WOW!
I am amazed by the overwhelming amount of support that has poured in from people from so many different parts of my life. These include my immediate family, friends, colleagues, former colleagues, classmates from all levels of my education, travel buddies, and soulmates. All the kind words, thoughts, prayers, and positive energy have been truly encouraging. I apologize for not providing an update sooner, but the past four weeks since my injury have been a whirlwind. To summarize, your support has been so strong that I feel I owe everyone an update. So here we go:
During my 2 ½ weeks in ICU at Stony Brook Medical Center in New York, my neurosurgeon performed 3 operations. First he came in through my neck to repair my shattered C6 vertebrae. He replaced my C6 with a titanium cage and packed it with bone to protect my spinal cord, and a few days later they inserted a filter so blood clots could not reach my lungs – a preventative measure. The final surgery was done on September 23rd and my neurosurgeon entered from the back of the neck and fused with a titanium plate my 4th, 5th, and 7th vertebrae which slightly limits my neck mobility, but permits immediate aggressive rehabilitation. After the final surgery I spent a few more days at Stony Brook in ICU to remove fluid from my lungs and alleviate fever, both common complications with my injury. These were some of the most difficult days. I had a breathing tube down my throat and therefore couldn’t speak. To describe as uncomfortable doesn’t do it justice. I had to communicate by pointing to letters on a laminated card to spell words. This was tedious and even dangerous in case of an emergency, as I could not describe to my doctor what was ailing me. But I persevered until the day the tube was yanked from my throat. I gasped for air and couldn’t speak, but by the next day, I could hold small conversations in a whisper. I was cleared for discharge on October 1. The EMT’s put me on a gurney and wheeled me outside to an ambulance. The fresh air and the sunshine on my face, felt amazing on the way to the ambulance. I had been on my back, immobile for two and a half weeks. They loaded me into the ambulance and drove me about 20 minutes to a regional airport. I was loaded onto a medical air ambulance (Lear jet), with my Mom and Rosaleen for our flight to Atlanta. I said goodbye to Mike and Chad at the airport, then the plane took off. The flight was quick and the onboard crew was amazing. One of the inflight EMT’s told me I was going to the best place possible, as they had transported people from all over the world to the Shepherd Center.
Upon arrival in Atlanta I was 30 minutes from Shepherd, and was transported by an awaiting ambulance and zoomed to mid-town Atlanta. My first day at Shepherd Center was a little shocking with a line of doctors, nurses, and technicians lined up to determine my current state of health. This went on for two days, my weight had dropped to 143 pounds.
Late my first evening here, I was paid a visit by the hospital’s chaplain. He asked if I would like to have a prayer, and I said, sure. He placed my head in his hands and off the top of his head, he said many beautiful words about the strength of people’s souls and ability to heal the body. It was very uplifting and I’ve been attending his Sunday worship sessions since. He has been a great inspiration.
On my second day here they measured me for a battery-powered wheelchair, which was customized for my height and weight. It was delivered to my room and they lifted me into it. I “drove” over to the mirror, and was slightly embarrassed at the person looking back at me, some kid in a wheelchair. But the freedom of mobility felt incredible. I immediately zoomed around the facility and checked out the secret garden, the family lounge, the gym, swimming pool, arts and crafts area, and many other nooks around the building.
Since the initial days my schedule has gotten completely busy with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy. The team that has been assigned to me is fantastic, although they push me to the limit. My goal, along with the staff’s, is to get me back on my feet in the shortest amount of time possible, but they also educate you how to be independent in a wheelchair, in case your injury does not heal as expected. Logical progression is from power chair to manual chair, to getting upright on your feet with support, to walking independently. This doesn’t happen for everybody, but this is my goal. Spinal cord swelling can take anywhere from two months to two years to subside, which means I hope to regain some movement in the coming weeks, but I need to be patient, because it could take much longer, as everyone’s recovery is different. Monday through Friday have become pretty grueling days with an 8 to 5 schedule, with an hour and a half for lunch. The therapy covers everything from improving fine motor skills, strength training, stretching, and improving mobility. The therapy sessions are intense and challenging, but I leave satisfied knowing I’m making progress.
So here I am waiting to start my third week at the Shepherd Center. I’ve gone from a completely dependent patient to being able to bathe myself, put a shirt on, feed myself, brush my teeth, shave, work on the computer, and use my Blackberry (making phone calls and texting). These may seem like small accomplishments, but compared to where I was even a week and a half ago, I view them as very large steps of progression.
Thanks again for your continued support. I will try to update more often than on a monthly basis. Providing timely updates is the least I can do in regards to all the support everyone has sent me. So keep your eyes peeled for another update in the coming weeks. Thank you all so much.
Much love,
David