Because Jim was so content with his new place Brad and I waited until noon to go . What a shock when we got there. He was a mess couldnot talk to us. we couldn't get him to open his eyes, or anything it was like he was a child, as it turned out we think they were not giving him his pain medicine on schedule they were waiting for him to ask and he wasn't able to do that. It was 5 am since he had anything and hes to have it every four hours. We just got home and he seemed a little better but he is not himself, the dr did come but never seeing him before he didnt know what he was looking for ,. Looking at him they couldnt tell he was a healthy , active person who worked every day. We feel bad for not going early today but we felt he was doing good. Please pray that he will be back to himself again tomorrow each day is so different we don't know how to handle it,

I got to the hospital around 5:00 a.m. and dad was setting up and trying to get out of bed to leave.Once I showed him his leg he remembered he wasnt going anywhere for a while. He is very confused about where he is and why. He got his meds and I fed him around 8, he also got cleaned up with new bed linen he liked that, then fell asleep for an hour. He woke back up and seemed relaxed, he said he just wanted to rest. Jimmy and Jim's mother came today, he knew Jimmy but I think he was confused about his mother once in a while.(dont we all try to act that way with our mothers once in awhile) He is very hard to understand today, he knows what we say, but he told us he cant unclutter it in his head to tell us. He thinks he is stuck in a video game that will not end. Mom and I went back at 7:30 p.m. to tuck him in he was yelling and very angry about the nurses computer in the room, he said if somebody stops that white thing (screen saver) bounsing around the world would end. So I got the nurse to shut it off, thinking he could go to sleep. big mistake he went through the roof yelling we where in trouble now. Mom finally got him calmed down and to fall asleep by 9:30 p.m. He finally seemed calm sleeping. He will have a cat scan Monday to see if or why the big change in temperment . He has never acted like this before. Mom has her hands full, hopefully this ends soon. Thank you

Jim had a cat scan today We are trying to see what may have happened to him over the weekend. His speech isn't much better today but he knows what we are talking about. He says he is not in anymore pain, they give him his pain meds every 4 hours. He didn't keep his breakfast down this morning so that is the first time that has happened Everyone was very apologetic that came in today, but we are concerned because they didn't do anything on the weekend. Tomorrow he will have more tests including MRI and MRA. That is another ambulance ride because they can't do any testing at this facility. I really do not know what else to do at this point. We really need all the prayers we can get.

This morning Jim seemed to talk a little better. His mind seemed to be on top on things, he knew he was waiting to go for tests. We followed to another hospital for the testing they needed a family member to go with him, which we don't really think they did, Every day is a new challenge, We do not have any of the test results back yet. We do a lot of waiting here. By evening Jim was having we noticed as he got tired his speech changed. The only good thing we have found here so far is a very nice coffee shop on the first floor but they are only open til five,so we haven't tried them yet

We don't have any of the results of the tests yet. We have asked the Dr to consult with the Dr at Miami valley to see about his medication we 're wanting to know what everything is that he was on when he was sent here, Some of the meds were just added before the move. We're being treated very nice, which we should be,we're nice people. Jim is doing a little better, he was very tired today. Did all of his therapy good. His speech is coming back, So hopefully it will be something very simple. Today his stomach was upset so he was weak from that and couldn't eat anything Thank you for your prayers of encouragement

We were at the hospital mid morning just as they were doing his dressing change. I always wait out in the hall for that I can't stand to watch it. His speech therapist came in and said he did very well., Much improvement since Tuesday. Physical therapist was also in his legs are very weak but she is working with him and he does try. The Dr was in still checking everything and he looks good but I don't know what he's checking for I think he's trying to consult with the other Drs and they don't return the calls, I'm glad to see he seems better. Last night I blamed the confusion on the pain medicine , but he acted the same way tonight at the same time without the med so I don't know what that could be. He was doing much better when we left, but he knows when he has trouble and tries to talk himself out of it. . thanks for your prayers

I didn' t get up to the hospital til late this afternoon. Jim seem fairly good, He did all of his therapy and is eating better. He asked the Dr to change his pain medicine because he thinks that's what's confusing him. Hes very tired of laying in the bed and wants someone to keeping moving him. he'll really be sick of it till its over, No time frame yet

Jim must have woke very early this morning because called me a little after 6 this morning wanted us to bring him an egg mcmuffin, Christine took it to him and told him not to make a habit of ordering breakfast maybe she would bring him lunch or dinner. He really seems better and has his thoughts in order most of the time. But we never know what will change. He's convinced that it was the pain medicine that has him so mixed up I hope he is right. This is his fourth day of diarrhea that they cant seem to stop. there is always a new problem. We hope tomorrow will be better

Jim seems to be getting stronger every day. this morning he called again very early but just to talk didn't want us to bring breakfast. He just wants to set on the side of the bed for a little thinks it would clear his mind. It hard to believe we have been here nine weeks. Tomorrow he has his Dr appointment with the trauma Doctors. We will maybe find out if they are planning a skin graft soon.

Dad had a bad day. We noticed something wasn't right when we arrived in his room around 10 am. We had trouble getting anyone else there to notice or to take our concerns seriously. He was holding his right arm funny and seemed to be "zoning" a lot. After about an hour his right arm was trembling uncontrollably and he looked really flushed. Again we were told he must just be worried about Karen's surgery and no one wanted to check on him. By noon (when it was time to take Karen over for her surgery check-in) it was really bad. He was scheduled for a visit to the Trauma Clinic so we knew he would be coming over to Miami Valley and I was planning on meeting him there with my question list for the doctors. I checked Karen in for surgery and went down to meet him. He looked awful when he arrived. He was shaking so much and sweating like someone turned on a faucet. Thankfully, it was obvious to the nurse that something wasn't right. I gave them a run-down on the past week and they paged the trauma doc. He looked at him and said he was going to admit him. He told Dad it was for a "tune-up". They took him over to the ER and started doing very thorough testing. Brad arrived around 4 pm and they were still doing tests. We left the hospital at midnight and still didn't have a clear answer. The docs fear is that he is septic or that he has some type of infection. He seemed settled in his new room and looked comfortable except the occasional sweating. He said he didn't have any pain with all of it and that it wasn't like he'd felt before. He was watching poker on TV when we left and seemed to be able to keep up with the game. Keep praying for accurate diagnosis and that they can get him fixed and he can heal completely. We are also praying about where he will get the best care from here on, too. Thanks!! I forgot to say that they did find out that he was seriously dehydrated so they gave him a couple IV bags full of electrolytes. He was on potassium when we left.

still doing tests on Jim. I think he is aware of everything that they are doing for him at the hospital,. He still seems to zone out sometimes but he brings himself back. tonight they had to give him another unit of blood. They are looking for everything possible,

Here it is a new month, where is the time going. We still do not have test results yet. Today they did an EEG which he said wore him out. But they let him set up on the side of the bed today to eat his breakfast. Then they got him into a chair for about 45 minutes. It really surprised me. He ate his lunch and supper by himself, he was a little shaky but he did okay. oh they also did another ct scan this afternoon. He is still confused about somethings but its getting better, they are beginning to think it was meds and dehydration pray that everything is finally going to fall in place..

Jim sat up again today Just not as long, He was probably worn out from yesterday. Trauma Dr is sounding like hes ready to go somewhere else but a couple of the other Drs are still checking him out. I really do pray for guidance here. He was confused again today and doesn't remember our visit yesterday. We never know what to expect each day.

Just another day of the same. He still seems a little confused, mostly short term memory He can tell you all about his cars and things that happened ten years ago. but he doesn't remember that Brad was here on Thurs......that's what makes it so hard and the Drs don't see that. I try to tell them but they say it's not unusual. He's eating pretty good and usually feeds himself. he is asking for pizza so everything's not bad. I just pray each day that they don't move him yet I just don't think he's ready yet . I know I'm not ready to worry about something else. thanks to all keep up the prayers

Jim looks real good. Is still confused talks about things he did at work last night and he was to tired to go to the shop today. He is really tired I don't think he's sleeping very well. The Dr has asked the nurses not to bother him between midnight and 6am to see if that makes a different. I think he is looking forward to therapy tomorrow at least he keeps talking about it . each day brings something new. I'm ready for this to speed up so we can see an end.

Its a gloomy day here today. I'm afraid winter is on the way. Jim did his therapy very good. They said he could finally put weight on his left leg, I was really surprised because they told us several months. Anyway, he stood up for the first time, but when he sat back down he blacked out for a few minutes,. that was the end of therapy. The therapist said that's not unusual for standing the first time on his own. He ate very good and feeds himself most of the meal, He does it all so fast I'm afraid hes going to spill everything. He tries to rest but he doesn't seem to relax, his mind is going all the time. still thinks hes at work,

Jim was doing about the same today. He sat up on the edge of the bed. He didn't have enough strength to do anymore today. I asked plastics when they would start skin grafts and they thought maybe soon, Maybe we won't have to move him to another facility yet. I wanting to move closer to home but they're not real helpful here, they act like they've never heard of northern Indiana. there has to be a place in fort wayne I just know where to tell them here when they ask. pray I make the right decision for him

Jim is doing okay, He said he is sleeping better since the Dr keeps people out between 10 and 2. I think the surgeons are talking about skin grafts on Friday. so I will know more tomorrow. So we won't be moving to another facility real soon,

Jim seemed in good spirits today, very tired he slept lot of the day. He's tired of the hospital food and asking for something different like pizza. They didn't have any in the cafeteria so we got him chicken strips something different They did a thrombosis scan, checking his leg tissue. His surgery is scheduled for 1 tomorrow. pray that will go well

Jim had his surgery early this afternoon It was about an hour and a half long, The surgeon said it went well there was one little spot that wasn't done but it would probably grow closed it self. Jim came out of the anesthetic okay today,he was asking for food so hopefully tomorrow he will be fine.

I hate writing the date because the time is going so fast it's almost Thanksgiving. Jim seemed good this morning, was in a little pain after his therapy so he asked for something for pain, they gave him Tylenol 2, but he didn't like it to well it upset his stomach guess he won't take that anymore. He is bored and tired of setting there trying to figure out whats next.

Jim's Mother ,Brother and Jim Jr was down today. I'm not sure he cared one way or the other hes tired of being here and doesn't feel like visiting yet. At least they see him and think hes doing better its good for his mother to see him. He's still very pale and taking iron pills hope he doesn't need more blood . The dietitian was in and he needs to eat more protein. Can you believe it they want him to eat more, and I was always telling him to eat less. There is still a long road ahead of him and we pray that it all goes well.

Jim looked a little pale today and said he felt very weak. He felt nauseated I couldn't get him to eat much, he passed up a brownie. I thought it looked real good. They finally removed a couple of stitches that were still in his foot from the very first, Everything seems to be healing he is just not very strong yet Pray that we head back to Indiana real soon,

Today must be our backwards day, They are suppose to put him in the chair to eat his meals . He sat in his chair for his lunch but the nurse decided to change the dressing on his leg while he was out of bed and it may have been to long, because his blood pressure started dropping and by the time they got him back to bed he passed out. He had to have an IV of potassium . His blood count was so low it would not read on the meter,so they had to give him a boost of sugar water I don't understand it all as you can tell. He is not eating or drinking enough , doesn't sound like Jim at all, does it. Tonight they came in for blood sample and they took a lung xray and culture. Hopefully they won't find anything new just correct what is happening. this is the bad day so now we can have two good days.

This is day 80 for everyone keeping track. . Dr. Johnson, the plastic surgeon, thought his skin graft looked good. Dr. Ward, from trauma was in and informed us that his gallbladder is now acting up.. He explained that because he had a TPA(intravenous feeding) for more than seven days and being bed bound for so long. In the morning at 6:30 am they are doing a cholecystostomy on his gallbladder, it is a drainage tube entered in the rib area ,until he can have his gallbladder removed maybe in three months or so. Due to all the scare tissue from the abdomen problems and recent skin graft he can not have laparoscopic surgery , so he will have to have it removed the old surgical way, once everything heals. Now I wonder if the last two episodes had something to do with the gallbladder I know you will all be praying for us and We thank you

Jim's procedure went very well instead of doing it at 6:30 am as planned, they took him down about 10.00 am. He got back to his room about 12:30pm. He said it was a little painfully, they only gave him a local anesthetic . He had a cup of soup and it seemed to go down okay with no pain. His wrist was a little swollen so they took him for an ultrasound to make sure he didn't have a blood clot. They're pretty sure it was from the iv he has. Hopefully he will get stronger now

Okay winter is here it was 27 this morning. During the night Jim was given two units of blood, his hemoglobin dropped to 6.9. The Dr seems to think it was the procedure with his gallbladder they go through the liver and its not unusual to loose blood. His hemoglobin was at 9.9 at the last reading which the Dr said was acceptable. He seems to feel good , just tired of them poking him for blood. because they don't want to waste the blood so they are taking it out of his fingers and they are sore. The Dr said today, they are still talking of moving him soon. I hope its not to soon, after everything that has happened. I just won't worry about everything.

Jim seemed pretty much the same today. His hemoglobin stayed at 9.3 same as yesterday. He was watching the race and ignoring us about the same as at home I think thats a good sign,

Jim seemed to have an okay day. His Mother and Jim Jr came for a visit. Hes always glad to see them but doesn't have much to say. He feels like hes lost touch with outside. He watches the news but its not the same . His hemoglobin count is staying the same, I think on Monday they will start all of his therapies again.,

Jim sat on the edge of the bed and did his exercises for the therapist. Drs are still working on the transfer the Dr in Fort Wayne has to agree to take his case,

Brad and I watched the nurse change his dressing today, Brad hadn't seen it for awhile and he thought it looked a lot better. I am glad he has stayed alert for almost two weeks now. Dr Binsky said he would have to have his cast for two more weeks . Jim was a little upset about that ,he feels he could do more with two arms.... We are still talking about moving him to Fort Wayne, but the Drs want him back here for a check up in two weeks . Its hard for new Drs to take over the care. We will pray that this is the right move.

Jim was doing okay . The ortho resident was in and said his knee and elbow were going to be stiff so he would really have to work it . Its not healing as fast as they would like. Thats not what we wanted to hear. They are stilll working on the transfer.

talked to Jim on the phone, he seemed okay was watching poker and acted like i was bothering him. Just like home. Also talked to his nurse and she said he was doing okay his pain level was way down so that was good

Jim is doing okay, still trying to get stronger with his therapy. I've talked to several administration people, but no one that can really tell me if he is moving. i want to talk to the Drs but they are all to busy, I'm waiting for their call back.. I think he is moving tomorrow just don't know who is paying for all of it..

JIM HAS ARRIVED SAFLY IN FORT WAYNE. HE SAID HE HAD TO GIVE THEM DIRECTIONS ONCE THEY GOT IN FORT WAYNE. EVERYONE SEEMED REAL GOOD WITH HIM BUT THEY DID AT THE OTHER PLACE A FEW WEEKS AGO. WE ARE PR;AYING THIS IS THE RIGHT MOVE FOR ALL OF US. HE RESTED ALOT THIS AFTERNOON IT WORE HIM OUT. EVEN THO HE IS CLOSER TO HIM HE DOES NOT FEEL LIKE HE IS READY FOR COMPANY. HE HAS LOST OVER 60 POUNDS AND IS STILL WEAK. THEY ARE STARTING REHAB TOMORROW.

Today was a good day. Jim had a fairly good nights rest. The therapist evaluated him this morning, had him sitting on the side of the bed again, and will start a routine tomorrow. I really think he needs that. The Dr with plastics came in this afternoon, to look him over , will review the case and see whats happening. Ortho Drs will be in tomorrow. We just have to wait and see what happens next

Today they worked on his therapy for as long as he could take it. The Drs ran another test on his gallbladder and they show it may be working again, after all the sludge was drained off they dont show any sign of trouble they are going to watch it before they remove the tube. He got a roomy today but so far everything is going okay he likes his privacy. We pray for his continued recovery.

Jim seemed real good today. He says everyone is friendly and they all have a smile on their face. Not always complaining about someone like the other place. He meant with a pain management team since he doesn't like to take a narcotic because it gives him hallucinations, they found something to take the pain away in his leg. He seemed to do his therapy with out complaining their goal is to get him to a wheel chair without alot of pain. They are running more tests to make sure they understand all of his complications. His roommate moved to another unit so for tonight he has his own room

Here it is Dec already can't believe it has gone so fast. We came home early today to beat the snow and we just made it. Jim still seems to be doing okay. I'm glad he likes the place it makes it a little easier for everyone. He did his therapy on his own today no one comes in on the weekends We'll pray for continuous strength.

Jim was tired when I saw him this afternoon, said they worked him pretty had in therapy. Still says he likes it okay. Just doesnt have much to say to us.

Jim thought he might like a couple coney dogs today I guess he realized he was just around the corner from the original coney dog place. Jim had his therapy for about an hour today they had him on the side of the bed. He says they really give him a work . The therapist( two nice gals) talked about a wheel chair ride so hes looking forward to that. The dietitian is still trying to get him to eat more hes not getting enough protein yet. I've spent 30 years trying to get him to eat less now they want more who would have known. we're still praying for continued recovery

I didn't get anything added last night. My brother and sister in law took me to hospital in the evening so until we got home it forgot. Then Blake came and spent the night so I got involved with him. Jim had a busy day. They got him in the wheel chair and he went down to the gym he called it. They put weights on his leg and arms to help build the muscle. He seemed to be in more pain the usual it was probably from his activity during the day. His back hurt from laying so long. He says he needs a massage and no one will do that. I'm hoping to get down later today.

Angie took me to the hospital tonight , he was glad to see us. He got the cast off of his left arm, its stiff but they will work with him a little at a time to get it straightened out. Its been in the cast most of the time he has been in the hospital. Wed. he was having alot of pain but its a little better.they increased his meds. He has another roommate but hes not able to talk , it makes us realize how lucky we are this could have all been much worse. They take alot of blood so the gal from the lab came in about 2am of all times, to put a pic line in, his arms are so marked up, she hit an artery it took her about 45 min to get it to stop bleeding , she then took him to the lab to make sure she had the pic in the right place. He was not a happy camper. He was hoping they would let him rest better tonight.

Jim looked good today. He had very little pain. Pain management nurse was in to check on him. Glad someone is taking care of the pain for him. He is getting a little movement back in his left hand, he can almost make a fist. The older gentleman in his room is moving. They were going to move Jim to a private room but he didn't think he would have as good of view and it was real close to the nurse's station and they get very loud sometimes, hes already done that, so he refused to move. I think hes getting his spunk back.

After we made sure we weren't going to get all the ice the weatherman has talked about we went to Fort Wayne. Today we watched Jim do his therapy. The biggest part of it is getting him out of the bed into the wheel chair. He does very well helping he is beginning to use his left arm, but he pulled with his right are as much as he can. They go down the hall to the gym. He works with his hands putting pegs in a board, them he has to pull them out with a tool reaching above his shoulder. he does good with that. The last thing he stands up, he had to rest a little then he stood again. Its going to be a long road but he'll work to get home and back to as normal as our lives can be.

Jim seemed real good tonight hes a little quieter than usual . the nurses told him he was the youngest man there One shift thinks he looks like Kenny Rogers and the other shift thinks he looks like John Voigt , what a contrast. He looks good when you see him ,its just waiting for everything to heal They still cant give us time for change.

The snow has been a problem for me. I can't get around very well and no one is going out in this weather so I haven't seen Jim since Fri night I talk to him on the phone says hes doing good. Moving to a private room today he's just down the hall on the eighth floor so he gets a good view. I know I'm going wed for sure. As long as he's happy there we can get by. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers

Jim looked very good today. He stood for seven minutes today in therapy of course with help, but still a big improvement. And good news at least I think its a good sign of improvement, He's ready for visitors. Short visits to start. He is in room 801. I hope he sees several of his friends. thanks for the prayers and thoughts

today was a good day for all of us. We took Blake to see Jim that is the first. They were both very excited. We stayed a few hours , they exchanged gifts I think Jim was a little tired when we left but he felt good.

Jim had several visitors on Sunday and Christine and family came home for Christmas so she has been visiting. Several of his friend have stopped by over the holiday week end so hopefully it wont seem so bad for him. He feels good and the nurses are all very good to him. Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, Jim had several calls today from his friends. we visited in the afternoon. He said he was feeling good and had a nice lunch turkey and dressing. It May have been one of the hardest Christmas I've had but at least we are both mending and almost home. Hopefully the new year will bring better things.The home thing is so undecided that it makes it difficult to think ahead very far. We pray everyday that it will get better for all of us

Went to therapy with Jim today and he does real good. Pulls himself out of the bed enough to stand on his good leg and pivot into the wheel chair. He wheels the chair to the therapy room. He then stands as long as he can from that position,. Them he does all type of leg and knee lifts . Then the next gal works his upper body. He can almost straighten his left arm with her help, its going to take a little time. At least I think we are on the mend. although down the road he has to have a couple more surgeries, We're both thankful for the progress we have made I guess I failed to tell everyone Jim is on the eighth floor of St Joe hospital in Fort Wayne, room 801 short visits please.

Jim was good today. each day he seems stronger. Its still a long healing process, but at least he feels good and has a very good out look. They don't have therapy on the week ends so he was just resting today. I would be bored just setting there but he doesn't want any reading material, I keep asking him thinking he would enjoy a good book but he says no. We are both looking forward to the day he may be discharged.

Today's visit with Jim was good , we laughed about some of the crazy things he said while he was still confused its funny now it wasn't at the time. They changed his dressing while we were there today. Its looking pretty good the skin graft is still healing. Where the pins of the fixateur go into his leg looks sore but he says its not. and the nurses are very careful when they clean it. We're starting to talk about what is going to be done about our house Jim won't be able to get around in the wheel chair which he will be in for awhile. Any the bath room can not be made handicapped for me. we will just keep praying that everything will work as he wants it to.

What a way to end the year but we are both still here and on the mend. We are very thankful for what we have and hope the new year is good to us. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE

Brad , Angie and I went to Fort Wayne last night for a visit with Jim He was surprise to see us with the weather being so bad. It wasn't as bad in Fort Wayne as here. It looked like a winter wonderland driving along. I didn't see Jim today but talked to him on the phone He is doing good both of his therapist were back after the holidays and they really gave him a work out. said he was sore and tired. He tries hard to do all the stretching and lifting.

Today Jim got a bed he could set on the side to eat his meals. It is an ordinary bed except it they put (what they call a trapeze) on so he can pull himself up. They are just trying to build his muscles. They talked to him today about moving to the seventh floor which is not as acute, but he wouldn't be guaranteed a private room. So he is thinking he would like to stay where he's at. He pretty much gets what he wants so we'll see what happens. He still seems to be in good spirits just working real hard to get on with our lives. Thanks to all who are still emailing and praying for us.

Jim moved to the seventh floor today, He made them agree to a good view and a private room. They agreed so the first room he moved to didn't have a good view so you guessed it they moved him so he was happy. Hes getting better all the time. he is now in room 721 its just to the right of the elevators.

Today the Drs took Jim's gallbladder tube out. The gallbladder is working just fine. I guess its a good thing they didn't do surgery to take it out when they thought he needed that. I was there to watch therapy again this week its unbelievable how much he improved in one week. He can almost get his left arm straight out in front of him . He can't get it over his head yet but he is working on it. He stands with help , they are trying to get him to move with the walker but his left foot is very heavy.

Jim felt good today , He was in the chair for a couple of hours , when the nurse and aid tried to get him back into bed they twisted his knee so he was in a lot of pain tonight. The therapist usually takes care of the transfer but she wants the shift nurse to learn it so he can sit up more. Today didn't work so well. The x-ray on his knee shows that one of the bones may be out of line, so he is waiting to see the Dr about that. We found out that the Dr that is familiar with the fixateur does not have hospital privileges here. So hopefully we will get this all taken care of the first of the week.

Another rainy gloomy day. Jim's knee is swollen from Fri when the nurse miss handled getting back into bed. The x ray didn't show anything but it wouldn't show soft tissue damage. Hopefully it will get better by tomorrow he has therapy on Monday.

today wasn't a real good day, everything seemed to upset him. He couldn't say what was bothering him it was just one of those days we all have. I think he will have more and more of these days the better he feels the harder it will be to keep him happy. Lets just pray that his recovery goes fast.

Looks like Jim is going to have to make another move we don't know where yet. I guess the insurance carrier doesn't think he's critical enough to stay here and hes not strong enough to go to a rehabilitation facility. We were under the impression that's why he came here to get him strong enough to go to rehab. Time will tell and we need lot of prayers again. We need him to stay where he is until hes strong enough for rehab

Today was Jim's birthday, His therapists had cake for him and they all had temporary tattoos drawn on in his honor. He really likes them. Amy, Blake and I took a cake to him, Jim Jr and his Mother came down brought him pizza.(he was to full to eat it) Gilberts and Spangles stopped for a visit. Brad and Angie brought several of the guys from the shop and riding buddies, I think Brad said he brought 14 altogether. I think he was glad to see everyone but was tired when we left. We're still trying to plan his next move. I'm sure we'll just get him settled and it will happen again, Patients can only stay at a facility as long as the care that is offered is needed. I think that means Jim is improving, its just hard to make a move each time. The next move should be home so were going to have to find a place with no steps, he wont be able to walk on his left leg for some time.

Jim was having a good day I think he is looking forward to his next move and we are working on coming back to Angola for his rehab, As long as he gets the best care and they are able to get him strong enough to come home we will stay close. He was telling the nurse how to take care of his wounds today now that he is himself we don't have to worry about what care he is getting. We're just praying that once again we are making the right decisions.

Well another big day for us. Jim has moved to Angola, he is at northern lakes rehabilitation center on Williams St. He doesn't have a phone yet but by Friday he will The number will be 260-667-7013. It didn't turn out just like we were told but we have to give them a few days to get things in order. He was suppose to have a private room and I guess it wasn't ready. We all know Jim doesn't like to share a room with anyone but me. I'm glad Jim is closer to home I will be able to spend more time with him. pray it is a good move.

Jim was moved to his private room today so he thinks he'll be okay now. It will be easier for everyone to stop in to visit. When you enter at Northern Lakes turn to your right at the nurses desk , down the hall he is the second room on the left room 16. his phone is 260-667-7013.

I think Jim is beginning to like or at least accept Northern Lakes. As things didn't suit him he spoke up and it was corrected. They have more elderly people and are not use to someone like Jim he wants to work as hard as he can to gain his strength back. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by, or called it has really helped his mood. God bless family and friends

Not much happening. He is doing very well in rehab. and seems to be in good spirits. For those of you who don't know what to expect when you see him. It's very surprising he looks good, sounds a little hoarse but other than that you wouldn't believe what all he's been through . Thanks to all of you who have stopped by he really enjoys the visit.

It was a big day for Jim. A friend came by with his van and took Jim out for a ride we took him to see his bike, He was surprised at how it looked. You don't tangle with a semi. His therapy was late today so he will sleep good tonight.

Sorry I haven't updated, My lap top wasn't working and Brad just had time to look at it today. I'm not real good when it comes to electronics. Jim has been getting along okay, therapy is good he's happy with the girls, they work him as much as he can take. Its good for him to be in town he has more visitors, its easy for them to stop for a few minutes, A prime rib dinner was catered in for the married couples at the facility, They decorated a dinning room and had singers it was a nice evening if we had to be there . Thanks for every ones continued thoughts and prayers.

Jim's leg was hurting him today. Not real sure why , but we go to Dayton Wed to see Dr Binski he is the original surgeon on his leg in designed the fixateur. Other than that he is doing good,

Today was the Drs appointment in Dayton. It was a long day for all of us. Brad drove us in the big van we were given a wheel chair lift to us, it worked great. Thanks. Dr Benski took the top ring off of the fixateur. He clipped off one end and pulled it through his leg, and removed two pins in his foot. Jim has been having trouble with his knee and a lot of blood was drawn out of it which is not good they will send that to the lab to see what had happened to it. We are going back in a month and maybe bone graft in April we just have to what and see how the skin heals. For now they want him to try to straighten the knee and use a whirlpool for 15 min a day. Pray that the knee is not infected.

today was quiet Jim was resting , his knee is still sore, maybe still from the ride to Dayton or the Dr using the needle on it. We didn't hear anything from the Dr on Friday so hopefully Monday he will call from the results of the blood sample sent in. we're trying to get his own wheel chair ordered. It will be easier for him to get around in and he may need it for a year, Its been six months so we need to find out if that's another year or maybe only six more months. the Dr isn't real clear. We just pray all goes well and he heals soon.

Here it is the end of the month I don't really believe it. Jim was having a bad day with the pain in his knee. He is still on antibiotics I'm hoping the infection is gone. We have not been able to find a whirlpool to soak his leg in yet. The therapist is still looking for one. I don't suppose the insurance will pay for one. Your thoughts and prayers are still appreciated.

Knee is still bothering Jim, a little more swelling than last week so will try to make contact with his Dr on Monday. We may have to find a Dr here that will contact his dr in Dayton, Thanks to all his friends that have stopped for a visit..

I don't know where the time goes. Jim seems to be doing better his knee is not hurting as bad. Each day he is able to straighten his leg more. He seem to be in better spirits each day. thank you to everyone who has stopped by to say hello, it means alot to us.

Not much happening right now, The Easter bunny came to visit one day of course if you know Jim very well he was not to excited about that. He did save the candy for Blake and he was very excited. We're looking forward to our visit to Dayton again, and on Fri we are going to see the plastic surgeon in Fort Wayne, This may give us some idea of what is next with his surgeries, He is still having a great deal of pain in his knee They have changed the pain medicine a couple of times but he may need to see a pain management Dr. We'll know more Wed I think. We are still looking for a three bedroom, ranch in Angola that we can get a wheel chair in. No date has been set yet for his release but we know he cant get in our house. thank you for your thoughts and prayers

Today was our trip to Dayton. It was a very long day. This was a very upsetting day for Jim. He has been having a great deal of pain in his knee, and we were trying to fight an infection with antibiotics. Today Dr Binski said it is in the bone and doesn't look like its getting better only worse. We have scheduled surgery to fuse his knee which basically means they take out the damaged bone and fuse it together. This will cause permanent loss of movement of his knee, the leg will be straight with 15 degree bend., We are told this is not unusual for a severe injury of this nature . Dr Binski said his riding days are probably over. Jim didn't want to here that he loves riding. Up until this time we thought his injuries would all heal. This is also going to cause a problem writing estimates that he would do returning to work. It would prevent his bending and stooping to look under the vehicle for damage. Friday he goes to the plastic surgeon for his stomach I don't think he can handle any more bad news.

Today was the appointment with the plastic surgeon in Fort Wayne, That went pretty well he said it was healing as it should be and when it is completely healed he will do the reconstruction surgery. But he wants to wait until the leg is completed done. So I think we'll be at this most of the summer. JIm is still pretty bummed about the knee but doesn't have a choice at this time. We will be staying in Dayton for a few days next week but don't have all the details.

Jim went into surgery at 2:30 pm today and got out at 7:45 pm, too long, but went well. Recovery room is still three hours until Jim gets back to his room when we can see him. Dr. Binski fused his left knee at 15 degrees and installed a full external fixator to keep leg in position until fusion heels. It usually takes about three months in full fixator. Dr. wants to do bone graft to lower left leg in about six weeks, and remove pins in ankle to make sure it will be okay. Many surgeries to come, but with everyone, it gets him closer to be able to start walking again.

We just got to our room. Jim is in a lot of pain today. he has slept most of the day wakes up long enough to call the nurse for his pain medicine. He is really watching the clock, he is on a pain drip every 10 minutes, and pain pil every four hours. Dr Binski came in to see how he was holding up and let him know the surgery went well. Therapy was in to check on him and will be in tomorrow to get started with his rehab. thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Jim was awake more today. He is still on vicodin by mouth every 4 hours and the dilaudid drip every 10 minutes. We are not sure when we will be leaving here. Jim will be on iv antibiotic for about 6 weeks. They don't want anymore surprises before his bone graft. He did very well with therapy today he was almost sitting on the side of the bed. Christine and the boys were here for a visit. It was good to see them. Keep us in your prayers

Jim rested most of the day stretching the drip to every 30 minutes and the vicodin still every four. They took more x-rays of the leg today . Hoping we will hear something about the plans to go home tomorrow.

Jim had two units of blood today they think he lost some during surgery and his hemoglobin was a little low when he came in. He feels pretty good,a little edgy, different Doctors were in with different ideas. The floor Dr said he could go home but of course she is not the Dr on record. The Trauma Dr and the Plastics Dr looked at his stomach they want to come up with a game plan down the road for the reconstruction surgery It doesn't look like we will be coming home until Thurs. Dr Binski wants everything under control before we leave. Then he will see Jim again in about two weeks I think there will be a lot of trips to Dayton before he is completely healed

Jim played an April fools trick on the nurse practitioner that came in first thing this morning. He didn't sleep very good during the night so he was tired today. He stood up twice with therapy today but they don't think we can take him home in the van He has to have the e.m.t.s take him, he's just not strong enough to get in and out of the wheel chair with just Brads help and still is on a lot of pain medicine. He will be going back to Northern Lakes in Angola, Thursday at the latest we think

My Internet wasn't working last night sorry I couldn't update. Jim had a rough day on Wed he slept through his scheduled time for his meds so he was in a lot of pain. He thought he was going home today but the insurance company couldn't authorize everything. They told us today that tomorrow afternoon he will be transported. So if we don't get out of here by 4:30 they will make us wait until Monday and the Dr wants to see him again by Wed. and every two weeks after. He should now be able to put weight on his left leg so it may be easier for him to move. We'll see.. Thank you for your prayers

Jim is finally back at northern lakes in Angola. His ride was not as bad as the one he had in November from Dayton to Fort Wayne. He told the emt drivers the route and the young men were friendly and tried to make the ride comfortable for him. After two days of thinking he was being discharged I think he is glad to be back in Angola. His leg will be permanently straight with a very slight bend at the knee he will have to learn to walk that way. He has such a long way to go this morning his pain has spiked again so if they can get that under control he will be happy More later

Jim felt pretty good today, It is Blake's (our 4 year old grandson) birthday today so we had cake and presents today in Jim's room , we miss spending time with him. Blake likes to look over Papa's wounds he thought they looked good has lots of questions. He may be the Dr in the family. I think the pain is under control or he is accepting it better he didn't complain to the girls today. Tomorrow he will be back on a therapy routine so I hope that goes well. Thanks to everyone who stop by it helps pass the time .

Today was more like spring and everyone is feeling better even Jim. He had a different therapist along with his regular one today, with a new idea. They helped him into the wheel chair and took him to the rehab room( he has been taking therapy in his room) got him out of the chair to stand and walk in between the bars. That seems like a huge improvement to me. The more he can move around himself the sooner he can leave the facility, he will still need lots of help but we're hoping we can get some of that at home. Only time will tell.

Brad stopped by to see Jim today to see if he was going to be able to get in the van after his surgery. It looks like it will be okay Brad is fixing a box to rest his leg on while he is riding on the van seat. We thought we had to go to Dayton tomorrow to see Dr Binski .but since he was seen before he left the hospital on Friday we will be able to wait another week. Jim talked to the office on the phone and felt okay about waiting til next week. It s a long ride for him. The Drs are still trying to control his pain and it seems to be getting better.

things are still going along pretty well. I think they have the pain under control today, with no side effects that we have noticed so far. thanks to all who have stopped by he enjoys the company.

It was a good day for all of us. Jim seems like his old self. Just would like to come home and get on with his life. I think Brad is going to get his house ready for Jim to get in and out of so we can both stay with him until we can build us a house. Brad is able to take Jim in the van to get around, Wed is our first outing since surgery, we go back to Dayton for a Dr appointment. Thank you for thinking of us

Our appointment on Wed went well. Dr Binski took off the bottom halo and put a cardboard type shoe on. That is to stay on 24/7 and he is to try to walk some. He is doing about two trips back and forth on the parallel bars. He is still on the antibiotic but hopefully that is about finished Maybe three or four weeks he will be home.

Things are looking up . He is walking more each day with the help of the walker and the parallel bars, We go again to Dayton on Wed just a follow up. We think he might tell us a little more about the bone graft but not sure Dr Binski does everything at his own pace. We are trying to prepare for him to come home we think they will tell us any day now that we have to leave. His antibiotic with IV is finished on may 8th. So we dont want him leaving his nursing care before that.,

Yesterday April 30th we went to Dayton to see Dr Binski, for Jim's follow up. The Dr thought the leg looked very good,the bone looks like it may be healing and will not need a bone graft. That would be a very big plus. We go back in another two weeks. Brad is working on the house to get everything in order for Jim to come home. We are so thankful for our family everyone is very helpful. Jim was tired today but his therapy is going well and he is getting out of bed and taking a few steps. He will be alone some of the time after he gets to Brad's the stronger he is the better.

Jim is still at Northernlakes ,we think he may be coming home next week . He is walking more with the walker putting weight on his left leg. His antibiotic will be finished tomorrow night that was one of the things we were waiting on. Therapy has to evaluated how he does at home and we are almost ready for that. Next Wed is our next appointment with Dr Binski so we always look forward to any news he has for us. He still enjoys your visits, Thanks for all your concern.

Today was the home assessment and everything was okay for Jims homecoming we only need one more railing in the bathroom. I think if everything goes good tomorrow we will have Jim home on Thur, well at Brads which is home to us for now. tomorrow is another trip to Dayton to see Dr Binski. We think that is just a follow up, and x rays to see how everything is healing. Its a long day we never get home before nine.

Jim was moved to Brads today its a big day for him, He says it was like being in jail for nine months. He is very happy

Jim has been at Brads for two weeks now, and is getting around on his walker. He's not running any races yet but can get around by his self. His left elbow is giving him some trouble but the Dr says its not anything that wasn't expected. We don't know exactly what that means but if the Dr doesn't get excited I guess we don't either. Hes taking muscle relaxers for it. More later we've got the big wedding next week so were looking forward to that. Then another visit to the Dr.

here we are into another month. Jim and I are staying at Brads at 107 glen beatty ave. you are welcome to stop for a visit. Jim is here most of the time. He does go to therapy three days a week. for about two hrs. Mon, Wed and Fri about noon. This will be our last entry, If you would like to contact us or leave a message our personal email is kgrandin2007@hotmail .com Thanks to everyone for their prayers and well wishes. He will be having another surgery sometime in the fall.