Day 148 to 154, Jan. 18-24

Day 148 to 154, Jan. 18-24

This week's update will be brief. Nothing too exciting to report went on. Sometimes that's a blessing. 

Jeff has been struggling for over a week now with his "hyper nerve transition zone" that causes him quite a bit of grief. He tends to wake up really early, around 4am, and then falls back to sleep again like any normal person would. Unfortunately, the nap phenomenon still applies and he gets the nerve pain for the rest of the day. Annette has been struggling to get used to their new bed and has had difficulty sleeping with sore hips and back.

Other than those hiccups the week was very routine. Kasey was still sick on Monday so Jeff didn't have OT. 

Tuesday was a trip to Neuroworx. Jeff and Annette also had friends come visit which was a real treat! Thank you to Stan and his wife for dropping by, it is greatly appreciated by all of us! 

Wednesday was a relaxing day and Ron Brown, Josh Lloyd, and Nate Lyon came by for a visit. Jeff and Annette enjoyed their visit also and we can't thank them enough! 

On Thursday they went to Neuroworx again. Jeff has been working hard and we are so proud of his progress! Big-O tires also fixed faulty sensors for the truck's tire pressure today. One less thing to worry about. 

On Friday Jeff finally got to work with Kasey again from TOSH. We are so grateful he's feeling better! Cherie stayed home with Jeff while Annette went to work and helped him file taxes. She said it was awful, but she got the job done! We are so grateful to her for being so willing to help out no matter how tedious the task! 

On Saturday Jeff spent much of the day in his standing wheelchair. He's tolerating it much better now. Yay! Unfortunately, he can't fit at his desk when he's in the standing chair so his book work was slightly neglected. 

On Sunday Jeff and Annette went to church and later had dinner with Cherie and Ryan's families. Brandi's family dropped in later for dessert. Sundays are special to us and we are so thankful for the time we get to spend together. The picture below is of Jeff hanging out in the recliner. We love to see him out of the wheelchair every once in a while. 

We are praying that Jeff will be able to stay asleep until a more reasonable hour so when he does wake up he can get up and avoid the nerve trouble that comes with napping. We also pray that Annette will be able to sleep better and get used to the new bed. 

Again, we are grateful to those who came to visit. It helps lift their spirits and makes them feel less isolated. If you've been wanting to drop by please do! Just contact Jeff or Annette so they can negotiate visits around therapy and daily routines. 

Thank you all for your support and love, we are so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives! 

Day 141 to 147, Jan. 11-17

IDay 141 to 147, Jan. 11-17

This week was a good one. As a family we've taken more initiative in telling our dad what to do and the result has been pretty funny. We are grateful to have made some positive memories with him and we are all looking forward to many more! 

Monday was pretty uneventful. Kasey from TOSH came for occupational therapy in the afternoon. This helps Jeff and Annette so much and we are so grateful they offer in-home visits. 

Jeff took a day off from therapy on Tuesday because they were expecting the delivery of their new bed. It has become imperative that Jeff get a pressure reducing mattress because of the sores he's developed. Unfortunately the bed never came. 

Thankfully, their good friends Brent and Janet Lloyd saved the day from being a total bust by bringing them lunch and spending some time with them. It was much needed and appreciated! 

On Wednesday Brandi went with them to Neuroworx. While Jeff got a great workout Annette and Brandi went to Rod Works to look around. They found Brandi some cute coat hangers since she doesn't have a coat closet. 

When Annette & Brandi returned to Neuroworxs Jeff was doing therapy and visiting with a new acquaintance, Christian. Brandi's friend in Mary Kay  works with Christian and told Brandi about him. Christian was in a mountain biking accident as well and suffered a spinal cord injury. Brandi has been emailing Christian and getting some good advice for our dad and they thought it would be good for Christian to meet our dad so he met him at Neuroworx. Christian and Jeff talked about the back country skiing and mountain biking they used to do before their accidents. Brandi said it was good to hear her dad talk cause he seems to be a lot quieter now days than he used to be. Christian told our dad that things would get better and he would improve but that it would take time. He said we need to think in terms of years instead of months. We are all very impatient and want our dad to improve quickly so he can find joy in life again, but we will just have to give things some time. We are thankful that Christian took the time out of his busy day to meet our dad and talk with him.

They went to Neuroworx again on Thursday and Annette went and met her parents while Jeff had his physical therapy. 

Friday was supposed to be a TOSH day, but Kasey was sick. We hope he gets well quick! 

We are so grateful to say the new bed finally arrived! We are praying it will help to decrease pressure to trouble areas and aid in allowing current sores to heal. 

Now for the funniest moment of the week! 

Cherie decided they were going out to dinner and told Jeff in her own feisty way that he was going and he didn't have a choice. She then said, "You've been inside all day. You need to get out and have some society interaction!"

Keep in mind he hasn't been out to eat in public since his accident.

His response was, "You're such a Budda!" But, he grudgingly allowed them to get him in the truck. (Jeff has called her Budda since she was a little girl!)

Cherie sent a text to Brandi and Julee about it and said, "Hope it's a good hamburger or I'll never get him out again!"

They went to a place they had never tried before called Freddy's. When they pulled in and Jeff saw how busy it was inside he said, "Let's just go to the drive thru."

That didn't sit well at all! Annette firmly said, "We didn't get you all ready and in this truck to go to the drive thru!"

And sassy Cherie spouted out, "Hell no! We're going inside!" Ha! 

He looks so thrilled to be there, doesn't he? 

Deciding what to eat. So many choices! 

Aliyah, loving every minute. She's always so quick to smile! 

The hamburger was so tall he couldn't hold it so they had to cut it up. And yes, he said it was very good! 

Love this one of our beautiful mom laughing! 

All in all their first night out was a success and we are so grateful to Cherie and Blake for making it happen. Annette said, "It was all Cherie's idea and she was very helpful and patient."

On Saturday night Ryan and Blake took Jeff to the Utah Auto Expo. Needless to say they didn't have to work as hard as Cherie to convince Jeff to go. 

They made it a boy's night out with Jaxon and Talon joining them. Ryan says Jeff pushed himself for at least half the time. He got tired of telling Ryan which way to go and said he wanted to be in control! 

Jeff said Talon was a "pill" about halfway through, no surprise there! But he got better after riding with grandpa and then on dad's shoulders. That's a lot of walking for a four year old! 

That smile spells trouble! Look out world! 

Sunday was pretty much the same routine as usual. However after early church Zach came over and switched out the motor in Jeff's power wheelchair for a different one. He then took apart the hand controls and cleaned it really well because the buttons weren't working all that great and were sticking. Jeff has been wanting this done since he came home from the hospital and we are grateful Zach took time to use his mechanical skills to do what needed to be done. It was then time for spaghetti dinner with the family. We are so blessed to have this time together. 

We have a lot to be thankful for as we reflect on this past week. It was a huge leap to get our dad out into public, doing some of the same things he used to enjoy. Little steps like this are what will lead to the bigger ones. He's already starting to plan a trip to St. George next month and we can't wait for it to happen! 

It finally feels as if life is starting to move forward again. It no longer revolves around what Jeff can't do, but what he can do. We cannot express our gratitude enough. Our merciful Father has heard our prayers and is helping us find ways to involve our dad in more than just therapy. He is learning how to live again. 

Days 134 to 140, Jan. 4-10

Days 134 to 140, Jan. 4-10

This week went well, much of the same routine. It's great to find some normality in all the changes. Each day is still a struggle in its own way, but we are all plugging through. 

Monday proved to be pretty busy. Jeff, Annette, Julee, and Tylee went to IMC for Jeff's follow up appointment with his neurologist, Dr. Dodds. The only concerns were with the development and prevention of pressure sores. While Jeff has been diligent to do pressure releases for the problem areas on his butt, he discovered an abnormal pressure point on his back. 

Jeff had broken a rib or two in a previous accident and the way it healed makes the bone poke out. When doing pressure releases for his butt he was inadvertently putting more pressure to that spot on his back. Unfortunately it led to a sore opening over the area. It will be tricky to figure out a way to reduce pressure to the spot on his back and keep it off his butt. So many things to think about! 

After the appointment Jeff and Annette went to the shop to get winter tires on the truck while Julee worked on some chores around the house. 

Later it was time for occupational therapy with Kasey from TOSH. We are so grateful to him for being willing to meet at Jeff's house. Jeff said, "It's awesome he comes here. It saves time and the process of getting me in and out of the car and driving."

Kasey and Jeff worked on his finger brace again. They made it shorter to allow for a tenodesis (teen-oh-dee-sis) grasp so Jeff can pick things up. The best way to describe what this means is to relax your hand with your wrist bent and then straighten your wrist. Your thumb will automatically meet your fingers. This is the only way Jeff is able to make his fingers functional. 

Here is a picture of the finished product. Jeff is modeling tenodesis. 

Relaxed wrist, hand hangs down. 

Straight wrist and his thumb meets his fingers. The white part around his thumb and wrist helps move the thumb inward for a tighter grasp between his thumb and finger. The black strap holds his other fingers out of the way so he is able to use his pointer finger to navigate his touch screen on his phone and to type. Now he can even pick things up without having to take the brace off. 

Even the smallest of things can help improve Jeff's quality of life and we are so thankful for the tools he's been provided with! Kasey has been such a blessing with his knowledge, patience, and perseverance to get this right in order to meet all of Jeff's needs. 

On Tuesday morning Jeff's suprapubic catheter clogged and it was only quick thinking and action that prevented lasting complications. There is no doubt Jeff and Annette were guided by the Spirit of what to do until Julee could arrive to help replace it. 

Later they went to Neuroworx. Because of scheduling conflicts it was the first time Jeff and Annette had to go without help for transfers. Annette was able to do it despite her anxiety and we are so proud of her! It isn't an easy task at all, but she did it! When asked how it went she answered, "We did okay." 

Jeff reports it was a typical workout and everything went well. Unlike TOSH where Jeff only works with one OT, he has three physical therapists at Neuroworx that he rotates with. Matt, Matt, and Mike. We are grateful to them for all of their help! 

Wednesday was a day to relax and take a break from therapy. Joyce and Clifton Green came and brought Jeff's favorite lunch from Village Baker. Clifton helped Annette clean up the basement more, organizing all of the things that are now being stored there. 

Thursday meant another trip to Neuroworx. Again Annette did the transfers alone. She went to Costco while Jeff worked out.

Friday was what Jeff called, "The big TOSH day." After hearing about the pressure sore over the broken rib on Jeff's back, Kasey set to work trying to find a solution. Unfortunately, the manufacturer of Jeff's chair doesn't do custom cushions for the backs of their chairs. Instead, Kasey cut out a six inch section of the chair's hard foam and replaced it with soft foam where the rib/sore is. 

Kasey then used some white lithium grease to fix a creaking noise on the power chair that had been bothering Jeff for a long time. Finishing touches were also put on the finger brace pictured above (pictures are of finished product). 

Some anxiety has set in over the insurance only allowing Jeff to work with TOSH for 20 visits a year. He currently works with Kasey twice a week. Jeff said, "We'll blow right through them and we're not sure what to do about it." If we've learned anything through this trial it's that the Lord provides and we need to trust in Him that everything will work out. Prayers over this matter will be appreciated! 

Saturday was a relaxing day without much to report. Sometimes this is the best kind of day

Sunday morning was busy as they scrambled to get ready for nine o'clock church. Jeff says they were late even though they arrived before sacrament meeting started. He used to go early every week and is struggling with this change even though they put forth their best efforts to get there as early as possible. 

In the evening it was spaghetti dinner with the kids and grandkids. Afterwards Jeff watched car shows with Ryan like the good 'ol days. 

Jeff and Annette received a card from a neighbor that touched us all. It thanked them for their example and for the blog. We are grateful to be able to share Jeff's story and progress on this blog. It has been a blessing to all of us in one way or another. Your feedback is appreciated so much! 

Jeff says, "You all think we're better than we really are." This is a concern he's had a few times since we started the blog. 

There are many days when patience runs thin and tempers flare. What else can be expected? But we keep on going and that's what matters most. Our testimonies have been tried day in and day out. With the exercise has come strength and a confirmation of the truth of the gospel. 

The one thing that keeps being reiterated through everything is that our Father in heaven is aware of us. He knows our needs, our desires, our struggles, and our pain. And He cares. Over and over we have seen how loved we are through acts of service from others, answered prayers, and patience we didn't know we had. 

Thank you all for your constant support and the strength it gives us. We aren't perfect and at times it seems that nothing is going right. Despite that, we know we aren't alone and we are loved. We know that no matter where you find yourselves, or whatever the situation, you are also loved and watched over. Keep the faith; it's what gets us through the good days and the bad. 

Day 127-133, Dec. 28 to Jan. 3

Day 127-133, Dec. 28 to Jan. 3

Happy New Year!

This week was fine. Jeff says, "There were no ups and no downs." We count no downs a blessing! His cold has even started to move on, finally. He just has a little bit of a cough still. Jeff had therapy as usual this week and spent New Year's Eve watching movies with Annette until 2016. 

It took getting up at 6 am, but Jeff and Annette made it to church on time this week! Annette expressed her gratitude that Jeff commented in Sunday school. He's been much quieter since the accident and said, "It's hard; I just don't have the spark I used to." We're thankful he's finding his voice again.     

From Jeff:

"Well, it's 2016! A new year. Last year wasn't easy. I don't even know where to start. It's been a long time since I chimed in on the blog. Through all the hardships and everything that comes with being paralyzed we've received many blessings. We're grateful to everyone who has contributed time, money, prayers, kind deeds, and everything else. 

I was able to remain positive through all of the trials when I was in the hospital. But since returning home, even though it's a much better place than the hospital, it's been more difficult to stay positive all the time. There's so much to do here and I can't do any of it. I have to ask someone else to do everything, so it makes it really hard to stay positive. 

The doctors and therapists at the hospital told us the first year would be the hardest. If we make it through the first year the rest should be better, easier. So I'm looking forward to making it through this year in the best way possible. Getting stronger, learning to do more things for myself, trying to stay positive and make the most of the year even though it's promised to be a challenge.

It's been nice to be able to go back to church again on Sundays and attend my own ward. I missed the opportunity for the spiritual growth and learning that comes from going to church on Sundays that we weren't able to do until we got home. 

Again, we are so grateful and thankful for all everyone has done for us."

Our family cannot express our gratitude enough for all of you. We have felt of our Savior's love through these hard times because of the service and love we have been given. We are looking forward to our dad's growth in the coming year. We look to this new year with faith and the hope of good things to come!