Days 99 to 105

Days 99 to 105

This week has been pretty good. It's still stressful trying to adjust to all the changes, but a sense of normalcy is beginning to appear. The challenges Jeff and Annette face are still overwhelming at times, but they are holding up well and keeping the faith.

Jeff's physical restrictions are his biggest complaint. He wants so badly to do things himself, but is very limited by his condition. Thankfully he is able to communicate his needs to others. This takes the word patience to an entirely different level for him. Every time he feels frustrated it's tempered by his gratitude that whoever is helping him is there, willing, and able to carry out his instructions.

Annette has found strength, literally, in her new role as Jeff's caretaker. Physically demanding to the extreme at times, she resorts to creative solutions to get the job done. We are so grateful her health has held up and allowed her to do everything she has been called to do. 

For each day of the week we will give a brief update of important events. Please let us know if we miss something that should be added. We would love to recognize everyone who helps us through this journey and this blog allows us to do that. 

Day 99, Monday Nov.  30

Jeff, Annette, and Brandi went to Neuroworx for the first time today. It was a day of orientation where they learned how things usually work and they were able to ask questions. Next week the real work will begin. Jeff will eventually be going to Neuroworx three times a week for physical therapy and we can't wait to see the progress that he makes! 

Day 100, Tuesday Dec. 1

Today was pretty busy and included a field trip to Heber to buy used tires and wheels for Jeff's truck. On the way back they stopped in Lindon to buy a used standing wheelchair. This allows Jeff to passively put weight on his muscles and joints which helps to keep them healthy and happy. 

His goal is to use the chair to stand for at least two hours each day, but it will take time to build up to that. Right now he still struggles to maintain his blood pressure when standing. He can only stand for short periods of time and then needs to sit so his body behaves. Passing out is a definite possibility with how low it drops. 

Day 101, Wednesday Dec. 2 

Today was dominated by orientation at TOSH where Jeff will be having his occupational therapy every week. Again, we are excited to see what they have in store for him and what progress he makes. 

Day 102, Thursday Dec.  3

Jeff spent today at home. Terren and Randy came and modified the lift in the garage so it works better for Jeff. His power chair didn't fit very well before and now it's not quite so tight. In other words, his toes don't get squished anymore when he goes in and out of the house. 

Annette was finally able to take the truck back to American Fork to the Ken Garf Ford so they could do the warranty inspection. That means five years of not having to worry if something goes wrong with the truck. 

Annette was very stressed about getting the truck back from American Fork and driving in the dark tonight. Thankfully the Lord took a hand and everything fell into place. 

Ryan was in the area for work and was riding with his boss when Annette called. It worked out well for Ryan to drive Jeff's truck home so his boss could go straight home instead of having to go out of his way to drop Ryan off at their work building. This was a tender mercy to say the least! 

Day 103, Friday Dec. 4

Annette had to work today so Jeff stayed home with Cherie and Aliyah. It has been such a blessing to have them there! 

A lot happened today. First we want to recognize Kameron for installing the radon removal system downstairs. This has been a problem for a while that we are grateful to be done with. 

David Ewell modified the pivot point on the wheelchair rack so it makes it more sturdy. 

Randy and his electrician, Don, wired the radon removal system and also the hot water heater. Then they ran a dedicated line to the plug for the wheelchair lift in the garage. This will prevent it from popping the breaker every time it's used. Randy also installed a shower curtain in Jeff's new bathroom. 

In the evening Julee came and helped Annette change Jeff's suprapubic catheter. His body was reacting badly to the latex catheter they placed in the hospital and it was causing blisters on the skin and agitation in his bladder. 

Day 104, Saturday Dec. 5

Jeff went outside today to play in his manual wheelchair. It was finally warm enough for him to enjoy some sun without getting too cold. He made it down the street and back twice before he tired out too much. 

He also spent time in his standing wheelchair which he enjoyed. With such significant drops in his blood pressure his time standing is limited for safety reasons. 

Jeff was able to explain to Blake how to winterize the water feature in the back yard and the sprinkler system. Blake also changed the air filters for the heater and humidifier with Jeff's guidance. 

He said, "It was really frustrating I couldn't do it myself, but I am so glad Blake was there to do it." 

Day 105, Sunday Dec. 6

Today was spent relaxing, organizing, and preparing for the family to come for spaghetti dinner. After dinner we watched the LDS Christmas devotional on television as best we could with all the little kids running around and excited to be there together. 

This past week has been difficult, there's no way to sugar coat it. It's a storm of struggle, emotion, learning, and gratitude. Each day has proven to find new difficulty and new strength. We are leaning on the many tender mercies of our Father in heaven to make it through each day. Many of which are provided by the works of our family and friends! 

We are so grateful to everyone who has brought Jeff and Annette dinner (and goodies!) this past week. When simple, every day tasks take ten times longer to do than usual, time seems to run out very quickly. Having a meal waiting for when they are finally ready to eat is such a blessing! 

Jeff says, "I am so grateful for all the help we get and everything everyone has done."