Russ attends Jon and Marites's wedding

Well the two things Russ most wanted to do over the Christmas weekend happened. Church on Christmas Eve and the wedding we've all been waiting for Jon Llera finally took the plunge. We are so happy for the bride and groom and Russ was so excited to be able to attend the event.

Congratulations to Jon and Marites, we love you.
We're still trying to navigate our way through his recuperation
every new setup takes time to get used too. We'll make it through, with prayer and his grace.

Tomorrow the pins come out of Russ's wrist, so one more restriction down we hope. If you're one of the people that love the medical pics check tomorrow I'll take pics of the whole process. yah.

Merry Christmas from Home

Russ is home for good, he will complete the rest of his rehab at home. We are so excited that he was home on Christmas Eve and we got to attend our Church service what a blessing. It's a lot of work having him home with the use of only one hand and one foot for pivoting only, but I guess he's worth it. I kinda of feel like I did when I brought home Lauren, so much stuff to learn and so little sleep. This is why I had children when I was young and had the energy. I will survive and so will he, hopefully I won't break him. God is with us every step of the way, if he wasn't we'd both be on the floor. Thanks for all the welcome homes, Russ feels so loved.

Farewell to all my friends at Sharp Rehab

Tonight is the last night in the hospital for Russ. Tomorrow Christmas Eve the present I wanted the most is being delivered, Russ is coming home for good. It's been a good week, he's made a lot of progress and his therapists are kicking him out. They say they've taught him all they can for now, he can transfer from bed to wheelchair with very little help and he even stands upright with a platform walker, basically uses his arms to support his body and pushes with his left foot. He can get dressed in bed with the help of all of his nifty tools, and can even brush his own hair:) Oh, speaking of hair for all of you who think he can't grow any, just check out the picture of how much I cut off of his head. We hope to see all of you soon, Merry Christmas and God Bless.

Rehab happenings

It's been awhile since I updated you all, here's the latest scoop. Russ' progress meeting went well on Friday and there was talk of him coming home for good this week, yes this week. It all depends on tomorrow mornings home inspection, Russ gets to come home in the morning with his Occupational therapist to see what accommodations are needed for him at the house. Anyone know of a cheap elevator for houses, I would love for my husband to be able to sleep up stairs. Just dreaming, we'll have to convert the living or family room into a bedroom. The biggest challenge is going to be a bathroom, if you've been to our house you know the downstairs powder room is the size of a coat closet. I have faith that it will all work out some how and we'll all be living together soon.

Russ has made friends at Sharp as you can see from the pic he still finds ways to have fun. This is his across the hall neighbor Steve, Steve's wife decided the boys needed a way to occupy themselves while in bed (they face each other across the hall). The only problem is they need retrievers for the spent ammo. That's where I come in, it's like having a toddler again:) Anything to keep them from whinning. Well I'll let you know what the out come is tomorrow. Keep praying, it's all in his hands.

A Busy two days

Well it's been a really busy couple of days. Russ's first field trip was to see the Urologist back over at the Scripps facility, of course I had to get a picture of him in front of the hospital where he lived for over two weeks. The doctor says the catheter stays in until the first of January then he'll see if the bladder injury is healed, if it is the catheter stays out. Pray for stays out.

On Tuesday it was back up to La Jolla to visit the orthopaedic doctor that is in charge of his wrist. The cast came off, xrays were taken and the doc says everything is healing well. Russ left with a splint and instruction that he can now remove it twice a day and flex his wrist and fingers. He was so happy, Dec. 29 the pins come out and he can get his arm wet. He'll wear a brace for a while and get to start therapy on his arm.

So Tuesday afternoon he had PT and OT and then it was time to party. There was a Holiday party Luau, catered by L and L. Family was invited and Steven was all over the island food, we even got a show Hula dancers. It was fun to spend time with my two men out of a hospital room.

Sunday at Sharp Rehab

We started the day with Vanana yogurt from Trader Joes, and a Orange Cranberry muffin from Panera. Yes, I actually made it up there for breakfast it's not home but at least the food was like home. Than we had Church service via DVD thanks to the great team at Eastlake that sent up the DVDs. It was so good to sit together and hear the messages, it really lifted our spirits. Can't wait until Russ and I can go back to church together. Then it was a little outside time and back in to watch football, it's Sunday after all. Russ got to attend his small group tonight all the guys loaded up and came to him with food and everything, how awesome is that.

Russ called tonight to say this was a great day and to top everything off the wound vac they had on his leg (where he had surgery on Tues.) was removed and his leg and stitches look great. Tomorrow it's up to LaJolla for a doctors visit (another ride in some sort of medical transport) to see how his bladder is healing. Things are moving along, thanks for all your prayers, and visits they mean more then you know.

Back in the groove

Well they got Russ right back to therapy on Wed. and have been working him hard. He's settled into the routine and is doing well all things considered. He's happy that he can have more guests now and grateful to everyone that has taken time out of their crazy holiday schedule to come by and say hi. For anyone visiting make sure you bring in your parking ticket to be validated, it will save you a lot of money. We're looking forward to the weekend when we can spend more time together. Maybe even watch a movie in his room, no hall pass for this guy yet.

Surgery done

Well today was another roller coaster ride, I was at work getting a few things done when the hospital called to say Russ was on his way up to surgery. What! Surgery was scheduled for 3pm not 10am. So off my sister and I go to the hospital to wait for the news. Well it went well and they removed 1/2 of a liter of fluid from his leg (uck). He has a little more pain tonight, but it's back to therapy tomorrow morning. He's being so good natured about everything, keeping the staff laughing and me too. I love this guy so much, can't wait to get him home.

Another Surgery for Russ

Tomorrow 12-8-09 at 3:00 Russ will have small surgery to remove fluid from his left leg, and to clean out and sew up a wound on the same leg. The doctors say this will help his leg to stay infection free and heal quicker. It should take about 1.5 hours and he will be back at the Rehab center the same day. They'll probably give him Wednesday off of therapy, but he'll be back on it Thursday. Please pray for a quick recovery and for the skills of the doctors.

Russ's Ride

Another day at re-hab, Russ is getting used to the routine and settling in. Of course he's making friends with everyone and he's working really hard at keeping his muscles pumped. When he found out that in 2 weeks laying in the hospital you loose 20% of your muscle mass, he was shocked. So for now until he can bear weight on his legs (pelvis) (that's not until February) the therapists are trying to strengthen his muscles without hindering his recovery.
Tomorrow Sunday he gets the day off for good behaviour. I'll be trying to keep up with him in his hot rod. Maybe we'll see you there.

Russ gets wheels

When I got to the center today I found Russ in the gym learning how to put on his shoes. No he hasn't forgotten it's just a little different when you have one hand (his left) to use and can't sit up past a 60 degree angle. Can you imagine breaking a sweat putting on your shoes, me either. Russ had a smile on his face, and was so excited to show me his new wheels. Yes, they gave him a motorized wheel chair to use scary, the halls of re-hab won't be safe as long as he's there. The funny part the chair cost more than his car, what a sweet ride. We don't know when he'll be home yet, but he will be home on Christmas day. They've arranged a day pass and transportation to the house. He'll be in a wheel chair, but home eating ham and apple pie. We're really glad he won't be spending another holiday in the hospital.

For anyone visiting or wanting to call, Russ will be changing rooms tomorrow so check at the nurses station to see where he is. I'll post the new information as soon as I have it.

God is good and in control

A Banner Day!!!

Russ has had a banner day today, staples removed, street clothes on, and getting into a wheel chair for threapy. It wore me out watching him. They keep him busy all morning and early afternoon.

He can have visitors now, during the week it's best after 4. On the weekends I don't know about Sat. But Sun. he has the day off from therapy to rest.

You can call to check up on him if you like anytime before 8:30 pm 858-939-4726 . He's at Sharp Rehabilitation( by Mary Birch)center 2999 Health Center Drive, SD room 144 bed 1.

Today is a big day. Russ sat up at 60 degrees with the help of a cool electric chair and he traveled to Sharp Rehabilitation Hospital (by Mary Birch). It is scary and exciting at the same time. They’ll be keeping him really busy the next couple of days with evaluations and Friday we’ll have our first goal meeting. We are hoping to understand more in the terms of length and steps of recovery then. So grateful for the care all of the medical professionals have given and the support and prayers of all our family and friends. Russ says the Lord is good and so is life.

Today started rough, but got better. Russ started his day with stomach problems (the oral pain meds can upset the stomach), my day started with tears (a husband being run over by a truck can cause stress).

By the end of the day things were better. We visited, shared some smiles, I updated him on the world outside, and soon things seemed ok.

Russ worked with PT and got very close to sitting up, all he has to do is get his legs over the edge of the bed. He's moving and flexing more everyday.
Not sure what day he'll move to rehab, it's one day at a time.

Thanksgiving Blessing

Russ is feeling better today, he had real turkey and everything. He sends his thanks to everyone for their prayers and support. Our family feels blessed for this Thanksgiving and all the rest of the Thanksgivings we will spend together.

In the hospital waiting for Russ to come back from x-Ray. Looks like he'll be here until Monday, then transfer to Sharp Rehab in Kearny Mesa. Pray that he continues to progress and gets out of here. The care has been excellent but we're tired and ready for the next step. He has to get wheel chair independent at re-hab ...so he can come home and heal enough to bear weight on his pelvis (10-12 weeks) before walker ready. Pray for us it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Today was a step back...keep praying please!

Each day brings new challenges, and today's was a step back in Russ's progress. It seems he was not quite ready for all the therapy and movement to the regular floor. He got a little more rest today with some intense care, he's back on the mend. It's looking like Monday before he moves to rehab, keep up the prayers.

Russ' wrist

We finally got a look at Russ' wrist!

Russ has moved to the step down unit and is off all IV meds. He is looking much better and was happy to be watching the Dallas Cowboys win. Still only 4 visitors per day.

Thank you to all of our friends and family for your support during this difficult time. We really appreciate the all of the prayers, phone calls and texts. Please let everyone know that we will be updating this blog with information about Russ' progress. So spread the word. Also, you can leave comments here for us if you like.

Russ is doing better. He had some liquids today and is waiting for a room on another floor so that he can move out of intensive care. We know that a lot of you want to come and see Russ, but even after he moves he will only be allowed limited visitors. As soon as he can have visitors we will let you know here on this blog.

Monday - The Day of the Accident

Russ was run over by a dump truck on Monday morning. He has had his wrist and his pelvic bones repaired and is doing well in ICU. Hopefully he'll be moved to the regular floor soon. It will be a long recovery, he is already moving his feet together on his own though, he's one strong man. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support.