The last couple of days Jess and I have learned that doctors, healing and rehab are not predictable. The biggest news we have is that they have decided not to send us home on Dec 19th. Instead they are sending us to out patient therapy, where Jess, Briley and I will be living in the apartments behind the hospital and then just coming over for therapy. We don't know when we will be coming home now. I think it could potentially be anywhere from Jan 1st to Feb 1st. Jess' shoulder was a large factor in their decision. His arm doctor has lifted many of the restrictions he has had on his shoulder, so there are lots and lots of things to work on now. Another factor in their decision was the fact that we have out patient therapy days with our insurance that expire at the end of the year. So its much better to use them than loose them. Over all Jess and I completely agree that we need to stay. Its just been really hard going from thinking that we would be home in just a couple of weeks to anywhere from a month or two. But we know its for the best.
Therapy wise, Jess has been super busy the last two days. He has different therapy classes scheduled from 8am to 4pm every day this week. Yesterday he was up for 9 hours straight! That was by far the longest he has went. Because some of the restrictions have been lifted on his shoulder, he is now able to lift weights, which he absolutely LOVES! Its so nice for him to be able to get into something that he did before the accident. The hardest part is his left arm and shoulder. Its just so weak. He's curling 50lbs with his right and 3lbs with his left. He has also been able to get on the arm bike in the therapy room. I think we are going to start seeing some big improvements now that he can use his arm more. One of the main things we are praying for right now is that left arm, for both the radial nerve damage as well as his shoulder.
He also tried his first transfer into a car. It was easier than we thought it would be, but still pretty awkward because Jess is so tall. It will be interesting to see how he fits into different vehicles.
We also had a meeting with the transportation department here and found out a lot of information on adapting a vehicle so Jess can drive. It was good to lay out some what of a plan for his driving training. I think that will probably be something that we work on when we come back for his 6 month revaluation.
He also practiced going up and down stairs (with assistance of coarse). I think that was a huge step for him, because he realized that he will still be able to go over to some of his friends houses. We had just never realized that you could go on stairs in a wheelchair.
And finally the long awaited day came. Briley took 3 steps today! We were in a class and Heather, a wife of one of the patience here, was holding her. She put Briley down and helped her walk a little ways to me. She let go of her and Briley took the last 3 steps by herself! Of coarse she refuse to walk any more today, but its coming. She's going to be running the halls of Craig instead of crawling them any day now.
20 comments:
Hello you guys. I am so sorry to hear you won't be home for Christmas but I am hoping you find strength in being together during the holidays. It sounds as if being there can only help the progress down the road so I am glad you are where you can get the best treatment for your days ahead. Montana isn't going anywhere so try not to get to down about not coming home...when you get to come, it will be that much more wonderful! Keep up the great work and thanks so much for sharing all the stories and pictures. Congrats to Briley on the first three steps. Wow, seems like just yesterday my little babes were taking their first as well...time flies so enjoy all these little firsts. I am very proud of her! Love and hugs, Hillary
Hi Jess & Emily,
What a huge day for the three of you...Briley's steps, the 9 hour up time, and the go for it for Jess' left arm...all hugely positive. I had to laugh about nothing being predictable about Rehab, docs etc...I guess one of the biggest lessons to learn once a person is plugged into the health care system (as a patient or professional) is that you have to be flexible.
The outpatient apartment living time will be a very important time for you all. Briley will be buzzing about, and you all will get to put into practice all of the learning you've done - yet be just a moment away from the experts! I know it's a disappointment not heading to Dillon or somewhere close to family and friends, but that would have been a HUGE bite of reality sandwich that you'd be managing so far away from Craig. I'm so happy for you that they caught on to the outpatient benefit.
The photo of Jess and Briley on the bed says volumes...Jess' love and Briley's total comfort/trust. WOW
Sorry I wasn't able to get you live on the phone the other evening. I'll try again soon and look forward to hearing your voices.
I'll be praying for you before I close my eyes for the night, and thanking Our Father (once again) for the amazing progress and support He has provided.
Love, Until He Comes,
Joan
Well, Maybe you won't be coming home for Christmas BUT Christmas will be coming home to YOU!! Surprize, we will be coming out to be with you for the holidays and are ecited to spend some time together.We are working on getting tickets and times. so, will let you know more about that later.( It will probably be from Christmas day to New Years weekend. ) It's so thrilling to see you upper arm strength increasing at such a fast rate, and I'm sure that it encourages for the pt staff as well.
As they used to say," make hay while it's day." or," make the best use of time while you have it."
Just remember that God is the one who orders out steps, and this seems to be the best time for that arm. So we will just come out and celebrate Christmas with you!!Will give you a call Thursday evening. Love Mom, Dad and Jesse
hey, Alberi family....Boy, God is sure testing you guys...and let me tell you, you are passing with flying colors!! You make me feel humble at the strength of your faith and spirit...My little problems are just that..little...Keep it up and know that we think of you all the time....Love and a Beautiful Christmas to you all Marie (evie's mom)
Congrats to Briley on taking her first steps! That's so much fun!
We'll keep your arm and shoulder in our prayers. It sounds like there have been numerous accomplishments, which is great! Keep up the good work Jess. :)
Even though you won't be home for Christmas you will be able to try being in the apartment along and start to get used to what it will be like when you go home. It's a wonderful thing that Jess' arm doctor has lifted restrictions and you can have a wonderful Christmas together where ever you may be. As Hillary said, Montana isn't going anywhere and who knows, maybe once you do get to go home you won't have to go back except for some follow-ups appointments.
That is wonderful that your parent's are able to fly down for Christmas! What fun! :)
Love you guys!
-Hannah & Kevin
Jess and Family: The Jim Prinkki family send hugs to all of you. Judy
Al -
That is a bummer that you guys won't get to be home for Christmas but that's the way it goes. I think you knew going to Craig you were going to have to keep an open mind and roll with whatever they threw at you. The great ones adjust! Everything that happens you should look at as an opportunity. I guess that is easy for me to say. I'm sure you are being tested mentally an physically on a daily basis.
It sounds like you are getting more active every day in your therapy. Keep it up man! We are so proud of you. Keep that positive mental attitude. If your mind is right the body will follow.
Stay strong -
gw
Hey guys,
I havent checked the site in a few days, so I'm so sorry to hear that you're not heading back to Montana for Christmas...but, going back to how blessed you two truly are, it all stems from the love you share, and as long as you're together, wherever you are, you'll always be 'home' for Christmas.
Jess can take some pride in that his right arm I think can curl more than BOTH my arms! That's great that you're able to hit the weights a little, start to get that left arm working more and more...like Emily says, patience is the key, and as long as you're focused long term you'll be just fine.
That's also great that you've been able to get into the pool, I hope you get to do it more often. Nothing beats pool rehab, the support the water gives you must have been quite a feeling.
Briley is so cute its ridiculous, that picture of her in the box is precious...congrats on her first steps! Look out, you both better work on your agility, she's going to be running everywhere.
I hope you know how inspirational you both are to me, and anyone else who sees this website. Whether its people I work with, or my girlfriend Colleen, or any of my friends, they are in awe of you both. Your faith, love, and attitude towards life are things we all should strive for.
love you both
Andrew
Bro,
Hey look at that bi-cep! Your going to be so strong. Keep up the good work. You will only get out what you put into it. I Love you guys and Pat and Bojangles say hi!
P.S I will still take you in arm wrestling any day!
Hey guys, I'm sorry you won't be able to go home for Christmas, but am glad that the doctors are doing what is best to help you continue progressing. I am so excited that Briley has taken her first steps...it won't be long now! Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I try to check as much as possible while at work. I am so happy to read the progress you all are making. Keep the faith and all the hard work. It is paying off! You're all continually in my prayers. ~Marsha
Hey Jess-
I understand my friend Sam stopped by to see you. I was so glad he did. He is a funny guy as I'm sure you found out...at least he thinks he is funny! Hopefully you've met Mark Morel who is also at Craig's. I went fishing in Alaska a couple times with Mark...he is a neat person too. So glad to see you are progressing everyday. Your wife does a fantastic job with this blog which keeps us all caught up with your successes. You're in my thoughts and prayers pal.
Kyle A
Up and down, up and down . . . but your attitudes are so positive about everything! I know you're probably more than a little bummed about not getting to come home for Christmas, but I hope there's a lot of comfort in knowing the change of plans came about for all the right reasons. I have no doubts that you guys will be smothered with company during the holidays, so you definitely won't feel as though you're missing anything. Miss Briley--are you getting ready to take on Sage when you return? If you're already taking steps now, you'll be ready to give her a run for her money when you return! You guys keep up with the good work--there's not an hour that goes by that we aren't thinking of you. Prayers, hugs, and kisses, Wayne and Carolyn
Jess you show-off! You're lifting weights with the left arm?! That is AWESOME!!! Actually, 3-pound weights are what I lift so maybe we can start pumping iron together when you get home :) The pictures are so adorable I can't wait to plant kisses on all three of you (I swear, you've all gotten cuter!). I think it is smart to stay put where you are for now...no sense in leaving a 'state of the art/top of the line' hospital until they physically throw you out, right?! Well, as the New Kids on the Block say...keep "Hanging Tough". I only quote them because they are one of Jess's all time favorite bands. Smile! Nurse Nissa
Hi To The Dynamic Duo!
It was wonderful to spend time on the phone this evening...and hopefully you received the note and photos I sent to Jess' email.
As I re-looked at the photos from this posting I saw the green snake...have they gotten "cutsie" with caths or is it a new pal of Briley's - dumping the toothbrush for a snake?
Keep on taking it a day at a time, and know that there is tons of love and frequent prayer from Eagle River.
Just wanted to say hi since I have been MIA again. I am actually studying - have had my nose in a book for 8 hours! I am sorry to hear that you won't be home for Christmas! I know everyone was looking forward to the xmas festivities with you all there! Getting the most out of rehab is the most important thing right now though. Keep up the great work! You all are truly amazing and an inspiration to us all! Let me know if you need anything! I really am not that busy, that I can't help you out if you need it! Talk to you soon!!!
Hi Jess, Emily & Briley ...what awesome news you have in your blog!! All the great progress is very impressive. I know you're disappointed not to be here for Christmas, but your health and training is priority right now. We'll shoot for the Fish Derby the end of January, or Super Bowl, or Valentine's Day!! The important thing is you are doing so incredibly great and everything they can teach you is so valuable. The pictures are so wonderful!! Your love radiates right from them!! Keep working hard and good luck in your new apartment. Sandy
Hi Jess, as I speak, the second night of the KWAG Christmas concert is about to get started. Kayla wanted to be in the concert this year playing her violin. So two weeks ago she picked out a song, ordered the sheet music and she and Paul practiced about five times together. At last night's performance she was fantastic. The whole concert, really, was fantastic. Paul does such a wonderful job of putting together the Christmas concert each year. Just after Trish and I got seated, Brad McGough came over and talked to us a for a while. Told us about his new job and I gues sall is well with him. We do not see them very often anymore.
Hey bvuddy I thought about you tonight as I watched the Redskins play the Ravens. I think there is one minute left to play and the Ravens lead 24 - 10, sorry Redskins fan.
Jess, I wanted to tell you that no matter what you've already been through or what you face in the future, your ability to persevere through it all will be your faithfulness to God, your rpayer devotion, your thankfulness for everything,be proud of your wife and child, their love for you is so obvious and empowering. Sometimes Jess, we have to take a few steps backwards in order to move forwards in life or with anything we do for that matter.
It is a blessing that your doctors decided to take advantage of your out-patient care you have available, GOD obviously had HIS hand in that decision making.
Don't wory about not being "home" for the holidays, it sounds like the holidays are coming to see you anyway...:-) Best to take full advantage of the rehab facility and make the most of your stay there while you can. You have a lot to learn and our prayers are with you.
Will chat more later, blessings to you all.
John & Trish Conrad and kids
Just wanted to send hellos your way for the day! Hope your week is going well and that you are all still smiling as always! Missing you here in Montana! Have a good day!
Good evening Jess and Emily:
Best wishes from cold and rainy Boston. Mary Emily and I will be visiting Dillon January 1-4. We look forward very much to seeing you both should your plans get you back home at that time but the person we are really excited to see (for the first time) is Briley. She is so beautiful. Maybe we could babysit for a while if we can fight off Anna, Pat, Lindsey and her grandparents. Pat denies to me that over Thanksgiving Briley did not immediately fall under his charms and he is looking forward to again demonstrating his success in winning her over. Worse than anything, Pat is beginning to talk up Oklahoma football. We will need to straighten him out.
Mary Emily and I wish you the best for the balance of your time at Craig. Many, many people back east ask about you both.
We think of you and your family every day and you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim
When I go to my Spina Bifida conferences, I know several people who opt to go down and up an escalator over an elevator in a wheelchair. I would be scared to do it but to be honest it kinda looks like fun, lol.
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