David’s SCI Treatment Blog

11/12/2006 update on David

November 13th, 2006

Hello everyone,

It has been almost several months since David has been home, and we are well over due for an update.
Some of you have spoken and seen Dave directly, so some of this may be redundant.
He is doing very well, and is very happy. He continues to improve, and has so much more hope in his life.
The blessing of David’s vision improving is a gift he cherishes everyday. His vision is still slightly and slowly improving and he still gets so excited! He keeps reading everything around him where ever he is, just like he did that first day in China. David reads so much he gives himself eye strain and a headache! He was so excited though, that he can now see what they are doing when he goes to the Drs. offices. The whole staff also gets so excited when they know he is coming into the office and want to hear all about his improvements, and to see the pictures of China. Everyone is amazed at all the changes that have taken place. David’s personal enthusiasm, just makes his account of all the changes even more exciting for everyone. His excitement is palpable. He has such a new meaning to his life. David’s goal is to improve enough to stand unassisted at the parallel bars! We all know that he will do it too! He is determined, and there is no stopping him now! David has truly been given a new appreciation for his life, and knows it holds so much more for him. He also knows just how much he too can make a difference in the lives of others. He will be the one we all look up to for courage, and true grit! When I ask David if he will ever go back to China for more treatments, he answers me without hesitation…..you bet. Norma said she will go back too! Imagine round two??????
He has already ordered a standing board for home, so that he can stand everyday. It should be coming in very soon. He was not able to get a therapy table at this time, because there just isn’t enough room, but he has come up with a plan where they will get a mat and use the lift to lower him to the mat to do the strengthening exercises! He is serious! It proves, where there is a will there is a way.

David did get in to see his Dr. within a couple of weeks, and he was able to get a script for rehab. He has now started doing the rehab, as well as going to the gym. His days are busy and filled with hard work but he is just thrilled. The therapist challenges him like Martin did, and maybe even a little more! He is also having aqua therapy, which is something he has never been able to accomplish before he went to China. He is now standing in the pool in Aqua therapy! I heard, that Mom and Dad just stood there with their mouths wide open when they went to watch David. It it amazing to see what he can do. His strength just keeps improving. He is able to sit from a total recline position, in the chair and sit forward and touch the floor! He says that Norma is amazed all the time at the things he just keeps doing…..just like in China, the changes are suttle, and all of a sudden they realize he is doing something better, stronger, longer and further . His endurance and strength are still changing.
Here is a list of some of the changes I wrote down when I talk with Dave.
He does feel like he is now sweating on his back. He hasn’t had it confirmed yet, but he does feel like that has been a change of recent. He feels like he has more sensations in his arms, his voice is clearer and stronger.When you talk to him on the phone you can understand him so much better.
When he does the pull downs at the gym, he is strong enough to hold them down on his knees.
There is one thing that though that he is concerned about that is happening recently. He has noticed his heart racing or beating more rapidly and they are keeping an eye on that. They are not sure of the cause, but they are monitoring it very closely. Not much more information than that at this time.

Dave has upgraded his Internet service, purchased a new lap top, and is now using the software package call Dragon Naturally Speaking. Do you all remember in on of my emails that I said just imagine the day when we get our first email from Dave? Well, true to form, I got that email, and here it is for all of you to see! Of course I did not have a dry eye while I was reading it! This is such a gift to all of us, but especially to old Davey Boy….he has a new purpose, new hope and a new lease on life!

Dear Sally
surprise! I’m actually sitting at my dining room table TALKI on my computer
to a dictating in a letter to you can you believe this? This is absolutely
unbelievable! I sent a letter to Paul two days ago and have not heard back from
him I don’t know if it went through or if there was a problem with my
transmission hopefully you will get this one I want to thank you so much for all
you’ve done and everything you sacrifice and all the work that went into my trip
and went into everything from the day I was injured it I don’t know where I
would be if you had not done the things that you did and i certainly wouldn’t be
sitting here talking on my computer,, this is a huge step forward for me! I
hope you can shed this with the people in China on the blog and with the rest of
the family I love you so much Sally and how much! all means so much to me more
than you will ever know, ! Let me know if Paul did not receive his e-mail and
I’ll send them another one and then I don’t hear from you I’ll assume you did that received this one modern technology is sometimes hard to
figure out that this Dragon software is going to be a door opened up for me
I can’t wait to see you again I’ll talk to you soon I love you and miss you
all my love
Davey bo y

Now isn’t that just a heart stopper?!?! It sure was for me!
Paul and I are so proud of David. He works hard, he has such great faith and he
is an inspiration to all of us. I will continue to track his progress and report
every 30-60 days, unless there is some absolute miracle that just can’t wait to
be broadcasted to everyone.
David has also become a great uncle again. His sister Karen’s oldest daughter
has had a healthy baby boy named Braden! David is a great uncle once more!
I will begin to close this updated broadcast for now. Not until I mention that
The holi day season is approaching very rapidly. We will all be caught up in the
holiday bustle. Let us not forget to give thanks for all the blessings
that are a part of each of our lives on a daily basis. Remember why we are all
here, and why we never, ever should give up……..David is a perfect example
of why you never give up!
Keep the hope alive, because the hope truly does live here!
Love,
Dave, Paul, Norma and Sally

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