Today is ‘day 5’ for Richard here at Shepherds Center. It has been a whirlwind for him. His first day consisted of sonograms, x-rays, tests, and multiple evaluations… including being measured for a motorized wheelchair. They took into account his injuries, size, etc, and by the next morning, had built him a chair that he can operate with just his right hand. By day 2 he was up in the chair and buzzing around. Amazing! They have a contraption/hammock thing that lifts him out of the bed, across part of the room, and into his chair… and back. It looks like he is being airlifted in a helicopter.
His days here are quite full. He has multiple calendars in his room for everything from trainings, showers, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Recreational Therapy. He is always off somewhere. It’s exhausting and somewhat painful, but is great for him none-the-less. Richard is really working hard and is committed to do all they ask of him. His driven and hard-working personality is really shining and will pay off in the future big-time!
They are managing his pain with a patch and medicine by mouth, and that seems to be working ok. He has no need for the lines going into his right arm anymore, so he’ll be having those removed today. He does have some blood-clots in his legs that they are watching, but do not seem to be a problem for the time being. The biggest thing they are watching as far as “side effects of not being fully mobile” is his skin. He has some spots that are funky, but the wound specialists here are keeping a close eye on him and are teaching us how to care for him.
Shepherds Center really is amazing… we have met with many people and everyone tells us that this is a place where miracles happen… and we are of course, believing for that. He is already making huge strides. Yesterday he was able to push/wiggle his big toe on his left foot! He can fully lift his left arm up now (rotating his shoulder) and is sitting up in his pimped out chair… Today he was fitted for removable boots for both his legs, which is 2 weeks sooner than we expected! This allowed him to be put in a different wheelchair and he was able to have his first shower! He of course wears the boots the rest of the time, but being able to take them off and get really clean was ‘a win’ for him.
At this time, they are estimating that Richard will still be unable to put weight on his legs for 2 ½ to 3 more months. This means there is only so much therapy they can do with him to rehabilitate his spine until then. Right now, the plan is for him to be discharged and sent home with George and I on February 19. Then, when he is able to bear weight, will be a part of the “day program” here at Shepherds Center. The Day Program is an outpatient program of sorts, where Richard would come to Shepherds everyday for therapy. We are really excited to have him back home! We are in classes most of the entire week and next to learn how to care for him. We have nursing classes, transportation classes, Physical Therapy classes, an 8-hour spine class, and many more. They are really great to work with the family here, so I know we will be prepared.
We are so grateful to be here in this facility and with the specialists here. We are staying positive and thinking long-term. I’m sure once we are home things will be a little bit more challenging as the waiting will begin. Please pray that Richard will continue to be uplifted in his spirit as we begin this season of hard-work and then waiting. Pray that the transition home will go well and as smooth as possible. Pray that we will do everything we can to help him continue to improve once he is home. Also please pray that George and I will have wisdom concerning all the many decisions in the next few weeks and months.
Thanks for your continued support, cards, and meals! We all, including Richard, appreciate them so much!
