| (Note:
Below is a list of e-mails and other correspondence the Seabee Club has
received. I have tried to keep them in cronological order so forgive me
if they are not. You can e-amil me with corrections or additions if you like at smestler@pbtcomm.net. I am sure your well wishes and prayers are not going un-answered.) Updated 1-30-2011
|
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 January 29, 2011:
It is with the greatest sadness that I report that our fearless leader,
Jim Poel, died today at 4:36 PM. Jim suffered a heart attack after
returning to Florida from New York. He was well on his way to recovery
and all was looking good until yesterday.
============================================================================================== As most of you know, Jim is the "electricity" in the Seabee community. His enthusiasm is highly contagious to anyone that gets within shouting distance from him. The good news is he is in very good shape physically which will help tremendously I am sure. Please keep Jim and his family in your thoughts and prayers in this, his most trying time. Cards and letters can be sent to the address below. Please, no phone calls as they are extremely busy as you can imagine. H. J. Poel
Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Ave.
Rochester, NY USA
3rd floor, Room 4
================================================================================================================
June 19, 2010: Dear Seabee Friends and Family,
Just before 3PM EDT yesterday (18th), Jim Poel was
flying the replica Glenn Curtiss (1910) Albany Flyer for the Curtiss Museum when it
crashed. Jim is in critical condition, but he is currently reported as
being stable.
Lovada is in Rochester with him and I know
Steve and others are on their way to lend support. I hope you will pray for his
recovery and strength for his family and close friends as Janie and I will be
doing.
I will keep you posted as I receive news. I
just called the hospital for the address if you'd like to send cards and
letters....
Jim Poel, Patient
c/o Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Ave
Rochester, NY 14642
Bee Sea n'ya,
Bruce Hinds (Ed note: After talking to people closer to the situation than me, my wife and I decided not to visit Lovada and Jim just yet. I know they must have "bigger fish to fry" than seeing us. We do send our love and our thoughts everyday to Jim and Lovada. Steve for the IRSOC) ============================================================================================================================== Jim,
I was devastated to hear of your crash in the Albany Flyer! I hope your
recovery goes well, and our thoughts are with you. We were so excited to watch
the videos of the maiden flight and subsequent flights of the airplane even
though they were sometimes a bit scary. It obviously took a great deal of skill
to fly in such a narrow envelope.
I hope you and your family and friends (especially Steve and Henry)
weather this period and come out the other end in good shape. Hang in there,
and GOOD LUCK!
I hope someone can print a nice 8X10 of this 'get well card' on good
glossy paper and deliver it to you at the hospital. By the time I mail one, I
hope you would be home already.
 Bob Gould
Kaneohe, HI
June 19, 2010June 19, 2010 ================================================================================================================ Hello again everyone,
Here are a few more details from his dear
friend, Henry Ruzakowski.
My very good and dear friend and Seabee enthusiast and go-to-guy for many
Seabee and especially Franklin engine related help, Jim Poel was involved is a
crash yesterday while test flying a Replica 1910 Curtiss Albany Flyer in Penn
Yan, NY. If I am correct it was the first aircraft to fly off an aircraft
carrier and was to be use for the US Navy's 100 Year Anniversary next year in
San Diego.
Jim's injuries initially was listed as NOT life threatening, however, once
at the hospital it was determined that it is was. Jim's injuries were a broken
wrist, shattered pelvis, facial lacerations and a puncture to his lower back
caused by the bamboo (the structure of the aircraft is made of bamboo). It was
told to me by Lovada (his wife) today, that the puncture was (as the doctor put
it) as large as your fist, lastly, he has internal bleeding which has not been
located by the doctors after 2 angiograms, all this is as of 3PM eastern.
Jim is one of the most respected men in the Seabee community and many of
you have spoken with him in the past or met him, his wife and his award winning
Seabee at Sun n Fun or many other Seaplane Fly-In's around the East. I know my
prayers and thoughts are with him and his family during this time. Jim has been
like a brother and a father figure to me, he has bent over backwards and
forwards to help me and many others in this small community that we have and I
know each of you in your own way will give him the encouragement he and his
family needs to get though these days that are the toughest.
Henry Ruzakowski
June 20, 2010 Everyone,
For those of you that do not do the Seabee
Yahoo Discussion Group, this piece of good news just came in from Henry this
morning....
Just spoke with Lovada Poel this morning, the good news is after last
nights surgery they found the location of the internal bleeding and was able to
stop it. After over 30, yes 30 units of blood transfused, this is a great sign
that his battle may be turning for the better. He still has a long hard road
ahead of him, but everyday, our hopes are that he gets stronger. As of today he
is in a doctor induced coma to help his body heal. This will remain in effect
for about a week. As before, I believe that your thoughts and prayers are
working. I have already received calls from friends throughout the US and
Europe to get more information on his progress. Thanks to everyone for your
good wishes and prayers.
Henry
UPDATE 6-21-2010: The doctor working on Jim feels a full recovery is very likely. WOW! Great news....more later. Lovada. ================================================================================================================ June 23, 2010
Jim, When I wrote you, I talked about seeing videos of subsequent flights,
thinking (or rather apparently not thinking) that it was the Curtis America you
were flying. When I looked at the video just now of your first flight in the
Albany Flyer, I was REALLY scared. Whatever and whichever, we hope you recover
quickly and completely!
Bob
UPDATE 6-27-2010: (From Lovada, Jim's wife)... Morning Everyone,
First, Jim is doing well. (We have to remember
it's all relative.) They are going to fix his wrist in about an
hour.
I made a mistake in my reporting. A happy
one. It seems his broken leg and knee are one in the same. He has a ton of
doctors and one was calling it a knee and one was saying leg. It's actually his
leg. It's a tibia fracture immediately next to his knee. It's a happy
mistake because that means one less surgery. After today there's only one more
to go--that we know of--and that's to close the belly
wound.
They cleaned and tightened that yesterday.
They'll do that every other day until it's closed enough to withstand closing
for real.
The real fear now is infection. And there are
a ton of other possible's. But today, he's doing well.
The other thing I wanted to mention is this.
We are blessed to have so many friends (and family) who care so much for him.
While he still has a long, long way to go, unless something unthinkable
happens, I'm going to every other day on the updates. I know some of you look
first thing in the morning and get a little worried if you haven't received it.
Nothing is wrong--I just slept in!
Can't think of anything else just now. I'll
talk to you Monday.
As I keep saying, you all astound me. Thank
you.
Love and hugs,
Lovada
================================================================================================================= E-Mail from Bruce Hinds june 20, 2010
Okay everyone! It looks like the video is back up for the
pre-crash test flight!
A video done previously, the Hudson Flyer Trial
is at
And here's what they've been doing in Hammondsport, NY...
Seaplane Homecoming Video, about Glen Curtiss, father of the flying
boat.
Bruce
================================================================================================================= June 21, 2010: This is from Lovada's email
that I received last night:
Henry
"Hi Everyone,
You just keep us going with all the good
wishes.
Today was okay. They decided to start backing
him off the paralytic today. Big surprise. They weren't going to do it this
soon. Good surprise. It will be replaced with plenty of sedation and pain
relievers. So as I said yesterday, the only difference will be he can move. I
won't be having a conversation with him anytime soon. But that's okay. I talk
to him a lot. Some people believe in it, some don't. Doesn't matter. They do
say he won't remember any of it. Maybe, maybe not. I'd just rather
talk to him than about him. And if they're so sure he doesn't hear a
word of it, how come they tell him whatever procedure they're
performing? That's not for me. I'm sitting there. So. .
.
Today was supposed to be a "happy" day. Well,
not so much. They took x-rays for an hour which requires turning him. And
that's not so happy for him. But, they gotta do what they gotta do. Don't
really know more than that. They're just getting him settled down from the last
surgery and getting ready for Thursday's surgery, which is to start repair on
him pelvis and maybe even his broken arm. They're never really sure how far
they'll be able to go.
Tomorrow his agenda will contain another
cleansing of his wound. Doing all possible to prevent
infection.
Those who notice these things will see the time
I writing this. There was so much activity in his room I thought I'd take the
night off. (I mention this for you kind people worried about me) He was pretty
peaceful, resting up from all that's happened. Of course, the paralytic isn't
entirely out of his system yet. But he's starting to
stir.
See you tomorrow.
Lovada"
================================================================================================================================ June 22, 2010: from Lovada (Jim's Wife) Morning Everyone,
First, Jim is doing well. (We have to remember
it's all relative.) They are going to fix his wrist in about an
hour.
I made a mistake in my reporting. A happy
one. It seems his broken leg and knee are one in the same. He has a ton of
doctors and one was calling it a knee and one was saying leg. It's actually his
leg. It's a tibia fracture immediately next to his knee. It's a happy
mistake because that means one less surgery. After today there's only one more
to go--that we know of--and that's to close the belly
wound.
They cleaned and tightened that yesterday.
They'll do that every other day until it's closed enough to withstand closing
for real.
The real fear now is infection. And there are
a ton of other possible's. But today, he's doing well.
The other thing I wanted to mention is this.
We are blessed to have so many friends (and family) who care so much for him.
While he still has a long, long way to go, unless something unthinkable
happens, I'm going to every other day on the updates. I know some of you look
first thing in the morning and get a little worried if you haven't received it.
Nothing is wrong--I just slept in!
Can't think of anything else just now. I'll
talk to you Monday.
As I keep saying, you all astound me. Thank
you.
Love and hugs,
Lovada
================================================================================================================================June 22, 2010: from Lovada Good morning,
Sorry I'm late. I started this last night then
realized I was getting goofy. (Jim would say that's my norm, but. .
.)
He came through the surgery really well. They
were able to repair his pelvis in one go, through the back. This is
seriously good. They have the broken leg in a cage, immobilizing it
without a cast. There is a ton we don't know, can't know, till he wakes up.
Keep the good vibes going for him.
Again, thank you all.
================================================================================================================================ June 23, 2010
Hi, A good day all in all. He's out from under the
paralytic and starting to move a little. Mostly when they're doing something he
doesn't like. (That would cover about everything.) But as I said before, he's
heavily sedated, large amount of pain reliever and still has the ventilator.
But it's way better than Friday, we'll take what we can
get.
Tomorrow is surgery # 4 to start repair on his
pelvis. (They might get lucky with only one time around, but no one knows.) If
that works out, they'll work on his knee. (More about that in a minute.) If
he's still doing well they'll fix his wrist. It's all dependant on how he
does. But it'll be a bad day on Friday. It always takes it out of him a
little.
They didn't do a full x-ray at the time of his
admittance. They had bigger fish to fry. But they did tell me not to be
concerned if they found some breaks as he started getting better. (I didn't
mention that before because it's a non event in the scheme of things.) That's
what all the x-rays were about. Turns out his knee is broken, also his left leg
has a minor fracture. (For us it wouldn't be minor, Hey! My leg is broken! but
you've got to keep this in perspective.) If all goes as hoped, they work on the
leg on Monday.
His color is great, the swelling is going down
and I see improvement every day. Baring something unforeseen we're in pretty
good shape. It will still be a long time to recovery. Don't worry folks. All
of you wonderful friends who have offered help will get your chance. It's just
that it will be awhile. We still have re-hab (not to mention another few weeks
in the hospital). That's when it's going to get tough. Trust me, I will
call.
I don't think there's anything else. Know that
your prayers and good wishes are appreciated and help.
'Night. Talk to you
tomorrow.
Lovada
================================================================================================================================June 28, 2010: from Lovada Hi Folks,
Here I am, as promised. Jim is doing well.
That is to say he's doing what's needed. Exactly what he's supposed to
be doing. I guess the right way to say it is, he's having the reactions they
want to see. When they annoy him he twitches. Sounds bad, actually
good.
He'll still be out at least another week. If
they can close the belly wound, as hoped around Monday (next, not tomorrow)
they'll let him come to consciousness. Then we'll see what else, if anything,
is wrong.
He's got his color back, his "numbers" are
improving.He's better every day . So for now, it's all
good.
Talk to you Wednesday.
Lovada
================================================================================================================================June 30, 2010: from Lovada
"Good morning,
As my favorite of Jim's Dr's. says when I come
in--"no excitement".
Couple of small things came up. He has a touch
of pneumonia. Not unexpected since he's on the ventilator and has been on his
back so long.
The Dr. is going to clean and tighten his belly
wound today and maybe, maybe, close that wound on Friday. That would
be great if they can.
He's clicking along, pretty much just as the
Dr's. had said in posing the various scenarios. He's not responsive but he is
becoming more aware.
Gotta run,
Lovada"
================================================================================================================== July 2, 2010
Morning,
Every day brings a little something. His
numbers improved a lot over the night. Tomorrow he goes to surgery to close the
belly wound. Maybe a couple of other tweaks. They'll decide when they get a
good look around.
If he does well he may, MAY come off the
ventilator mid or late next week. Yea!!!!!
I'm sending a link for those who haven't seen
it. As my sister-in-law said, "The better part of June 18th." It's the first
flights of the Albany Flyer and a short interview with
Jim.
You'll have to paste and click. (I
think)
Have a good one everyone.
Lovada
================================================================================================================== July 5, 2010 I just got a call from Henry Ruzakowski and he had just got a call from Lovada. Jim is awake and talking!! I couldn't believe it so I called him myself (after much hesitation) and he is awake and talking well. He told me he is in Rochester and I said I just flew over him last night and he said, "So you're the one that woke me up!" He still has his fabulous sense of humor. This is GREAT news. Steve Mestler for the IRSOC ================================================================================================================================= July 15, 2010
(E-mail from Lovada to Bruce Hinds) Hey Everyone, We're definitely on the upswing. Yesterday he
was chatty and all there. He tires easily (normal), has some pain
(duh) but definitely had a good day. He'll be working that phone soon
enough!
I asked him how he was feeling. He said,
"Something like the mountain man that successfully fought off six bears.
Unfortunately, there were seven bears." He's back.
Speaking of back, that's the next hurtle. He
has surgery Thursday to revisit his back, clean it etc. We're hoping they'll
close it up for good but won't know until they get there.
They sprung him from the splint on his left
hand. Guess they didn't need all that access after all. So he has one
unencumbered limb.
His days and nights are turned around. He
sleeps more during the day. I'm told this is common for ICU patients since the
ICU routine never changes. They do exactly the same things day and night, and a
lot of those things disturb patients. (Such as turning him every 90 minutes.)
But, he'll get his sleep pattern back to normal.
That's it for today. Again, thank you for your
continued good wishes.
Lovada
================================================================================================================== July 23, 2010
Hello Again, Yesterday was a great day for me, first of all it was Shelby's birthday in
which Steve Mestler and his wife Lynn flew their Seabee from South Carolina to
our home. We then headed out with Steve and Lynn in his Seabee and Shelby and
myself in the Sorensen Seabee for a couple of water landings on Lake James. We
got back to have a great late steak lunch. Thanks Steve and Lynn.
While we getting ready for a late lunch, I decided to call Jim on his cell,
he answered, slightly shocked but was hoping he would, he did. I put him on
speakerphone and the four of us chatted with Jim, he is in good spirits and I
was able to make him laugh a bit. He, being quick-witted and all, was able to
slip in a couple of one-liners back at me. He is definitely on his way
back.
Also, I spoke with Lovada about a week ago and she mentioned that the
Homecoming in Hammondsport, NY is ON. Talking with Jim, he is enthusiastic that
HE plans to be there too. We should have a good turn out of Seabees, I am
hoping that at least 3 - 5 of the Seabees from the Carolinas should be there on
hand. Maybe one less if I decide to take a Widgeon instead.....
I know that Jim will get to everyone, in time, to thank them for their
support. I thank each and everyone of you that has contacted me about them and
sent good wishes to Jim and Lovada. It will be great to get Jim back on his
feet, into the air and back into his Seabee again.
I thought I would post a pic of Jim Sorensen's Seabee. We finally got it
all back together and flying with a new and excited Seabee owner.
Thanks to all.
Henry R.
(ed note: Henry didn't mention that Jim's goal is to have dinner with us at the Hammondsport Spalsh-in! I'm sure he will make it. Steve M. for the IRSOC) ================================================================================================================== 7/22/10
Hi Everyone,
Jim is getting better every day. He's eating
"real" food. If he passes tomorrows swallow test, he'll be on an unrestricted
diet. Yea! He was never a big fan of jello!
He's having surgery on his back today.
Hopefully, it won't be too many more of them. The wound is very large and very
deep. It has to heal from the inside before they will close it for good. They
give him a full anesthetic rather than a local. They feel there's too much to
do and it's easier on the docs as well as easier on Jim.
Then it's on to rehab. It will probably be at
the same hospital--which, while a bit of a drive, is really good. He will get
four hours a day instead of the standard two.
I'll let you know when it
happens.
Till then, thank you everyone for your caring,
praying and support. You are amazing.
Lovada
=================================================================================================================== July 25, 2010
Good morning,
Just wanted to let you know he's improving
daily. He's now on an unrestricted diet. The only problem is he has no
appetite. But that should pass soon, especially when he starts rehab. For the
first time in two weeks he's raised higher than 30 degrees. His bed turns into
a large chair--it's remarkable. Because Jim hasn't had to fight gravity for
five weeks, it turns out sitting is difficult to sit. It's tiring to hold your
head up (I never realized that). Also, he feels the wound in his back a lot
more.
On Monday the rehab people will start
evaluations. Depending on what they decide, Jim could leave the ICU and go to
the ICU step down unit. (It's the same floor, just the opposite side.) That
could happen as early as Tuesday or up to a week or so. We'll know more
Monday.
Just wanted to let you know the good news.
I'll write again when he changes rooms.
Have a great one.
Lovada
=================================================================================================================== July 27, 2010
Hello All! Well, it just gets better and better! Jim has
started (a very limited) physical therapy. AND he's moved to the step down unit
of ICU! He's now in room 17. When you get admittance to the ward turn left
(instead of right), right at the end of the hall. He's in the last room on the
left.
His color is great, and he's actually started
to eat some of his unrestricted diet. I think he's the poster boy for the
trauma unit. Everyone smiles when they come into his room. Most of them have
worked on him at one time or another and everyone is pleased with his
progress.
I can't say enough times. Thank you for your
good wishes and prayers. There's no doubt in my mind that you have hurried his
cure.
Love,
Lovada
=================================================================================================================== Good morning Troops,
Well, the good--I have news. The bad--I'm not
sure what it is! Once they all got together at the hospital they've determined
they can't help Jim--yet. Not until he can put weight on at least one
leg and that won't be for another four to six weeks. He won't be able to put
weight on his left for another eight weeks. (I think it's eight. But then
again, I'm doing it from memory. I could be a week off either way.) And he
can't put weight on his right arm for another two weeks. The long and short of
it is he can't do the work. He's certainly willing--but they won't let him.
So, today I start looking for rehab facilities that can handle his type of
injuries. I will get help from the hospital, certainly, but I want to check
them out to find a "fit" for Jim. Also, to see if there is a good place for him
closer to home.
He did great in rehab Monday and Tuesday. He's
doing all kinds of stuff that he didn't do before this--like getting dressed!
Yep, he can pretty much do that. Takes a while, but still. .
.
Anyway, we'll write when we get an
address.
XOXO.
Lovada
August 14th
Hi again, I had a feeling I didn't make myself clear this
morning, but I only had one cup of coffee when I wrote it! Jim will return to
Strong as soon as he's able. And he won't be released from there for a little
while yet. I was just trying to get a head start on finding a good place. And
as I said, they have to be able to handle his type of wounds--meaning two open
wound vacs (pumps that are placed in the wound to aid healing. (For those of
you going ???)
We've pretty much decided we won't leave here
until he's well. Of course, that could change--but certainly won't until he's
walking.
He's making progress, as I said. He's getting
more independent by the day, and making strides in rehab. Things we take for
granted, like putting your foot on the floor. He's up to 90 degrees in only
three days of rehab and two days of me (and a couple of friends) doing
exercises. He's got enough flexibility to lift himself, shift his weight and
generally help. When you consider that a week ago he couldn't do any
of that, you start to get the drift.
My new mantra? Baby steps. Baby steps. Baby
steps.
Thank you all for your good suggestions, good
wishes and good prayers. I don't like to think what we'd do without
you.
XOXO,
Lovada
================================================================================================================================= August 17, 2010
Hi Everyone, Not a lot to tell you, but. .
.
It looks like Jim will come home. He got the
okay to put weight on his right wrist which was the stumbling block. He needs
to be able to do transfers from the bed to the chair, etc. Don't know when that
will be accomplished as today was his first day working on it. But, he's
excited and it looks good.
We also found out he can put weight on his left
leg Oct. 1, his right leg Oct. 18. Yes, there was some confusion there--we
thought he could do that now, but no way. So he'll come home for awhile and go
back when he can start working.
Meanwhile, he looks better every day--and he's
pretty much the old Jim as many of you know. He's wearing clothes (rather than
the ill begotten hospital gown) does his morning routine, etc. He nods off
sometimes during the day, but that's to be expected. He still has some
medication and besides--this is big doings to him! Tires a guy
out.
Having said all that--have you figured out
yet--it could change in a second? One day I'm getting rent-a-ramps and the next
day I'm checking out different facilities.
I guess they'll know when they know. Meanwhile he looks great and is getting healthy. Who could ask for anything more? Keep well.
Till next time,
XOXO
Lovada
================================================================================================================================= Aug. 22
Hi Everyone,
Just a quick check-in. Things are going pretty
well, although at a snails pace. I know, I know--baby steps. But progress
is being made. Jim can now do transfers by himself from bed to chair
and back. Pretty great considering he's been flat for so long. He's also
started working on lifting his legs. Just started that, so no great progress to
report. It's a little disconcerting to see him looking so well, but knowing
there is so far to go.
 Sorry it's blurry. I forgot my camera and had
to resort to my phone.
We got some definite news though. He can put
weight on his left leg Oct. 1st, and on his right leg Oct. 18th. As I said last
week, he's now using his right wrist. (That's how he's doing the
transfers.)
He'll come home at the end of this rehab (don't
know when that will be) then go back when he can start walking. At least I
think that's the plan. They keep you a little in the dark about this. We will
have a meeting with Dr., rehab, nurse, social worker before too long and I
expect I'll know then.
Once again, thank you for the kind wishes and
prayers. You are a force!
Love,
Lovada
================================================================================================================================= Hi All,
I know it's been awhile, but there wasn't much
to say. Now there is!
First, Jim has moved to Clifton Springs, 25
miles from the house (as opposed to 60 for Strong.) What will I do with that
extra time?
The address is:
Jim Poel, Patient
Clifton Springs Hospital
2 Coulter Rd.
Clifton Springs, NY 14432
For anyone visiting it's room
3802.
We were at Strong (hospital) 11 weeks and 4 days--but
who's counting? He will be able to start walking October
18th.
 Showing off his new slippers.
With his new toy, Rocky.
 Working Out With Pache's clock.  Still working' it.
In rehab, a call of "Squirrel" makes people
duck.
  One reason we got into this facility is they
removed the open wound vac. TopDoc did that, too. When I mentioned we were
limited by the fact of the vac he talked to the surgeon involved and they
decided Jim really could do without it. It's been great and his back
continues to heal nicely.
I know I've said this before, but thank you all
for your good wishes and prayers. I can't begin to tell you how much it means
to us.
Love and hugs,
Lovada
================================================================================================================================= Sept 10
Hi All,
Just a quick update on Jim. Clifton Springs is
really working with us on getting Jim to Homecoming. I've gotten a
wheel chair accessible van, an electric chair and hired a nurse to be with us.
Plus a hotel room next to Depot Park if he wants a rest during the day(s). Do
we require all this? No. It just makes life easier. And TopDoc is planning to
be there on Saturday so we even have his Doctor if needed! That's not why he's
coming. He's an aviation buff who wants to see the A-1 fly, but still. .
.
And now a short commercial break. If you are
planning to come to Homecoming (Sept 17-19) and planning to attend the dinner,
please register online (GlennHCurtissMuseum.org) or call 687-569-2160. I have
to let the caterer know how many we are for dinner. (That's at least one
thing I know I didn't forget!) I'm really sorry to bother you with this,
but I had a plea from the caterer.
Thanks.
Till next time.
L & H,
Lovada
================================================================================================================================= September 30, 2010
Hi all, Just a quick one. Wanted to let you know Jim
is back at Strong. (3rd floor, room 18.) He developed a couple of bad
infections. Clifton Springs recognized they couldn't handle the problem, I
called TopDoc and we went back to Strong less than an hour later.
There's not much else to say. I have no idea
what comes next. He got the okay to put weight on his left leg, but he's too
weak from this infection to try it. Possibly we'll stay here until the 18th,
when he's ready to try to stand. I don't know yet, but I'll let you know when I
do.
I'm attaching a couple of photos from
Homecoming.
XO,
Lovada
=================================================================================================================================
October 28, 2010  Jim is up and walking with the assistance of Therapist Cindy (aka Kim) Sorry I've silent so long. There wasn't much
to say, just continuing to heal. Also, I was away for a few
days. Well, he's up and at 'em. It is, of course slow going--but he's only been working on it a few days.
He can't quite stand yet (his legs are still too weak) hence the pink
belt. Cindy, with Jim's help, hauls to a standing position. Don't have any word
yet about a release date, but it's obviously too soon.
Till next time,
XOXO
Lovada
================================================================================================================================= November 14th, 2010
Hi, I know it's been awhile, but there wasn't much
to say except that he's improving.
Last week was a great week. Cindy
(PT) identified several problems that were keeping him from making good
progress. Mainly, the braces he was using were tilting him backward when he
stood and walked. That was fixed by using a different kind of brace. Then she
found that his left leg is now shorter than his right, causing more dragging of
his foot as well as keeping him off balance. This was corrected by giving his
left shoe a lift. You can't see it, but it improved his
balance.
He has progressed to the "low" walker. He's
standing solo (although they still use the pink belt, just in case.) In fact,
his progress was so good they've decided to keep him a little longer. We don't
have a release date yet--and of course he anxious to come home--but this is
pretty good news. It means he will be self sufficient (in the house) when he
comes home. And he really wants that.
He working on stairs, transfers to a car,
walking and standing. He's one tuckered guy at the end of the day. But his
determination wows them. He's got good color and he's even gained a pound or
two. TopDoc still visits most days. And although they are social visits, he's
a wonderful font of information for us. So, as I said, a very good
week.
Thanks for keeping us in your hearts. Without
a doubt you have helped us through.
That's it this time.
XO,
Lovada
================================================================================================================================= Hey Everyone,
You've waited for it. The question is are you
ready?
Jim leaves Strong on November 30, 23 weeks,
four days after he entered.
To say we're excited doesn't come close. We'll
spend a few days here to acclimate him to the "outside", then pack up and head
home. I know you know this, but one forgets,. It's cold
here!
Jim's brother, Chuck, is coming up to help me
drive home.
We've been checked off to solo around the
floor. (That would be me holding the pink strap, keeping him steady.) He
doesn't really need it but I sure feel better with a hand to be sure he's okay.
His walk and stand improve every day.
Thank you all for your good thoughts, prayers
and wishes.
XO,
Lovada
================================================================================================================================= 12/21/2010
Hi Everyone, Sorry it's been quiet so long. Things have
been really busy. As many of you know we left Penn Yan for the warmer
weather of Florida. Jim's brother, Chuck, came up and drove the motorhome for
us. He was awesome help getting ready to go. Then did a stellar job driving
the "big rig", which he'd never done. Then helping unload everything
here, put the coach away (after a bath in 40 degree weather) AND helping get the
Christmas decorations down from the attic. The man is tireless. I needed a nap
after all the work he did!
The trip went pretty well with a two day stop
to see Jim's folks and another two days with his daughter. We got home to find
a party going on in the house. Our taxi way neighbors had opened the house for
us, turned on the heat (it was cold the night we got home) filled the
fridge with dinner, breakfast and lunch and had a ton of balloons. All
of our neighbors have been wonderful. From visits to dinners to ramps to
Christmas cookies they have been so kind to us.
We've adapted the downstairs to accommodate Jim
(as much as we can) and he's getting around pretty well. I got him a ramp to
get from the pool room to the dining room/kitchen area, so he has pretty much
freedom. If he wants to go to the living room, it's only one step and I can get
his chair down that. He's in seventh heaven since we took the door off the
bathroom (so his chair can get in there) and now has free access to the shower.
I didn't know anyone could stay in the water that
long!
We went for an evaluation at physical therapy
on Thursday and are set up with sessions three times a week--for now. It could
go up, but their schedule needs to ease before we can get in more. We're lined
up for wound care and he has seen his doctor, so we're in pretty good
shape.
We thank you all for your caring and good
wishes and hope you have a wonderful holiday. Merry
Christmas.
XOXO,
Lovada
================================================================================================================================= January 22, 2011
Hi Everyone, We're backkkkkk. It's been a full
month, and productive. Jim is in rehab three days a week and they've pretty
well nailed down what needs to happen and how to make it happen. He's had
several improvements, small, but improvements nonetheless.
Our neighbors have been unbelievable.
(You all know who you are.) One is a ramp building whirlwind. One day he made
a ramp for the front porch, the next day he was here to make a ramp into the
living room. Another neighbor built an exercise platform in an afternoon.
(This is needed so Jim can work out every day, not just the days of rehab.)
Remember the party
they were having when we got home? The last balloon finally gave
up the ghost. Interesting--both builders insisted they weren't painting
anything as it's all temporary. The platform builder insists
we'll use the thing as firewood next year. Another friend comes over
several days a week to help me torture (read exercise) Jim. (Jim
says PT stands for pain and torture.) And the list goes on. From
people just checking in to take him for a walk to the ladies providing
dinners. (I felt somewhat guilty over this--but it was
great!!!!) It must have done a lot of good as Jim has gained a
pound or two. (Caretakers, have any of you noticed when you try
to get the patient to gain weight, somehow it jumps on you?) And that's
about it. It's slow going, but we've both adjusted our attitudes
to recognize that. Everyone at the hospital said it takes about a
year to get back to normal. I suspect that's about right.
It's a little hard to take in this age of instant gratification, but
that's okay, too.
Till next time.
XOXO,
Lovada
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Updated November 19, 2010