Wanted to give everyone a quick update
Yesterday we had some very exciting news; Jared was able to push with
his left leg. He still has no feeling below his chest, but this is the
first real movement he has had in his lower body. Essentially he can
do a leg press, with maybe a pound or so of pressure. I spoke with his
Dr. and he was very excited about this news. He believes this is the
sign we have been waiting for.
We are truly praying for a Christmas miracle
I hoped to have more news soon. The last 3 or 4 weeks have been kinda tough
because he has had so little progress so we are praying this movement
will be the catalyst to a rush of improvement.
Thank you all for everything you have done for our family, this process
certainly has not been easy, however so many people have done so much
for us and for that we are truly thankful.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Update on Jared
Jared is doing fine. Outwardly we haven't necessarily seen a ton of progress, however the Drs are telling us his lab work looks much better. We are praying hard that this will be the catalyst to improved movement. I truly believe we are going to see huge progress in the next day or two. This has been a long hard situation and Jared is really getting tired of being here, so let's all pray for a small step forward.
More as I have info to share
Bill
More as I have info to share
Bill
Jared's new room
So many people have asked about the room for Jared, I am just floored by all of you. It is truly amazing how many great people there are in this community. We are so blessed and God continues to be so good to us.
We had several members of our Church most of whom are the building business come to the house and I am thrilled to say the room is nearly complete. Thanks to all of you it is truly incredible what you have done.
Randy, JV, Bobby, Mike, Blaine, Brad and crew, Wayne I am speechless!!!!!
We had several members of our Church most of whom are the building business come to the house and I am thrilled to say the room is nearly complete. Thanks to all of you it is truly incredible what you have done.
Randy, JV, Bobby, Mike, Blaine, Brad and crew, Wayne I am speechless!!!!!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Phi Sig fundraiser for Jared
What an amazing group of men. The Stetson Community is simply incredible, we had over 70 people in attendance. Tommy, Mike, Brandon and all the others I haven't mentioned you guys are the best thank you so much. I must also not forget the Sunshine Lanes folks Pete, Joe and of course Amanda. Just an amazing time and our family really had fun it was great being around all of you, so thank you all! I am just blown away by this community.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A couple new videos
Jared is definitely getting stronger
The world goes nuts dogs and cats caught sleeping together Ok so even I am feeling better and get off my bed
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Update on Jared's Progress
I want to start this week by saying God is good and even in these difficult times I see him around me and my family. Vicky and I made it to church today and it really does help us get thru the week. On the Sundays we miss I fell different all week.
Jared had a good week. He continues to get stronger in his upper body and he had what they call trace move movement in his legs. The best way to describe this is it might take 50 nerves to move your legs and he has maybe 2 working right now. This is probably not the most accurate medical explanation, but at least it gives you an idea of what he is dealing with. He has gone from not being able to lift a small cup of water to lifting a few pounds.
He can roll himself around in the wheelchair but it is still very tiring and he can only go in short bursts.
Vicky and I have to say thank you to all of you who have volunteered to help with the building of Jared's room. It is amazing the amount of people willing to take the time and come help. Several contractors from our church have volunteered to do all the work and I will be trying to purchase everything this week so they can get started. Just another example of the amazing outpouring of love we have witnessed since Jared went in the hospital
People have asked me about what we are eating and thanks to Rich (chicken parm last Sunday) and David (steak and chicken Saturday that we are about to eat again now) we have had incredible meals and leftovers. David and Kathy have been so great not sure what we would do without them. Of course not to be forgotten is Shelia Collins who always remembers Jared with food :) and Jen and Lucy with great bakery items.
Jared had a special visit from Dr. Libby this week. He was so impressed that she came and still hasn't stop telling people about it.
PS Rich we have more little Pepsi for you.
Jared had a good week. He continues to get stronger in his upper body and he had what they call trace move movement in his legs. The best way to describe this is it might take 50 nerves to move your legs and he has maybe 2 working right now. This is probably not the most accurate medical explanation, but at least it gives you an idea of what he is dealing with. He has gone from not being able to lift a small cup of water to lifting a few pounds.
He can roll himself around in the wheelchair but it is still very tiring and he can only go in short bursts.
Vicky and I have to say thank you to all of you who have volunteered to help with the building of Jared's room. It is amazing the amount of people willing to take the time and come help. Several contractors from our church have volunteered to do all the work and I will be trying to purchase everything this week so they can get started. Just another example of the amazing outpouring of love we have witnessed since Jared went in the hospital
People have asked me about what we are eating and thanks to Rich (chicken parm last Sunday) and David (steak and chicken Saturday that we are about to eat again now) we have had incredible meals and leftovers. David and Kathy have been so great not sure what we would do without them. Of course not to be forgotten is Shelia Collins who always remembers Jared with food :) and Jen and Lucy with great bakery items.
Jared had a special visit from Dr. Libby this week. He was so impressed that she came and still hasn't stop telling people about it.
PS Rich we have more little Pepsi for you.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Update on Jared and a request for assitance
Hello everyone
A quick update on Jared; he is progressing although painfully slow. As you have seen in the videos on the blog, he is able to use his arm to move the wheelchair and now can eat by himself. He still does not have feeling below his chest so this is now our greatest prayer. We really need the paralysis to continue to move down his body.
I wanted to start this post by saying thank you to all of you for the enormous outpouring of love, help, thoughts and prayers. I heard a word from the Old Testament “mish-pah-KHAH” I looked up the meaning and it is roughly translated as extended family, clan or those considered family who are not in your immediate family but can be considered essential to you. Well after these 6 weeks the people I hold as mish-pah-KHAH has increased in number dramatically. It is impossible to express exactly how much it helps when we receive an email, card, phone call or visit. We truly cherish the relationship we have with each of you.
Ok now for the fun stuff. Many of you have asked how you can help and we have a huge request. Let me first say I don’t want anyone to feel bad if you cannot help, so please do not feel like you are being pressured into volunteering for something you do not want to do. Everyone has been so great to us during this and I fully understand if you do not have the time or energy to assist.
As many of you know the bedrooms in our house are on the second floor and this will pose a huge problem when Jared comes home as it is almost a forgone conclusion that he will be in a wheel chair when he is released for rehab. My solution to this is to build a room in our garage; again as many of you know I am pretty good with a ball, bat, hoop, net, etc, however I have never been a star when it comes to saws and hammers. So what I need is help with designing the room, buying the necessary materials, maybe picking up of the materials (I have a truck), and then most important building the room.
I am not sure exactly how long Jared will be in the rehab facility. However, I am worried that when the decision is made to have him leave we will have a very short lead time and so I want to get started on the room in the next couple of weeks. I guess email me or give me call if you think you can help.
Oh and if anyone knows of ways to get the materials cheaper than simply going to Lowes please let me know, as you can imagine we are not exactly rolling in the dough right now, so anything we can save will be great.
Thanks so much
Bill and Vicky
Thursday, November 4, 2010
before shot
A couple of pictures of Jared before he got sick so you have a point of reference when you see him now
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Latest news
First I am typing this on my Ipad so excuse the typos
Things are moving slow when it comes to more feeling. He has patches of feeling on his side and he says he is starting to feel things internal in his back and sides.
We have had a good last few days. Jared is making good progress with his hand and arm movement, I will post a couple videos when I get them from the phone to a PC. The bad news is as his nerves heel the pain in his arms and shoulders is very bad. The Dr says pain is a good thing but try telling that to the person in pain.
Thanks to David we ate great this weekend first on Saturday he brought over BBQ and we went out on the patio and had ribs, fries and greenbeens amazing ribs :). Then on Sunday he brought over this cheese dip he makes (a personal favorite of Jared's). So like I said a great food weekend.
Vicky, the girls and I finally made it to church this Sunday. It was nice to be back
Since many
Things are moving slow when it comes to more feeling. He has patches of feeling on his side and he says he is starting to feel things internal in his back and sides.
We have had a good last few days. Jared is making good progress with his hand and arm movement, I will post a couple videos when I get them from the phone to a PC. The bad news is as his nerves heel the pain in his arms and shoulders is very bad. The Dr says pain is a good thing but try telling that to the person in pain.
Thanks to David we ate great this weekend first on Saturday he brought over BBQ and we went out on the patio and had ribs, fries and greenbeens amazing ribs :). Then on Sunday he brought over this cheese dip he makes (a personal favorite of Jared's). So like I said a great food weekend.
Vicky, the girls and I finally made it to church this Sunday. It was nice to be back
Since many
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The med tech is awesome
Jared's med tech works part-time at Outback and she was so nice that she talk to them and they gave us a discount on dinner. amazing how kind people can be.
First Post in Jared's recovery
Below are all the emails I sent the first couple weeks Jared was in the hospital
Hello all
It has been a few days since I have written an update and we have seen some progress. Long road ahead probably 7 more weeks of in house rehab. He still cant feel anything below his chest, but he is making progress with moving his arms. slow slow slow progress
However, he has certainly moved to the rehab part of his recovery. I think we have moved completely past having to constantly worry about him simply breathing and now we are all focused on recovery.
Thursday and Friday where standard rehab days with the exception that they put him on an incline board to start getting him back use to standing
One thing that is nice, because of the insurance we have from Stetson Jared is the only patient in the facility who receives physical therapy 7 days a week.
Saturday and Sunday he only has a couple hours of rehab but at least he doesn't waste the weekend
Monday we had big news
First shower in exactly a month
First shower ever with 3 girls (LOL) it is a big ordeal to get him in and out of the shower
Sorry no pics of the shower :)
He also has started to sit up without help. Still not for long stretches, today he did 15 seconds but last week he couldn't do any.
He can eat anything now and since the food is terrible here we have been bringing food in. i feel bad for the folks that have to eat the food from the hospital. :(
Well since I need to be at work in the morning I better get some sleep I did want to add this story my brother-in-law sent me I think it is cool and will not take long to read.
Scars of life
Some years ago, on a hot summer day in South Florida , a little boy
decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house.
In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving
behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not
realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator
was swimming toward the shore.
His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and
closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son
as loudly as he could.
Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to
swim to his father. It was too late.
Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock,
he father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator
snatched his legs.
That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was
much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to
let go.
A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck,
took aim and shot the alligator.
Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy
survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal.
And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug
into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.
The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if
he would show him his scars.
The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to
the reporter,
'But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too.
I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go.'
You and I can identify with that little boy.
We have scars, too.
No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those
scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret.
But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go.
In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.
The Scripture teaches that God loves you.
You are a child of God.
He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes
we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead.
The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the
enemy is waiting to attack.
That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love
on your arms, be very, very grateful.
He did not and will not ever let you go.
helped me!
Day 6 and 7
Seeing a little improvement Jared can close his left hand into a fist, he still has trouble opening his hand. He can move his left arm fairly well and hold his wrist strong. The right arm is a little behind but I think this is because his shoulder is really bothering him and so he doesn't work the right arm as hard.
The PT said she could feel a very slight push in his feet. I wasnt able to feel it later but she said it is something to build on.
I went to work today for about 6 hours and Joe stayed with Jared. We are trying to keep at least 2 of his courses, so I talk to Rina Tovar and Deborah Thompson and they are working out the details. ( thank you so much).
Some really good news is the fever has been gone for 2 days :)
Being on campus was so nice people all over campus told me they are praying for Jared and it really does help me to know so many people care about us.
Thanks all
Bill and Vicky
.
Day 4 at Penisula
Sunday is suppose to be a real quite day very little rehab and I left at about 6:00am to go home and sleep to prepare for the big night . Tonight will be the first night that Vicky goes home and I stay with Jared alone. Vicky has to go back to work as she hasn't been getting paid for the 3 weeks she has been off and we can wait any longer.
Jared ended up sitting up in a chair for 3 hours which is amazing.
We watched football and baseball and my Mom brought the girls over for a visit. It was a good day I think we might have finally gotten past the constant fever and after 3 hrs sitting Jared sleep for 3 hrs.
Sunday night was his best night yet he crashed about 11:00 and sleep until 2:30. I gave him a drink and he sleep until almost 5:00am.
Day 5 Monday at Penisula
Bobby came over at 9:00 and I went home showered and went into the office for about 3 hours. Got back mid afternoon and Joe and Joyce had relieved Bobby at noon.
Rehab was real tough today they put him thru the ringer. Lots of movement exercises and he started with occupational therapy, things like trying to eat and brush his teeth. (it will be awhile but it's a start).
I think he has made incredible progress he can move his left arm up to his head and move his left thumb. We are all very encouraged by his progress.
Rich came by with a Chic-Filla sandwich which of course made Jarrd happy.
Kyle And Tiffany and Kyles mom came to visit Jared really seemed to enjoy himself. They joked and talked it was nice.
9:00pm he got his drugs and was ready to sleep of course after a quick call to Megg.
It's still impossible for me to sleep as I worry I will not hear him but if he sleeps well again tonight maybe I can start to sleep when he does . My plan is to stay here tomorrow and then work again on Wednesday.
Thanks everyone
Bill and Vicky
Day 3 at Peninsula Rehab Center
Because today is Saturday it is a relatively quite day, rehab is done only once. When they sat Jared up his blood pressure dropped dramatically so they had to lay him back down and stabilize him. Because of this he really had no rehab today. This is not really a great cause for alarm because he had been on his back so long it may take awhile for the blood pressure to normalize.
In the morning Vicky and I left him with Grandad Bobby for about 3 hours and went to the girls volleyball game.
Most of the afternoon he dozed off and on while watching football. Rob Davidson came by and spent a couple hours with us, which was real nice of him. Megg was here for several hours.
In the evening We watched the FSU game and about 11:00 he feel asleep. I think he sleep for about 3 hours the first time and 2 hours after that. It's nice that he is finally sleeping some.
Very little fever today and his appetite appears to be returning. He ate most of his lunch and kinda snacked in the evening, which is good since he has lost about 20-25 pounds in the 3 weeks.
I am writing this a little later than I normally do because i actually sleep for about 3 hours (ya).
Have good Sunday
Bill and Vicky
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 9, 2010, at 4:02 AM, "Bill Penney"wrote:
What a day!
We are in Ormond Beach at Peninsula Acute Care and Rehab and rehab is was on the schedule today.
Jared had 3 different therapy sessions today and that is just the start. The therapists here are going to work him very hard. Today was really just about getting him out of bed. His first session last 10 minutes and she simply sat him up on the side of the bed.
A couple hours later they moved him to a wheel chair and actually took him for a tour of the building. This lasted about an hour.
The third session was again back in the wheel chair for about 45 minutes.
This might not sound like a lot but believe me it's an ordeal to get him out of bed and he was wiped when the sessions where done.
I think his muscles will be soar when he gets up today. Hard to believe you can lose so much so quick but he has lost a lot of muscle mass in the last 3 weeks.
His spirits are high and everyone here is very positive.
He still only has feeling down to the middle of his chest and his arms so please continue to pray that the GBS moves down the body. As I have said before the way this thing works is it starts in the feet and moves up. When recovery begins the opposite is true it starts high and moves down. The doctors have no idea how long this process will take as each person is effected different.
Next week Vicky and I must get back to work so those of you who have asked about coming over and sitting with him we will definitely need your help. He really just needs someone to give him drinks and scratch his face. The nerves in his face tingle and make him itchy, anyway thanks in advance for helping.
That's about all for today
Thanks
Bill and Vicky
On Oct 8, 2010, at 6:47 AM, Bill Penneywrote:
Hello all
Another crappy fever night. Jared didn't get much rest and they are coming soon to start some type of rehab.
I am not sure exactly what they will do with him. More later I guess.
I need to grab some sleep
Thanks
Bill and Vicky
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 7, 2010, at 5:49 AM, Bill Penneywrote:
Hello all
Well today was most certainly moving day. Jared moved out of the iCU and into a regular room. We didn't stay there long around 6:00 pm they moved him to a long term acute care facility in Ormond Beach. (Peninsula Rehab)
The Dr said his breathing is well enough that he can start at a long term center where they will begin some rehab. At first, this will be breathing because he still can't fell most of his body.
Tonight has been real hard for him, adjusting to all the change (sounds, bed, pillows, etc.). So, not much sleep for any of us. I am hopeful that he will adjust and make steady progress here.
We had a small birthday party for Ally yesterday at the hospital. Just cake and we sang but I wanted her to know her birthday was important.
Well that's about it for today - new chapter starts now and we have to see what God has in store for us but I think while we are all anxious we are also in good spirits.
Thanks for all the prayers
Bill and Vicky
On Oct 4, 2010, at 3:54 AM, Bill Penneywrote:
Good evening everyone
Start by saying I just crashed for 3.5 hours and I feel good. Vicky went home around 6:00 and got about 3 hours so she stayed up with him until about ten minutes ago now she is trying to sleep.
Today was good day no major changes or setbacks. We moved to another room in the ICU as a change of scenery is suppose to be good for him.
His breathing is getting stronger each day and if he continues to improve we should be able to leave the ICU soon.
I think I must feel better as I am not rambling on and on :)
More updates later
Thanks
Bill and Vicky
On Oct 2, 2010, at 1:51 AM, Bill Penneywrote:
Hello all
Well we had a pretty good day but the worst evening so far
This morning Dr came in and told us we would be staying for at least 3 more days.
Jared ate a little more than he had been and things seemed ok
Then we had a huge drop in blood pressure. The nurse got it under control pretty quick, but the night only got worse from there.
Fever spiked
He was so out of it and it was really scary he was ranting and saying off the wall stuff.
They did an ultra sound on his legs to check for blood clots and he was about to hyper ventilate.
Then they took him down stairs to do a cat scan what an adventure that was he was really agitated and scared.
Once we got to his room he was ok for a few minutes but once again started babbling nonsense words. About 9:40 I was really scared and I sent out a text to people on my prayer list. Several sent right back that they where praying right then and I started also
Here is the text
"Not a good night had to have a cat scan, fever is back and He is very Anxious tonight can't sleep and he is kinda freaking out please pray for sleep and rest"
It wasn't 3 or 4 minutes after i sent the text and he was asleep. I'm not saying he was out like a light but he was asleep and resting. Call it what you will but as for me and my house we serve a mighty God.
Well for the past several hours he has been asleep waking only for brief moments. This actually might be the most he has sleep since we got here.
Please continue to pray for rest and healing
I started last night to talk about some of the people who have helped us and tonight I wanted to mention a few visitors we have had, once again there is no way to mention all of you as we have had literally close to 150 visitors but I wanted to tell you about a few.
Chuck and Matilda came every day for over week what a blessing they have been to us.
I had a visit early on from Bill Tate (Debbie for you Stetson U people). He just came into the waiting room and I really felt a sense of peace he truly lifted my spirit that night. ( of course Vicky told me later I didn't introduce him to anyone sorry Bill) but we prayed and it really was nice.
Rich Gaughran as always has been there from the start bring all the little things that people never know about
Gerry Ewing brought Jared not one but two shakes from Friendly's and magazines for us
I mentioned them last night but Becky and Jeff who drove all night twice just to spend a little time with us.
Chuck Hassle Plymouth Ave Christian Church stopped by and Jared thought that was cool that so may preachers know us and are willing to take the time to visit.
The president and the provost from Stetson have both taken timeout to stop by what an amazing place i work for.
there are so many more but I wanted to give you an idea of just how great this community is. If i didn't mention your name don't be upset we really appreciate all of you.
Thanks
Bill and Vicky
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 1, 2010, at 4:12 AM, Bill Penneywrote:
Hello all
I am writing this at 3:00 tonight because I just sleep for about 3.5 hours (yes) :). That is the most i have sleep in one day since this ordeal began. Vicky is going to try to get a few hours now and my mom's husband Bobby Is coming to relieve us at 6:00, so we should get a lot of sleep tonight/today.
Today was a good day, he didn't have a fever at all until about an hour ago and he had 101.2. So now we are back to a cold room and a fan on to try to get it back down. Always at night his fever comes back.
He saw a physical therapist today and she gave us a bunch of rotation exercises to do.
Respiratory is looking better his chest is sounding better and i think we can say he is breathing fine. (yes this is huge and what keep him on the critical list so long)
The Dr is talking next steps and I think they want to move him to another facility. Maybe orlando which has a great place but is so far away.
I have to say his mental state seems great he doesn't seem depressed or down we talk and joke and general
Make the best of a sucky situation.
He has started asking about school which i have tried to avoid because i want to wait as long as possible to make any major decisions. He really wants to stay in at least some courses. We have to wait and see what can be arranged. I am just glad we have progressed far enough to even think about school.
I went into to work for about an 1.5 hours which was good, before today I couldn't think well enough to go in. I am so fortunate to work with such great people they have had to carry me these past 2 weeks and do so much. they will never know how much I appreciate them. It really was a blessing that I could be here and not have to worry at all if things where getting done.
No further advancement on his feeling or movement but it is still early so I am not yet concerned about that.
He can eat whatever he wants but he has no appetite and basically has only been drinking and taking one bite of food.
I want start thanking some people in these emails and the list is long. First so many people have prayed for us I would need a computer and not an IPhone to list all the names so thank you all I believed in the power of prayer before all this and I tried to pray every day but now wow it is amazing. Pastor Dave literally saved my spirit last Friday when he made an extra trip just to pray with us. (definitely my lowest point). Miss Hazel came in and prayed and Jared has always loved her so that was a big deal especially since she has been in the hospital herself the last couple of weeks. And of Vicky's dad who is the prayer warrior of pray warriors starts each day with prayer.
I have so many other people on my mind i have written this line 5 times because there is always the danger of leaving someone out. I think i will tell you about the care givers we have had. I will start with the mornings Grandad Bobby has been coming in at 5:45 so
Vicky and I can go home and get the girls off to school. Sometime after 8:00 Vicky's dad (Joe) and his wife Joyce come and relieve him and they stay until Vicky and I get here sometime after 12:00. What would we do without them? And of course Jared's girlfriend Megg :) she has been amazing I never would have guessed she would do so much for him she has stood yes stand not sit for hours each day, she is amazing with him. My mom has had the girls most of the time but Vicky's sister had them some
Over the weekend which was nice. My dad has been taking the girls to school which helps because we can get to sleep 45 minutes earlier. Hope i didn't miss anyone certainly not my intention but I wanted to let everyone know how much we appreciate the help and just how many people it takes.
One final thank you for today to Vicky's sister and her husband Jeff and Becky I can't believe they drove from Atlanta for one night just to make sure Jared was ok. He has mentioned it to all the hospital staff I think it really touched his heart that you would do that for him. So thank you
So many good friends and family but I think i will wait for another night to go any further. I will try to remember a few each night and also say a prayer for those on write about.
Deland is a great place to be and I am glad we stayed here.
Wow I just read what I wrote and I am long winded sorry but it's how I feel tonight
Thanks
Bill and Vicky
On Sep 28, 2010, at 11:10 PM, Bill Penneywrote:
Today was a great day. Jared got his feeding tube out and had some Jello and yogurt.
He has been more chatty today than I have ever seen him.
there is a big button to push to call the nurse. It some how got pushed and when the nurse came in she said "oh you have that one that will go off if you breath on it and Jared said good because I can't move my arms or legs"
I am going to try to catch an hour or so of sleep while Vicky stays with him.
Now we need the stupid fever to stay away
Thanks to all of you for your support
Bill and Vicky
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 27, 2010, at 2:28 AM, Bill Penneywrote:
Hello everyone
Well today was a great day. He made so much progress with his breathing.
I even made some progress about 1:00pm I was really hungary, first time since this all started that I felt like eating, thanks to David for driving to Orange city to get me Sonny's.
This evening was a little rough, fever was back and he was really uncomfortable. He seems to be resting ok now.
Still no more feeling or movement but Dr says that is normal.
Thanks for all the prayers it really is what we are living on.
Bill and Vicky
Sent from my iPhone
Hello all
It has been a few days since I have written an update and we have seen some progress. Long road ahead probably 7 more weeks of in house rehab. He still cant feel anything below his chest, but he is making progress with moving his arms. slow slow slow progress
However, he has certainly moved to the rehab part of his recovery. I think we have moved completely past having to constantly worry about him simply breathing and now we are all focused on recovery.
Thursday and Friday where standard rehab days with the exception that they put him on an incline board to start getting him back use to standing
One thing that is nice, because of the insurance we have from Stetson Jared is the only patient in the facility who receives physical therapy 7 days a week.
Saturday and Sunday he only has a couple hours of rehab but at least he doesn't waste the weekend
Monday we had big news
First shower in exactly a month
First shower ever with 3 girls (LOL) it is a big ordeal to get him in and out of the shower
Sorry no pics of the shower :)
He also has started to sit up without help. Still not for long stretches, today he did 15 seconds but last week he couldn't do any.
He can eat anything now and since the food is terrible here we have been bringing food in. i feel bad for the folks that have to eat the food from the hospital. :(
Well since I need to be at work in the morning I better get some sleep I did want to add this story my brother-in-law sent me I think it is cool and will not take long to read.
Scars of life
Some years ago, on a hot summer day in South Florida , a little boy
decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house.
In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving
behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not
realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator
was swimming toward the shore.
His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and
closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son
as loudly as he could.
Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to
swim to his father. It was too late.
Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock,
he father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator
snatched his legs.
That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was
much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to
let go.
A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck,
took aim and shot the alligator.
Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy
survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal.
And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug
into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.
The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if
he would show him his scars.
The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to
the reporter,
'But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too.
I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go.'
You and I can identify with that little boy.
We have scars, too.
No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those
scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret.
But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go.
In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.
The Scripture teaches that God loves you.
You are a child of God.
He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes
we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead.
The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the
enemy is waiting to attack.
That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love
on your arms, be very, very grateful.
He did not and will not ever let you go.
helped me!
Day 6 and 7
Seeing a little improvement Jared can close his left hand into a fist, he still has trouble opening his hand. He can move his left arm fairly well and hold his wrist strong. The right arm is a little behind but I think this is because his shoulder is really bothering him and so he doesn't work the right arm as hard.
The PT said she could feel a very slight push in his feet. I wasnt able to feel it later but she said it is something to build on.
I went to work today for about 6 hours and Joe stayed with Jared. We are trying to keep at least 2 of his courses, so I talk to Rina Tovar and Deborah Thompson and they are working out the details. ( thank you so much).
Some really good news is the fever has been gone for 2 days :)
Being on campus was so nice people all over campus told me they are praying for Jared and it really does help me to know so many people care about us.
Thanks all
Bill and Vicky
.
Day 4 at Penisula
Sunday is suppose to be a real quite day very little rehab and I left at about 6:00am to go home and sleep to prepare for the big night . Tonight will be the first night that Vicky goes home and I stay with Jared alone. Vicky has to go back to work as she hasn't been getting paid for the 3 weeks she has been off and we can wait any longer.
Jared ended up sitting up in a chair for 3 hours which is amazing.
We watched football and baseball and my Mom brought the girls over for a visit. It was a good day I think we might have finally gotten past the constant fever and after 3 hrs sitting Jared sleep for 3 hrs.
Sunday night was his best night yet he crashed about 11:00 and sleep until 2:30. I gave him a drink and he sleep until almost 5:00am.
Day 5 Monday at Penisula
Bobby came over at 9:00 and I went home showered and went into the office for about 3 hours. Got back mid afternoon and Joe and Joyce had relieved Bobby at noon.
Rehab was real tough today they put him thru the ringer. Lots of movement exercises and he started with occupational therapy, things like trying to eat and brush his teeth. (it will be awhile but it's a start).
I think he has made incredible progress he can move his left arm up to his head and move his left thumb. We are all very encouraged by his progress.
Rich came by with a Chic-Filla sandwich which of course made Jarrd happy.
Kyle And Tiffany and Kyles mom came to visit Jared really seemed to enjoy himself. They joked and talked it was nice.
9:00pm he got his drugs and was ready to sleep of course after a quick call to Megg.
It's still impossible for me to sleep as I worry I will not hear him but if he sleeps well again tonight maybe I can start to sleep when he does . My plan is to stay here tomorrow and then work again on Wednesday.
Thanks everyone
Bill and Vicky
Day 3 at Peninsula Rehab Center
Because today is Saturday it is a relatively quite day, rehab is done only once. When they sat Jared up his blood pressure dropped dramatically so they had to lay him back down and stabilize him. Because of this he really had no rehab today. This is not really a great cause for alarm because he had been on his back so long it may take awhile for the blood pressure to normalize.
In the morning Vicky and I left him with Grandad Bobby for about 3 hours and went to the girls volleyball game.
Most of the afternoon he dozed off and on while watching football. Rob Davidson came by and spent a couple hours with us, which was real nice of him. Megg was here for several hours.
In the evening We watched the FSU game and about 11:00 he feel asleep. I think he sleep for about 3 hours the first time and 2 hours after that. It's nice that he is finally sleeping some.
Very little fever today and his appetite appears to be returning. He ate most of his lunch and kinda snacked in the evening, which is good since he has lost about 20-25 pounds in the 3 weeks.
I am writing this a little later than I normally do because i actually sleep for about 3 hours (ya).
Have good Sunday
Bill and Vicky
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 9, 2010, at 4:02 AM, "Bill Penney"
What a day!
We are in Ormond Beach at Peninsula Acute Care and Rehab and rehab is was on the schedule today.
Jared had 3 different therapy sessions today and that is just the start. The therapists here are going to work him very hard. Today was really just about getting him out of bed. His first session last 10 minutes and she simply sat him up on the side of the bed.
A couple hours later they moved him to a wheel chair and actually took him for a tour of the building. This lasted about an hour.
The third session was again back in the wheel chair for about 45 minutes.
This might not sound like a lot but believe me it's an ordeal to get him out of bed and he was wiped when the sessions where done.
I think his muscles will be soar when he gets up today. Hard to believe you can lose so much so quick but he has lost a lot of muscle mass in the last 3 weeks.
His spirits are high and everyone here is very positive.
He still only has feeling down to the middle of his chest and his arms so please continue to pray that the GBS moves down the body. As I have said before the way this thing works is it starts in the feet and moves up. When recovery begins the opposite is true it starts high and moves down. The doctors have no idea how long this process will take as each person is effected different.
Next week Vicky and I must get back to work so those of you who have asked about coming over and sitting with him we will definitely need your help. He really just needs someone to give him drinks and scratch his face. The nerves in his face tingle and make him itchy, anyway thanks in advance for helping.
That's about all for today
Thanks
Bill and Vicky
On Oct 8, 2010, at 6:47 AM, Bill Penney
Hello all
Another crappy fever night. Jared didn't get much rest and they are coming soon to start some type of rehab.
I am not sure exactly what they will do with him. More later I guess.
I need to grab some sleep
Thanks
Bill and Vicky
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 7, 2010, at 5:49 AM, Bill Penney
Hello all
Well today was most certainly moving day. Jared moved out of the iCU and into a regular room. We didn't stay there long around 6:00 pm they moved him to a long term acute care facility in Ormond Beach. (Peninsula Rehab)
The Dr said his breathing is well enough that he can start at a long term center where they will begin some rehab. At first, this will be breathing because he still can't fell most of his body.
Tonight has been real hard for him, adjusting to all the change (sounds, bed, pillows, etc.). So, not much sleep for any of us. I am hopeful that he will adjust and make steady progress here.
We had a small birthday party for Ally yesterday at the hospital. Just cake and we sang but I wanted her to know her birthday was important.
Well that's about it for today - new chapter starts now and we have to see what God has in store for us but I think while we are all anxious we are also in good spirits.
Thanks for all the prayers
Bill and Vicky
On Oct 4, 2010, at 3:54 AM, Bill Penney
Good evening everyone
Start by saying I just crashed for 3.5 hours and I feel good. Vicky went home around 6:00 and got about 3 hours so she stayed up with him until about ten minutes ago now she is trying to sleep.
Today was good day no major changes or setbacks. We moved to another room in the ICU as a change of scenery is suppose to be good for him.
His breathing is getting stronger each day and if he continues to improve we should be able to leave the ICU soon.
I think I must feel better as I am not rambling on and on :)
More updates later
Thanks
Bill and Vicky
On Oct 2, 2010, at 1:51 AM, Bill Penney
Hello all
Well we had a pretty good day but the worst evening so far
This morning Dr came in and told us we would be staying for at least 3 more days.
Jared ate a little more than he had been and things seemed ok
Then we had a huge drop in blood pressure. The nurse got it under control pretty quick, but the night only got worse from there.
Fever spiked
He was so out of it and it was really scary he was ranting and saying off the wall stuff.
They did an ultra sound on his legs to check for blood clots and he was about to hyper ventilate.
Then they took him down stairs to do a cat scan what an adventure that was he was really agitated and scared.
Once we got to his room he was ok for a few minutes but once again started babbling nonsense words. About 9:40 I was really scared and I sent out a text to people on my prayer list. Several sent right back that they where praying right then and I started also
Here is the text
"Not a good night had to have a cat scan, fever is back and He is very Anxious tonight can't sleep and he is kinda freaking out please pray for sleep and rest"
It wasn't 3 or 4 minutes after i sent the text and he was asleep. I'm not saying he was out like a light but he was asleep and resting. Call it what you will but as for me and my house we serve a mighty God.
Well for the past several hours he has been asleep waking only for brief moments. This actually might be the most he has sleep since we got here.
Please continue to pray for rest and healing
I started last night to talk about some of the people who have helped us and tonight I wanted to mention a few visitors we have had, once again there is no way to mention all of you as we have had literally close to 150 visitors but I wanted to tell you about a few.
Chuck and Matilda came every day for over week what a blessing they have been to us.
I had a visit early on from Bill Tate (Debbie for you Stetson U people). He just came into the waiting room and I really felt a sense of peace he truly lifted my spirit that night. ( of course Vicky told me later I didn't introduce him to anyone sorry Bill) but we prayed and it really was nice.
Rich Gaughran as always has been there from the start bring all the little things that people never know about
Gerry Ewing brought Jared not one but two shakes from Friendly's and magazines for us
I mentioned them last night but Becky and Jeff who drove all night twice just to spend a little time with us.
Chuck Hassle Plymouth Ave Christian Church stopped by and Jared thought that was cool that so may preachers know us and are willing to take the time to visit.
The president and the provost from Stetson have both taken timeout to stop by what an amazing place i work for.
there are so many more but I wanted to give you an idea of just how great this community is. If i didn't mention your name don't be upset we really appreciate all of you.
Thanks
Bill and Vicky
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 1, 2010, at 4:12 AM, Bill Penney
Hello all
I am writing this at 3:00 tonight because I just sleep for about 3.5 hours (yes) :). That is the most i have sleep in one day since this ordeal began. Vicky is going to try to get a few hours now and my mom's husband Bobby Is coming to relieve us at 6:00, so we should get a lot of sleep tonight/today.
Today was a good day, he didn't have a fever at all until about an hour ago and he had 101.2. So now we are back to a cold room and a fan on to try to get it back down. Always at night his fever comes back.
He saw a physical therapist today and she gave us a bunch of rotation exercises to do.
Respiratory is looking better his chest is sounding better and i think we can say he is breathing fine. (yes this is huge and what keep him on the critical list so long)
The Dr is talking next steps and I think they want to move him to another facility. Maybe orlando which has a great place but is so far away.
I have to say his mental state seems great he doesn't seem depressed or down we talk and joke and general
Make the best of a sucky situation.
He has started asking about school which i have tried to avoid because i want to wait as long as possible to make any major decisions. He really wants to stay in at least some courses. We have to wait and see what can be arranged. I am just glad we have progressed far enough to even think about school.
I went into to work for about an 1.5 hours which was good, before today I couldn't think well enough to go in. I am so fortunate to work with such great people they have had to carry me these past 2 weeks and do so much. they will never know how much I appreciate them. It really was a blessing that I could be here and not have to worry at all if things where getting done.
No further advancement on his feeling or movement but it is still early so I am not yet concerned about that.
He can eat whatever he wants but he has no appetite and basically has only been drinking and taking one bite of food.
I want start thanking some people in these emails and the list is long. First so many people have prayed for us I would need a computer and not an IPhone to list all the names so thank you all I believed in the power of prayer before all this and I tried to pray every day but now wow it is amazing. Pastor Dave literally saved my spirit last Friday when he made an extra trip just to pray with us. (definitely my lowest point). Miss Hazel came in and prayed and Jared has always loved her so that was a big deal especially since she has been in the hospital herself the last couple of weeks. And of Vicky's dad who is the prayer warrior of pray warriors starts each day with prayer.
I have so many other people on my mind i have written this line 5 times because there is always the danger of leaving someone out. I think i will tell you about the care givers we have had. I will start with the mornings Grandad Bobby has been coming in at 5:45 so
Vicky and I can go home and get the girls off to school. Sometime after 8:00 Vicky's dad (Joe) and his wife Joyce come and relieve him and they stay until Vicky and I get here sometime after 12:00. What would we do without them? And of course Jared's girlfriend Megg :) she has been amazing I never would have guessed she would do so much for him she has stood yes stand not sit for hours each day, she is amazing with him. My mom has had the girls most of the time but Vicky's sister had them some
Over the weekend which was nice. My dad has been taking the girls to school which helps because we can get to sleep 45 minutes earlier. Hope i didn't miss anyone certainly not my intention but I wanted to let everyone know how much we appreciate the help and just how many people it takes.
One final thank you for today to Vicky's sister and her husband Jeff and Becky I can't believe they drove from Atlanta for one night just to make sure Jared was ok. He has mentioned it to all the hospital staff I think it really touched his heart that you would do that for him. So thank you
So many good friends and family but I think i will wait for another night to go any further. I will try to remember a few each night and also say a prayer for those on write about.
Deland is a great place to be and I am glad we stayed here.
Wow I just read what I wrote and I am long winded sorry but it's how I feel tonight
Thanks
Bill and Vicky
On Sep 28, 2010, at 11:10 PM, Bill Penney
Today was a great day. Jared got his feeding tube out and had some Jello and yogurt.
He has been more chatty today than I have ever seen him.
there is a big button to push to call the nurse. It some how got pushed and when the nurse came in she said "oh you have that one that will go off if you breath on it and Jared said good because I can't move my arms or legs"
I am going to try to catch an hour or so of sleep while Vicky stays with him.
Now we need the stupid fever to stay away
Thanks to all of you for your support
Bill and Vicky
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 27, 2010, at 2:28 AM, Bill Penney
Hello everyone
Well today was a great day. He made so much progress with his breathing.
I even made some progress about 1:00pm I was really hungary, first time since this all started that I felt like eating, thanks to David for driving to Orange city to get me Sonny's.
This evening was a little rough, fever was back and he was really uncomfortable. He seems to be resting ok now.
Still no more feeling or movement but Dr says that is normal.
Thanks for all the prayers it really is what we are living on.
Bill and Vicky
Sent from my iPhone
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