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!!

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Day 52 - Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Jeff felt even better this morning than yesterday! After the workouts he did yesterday we were a little worried. We are hoping this trend will continue each day until he feels more like his old self.

Today Jeff got to try two different systems for power wheels on manual wheelchairs, one right after the other. The therapist said this is the first time that the hospital has had them both available at the same time. Jeff told him that after two weeks of praying over which one to get he knew it was no coincidence that they were both there for comparison.

One was made specifically for a certain brand of wheelchair. Jeff said it was definitely superior to the other one. The other system works with any brand of wheelchair. The rep is going to try to adjust it tomorrow to see if Jeff will like it better.

The one he really wants to try is the one that isn't available in the US because it's not FDA approved yet. Something about the company not being willing to pay the large fee to get it tested by FDA.

Another thing he has had to keep in mind is the type of break systems that are available. The one Jeff wants is called a disc system, but it isn't available on the power wheels. Then there is the pin break and the tire break, but they only work when the wheelchair is completely stopped.

The tire break is the most common, but they are constantly needing adjusting and maintenance so they aren't really the best option.

The insurance will only pay for the bare minimum, necessities only. Anything extra will be out of pocket. Only time will tell what that means for us. Tomorrow is the big day for him... it's time to order the wheelchair. Please pray with us that the choice he makes will be one that will benefit him best over the next several months and years to come.

Today Jeff worked more on technique than strength in therapy. Practice makes perfect and he kicked butt yesterday doing strengthening and deserved a rest.

The nerve pain all over Jeff's body has started to calm down more. When Annette used to rub Jeff's legs to help circulation it would hurt because the nerves were misfiring and it was an overly sensitive/burning/tingling sensation. Now it doesn't hurt anymore.
We are praying that these improvements continue on getting better. It's a small mercy that he can feel the improvements each day and be encouraged by them.

A huge thank you to David Ewell for taking the time to come and stay with Jeff this evening. We are so grateful for the loving service so many of you have given in order to help our family out.

Looking forward to tomorrow, grateful for a good day today. Thank you all for your support, we love and appreciate all you do!

No comments: