Week 2

It is now James’ second week at GF Strong. The team now thinks he will stay as an inpatient until mid January. James has been working hard on walking with the Physiotherapist although he is still not yet allowed to weight bare on his right leg.  He’s also working on overall strengthening. The Occupational Therapist has been helping James work on cognitive issues including planning, organizing, as well as fine motor coordination. The Speech & Language Pathologist has been working with James on reading and writing, memory, attention and his ability to focus.

Last Thursday I noticed increased swelling in his head so he was taken for a CT scan on Friday which sure enough showed increased swelling. The team is not concerned at this point as the swelling is on the outside of the brain, not the inside. They plan to monitor James closely until he sees the Neurosurgeons in the next couple of weeks. James struggles with intense and painful headaches on a daily basis as well as fatigue. Despite this James continues to have a sense of humour. Because James is experiencing increased headaches and fatigue, for now he would like to limit visitors to weekends and only a couple of nights per week. Again, please email me (kimbos81@hotmail.com) to schedule a time.

Some of you know James was able to attend his own benefit show at the Biltmore Pub last Friday organized by Doug Smith. He enjoyed the music and chatting with friends but felt overwhelmed after about an hour and a half. We both want to thank Doug so much for organizing the event! I had a much-needed incredible time but found it very very hard sending James back to GF Strong. Thank you also to Kimberly Love along with her button making crew for making the buttons and donating the funds raised to James and I. Thank you to all the bands for playing an incredible show for James. You were all amazing. Thanks as well to everyone behind the scenes who made that night so special.

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Kim and James

Rehab begins

I am very pleased to announce that James was transferred to GF Strong on Nov. 12^th. It was a bit of a chaotic transfer as VGH left everything to the last minute however, once he was settled in his new room, all was well. They started the rehab process almost right away. The wonderful Doctors, Speech and Language Pathologists, the Occupational Therapist, the Physiotherapist and the Social Worker assessed him within the first few days.  I am very impressed with his team. James has scheduled appointments every weekday and has evenings and weekends off. Visitors are welcomed during these times but please email me (kimbos81@hotmail.com) to schedule a visit.

The team at GF Strong figure he will stay as an inpatient for about 4 to 8 weeks then will continue as an outpatient for as long as he needs. Throughout his time as an inpatient though he will be allowed to go out on day passes. He’s hoping to get out to a Canucks game at some point but his body needs to get used to being up in a wheelchair for longer periods of time first. James and I went to a comedy night that the Peers program at GF Strong put on. They had comedians from Yuk Yuks come to perform. He lasted 1hr and a half in his chair but did complain of back pain after only 45 minutes. James played pool with some family members in the game room last night as well.

James continues to amaze me everyday. His strength gets him through the demanding therapies but I must say I was flattered when James told me that I was his reason to get up everyday. I nearly burst into tears with happiness! I feel so incredibly lucky to have my soul mate by my side. This has been incredibly challenging and it’s only because of the support we have received from all of you out there that I have been able to get through this. Thank you so much!

James – Nov. 4 – American Election Day

James is amazing me everyday. He is now on the 7^th floor of VGH on the orthopedic trauma ward.  He has his own room with a gorgeous view of Vancouver.  Yesterday he had a visit from the doctor who works at GF Strong Rehab Centre and she seemed really impressed with where James is at in his recovery considering the extent of his injuries.  We have been told he may be going there late next week depending on bed availability.  Today he was up with crutches for the first time (a graduation from the walker).  He needed lots of support as he is still quite weak and he tires easily. He is eating more and more each day and last night was the first night he didn’t require tube feeds. Hurray! One more step towards taking the last tube out. Tonight he is following the results of the American election with interest – He said seeing Obama win the election brought his headache pain from a level 6 to a 2 on the pain scale.  He continues to make daily gains.  James has had some visitors.  If you would like to visit James please email me and I will set up a time (kimbos81@hotmail.com).  Keep in mind, I have been extremely busy keeping up my own health and going to and from the hospital so, if I don’t get back to you right away, I will do my best to as soon as I can.

 

Also, I would like to acknowledge and thank the Wood family for their support. I always knew I could count on them but never thought we would need their help so much and so soon after our wedding. Brian is an amazing Dad - he has been by James side since the day the accident happened. Judy is an incredible Mom- encouraging James and being there for him in Winnipeg as long as she possibly could. Now that she has had to return to work she calls at least once a day to check in and speak to James - it is so important to his recovery for him to hear her voice. I can’t thank Brooke enough for all the time she spent with James in Winnipeg which of course would not have been possible without her husband Miles who made sure everything at home was taken care of. And the past two weekends, both of them coming to Vancouver to be with James has been so helpful in giving me some much needed time away from the hospital while knowing James is in the best possible hands. Tara, James’ eldest sister has done a wonderful job of holding the fort when we were in Winnipeg - getting information out to people and organizing an amazing benefit for us. She also made the trek to Winnipeg to visit her brother and show him how much she loves him - and also couldn’t do it without her husband Derek to take care of Paige (their daughter). I can’t express how grateful I have been for both Brian and Judy’s support and help over the past 6 weeks - James and I have both benefited. Not only were they there to help James get better in any way they could but they both helped with an interview with Global TV that was shown a few weeks ago. I also know there has been the Wood network at home helping and supporting us - Uncle Keith, Grampa Harry and all - thank you so much.

 

Kim