Here I am again, with apologies for the redundancy and wordiness of the last blog. It was partially for my benefit, but also to show those of you who we haven't seen in a while, why we were once again lulled into a false sense of security that all was well and that we would continue to move ahead in a positive direction. So, just a teeny little bit more of history.
In order to get physical and occupational therapy in Florida, some places required a prescription from a Florida state physician. This was also tricky bec. not all facilities offer occupational, as well as physical, and not all orthopedic doctors are willing to write a prescription for both. So we were armed with our scripts from our NY doctors and internet researched names of MDs in Fla. Now, we had just about barely settled into our home away from home and we noticed that the skin around the right hip wound was breaking open in a small spot. This was where Joe had overdone it with the healing and had developed a calcification that was sticking directly out from the femur. It had grown so much that it was now breaking through the skin. We knew what it was, as it was very obvious on his X-Rays, so when we went to the orthopedist to try to get a Fla. state Rx, we pointed it out to him. He took one look at the site and the extent of Joe's injuries and obviously didn't want to get involved and just said to see our orthopedist as soon as we got home (as if we wouldn't). Anyway, things went relatively smoothly from there on. We got our scripts and moved on with therapy. Again, the myofascial release that our therapist Jim began was absolutely invaluable. The first major thing Jim worked on was Joe's chest and around his lungs. Because both lungs were punctured and all of the ribs were broken in multiple places, and because everything just healed as he lay in his hospital bed, his chest was very tight and his lungs had to kind of find a new and different shaped home for themselves. He was never able to take a deep breath - it was all shallow breathing, always leaving him kind of breathless. Once Jim was able to release the myfascia around the area - Voila, deep breaths! So he needed to keep up his deep breathing so it didn't tighten again. As Jim explained it and as I understood it - the inside of the entire body is covered with myofascia - a netting sort of thing - which when presented with trauma and/or long periods of inactivity acts like a wool sweater that has been washed in the washing machine - it shrinks and tightens. Thus, the great importance of loosening it. Joe really benefitted from it and we planned to continue it when we got back north, which we will still do, but as I'll explain, things have gotten in the way of our forward progress.
Now, shortly bef. we left Fla., Joe developed a click in his left pinky, which wouldn't have been bad, except that he also couldn't bend it at all. As soon as we both got back from Fla., we spent a whole week seeing all of his doctors and getting surgeries scheduled. I think Scott updated the blog when Joe had his A1 trigger released. No problem. Out-patient surgery. All went well. Just a minor hold-up in hand therapy until all the stitches were out. Next surgery scheduled was to remove the exostosis (extra bone Joe grew) from the femur. This did require hospitalization, but was only a couple of days and again we anticipated that all would go smoothly. It did seem to. The surgeon said everything went fine, although when he got in there, it was not just a small piece of bone but as he worked at it. it turned out to be "the size of a very large soup bone" (his words, not mine). We did see a couple of old friends (our good friends, the wound VAC nurses), and in a couple of days, we were out of there. Instructions to go back to the orthopedist for stitch removal and X-rays, but as these two surgeries were #14 and #15 (who would want to end up on #13 - very unlucky), we figured we were about done and when Joe recovered from this, we would get back to therapy and moving forward. Little did we know what was in store for us. To be continued later. Love, Cindi
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
DAY 338 - JULY 27, 2008
Dear Loved Ones,Family & Friends - HELLO THERE !! It has been a very long time and I have been very remiss in keeping up with the blog. My apologies. Fortunately, my children have picked up the slack a bit and gotten some blogs on in the past few months. I'm going to have to back up a bit just for my own benefit to familiarize myself once again. So, please bear with me if some of this info is redundant. I haven't been on the blog for months, so it was extremely heartwarming to go back and read all of the wonderful responses that I have missed. Thank you so much, everyone, for your heartfelt good wishes and prayers.
So let me go back a few months, to discharge from Sunnyview. Finally, out of the hospital setting, at least partially. We stayed at The Fisher House during the week and M,W & F went to Albany Memorial for physical therapy and to their Hand Center for therapy on Joe's hands, arms and shoulders. We do have to say that the therapy we got at Albany Memorial was head & shoulders above what we felt we had at Sunnyview. They did have 2 very good therapists there, but after the first couple of days, we never seemed to get them. The one we did have was fair, but at least got the ball rolling, although we had lots of difficulties at Sunnyview, also. Just little things like critical medication forgotten to be given; donor site scraped open with someone's fingernail (that's sanitary) or engagement ring; infection being ignored. As always, we had a Ferraro watch dog on duty 24/7. Bec. Joe was in a private room bec. of the MRSA, we were able to have someone stay with him at night. At this point, it was mostly me, as the children mostly had to get back to their lives, but whenever anyone was able, they would stay overnight. As you can see, Joe made good progress there. The occupational therapists were wonderful problem solvers and very helpful with ways for him to work at gaining some independence. Sometimes Joe would have occupational therapy with 1 or more other patients. He managed to beat Mary (knee replacement) in a trudge competition down the hallway, but tiny little 81-year old Ruth made mincemeat out of him in the plate into dishwasher competition (in Joe's defense, he was a little bit hampered with limited use of his hands and arms) and took the defeat in good stead. And everyone was hampered by the fact that they all wereusing walkers! I think one of the kids went into the problems that developed with the infection recurring in the hip wound and then showing up in the darn big toe. While they were treating that infection (which was gram positive) with a very powerful antibiotic, a gram negative infection developed - acinetobacter. I discovered while researching on the internet that the acinetobacter probably occurred bec. of the use of the epsom salt soaks. It is a bacteria that breeds in water. So what seemed like a good idea at the time(the soaks for the toe), the combination of being treated for a gram positive infection and the soaks probably resulted in the second infection.
We had a lovely, but unconventional, Thanksgiving at Sunnyview and were finally sprung from the hospital on Dec. 3. We still had much work to do with the big toe, but what with visits to the podiatrists, orthopedists and infectious disease people and several weeks of treatment, the infections finally seemed to resolve. Thus began our weekly treks into Albany. We were so lucky to be able to stay at The Fisher House. We would be there from Monday through Friday and then would head home for the weekend. Somehow it seemed that every Sunday night, Monday morning we would have a snow and/or ice storm, take our lives in our hands and strike out for Albany before daylight. We had some scary times and those were just getting Joe from the house to the car and back again, as we were still using the wheelchair, for the most part for much of his travelling bec. he couldn't walk very far and definitely couldn't walk in snow or ice. So I'd be trying to maneuver the wheelchair through snow, ice and slush. Fortunately, all of our children were born in Buffalo, so I've had plenty of practice getting through the stuff. Still, there was a little difference between Joe and a 10 lb. baby. And so it continued. Robb was able to stay with us, which was wonderful. He did snow shovelling and shopping for us, as well as holding things together on the home front. He and Joe's brother, Bill, also did wood chopping and stacking. We had wonderful visits from friends and family, which we relished. After Christmas we were able to bring our dog home. Our very kind and generous friends, the Perry's, had been caring for our dog since the accident. Above and beyond the call. Once we got into January, the plan to possibly get to Florida began to take shape. Friends did some research into places for therapy in Florida. I scoured the internet to research places and our hand therapist, Nancy, gave us her national book of registered hand therapists. By this time we knew what we were looking for because our physical therapist, Mandy, and our hand therapist, Nancy, were top-notch and we wanted nothing less in Florida. We had agreed that if we didn't find what we were looking for, we would not be able to stay bec. at this point the therapy was too important. By this time we had contacted our friends and great landlords in Florida and they were incredibly agreeable to a flexible plan for us. We can't believe how lucky we are!
Beginning of Feb., Robb and Joe flew down to Florida and I followed in the car with all of the special equipment Joe needed and armed with a list of physical and hand therapists to check out. That took us two solid days in the car, but well worth the time, bec. we found the absolute best place for us. It was not too far from us, and the therapists were fantastic. His hand therapist, Kristen, took right over where Nancy had left off and his physical therapists were terrific,as well. His therapist, Jim, who did the intake eval. on him introduced us to myofascial release therapy, which Jim did once or twice a week the whole time we were in Florida and Joe benefitted enormously. So our plan was to certainly continue that when we got back up north. In the meantime, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Florida. We could not have nicer friends than our friends at Gator Trace, from the ownership and management, right down to our new and old friends. Robb stayed with us for a month before moving to Pittsburgh. We were able to see Scott a couple of times, once with his family. Dana and her children visited with Stacy and then Stacy and her boyfriend, Paul, came and spent some time with us travelling from Colorado and New Orleans to Block Island for the summer. Joe was able to be outside for some walking and one or two times at a little golf. He was thrilled. It was the best thing for him and fabulous for me also. (I see that the autosave has failed on this blog, so I will post bef. I lose it and catch up some more later). Love, Cindi
So let me go back a few months, to discharge from Sunnyview. Finally, out of the hospital setting, at least partially. We stayed at The Fisher House during the week and M,W & F went to Albany Memorial for physical therapy and to their Hand Center for therapy on Joe's hands, arms and shoulders. We do have to say that the therapy we got at Albany Memorial was head & shoulders above what we felt we had at Sunnyview. They did have 2 very good therapists there, but after the first couple of days, we never seemed to get them. The one we did have was fair, but at least got the ball rolling, although we had lots of difficulties at Sunnyview, also. Just little things like critical medication forgotten to be given; donor site scraped open with someone's fingernail (that's sanitary) or engagement ring; infection being ignored. As always, we had a Ferraro watch dog on duty 24/7. Bec. Joe was in a private room bec. of the MRSA, we were able to have someone stay with him at night. At this point, it was mostly me, as the children mostly had to get back to their lives, but whenever anyone was able, they would stay overnight. As you can see, Joe made good progress there. The occupational therapists were wonderful problem solvers and very helpful with ways for him to work at gaining some independence. Sometimes Joe would have occupational therapy with 1 or more other patients. He managed to beat Mary (knee replacement) in a trudge competition down the hallway, but tiny little 81-year old Ruth made mincemeat out of him in the plate into dishwasher competition (in Joe's defense, he was a little bit hampered with limited use of his hands and arms) and took the defeat in good stead. And everyone was hampered by the fact that they all wereusing walkers! I think one of the kids went into the problems that developed with the infection recurring in the hip wound and then showing up in the darn big toe. While they were treating that infection (which was gram positive) with a very powerful antibiotic, a gram negative infection developed - acinetobacter. I discovered while researching on the internet that the acinetobacter probably occurred bec. of the use of the epsom salt soaks. It is a bacteria that breeds in water. So what seemed like a good idea at the time(the soaks for the toe), the combination of being treated for a gram positive infection and the soaks probably resulted in the second infection.
We had a lovely, but unconventional, Thanksgiving at Sunnyview and were finally sprung from the hospital on Dec. 3. We still had much work to do with the big toe, but what with visits to the podiatrists, orthopedists and infectious disease people and several weeks of treatment, the infections finally seemed to resolve. Thus began our weekly treks into Albany. We were so lucky to be able to stay at The Fisher House. We would be there from Monday through Friday and then would head home for the weekend. Somehow it seemed that every Sunday night, Monday morning we would have a snow and/or ice storm, take our lives in our hands and strike out for Albany before daylight. We had some scary times and those were just getting Joe from the house to the car and back again, as we were still using the wheelchair, for the most part for much of his travelling bec. he couldn't walk very far and definitely couldn't walk in snow or ice. So I'd be trying to maneuver the wheelchair through snow, ice and slush. Fortunately, all of our children were born in Buffalo, so I've had plenty of practice getting through the stuff. Still, there was a little difference between Joe and a 10 lb. baby. And so it continued. Robb was able to stay with us, which was wonderful. He did snow shovelling and shopping for us, as well as holding things together on the home front. He and Joe's brother, Bill, also did wood chopping and stacking. We had wonderful visits from friends and family, which we relished. After Christmas we were able to bring our dog home. Our very kind and generous friends, the Perry's, had been caring for our dog since the accident. Above and beyond the call. Once we got into January, the plan to possibly get to Florida began to take shape. Friends did some research into places for therapy in Florida. I scoured the internet to research places and our hand therapist, Nancy, gave us her national book of registered hand therapists. By this time we knew what we were looking for because our physical therapist, Mandy, and our hand therapist, Nancy, were top-notch and we wanted nothing less in Florida. We had agreed that if we didn't find what we were looking for, we would not be able to stay bec. at this point the therapy was too important. By this time we had contacted our friends and great landlords in Florida and they were incredibly agreeable to a flexible plan for us. We can't believe how lucky we are!
Beginning of Feb., Robb and Joe flew down to Florida and I followed in the car with all of the special equipment Joe needed and armed with a list of physical and hand therapists to check out. That took us two solid days in the car, but well worth the time, bec. we found the absolute best place for us. It was not too far from us, and the therapists were fantastic. His hand therapist, Kristen, took right over where Nancy had left off and his physical therapists were terrific,as well. His therapist, Jim, who did the intake eval. on him introduced us to myofascial release therapy, which Jim did once or twice a week the whole time we were in Florida and Joe benefitted enormously. So our plan was to certainly continue that when we got back up north. In the meantime, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Florida. We could not have nicer friends than our friends at Gator Trace, from the ownership and management, right down to our new and old friends. Robb stayed with us for a month before moving to Pittsburgh. We were able to see Scott a couple of times, once with his family. Dana and her children visited with Stacy and then Stacy and her boyfriend, Paul, came and spent some time with us travelling from Colorado and New Orleans to Block Island for the summer. Joe was able to be outside for some walking and one or two times at a little golf. He was thrilled. It was the best thing for him and fabulous for me also. (I see that the autosave has failed on this blog, so I will post bef. I lose it and catch up some more later). Love, Cindi
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A Few Follow Up Procedures
Good afternoon! Hope you are all doing well! Thanks to those of you who check in on the blog from time to time. We occasionally have some updates and today is one of those times. My dad had three follow up doctor visits last week. The first was with the surgeon who fixed his broken jaw. He said things are healing well and that my dad should continue to do his jaw exercises.
His second visit was with the team that opened up the nerve endings in his elbows. If you recall he was having some trouble with his hands and it was determined that he had damaged the nerves in his elbows and they needed to open those up to stimulate the nerves in his hands. Everything looked good in this appointment except for his pinky which he has been unable to bend - I believe my dad said it's called a "pinky click". He had outpatient surgery last Friday to repair that issue. The doctor feels that was a successful procedure, but won't know for sure until the bandages come off next week - June 2nd.
And finally, he had a follow up visit with his Orthopedic physician. He was also very pleased with the way everything has healed. One area that he wanted to do some additional work on was his femur. He said that the bone had developed a hook and that he wanted to remove that fragment. My dads surgery for that procedure was this morning, Tuesday, back at Albany Med. Home sweet home for almost four months! I spoke to my mom early this morning and the procedure was over. She spoke to the doctor and he said it took him a bit longer than anticipated because there was more bone than the X-Ray exposed, but he feels that it was successful. He also removed the wire on his femur that was put in place to promote healing because it is no longer needed and they were in there anyway. This should help him develop that area in the long run. He will be on crutches for a while, but can come off them as he gets stronger - as a matter of fact, Dr. Lohsmann (Orthopedics) intends to have him on his feet later this afternoon.
So, the follow up visits went very well and my dad is healing very well! He has done a fantastic job rehabilitating himself and my mom has been a saint getting him to the point where he could rehab himself. Lots of rehab to go for dad, but he enjoys the challenge and it helps promote a nice nap after each session! We have been blessed by all your support! Thanks for everything and keep the thoughts and prayers coming!
Thanks you,
Scott
His second visit was with the team that opened up the nerve endings in his elbows. If you recall he was having some trouble with his hands and it was determined that he had damaged the nerves in his elbows and they needed to open those up to stimulate the nerves in his hands. Everything looked good in this appointment except for his pinky which he has been unable to bend - I believe my dad said it's called a "pinky click". He had outpatient surgery last Friday to repair that issue. The doctor feels that was a successful procedure, but won't know for sure until the bandages come off next week - June 2nd.
And finally, he had a follow up visit with his Orthopedic physician. He was also very pleased with the way everything has healed. One area that he wanted to do some additional work on was his femur. He said that the bone had developed a hook and that he wanted to remove that fragment. My dads surgery for that procedure was this morning, Tuesday, back at Albany Med. Home sweet home for almost four months! I spoke to my mom early this morning and the procedure was over. She spoke to the doctor and he said it took him a bit longer than anticipated because there was more bone than the X-Ray exposed, but he feels that it was successful. He also removed the wire on his femur that was put in place to promote healing because it is no longer needed and they were in there anyway. This should help him develop that area in the long run. He will be on crutches for a while, but can come off them as he gets stronger - as a matter of fact, Dr. Lohsmann (Orthopedics) intends to have him on his feet later this afternoon.
So, the follow up visits went very well and my dad is healing very well! He has done a fantastic job rehabilitating himself and my mom has been a saint getting him to the point where he could rehab himself. Lots of rehab to go for dad, but he enjoys the challenge and it helps promote a nice nap after each session! We have been blessed by all your support! Thanks for everything and keep the thoughts and prayers coming!
Thanks you,
Scott
Monday, March 31, 2008
We are still here!
Good afternoon everybody! After three months I thought it might be a good time for an update! My dad has made tremendous progress since the last blog in late December. I don't really know where to start so I guess I will just give you an update. I traveled to Florida last week on business and was fortunate enough to visit with my parents...that's right Florida! For those of you who don't know my parents decided to pack up and leave those cold Albany winter days and temporarily relocate to Ft. Pierce, Florida. They have been there since early February and have been loving every warm, sunny minute! As you may recall, my dad and mom were commuting to therapy three days a week in Albany and headed home on the weekends. Dad was able to maneuver around the house on his own pretty well, but was getting a bit of cabin fever. There was so much snow, ice, and extremely cold weather he could never get out of the house. He wanted to go for walks and enjoy the outdoors. So, they decided to give Florida a go! probably one of the best decisions that could have made. Before my dad left he bid his therapists good-bye and said he would see them when he returns. The corrected him and said that his therapy was progressing so well that he wouldn't be coming back to therapy. He would have to rehab on his own at a gym. Quite a shock for dad since he has made Albany med his second home for over four months.
So, off to Florida! My brother Robb headed down on the plane with my dad to get them situated and comfortable. My mom drove down and joined them about a week later bringing all the things they will need for their three or four month visit. Mom arrived and was able to find a facility where dad can continue his rehab. He has advanced so much that he is primarily working on hand and shoulder strength. He lost a tremendous amount of strength in those parts as well as loss the nerve damage caused. Florida has truly provided some healing we didn't even consider. He is able to use an outdoor Olympic size pool at the community college. The water work has been fantastic for his physical and mental conditioning. The sun and being able to go for a walk outside without the danger of falling has been great. And last, but certainly not least, the freedom to hit a golf ball and even go 9 holes! That's right, he has been chipping, putting and even golfing - though he will tell you it's all upper body! It's rare that he can golf because it completely wipes him out, but he has done it! It has provided him with great hope that he will someday, in the not too distant future, be able to do once again what he loves best - golf! I believe that in itself has provided him with a great motivation to keep putting in all the hard work that he has for over seven months!
When I walked in to their place last week I shouted to see if anybody was home. I heard dad say "in the back". I walked out back to find him in a chair with his feet up, sipping a glass of red, watching the sunset! It was beautiful! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect picture! My dad is getting stronger everyday thanks to all your thoughts and prayers! Please keep them coming!
Best wishes,
Scott
So, off to Florida! My brother Robb headed down on the plane with my dad to get them situated and comfortable. My mom drove down and joined them about a week later bringing all the things they will need for their three or four month visit. Mom arrived and was able to find a facility where dad can continue his rehab. He has advanced so much that he is primarily working on hand and shoulder strength. He lost a tremendous amount of strength in those parts as well as loss the nerve damage caused. Florida has truly provided some healing we didn't even consider. He is able to use an outdoor Olympic size pool at the community college. The water work has been fantastic for his physical and mental conditioning. The sun and being able to go for a walk outside without the danger of falling has been great. And last, but certainly not least, the freedom to hit a golf ball and even go 9 holes! That's right, he has been chipping, putting and even golfing - though he will tell you it's all upper body! It's rare that he can golf because it completely wipes him out, but he has done it! It has provided him with great hope that he will someday, in the not too distant future, be able to do once again what he loves best - golf! I believe that in itself has provided him with a great motivation to keep putting in all the hard work that he has for over seven months!
When I walked in to their place last week I shouted to see if anybody was home. I heard dad say "in the back". I walked out back to find him in a chair with his feet up, sipping a glass of red, watching the sunset! It was beautiful! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect picture! My dad is getting stronger everyday thanks to all your thoughts and prayers! Please keep them coming!
Best wishes,
Scott
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Thank you for all of the support
My family and I wanted to extend our gratitude to all of you throughout this whole ordeal. We truly could not have made it without all of your prayers and support. As we sit back and reflect on these last few months we have a greater understanding of the meaning of true friends. We are so grateful to have all of you in our lives. All of the cards, care packages, words of encouragement, strength and support have meant the world to us. These things have been especially important to my dad, who says the same thing "couldn't have done it without all of you". So, thank you. During this time of giving and receiving, it is so clear to our family that we are just very thankful for what we have. The entire Ferraro Family would like to send all of you the warmest of holiday wishes. With lots of love, we hope that 2008 brings everybody many fond memories with family and friends.
The reality of the blog is that it was bound to start tapering off a bit...but that is a good thing. At this point we do not have as much to report on a daily basis. The one thing that the doctors continue to track closely is the infection in the toe. They are holding off on starting my dad on the strong antibiotics because of the possible kidney and cell damage. They continue to treat it topically to see if they can dry it up from the outside. The last time they cultured it the results showed that it was negative for one infection but still positive for staph. That doesn't necessarily mean that the other infection is completely gone, though. With that situation we just keep our fingers crossed and hope that eventually the infections clear up.
On a more positive note, my dad continues to make great strides with his rehab. They evaluated him last week and said that he is leaps and bounds from where he started. For his around the house routine he has ditched the walker!! Yippee!! While working with the therapists he tried using one of those 4 pronged canes and it worked quite well. It took a lot of the pressure off his arms and shoulders which have developed tendinitis from all of the weight he has been putting on them using the walker. So when they asked his doctor to write a prescription for one of those canes he said, "no", that he didn't need one of those canes..."those are for grannies". This is the funny orthopedic doctor, whom we respect greatly. He said in all honesty that he thinks my dad is strong enough to walk using a regular cane. I guess it took a few days for him to get used to it but now he is managing quite well with it! Who woulda' thunk it? I mean it was just four months ago that his accident occurred. This really is a miracle!
I know that my dad is pleased with the progress that he is making, just like the rest of us. He and my mom still have high hopes to get down to Florida for a few months, but there are a lot of things to consider. First, they have to wait to get the infections under control. As the doctors have said, "he is still not out of the woods yet". The next, and probably most important, thing is his therapy. He is doing so well now with the therapists he has, my parents aren't willing to just change therapists and take a gamble that they might get some that are just as good. The truth of the matter is that we have been blessed with two extremely good therapists and we want to hold onto them until we feel like my dad doesn't need them as much anymore. We are confident that day will come where he will be more independent. Until then, we need the help of these great therapists..and of course, my mom...and Robb, too! It's been great for everyone that Robb has had some time to spend with my parents over this past month (even more than when we were taking shifts at the hospital and rehab facility). He's been a huge help to my dad and mom. Thanks Bro!
So, if all of you Gator Trace/Florida friends don't see them down there this season, you can bet on it for next year! Thanks again for all of your support!
Enjoy this holiday season with family and friends.
Love, Stacy and The Ferraros
The reality of the blog is that it was bound to start tapering off a bit...but that is a good thing. At this point we do not have as much to report on a daily basis. The one thing that the doctors continue to track closely is the infection in the toe. They are holding off on starting my dad on the strong antibiotics because of the possible kidney and cell damage. They continue to treat it topically to see if they can dry it up from the outside. The last time they cultured it the results showed that it was negative for one infection but still positive for staph. That doesn't necessarily mean that the other infection is completely gone, though. With that situation we just keep our fingers crossed and hope that eventually the infections clear up.
On a more positive note, my dad continues to make great strides with his rehab. They evaluated him last week and said that he is leaps and bounds from where he started. For his around the house routine he has ditched the walker!! Yippee!! While working with the therapists he tried using one of those 4 pronged canes and it worked quite well. It took a lot of the pressure off his arms and shoulders which have developed tendinitis from all of the weight he has been putting on them using the walker. So when they asked his doctor to write a prescription for one of those canes he said, "no", that he didn't need one of those canes..."those are for grannies". This is the funny orthopedic doctor, whom we respect greatly. He said in all honesty that he thinks my dad is strong enough to walk using a regular cane. I guess it took a few days for him to get used to it but now he is managing quite well with it! Who woulda' thunk it? I mean it was just four months ago that his accident occurred. This really is a miracle!
I know that my dad is pleased with the progress that he is making, just like the rest of us. He and my mom still have high hopes to get down to Florida for a few months, but there are a lot of things to consider. First, they have to wait to get the infections under control. As the doctors have said, "he is still not out of the woods yet". The next, and probably most important, thing is his therapy. He is doing so well now with the therapists he has, my parents aren't willing to just change therapists and take a gamble that they might get some that are just as good. The truth of the matter is that we have been blessed with two extremely good therapists and we want to hold onto them until we feel like my dad doesn't need them as much anymore. We are confident that day will come where he will be more independent. Until then, we need the help of these great therapists..and of course, my mom...and Robb, too! It's been great for everyone that Robb has had some time to spend with my parents over this past month (even more than when we were taking shifts at the hospital and rehab facility). He's been a huge help to my dad and mom. Thanks Bro!
So, if all of you Gator Trace/Florida friends don't see them down there this season, you can bet on it for next year! Thanks again for all of your support!
Enjoy this holiday season with family and friends.
Love, Stacy and The Ferraros
Monday, December 10, 2007
Joe and Cindi's address
Hi Everybody. Sorry for the delay in getting my parents address for posted for all of you. I know that it is wonderful for both of them to hear from all of their friends and family.
Joe and Cindi Ferraro
161 Holm Rd.
Hillsdale, NY 12529
We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Dana
Joe and Cindi Ferraro
161 Holm Rd.
Hillsdale, NY 12529
We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Dana
Sunday, December 9, 2007
An exciting day
Today was a very exciting one for Popo...he got to take a shower. A real shower! He has been sponge bathing over the last several months but there is nothing like a real shower, especially after 110 days. He said, " It was like heaven!" He was thrilled to wash his hair and really feel clean.
He continues to do his excercises daily. He is happy to be home on the weekends and looks forward to his rehab during the week, which is making him visibly stronger each time I see him. He is up and moving around throughout the day, but will need to continue to increase the amount of time he spends on his feet in order to rebuild his strength.
The infection on the toe has been identified as staph and something else called acinetobacter. They are currently treating it with a topical cream and will check it out in another week. They are waiting to see if they'll need to start antibiotics again because the one that they are thinking about using next has some irreversible side effects, the most serious being kidney problems The two infections are resistent to antibiotics. We feel confident in the doctors that are currently treating Popo, but he could still use all of your prayers.
As always, thank you for the strength, good wishes, positive thoughts, cards, care packages, and everything else that your kind hearts have been sending his way. Love to you all and wishes for a safe and happy holiday!
-Stacy
He continues to do his excercises daily. He is happy to be home on the weekends and looks forward to his rehab during the week, which is making him visibly stronger each time I see him. He is up and moving around throughout the day, but will need to continue to increase the amount of time he spends on his feet in order to rebuild his strength.
The infection on the toe has been identified as staph and something else called acinetobacter. They are currently treating it with a topical cream and will check it out in another week. They are waiting to see if they'll need to start antibiotics again because the one that they are thinking about using next has some irreversible side effects, the most serious being kidney problems The two infections are resistent to antibiotics. We feel confident in the doctors that are currently treating Popo, but he could still use all of your prayers.
As always, thank you for the strength, good wishes, positive thoughts, cards, care packages, and everything else that your kind hearts have been sending his way. Love to you all and wishes for a safe and happy holiday!
-Stacy
Monday, December 3, 2007
DISCHARGED!
So, Joe has finally been discharged from Sunny View! It happened after the toenail was removed and the infection was cultured. We will have to wait another day or two to get the results of the culture at which point they will have to figure out how they are going to treat that infection.
My dad was thrilled to be at home...for a few days at least. He will be spending the majority of his time at The Fisher House with my mom so that he can do his outpatient therapy in Albany. Today he is scheduled to begin his hand and shoulder therapy. His shoulders have developed some tendinitis from all the weight he has been bearing on them. I believe once the shoulders get added to his therapy it will involve some ultra sound on them, which he said feels really good. In fact, while he was in Sunny View he had it done a couple of times. One of the really great Occupational Therapists snuck him into the therapy room and gave him an extra treatment when nobody was around.
Along with the hand and shoulder therapy he will be doing his physical therapy in Albany as well. He and my mom will probably be in Albany during the week, go home on Friday nights and stay there thru the weekend. My parents were both surprised at how he is managing around the house. He was able to get into his own bed with the help of his grand kids foot stool. He is able to use the ramps that his brother put in for him. Over the weekend he got himself up each hour and shuffled around the house with is walker. He will need to wait on taking a shower as we still try to work out how many handrails we will have to put in and where they should be placed. Overall, everyone is thrilled with the way he is managing for now. Of course, my mother is exhausted because although he is able to do so much it all requires her help and then there are all of the things that need to be done around the house.
On the day of his arrival home his brother, Billy came for a visit. He always comes on Saturdays whether it's to the hospital, rehab, and now HOME! So, Billy, my mom and dad had a little welcome home party for him with pizza and salad around a nice fire. My dad would like to be home more than a few days a week, but for now he'll take it.
I'm hoping that my mom didn't have to shovel to much snow this morning to get him out the door. That would be a whole new challenge, huh? Just learning to walk a few weeks ago and now throwing snow into the mix! If anyone can handle these challenges my parents can. All of this hard work will pay off in the end. Love you guys!
-Stacy
My dad was thrilled to be at home...for a few days at least. He will be spending the majority of his time at The Fisher House with my mom so that he can do his outpatient therapy in Albany. Today he is scheduled to begin his hand and shoulder therapy. His shoulders have developed some tendinitis from all the weight he has been bearing on them. I believe once the shoulders get added to his therapy it will involve some ultra sound on them, which he said feels really good. In fact, while he was in Sunny View he had it done a couple of times. One of the really great Occupational Therapists snuck him into the therapy room and gave him an extra treatment when nobody was around.
Along with the hand and shoulder therapy he will be doing his physical therapy in Albany as well. He and my mom will probably be in Albany during the week, go home on Friday nights and stay there thru the weekend. My parents were both surprised at how he is managing around the house. He was able to get into his own bed with the help of his grand kids foot stool. He is able to use the ramps that his brother put in for him. Over the weekend he got himself up each hour and shuffled around the house with is walker. He will need to wait on taking a shower as we still try to work out how many handrails we will have to put in and where they should be placed. Overall, everyone is thrilled with the way he is managing for now. Of course, my mother is exhausted because although he is able to do so much it all requires her help and then there are all of the things that need to be done around the house.
On the day of his arrival home his brother, Billy came for a visit. He always comes on Saturdays whether it's to the hospital, rehab, and now HOME! So, Billy, my mom and dad had a little welcome home party for him with pizza and salad around a nice fire. My dad would like to be home more than a few days a week, but for now he'll take it.
I'm hoping that my mom didn't have to shovel to much snow this morning to get him out the door. That would be a whole new challenge, huh? Just learning to walk a few weeks ago and now throwing snow into the mix! If anyone can handle these challenges my parents can. All of this hard work will pay off in the end. Love you guys!
-Stacy
Friday, November 30, 2007
Day 100
Today was almost discharge day. They are ready to get my dad out of rehab. The average stay at Sunny View for an orthopedic patient is something like 8.2 days. So as you can imagine my dad is not doing much for their numbers. Although he is not your average ortho patient with a joint replacement. Anyway, I will attempt to give you the facts of the day without muddling it too much with my emotions (this is my third try so I can't promise you anything). It is all very frustrating since from the beginning of this whole ordeal my mom has been on people to "just do their job". Well, people don't always "just do their job".
The big toe that was broken in the accident has become infected down to the bone and nobody seemed to "notice" even though we discuss it with every nurse on duty. Today, when they were ready to sweep my dad right out the front door the Infectious Disease Doctor put a stop to everything. Ultimately, it was my mom who forced him to take a look and give her some answers. Once he x-rayed it he determined it is infected down to the bone. The nail needs to be removed and cultured to find out what type of infection it is so they can begin treating it.
We knew the nail needed to come off about a week ago when my dad starting visiting some of his surgeons for follow-up appointments. Both the ortho and plastic surgeons recommended having a podiatrist look at it and remove the nail. The doctor wrote an order for this which was ignored by the nurses at the rehab facility. The nurses told my mom that they can not do that here and handed the order back to her. This was on Monday. Now almost 5 days have gone by with the infection having time to worsen! Let's hope that they are able to clear up this infection and that it is not more staph. If people had "just done there job" in the beginning the toe could already have begun the healing process. Today when Dr. Leibers told the nurse to call and make the appt. she jumped and got one right away for later this afternoon.
It has been a roller coaster of a day, and I did not even mention the fact that there was NO discharge plan written for him, the podiatrist appt. finally scheduled for today was changed 3 times and he did not make any of them, the X-ray tech dragged and dropped the walker on his lower left leg where the plate is and may have damaged it, and my parents sat around for 5 hours before anyone bothered to say that they were probably not going home today! Ahhh, it's so crazy. As my mom said, "You can't make this stuff up, people wouldn't believe it!"
As always, we have to be thankful for how far my dad has come. It really is a miracle and a tribute to the unbelielvably strong man that he is. We are also so thankful to have friends and family like you and for all of your prayers, kind words, strength and positive thoughts. It helps us tremendously to get through these tough times.
Good night for now,
Stacy
The big toe that was broken in the accident has become infected down to the bone and nobody seemed to "notice" even though we discuss it with every nurse on duty. Today, when they were ready to sweep my dad right out the front door the Infectious Disease Doctor put a stop to everything. Ultimately, it was my mom who forced him to take a look and give her some answers. Once he x-rayed it he determined it is infected down to the bone. The nail needs to be removed and cultured to find out what type of infection it is so they can begin treating it.
We knew the nail needed to come off about a week ago when my dad starting visiting some of his surgeons for follow-up appointments. Both the ortho and plastic surgeons recommended having a podiatrist look at it and remove the nail. The doctor wrote an order for this which was ignored by the nurses at the rehab facility. The nurses told my mom that they can not do that here and handed the order back to her. This was on Monday. Now almost 5 days have gone by with the infection having time to worsen! Let's hope that they are able to clear up this infection and that it is not more staph. If people had "just done there job" in the beginning the toe could already have begun the healing process. Today when Dr. Leibers told the nurse to call and make the appt. she jumped and got one right away for later this afternoon.
It has been a roller coaster of a day, and I did not even mention the fact that there was NO discharge plan written for him, the podiatrist appt. finally scheduled for today was changed 3 times and he did not make any of them, the X-ray tech dragged and dropped the walker on his lower left leg where the plate is and may have damaged it, and my parents sat around for 5 hours before anyone bothered to say that they were probably not going home today! Ahhh, it's so crazy. As my mom said, "You can't make this stuff up, people wouldn't believe it!"
As always, we have to be thankful for how far my dad has come. It really is a miracle and a tribute to the unbelielvably strong man that he is. We are also so thankful to have friends and family like you and for all of your prayers, kind words, strength and positive thoughts. It helps us tremendously to get through these tough times.
Good night for now,
Stacy
Monday, November 26, 2007
The latest news...
Okay, so there is a lot of news to report since it has been well over a week since the last blog...a lot of good and some not so good.
The not so good: the staph infection has returned, or more likely was never completely cleared up in the first place. They have been treating that orally with a very strong antibiotic and we are all hoping that it will finally be gone soon. We are not sure how long he will have to be on this dose of antibiotic. He has a good infectious disease doctor who sees him at Sunnyview and we are thankful for that. We feel confident that he will continue to monitor this situation closely.
Joe has been pretty nauseous in the last few days. There is a possibility that this has been caused by the antibiotics. They are going to do some very specific blood work (which they have been doing for the last 10 days anyway) tomorrow to make sure they are not overlooking something more serious. There is a chance that being on these strong antibodies for a long period of time could cause damage to the liver or pancreas.
The good: My dad continues to do great with all of his therapy. He has walked more and more everyday. He is beginning to bring the left foot a little bit in front of the right instead of just shuffling it up to meet the other. He has become very proficient with the walker and getting himself in and out of the wheelchair. He has done the stairs a few more times and even mastered some ramps with his walker! He continues to make us all very proud!
His last few doctor visits were really good. He saw his orthopedic surgeon who is thrilled with the way all of his bones look and the way he is progressing. He did say somewhere down the line they will have to go in and do a hip replacement on the right leg. They did the best they could with what they had to work with, but the "hip" he has now will not have a full range of motion.
The plastic surgeon said they will probably be able to cut away some of the incision at the same time as the hip replacement. I am not sure if this means they will be able to remove part of the "football" that is now part of his hip. The "football" is what Robb has named the new hip. It looks like he has a big bandage under his clothes on that right hip bet it is just the hip with some new calcified tissue. Yes, my dad has declared he is O.K. with his new "bubble butt".
In general, the plastic surgeon is very pleased with all of his surgical sites as well. He is not overly concerned with the fluid that has built up in one of the elbows. They are doing a lot of work right now trying to "walk" the old guy around right now. He would like my dad to get started right away on some hand therapy. The right hand may not regain as much strength or feeling as the left. However, he did say he thinks that they will be able to restore the left hand to 80% of what it was before. Yes, he said he believes that my dad will be able to swing the golf club again! That will not be for some time, but it is encouraging none the less.
We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner at Sunnyview with the entire family. We did not have the traditional meal, but that was not really the point this year. We obviously were all thankful for having the time to spend with each other and the second chance my dad has been given. We are also thankful to have friends and family like you who have been so supportive through your prayers, strength, and well wishes.
Happy and Safe Holidays,
Stacy
The not so good: the staph infection has returned, or more likely was never completely cleared up in the first place. They have been treating that orally with a very strong antibiotic and we are all hoping that it will finally be gone soon. We are not sure how long he will have to be on this dose of antibiotic. He has a good infectious disease doctor who sees him at Sunnyview and we are thankful for that. We feel confident that he will continue to monitor this situation closely.
Joe has been pretty nauseous in the last few days. There is a possibility that this has been caused by the antibiotics. They are going to do some very specific blood work (which they have been doing for the last 10 days anyway) tomorrow to make sure they are not overlooking something more serious. There is a chance that being on these strong antibodies for a long period of time could cause damage to the liver or pancreas.
The good: My dad continues to do great with all of his therapy. He has walked more and more everyday. He is beginning to bring the left foot a little bit in front of the right instead of just shuffling it up to meet the other. He has become very proficient with the walker and getting himself in and out of the wheelchair. He has done the stairs a few more times and even mastered some ramps with his walker! He continues to make us all very proud!
His last few doctor visits were really good. He saw his orthopedic surgeon who is thrilled with the way all of his bones look and the way he is progressing. He did say somewhere down the line they will have to go in and do a hip replacement on the right leg. They did the best they could with what they had to work with, but the "hip" he has now will not have a full range of motion.
The plastic surgeon said they will probably be able to cut away some of the incision at the same time as the hip replacement. I am not sure if this means they will be able to remove part of the "football" that is now part of his hip. The "football" is what Robb has named the new hip. It looks like he has a big bandage under his clothes on that right hip bet it is just the hip with some new calcified tissue. Yes, my dad has declared he is O.K. with his new "bubble butt".
In general, the plastic surgeon is very pleased with all of his surgical sites as well. He is not overly concerned with the fluid that has built up in one of the elbows. They are doing a lot of work right now trying to "walk" the old guy around right now. He would like my dad to get started right away on some hand therapy. The right hand may not regain as much strength or feeling as the left. However, he did say he thinks that they will be able to restore the left hand to 80% of what it was before. Yes, he said he believes that my dad will be able to swing the golf club again! That will not be for some time, but it is encouraging none the less.
We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner at Sunnyview with the entire family. We did not have the traditional meal, but that was not really the point this year. We obviously were all thankful for having the time to spend with each other and the second chance my dad has been given. We are also thankful to have friends and family like you who have been so supportive through your prayers, strength, and well wishes.
Happy and Safe Holidays,
Stacy
Friday, November 16, 2007
Keep up the great work!
Rehab has been an amazing chapter in this whole crazy ordeal. It is great to see the excitement and enthusiasm my dad puts in to all of his therapy. He is really anxious to move forward with building his muscles and getting stronger so that he can resume some sense of normalcy. The other day before I left he had walked 174 feet...what an accomplishment! He wanted me to make sure that I told people he is not walking, but the truth of the matter is that he is! Of course he uses a walker and they are little itsy bitsy steps. He doesn't consider that walking because most of the weight is on his arms. It was very impressive and the rest of us are considering it walking! He also went up and down 4 steps which took every single ounce of energy that he had in his body. He said it was like climbing Mount Everest. After that he took a 2 hour nap. He has gained about 10 pounds in 10 days and he is starting to look like himself again. His legs now have some muscle tone to them. He still think his arms look like "tomato poles", but he really is getting stronger everyday. We have been told that he probably will be discharged the week after next and will have to do home therapy for a while before he can start outpatient therapy. It will be too aggressive for him to do the outpatient stuff at first, so we will have to have a physical therapist come to the house.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
DAY 80 - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Cannot believe we are at Day 80 and are beginning to see some remarkable changes. I do have to say that the transfer to Sunnyview hasn't been easy, but we are making forward progress now. Apparently, my children seem to think I am going into hysteria after 80 days of hospital life (who could not love that kind of luxury?), but that is really not the case. Let me go back just a little bit. The day he was transferred to Sunnyview came as almost a complete surprise to us, although we'd had a little bit of warning bec. the evaluator had been to monitor his chart at AMC. The interesting thing about evaluating a patient is that they never even look at THE PATIENT. The only thing that is evaluated is the chart, which is fine if all the notes and records are accurate. Unfortunately, we found that with so many doctors and teams involved, it is truly impossible to keep really accurate records. For us, we only had one patient with which to concern ourselves, and all the doctors have many, many patients. Thus, here's how the transfer went. One day, the chart indicated that Joe could be 50% weight-bearing on his legs and non-weight bearing on his arms and left hand. The next day the chart indicated that he was non weight-bearing on his legs and non weight-bearing on his arms and left hand. The next day, he was 50% weight-bearing on the legs and weight-bearing as tolerated on the arms and hand. The next day, he was weight bearing as tolerated on the legs and non weight-bearing and the arms. The next day, he was weight bearing as tolerated on both arms and legs. The next day, he was non weight-bearing on both arms and legs!! You get the picture. Utter chaos. Thus, very hard to decipher and figure out exactly what the weight-bearing status of all the extremities really was. So, surprise, we took it upon ourselves to speak with each attending to try to get the info right from the horse's mouth. So, on the morning that we asked the plastic surgeons about weight-bearing status on the arms and hand, we were told that weight bearing should be as tolerated at 4 weeks from surgery. We were at 1 week, so we confirmed that there should be no weight bearing for 3 more weeks. O.K., so then the orthopedists said that there could be weight bearing as tolerated, but wrote on the chart that he was to be non weight-bearing on the legs. Holy crow!! Needless to say, we had a hard time trying to figure it all out and the evaluator found it impossible. However, after several phone calls and some arm-twisting, they at least got the most inexperienced of the residents to say he could weight-bear as tolerated on all four extremities. I'm not sure how you can get from non weight-bearing to weight-bearing as tolerated in one hour, but aparently it can be done. So Joe was moved from 24-hour observation to a private room, where he slept peacefully for one night. The next day, he was supposed to actually be brought down to the physical therapy department in a wheel chair and truly have his status on all 4 extremities evaluated before he was transferred. They came from physical therapy to bring him down and we were speaking with the doctors. They said they would come back later. In the meantime, I was running back and forth to my car with his medical things and our personal things from the room to start to get ready for the transfer. The case worker arrived saying the ambulance would be there shortly to take Joe, but said we could wait for another hour. We told her we were supposed to go to physical therapy before he left for an evaluation. She told us we didn't need that bec. they would evaluate him at Sunnyview. The next thing we knew, the ambulance crew was there, said they were Ambulance 24 and they would wait for me to get the last of the "stuff" in my car and for me to get my car to them and I would follow them to Sunnyview. Well, by the time I did all that, drove all around the hospital several times, got security involved in finding Ambulance 24 and finally went back up the the Trauma floor to try to find out where they were. They were halfway there without me! Unfortunately, no one there on the 4th floor really knew how to get there. Everyone knew sort of where it was, but not really. So they tried to get the ambulance driver to get back and get me. No dice. Called the ambulance company to try to send someone else to help me get there. No dice. So armed with some very bad MapQuest directions and some verbal directions and a guide, I stumbled my way from AMC to Sunnyview. Now that I have done it several times, it is a piece of cake, but when you're not from around any of these parts, it is all a huge maze and you've got to love those MapQuest directions. It is a way to see every nook and cranny of a strange town.
So, finally we are both at Sunnyview (one of our nurses at AMC, Eileen, said this could have only happened to us). It is comical when you think about it. I was a little frenzied when he disappeared, but we both eventually ended up at the same place. When he was being evaluated, he actually had a seizure when he tried to stand. My children like to tease me and pretend that he fainted, which is what the nurses have convinced Joe of what happened. He didn't want anyone to know that he fainted. Well, thanks to technology, it is all over the internet now. With some medical intervention and an IV and observation, he came through it just fine. It was a warning that things needed to progress just
a bit slower. For those of my family who did not witness the seizure, please understand ... he didn't faint. So, with the help of an abdominal binder and Teds (full length anti-emboli stockings with their very own garter belt - quite the fashion statement), true to form, Joe has bounced back.
Life in therapy has not been without its ups and downs, but we have come a long way from the first day. Joe is working tremendously hard and every bit of movement takes a herculean effort, whether using the large muscles or the small muscles. Even sitting in the wheelchair for a couple of hours is exhausting. Joe wanted to send his blog out to everyone because he is so grateful for everyone's caring and support, but his small muscles are not yet working well enough to use a computer, nor is he strong enough to sit up in that position and hold a computer on his lap for any length of time. So we improvised. Joe did his best to write it long-hand and Todd got it on the blog for him. It was kind of a group effort, but Joe felt good doing it. Every little bit helps. He has an enormously long way to go and my lowest estimation would be that it will be at least a year before he is even remotely close to back where he was. This is fine with us. We're retired, we have time.
Each new day brings a new challenge in both physical and occupational therapy. He had a speech evaluation because since the jaw was broken and then repaired with manipulation and wiring, his bite is different than it was. He keeps saying that they fixed it straighter than it was, but the fact is, it is just different than he has been used to for 65 years. The result of that is that he doesn't always know where his tongue is and sometimes it is in the wrong place, so that his words are slurred or just don't come out of his mouth correctly. The speech therapist understands the difficulty and gave him some exercises to help correct that, but said he is way too good to fit into their profile for their program. So for now, that is what we'll do. He also is suffering from a bit of aphasia and short term memory loss, which has been evaluated and again is not to the point where it should hinder him in every day life. The therapist also gave him some hints on how to cope with that. He doesn't seem bothered, but then he doesn't remember. Fortunately, he doesn't have to run a large operation anymore. He just has to remember his golf score ... or maybe he'll make a couple of extra dollars if his golf score slips his mind. Now, that would make him happy! We're hoping that the aphasia and memory loss are perhaps a temporary result of a combination of the trauma, the amount of general anesthesia he has had and the amount of narcotics that had to be administered. If not, it is certainly something that he can live with and function just fine.
We have had some real milestones. Yesterday, we went down to another physical therapy unit, where they had the front part of (driver and passenger seat) an old truck where Joe practiced once getting from his wheelchair into the passenger seat. He enjoyed that and Stacy took lots of pictures of him. The day before, while Stacy was drying the bottom of his feet, he actually flinched his right foot. Stacy asked if she had hurt him and he said "No, that tickled." It was weird for him bec. that is the first real feeling, besides pain, that he has had in that foot since the accident. A RED LETTER DAY!
Now, some of you may remember The Case of the Big Toe. Well, the Big Toe has reared its ugly head again. Now that Joe has started to stand and try to shuffle a bit with the walker and the wheel chair, the darn big toe (which looks exactly the same as it did right after the accident) has kicked up again and started to ooze. Hence, the arrival of epsom salt soaks. These actually seem to be helping to clean up the poor thing a little bit and making it feel a little better. Nothing like some good old-time remedies mixed in with the new technology. Still don't know what will happen with this thing. We may be visiting Dr. Unger after all.
So, here's where we stand. All things considered, we feel incredibly lucky and blessed. Do we still have a long, long road ahead? That is a truism without question. Are there still obstacles ahead? Without a doubt. The last words the Orthopedic surgeon said to us were, "Now don't go throwing a clot on me". It wasn't really the last thing we needed to hear from his mouth. I'll remind him of that when we see him next week for X-Rays. Do I think we'll make it? An unequivocal, YES!!
Again, our family cannot thank everyone enough for all the prayers, good wishes and concern. It has all helped tremendously. Please continue the good and positive thoughts and prayers. The battle is not won yet. From our family to yours, Love, Cindi
P.S. We will do our best to continue to blog. It is just getting a bit more challenging, as we do not have access at Sunnyview, which is where we spend all of our time. On the rare occasions that someone is not at the hospital, most of us are too tired to blog. And, unfortunately, we now have one computer in for repair, so equipment is at a shortage. So, please bear with us.
So, finally we are both at Sunnyview (one of our nurses at AMC, Eileen, said this could have only happened to us). It is comical when you think about it. I was a little frenzied when he disappeared, but we both eventually ended up at the same place. When he was being evaluated, he actually had a seizure when he tried to stand. My children like to tease me and pretend that he fainted, which is what the nurses have convinced Joe of what happened. He didn't want anyone to know that he fainted. Well, thanks to technology, it is all over the internet now. With some medical intervention and an IV and observation, he came through it just fine. It was a warning that things needed to progress just
a bit slower. For those of my family who did not witness the seizure, please understand ... he didn't faint. So, with the help of an abdominal binder and Teds (full length anti-emboli stockings with their very own garter belt - quite the fashion statement), true to form, Joe has bounced back.
Life in therapy has not been without its ups and downs, but we have come a long way from the first day. Joe is working tremendously hard and every bit of movement takes a herculean effort, whether using the large muscles or the small muscles. Even sitting in the wheelchair for a couple of hours is exhausting. Joe wanted to send his blog out to everyone because he is so grateful for everyone's caring and support, but his small muscles are not yet working well enough to use a computer, nor is he strong enough to sit up in that position and hold a computer on his lap for any length of time. So we improvised. Joe did his best to write it long-hand and Todd got it on the blog for him. It was kind of a group effort, but Joe felt good doing it. Every little bit helps. He has an enormously long way to go and my lowest estimation would be that it will be at least a year before he is even remotely close to back where he was. This is fine with us. We're retired, we have time.
Each new day brings a new challenge in both physical and occupational therapy. He had a speech evaluation because since the jaw was broken and then repaired with manipulation and wiring, his bite is different than it was. He keeps saying that they fixed it straighter than it was, but the fact is, it is just different than he has been used to for 65 years. The result of that is that he doesn't always know where his tongue is and sometimes it is in the wrong place, so that his words are slurred or just don't come out of his mouth correctly. The speech therapist understands the difficulty and gave him some exercises to help correct that, but said he is way too good to fit into their profile for their program. So for now, that is what we'll do. He also is suffering from a bit of aphasia and short term memory loss, which has been evaluated and again is not to the point where it should hinder him in every day life. The therapist also gave him some hints on how to cope with that. He doesn't seem bothered, but then he doesn't remember. Fortunately, he doesn't have to run a large operation anymore. He just has to remember his golf score ... or maybe he'll make a couple of extra dollars if his golf score slips his mind. Now, that would make him happy! We're hoping that the aphasia and memory loss are perhaps a temporary result of a combination of the trauma, the amount of general anesthesia he has had and the amount of narcotics that had to be administered. If not, it is certainly something that he can live with and function just fine.
We have had some real milestones. Yesterday, we went down to another physical therapy unit, where they had the front part of (driver and passenger seat) an old truck where Joe practiced once getting from his wheelchair into the passenger seat. He enjoyed that and Stacy took lots of pictures of him. The day before, while Stacy was drying the bottom of his feet, he actually flinched his right foot. Stacy asked if she had hurt him and he said "No, that tickled." It was weird for him bec. that is the first real feeling, besides pain, that he has had in that foot since the accident. A RED LETTER DAY!
Now, some of you may remember The Case of the Big Toe. Well, the Big Toe has reared its ugly head again. Now that Joe has started to stand and try to shuffle a bit with the walker and the wheel chair, the darn big toe (which looks exactly the same as it did right after the accident) has kicked up again and started to ooze. Hence, the arrival of epsom salt soaks. These actually seem to be helping to clean up the poor thing a little bit and making it feel a little better. Nothing like some good old-time remedies mixed in with the new technology. Still don't know what will happen with this thing. We may be visiting Dr. Unger after all.
So, here's where we stand. All things considered, we feel incredibly lucky and blessed. Do we still have a long, long road ahead? That is a truism without question. Are there still obstacles ahead? Without a doubt. The last words the Orthopedic surgeon said to us were, "Now don't go throwing a clot on me". It wasn't really the last thing we needed to hear from his mouth. I'll remind him of that when we see him next week for X-Rays. Do I think we'll make it? An unequivocal, YES!!
Again, our family cannot thank everyone enough for all the prayers, good wishes and concern. It has all helped tremendously. Please continue the good and positive thoughts and prayers. The battle is not won yet. From our family to yours, Love, Cindi
P.S. We will do our best to continue to blog. It is just getting a bit more challenging, as we do not have access at Sunnyview, which is where we spend all of our time. On the rare occasions that someone is not at the hospital, most of us are too tired to blog. And, unfortunately, we now have one computer in for repair, so equipment is at a shortage. So, please bear with us.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Wednesday, November 7
Hi Everyone,
Sorry for the lapse in time between blogs. Sunnyview does not have an internet connection and we have had some problems connecting at the Fisher House, as well. I know everyone is anxious for updates and we will try to post as often as we can. My mom has lots and lots of info for you all but I will just give you a brief update.
My dad has settled into room 320 at Sunnyview. He has a nice big window with a nice look at the changing leaves on the trees across the street. He had a very scary first day at sunnyview after he stood up with the help of a therapist and all of the blood quickly rushed from his upper body to his feet. He "pancaked" pretty quickly. I think it scared my mom more than anything. They called for help from the hospital next door and got an IV started and my dad did recover. I do not think my mom has recovered yet, but my dad is moving on b/c he does not remember the incident. After that they stepped backwards and put my dad on a "tilt" board which is a table that my dad lies on and gets strapped to. Then they slowly bring the table up a few degrees at time. It gives his body time to acclimate to being upright again after lying flat for so long. He did that for several days and today (with help from a therapist) he got into a wheelchair for a few hours. He is skin and bones and has very little strength and is still recovering from all the trauma so things are very slow going. The only thing that nasty old tractor did not crush was his spirit which has never waivered. Overall he looks wonderful and we are so thrilled with his progress. He is working very hard and is enjoying the cards and well wishes from everyone, he is truly touched by all of your support.
Today he shuffled across the floor with hid walker, sounds easy right? He usually takes a little nap whenever he has a little break from therapy. His therapy starts at 9:30 till 12:00 then lunch then therapy again until about 4:30. He works very hard all day.
Here is Joe's address: He really does love hearing from everybody. Thanks.
Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital Room 320
1270 Belmont Ave.
Schenectady, N.Y. 12308
Dana
Sorry for the lapse in time between blogs. Sunnyview does not have an internet connection and we have had some problems connecting at the Fisher House, as well. I know everyone is anxious for updates and we will try to post as often as we can. My mom has lots and lots of info for you all but I will just give you a brief update.
My dad has settled into room 320 at Sunnyview. He has a nice big window with a nice look at the changing leaves on the trees across the street. He had a very scary first day at sunnyview after he stood up with the help of a therapist and all of the blood quickly rushed from his upper body to his feet. He "pancaked" pretty quickly. I think it scared my mom more than anything. They called for help from the hospital next door and got an IV started and my dad did recover. I do not think my mom has recovered yet, but my dad is moving on b/c he does not remember the incident. After that they stepped backwards and put my dad on a "tilt" board which is a table that my dad lies on and gets strapped to. Then they slowly bring the table up a few degrees at time. It gives his body time to acclimate to being upright again after lying flat for so long. He did that for several days and today (with help from a therapist) he got into a wheelchair for a few hours. He is skin and bones and has very little strength and is still recovering from all the trauma so things are very slow going. The only thing that nasty old tractor did not crush was his spirit which has never waivered. Overall he looks wonderful and we are so thrilled with his progress. He is working very hard and is enjoying the cards and well wishes from everyone, he is truly touched by all of your support.
Today he shuffled across the floor with hid walker, sounds easy right? He usually takes a little nap whenever he has a little break from therapy. His therapy starts at 9:30 till 12:00 then lunch then therapy again until about 4:30. He works very hard all day.
Here is Joe's address: He really does love hearing from everybody. Thanks.
Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital Room 320
1270 Belmont Ave.
Schenectady, N.Y. 12308
Dana
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Day 70! He is out!
Joe has escaped. He is out of Albany Med and in to a rehab facility. We are sorry for the abrupt notice, but like many of the things that have happened at the hospital this was a very quick, short notice event.
An evaluator came from Sunnyview Rehab Facility in Schenectady N.Y.(about 25 min NW from Albany) to ask Dad some questions and check to see if he would be a good candidate for Sunnyview. Sunnyview is a very intensive and very good rehab facility. Mom and Dad were not sure if he was ready to leave the hospital and start a very intense form of rehab.
The evaluator made some calls and came back with the news that he was a good candidate and there was a bed open. So, with a cloud of dust and papers flying, Dad was put in an ambulance and moved to Sunnyview.
Sunnyview is very nice and Dad seems to be happy about the move.
He is starting down a very long, tough road, but he is speeding down that road with no hesitation. It is very exciting for all of us that he is out of the hospital and on to the next stage in his recovery.
I am sure my mother will give you all a much more detailed account of everything as soon as she gets the chance. For
An evaluator came from Sunnyview Rehab Facility in Schenectady N.Y.(about 25 min NW from Albany) to ask Dad some questions and check to see if he would be a good candidate for Sunnyview. Sunnyview is a very intensive and very good rehab facility. Mom and Dad were not sure if he was ready to leave the hospital and start a very intense form of rehab.
The evaluator made some calls and came back with the news that he was a good candidate and there was a bed open. So, with a cloud of dust and papers flying, Dad was put in an ambulance and moved to Sunnyview.
Sunnyview is very nice and Dad seems to be happy about the move.
He is starting down a very long, tough road, but he is speeding down that road with no hesitation. It is very exciting for all of us that he is out of the hospital and on to the next stage in his recovery.
I am sure my mother will give you all a much more detailed account of everything as soon as she gets the chance. For
DAY 72!!!!!
Dear Family and Friends,
I think some of you have probably heard by now that I was transferred from Albany Medical Center on "Day 70". I was evaluated and then offered a bed at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady, N.Y.
Sunnyview is a top level, first class rehab facility. I have been told that if any place can get me walking again, Sunnyview is the place, and after being here for a day I believe it.
I am eager and excited with each new day to meet and exceed the goals that are set for me. All the good wishes, prayers and love from all of you got me through 70 days at Albany Med and I am confident, even though the road is going to be challenging, that with all of you behind me I will walk out of Sunnyview on my own two legs soon.
I am eternally grateful and indebted to each and every one you who have taken the time and care to check in on me over the last 10 weeks. Thank you all very much!
GETTING STRONGER EVERY DAY!
JOE
AKA> Popo, Dad, Uncle Joe, Joey, Joseph, Joe Pie, Little Joe, Mr. Ferraro,
Mr. F, Tractor Man, Miracle Man, The Tank.
Or any other name you may know me by.
I think some of you have probably heard by now that I was transferred from Albany Medical Center on "Day 70". I was evaluated and then offered a bed at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady, N.Y.
Sunnyview is a top level, first class rehab facility. I have been told that if any place can get me walking again, Sunnyview is the place, and after being here for a day I believe it.
I am eager and excited with each new day to meet and exceed the goals that are set for me. All the good wishes, prayers and love from all of you got me through 70 days at Albany Med and I am confident, even though the road is going to be challenging, that with all of you behind me I will walk out of Sunnyview on my own two legs soon.
I am eternally grateful and indebted to each and every one you who have taken the time and care to check in on me over the last 10 weeks. Thank you all very much!
GETTING STRONGER EVERY DAY!
JOE
AKA> Popo, Dad, Uncle Joe, Joey, Joseph, Joe Pie, Little Joe, Mr. Ferraro,
Mr. F, Tractor Man, Miracle Man, The Tank.
Or any other name you may know me by.
Monday, October 29, 2007
DAY 68 - OCTOBER 29
Yes, another month is almost over. I thought I would be unable to blog bec. I would be without a computer, but Robb was nice enough to leave his with us until he came back. Joe has had another good day of progress. Last night, the last of the antibiotics for his infections was administered. This morning, Infectious Diseases and Infection Control were in and swabbed and deemed that the infections were, indeed, under control. Thus, the last line (placed in his big saphenous vein in his foot) was removed this morning. That's right. Absolutely no more tubes or needles poking into or out of anywhere. It is a very freeing feeling. So, shortly after that, the OT and PT girls were in, dragged him up into a sitting position (again, not so easy. Since he's had to be inactive since the last 2 surgeries, he had lost a lot of ground that he had made. He will have to work hard to get back where he was and then move forward.) and had him dangle his feet over the side of the bed. This was enough to almost make him pass out - dizzy, light-headed and nauseous again - the usual. But they managed. They were a little disturbed by the situation of the muscles in his back and left arm. All in kind of rough shape. They are thinking that the position he must have had to be in for the surgery on his arms has gotten things out of shape. Unfortunately, being totally immobile for so long has caused a lot of muscle deterioration, as well as other things, to say nothing of all the muscle and tissue that had to be removed in different surgeries. He will have lots of rehab to do, but is anxious to get started. Dana and I had done some investigating the last time she, my sister and Stacy were here and had pretty much decided on an acute rehab hospital in this area, mostly bec. his doctors are in this area. It seems like the most practical thing to do at this point. This afternoon, someone came from the 8th floor (they do have a rehab floor here, but we felt that Joe would be better served at this other hospital, since Rehab is what they do there, as well as being a hospital. We are waiting for the results of the X-Rays that they took Friday night for his main orthopedic doctor to make a decision on his weight bearing status. His rehab is hinging on that, but because he is also non-weight bearing on his upper body also bec. of the surgery on the elbows, he will need to start rebuilding his upper body so that he will have the strength to move his own body, use crutches or a walker. He has lots and lots or work to do. He also needs to continue to rehab his jaw and mouth and possibly a little speech therapy, bec. we have noticed a little bit of trouble speaking now and then anda teensy bit of aphasia. I think this is all minor and should be addressed fairly quickly. At any rate, when the Case Worker came to discuss a Discharge Plan, she said he could be transferred to the 8th floor and we told her where we wanted him to go and she told us he could go right to the 8th floor and we told her again where we wanted to go and she gave us some song and dance again about the 8th floor and we told her again where we wanted to go. I think she finally got the message. I asked if I had to call the facility myself and she said she would call them tomorrow and have someone come over and evaluate Joe. Now we have to hope that he gets accepted and that they will have a bed. We may be moving into our next phase sooner than we had even hoped. Joe knows he is very weak, depleted and has lost a lot of weight, but I don't think he realizes just how much he has deteriorated. It will be a rude awakening, but he is excited to at least get the process of rebuilding started. If he is able to get in, my plan is to stay here at the Fisher House at least until he gets settled in and we have a time frame and a schedule. For now, we are so lucky to have been the recipients of all of your prayers and good wishes. We think of all of you and know how lucky we are. Will keep everyone posted. For now, JUST MANY, MANY THANKS !! Love, Cindi
Sunday, October 28, 2007
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28
| O.K., so it wasn't that it was too early this a.m. - anyone who has been in a hospital knows that 8:00 a.m. is not early - you've already been awakened several times since about 4:00 a.m. - I think I've just been here too long !! Apologies for the blank blog. Will try to make more progress this time. Going back a little bit in time, the week before his plastic surgery, Joe accidentally pulled out his feeding tube. This happened right after his triple lumen pick accidentally got pulled out by the physical therapist trying to get him into the wheel chair. Both created some discussions and problem solving. The pick was the thing that has been used to administer one of the antibiotics, Vancomycin, for the Staph infection. The other antibiotic, that is being used to treat the other gram negative infection, had been crushed and flushed through the feeding tube while he had his jaws wired. And the feeding tube was used at night to administer the "Crucial" feed to him while he was unable to eat and in the hopes of building him up from his malnourished state to help prepare him, the skin and the surgical sites for the plastic surgery. The nutritionist had insisted on it. So, on the Saturday night that it was discovered that the feeding tube had been pulled out of place, the great family discussion began. Joe had decided he didn't want it anymore and I was pretty determined that he needed it and it should be continued. So, the whole family and the nurses and the residents were in on the discussion. Back and forth, pros and cons, not getting anywhere. Finally, the head nurse sent everyone out, closed the curtain and left just the two of us to come to some decision. This was not easy, but I did have to remind the patient that the decisions that had been made by us so far had been good ones and he was making good forward progress and it would be foolish to not continue in that direction. Joe did finally defer to me, though he was not happy about it. I hate to tell him I told you so, but this did turn out to be an excellent decision. After his plastic surgery, the doctor did tell us that with the injuries that Joe had , they only get these good results in about 2 out of 10 cases. We feel very lucky, but I really think that the combination of everything - the extra nutrition, which he would not have without the feeding tube, the Integra, the wound Vacs and the excellent work of some very fine surgeons. The other thing that we think has really helped, in conjunction with the traditional and high tech Western medicine, has been the wonderful work of the people from Healing Touch and Reiki. We are very grateful from all of them. The IV line turned out to be a bit of a puzzle. They decided not to put another pick in, since he only had about another 8 days of antibiotics and thought they could just put an IV line in. Well, that turned out to be easier said than done. First of all, he hardly has any usable veins, so whenever they could find a little one, put in an IV, start trying to run the Vancomycin, they would blow the vein out. We've learned that that antibiotic is very hard on the veins. So after a few doses of that, they called the pick unit in again. They decided not to put another one in and put in a peripheral line instead. All well and good, but the only vein should could find was right above the elbow, so he couldn't move his arm without pushing the needle in further into the vein. Very painful and totally impractical. Well, that lasted a day before he went in for his nerve sugery and they had to pull that out to make the incision for that surgery. Pretty silly, but at least during surgery, the surgeon put a new line into his left foot and a back-up into his right hand. Well, the one in the right hand lasted one day and blew out before it was even used. Useless. Fortunately, the one in the left foot has held out and everyone is treating it very tenderly and carefully and at this point, it only has to last for one more day and a half. So, all is well with Joe. They continue now to change all the dressings daily and everything looks good and is progressing well. Plastics is thinking they will continue that plan for another week and we are waiting now for the results of the X-Rays taken on Friday night to determine when he will be able to begin to bear weight. At that point, some plan will begin to be formed for post-hospital. On another note, Robb has been involved in about 12 hours of very stressful situations. Last night, the husband of the patient next to us had a complete melt-down. At this particular time, the other 2 patients in the unit had been transferred out to other rooms and Joe and I had gone down to X-Ray for more pictures. Robb was waiting in the room for us and was alone with the 2 nurses, the other patient and her husband, who came to the Nurse's station and said he was sure his wife was going to die that night and he had bought a rope and he was going to hang himself, because she was all he had. He continued to go on and on. His wife's nurse just explained to him that his wife was NOT dying. He left and everything sprung into action. Security, police, administration, etc. Robb was asked for a statement and he gave one. Then he was asked to confirm and sign. He worried that the poor 80 year old man was going to be arrested. As it has turned out, all seems to be O.K. He is still here, and much subdued, and she is still here. However, all the rest of us were shaken. This was more stressful than all of the prisoners, police officers, State Troopers and Tribal Police that have been in and out of this Unit. The next morning, Robb was out having a cigarette break and he got punched in the head. Yes, assaulted on the grounds of Albany Med. None of this gives us a very secure feeling and I, for one, am starting to really look forward to our next stage of recovery, which, hopefully will be sooner, rather than later. Please keep up all of your wonderful good wishes and prayers. Joe still has a long road to recovery. Robb will be taking his computer, so I don't know when I'll get to blog again, but we'll do our best. Stacy is in New Orleans for VooDoo Fest and Scott is headed to Las Vegas this week, so until Robb comes back later this week Over and Out from Albany Med. Love, Cindi |
Saturday, October 27, 2007
OCTOBER 27 = 2 DAYS POST SCOTT'S BIRTHDAY
Hello, friends and family. Things are going well from AMC, but once again our skeleton crew has been plagued with technical difficulties. It would be helpful for us if we were more technically savvy, but that's not the case. So we do what we can. Part of our technical problems were not even ours, but we spent a long time trying to figure things out only to find out the problem was actually the internal system here at AMC. At any rate, we tried really hard to get a blog on for October 25th, as it was our precious first born's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to SCOTT. We miss you and have cherished your trips, as we do for Todd, Dana, Stacy and Robb's. We have been so lucky and blessed to have our wonderful family be so dedicated to Joe's recovery, my sister included. We've had several family birthdays pass by as we have been here recovering and now that our first born son has just had his birthday (he is in Louisville at this time and headed to Las Vegas next week), it is time for our first born grandson, Turner Makana Sorge, to have his 6th birthday. That will be on Nov. 16. We are hoping to, possibly, at least be out of the hospital by then. But back to real time, belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO SCOTT !! Love from us here at Albany Med. And now, the medical journal. Surgery to release the ulnar nerves in both arms and the median release on the left went very well. It was the 13th surgery on the 9th week date from the accident and I think we might be done with surgery, at least for now. The plastic surgeons also took down and redressed all of the other wounds from the plastic surgery last week, so both lower legs and both thighs and both upper arms and elbows, as well as the left wrist and hand, are all heavily bandaged. He looks like what he is ... an accident victim!! However, the good news is that after all of the fol de rol and nonsense and foot dragging, the day after the surgery, he had already noticed some increase in the sensation in the hands and fingers. We are thrilled and relieved. He knows that it will continue to take a long time and lots of rehab to get strength and the use of the hands back, but he is very encouraged and very glad that we kept after the doctors to get something done. So far, the result has been well worth the effort. Out for now. More later. Most importantly, Joe came through the surgery just great and is now resting comfortably. Love, Cindi
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
DAY 62 - OCTOBER 23
Hi, everyone! It has been a long time since I have blogged, but I'm going to see if I can catch up. There seems to never be a dull moment here at Albany Med. I had planned to go back to last week, to the day of the unwiring, which was a great day, but things have been moving very fast in another direction, so I will try to catch up and go back for details at another time, if at all possible. It's hard to keep the brain cells working.
So, I'm going to skip right to the EMG that Joe had on Wednesday. Yes, very, very painful and miserable but Joe and I have been trying to convey to everyone who would listen, and some who wouldn't listen, that his last 2 1/2 to 3 fingers on both hands have been numb since the accident. It was the very first thing he began to complain about when he first became aware that he was alive and continued to tell every single team about it for about 7 - 8 weeks now. We have talked to the physical and occupational therapist about it and Hallelujah!!, finally someone began to pay attention and then everyone got in on the bandwagon. So, the results of the EMG showed that he had bilateral ulnar nerve damage, resulting in essentially carpal tunnel injury in both hands and median nerve damage on the left side. Everyone has been asking him how he thinks this might have happened. We cannot exactly figure out why we have to come up with a scenario for them - the man was run over and dragged by a tractor, for God's sake. Can't anyone figure out how these nerves might have been injured? Anyway, after the test, we were told we just had to wait for someone to read the results of the test and then they would come up with a plan - either surgery or occupational therapy or a combination of both. So, we waited and waited, and Joe vented to everyone wearing a white coat, or anyone even remotely looking like a medical person about getting the results and how long we had already waited for some kind of any answer and how his left arm and hand, in particular, just continued to get worse and weaker. This was getting to be the big concern, because now we are starting to think about serious physical therapy and Joe will need strength in his arms and hands to help negotiate the wheelchair until he is able to bear weight and start to learn to walk again. Well, he finally got to Dr. Shallett, a plastic surgery resident, whom we call Gentle Ben, because his name is Ben and he is gentle and sweet. Gentle Ben was in checking on the skin grafting that was just done and was horrified to hear PoPo's Tale of the Hands over the last 7 or 8 weeks and wanted to know who was following the case. Well, Joe said No One, scaring Ben even more, who then said that from now on, Plastics would be covering him and that by Monday, we would have an answer. Sure enough, Monday, late, Dr. Koumanis, the plastic surgeon who has done all of Joe's plastic surgery arrived, did an exam, asked some questions and explained to us, very simply, what has happened and why. After ruling out the other possibilities, he said that very often, when the body as had a severe trauma, it will swell excessively (which was certainly the case - when we first saw Joe, he was at least twice his size with the swelling - the kids said if they did not know it was their father, they would not have recognized him - even his face and head were twice their size), thereby entrapping some of the nerves that travel through tunnels, like the ulnar nerve travelling through the cubital tunnel, due to the swelling. He explained that if surgery was necessary, he would have 2 small incisions at the wrists, and an incision under the left elbow and the nerves would be freed up a bit and then hopefully some relief.. As it has turned out, it was decided that since the nerves were getting worse and not better, that surgery was indicated. Thus, tomorrow, Joe will head back for what we think is his 13th surgery to hopefully free up the nerves. We are thrilled to finally have some answers about this injury that has been plaguing him for 9 weeks. So, once again, please keep Joe in your prayers. We know that it will be a very long rehab, but we have high hopes. He feels very encouraged and I would have hounded everyone before I would have let him leave the hospital without getting an answer about the Hands!! It's been another Big Toe thing, which, by the way, is doing O.K. It is still sore, swollen and ugly - but it has not developed any infection. We are happy!!
Thank you again for all of your good wishes and prayers. Love, Cindi
So, I'm going to skip right to the EMG that Joe had on Wednesday. Yes, very, very painful and miserable but Joe and I have been trying to convey to everyone who would listen, and some who wouldn't listen, that his last 2 1/2 to 3 fingers on both hands have been numb since the accident. It was the very first thing he began to complain about when he first became aware that he was alive and continued to tell every single team about it for about 7 - 8 weeks now. We have talked to the physical and occupational therapist about it and Hallelujah!!, finally someone began to pay attention and then everyone got in on the bandwagon. So, the results of the EMG showed that he had bilateral ulnar nerve damage, resulting in essentially carpal tunnel injury in both hands and median nerve damage on the left side. Everyone has been asking him how he thinks this might have happened. We cannot exactly figure out why we have to come up with a scenario for them - the man was run over and dragged by a tractor, for God's sake. Can't anyone figure out how these nerves might have been injured? Anyway, after the test, we were told we just had to wait for someone to read the results of the test and then they would come up with a plan - either surgery or occupational therapy or a combination of both. So, we waited and waited, and Joe vented to everyone wearing a white coat, or anyone even remotely looking like a medical person about getting the results and how long we had already waited for some kind of any answer and how his left arm and hand, in particular, just continued to get worse and weaker. This was getting to be the big concern, because now we are starting to think about serious physical therapy and Joe will need strength in his arms and hands to help negotiate the wheelchair until he is able to bear weight and start to learn to walk again. Well, he finally got to Dr. Shallett, a plastic surgery resident, whom we call Gentle Ben, because his name is Ben and he is gentle and sweet. Gentle Ben was in checking on the skin grafting that was just done and was horrified to hear PoPo's Tale of the Hands over the last 7 or 8 weeks and wanted to know who was following the case. Well, Joe said No One, scaring Ben even more, who then said that from now on, Plastics would be covering him and that by Monday, we would have an answer. Sure enough, Monday, late, Dr. Koumanis, the plastic surgeon who has done all of Joe's plastic surgery arrived, did an exam, asked some questions and explained to us, very simply, what has happened and why. After ruling out the other possibilities, he said that very often, when the body as had a severe trauma, it will swell excessively (which was certainly the case - when we first saw Joe, he was at least twice his size with the swelling - the kids said if they did not know it was their father, they would not have recognized him - even his face and head were twice their size), thereby entrapping some of the nerves that travel through tunnels, like the ulnar nerve travelling through the cubital tunnel, due to the swelling. He explained that if surgery was necessary, he would have 2 small incisions at the wrists, and an incision under the left elbow and the nerves would be freed up a bit and then hopefully some relief.. As it has turned out, it was decided that since the nerves were getting worse and not better, that surgery was indicated. Thus, tomorrow, Joe will head back for what we think is his 13th surgery to hopefully free up the nerves. We are thrilled to finally have some answers about this injury that has been plaguing him for 9 weeks. So, once again, please keep Joe in your prayers. We know that it will be a very long rehab, but we have high hopes. He feels very encouraged and I would have hounded everyone before I would have let him leave the hospital without getting an answer about the Hands!! It's been another Big Toe thing, which, by the way, is doing O.K. It is still sore, swollen and ugly - but it has not developed any infection. We are happy!!
Thank you again for all of your good wishes and prayers. Love, Cindi
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