MRI results

We just finished meeting with Dr. Brown a few hours ago. He stopped by about 9pm to chat with us about what they saw. When they did the first MRI before surgery, the spine was not lined up at all. Since the pictures are 2d, they had to make some guesses as to the level of damage. Now that the spine is lined up, they can get much more accurate information. It appears that the cord itself is transected or basically broken inside. There is also a disk still pushing on the cord itself. If the cord is transected, that does not matter much. On Friday, Dr. Brown will review the pictures with some other experts and work with us to decide on some next steps that may include leaving it as is, or going in for another surgery to remove the pressure the disk is placing on the cord. Pray that they and we make the best decision possible. The net out is that we need to continue planning on long term paralysis while praying for a miracle. We have been doing that and ask you to continue joining us for the miracle part. I guess we need to look for the positive in everything. Even though this news is disappointing, sometimes when feelings do come back, they are not useful feelings. Feelings of constant itching or feet on fire or severe pain that needs to be controlled by serious drugs that can mess with your mind, attitude, and/or feeling of well being over time.

On a positive note, Sam was released from quarantine today. The antibiotic that he was using may have been killing his white blood cells leaving his immune system very vulnerable. He is on another drug now and his white blood count has moved back to normal. Although Kris looked interesting in a gown, gloves, and mask, it is good to dress normal around him again.
We finished ordering Sam's wheelchair. He tried out a ton of them and finally decided on one... in orange! I don't know how that will look with his purple converse high tops, but oh well!

The plan is to be discharged on Tuesday. We will need to take him in to Mary Free Bed 3 times a week for awhile to continue Therapy. Sam is looking forward to being home again.

Some friends from Rockford Construction are working on changing Sam's new bathroom to make it accessible and comfortable for him to use. Kris's brother and Dad will be doing the tile work. Ted DeJong is having some guys out Saturday to build the garage ramp and some other structural changes to get Sam into the house during summer AND winter. For this, Kris and I give huge thanks for taking some of these issues out of our minds while we dive into the many decisions for how to handle the extended medical supplies, equipment, insurance stuff, and all the other crazy things need to be dealt with.

Thanks again for your continued prayers and encouragement. It is not only appreciated, it is felt daily.