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I don’t know if anyone ever looks at this anymore, but, just in case, I thought I’d update.

I began working at the Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic in mid-April. I work with another hand therapist, Lisa, who is on maternity leave since July 23. She plans to return in mid-November. I really like this job. I work with 2 hand surgeons who are that rare combination of excellent doctors and very nice people. The hand therapy room is right by the doctor’s examining rooms, so there is great communication. Everyone I work with is so nice, and they made me feel at home right away. My challenge has been learning computer charting, but now that I have learned the system, it is so much easier, and the notes are readable. I can also go online and access all the information about the patient (doctor’s notes, insurance authorization, and operative reports). I have been working 46 to 48 hour weeks since Lisa is off, but I will have help next week. A hand therapist who does on-call work will be working one 10 hour day.

Dave has been off the last three weeks, a perk of working for the schools. Can you believe he makes the same salary as I do, but only works 10 months a year? But he has a busy job when he is at work. He may be returning to the team he worked with before we went to England. He was moved when he came back, although he fought to stay with his old team. He learned to really enjoy the new team, and to be settled in, but now he is to change again. It is a bit unsettling to change so often. He also does not have a main office for now. The old building was sold last Spring, and they were to move to the new one before Summer session started. Instead, they worked along in the old one (with all their materials packed). Now, they are out of the old building, but cannot be in the new one for a month or two. Now that is unsettling.

James is to be married on Sept. 8. Lots of my family is coming. My sister will be here from Venezuela, both my brothers with their wives (and one daughter) and my parents from Dallas, Texas, my father’s brother and niece from Louisiana and his sister from Missouri, my childhood friend from Arkansas, and my aunt and uncle, their children and grandchildren from Oregon. Elizabeth’s boyfriend from England is also here. It will be wonderful to see all these special people. We will have a reunion at our house at noon before the wedding.

James will start graduate school for Special Education teacher at Western Oregon University in late September, where Stephanie started her graduate teaching degree in June. She plans to teach middle school science. Elizabeth will leave for England on September 11. She will return for Christmas, the hopes to return to London Metropolitan University to study political science. She graduated from high school in March, but had her ceremony with the rest of her class in early June.

Dave and I have had a taste of empty nest syndrome with Elizabeth gone a lot, and James living with Stephanie and her parents. We have joined with old friends and new ones in a group of new empty nesters who get together 1-2 times a month and have dinner or do things. It has been a lot of fun, and we look forward to more good times. We still enjoy our church friends, and went last Sunday after church to get apples and pears in Hood River, an area well known for their wonderful fruit.

I need to do some preparation for company, but I will try to write at least every 2 weeks.

Thanks for listening, Jean

Hi, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Isn’t it great that James is doing so well. He really is seeming more like his old self every day. He has asked that he be the only one to write about his situation from now on. He feels that it is his choice as to what is written now. So, from now on, he will write about himself, and I will just write periodically about what is going on in our lives, for those who are interested.

I had a second interview yesterday with the Orthopedic group I had had the job offer from in the fall. I will meet with the Hand Therapists soon, and will probably go on call for them after that. One of the therapists is expecting a baby in late July, and I will cover for her while she is off for three months. Then I will cover any time needed if she does not come back full-time. I will need to find another part-time job. I will be calling around next week.

Lizzie is in England, again. She is looking at universities in London for next year. She returns on the 22nd. I wish I could have gone with her. I miss England and all my friends there. She has finished her high school work with the Early Completion program. She will still go to Prom and participate in graduation and the party after.

Dave is busy working at the schools. He has had a lot of opportunities for continuing education through work lately. It is so nice to have that available at work. He is also doing a yoga class on Friday afternoons at work. He is really enjoying it.

Dave and I have gotten into bird watching. We go most evenings to Cook Park which is about a half mile away. There are ponds there in a natural area, and we have seen a wide array of water fowl. We have seen a lot of birds that are native to the area, but some of them must be migrants, because they are not in my Oregon bird books. We enjoy the walking (along with our dog, Ginger) and the view. I have set up several types of feeders at home, and we regularly have a variety of birds there. I hope to have humming birds this year, and I have set up a wren house. When our nest is more empty, we have time for bird’s nests.

There’s not much excitement in our lives lately. We are just enjoying the calm after the storm. Dave and I are reconnecting with our friends and developing a life of our own. I’m still digging out of the mess from the remodel and finishing unpacking and setting things up the way we like them. Life is peaceful.

I will write from time to time. We love to hear from our friends. I will try to be better about writing back. Anyone that comments on the blog leaves their e-mail address for us, so you can reach us that way if you don’t have our e-mail.

Thank you all for your love and support. We are grateful to you all. Love, Jean

Hello to anyone still following the blog. It’s James, letting you all know that I am doing well. Thank you all for your wonderful support, and I am looking forward to putting the accident behind me and moving on with my life with Stephanie. I am feeling a lot more upbeat than I have been, and I do not need the constant reminder of such a terrible event. I am done with therapy, leaving only a few minor surgeries and some medicines remaining. Stephanie took me to the DMV today, and I was able to get my license un-suspended. It had been suspended because I had not filed an accident report, but I can now drive since filing the report. Of course I’m going to ease into it carefully, considering my record.

Stephanie and I are moving along with our wedding preparations, and we are getting very excited to be able to have the wedding when we planned before the accident. We have our location, our minister, rentals, photographer, and DJ arranged, in addition to countless other details. Obviously a good deal of our arrangements are made, but there will always be more to do. We are also very excited to be going to St. Martin’s in the Lesser Antilles for our honeymoon. We look forward to tropical weather and swimming with dolphins in September, not to mention sampling the bits of French and Dutch culture that St. Martin/Sint Maarten is composed of.

Once again, thank you and I wish you all the best.

James

I can’t believe it has been so long since I wrote. I have suggested that James write about what is going on, but I think it is time I fill everyone in.

James no longer has to use a cane, except when he is outside on very irregular surfaces. He is moving very easily now. He still has decreased knee flexion, but he has dynamic splints to help increase the range. He it much better with his nerve injury to his wrist and hand. He can lift his wrist to above neutral against gravity, and he can straighten his fingers almost completely at the same time. He should be able to stop using his splint at all in the near future. He went to a hand surgeon on Thursday, and he might have surgery in a couple of months to remove the extra bone growth in his elbow. This would allow him to turn palm up and palm down. It will depend on the involvement of the radial nerve, since the doctor doesn’t want to take a chance on damaging the nerve in the surgery. We hope he can do it safely. It would increase his function so much.

James also went to an eye surgeon a couple of weeks ago. He says he can work on the damaged tear duct and fix the drooping lower lid on his right eye, but he did not agree that the nasal drainage was from the tear duct. He is concerned that it is cerebrospinal fluid. This could be dangerous due to infection risk. He wants James to see a neurosurgeon about it before any eye surgery is planned. The eye doctor did not feel he could adjust the position of the eye because there is no bone behind it, and it would be dangerous to reconstruct the orbit. He says this is why his eye is sinking into the socket. His suggestion is to have a prosthetic plate made to wear over the eye. This would make the eye appear to be straight ahead and less sunken.

James and I have been working on his medical bills. We found out that there are no preferred providers at Emanuel Hospital in Trauma or Maxilofacial surgery. He is expected to pay his copay for out-of-network (30%) and whatever is above “usual and customary”. For some bills, this is half of the billed amount. I don’t know how anyone could do that. He has written to appeal, based on lack of preferred providers and on lack of choice of where he could go. There are only two hospitals in the state for that level of trauma. Hopefully, they will help.

We were very happy to have James go to church with us last week for the first time since his accident. When they announced he was in church that day, everyone clapped. There was a pancake meal after church, so he had a good chance to talk to people there. We have had such wonderful support from the people in the church, it was good for them to see how well he is doing.

Elizabeth’s boyfriend from England left yesterday. He was here for ten days this time. We had clouds and rain the whole time. He should have felt right at home. He will be back for Prom in April. She started the Early Completion program last week. This will allow her to finish high school in a few weeks. This is not a GED, she will graduate with her class, and can attend school events. She wants to work more and earn money to go the university in England next year.

I’m still looking for a job. I can’t seem to find a place that needs a hand therapist right now. I hope the clinic I had the job offer from when James had his accident will need more help soon. They seem to have a great place to work. Meanwhile, the POD is gone (the police came because there was a complaint, which hurried the process), and I am still trying to get things organized.

I have been so grateful for the support you have given me. The comments really help. Bless you all and keep in touch. Jean

I have just been overwhelmed with spam to the blog. I removed 257 of 259 comments in the filter yesterday. To all the insurance companies, online casinos and porn sites, I will not let your comments through. Please leave this site alone!

On to other things - James continues to improve. He walks unassisted in the house. He only uses a cane when he is out. He got tired, but he walked the Auto Show with us a week or so age. The nerve injury to his left arm is healing. He can either straighten his wrist to neutral (level with his arm) or completely straighten his fingers. As he heals and gains strength, he will be able to have full wrist range and finger extension at the same time. He does not use the finger loops on the splint all the time now. He is scheduled to see the eye doctor this Thursday. He will know more then about the surgery plans. Next week, he sees the hand surgeon.

James has moved out of our house. He moved in with his fiancee, Stephanie, and her parents. We miss him, and we hope he will be safe without the safety equipment we installed here. He will still come over for hand therapy and to work on insurance for his medical bills. He has alot of bills which were not covered by insurance. I wish we could help with payment, but we are tapped out between the remodeling expense and my not having a job. (I don’t remember whether I said that the job I was offered went to someone else when I was spending so much time at the hospital, and I haven’t been able to find another one.) We are trying to figure a way he can avoid declaring bankruptcy.

I’d better get to bed. I’m still trying to dig out after the remodel. Dave worked on cleaning out the POD this weekend, but there is more to do. Mostly, there is dining room furniture and boxes of books in there. Since James is moved out of the dining room, I will at least set up the china cabinet so I can put the things back in it. They have been in the bookcases in the Living room. Then I can put the books away. We want to get that POD off the street. Our neighbors have been understanding, but it is time. Besides, it isn’t free.

Good night and sleep well. Jean

Hello to all you faithful who still check the blog. James is doing really well. He is now walking with just a cane, and he usually carries it around since it is mainly for balance. He is cleared to climb stairs independently with a rail and his cane. He is doing household tasks and cooking. He is mainly limited by his stiffness in his knees and left elbow and by the nerve injury in his left arm. The nerve injury is healing, and he is able to lift his wrist and fingers some against gravity. It should continue to improve in the next month or two, and hopefully he can get rid of the splint he uses to support his wrist and fingers.

The last of our remodel will be completed today. The woodwork is being stained and finished. We need to fix a small spot in the grout which cracked, but that’s it. In retrospect, we might not have needed to remodel, but we had no way of knowing. Up until the beginning of January, we thought James would not be able to bear weight on his right leg and left arm until Feb. so he would not be able to get upstairs. He does still need the shower with the seat to be really safe. He has a hard time getting into a bathtub safely because it is hard to step over the side. He also has to get in in a difficult way due to the placement of the tub doors. With the accessible shower, all these problems are eliminated.

I don’t remember whether I said that James and Stephanie are planning to have their wedding in September as originally planned. The date is Saturday, Sept. 8. Stephanie will graduate from Portland State in June in science, and she plans to attend Western Oregon University from June to the next June to get her teaching certificate in high school biology. This means they only have time between Summer and Fall semesters to get married. James plans to return to Western for the Special Ed program in the Fall.

I am hoping James will write some soon. He can add to or correct what I said. He’s just busy these days with PT, doctor’s appointments, and spending time with Stephanie.

Best wishes to you all.  Jean

It was late when I wrote last night. I neglected to complete the story.  The doctors told us that they can expect a much more promising medical outcome for those who are head injured who have not lost consciousness.  Amazingly he has not had any seizures!!!

We appreciate everyone’s deep interest in keeping up with James’ new developments!!!

It usually takes an act of congress (or God) for me to write. This is no exception. I have been sitting on information that seems to me, a revelation. Those who know me may be aware that I have a strong curiosity for incongruities or pieces of the puzzle that don’t fit. One such piece was offered on Dec. 7th by the Corvallis paramedics and earlier by the Adair Village paramedics.

Both sets of paramedics expressed that they are used to arriving at the scene of a bad accident to a “victim”. They were impressed and surprised that they had arrived to a speaking, conscious person, who was able to give them information and feedback regarding his injuries. This seemed to me to be highly unlikely! For those of us who have taken CPR and First Aide, it sounds incredible. We are taught that in such cases the victim would have passed out (if not just from the substantial blood loss alone). How could James converse? How could he have reported his injuries with such accuracy? Why would he not be in a deep state of shock?

These are all questions that stayed with me and I mulled them around in the back of my mind! Then a solution arrived! What about the stranger that was seen walking away from the accident carrying a paramedic bag. What if that “person” also “stabalized him” emotionally, physically and from a truamatic standpoint. Truly God was with him on Nov.1.

The head of the paramedic program at Chemetketa expressed it simply and profoundly. James had purpose left on this earth! It was not his time.

I would just like to take the time to thank God and all of you who put forth prayer and positive energy for James’ recovery and his continuing life. It is a blessing to have him with us during this “New Year” which also began with his 23rd birthday.

We are also blessed with your friendship and compassion.

Gratefully

Dave

James was released from the hospital on Wednesday the 10th. He left with a walker for around the house (so he doesn’t have to always have someone with him when he walks - for balance), and a wheelchair for use when he is out in the community. He stayed with Stephanie’s family the first night, and here last night. He and Stephanie are staying in her aunt’s guest house on the Columbia River this weekend. James is looking forward to some peace and quiet after the hustle bustle of the hospital. Then he will live here for awhile.

James is walking better all the time. He does best on flat, level surfaces. He is to have someone watch him with the walker for 5 days, then he is cleared to use it alone. This will allow him much more independence. He is grateful to have a room and full bath on the ground floor, since he still requires contact assist (someone touching him while he climbs, but not helping him up - just for insurance if he stumbles) for stair climbing. He is able to do all self-care independently.

James went to the eye doctor last week with an infection around his right eye. He has had a small cut under the eye since the accident, and that was what was infected. The doctor says the cut is connected to his tear duct and needs to be repaired. When that is done, they can correct the position or his eye so it points to the front instead of the side, and fix the drooping in the lower lid. Then he will not need to wear a patch. He looks forward to this. He had to quit wearing the patch for now, anyway, because it aggravated his infection.

Our remodel is essentially finished! The doors to the dining room (James’ room) have not arrived. This should happpen next week. Then the woodwork will all be stained, and we will be done. They will tie up some little things when they come to install the doors. It all looks beautiful. Leonard and Associates did a wonderful job. I would recommend them to anyone.

I had hoped to return to work soon. The place I wanted to work had indicated they could use me part time, but they ended up hiring another hand therapist. They may need me by the end of Feb., but I need to find something in the mean time. We are taking out a loan to pay for the remodel, but we need to be paying things off. I would appreciate prayers that I will find the right place to work.

I will update about once a week now, or when noteworthy things occur. Thank you all for your caring and prayers. You have been a source of strength for all of us through this difficult time. We are so grateful to be in such a good place in James’ recovery.

God bless you all,  Jean

We found out today that James began walking yesterday without any assistive devices. He has to have someone walk close to him for now, to be sure he is steady. His gait is slower than average, but he does very well. He can walk 300 feet on a level surface inside. Even his physical therapists are amazed. The expected him to need at least crutches for awhile. I watched him bake cookies today, and he was able to move all around the kitchen, as needed. He also showed us how he can climb stairs using only the rail, and how he can stand up from the floor. He will still use a wheelchair when out in the community, for now.

Tomorrow is the home visit. We can’t wait to have him here for the night. We hope he will feel up to going to church with us Sunday and seeing some of the people who have been praying for him and supporting all of us. We will also have his family birthday party now that Lizzie is safely home from England. He didn’t want to celebrate on New Year’s Day without her.

Our prayers and yours have truly  been answered. James is almost back to his pre-accident self. Thank you all for your support.   Jean