To know what it means to be thankful...

Hi Friends, sorry it has been a while since our last update. We have truly been enjoying the holidays at H-O-M-E! Thanksgiving was such a refreshing treat and it felt good to with our family celebrating and reflecting all that we have been through thus far. Each day we find something else to be thankful for, and for that we are so blessed.

Ok, on with the update!

Bill is still going to therapy 3x's a week for three hours....OT AND PT....he is progressing well....still targeting the same body areas...hips, quads, core, glutes....working on strengthing those MAIN areas. Also, he has been working on his form when walking..."NO COMPENSATING!!!" That is what his PT therapist says..."keep your feet close together, shoulders back, no leaning on the "good" leg...look UP!" Most of the time she puts him in front of a mirror for his exercises so he can see his body form and how he compensates more than he thinks he does! (He's still stubborn as heck, so the mirror is the proof he needs ;)) Her hard core tactics are proving to be working because his walk has made much improvement and already looks sooooo much better. Still working on increasing his stamina...still can't go to far, but he is increasing his stamina for sure! His therapist has him on a machine called and auto ambulator...this is is where they strap him in a harness that stabilizes his hips and his pelvis for correct walking. It also takes some of the weight off his body by lifting him up in the harness...for instance he is walking right now with 70-85% body weight...depending on how tired he is. Relieving some of that body weight helps him work on walking correctly and walking longer distances. Currently his is able to walk about 15 minutes give or take and about 1300-1700 feet. Then he's exhausted! He continues his cane daily...walking independently is still not safe for him. He will get there though, don't stop believin'!!! PT says he's on a good progressive track.

In OT he is still working on his shoulder strength and fine motor skills...he is improving...just a slow process. Gross motor is still good...just the fine motor is the only problem which was affected by the stroke. He does activities using his right hand to try to increase his strength and use of that hand everyday in therapy.

Blood levels are looking good these days...staying within range with INR level...when it becomes out of range they adjust his coumadin. This will be a life long treatment process! Poor Bill gets his blood drawn so much, but we know that it is necessary and are thankful for modern medicine for sure!

Still going to the therapy pool for water aerobics two days a week. Again, water therapy is great for working on his weak areas and gives him more ability to do so in the pool.

Still so glad to be home and is getting around well! The therapy wears him out so Bill does lots of napping! Still having some pain from the nerves waking up but it is tolerable....WE ARE JUST SO HAPPY HE FEELS THEM! Jamie can actually touch his legs and feet now without him pulling away due to the pain. So it is improving, not healed, but improving. Also, muscles are very sore and tired from all the intense therapy. Walking becomes very wearing after therapy and he becomes very weak. Bill has begun electro-stimulation on his legs and feet to assist with helping wake those nerves UP! This is where they put electrodes on his legs and feet and turn up the electricity on them...Bill has them put it on the highest it can go...his legs and feet twitch like crazy. But it is supposed to assist the process so I guess it's a good thing. He does this everyday at therapy.

Keep praying for a speedy and full recovery. Thanks for all the support! Much Love To All!!!

Honey, I'm HOoooooome!

Who doesn't like the sound of that?! That is right folks, Bill is H-O-M-E! He has been home for a week now and is doing fabulously:)

One week ago he experienced his first car ride in 7 weeks, and reported that is was the best feeling ever! Arriving home was an emotional experience for both Bill and Jamie and they couldn't help but say how blessed they feel. Sentimental story: Bill and Jamie decided to put the "prayer beads" (they received at the hospital from the Chaplain when Bill was still in ICU) from the rearview mirrors in their car as a reminder of the faith and hope that they are so grateful for everyday.

Of course all his rehab friends were sad (but so happy for him) to see Bill go home! His social life has seriously been cut in half since his return home;) No worries though, because Bill of course left his number for his rehab buddies to reach him at if needed, ha!

Adjusting to home is getting easier (it is so much different that being in a hospital of rehab facility that is designed for people who has suffered a stroke and such), but with that being said Bill is right were he wants to be. Getting around the house is becoming easier as well as car rides, etc. When asked, Bill said he had definitely been missing his own bed and of course his 42" HDTV! He was especially glad to be home for Sunday and Monday Night Football and for the Marine Corps Birthday!

Bill continues to to take his blood pressure 3X a day to determine if he needs BP medication or not, and therefore has a "rockin" blood pressure cuff to use at home!

Being out in the "regular' world continues to take adjustment. There are many small obstacles for Bill, but as he continues to gain strength these tasks will become easier for him. Jamie is quite the nurse these days! Her days are centered around driving Bill to Fort Worth 3 days a week for PT and OT (3 hours per day), and on his "days off" they go to the fitness center to use the therapy pool and have joined a water aerobics class! His therapists say the water will be good for him to strengthen his weak areas because it is much easier to balance and work the core and leg and hip muscles. Bill validates this, and says it feels good to be in the water enjoying more range of motion.

On Tuesday of this past week, Bill had his evaluation at the new therapy center for his plan of care. The therapists have high hopes for what Bill will be able to accomplish as based on his progress thus far.

OT worked on some sensory, upper body strength, and fine motor skills. His sensory was good, upper body is good, fine motor in right arm continues to prove weakened due to the stroke. The numbness in his fingers persists on his right hand. His left (not usually his dominate) is actually much stronger at this point. Also, he is having some trouble with his shoulder (possible ligament impingement) and it is causing him some pain. Therapy will concentrate on this, so hopefully it will be resolved with no long term issues.

PT consisted of balance tests and those were not Bill's strong suite, and he will continue to work on improving trunk and core strength and walking independently.

Bill will have a follow up appointment with his neuro surgeon this week and then with the neurologist the following week-and an update will follow each of those appointments. Also, the rehab facility will be drawing his blood to get his INR level to make sure the coumadin is regulating his blood properly. Many Dr. appts are in the future for Bill, whew!

Bill continues to have pain in his legs (those nerves are still trying to wake up!) It is such a blessing for sure, but painful and uncomfortable at the same time. He is walking using his cane now and is doing better everyday. Endurance continues to be an issue and of course the sleepy feeling in his legs. He has gained some weight back (about 7 or 8 lbs!) Thanks to Jamie's Mom and Caddo Grove Elementary for hookin' up all the great meals!

Bill got out in a crowd for the first time this past week for his sons Veterans Day Program and it was surely a spirit lifter. Physically, it was tough on him but he was thrilled to be there and watch his son sing. Plus, Bill is a Marine and so he loved it for sure! He was even able to stand and clap during the "Marine" part of the song that the students sung!

Till next time, thank you again for the love, support, hope and faith that you all have poured out for this family. Also, thank you to everyone who has felt led to donate a little or a lot. It all means so much. Isn't having friends and family AWESOME?!? Keep on praying and believing that Bill's health will be 100% restored.

The best words spoken this past week were: "Baby, we're HOME!"

Ask & You Shall Receive...

Here's an update folks!

Bill is doing well and continues to live at an inpatient rehab facility (at least for the next week or so!) He is receiving 3+ hours of therapy per day both PT and OT. His PT time is spent working on hip and core and OT has the focus of the upper body (but OT squeezes in a few exercises that help strengthen his core and hips too). He has been spending more time transitioning to the cane versus the walker, but he the cane remains a challenge. Bill is only able to last about 3 minutes using the cane before he becomes very tired and unsturdy, but he's a trooper and continues to push himself! Sidenote: Bill thinks that it is hilarious for him to speak in an "old man" voice when he walks with his cane! He therapist really gets a kick out of him, ha!

When Bill is walking, he continues to lean more on his right leg (his stronger leg) due to his left leg being more affected by the hemotoma. The therapists are really pushing and working him to shift his weight and distribute evenly in his "trunk" area (hips, waist, core).

Just recently, Jamie has been allowed to walk with him in the halls with his WALKER to strictly work on distributing his weight. Before now, this had to be supervised by a therapist. (Progress people!!) However, even with the use of a walker Bill tires very quickly. He can make it down the hall and back about 2 or 3 times before he is worn. But, he is enjoying the extra socializing with the other patients!

Also, Bill and Jamie have been heading outside to soak up some good vitamin D. Bill uses his wheelchair for this (which he isn't the biggest fan of), but regardless of how he makes it outside it seems to be good for his spirits to get out and get some fresh air:)

The main thing holding Bill back from walking just yet is that nerve damage he suffered. The Docs say that nerve damage can take a while to heal and his brain is not fully firing correctly to his legs and the nerves that tell the legs to walk. It is explained like a baby learning to walk. No one actually teaches a baby to walk. The brain naturally transitions in to walking when neurologically ready. It is all very interesting when you think about it (and frustrating as well!) Bill and Jamie know that he will walk again, but it is the process that create doubts and frustrations. Luckily, little improvements can be seen each day! Bill tells Jamie that he and his God daughter Lily (their 6 month old neice) are going to learn to walk together! Also, he has constant numbness in his thumb, index and middle finger on his right hand. The Docs say that this is due to the stroke and he may always have to deal with that.

Some people have asked about the feeling in Bills legs...it is stil s-l-o-w-l-y coming back. He can feel a sleepy tingly feeling in them (but at least he is feeling something, praise God!). He always has a heated blanket on due to feeling sooo cold! They are told that these sensations are completely normal and they are just so thankful for those feelings!

This past weekend, they practiced transitioning Bill into the car during therapy. Mostly it was just getting in and out of the car. Who would think that this task actually needs to be "practiced"? Shows how much we take for granted every day. He did okay with this, but it wasn't easy. You know what they say, practice makes perfect! And practice is what Jamie and Bill plan on doing seeing as how he is set to go home this coming SATURDAY!! (If everything stays on track)

He continues to his INR levels monitored and is awoken 3 times a week at 4 am for this blood draw! Wowsers, that is early! He is still taking coumadin and will continue for the time being. His INR (blood level) is within normal range for him and the main goal to to keep him anticoagulant (clot free!). He was given a CT scan last week after battling a headache, but the CT scan showed "no abnormal findings"! Yea! Jamie hopes that they will do a follow up scan of his brain before he is discharged and she and Bill have this on "the list" of things to ask the Docs.

Once Bill is discharged his level of care is to be determined. Outpatient therapy will be a must and he could be doing that for quite a while. The prediction is 4-6 months depending upon many variables. He will be discharged with a wheelchair, walker, and cane for assistance but they remain so positive that he has come this far in such a short amount of time!

Thank you friends for you outpouring of support, prayers, food, time, cards, and words. Jamie and Bill have gathered so much strength from good friends like you and they are completely humbled and grateful. Keep praying!!

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You may have noticed a new button on this site. It is a paypal donation button. The money that his collected here goes 100% to Bill and Jamie. As many of you know, Jamie has taken a leave of absence from her job as a teacher to provide constant care and support for her dear husband. As a result of this absence, she is not receiving her regular paycheck. While their spirits are high and the focus is Bill's healthy recovery -this does not stop the bills from coming in. If you feel led in any way to make a donation to this young family, please do so here. This may be anonymous if you choose. Thank you so much for each and every donation made.

Stay Tuned!!

Hi Faithful friends! I know you all are probably hoping that this is an update, and my utmost apologies for the disappointment. BUT.........please stay tuned for an update tomorrow guaranteed and something "new" to the site.

For tonight let's lift Bill and Jamie up with kind thoughts and words (maybe a comment or two??). Check back tomorrow evening for the latest news and something special for this special family.

Thanks!

Shout Out from Rehab!

Hi Friends, it's that time again...

Bill is doing well in in-patient rehab. He is getting 3+ hours of intense therapy per day (and it is really working him!) However, it does not stop him from being the social butterfly that he is-he has made so many friends while here, ha!

Funny story: There is a woman that was here when Bill first moved in whom Bill refers to as "Miss Joy". Well, last week "Miss Joy" was released and moved back home and she and Bill said their goodbyes. At the beginning of this week "Miss Joy" called Bill on his cell phone to check on him and see how he was coming along! He said he was doing just fine and asked how she was doing back at home. Jamie got a real kick out of this! Not only because of how sweet she thought it was of "Miss Joy" to check on her man, but that Bill is giving his telephone number out to older women! Ha!

In medication news, Bill began coumadin this week. The Docs have ordered for his blood to be drawn twice a week to check PT INR level to make sure his blood is regulated to the correct level. It is a very precise science to maintain the blood at a level that is not too thin and not too thick. The worse thing that could happen would be another clot (NO!!)

Bill is continuing to gain back strength, but needs even more strength in his hip abductors and stabilizers (the PT refers to this as the trunk area of his body). This strength is required in order for him to gain balance and be able to walk independently. As of right now he is requiring the assistance of a walker to walk. He is doing well when using the walker, but his mobility is very slow and unbalanced. He tires easily due to his lack of strength and overall weakness. He can stand with weight on his right leg, but not his left (remember the clot on his spine was on the left side and has caused those nerves to be damaged more greatly). He is however performing exercises that he was not able to do before which is a sign of great progress, yippee! Both Bill and Jamie are constantly being reminded of what a long process this is to be-he still has a ways to go before he returns to his "normal" self. Bill attempted to do some walking with a cane today, but it didn't go so well. It was decided that he will continue the use of a walker (or parallel bars he uses during PT) until he has gained enough strength and mobility to use a cane. The nerves that have been affected take some time to heal, but it is good news that he is able to feel something. The therapists say that they are not concerned that he will never walk again-HE WILL! However, it is his strength and nerves that are giving him the most grief. The nerves must heal and his trunk area must become stronger before he will be independent of the walker. Of course, Bill is such a go-getter and he become extremely frustrated and emotional at times when he is trying to walk.

Both Bill and Jamie realize how blessed they were that he has no known permanent damage. The feeling is coming back in his legs and has worked it's way down from his hips to his rear to his legs and feet. This is normal (hallelujah!) and such great news that he is healing appropriately. He's still very tingly and cold. He describes it as feeling like his body is asleep.

Bill has lost close to 20+ lbs along the way and Jamie is working hard to bulk him right back up! He has two protein shakes a day (about to bump it to 3) and she feeds him an extra dinner! Bill thinks that this is hilarious that she is so concerned by his weight loss:) She believes that getting is weight back up could help with his strength and endurance.

As for when Bill will be released is still undetermined, but please pray that it is no sooner than he needs! The intense therapy that he is getting while in in-patient is exactly what he needs right now, and the longer he can receive that type of therapy the better.

Jamie continues to be Bill's cheerleader/protector/advocate. She is tired too at the end of the day! She says "Coffee is my best friend these days!"

Jamie and Bill want to especially thank everyone that has visited, prayed, kept up with the blog, and been a great support system to them. They still need those prayers and support so keep 'em coming!

Till next time....

Weekly Wrap Up...Live From Rehab

Well Folks, I know you all have been waiting for an update so here it is! Take a bathroom break if you need one, because this is a LONG one;)

Bill has been in inpatient rehab for 1 week now (and Jamie A.K.A Bill's cheerleader, moved in with him!) and he is doing great! He has both Physical and Occupational Therapy everyday for 3 hours! That is like having a part time job! He has graduated from speech therapy so he no longer has that in his schedule. (I guess they figured his speech was improved enough to talk up a storm to anyone and everyone that he encounters! For those of you who know Bill, you know he has NEVER met a stranger!) Jamie says that he has made friends with several ladies (all 75 and older :))

As for therapy, it's INTENSE! It consists of walking, improving upper body strength, agility drills and many other types of exercises. He is walking with a walker during therapy and the furthest he has walked has been 232 ft. He always uses a walker when he walks. The plan for therapy is to walk about 150 ft and work on his form (foot placement, shifting weight, balance, and all the skills that are required to walk). Makes you stop and think about the things we take for granted, huh? His muscles in his legs are very fatigued and sore, but his strength is growing everyday. We have to stop and remind ourselves that this is a process and every little bit counts! Bill hasn't gotten all feeling back in his legs yet, but don't worry......its coming! The Dr. said that those particular nerves are extremely delicate and it takes take for them to recalibrate and begin firing correctly again. He also said that the fact he is able to feel pain in his legs is a good sign that the nerves are beginning to work. His right leg is still stronger than his left, due to the fact that the hemotoma was more on the left side of his spine causing those nerves to become more damaged.

Bill is feeling independent these days and even gets himself to therapy! His new wheels are his wheelchair, but he is just happy to be taking himself. Of course Jamie follows right behind him, but she just sits back and lets him roll! He is very eager to get to therapy each day, and in true Bill fashion he goes early and stays late!

Today, Bill was able to put on his own socks and shoes and tie them! This is a great accomplishment for all he has been through. It's baby steps, but it feels like HUGE progress (it is!)

In medication news, he should begin coumadin this week and bridge with the lovonos injections (blood thinners) that he receives twice a day.

No news yet on how long he will remain in in-patient rehab, nor what the future holds as far as therapy, etc. Day by day, slow and steady wins the race :)

He still has a slight headache, which worries Jamie to pieces but right now the Drs. don't think it is enough of a concern to warrant a CT scan. They will eventually do a CT scan just to make sure everything looks good.

It was a pretty good first week! Bill has had a few frustrated moments (who can blame him?!) but his mindset is good and his spirits are continually lifted by family and friends. Keep those prayers coming! Thank you friends for your support!

Movin' On Up!!!

Hi Friends! Glad to bring you the update you have been waiting for! Drum roll please................Bill has moved out of the hospital and in to rehab! Whoo hoo! Yesterday he was moved to a new rehab facility. It is actually the original facility they were planning to move him to, before the plan was changed for him to stay at the rehab downtown. Well, the plan was changed again (chuckle) and he is happy to be at this NICE, new facility! It is so vibrant, and a far cry from the dull, drab, hospital room. Of course, we were so thankful for the care he recieved in the hospital, but it just feels good to have him OUT!

He also go to wear regular clothes for the first time today, and it was great to see him out of a hospital gown! He has no more IV's, as all of his medications are received orally (except his blood thinner injection).

He will see a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and a Speech Therapist- it seems that they are going to keep him pretty busy! Today he walked 50 feet with assistance and did good. Therapy really "kicked his butt" (his words!), and he was worn out because he is so weak.

His blood levels are continuing to be monitored, and the latest results are not back yet. The Docs are planning to bridge the injection and the oral meds soon, meaning that they would like to have him on all ORAL medications. They are continuing to try and get his blood therapuetic for him.

How long will he remain in the in-patient facility you ask? Great question! They have speculated 3 to 4 to 6 weeks....but only time will tell. It could be shorter or longer depending upon progress, etc. Right now things look good and hopes are high that Bill is gonna kick butt!

The staples (20!) in Bill's back (from surgery) were removed yesterday and the incision looks good. He even had Jamie's mom take a photo of the scar! What a guy thing to do, right?! His back is still pretty tender and sore-major surgery and 20 staples will do that to ya I guess :)

Things seem to be truckin' along nicely, and the rehab facility couldn't be nicer! I will update as I hear. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers!