We're Home!

Jamie came home midday Thursday - rolled up the red-carpet ramp amid LOTS of balloons that mysteriously appeared there! We've had a couple of good days, with excellent food and good sleep at night. Mom had the best birthday ever on Friday, surrounded by Sarah & Marc and Oscar & Henry and Michael, and the miracle sitting beside her - Jamie at home!

Thank you for all your prayers and support. We'll keep you posted about his continued recovery. He'll have nurses and therapists coming beginning Monday. He'll have home care for awhile, and then transition to outpatient therapy.

One More Day

We are SO ready for Jamie to come home! Only one more day! He's working very hard--he stood up five times (with all his weight on his right leg) on a large walker yesterday, and worked his range of motion of his left knee and left shoulder to their edge of unbearable limits. Every time he stands, or sits on the edge of the bed, or makes a transfer, he is visibly stronger and straighter. He keeps his therapists and techs laughing with his dry sense of humor, altho more than one has said they will cry when he leaves . . .

Sunday Pass

Jamie had a good visit at home. We were able to get through all the doorways; found some "trouble spots" that will require some furniture shifting, but could get everywhere we needed to. Of course, the first thing he did was call Tomoka - she was just getting off work, and went home so that they could talk via skype. They had a good visit on the computer, and she is planning on visiting again between Christmas and New Year's. We also had good food and good company - Sarah & Marc and the boys came and ate dinner with us. It was difficult to go back to the rehab hospital, but the next three days will go by quickly, and then he comes home for real!

Working Hard

We're definitely in the "getting ready to go home" mode at Rehab. Thursday afternoon Jamie practiced car transfers - getting himself in and out of my Jetta three times. It's not easy, but doable. The first time in, Jamie said "Start the engine!" He is getting a pass to come home for a couple hours Sunday. This will give us a chance to make sure everything's accessible before he really comes home on Thursday, September 27th. He's got his menu order in for all his favorites, but will have to forego that beer he wanted - his doctor says no alcohol for at least a year!

And He's Up!

Monday morning, the beginning of week nine in the hospital, using his right arm holding a parallel bar, Jamie pulled himself up and stood on his right leg! We were all very excited! Every day he gets stronger. As I write this, the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" is going through my head: ". . morning by morning new mercies I see. ."

Saturday-Lunch on the Terrace....

When we pulled up to the rehab hospital today, Jamie (and Dad) were waiting for us out front! It was such a great surprise to see Jamie hanging out outside enjoying this nice weather. He told us that he was working Dad out having him wheel him all over--they even went down to the bridge in front of CMC!

We brought cuisine ala Chick fil A and all of us (including Oscar and Henry) all ate together out on the patio. I know this doesn't sound like too big of a deal, but it was nice to feel so 'normal' and so wonderful to see Oscar and Jamie sharing a pack of nuggets together. Since Jamie's getting so much stronger, and sitting up regularly you can also get in and get a good hug which is fabulous--Oscar and I got some good ones in today!

When we were walking back to Jamie's room, Dad challenged me to a race--he with Jamie and me with my double stroller, however after he told me that he'd already taken someone into the wall that morning and that he'd happily take us into the wall in order to win, we retreated back!

He was going to have a shower this afternoon--so all in all a good day!

Two Weeks from Today!

Jamie's proposed discharge date is Thursday, September 27th. He's got a gorgeous red-carpeted ramp awaiting his entry into the house. And it's just in time for my birthday! What a great present!

Jamie's had a couple of good days in a row. Today they let him bear weight on his right leg for the first time. This will make all his transfers easier. He has changed from a high back reclining wheelchair to a regular low-back style. He will get another one the first of next week, that will have two rims on the right wheel, made to drive with one hand--one rim works both wheels, and the other works one wheel, for turning. If this new chair is a good fit, it'll be the one he brings home.

The headaches and nausea are gone, and he's eating better. For the next two weeks he'll be getting stronger and stronger and ready to come home. Hooray!

Tuesday was a good day

Jamie's headaches and nausea are lessening. He had a long, full day Tuesday, highlighted by a shower and a haircut. Jamie's hair now matches on both sides - he's buzzed all over, and looks quite handsome! Every day in therapy you can see his growth in strength and movement. His care team meets this afternoon (Wednesday), and they will determine his discharge date. I'm hoping it will be in time for my birthday (Mom) at the end of the month - will let everyone know as soon as we find out. There's a team of carpenters from our church coming to the house this morning to build a temporary ramp to prepare for Jamie's homecoming. There are angels everywhere!

Monday- Update

One week post-surgery and it's back to a full rehab schedule this week! Jamie had a pretty good weekend--he's able to eat a little more each day which will help with his strength. He basically has a constant headache that the Doctors say unfortunately could be around for a few more weeks.

He was able to see Puella (our boxer) over the weekend--Dad took her out to the courtyard for a visit to Jamie. She really wanted to get up in Jamie's lap (which he's just not quite ready for yet!)--but she only jumped once and luckily Dad caught her!! Needless to say there was lots of tail wagging going on!

Friday Update

While Jamie is still not feeling great, he was able to do some work at rehab today. His knees are pretty stiff from taking it easy during his surgery and recovery earlier this week. He even sat in his chair this afternoon for about 3 hours. He's not wanting to eat too much, but Mom has been keeping him filled up on liquids all day.

He had a great visit with some of his work buddies yesterday which boosted his spirits. His post-surgery swelling is just about gone and even though he doesn't feel it, he looks great. (and his head is back to being perfectly round!)

Stay tuned...we're hoping that he's back on the upswing!

Thursday Update

Jamie is doing a little better today and he's moving back to rehab this afternoon. He had some X-ray's done on his legs to see about being able to try and put some weight on his right leg, so we'll see about that tomorrow. He's also been able to eat a little bit today. He's tired but a bit better!

Tomorrow he's back to work with his therapies!

Tuesday Update

Well if you ask Jamie how he's doing today, his answer is "I've been better." Poor guy is just not feeling good. He's in a lot of pain and his stomach is upset and he's not keeping much down. Earlier tonite they gave him some anti-nausea medicine and some additional pain medication and he seemed to be doing a little better. He's got ice packs on his head and a cold compress on his eyes. He's had a lot of swelling where his surgery was but the Doctors say it's all normal and should go down fairly quickly. Also, his vitals are all doing great, so that's good news. He's still in the hospital on the neuro floor (where the nurses are our favorites!) and he has a sweet room (it's actually a suite!). Much better than the trauma wing if you ask us! Mom told his nurse tonight that we've been everywhere except the Maternity and Psych floors...and Jamie chimed in "not yet". He's still being Jamie!

We got an old family favorite movie going in his DVD player to help him drift off to sleep and hopefully he'll be able to rest tonite.

Thanks again for your prayers...please keep 'em going for Jamie!

Monday Night- Post Surgery

Jamie had his surgery this afternoon and everything went well. He's all put together again! He is having a lot of pain in his head (which does not surprise the Doctor at all), and he's settled into a room and has received some more pain medication and he should just sleep and sleep and sleep tonite.

Thanks for your continued prayers.

Surgery on Labor Day

Jamie had a very good Friday - he worked hard in therapy, rested well, and ate well! Dr. McLanahan came in Friday night and said he'd like to replace the bone flap on Monday. He's scheduled for 2:00 pm, but could end up earlier or later. If his surgery is in the afternoon, he'll probably spend Monday night in the hospital, and return to rehab on Tuesday morning.

Thank you for your continued prayers!