Long Hospital Stay Suggestions

[cloudy]

Nice to know that he, and you, are coping at least reasonably well.

Things will probably get tougher, but hang in there. I think you are wonderful for being as concerned as you are, I admire you for that.

Stick with it, even when it looks awful. He will need you. I wish more people were the type of friend you obviously are.

 

[Belegon]

News on Dave

Dave had surgery on his back today(May 28) from 7:15 am until about 3 pm.

He is fine and in recovery SICU until after tonight just to be sure then back in his room tomorrow (we hope). There were multiple fractures, as suspected, and there was full seperation of the spinal cord. With current tech, that means no walking and no sensation from about 3 inches below his chest on down.

The tough bastard not only insists he will walk again but that he will ride again.

I just hope that this surgery brings as much relief as they say it will. Thursday I went and watched the Laker game with him ( note: need bigger tv for his room) and he just was in agony the whole time, despite the morphine, etc.

Anyway, though I should update so those of you who have been so kind can get some news.

Oh, we got him a portable DVD player and several flicks to watch.
Plus some audio books, etc. We ordered him a decent laptop as well, but that was mostly his family. The personal costs for him are not as bad as once feared, about $1000 deductible for hospital/lifeflight/et al. He and his fiancee will need to move though, and don't know how insurance will treat that. Anybody has a hole in their pocket, pm me and I can direct you to a place to donate.

 

[Black Tulip]

Belegon,

Thanks for keeping us posted. I had been wondering how things were going.

It sounds though on your friend, and you as well. Make sure you're not all focussed on what's next. You need to do that too of course, but it's also important to take the time to realize what's happening right now. For your friend, but for you as well.

Take care.

 

[champagne1982]

Hi there. I am glad to know that Dave has had his surgery. My prayers join yours that he will be relieved of the pain he's in.

As a note of hope: It is believed that Christopher Reeve will walk in his lifetime.

 

[Belegon]

Minor milestone

Dave was assisted into a sitting postition for about 30 seconds today. After 2 1/2 weeks flat on his back, he was thrilled to be upright even for a little while.

Amazing how perspective changes.

Dave is still determined to walk again despite all the talk about "accepting reality". He knows he is being stubborn but that is what it is going to take. Don't these Doctors realize that everyone in the room can read the "Oh, he is still in denial" face as clear as yesterdays headline?

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful they helped save my friends life. But at least try not to look condescending. Even a "You realize you are going to have to work your ass off to even have a chance at that" would be better than the little "hidden" head shake.

On a happier note, Dave asked me to pick up something for him I had never tried. At Trader Joe's they have this australian licorice for 3.99 a pound that is ohmigod amazing! It is so worth the money! If you live where they have Trader Joe's markets and even remotely like licorice you have to try this stuff!

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Great news! Send him our best!

 

[Black Tulip]

Glad to hear there is something positive to tell us. Keep going.

 

[Belegon]

Dave moved to the Rehab wing

They have moved Dave to the Rehab center. He gets "therapy" mon.-sat. to help ease him into his "new reality". He will be there for about six weeks learning how to take care of himself when he can't feel anything below his chest. All kinds of things most of us just never think about...

I guess now the real fun begins...

 

[cantdog]

Rough

Man, I just can't feature it. What a profound adaptation to have to make.

The more I consider it the heavier a load it seems. All my best to both of you and all those who will be there with him.

cantdog

 

[Black Tulip]

Hi Belegon,

Thanks for letting us know.

It must be though, not only on him, but on you and his family as well. Where do you find new dreams after something like this happens to you?

Wishing you strength and lots of love to stick to his side.