Yesterday started another week of rehab. Jess did great at both ot and pt. He's still working on balancing and transfers. This week he's trying out 4 different wheelchairs so we can decide which chair to order for when we go home. He will soon be working on testing other equipment that will be needed throughout the house.
My sister Holly headed back home today. It was SO nice to have her here (thanks Chris for watching the kids, I think she probably got the better end of the deal :) We had such a great time together. She was such a great help around the house as well as with Briley. I felt bad that Briley wasn't really her normal self. She has been really fussy and clingy this last week. Yesterday and today were much better though. I think we were finally able to get her into more of a schedule. (Looks like I spoke too soon, she just woke up)
Today we had a meeting with all the Drs and therapists on Jess' team. They went over all of the x-rays and MRI's that he has had. It looks like his arm is doing well, and with time it will heal. They couldn't read the report from the EMG that he had last week, so we don't know the prognosis and timeline yet of how the radial nerve is going to heal. As far as his spinal cord, you can definitely tell that the picture doesn't really look the same at his point of injury. However, they couldn't tell the extent of injury because of the magnet with the MRI machine and the metal in his back.
This evening Jess did have a little problem. I noticed this afternoon that his catheter wasn't emptying like it usually does, so I told him to make sure that the nurse checked everything out. His Dr was very glad that we noticed when we did, because his bladder wasn't emptying. Without going into a lot of details, basically his bladder has sediment in it, which they are trying to figure out what is causing it. He is getting bladder spasms which he describes as cramps about every minute, so they have put him on some new meds.
So please pray for Jess. That he won't be in pain with his bladder. And that the Drs will figure it out and it will be an easy fix. Thanks so much for all your prayers and support.
This may not have been a road we would choose to travel, but with God by our side in the end we will overcome it. And maybe, just maybe someone will see that we serve a living God. A God who is the same God we may have read about in Sunday school or heard as a bedtime story. A God that turned the water into wine, multiplied the loaves and fish, calmed the seas, healed the sick, rose the dead, made the blind see and the lame walk. But even more importantly a God that calms our hearts, gives us peace and strength and carries us through the tough times.
20 comments:
It is so great to read each day the steps forward that you are taking to recovery. I was so glad to read the previous post that Jess is getting the tingling sensation in his legs. God truly does work in our lives at times when it is least expected. I truly believe that you will all overcome the prognosis of the doctors with God as your center and the support and love of all you family and friends. I will pray that no new obstacles present and that Jess' bladder will ease and not cause any pain or problem. God bless and I will continue to check daily.
Hi Jess. Emily and Briley, We are so thankful that the Lord is continually giving you strength and encouragement for each new day. He truly is the strength of our lives. I love the scripture which says, "Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today and forever."
Can't tell you how much those pictures mean to us all here in
Alaska. MANY go on the blog to get the up-dates and see how you are all doing, even through they may not post comments. So keep it up. I'm sure it's not easy to do but it really helps everyone up here to feel connected.
You may not believe this but Briley looks so much like Kari when she was that age. I got out some old photo albums and it was amazing!
Hey, it's GREAT news that the spinal cord is looking different from the point of injury. We are all praying for continued healing in all areas including the bladder.
Also for good nights rest and sleep. May the peace of God be with you. Love, Mom, Dad & Jesse
I just logged on to see if there was an update before I went to sleep. Emily's last paragraph was a great way to begin my end of the day connection with the Lord - it was a prayer jump start!
The bladder issues will get worked out - those spasms are such a pain. I will pray that you continue to remember to drink water, and that no other pesky spasticity will develop.
Emily - the "fussies" with a one year old are a challenge no doubt...they are feeling their independence (on that verge of being able to get up and run from you)...then there's those molars popping through - you'll all get through this with shining colors. Briley has a very special look about her - she is SO "plugged in" to her environment and you and Jess. Hmmmm fussies....did she and her toothbrush sleeping pal have a falling out??
I'll be praying and praising on your behalf as I end this day!
It's minus 6 tonight in Eagle River... :)
Until He Comes,
Joan
Hi Jess, Emily and Briley,
Just thinking of you and sending strength, prayers, and courage your way. Hoping today goes well for you and that you find time to rest during all this therapy! Missing you here in Montana...love to your family. Love, Hillary
Jess,
I've tried to write in on this thing but I must be computer illiterate. Glad to see things are going OK. I'm so glad you go into Craig.....all the people we send from here say it is the best in the Northwest. Keep working your ass off and if you need anything let me know. God Speed Jess
Just
alberi's
i hope this posts under just's comment so that i can admit that i too, am blog illiterate.
you three have been working so hard over the last few weeks and the payoff has been amazing. briley's dad really is tougher than other dads.
we are thinking about you often. keep your spirits high.
kenda & tommy
Hey, Emily, Jess & Briley....gotta tell you guys, you are really an inspiration, what with all Jess has to go through, and then Briley acting up and all...God bless you and give you all kinds of strength...Like I said, we are right down the street if you need a moment to yourself ever....or just a cup of coffee at Village Inn (they have some great pancakes)..Thinking of you all the time....Marie
Jess and Em,
I am sitting on Idaho State's campus and my friend is playing music that he wrote, he is passionately pursuing God's dream for him and I too am here to share about what God is doing in my life! As I read your thoughts about having just one person come to know there is a living God all I could do was smile! You two inspire me to seek God more and living life more fully! John 10:10 says " I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" Jess and Em never stop living that way! I love you two~
I'm still praying!
Hey Jess and family, it has been a long time too long! I have been trying to track you down the past few years but have been unsucessful. Now I just got a note and there you are with your big smile on this blog! It is very unfortunate what has happened and I wish you all the luck, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.I know you will do great, you were always such a positive person. I look forward to catching up with you we have so many things to share! You can call my cell if you feel up to it 715-209-0834. Love you buddy Jeff Moravchik and Family
Jess, it is so great to see and hear of the progress that you are making. It is so wonderful to read of all the supportive people out there that are continuing to pray and send positive thoughts to you and your family. I know that this is probably the hardest challenge that you have had to face but overcoming it will only continue to make you a stronger and better person. I look forward to checking your blog and finding new pictures of you, your big smile and your beautiful family. Please for all of us, keep the pictures coming and thank Emily for the great job that she is doing, taking care of you and Briley and keeping everyone in the loop. We will continue to think of you and pray for you here in MI.
Ben
Hi guys...well Jess, sorry your Redskins lost. We were all cheering for them for you. As far as the catheter goes, use it as an opportunity to ask tons of questions so you can troubleshoot things once you are home. Use all those nurses and doctors as your resources. I think you will learn to 'listen' to your body more than ever before. Keep listening, keep breathing. You have already come so far. Big hug and kisses, Nissa
Dear Alberi's.
I've been praying alot for Jess and your family. I'm glad to hear that he is making improvment. I am glad that you started a blog about his progress and everything thats been going on. Its been hard to follow his progress while im off at college. If you get the chance, please tell him that i've been praying for him and i know he's going to get through this. God works amazing miracles. I'll continue to pray for Jess' bladder and that everything works out in the end.
Hey that comment down there that says James Rich is from me, I goofed and somehow put it under my friends name!
April:)
Jess, Emily and Briley,
I truly enjoy reading your blog and watching your progress, it is a different perspective for me since I have always been "treating" and not got to sit back and watch. I don't know if you really realize that you are truly making GREAT strides! Keep up the fabulous work. I have some books I want to send you and hopefully will get them in the mails this week. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers!
Hugs,
Dorcey
PS -- I know you are making friends there and I am sure everyone is enjoying your constant smiling!
What a faithful God we serve. I'm very excited about the progress you are making, Jess. I'm believing for healing for you and God is very involved in the whole process. You two are so strong and I know you will make it through as you lean hard on Him during the more difficult times. We continue to pray and believe.
May the Lord richly bless the three of you.
Hi Jess emily and Briley Anna,
What a great thing to open up your blog and see new pictures and updates way to go Emily love it so much i know how important yor family and Pictures are to you .. I love it and what a great way to share Jess and your family with us. We love opening this up and seeing you all her on Medicine lodge. We think of you daily and know that you are in good hands . as Nissa said get all the information you can so when you get home you no the ropes. love you all can't tell you how much we miss and love you .. Stay strong and love each other as God does . love you all miss you tons and emily calling tomorrow got your message just few minutes ago thanks freind so good to here your voice . love you lots Aunt Jody ,Clay Brice ,Scott
Emily, Briley, Jess...
Your smile says it all. "Men are that they might have joy." God didn't say that we would not have some sorrow but He wants us to be happy and sometimes the challenge is to learn to be happy no matter what. A saying I recently read says, "Come what may and love it!" I know we will all face challenges and sometimes we have to learn how to face them with joy and love and happiness even when the path is so very hard. I am so glad you have each other to lean on for support and that they are so wonderful to help the whole family there at Craig. You will prevail- no matter what the outcome or life long challenges- if you can find joy and happiness in the journey. Praying for your continued progress and healing...
Sending a little love from the land of the Frozen!!
Heidi Chatterton
Happy Thursday you guys!
Jess, I just wanted to say good morning and let you know that today we (J.C.,J.C.,T.C.,N.M & me) head off to the Northland for the annual hunt. One that you WILL join in on next year this time! First, up to GFalls and then a quick jaunt over to the honey hole!
Rest assured, we will be sending you strength within the High Prairie winds.
Keep progressing - I'll have a full report for you when we return.
Love you man.
cG
This is my first blog...ever! Jess & Emily, I just want you to know that you are both an inspiration!! When I first heard about the accident my heart ached as only a mother's heart can ache!! But each day I hear of the progress and your wonderful attitude, and knowing Jess, that doesn't surprise me at all! Julie Allen told me about the tingling sensation in your legs, Jess, and we just cried!! God is so good!! Here is a verse that you can hold on to... Heb 6:19 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." When we truly trust God and believe that He's in control, we can rest! There's a peace in our hearts and minds. Deep down on the inside, we know that everything is going to be all right.(Joel Osteen) Sorry, not just my words, but very true!!
I wish I could have gotten over to see you in Missoula, you know that you were in my heart and prayers constantly!! And you still are as you continue to have ups & downs at rehab... Keep that smile, Jess! And Briley and all those around you will know God's love shines out even in the dark times!
Love & God's blessings,
Mary Allen
hi you three sweet people i have been very busy doing pictures of you guys for the funraiser its been so fun looking at all your photos ... you have a lot of scrapping to do emily . We are going to be old ladys before we are done he he Hey jess you are a funny dude love the ones of you with your long hair cutie cuite .. love ya all sent of a package today with mail and turkey stuff.. Emily i was thinking second week you and jess let me know what your thinking thanks for asking Aunt Jody can't wait to give briley kisses and hugs and her momy and daddy as well love ya chat later Jody
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