The best laid plans......

[Solowalkin]

It's been a while since I've had time to post here, unfortunately not for any happy life events getting in the way. I've written before about finally deciding to fully retire at the end of this year to travel half the year and spend fall and winter here in Florida. All my plans, the Bigfoot I bought (which is still sitting at my BFF in WA state) my new show puppy, all my happy plans.....life, the universe, whatever has conspired to change our lives, maybe forever. The great vacation week in the Keys with my daughter (31) her kids (1&8) and her boyfriend ended tragically before it really got started. My daughter had an accident and suffered a burst fracture of C5 with spinal compression, she was airlifted to Miami where she (and I) spent 5 weeks in a trauma ICU followed by 3.5 weeks at a spinal rehab hospital. Her injury is considered incomplete which at least gives us some hope of getting more movement back (it's what we hope and pray for daily) but right now she is a C5 Quadreplegic, she can move her shoulders, delts, some biceps and she has wrist flexation. No triceps or fingers and no movement below her chest. I could write a f#%**# book about our healthcare system and trying to insure she gets the proper care. 5 weeks of sleeping in a reclining chair in ICU then a cot thing at rehab I am beyond exhausted. Her boyfriend would spend part of the week at home (central Florida) Mon-Thur afternoon (to give her kids some normal stability) then come down to Miami til Sun afternoon to be with her plus both of us needed to learn how to care for her. Our family and friends (his and ours) have been so very supportive and such a tremendous amount of love has been shown, a gofundme, several other fundraisers and more in the planning (we will need a wheelchair van) it's sometimes overwhelming and heartwarming to know that even in these horrible times we've been having (Pulse and other tragedies) people still rally together to help those in need. She starts outpatient OT/PT this week along with several Dr's appointments, she is trying to be positive but it's pretty hard right now. I'm hoping as she gets more rehab she will get stronger and hopefully get more stuff back. Prayers are welcome if you believe in them and any other positive vibes sent her way. Your entire life changes in a split second and not just to the person who was injured, I was very saddened in the hospital to see people who had no one to advocate for them. I can honestly say that pretty much everyone in any "in charge" capacity in that Hospital will remember my name for a good long time, and a formal letter will be sent demanding answers for several things that transpired there and at the spinal rehab hospital.
I don't know when I will have time to post again but I'll try. Hug your loved ones and don't take anything in your life for granted, if there is something you have wanted to do run, don't walk, and do it. You never know what tomorrow will bring, she is alive and not a vegetable and there is still hope for more recovery.

[OregonLuvr]

How tragic for you all. I am so sorry to hear of her accident. I know the pressures any illness can put on a family and I know you are all devastated. Positive that you have a great support system with friends and family. My condolences and lets hope for the best...miracles happen all the time.

[Liz]

So sorry to hear about this tragic turn of events! I'm sure the rehab hospital has put you in contact with agencies that can help ...such as FL Brain and Spinal Cord (Agency or Association, can't remember) They paid for renovations needed to make my house accessible after my husband's spinal cord injury. He was retired, so I think it was Medicare that paid for the wheelchair and other equipment. When we bought a minivan, the lift modifications were paid for...by the Chrysler Corp. I think. Wish I could remember all the details, but there is help available.

Found a link: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-program-site-survey-inspections/bscip-centralregistry/index.html

This link explains the program: http://www.floridahealth.gov/%5C/diseases-and-conditions/brain-and-spinal-cord-injuries/index.html

[BirdbyBird]

Thank you for checking in and letting us know....and reminding us of the temporariness of all of life. Thinking of all of you as you journey through these unplanned roads of life. Glad there are other family and friends around you for support.

[Acadianmom]

So sorry about your daughter's accident and the hospital problems. Hope she can find a place to get better help. I have limited dealings with the local hospitals and the experiences are so different. We got the best service from a hospital 60 miles away in a town you would never guess had a great hospital. Thank goodness she has you to advocate for her. I have missed chances to let some hospitals know what we thought of them. I pray that she recovers from this. Take care of yourself.

Martha

[Rufflesgurl]

So very sorry for this turn of events. Prayers going up for you and your family. Hope your daughter will gain her strength
along the way. She is lucky she has you to speak for her!!

Linda

[eviebooboo]

So sorry to hear of this tragic event in your daughter's and all the lives it has touched. It makes me remember just how fragile we really are and how, as my best friend who lost a child says, safety is just an illusion. But how wonderful the support you're receiving and may it keep lifting you and her up day by day.

[cnq50b]

So sorry about this. Glad you were able to be with your daughter & advocate for her.
Yes, our medical system is a mess.

I'll keep you all in my prayers. And don't forget to take care of yourself.
Catherine

[Bethers]

I'm so sorry for your daughter, you, her family. I'm glad you and she have support. And, yes, we never know what the future will bring us.

My thoughts, prayers, warm thoughts are with all of you.

You can post a link to the gofundme if you'd like.

[snowball]

awww so sorry to read this.. pray that she will regain more movement...yes things do change in a moment
prayers for you and yours
sheila

[MandysMom]

You have my thoughts and prayers. So sorry to hear the news.
Velda

[IrishIroamed]

Such a horrible thing to hear. I will send many prayers to you, your daughter and her family, and hope you all receive the strength in the coming months.

[havingfunnow]

I am so very sorry to hear of your tragedy. My thoughts are with you.

Yes, I'd agree that our medical system is an appalling mess.

[chalet05]

Such a tragedy for all of you. Sending prayers that she gains more movement and can keep her spirits up. Be sure to take care of yourself!

[JudyJB]

Sorry about your daughter. And you are right that you really have to advocate for patients, especially those who are incapacitated as much as your daughter is. When my mother had various levels of dementia and was hospitalized for other things, I irritated a lot of people because every night when I came to visit I asked for a complete medication run-down and what had been done to her that day. Good that you were able to be with your daughter and watching things.