22 June 2009

Mikey update - Mon 6/22 4:11pm PST

Happy Monday All!
I have some great news to report in my update today. Mike had an appointment with his orthopedic surgeon this morning, and two things happened:

1. He got the cast on his hand off!
2. He got the go-ahead for FULL weight bearing on his right leg!

While he's not moving his fingers too much, he is moving his wrist around, which he said feels good after being casted, but his hand does ache. It looks like he'll be starting PT on his hand on Wednesday.

Putting full weight on his leg is the most significant development today. He will be doing his PT exercises without the brace/cast on his leg, and if he's not moving around too much, he can have the cast off at home. Basically, he was told "if it hurts, stop". Mike took a stroll down to the pool today, too. He'll be using the walker, still, for support and for safety reasons, especially until he regains some of the strength and stability in his leg.

All in all, he's doing great. He was so happy to not only get his cast on his hand off today, but also to be able to put full weight on his leg. That will certainly help with his mobility! Now that he has these "restrictions" lifted...I would imagine that his PT will begin moving him along nicely...towards a full recovery!

That's all for now...don't stop the good thoughts...they've been working!
Love & Blessings,
karin

19 June 2009

Mikey update - Fri 6/19 1:36PST

Happy Friday!
First, sorry for the delay between updates. As I suspected, there is less to report each day, so the posts will become less frequent. But, in this case, no news is good news!

This week, Mike had 2 more PT appointments...Wed and this morning. While he didn't start the stationary bike as part of his therapy, he did get the "ok" from his orthopedic surgeon to flex his knee to 80 degrees - which is up from 60. As suspected, his PT added in some new exercises, and his PT appointment time is now 60 minutes per session, vs the previous 30 minutes. There is a chance he'll get on the bike next week, but as of today, the doctor still wants no weight bearing or pressure activities.

From everything Mike has heard, it sounds like he'll be getting his hand cast off on Monday! We are still uncertain if they will replace it with a soft cast, a splint, a wrap, or ??? I guess Monday will tell all! Either way, it appears as if Mike will then start the PT on his hand next week as well, not sure what day or how much, but it should be something. Mike is really just excited to get his cast off and to move his hand/wrist, even if it is just a tiny bit during PT.

He also has two follow up doctor appointments next week - one with the orthopedic surgeon (Mon), and the general trauma surgeon (Wed).

Now that all of his appointments are over for the week, Mike is looking forward to a weekend of relaxation. All of his activities and appointments tire him out, so right now, he's enjoying a relaxing Friday afternoon in his recliner!

I will continue to share information and updates as I have them, but expect the frequency to be less than it has been in the past couple of weeks.

Have a great weekend, everyone!
Love & Blessings,
karin

17 June 2009

Mikey update - Wed 6/17 9:59am PST

Greetings!

Back in San Diego now...and I had a great week with Mike! We talked to him last night...have a few updates to report...

Mike had an appointment with the orthotist yesterday morning (that would be the guy that manages the brace on his leg) because Mike was experiencing some irritation from the brace rubbing on various parts of his leg. The orthotist said that the brace was coming out of alignment, meaning that it was shifting when he was moving around, etc. To help prevent that, he told Mike to wear a shoe most times, which will help. He also reformed the brace to fit a little better, and told him he could take off the brace for a bit each day to air things out and to eliminate some of the irritation as it heals. He can only do this if he is seated, and doing nothing else. He cannot have even a hint of lateral movement in his leg. He also had Mike's orthopedic doctor prescribe some cortizone cream for the skin abrasions, so I'm sure that will help as well.

Mike's PT also got an update from his orthopedic doctor regarding his therapy. Mike is now cleared to extend his flexion to 80 degrees! From what the PT told Mike on Monday (I was there, I can confirm this), it sounds like perhaps today he'll now be able to kick up the PT a bit, and perhaps even start on the stationary bike!

Mike also found out some great news....he's likely to be getting the cast on his hand off on Monday! He's not sure if they will replace it with a soft cast, splint, or some other device, but from what he told me, it sounds like the hard cast will be coming off for good! He's very excited about that, especially since that means that PT on his hand will be starting soon thereafter!

Today, Mike has another PT appointment, so I'll be talking to him this afternoon to see how that went, and to see if he was able to start on the bike. Mike's brother Bill also came into town last night for a couple days.

Things are certainly going in the right direction....Mike is continuing to heal, and progress through his therapies, and above all else, I can say from personal experience, he has an amazing positive attitude about his recovery, which I know is helping tremendously.

Keep sending your positive energy his way....and if you're in his neighborhood, stop by, say hi, and get some snacks...he certainly has plenty to share :) I can honestly say I did my part to reduce the pile of treats while I was there!

Love & Blessings,
karin

15 June 2009

Mikey update - Mon 6/15 1:49pm CST

Hi All,
Just a brief update for now. This morning, Mike had his first in-office PT visit. I took him out there (it's just near Delnor Hospital), and he got in right away. He had an assessment with the PT, basically to let her know what's been going on (even though she has all the charts and notes from the doctor and the home PT). She then had Mike do several types of exercises (3 sets of 10 for each exercise). Some of these he had already been doing with the home PT and some were new. He didn't have any trouble or any pain with any of these exercises. At this time, he is still keeping his flexion to 60 degrees, however, the PT was going to check with the orthopedic doctor to see if she can work with him to move past 60 degrees, as Mike has been at 60 degrees with very little issue at all for nearly 2 weeks now. Once the doctor clears Mike to go past 60 degree flexion, the PT indicated she'll be able to do a little more work with him, and even get him riding the stationary bike!

She gave him a list of exercises to do at home every day. He'll be returning to her on Wed and Fri of this week, and she was hoping to hear back from the doctor before his next visit, so I imagine he'll be starting with some new exercises on Wed or perhaps on Fri.

We made a quick stop at Walgreens on the way home for some supplies, and then picked up Portillo's for lunch (I miss Portillo's in San Diego, so that was a nice treat!).

Mike has some visitors from work here now, and tonight he is thinking about heading out to watch his bowling league play tonight for a little while.

I'll be headed to the airport in a few hours, so this will likely be the last update for today. I will continue my updates once I return home, and as I have additional information to share. It's been great to be here for 6 days, and I'll be sad to leave, but I know that Mike is in good hands!

Thanks to all for your continued good thoughts and prayers. Mike is healing well, and has been in fantastic spirits...he has such a positive attitude, and all of your good vibes are certainly helping!

Love & Blessings,
karin

14 June 2009

Mikey update - Sun 6/14 9:00pm CST

Hi All,
Sorry for no update yesterday...not too much to report. Pat flew in late Friday night as a surprise to Mike! It was extra nice, especially since Pat was here last weekend too!

On Saturday, Pat & I took a trip to Madison, WI for my cousin's graduation party and to see some family. After a quick stop in Rockford (actually 2, both on the way there to see my Grandma, and on the way back to see my parents, brother, and sister-in-law), we headed back to Lisle, and spent the evening with Mike & Nicole, relaxing and watching movies. Mike really enjoyed having a day with "nothing to do". He has many appointments during the week, and it does get tiring, so he was glad to have a "day off".

Today, we had a relaxing morning with coffee and muffins (muffins courtesy of the Melsa kids!), then headed up to Pete & Johnny's for lunch. We were joined by some friends - Murphy, Melinda, John, and Doug (Nicole was there too...working!). We enjoyed the make-your-own-Bloody Mary bar...and had some lunch. After a couple hours there, we headed back to Mike & Nicole's, and again, friends joined us for a nice Sunday afternoon. We sat outside in the sun, and had a nice time. A couple more visitors joined - "the Dave", and Craig, his girlfriend Julie, and Zach (my friends from Round Lake Beach) stopped by for a visit.

Dave took Pat to the airport around 6:30, and me, Mike, Doug, Sarah, and Nicole had some great grilled pork and potatoes (courtesy of Murphy and "Chef Doug"). It was a nice dinner outside on the picnic table. Eventually, everyone left, and now we're sitting inside, relaxing after a long, fun-filled day.

Tomorrow morning will bring a PT visit for Mike, his first in the office. We're not sure what's in store for that visit, but I will post more tomorrow afternoon. I will be headed back to San Diego tomorrow night, and I will be very sad to leave, but it's been a great long visit!

Until tomorrow...
Love & Blessings,
karin

12 June 2009

Mikey update - Fri 6/12 3:20pm CST

Hi All,
Just a brief update. The PT just left after Mike's last home visit. He did a thorough assessment much like he did at the beginning of the home PT visits (mostly just questions re: pain, with what he needs assistance, what he's doing on his own, etc). He did some exercises, and also tested his strength in his left (the uninjured) leg. He said that was considerably better, as the last time he did that (I'm not sure when that was), Mike was a lot shakier. Keith (PT) said he's improved quite a bit with regard to the strength in his left leg.

They also had me bring Mike's car around to the door. Until this point, Mike has been riding in his car in the back seat, with his right leg extended across the length of the back seat. Mike has been expressing interest in trying to get into the front seat, more for safety reasons (it's hard to buckle his seatbelt in the back while seated that way). The PT described to Mike how to ease himself into the front seat, which I moved back as far as it could go. Mike did it just fine, and was able to swing his right leg into the car without a problem. Mike was VERY happy to be able to do that, and says he now feels safer riding in the car, being able to wear his seatbelt in the front seat.

The PT finished his visit and left. Mike is getting showered (Nicole is assisting in that process of course), and then we'll be settling in for an afternoon movie, or perhaps a wheelchair walk outside! Tonight is more relaxing!

Love & Blessings,
karin

Mikey update - Fri 6/12 10:35am PST

Hi All,
Mike is continuing to do very well. I have been here since Wed night, and we've pretty much just been hanging out, watching tv, catching up, etc. Yesterday, he had a visit from the PT, which went well. Last night, we ventured out to The Melsa Household for a fantastic home cooked dinner (thanks again, Mark & Becky!) We stayed there until nearly 10pm! Spent some time being entertained by the kids (Caroline showed me how to make a bracelet, then did some dancing to Hannah Montana for me!), and had some time to chat with Mark & Becky. Mark and Mike also played some Wii car racing game, so that was fun.

Today looks to be a nice, relaxing day as well. Mike has his last home visit from the PT today, and since it appears the weather will be nice, we may venture outside to sit in the sun for a bit later today as well.

I will post more later today! Keep the good thoughts coming!

Love & Blessings,
karin

11 June 2009

Mikey update - Thu 6/11 4:06pm CST

Hi All,
Well, I am in Lisle! Arrived last night, and have settled in to Mike & Nicole's for the weekend. Mike is continuing to heal, and he is in good spirits. He had a visit from the PT today, and he worked on some exercises with him. He will return tomorrow for the final "in-home" visit, before Mike starts the "in-office" PT visits on Monday. He will have PT every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a while. His ribs aren't bothering him too much, nor is his leg or hand. His hematoma on his side is continuing to drain, and healing is on track with the doctor's expectations.

Tonight, he and I will be heading to a friends for dinner, then likely back home to relax. So far, we've had a pretty relaxing day!

On a personal note, it's definitly great to be here. Much easier to write updates first hand ;) I'm truly glad to be able to spend several days with Mike.

Will continue to post updates through the weekend.

Love & Blessings,
karin

10 June 2009

Mikey update - Wed 6/10 10:17am PST

Hi All!
Talked to Mike this morning on his way back from the doctor (general surgeon). The doctor said everything was healing fine! This afternoon, Mike is meeting with a lawyer to talk about details surrounding the accident. And then...I'll arrive tonight!

Will be there from about 10pm tonight until 8pm on Monday night. Looking forward to spending time with Mike, and especially having him teach me how to play Guitar Hero!

I will be continuing to post updates throughout the weekend, so stay tuned!

Love & Blessings,
karin

09 June 2009

Mikey update - Tue 6/08 1:41pm PST

Hi All,
Just got off the phone with Mike. He sounded great! He had an appointment this morning with the general practitioner, which was mainly for a check up and to establish a doctor. Tomorrow he has another appointment with, I believe, the general surgeon, and also physical therapy at home. Monday will start the PT in the office.

Mike is looking forward to my visit tomorrow. Between Pat's visit this past weekend, and my visit tomorrow...Mike will have a week full of "Reemts-time"! We're looking forward to just relaxing and hanging out. Should be a good time!

That's all for now, will post more later if anything to report!

Love & Blessings,
karin

Mikey update - Tue 6/08 11:27am PST

Hi All,
Update from Bill, from yesterday...

"Friends & Family,

Once again, Mike awoke with no rib pain! Today we took Mike to his orthopedic surgeon, and things seem to be healing very well. They took his cast off his hand to check the incision and remove the stitches from the cut from the accident. They found no infection on the incision or the cut, which is great. They put a new one on to continue to immobilize his hand and wrist. The two fingers with torn tendons and broken finger will still need about 4 weeks to heal.

The doctor cleared Mike to bend his knee from 0-60 degrees, which started today with the physical therapist. Amazingly, Mike did not feel too much pain with the knee flexing...he felt a little pain bringing his knee down from 60 degrees, but overall, a relatively painless new exercise (he mentioned it was nothing compared to the initial rib fracture pain). He is going to start physical therapy with Dr. Fister's (Orthopedic Surgeon) medical group next week, rather than in home, since he is able to get around. This will be good since the information in his file will be dealt with in house and should be the best for his recovery. He will still not be able to put weight on his right leg for at least 2 weeks, but he will continue to move his knee more and more with physical therapy.

Mike's swelling from his hematoma is coming down and draining some blood (which is good)...much of the blood is being absorbed back into his body.

Today, Mike also got a haircut and shaved for the first time since his accident. Yesterday, Pat Reemts got a recliner over to the apartment and Mike is feeling much better relaxing in that chair, rather than his wheel chair. He is able to elevate his leg and relax in the comfort of a lazy-boy (see attached picture)! We went to lunch yesterday at Pete and Johnny's and got to spend some time with Mike's friends (see attached picture). We have also spent some time playing guitar hero (Mike is able to use his thumb in his right hand to strum) and board games like "Scene-It" and Yahtzee! His spirits are up and he has a continued bright outlook on a speedy recovery! The picture attached is one from our trip to Wal-Mart. Mike likes to take advantage of using the motorized scooters whenever possible!

I believe that is all for now. Thanks once again for your thoughts and prayers!

-Bill"

I'm working on booking my flights to go visit Mike this weekend. Really looking forward to seeing him and spending some time with him!

Love & Blessings,
karin

08 June 2009

Mikey update - Mon 6/08 11:33am PST

Just got off the phone with Pat...here's the latest and greatest!

Mike's doctor appointment went well today. Again, he saw the orthopedic surgeon about his hand and knee. He got the stitches out of his hand, and they re-casted it. Healing is on schedule for his hand, and he's likely to have it casted for another 3-4 weeks. The knee is healing well, ahead of schedule, per Pat. The doctor is happy with how the knee is healing. He will start physical therapy at home today, where, in part, they will begin getting his range of motion/flexibility back. Once that's underway, they'll begin to work on weight-bearing.

All in all, things are healing well!

Love & Blessings,
karin

Mikey update - Mon 6/08 10:15am PST

Just a super-quick update. Pat and Mike are headed back from the doctor, but stopped at Target (and if I know Pat, probably Potbelly, too - cause it's right next door, and we MISS potbelly here in Cali!).

Pat sent me this pic of Mike and his Target scooter...note the blue cast! Will post more when I hear how the appointment went!

Love & Blessings,
karin

Mikey update - Mon 6/08 7:45am PST

Hi All,
Talked to Mike yesterday afternoon...he called me from his "new" recliner! Pat & I had a recliner that was still at our house in Lisle, and they got it over to Mike's so he could have someplace super comfy to sit. He was in heaven...was so happy to be sitting in such a comfortable chair. He was in great spirits, and was really enjoying his time with his family and friends.

Pat is playing chauffeur this morning...taking Mike to his appointment with his orthopedic doctor. We're all hoping for some (in Mike's words) some "fast healing under those casts"!

Not too much else to report, aside from the other updates through the weekend. He remains in good spirits, and is continuing to heal.

I will post more updates, per usual, as I get them.

Love & Blessings,
karin

07 June 2009

Mikey update - Sun 6/07 1:18pm PST

Couple of updates!

Been back and forth with Pat this morning. Mike is in great spirits, and as I think I mentioned earlier, he woke up today for the 3rd day in a row with no rib pain! Yay! Mike, Pat, and the "gang" went to Pete & Johnny's for lunch and make-your-own bloody mary's today. I saw a pic of the group - Mike, Pat, Bill, Doug, Sarah, Murphy, Melinda, & Tommy - looked like they were having a nice time!

Just got another update from Bill as well:

"Friends & Family,

Keep the positive thoughts coming, they are definitely working!

Mike again woke up with no rib pain for the third day in a row! Things are getting better with him daily. Pat Reemts arrived into town from San Diego yesterday afternoon and will be staying through tomorrow night. It is definitely nice for Mike to have great support from friends and family. Tomorrow Mike will see his orthopedic doctor and have physical therapy in the afternoon. Tuesday, he will see a family practice doctor and Wednesday, he will see the general surgeon that worked with him at Delnor. He will also be meeting with a lawyer this week to discuss the complexities of this accident and the pending insurance claims.

I believe that is all to report at this time...thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.

-Bill"

I'm sure I'll be talking to the boys later today, and will post anything new then!

Love & Blessings,
karin

Mikey update - Sun 6/07 9:20am PST

Just a brief update this morning, I'm sure I'll have more to report later.

Today was day THREE of Mike waking up with no rib pain! Pat says he's in very good spirits today, too. Today they are going to try and get our old recliner over to Mike so he can relax in that all day, rather than the wheelchair! Then, Pat, Mike, and Mike's brother Bill (perhaps some others, not sure) are going to lunch at Pete & Johnny's.

Pat is really enjoying spending time with Mike, and although I can't speak for Mike...even though I sometimes do :) ...I'm sure Mike is enjoying the time with Pat. It's looking like I'll be headed out there Wednesday night, but that is still TBD.

Will post more later after I talk to the boys this afternoon!

One last note...in Mike's words (from FB ironically).. "getting better everyday!"

Until the next update, stay well, and enjoy your weekend!
Love & Blessings,
karin

06 June 2009

Mikey update - Sat 6/06 5:22pm PST

Hi All,

Pat is safely in Chicago, well, Lisle actually. He's hanging out at Mike's, and there are some friends there, too! I just got off the phone with both of them, talked to Mike for a while. He woke up today with no pain in his broken ribs - for the 2nd day in a row! His hand and leg feel ok today, too. He has 3 doctor appointments next week...mon, tue, and wed. Also some PT appointments as well.

He sounded good, and I know he's really happy to have Pat there. I think the plan tonight is to order some deep dish pizza and just chill out with some friends.


Will be talking to the boys again later tonight, and will post updates, if anything to report!

In the meantime, stay well.

Love & Blessings,
karin

Mikey update - Sat 6/06 7:13am PST

Good Morning All,
Just a few things to report this morning.

Got an update from Mike's brother Bill yesterday...

"Mike is continuing to do well day by day, and actually staying busy. Mike mentioned that today was the first day he woke up without any pain in his broken ribs, but it unfortunately came back quickly when he had to sneeze! Today we took a walk around the apartment where Mike is staying...it was a great day here, sunny and in the 70's. He continues to move around the apartment with his walker and his strength is getting better. He has physical therapy exercises that he continues to do daily and is breathing much better."

We also talked to him last night...he sounded good, and pretty much told us everything that Bill said above. He was really happy when he woke up without any pain in his ribs, and was ticked when he had to sneeze..."it was all over then!" he said. We talked to him a couple times yesterday, and the second time, he had some friends over to hang out. Sounded like a little party to me ;) In all reality, it sounded like they were having a nice time.

Last night we also made a last minute decision...Pat is currently on a plane to go see Mike. Our original plan was to both go next week/weekend, but we decided to "divide and conquer" in order to give Mike the most "face time" with the Reemts'! So, Pat is headed there as I write this, and will be there until Monday night. When we called to tell Mike that Pat was coming today, there was no mistaking the happiness in his voice. That, alone, made our night. I am working on getting my tickets for sometime next week; it's likely that I will be there from Thursday to Monday or something close to that.

I'll be talking to Mike later today, and I'm sure I'll get updates through the weekend from both Pat and Mike, and will post them here as I get them.

Keep the great thoughts coming!

Love & Blessings,
karin

05 June 2009

Mikey update - Fri 6/05 8:43am PST

Hi All,
We talked to Mike last night, and he keeps sounding better and better. We had a nice long talk, just about this and that. He is feeling ok, but is anxious to heal one of his limbs - either hand or leg. He's indicated that it will be much easier to be mobile once either one of the two is more functional. He was looking forward to meeting with the orthopedic surgeon next week, to see what he has to say. Other than that, he remains in good spirits!

Also, below, is an update from Mike's Mom, Ruth. Until the next update...

Love & Blessings,
karin

"Dear family and friends,
Mike is doing well today as I write this. He is still in his wheel chair most of his waking hours. He uses his walker to get around short distances, such as going to the bathroom. When he uses the walker, he has to strap his right arm on a platform and hop on his left foot. This is very tiring, so only necessary trips are taken with the walker. We ran a few errands today. He picked up his new pair of glasses as he cannot wear his contacts. Luckily, he had a prescription at the eye doctor ready and waiting for him. His new glasses look great on him. His voice seems stronger and each day he seems to have more energy. Unfortunately, he will be limited in his mobility to his wheelchair until the cast is removed from his right leg. He seems to be doing quite well with his left hand. Eating is not a problem, but meat, etc. has to be cut into small pieces. He is doing his exercises as instructed by his physical therapist. I have not detected any self pity. He has a great attitude. Next week he will see three doctors, his orthopedic, his trauma, and a general family practice doctor. His ribs are his greatest source of pain now, on a scale of 0-10, the pain level is around a 6 most of the time. The pain medication helps.
I'll write more soon. Until then, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We are thankful for your love and friendship.
Love,
Ruth"


04 June 2009

Mikey update - Thu 6/04 5:11pm PST

Hi All,
Talked to Mike a short while ago, he's doing well. He's had some time to rest up during the latter part of this week, as he hasn't had any additional appointments. He's been getting some fresh air, and generally sounds great!

Love & Blessings,
karin

03 June 2009

Mikey update - Wed 6/03 7:39am PST

Should have checked my email before the last post, as there is a new update from Dave, Mike's Dad. Not too much different to report, but wanted to share his update as well as ours...

"Friends and Family,

Now that Mike is out of the hospital, there is less to report. I [Dave] will be turning this over to Ruth (Mike's Mom), since she is still in Illinois, and I [Dave] returned safely to Maine yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday, Mike saw his general trauma surgeon and had his sutures/staples removed - everything looks like it is healing fine. The doctor also looked at his hematoma and commented that it is also healing very well (even though it may not look that way to us). He told Mike that he can stop using the wrap that he had to keep the swelling down. This is a big deal because it went around the rib cage and tended to intensify the pain coming from the broken ribs.

Mike also received another visit from the PT; his session went well and he is keeping up with all the exercises.

Next Monday, Mike will be seeing his orthopedic surgeon.

That is all for now. Again, thank you for all the positive thoughts and prayers...he is definitely on the mend!"

Love & Blessings,
karin

Mikey update - Wed 6/03 7:34am PST

Hi All,
Sorry I didn't get this posted last night, but Pat & I talked to Mike immediately before we had to run out the door to the Padres game (they got schooled by the Phillies - shocker!).

Mike had a busy day yesterday. He had a visit from the PT and also got his stitches and staples removed in his elbow and head. (So did Nicole!). He, again, didn't talk too much about the pain. The only thing he mentioned was that he was still a little "annoyed" by his hematoma on his side, and that his head itched a little where the stitches/staples used to be. Other than that, he told us he was feeling better yesterday. He was probably in the best spirits we've heard yet, and we talked for at least 30 minutes.

The doctor visits this week are done, but next week will be a busy one...with various appointments with the orthopedic doctor, the general/trauma surgeon, and more therapists.

As per usual, will continue to post updates here as I get them!
Love & Blessings,
karin

02 June 2009

Mikey update - Mon 6/02 2:24pm PST

Just a brief update today...but a good one. Mike got his stitches and staples removed from his elbow and his head, as did Nicole. Pat and I tried to give him a call a while ago, but the call went to voice mail. From what we can ascertain (we got a text shortly thereafter from Mike), he's doing ok. I know he also had or has a visit from the PT today as well, so hopefully we'll catch him today at some point. If we do, or if we get any further updates, they'll be posted here. Otherwise, check back tomorrow!

Love & Blessings,
karin

01 June 2009

Mikey update - Mon 6/01 5:37pm PST

Just got off the horn with Mike...he sounded really good, and continues to be in good spirits. He told me he feels about the same as yesterday...didn't talk about too much of the pain, just about being a little uncomfortable with the various splints, wraps, bandages, etc. As per usual, we shared many laughs, mostly at my expense, 'cause i was telling him funny stories about stupid things I did :)

He took a trip out today to run a couple of errands...including a spin around the local Target in a scooter :)

Tomorrow he will get his stitches in his elbow and his head removed, and will also have another visit from the physical therapist. He does have his appetite, and is eating pretty well, he said (actually he said that yesterday), and while we were talking, the family was ordering some food - chicken parmesan was his order!

Keep sending the positive healing vibes his way...he's gettin' 'em!
Will post more either later or tomorrow!

Love & Blessings,
karin

Mikey update - Mon 6/01 9:38am PST

We've talked to Mike several times throughout the weekend. He was very happy to be home, and working on adjusting to his new surroundings. He did confirm that Cole was a bit of a challenge, simply because he is so happy to have Mike home. He has a lot of people around that are helping out, so that is very good. We had some lengthy conversations, and overall, he is in good spirits, and feeling "ok". When we've asked about his pains...he has said multiple times "it's not too bad". He indicated the pain medication he is on is working, so that is certainly helping to make him comfortable. He is anxious to move forward with his PT and OT, primarly so that he can become more mobile and functional. From what he's said to us, he is very anxious to get some mobility back into his right hand, as that will help him get around better. At first thought, we couldn't figure out why having his hand better would help him "get around" better, but of course, then we realized he could begin to use crutches, rather than a walker!

All-in-all, he's doing well. When we talked to him last night, he was pretty tired, and we concluded he was just very worn out. It's been a long week to say the least, and the move back home seems to have tired him out a bit, as would be expected. But he was in a good mood, and we did share a bunch of laughs.

Please do continue to send good thoughts for a speedy recovery. As he is back home now, you can reach him on his cell phone if you'd like to call. (I won't post his cell # here as this is a public blog, but if you need it, please email me).

I will post any new updates here as I get them, and likely scale back on the emails for now, so please don't forget to check back for updates.

Love & Blessings,
karin

Mikey update - Mon 6/01 9:37am PST

I have a little catching up to do on some updates....

Mike was released from the hospital about 3:45pm CST on Saturday. He is making a good transition so far. On Saturday, he had a visit from the Physical Therapist and he got Mike started on his new regimen. He also made sure they would send over an Occupational Therapist as soon as possible. The PT is expected to visit Mike 3x per week at his house. The hardest thing for Mike right now is keeping the two dogs from getting overly excited about him being home. Virgo (the dachshund) is small enough so that she is not a problem. Cole, on the other hand, is a 115 lb energetic black lab who doesn't realize how big he is. The family has taken him out and tried to wear him out by chasing his frisbee, and they will continue to try and do that as often as possible.

Mike and the family (Dad, Mom, Jenny, Bill, Liz, and Nichole) went out on Saturday night to Mike's favorite watering hole - Pete & Johnny's. They did not stay long, but the visit was uplifting for Mike. On Sunday, the family went back to Pete & Johnny's to enjoy a nice lunch on the outside patio. This was an excellent way for Mike to get some fresh air. Mike has definitely mastered the walker, but it does take a lot of energy hopping on one foot.

Today, Mike will be making appointments with two doctors - the general/trauma surgeon and the orthopedic surgeon. He will be having his sutures (in his head and elbow) removed this week.

Mike is beginning the next phase in his journey. There will be a lot of hard work ahead and days that are boring due to some of his limitations. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers, and don't be afraid to give him a call when you can.