Day 176 to 182, Feb. 22-28

Day 176 to 182, Feb. 22-28

Unfortunately this was a very hard week and it's been difficult to find positivity. With progress being so slow already, any delay is a frustration. The accident last Saturday has caused a big delay in rehab and at home. 

On Monday Jay came in the morning to sit with Jeff because Annette had to work. She had to trade to get Friday off for Jeff's first wound clinic appointment. Peggy had physical therapy in the morning, but afterward she brought Arby's for lunch and then stayed with Jeff. She organized his desk drawers. Like mother, like son... They always like to be doing something constructive. We are grateful for her attention to the things that fall through the cracks with such a busy daily routine. 

On Tuesday Jeff went to Neuroworx. He told them about his fall and they decided to limit his therapy for the day. It was a very light session that only lasted about an hour. Afterward he was told that they needed a note from his doctor before he could come back. 

On Wednesday Jeff's good friend Max Nielsen brought him Olive Garden for lunch. We are grateful for his visit and the distraction it gave Jeff. He really enjoyed the time he got to spend with Max and it gave him much needed uplifting. Annette went to run errands and had lunch with her parents, Clifton and Joyce. Peggy returned to work on organizing Jeff's desk some more. We are grateful for all she does to help!

On Thursday Jeff and Annette went on a date to Archibald's for dinner to celebrate Annette's birthday. Jeff said the menu recently changed and everything was really good. He did not have therapy because the doctor wanted him to get an x-ray on Friday after his wound clinic appointment. 

Friday was a busy, busy day. Julee and Tylee spent the day with Jeff and Annette. First they went to the wound clinic where they had a two hour long appointment. Only three of the five sores are open and they were very impressed with the care Annette has been giving. They are shallow wounds and expected to heal without problems. 

They did wound debridement where they clean the sores out and scrape off all the dead tissue and scabs. Then they used a paste that helps the sores heal faster. They then covered them with bulky dressings to help reduce the pressure to the sites. 

After that Jeff had an x-ray done of his neck. Thankfully it was at the same hospital as the wound clinic. Afterward, they drove downtown to pick up a sheet of plastic Jeff had ordered for the back of the truck. It will make the bed slippery so it's easier for Annette to get the wheelchair ramp in and out. 

On the way home Jeff got a call saying his neck is fractured above the hardware and his doctor wanted him to go back to the hospital for a CT scan for a better look. They picked up lunch, went home to eat with Cherie, and then went back to the hospital. 

It was very frustrating that no one was available to read the results and tell Jeff what to do because it was just after their business hours when the scan was finished. To play it safe Jeff decided to put his neck brace on when out of bed. They will have to wait until Monday to get the actual results and instructions. 

With the injury has come more pain and more numbness. Jeff's arms were only numb on the bottom half before, but now he's experiencing numbness on the tops also. We don't know what this means or how long it will last.

That night Jeff and Annette had a movie night with Cherie and Blake. They watched The Intern and really enjoyed it.

On Saturday Annette spent time with her card group while Jeff spent time with Roxane, Elise, and Olivia. It was a great visit and we are so grateful for them and the time they spent with him. More and more we are reminded how important family is and are so thankful for our extended family and all they do for us. 

Sunday was a day to relax. Jeff is still struggling with a lot of pain to his neck and shoulders. Church went surprisingly well despite his discomfort. They ate spaghetti dinner as usual, but Brandi's family wasn't able to make it because of sick kids. We are praying they will get better quick! 

Annette and Julee changed out Jeff's suprapubic catheter again and then it was relaxing time with dessert to follow. 

Funny moment of the week... Jaxon made a loud farting noise behind Jeff on Sunday and Jeff's eyes got all big as he asked, "Was that me?!" We had a very therapeutic, long laugh from that!

We ask at this time that you pray for Jeff again. Not only that he can heal quickly from this newest injury, but also that he might be uplifted on the hard days and reminded of the joy this life can give him. It's hard for us to see him become quiet again. If you've been wanting to visit, please set up a time with Jeff and Annette. It's good for the soul to have company and distraction! With therapy on hold he'll need even more of each.