Jeff's Journey will be a place where family and friends can come to get updates on our dad's condition and progress. We have a long road ahead of us and we hope that this blog can serve not only as a place for updates but also as a journal of strength and remembrance. We have faith in our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ and we know that through our faith and perseverance our dad will be healed. Though we have been told that the chances are slim (1 in 200,000) that our dad will walk again, we will be by his side to help him beat those odds. Our dad will make it through this challenging trial and we will be there to help him every step of the way! We love you DAD & GRANDPA!!

Friday, September 11, 2015

Day 19 - September 11, 2015

Today's blog will be brief because Jeff gave specific directions that he wants to tell everyone how his progress is going and the awesome things he accomplished today! He amazes us every day in how well he's adapting.

He will be using the dictation software Brandi helped him find to finish his update and it will be posted here on this blog in the next few days.

On the way into the elevator today Ryan and Julee were discussing which room they were going to. A nurse followed them in and heard the room number and said, "Are you going to see Jeff?" When they said yes she responded, "I was the nurse who admitted him to the floor on Wednesday and I have to tell you, I could talk to him forever! And Annette is amazing. I just love them!"

On the way out the door another nurse stopped them to talk with Annette to see how things were going. Before saying goodbye to them she added, "We got an email about Jeff from the speech therapist saying he doesn't need speech therapy anymore, and the therapist said what a bummer it was because she liked working with him so much!"

Our dad is touching the lives of everyone he comes in contact with. Besides sharing his own inspirational story, he has a way of putting people at ease by wanting to know their stories. And he has the ability to retain that information!

He doesn't even seem to know he's doing it because it was a part of him before this. He has always loved to learn about others and share his thoughts and opinions based on his experiences. And this most recent life changing experience has given him an entirely different outlook on life and a new well of wisdom to share with anyone who is interested.

He draws people to him with his quirky personality and is quick to share his message. He has touched the lives of so many people without even realizing it. He is an amazing person and this trial has only made him shine brighter than ever.

Jeff reported that he got a better night's sleep last night and was able to do more with therapy today and thankfully didn't have a fever.

We are grateful to report that Jeff's fever was what is known as an idiopathic fever, which means it has no clear cause. Idiopathic fevers are very common with spinal cord injuries, just like blood pressure problems. It's the body's response to the injury.

It's important to rule out possible causes before using this diagnosis so infection is not missed, which is why they did blood work and urine samples.

A fever is a fever, however, and no matter the reason it's there it causes fatigue and a general feeling of yuck. We are just grateful it's not from infection, which would be an even larger setback than the symptoms of the fever alone.

The physical therapist today told Jeff that at the beginning of physical therapy for most people in his situation they have to spend about half their time on stretching alone. Because Jeff is in such great physical condition and is already so flexible, they waste no time with stretching and only have to do it for about five minutes! Just like Jeff, efficient with everything he does!

The therapist says he is weeks ahead of others who have sustained similar injuries. While this may be news, it's not surprising to any of us. Jeff has always taken very good care of his body and that choice is serving him well even in his current condition.
 
Stay tuned for words from Jeff, he's eager to post his own update for everyone to read. Thank you all for your support, we love you all!

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