Heading Home

Mike and I headed back into the rehab center in Detroit today to trial the FES bike. I was able to go on it for a good 45 minutes. It by passes my spinal cord and activates my nerves to than stimulate and contract my muscles which than move my legs to move the peddles. This is good for many reasons, circulation, muscle strength and my range of motion. They are recommending rehab three times a week for three months, they would assess me after each month making any changes to my treatment plan. We have a lot to consider before we make any decisions. We are looking at what can be done here in Ottawa and completed in Detroit. They are very willing to partner with our Physiotherpiest in Ottawa which could make travel a little easier. As we speak we are on our way home and are looking forward to seeing the girls tomorrow and hearing about there adventures camping with the Martins. So please be in prayer that God will continue to guide us as to what we need to do. We believe God has directed us to Detroit we are just not sure as to the logistics of how it will work. Malachi 3:10 "Test me in this ... And see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it" God's ability to perform is far beyond our prayers. We ask for a cupful, while He owns the entire ocean! So I am asking for the Ocean, complete healing. Hugs Sandra

Detroit Update!

Upright!  Oh What a feeling!!!

Detroit was very different from Chicago, from the paper work to the evaluation. We met for 9:30 to start the paper work and by 10am I was sitting with Diane the Physiotherpiest. Diane started by explaining the phylosipy and protocol that RIM has and how it would work for an out patient like my self. They normally break treatment down into three one hour sessions mat work, gate treatment and FES functial electric stimulation but with in those sessions they individualize it for each patient. What they are capable of and the potential that they could gain from that type of activity. Than it was time to gather information. Medical and functional. She did similar tests as to what I had done in Chicago but she added more and was diffiantly more thorough. She was happy to see that I was able to tighten my abdomin, this was a positive showing movement below my level of injury. She was confident that I would be able to gain a lot of strength and would benifit from working those muscles more and more. This would be done primarily during mat work and gate training. She also, used a machine that would measure the amount of force I could handle in my trunk area. This gives her a numerical measurement that can be used when they reasses at the one month mark to see if there is improvement. I was able to try out a standing machine. It was the first time I was upright in 9weeks oh what a feeling that was. We were able to arrange for me to try the FES bike tomorrow morning. Diane is confident that my nerves and muscles will react to this and it will be very beneficial. I'm very excited to try it. We still have a lot to think about and decisions to make as to what would be best for the whole family. We are very happy with Detroit and the treatment plan that they have come up with thus far. Tomorrow we will know even more.  Please continue to pray that God would direct us as to what would be best for our whole family. We are continuing to pray for complete healing. I was reading in my devotional the other day that reminded me that this to shall pass and right after it said but now would be great. So I'm praying that not only will God heal me completely but that He would do it quickly. Thank you to all for your love and prayers. Big Hug, Sandra

Chicago Update!

Well we made it to Chicago and have settled in. Traveling has a few challenge's but Mike and I are becoming educated on what to look and ask for. Accessible doesn't always mean that it's easy. Challenging to say the least. After a relaxing day motoring down magnificent mile we went out for an amazing dinner and headed back to the hotel for a good night sleep. In the morning we walked and rolled just two blocks down to the rehab center. Met with the doctor and the Physiotherpiest. After discussing my medical information and reviewing my records he recommended a few test to establish a base line. For example, a bone density test. Which was made available to me right away. (you gotta love the us) The Physiotherpiest reccommended that I start utilizing a standing machine that would be beneficial for my over all health of my bones, digestive system and many other benifits. She also felt that it would be very good for me to go on a machine that is much like a bike (RT300 Functional Electrical Stimulation Bike) that stimulates your muscles and nerves. The one problem with that is they only have one and inpatients have priority and I would be a outpatient. This was disappointing because this is why we are coming to the us to be able to take advantage of such equipment. Both the doctor and the physiotherpist after completing several tests felt that I would be a good candidate for further treatment. Mike and I are excited and the potential and are looking forward to thursday and seeing what Detroit has to offer. The girls are having a great time with our dear friends the Martins. We were able to face time them tonight which was amazing just to see there faces. We know that God is in control of everything and in all things we want to give Him the Glory. I can't tell you how much it means to me to know that you all are keeping me in your prayers. Hugs Sandra

Magnificent mile

Well we are here in downtown Chicago, drove by Soldiers field, and a few other sights. We fought traffic even on a Sunday afternoon. Tomorrow we don't have any appointments so we will do some sightseeing. It is interesting how broad the term "accessible " is with these hotels. It hasn't been a problem for the two of us and we are learning what questions to ask when booking a hotel. Mike

1/2 way to Chicago

Well we made it to Sarnia today and supprized The Persad's for a little visit. Tomorrow we plan on getting into Chicago settling to our hotel. Traveling goes pretty well, sandra is comfortable in the van and we don't have to make any extra stops. The girls are spending the week with the Martins at camp and I'm sure they are having a great time. Mike

Some encouragement

Earlier this week, Sandra met with her new therapist in Ottawa. Two friends of ours in the health care field refered her to us. The friends don't know each other and it was amazing to see Gods hand giving us clear direction on who to hire for the best results. The therapist did a few tests, some old and some new. Of the new tests it appears there are some improvements although only little but improvements none the less. I have been praying for continued improvements as it would get discouraging not seeing any progress. Mike

Latest updates

Well today was a good day some plans are coming together. Saturday it looks like we are leaving on our road trip to cover 3 rehab facilities in Chicago, grand rapids, and Detroit. They are using some exciting technology that we would like try and see how Sandra's body reacts. We want to strike while the irons hot and be proactive in her recovery. The basic plan is to check out each place and see where to best fit is then go with it. Sandra is packing for a possible extended stay. Also today Sandra's own wheel chair came in. We are very thankful it is here before we leave on our road trip, it has some great technology and weighs only 22lbs compared to the loaner at 55lbs. This will be a great help in getting around. Mike

Mike @ work, Sandra @ Home

Well the day had to happen sooner or later, I have taken alot of time off and I'm thankful to those that have filled in. I'm still working a shortened day and just doing enough to get by. I have always enjoyed work and still do however their is a stong pull keeping me home. It is also official my bike is listed for sale here is the link for those interested http://arnprior.fivestardealers.ca/used/Kawasaki/2009-Kawasaki-ZX+14R-7978a64c0a0a006501a9bced8d690772.htm Mike

Made it to church

Well it took us 8weeks but we made it to church today, not even late! It was great to be back, one more step back to normality. Things went very smoothly. This week we will continue to make plans for alternative rehab possibilities. Things are starting to come together and we are excited about that. Sandra is starting to feel more comfortable at home, we continue to live learn and adjust to try to make things easier for both of us. Mike

Big church multiplies!!

Long have Christians debated the merits of the size of a church. Each have their own pros and cons from large to small. The knock on a large church has always been its not personal, you are just a number, you get lost in the shuffle. This may be true if you aren't plugged in, it is easier to slip in and out with no one noticing in a large church. Our experiance the last 8 weeks is, if you are plugged in things get multiplied. If I needed help anytime of day, I have countless people to call on( yes John, I would call your generation for early morning and mine for late evening). It is such a blessing to have so many behind us and wanting to help, we actually have more help then we require. The freezer is full, furniture has been moved, kids entertained and I am so thankful for everyone's help. Mike

Great to be home

Well it's Saturday morning at 8am and Sandra is still sleeping, she has a gift. All the noises of the hospital and rehab center it was difficult to get a good sleep although she did better then most. Today will be a day of relaxing at home and still organizing the house to best work for her. It seems we have too much stuff, with her chair the key is creating more floor space so Sandra can get around. We are hoping and praying that this is a temporary situation and will make due with our current house with a few modifications. Mike

She is home now

Sandra got home this afternoon. Wow it's great to have her home and is a relief not to have to take her back to the rehab. This weekend we will be home just getting organized and trying to set things up to be as easy as possible for Sandra. Home sweet home!Mike

Last night at rehab!!

Well if all goes according to plan this will be Sandra's last night at rehab. She has flown through the rehab program at lightning speed, learning how to get by in her chair. We have got allot of things done lately, from moving furniture to clearing space to get the bathroom redone to just trying to make life a little easier at home for her. Next week we will have some time at home to settle in, please pray that it all goes well, we are excited but also a little apprehensive. The week of July 23rd we are hoping to do a road trip to investigate additional rehab facilities. The girls are away that week so the timing would be perfect. Mike

How are you doing... No really how are you doing?

So this is the question we get asked allot. Sometimes it depends on when you ask what answer you might get. Under the circumstances we are doing very well. We do have the comfort that God is in control, he has a plan for our lives and this will somehow work out. Probably the best way to sum up our state is we have bad hours not bad days. There are things you don't even think about that Sandra misses, like having her clothes hang instead of always feeling bunched up, having a real sneeze or cough since they come from your lower abs the list goes on and on. Every day is better than the last and we look forward to what the future holds for us. Mike

How is rehab going, when's discharge, what's next?

Rehab is going well, they are teaching Sandra all she needs to know for daily living. From working in a kitchen to getting around to using a public washroom and transferring from her chair on to the bed etc...the other part of her day is in the gym working on her cardio and strength . Sandra is getting close to discharge from the Ottawa rehab center. It may be sometime this week or early next. We are looking at getting additional rehab but are still trying to figure out what is the best place to go for Sandra to get the greatest gains. We know the great physician is able to heal, we have to our part so he can do his. Thankyou for all you thoughts and prayers as we still have a long way to go Mike

Is Mike going to continue to ride?

I feel like an aged athlete that knows its over but is having a hard time admitting it. I love bikes and always have, they get my adrenalin going. With the recent events my level of responsibility has risen dramatically and it is looking like I will have to take a break form riding. So keep your eye open for a 2009 ZX14R Special Edition for sale in the next few weeks. I will miss it but am certain that this is the wise thing to do in this season I'm in. Mike

How are the kids doing?

We get asked this allot and we appreciate the concern. The kids like most of us were in shock the first few weeks. I right away told them everything i knew, shared my concerns with them and it was good. It was difficult for them as they were shipped from friends and family's homes for over 2 weeks. As time has gone on and sandra comes home more it is feeling almost normal again. Our best times as a family were probably spent in the cafeteria having dinner together, it felt more normal sitting around a table then sitting around a hospital bed. The girls realize that Sandra is still the same mom as before, she just currently can't walk. Mike

Surgeon happy with progress

Today Sandra and I went back to the civic for a follow up appointment with her surgeon. All went well and he was happy with Sandra's progress. We had some concerns about some tightness in her back and he explained that it was healing and would feel better in the months to come. We also talked about future rehab options and he offered his email to get his opinion. It was a little emotional being back in the place that there were so many firsts. Little things like the first time in her chair, outside, ect...Also the place of allot of personal turmoil, wondering what our future would look like and how we were going to get through this. Most of these questions are still to be answered but at that time the wounds were still fresh. We continue to pray for complete healing and are comforted in the fact that God is in control and he will turn this for good. Mike

What does Sandra feel?

This is another very common question. I have learned allot since her accident. I assumed that everyone in a wheel chair had zero feeling below their injury, this is not true. Sandra has has muscle spasms, burning sensations and twitching which are uncomfortable, we are praying they are all  good signs of nerves connecting. She also can feel temperature cold and warm. this was interesting yesterday as she was wearing capri pants and she could tell her shins were cold and her upper legs were warm. Most of these sensations are new as time has gone on, which gets us cautiously optimistic. We are still waiting for her to move even her big toe on her own. This is typically the first step of recovery. Please continue to pray for that big toe to move. Mike

follow up with surgeon wed. afternoon

Sandra has a follow-up appointment tomorrow with her surgeon. Please pray he is happy with her progress. She will get to have a visit with the trauma team at the civic that took such good care of her. Mike

Most asked questions

We had a great weekend at the cottage, enjoying Canada day. On the way home the 4 of us were discussing the most common questions we are asked and I will try to answer 1 per day. So let's start with, how did the accident happen? Well it was Mothers day we had just finished mothers day lunch (restaurant of course), had a few things to do in the afternoon and around 6pm we were able to get out and enjoy a great evening. I was on my bike, Sandra on hers and her brother Rob was on his with his friend. For those who know the area we were on river rd just past Hurst Marina, came to a stop sign checked with Sandra if everything was ok she gave the nod of approval and off we went. The very next corner was a left, We were riding staggered and I had the left side of the lane, Sandra had the right. She had some gravel and had to change her line, caught a tar strip, possibly some gravel and she got too close to the shoulder and went off the bike. We were travelling at around 70km/hr. I was ahead of her and lost vision of her in my mirrors when I saw Rob who was behind her pull over I got terrible feeling in my stomach and quickly turned around. At the scene we had no idea the extent of her injuries but took the proper precautions. At first Sandra didn't want us to call 911, she said "let me just catch my breath and I'll be fine". The one time in our marriage I didn't listen to her I was right and called 911. The ambulance was there in less then 10 minutes and we were at the civic very quickly where we got the bad news. I still am a little perplexed at the extent of her injuries for the rate of speed we were at and the fact that she didn't hit anything on her way to the ditch. By the damage to her gear it would appear she landed on her head around her hair line and compressed her spine. Sandra's jacket has a small scuff on the shoulder and that is it, the back doesnt even have a scratch. Wow I think this is my longest post. Mike