is making strides in his recovery. He knows this is due to all of the prayers going up for him and he is very thankful for this. He wanted me to tell ya'll that he is extremely thankful every day for all of your prayers. He knows that this is the reason for his improvements daily.
DJ is hoping to continue at this same level and return home in March. Of course this all depends on his daily therapy and counting on no setbacks. But I believe that he can do this... of course, he would still be on crutches for a while with continued therapy for some time.
Over all he has improved greatly, seeing where he started out a few short weeks ago. Please continue to pray for improvement and the physical and mental strength that is needed for healing.
THANK YOU!
Monday, January 26, 2009
January 26th
GOOD NEWS!
DJ started the "real" therapy today. He did really good too. He told me that he is now able to lift his left leg! The left one is the leg with the most injuries. He was also allowed to get into the shower, which is fantastic. Although, you can imagine that after laying still for almost 3 weeks, he is exhausted. He is also doing an upper body workout in addition to the therapy for his legs. I call him about 8:20pm and he was so tired we only spoke for a few moments. I told him I would call and check on him tomorrow. I couldn't stop by to visit this evening, Audrey had ballet class after work, I probably won't stop by the rehab until Wednesday at lunch. I have errands to take care of tomorrow after work. When I was talking to him, he told me that he stood up today for just a moment. All of this is great news. I am very proud of him. I wish I could have talked to him longer to get some of the details of the therapy, but, he was just too tired.
I know that all of the prayers going up for him is helping. I really believe that it will only be a matter of time before he is mobile. Maybe he will need assistance for a while, but it is better than being stuck in a bed.
He has told me that he is very thankful for all of the prayers that our friends and family are offering up to God on his behalf.
DJ started the "real" therapy today. He did really good too. He told me that he is now able to lift his left leg! The left one is the leg with the most injuries. He was also allowed to get into the shower, which is fantastic. Although, you can imagine that after laying still for almost 3 weeks, he is exhausted. He is also doing an upper body workout in addition to the therapy for his legs. I call him about 8:20pm and he was so tired we only spoke for a few moments. I told him I would call and check on him tomorrow. I couldn't stop by to visit this evening, Audrey had ballet class after work, I probably won't stop by the rehab until Wednesday at lunch. I have errands to take care of tomorrow after work. When I was talking to him, he told me that he stood up today for just a moment. All of this is great news. I am very proud of him. I wish I could have talked to him longer to get some of the details of the therapy, but, he was just too tired.
I know that all of the prayers going up for him is helping. I really believe that it will only be a matter of time before he is mobile. Maybe he will need assistance for a while, but it is better than being stuck in a bed.
He has told me that he is very thankful for all of the prayers that our friends and family are offering up to God on his behalf.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
January 24th
DJ is back at Health South Rehab finally. He is doing well. I took a look at his legs for the first time without the wraps today and his wounds are healing well. I also noticed his legs were much smaller. I made a comment about that and Rachel said that DJ has lost 25lbs since the accident (17 days). This is one of the reasons I decided to bake him cupcakes. He has had such a poor appetite lately, so I thought I would try to perk him & his appetite up.
The doctor also removed the staples from his first surgery, now he only has a few left from the last surgery. I also commented to DJ that his left foot was not as swollen as it had been, I think this is great! It will be so much easier for him to "attempt" walking with a "normal" size foot. DJ said that he might be starting some therapy in the morning, I thought they might wait until Monday, but progress is progress. I can't wait until he is able to get moving. He just wants to get up and walk so badly. He is so tired of laying in a bed. Can you imagine having to lay in one position(on the back) for 17 DAYS!!!! I can't. I know that I would be completely miserable.
I really don't have much more to add. During my visit this afternoon, he slept most of the time, so I didn't' get to talk to him much. But I will be stopping in to see him tomorrow afternoon and if I get more "useful" information, I will update the blog again. If not, it might be Monday or Tuesday night before I get back to it.
By the way, my dad did leave to go to Australia Friday afternoon. I haven't heard from mom if or when he has arrived.
I am hoping that I will be able to report a big improvement after the real therapy begins next week. I just keep anticipating that he will be able to recovery quickly and become independent soon.
Goodnight to all....and thanks for the prayers.
The doctor also removed the staples from his first surgery, now he only has a few left from the last surgery. I also commented to DJ that his left foot was not as swollen as it had been, I think this is great! It will be so much easier for him to "attempt" walking with a "normal" size foot. DJ said that he might be starting some therapy in the morning, I thought they might wait until Monday, but progress is progress. I can't wait until he is able to get moving. He just wants to get up and walk so badly. He is so tired of laying in a bed. Can you imagine having to lay in one position(on the back) for 17 DAYS!!!! I can't. I know that I would be completely miserable.
I really don't have much more to add. During my visit this afternoon, he slept most of the time, so I didn't' get to talk to him much. But I will be stopping in to see him tomorrow afternoon and if I get more "useful" information, I will update the blog again. If not, it might be Monday or Tuesday night before I get back to it.
By the way, my dad did leave to go to Australia Friday afternoon. I haven't heard from mom if or when he has arrived.
I am hoping that I will be able to report a big improvement after the real therapy begins next week. I just keep anticipating that he will be able to recovery quickly and become independent soon.
Goodnight to all....and thanks for the prayers.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
January 21st
Surgery is complete.
So all is well. I spoke with DJ about 8:40 this evening. He said that he is feeling fine right now, he had a some trouble earlier with pain, but that has been resolved. I believe that he will be transferred from the hospital in Pensacola before the weekend is here. DJ said he didn't talk to the doctor after his surgery and Rachel was talking with her family, so I don't' know much except that the surgery was successful.
Well, thanks for the prayers... and I will update again once I receive more info. I might just wait until he returns to Health South to add another post.
Oh, by the way, dad's flight was delayed and he will not be leaving for Australia until Friday. I am glad he will have more time with DJ before his departure.
Good Night!
So all is well. I spoke with DJ about 8:40 this evening. He said that he is feeling fine right now, he had a some trouble earlier with pain, but that has been resolved. I believe that he will be transferred from the hospital in Pensacola before the weekend is here. DJ said he didn't talk to the doctor after his surgery and Rachel was talking with her family, so I don't' know much except that the surgery was successful.
Well, thanks for the prayers... and I will update again once I receive more info. I might just wait until he returns to Health South to add another post.
Oh, by the way, dad's flight was delayed and he will not be leaving for Australia until Friday. I am glad he will have more time with DJ before his departure.
Good Night!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
January 20th
Well, I thought I would have more to update...
There was some miscommunication between the nurses at Health South and the hospital. We found out today that the surgery is planned for tomorrow morning at 9am (the 21st). So I should have more to add tomorrow evening.
There was some miscommunication between the nurses at Health South and the hospital. We found out today that the surgery is planned for tomorrow morning at 9am (the 21st). So I should have more to add tomorrow evening.
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 19th
Well, Another day means more DRAMA!!!!!!
Sunday was interesting... When me and my family arrived to visit DJ after church, we were surprised to see that he was "missing". The nurse told us he was in transient from the hospital back to Health South. He had been there to get x-rays of his legs. I suppose this was ordered because he was dropped on the stretcher the other day on the way to Health South.
We had a nice visit, and DJ is finally ready to get started on the rehab. He will have to wait until Monday(today) to get the results of the x-rays before he can begin therapy. They just wanted to be sure nothing had been "shifted". Before I left, I promised to go see him Monday during visiting hours.
SO MONDAY IS HERE....
While making a trip to Panama City Beach... I get a phone call from mom. She told me that DJ was to be transferred form Panama City to Pensacola AGAIN for surgery. APPARENTLY.... his knee is not aligned with the rest of his leg, so surgery is needed to repair it before he can begin therapy. I guess it was a good thing that he was "dropped" the other day so they could find this problem before damage could be done. So more surgery and another long drive to Pensacola. I really hope that this will be the last one too.
I do remember the surgeon saying after DJ's first surgery that it was really difficult to line his up legs straight. He said it is not as difficult when one leg is broken, they can use the good leg to line them up properly, however, when both of the legs are broken, especially as DJ's were, it makes it really hard to line them perfectly. He did mention to me that DJ might have to have additional surgery. I was really hoping that he would be fine and not require more surgeries.
I think DJ was heartbroken at the prospect of more surgery and the recovery again. He just wants to walk again and be normal. HE is tired of being stuck in a bed 24/7. HE said to me that he has lost all sense of Independence and privacy. I think that is really hard on guys... especially the young ones.
So please pray for him as he will undergo surgery tomorrow and that his recovery will be a speedy one so he can return to Health South and begin therapy once again. And also remember my parents as they are following the transport van to the hospital to see that he gets settled tonight. After the last few experiences, we don't really trust anyone to ensure his safe arrival. Of course, we know that God is watching over us, but DJ has had some bad luck with every one of his transfers so far. Anyway, me and my sister will be unable to go to the hospital for the surgery as we had taken time off right after the accident. Rachel will be driving over tomorrow after she gets off of work and she will be staying with him for a while. Dad will have to come back tomorrow evening. He received word today that he is to fly out Wednesday afternoon to return to work in Australia. This will be hard for him since he will be gone for four weeks.
One of the bright spots in all of this ... DJ's lawyer was able to front them enough funds for Rachel to take a leave of absence from one of her jobs. She will not have to return for a month. I haven't spoken to her directly as to her 2nd job and what she will be working for them. I do believe her being at DJ's side will help him. He misses her when she has to leave to work.
Again, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE PRAYERS. I can't thank you enough.
I will post again tomorrow evening when I hear news of how he is doing after the surgery.
Sunday was interesting... When me and my family arrived to visit DJ after church, we were surprised to see that he was "missing". The nurse told us he was in transient from the hospital back to Health South. He had been there to get x-rays of his legs. I suppose this was ordered because he was dropped on the stretcher the other day on the way to Health South.
We had a nice visit, and DJ is finally ready to get started on the rehab. He will have to wait until Monday(today) to get the results of the x-rays before he can begin therapy. They just wanted to be sure nothing had been "shifted". Before I left, I promised to go see him Monday during visiting hours.
SO MONDAY IS HERE....
While making a trip to Panama City Beach... I get a phone call from mom. She told me that DJ was to be transferred form Panama City to Pensacola AGAIN for surgery. APPARENTLY.... his knee is not aligned with the rest of his leg, so surgery is needed to repair it before he can begin therapy. I guess it was a good thing that he was "dropped" the other day so they could find this problem before damage could be done. So more surgery and another long drive to Pensacola. I really hope that this will be the last one too.
I do remember the surgeon saying after DJ's first surgery that it was really difficult to line his up legs straight. He said it is not as difficult when one leg is broken, they can use the good leg to line them up properly, however, when both of the legs are broken, especially as DJ's were, it makes it really hard to line them perfectly. He did mention to me that DJ might have to have additional surgery. I was really hoping that he would be fine and not require more surgeries.
I think DJ was heartbroken at the prospect of more surgery and the recovery again. He just wants to walk again and be normal. HE is tired of being stuck in a bed 24/7. HE said to me that he has lost all sense of Independence and privacy. I think that is really hard on guys... especially the young ones.
So please pray for him as he will undergo surgery tomorrow and that his recovery will be a speedy one so he can return to Health South and begin therapy once again. And also remember my parents as they are following the transport van to the hospital to see that he gets settled tonight. After the last few experiences, we don't really trust anyone to ensure his safe arrival. Of course, we know that God is watching over us, but DJ has had some bad luck with every one of his transfers so far. Anyway, me and my sister will be unable to go to the hospital for the surgery as we had taken time off right after the accident. Rachel will be driving over tomorrow after she gets off of work and she will be staying with him for a while. Dad will have to come back tomorrow evening. He received word today that he is to fly out Wednesday afternoon to return to work in Australia. This will be hard for him since he will be gone for four weeks.
One of the bright spots in all of this ... DJ's lawyer was able to front them enough funds for Rachel to take a leave of absence from one of her jobs. She will not have to return for a month. I haven't spoken to her directly as to her 2nd job and what she will be working for them. I do believe her being at DJ's side will help him. He misses her when she has to leave to work.
Again, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE PRAYERS. I can't thank you enough.
I will post again tomorrow evening when I hear news of how he is doing after the surgery.
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