Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Update - Feb. 24

The past couple of weeks have flown by and I apologize for not updating the blog sooner regarding Paul's baclofen pump surgery. He is doing well although he still cannot do any rigorous physical rehab until tomorrow, which will be two weeks since his surgery and the incision should be completely healed. As we expected, he does seem a little weaker on his right side, however his right leg seems less stiff and his right arm is looser. That is all good. We had one follow-up appointment with the doctor, who increased the amount of baclofen Paul recieves daily and he will continue to tweak that amount to determine what Paul needs to get the best results.

Paul also is less tired as we've weaned him off the oral baclofen. Not only is he less tired but his speech seems to improving a little bit. When I say that, I don't mean he is talking and holding conversations but he seems to be able to say more words on his own without being prompted. This is still a very long and slow process and he continues to primarily use the letterboard and Dynavox but it is still progress, which is something we are thankful for every day.

His therapists report that he is very upbeat during therapy and has a great attitude. The other day, a group of patients was playing darts and Paul went to join them and said, "Bring it on!" We've practiced this phrase a lot but it is wonderful to know that he said it on his own.

Paul's brother, Jim, and his wife, Lori, were in town this weekend and we all had a great time. Jim, Paul, and Buzz played Frisbee for quite some time on Sunday and Paul did very well, despite having to catch and throw with his left hand AND while sitting in the wheelchair.

We expect that Paul's rehab will continue for many more months. That is okay though, because as long as there is improvement, I don't think anyone wants to stop now. Thank you again everyone for your continued support.

Patty

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's great news Patty! Thinking of you often and appreciate you keeping us posted with the blog. It's so uplifting to hear of Paul's continued progress.

Anonymous said...

Y'all are an incredible Testament to Love & Tenacity, and just like in College.....there's no "quit" in The Jerde Vocab!

Kim Baron said...

Paul, Patty and Buzz,

It's so good to hear that you're making such wonderful progress. We are thinking about you all the time, saying prayers, and wishing you the warmest wishes possible given the frigid temps up here in Connecticut. Paul - I'm glad to hear you're out there playing frisbee - your hard work is really paying off!

Our continued thoughts and prayers are always with you,

Love, Kim (and Steve, and all those kids)

Anonymous said...

YAY!!! What wonderful news as we start the Lenten season!

I look forwrd to seeing you all next week.

Love,
Kristine

Jason said...

This sounds great and I'm glad to hear of the new progressions. Paul, I'll try and come see you in the next few weeks. Can't wait to show you some new work.

Anonymous said...

Bring it on, bring it on!

Hugs,
Cassandra

Anonymous said...

Dear Paul...I don't know you, yet in some ways I feel that I know you very well. I DO know your wife-from grade school through sophomore year in H.S. Hello, my dear Patty Hatfield!

Paul, your fighting spirit will overcome all the adversity you have had to struggle with, and I know from experience. I myself was hit by two cars while crossing Northwest Highway as a pedestrian in 1995. I had thirteen broken bones from my neck to my ankles, and lost my spleen too. Like you, at first, they weren't sure I would pull through. But I found in myself a detemination that even I never knew I had. That, plus the grace of God, helped me to more or less fully recover! It took a couple of years (at least), but I did it, and after reading your story, I have no doubt in my mind that you can do it too...and that you will!

You are also blessed with a wonderful wife, a sweet girl I once knew who grew up to be an amazing, strong, and devoted woman and wife. No matter how great you think you are (and you ARE great, from everything I can see), never,ever forget the fact that you married up!!!

God bless you Paul, Patty, and your entire extended family! You are in my thoughts and prayers as you travel down this unexpected, unwanted, but ultimately rewarding road. Godspeed!

Wayne Stevens

Anonymous said...

I am really looking forward to seeing all of you this Sunday for the birthday celebration. I'm happy to hear about the progress as well. I know things are going to get better & better.

Paul, keep up the hard work. All of your efforts are paying off.

We love you! The Hatfields

Anonymous said...

So glad to read that things continue to get better. I haven't logged in for a while, so this is all a pleasant surprise. Paul, you are in my prayers. I hope you continue to progress and I look forward to the day we share another circle of men.

emilayusof said...

get well soon, paul!


-emila (willie's Illo Friday's friend)

Anonymous said...

Hi Patty,
We hope that Paul is doing better since your last post and we think about you all the time. God Bless you.

Eleanor Day said...

It's so good to hear about Paul's improvement. Keep up all the good work. You all continue to be in our prayers and on the prayer list at our Sunday school.
Eleanor Day

winesrsw said...

Great seeing you the other day. I can't believe how big Buzz is? I hope you get to enjoy some basketball this weekend.