Update on Jared - with very difficult news

I know some of you are starting to hear about this so I figured I better write a quick update.  Jared had an MRI this week and the neurologist now tell us he doesn’t have GBS instead he has Transverse Myelitis.  This is potential a much worse diagnosis, however there still remains much cause to expect he will make a full recovery.  If you want to read a little about transverse myelitis go to this web site www.myelitis.org or http://www.transversemyelitis.net  please continue to remember us in your prayers   I will write more in the next few days as I know more and have more time

Update on Jared - Found a van

Over the weekend we found a van. J J It is a 2000 Dodge Caravan with a dropped floor and an automatic ramp. It is very functional and has been used the past 10 years by the previous owner, Corey from Oak Hill.  Corey has been in a chair for 20 years and was very helpful and a delight to talk to.  He was just a real salt of the earth kind of guy, upbeat and happy. 

Thanks to everyone for all your assistance in the search and a special thank you to the Bartley’s and Joe and Joyce.  You trully have blessed us. 

The whole family went to the movies yesterday afternoon and it was so much nicer.  Jared simply rolls up into the van and there are special tie downs, built into the floor, to hold the chair in place.


I have become quite versed in all the nuances of these vans, from all my research, so if you need info feel free to drop me an email and I owuld be happy to share.

Of course our prayer is that we won’t have to use it for very long and Jared will be walking, but for now I think it will really improve Jared's quality of life, outside the house.  

Update on Jared

It has been a couple weeks since I posted, so I wanted to give you all a brief updated.

Jared is doing well at home and with his PT.  We still haven't had any major improvement in his movement or any more feeling, but he is getting really good at Xbox againJ. 

We certainly are happy with the decision to bring him home; I think he and the rest of the family are all very happy to at least be at our house and not have to live at the hospital. 

For those reading the blog who we don’t know personally and may be in a similar situation as us I want to tell you there are some serious things that we did not consider or know about when we moved him home and I would be happy to share my thoughts on these in detail with you, but suffice to say even though we are up every hour or so at night and keeping the dog from jumping on him and scratching him can be a  pain, having Jared home far outweighs any inconvenience to Vicky or me. 

Vicky and I are looking for a minivan with a dropped floor and a wheelchair ramp, (we have scoured online sources and haven’t found anything yet) the newer models are way too expensive so we have been trying to find an older model that we might be able to afford.  We really need something to make transporting him more practical.  I think the hardest thing we have faced since leaving the hospital is trying to get him in and out of the car.  The car and the wheelchair do not match up height wise and it is very difficult to move him.  Hopefully we can find something soon. (Definitely one of the things we underestimated in our decision, not so much on us but on Jared).   I think Jared would be much more inclined to go places if it was not such a hassle.

Jared and I did two Fridays ago get out and meet the guys for a fun night of cards. Jared said it was sad everyone in the room was old and yet he was the one who needed all the help J 

I was going to try to get some pictures of therapy on Monday, but we had a little medical problem (nothing serious) and he wasn’t able to go, so I will try again later in the week.

We are all trying to keep a positive outlook and we know that he will get better soon.  So please keep him in yours prayers and while I mention this please keep Randy and Kim Hutcherson in your prayers, good people need to know we are here for them.

Thanks again to everyone for all you have done for our family these past 6 or 7 months we really do appreciate everything.  I know i don’t always thank each of you individually but please know we are grateful to each of you for all you have done. 

Bill and Vicky