wayne’s blog
June 14th, 2007
Today we are going to backtrack of why and how we arrived here. This blog is excellent for communicating with family and friends, but part of its function is a tool and hope for prospective candidates with similar injuries. Apparently a biography was to be initially given. Wayne’s truck/car accident occurred on Oct. 19, 2004. He had a cervical contusion at C-4/5 level. A contusion is similar to a bruise. The edema or swelling may be temporary or may be as permanent as if the cord was severed. Spinal cord injuries are classified as complete or incomplete. Luckily, Wayne’s was incomplete. He also had a fx. left scapula, 9 fx. ribs, contused lung with hemothorax. He did not have a scratch or bruise on his body, but was left paralyzed, unable to move from his neck down. He had surgery on his neck for stabilization. Several days later he had resp. difficulties and required intubation and placed on a ventilator. He was finally weaned off the machine 2 months later. He was an inpt. in Rehab Institute of St. Louis, Missouri for 2 months. We rejoiced Feb. 10, 2005 when Wayne came home. He traveled by van with a lift to rehab ( approximately 60 miles one way) 3 times a week for approximately 3 months. Wayne does approximately 5 hrs. of rehab daily. Jarrett Buckner, a caregiver stays with Wayne while his wife is at work. Wayne uses an electrically stimulated bike that fires his muscles to turn the pedal s 2 hrs. daily. He uses the highest resistance possible. This is the bike that family and friends graciously helped us purchase so he could use it daily. He also has an arm ergotomer that is like a bicycle for his hands. He does this independently for 30-40 minutes daily. We have a standup frame that enables Wayne to stand up with support for 30 min. We also have electrical stimulation through small electrodes on his arms, abdomen and legs to stimulate nerve and muscle growth and increased strength. He also does range of motion exercises, flexibility exercises, bowflex machine and during the summer hydrotherapy in the pool and whirlpool for circulation. I am his wife and I’m prejudice, but my husband is the most motivated, strong willed and courageous man I know. His faith, family and mental strength ( was Popeye mentally strong?) remain consistent. Visitor after visitor have said, ” Wayne I don’t know how you do it- I couldn’t. ” Please don’t think this has not been a constant twenty -four seven struggle. No one but Wayne could tell you. For God has said, I will never leave you; I will never abandon you. Hebrews 13:5. Wayne has always worn THE BIG DOG t-shirts. The kids and grandkids have always known this is a good present for whatever reason. The expression – what counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog! This describes Wayne. He has regained strength and movement in his arms in the past 2yrs 8 months. He has sensation in various places on his legs. We pray for hand mobility, general strength and increase in sensation and movement. God Willing Wayne and Deb
Entry Filed under: sci,Uncategorized
9 Comments Add your own
1. JB & Cindy | June 14th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Wayne & Deb, I’ve read your daily blog and just wanted you to know how much I admire your courage and determination. You’ve traveled around the world to seek treatment in a foreign land. I can’t even imagine how it would be, but I know that something good will come out of this situation. Your strong faith, your family, and friends will see you through…many prayers, and positive thoughts are coming your way. “Cast your burden upon the Lord…and he will sustain you.” Love, JB and Cindy
2. Becky Barr | June 15th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Wayne and Deb, my thoughts and prayers are with you during your journey.Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I admire your strength, tenacity and determination. Keep fighting and keep praying. Sending much good luck and good karma your way!
3. Deb Meyer | June 15th, 2007 at 2:52 am
Wayne, Deb & family…
Just a quick note to say “hi” and let you know we continue to keep
ALL OF YOU in our prayers. So many people back here are asking about your progress and are praying for positive results.
The weather here is hot and the wheat harvest has begun, although everyone is wishing for a nice rain. Deb…I had to laugh at your hot flash joke…I always seem to be overheated and we have a constant battle here at the office (as well as home) over the thermostat — middle age!!!!
Wayne…keep working hard and keep the faith.
God Bless all of you.
Brad, Deb & family
4. Keeghan | June 15th, 2007 at 5:39 am
Hey Wayne and Deb. . .I just wanted to check in with you. . .I know the outcome of this treatment will be good and it will help you!! You are in many peoples prayers.
~~**LOVE, Keeghan**~~
5. Kacy | June 15th, 2007 at 7:24 am
Hello Deb and Wayner!! I have been reading the blogs daily, but couldn’t pass up commenting on the one with the “Big Dogs” reference! On golf trips, we always made sure to stop at the outlet so Britt could buy some presents
I cannot tell you how inspired I have been by you and your family with all you have been through. While most would question why such a thing could happen to them, you instead pressed on and relied on your faith and prayers to get you through. You are truly an inspiration to us all. Continued thoughts and prayers, Kacy
6. Danny & Andrea | June 15th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Just wanted to say Hi! and to let you know we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. You have come such a long way in the past couple of years we know you will continue to perservere.
Love-Danny & Andrea
7. Dick & Markita | June 15th, 2007 at 11:37 am
FYI…Joel Tyler & Jill sang at church last Sunday and made you a recording for when you return home. They send their prayers and God’s blessing. See you soon.
Love, D&M
8. Carol Fruend | June 15th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Hi, Popeye! Does that make you Olive Oil, Deb?
Found your latest blog very interesting. I really didn’t know a lot of details about the injury.
Yes, it is very warm here, but, luckily, the humidity has remained very low. It is supposed to be on the rise in the next few days. I guess that’s good, because we might finally get some rain.
Gene has been harvesting wheat, but he and Dean hesitate to sew any beans without some moisture. Farming is definitely a game of chess.
Each time I read about your time there or of times you have talked to me about, Deb, and I can see how the accident has made your relationship so much stronger. They always say that something like that will either make it or break it. Not only do you show a great strength between the two of you, but also a renewed faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make His face to shine down upon you.
GOD WILLING!!
Gene and Carol
9. Dan and Kristen | June 16th, 2007 at 2:35 am
Just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers each day. Thanks for keeping us up to speed – I look forward to reading the blogs each day to find out how things are going with the treatment. Uncle Wayne – keep up the hard work!
May God be with you,
Kristen
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