Good Day

Today was a good day. I didn't post yesterday because I didn't have a lot to add and was too tired anyway. But today I have things to write about. Yesterday Chase had an MRI on his spine but we didn't have a chance to talk with the spine doctor yet (Dr. Warner). We did find out that it looks like he just has a couple of fractures. We're not sure how long he will have to wear his neck and back braces. We're hoping they can tell us more maybe tomorrow. We'll also be talking with his orthopedic surgeon about his arm. He has some calcium building up in the muscle making it kind of hard and painful too. It's affecting his mobility some as well. This may or may not require surgery down the road 6 or 8 months.

His therapy went very well today also. Jeff was there for the morning sessions. His speech went very well. The therapist said that he no longer has PTA (post traumatic amnesia- affecting short term memory). He still has a little trouble with memory and other things but he's coming along well. I was there for the 2nd physical therapy and occupational therapy. During physical therapy we took him outside but it was cold so he didn't want to be out there. We walked a little outside and then wheeled him inside. From there we walked to the gift shop where he asked for a candy bar. Vince was with us and bought him one. He enjoyed that. Then we took the elevator back upstairs to his room. For occupational therapy we went in to another room and played "rock band" (on the Wii) with another patient. Chase liked the guitar the best. He did pretty well. We all played on "easy mode". He tried the drums too and even sang. Jeff and I both tried the drums and sang too. It was actually pretty fun. The girl that was in with us had a lot of fun also.

The doctor and the social worker talked with us and said that Chase can come home in a couple of days. We were surprised! I was not expecting it to be this soon. We were figuring on another week at least. But the therapists and the doctor got together today and discussed things and feel that he's ready for outpatient therapy at this point. So now we're scrambling to get things ready at home for him. I know he's going to be so happy to be home. I'm excited to have him coming home too but a little nervous at the same time.

Most likely school will be out of the picture for some time (maybe the rest of the school year). We'll be talking with his couselor about what our options will be at this point.

Whew! I think that's about it. So good things are happening and he's coming along with his recovery nicely. It's hard to believe the accident was 3 weeks ago today. He's come a long way, but still has a ways to go.

Thanks to everyone for the continued love and support and for all the many prayers going out in our behalf. We truly appreciate it!

Love,
Michelle