Trish continues to make progress with her therapy each day, and was able to go swimming again on Thursday. This time Parker & Hunter were able to join her and the therapist recruited them to help Trish with her exercises in the pool. They were real troopers and took to the task like professionals.
The downside of each passing week is Trish's realization that she may never again have the use of her abdomen and her legs. The thought of living the rest of her life like this is depressing for her, but luckily, she only gets down occasionally. Most of the time she continues to have a great attitude and is willing to continue her fight to get better.
This week Trish was able to "pop over" between her wheelchair and the therapy bed in the spinal cord gym. This means she did her own transfer without the need of a slide board and represents one more great step toward her Independence.
Trish continues to receive greeting cards and comments here on the blog, and very much enjoys reading each and every one. Thank you so much for all the continued support ...
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Working Out
This is an old picture from two weeks ago (when Trish was still wearing the neck brace). She is with Jason, her Occupational Therapist, who also sees her twice each day. As you can see, Jason is helping Trish improve her upper body strength so she can better handle all her daily tasks.
It is really amazing the strength that is required to do every day things when you have no help from your abdominal muscles or your legs. But being an athlete really helps, and Trish has taken to her routine with real dedication.
Both Jason and Melissa accompanied Trish & Scott to their home yesterday to evaluate the changes required to improve access. While much of their home will work well, they will need to make two major and rather costly adjustments.
First, they will need to install a stair lift that will allow Trish to move up and down the stairs between the first and second floors. This will be a major investment, but will enable Trish to use the upstairs bedrooms and bath. Next, they will need to remodel their bathroom to provide access to the shower. Trish & Scott hope to use the generous donations they have received toward the cost of these projects.
Again, Trish & Scott both want to thank everyone for their wonderful support through this ordeal.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Therapy is Working
Here is a shot of Trish with her physical therapist, Melissa, who works with her twice a day. The guy on the right is me, the therapist in training. Scott has worked with Trish so much during her therapy that he is now an expert and can help her do all the exercises. Trish's mom and I are still learning the ropes.
This week Trish was able to sit up from a prone position all on her own. This is a real milestone as it is the first move required to get out of bed and get into her chair. Her upper body strength is improving each day and this is helping her greatly.
Trish remains frustrated, however, as she continues to experience strange feelings in her abdomen and legs. Even though she cannot move her legs, they continue to spasm and jump occationally. She sometimes feels like she is standing in a snow bank and her legs and feet are freezing. Other times her feet feel like they are wrapped tightly in tape.
While having these sensations might be considered as good, if they do not contribute to any movement, they are just frustrating and uncomfortable for Trish. She is also experiencing muscle spasms in her chest that knock the wind out of her.
But, all in all, things contnue to get better each day. This past weekend Trish, Scott and the boys went to see "Fantastic 4" and she got her first theater experience in her wheelchair. And this week the therapists are planning several "out of hospital" activities.
More later this week ...
Monday, June 25, 2007
Nice Weekend
Trish took advantage of a pass on both Saturday and Sunday to go home for visits during the day. She and Scott spent most of Saturday at home together, and on Sunday they were joined by Parker & Hunter. These visits help Trish begin the process of returning home full time and also help her understand how she will be able to function out of the hospital envirnoment.
This week the Barrows therapists will be visiting Trish & Scott's home in Queen Creek to help with an evaluation of the changes they will need to make. The biggest challenge will be the stairway that leads to the bedrooms and master bath on the second floor. We are looking at companies that sell stair lifts to enable Trish to move between floors with a minimum of assistance.
Now that a month has passed since the accident, Trish continues to heal from her surgery, and she continues to gain confidence in her ability to handle her body. At times she does get down as she contemplates the big changes in her life, but her true spirit always shines through. That beautiful smile is always there and she manages to pull through the rough times.
Trish & Scott very much appreciate all the support they have been given by both family and friends. They are beginning to look at the new medical expenses and home modification costs and they very much appreciate the financial support that has begun to accumulate. Please keep the prayers, messages, cards, and support coming.
More later this week ...
This week the Barrows therapists will be visiting Trish & Scott's home in Queen Creek to help with an evaluation of the changes they will need to make. The biggest challenge will be the stairway that leads to the bedrooms and master bath on the second floor. We are looking at companies that sell stair lifts to enable Trish to move between floors with a minimum of assistance.
Now that a month has passed since the accident, Trish continues to heal from her surgery, and she continues to gain confidence in her ability to handle her body. At times she does get down as she contemplates the big changes in her life, but her true spirit always shines through. That beautiful smile is always there and she manages to pull through the rough times.
Trish & Scott very much appreciate all the support they have been given by both family and friends. They are beginning to look at the new medical expenses and home modification costs and they very much appreciate the financial support that has begun to accumulate. Please keep the prayers, messages, cards, and support coming.
More later this week ...
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Tough Week
This has been a very tough week as Trish continues to struggle with nausea and some tiredness. The doctors are still working on the combinations of medications so Trish will feel better, be able to eat more, and more effectively work to regain her strength.
On Wednesday, the therapists took Trish & a group of patients out for lunch for Chinese. Scott was able to meet them and join in with the group. At lunch, the group also met one of the former patients that had been in the Neuro Rehab unit several months ago.
Each week, some of the rehab alumni drop in to visit with the current group and share their stories. Trish particularly enjoyed a visit from Scott Hogsett. Scott is a young man in his late twenties who was injured in his early teens and is now quadriplegic. In many ways, Scott has led a more full life since his accident than before.
With a winning personality and smile, he helped explain to the group that with a display of the right attitude, people see him as a person, and do not even look at his wheelchair. He was able to answer their questions and help them understand that there was really nothing they could not do if they wanted.
Scott shared the intimate details of his personal life and how he faces the struggles of daily life. He also shared his experience as a member of the US Quad Rugby team in the Para-Olympics. His experience, as well as the other members of the team, was showcased in the movie documentary "Murderball" (available on DVD).
Trish really enjoys all the comments and good wishes she receives. Keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming ... she needs them.
More later ...
On Wednesday, the therapists took Trish & a group of patients out for lunch for Chinese. Scott was able to meet them and join in with the group. At lunch, the group also met one of the former patients that had been in the Neuro Rehab unit several months ago.
Each week, some of the rehab alumni drop in to visit with the current group and share their stories. Trish particularly enjoyed a visit from Scott Hogsett. Scott is a young man in his late twenties who was injured in his early teens and is now quadriplegic. In many ways, Scott has led a more full life since his accident than before.
With a winning personality and smile, he helped explain to the group that with a display of the right attitude, people see him as a person, and do not even look at his wheelchair. He was able to answer their questions and help them understand that there was really nothing they could not do if they wanted.
Scott shared the intimate details of his personal life and how he faces the struggles of daily life. He also shared his experience as a member of the US Quad Rugby team in the Para-Olympics. His experience, as well as the other members of the team, was showcased in the movie documentary "Murderball" (available on DVD).
Trish really enjoys all the comments and good wishes she receives. Keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming ... she needs them.
More later ...
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Getting into the Rehab Routine
Well, Trish is getting more and more into the routine of her rehabilitation. Each weekday her morning begins at 8:00am and she does not seem to stop for a minute until 3:30pm or so.
She continues to make excellent progress in her therapy sessions, and even though she has not yet seen any change in her paralysis, she continues to develop more and more independence. Late last week she and Scott shared a bitter sweet moment as they ordered her wheelchair. In some ways it was a downer to accept the fact that she may need this long term, but it was also nice to look forward to having a chair designed and fitted perfectly to her needs.
This week Trish has been challenged by some nausea, and has lost her breakfast each day along with all of her medications. We had a meeting with her doctor today, and she is changing the combination of medications to address the nausea, as well as some general tiredness that Trish is experiencing. Trish really does not like to take any medications, and looks forward to the time when her body fully adjusts to her new situation.
One of her new activities is swimming. Under the close supervision of a recreational therapist, Trish spent an hour in the pool on Monday. It felt really good to get in the water, and with the aide of some ankle weights, to actually stand for the first time since the accident. Being upright is such a natural thing for us, Trish has missed this the most. She managed to swim the back stroke for four laps, as well as perform a log roll where she used her arms to right herself after the therapist turned her face down in the water. Much of this was designed to help her build confidence that she could be in the water without fear of drowning.
Scott has returned to work full time this week (they had to drag him kicking & screaming), so Trish has had more time on her own. This is tough on Trish, but may be even harder on Scott. He really has not left her side since the accident and has provided incredible support toward her recovery.
Well, I had better stop for now ... more later this week.
She continues to make excellent progress in her therapy sessions, and even though she has not yet seen any change in her paralysis, she continues to develop more and more independence. Late last week she and Scott shared a bitter sweet moment as they ordered her wheelchair. In some ways it was a downer to accept the fact that she may need this long term, but it was also nice to look forward to having a chair designed and fitted perfectly to her needs.
This week Trish has been challenged by some nausea, and has lost her breakfast each day along with all of her medications. We had a meeting with her doctor today, and she is changing the combination of medications to address the nausea, as well as some general tiredness that Trish is experiencing. Trish really does not like to take any medications, and looks forward to the time when her body fully adjusts to her new situation.
One of her new activities is swimming. Under the close supervision of a recreational therapist, Trish spent an hour in the pool on Monday. It felt really good to get in the water, and with the aide of some ankle weights, to actually stand for the first time since the accident. Being upright is such a natural thing for us, Trish has missed this the most. She managed to swim the back stroke for four laps, as well as perform a log roll where she used her arms to right herself after the therapist turned her face down in the water. Much of this was designed to help her build confidence that she could be in the water without fear of drowning.
Scott has returned to work full time this week (they had to drag him kicking & screaming), so Trish has had more time on her own. This is tough on Trish, but may be even harder on Scott. He really has not left her side since the accident and has provided incredible support toward her recovery.
Well, I had better stop for now ... more later this week.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
A Visit Home
Yesterday, Trish was able to get out of the hospital for a few hours and visit her home. Scott took responsibility to help her transfer from her chair into her car for the trip to Queen Creek.
Once at home, Trish enjoyed a visit with Scott, Parker & Hunter, the two dogs and the cat. She said it sure felt good to be in their wonderful new home again.
After some games, some swimming (Parker & Hunter), a BBQ in the back yard courtesy of chef Scott, they headed back to the hospital late in the evening.
Now that Trish no longer has to wear the neck brace, she is looking forward to a very productive week of PT & OT sessions.
Once at home, Trish enjoyed a visit with Scott, Parker & Hunter, the two dogs and the cat. She said it sure felt good to be in their wonderful new home again.
After some games, some swimming (Parker & Hunter), a BBQ in the back yard courtesy of chef Scott, they headed back to the hospital late in the evening.
Now that Trish no longer has to wear the neck brace, she is looking forward to a very productive week of PT & OT sessions.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Another Step Forward
After a visit from her surgeon, Dr. Nick Theodore, Trish was told that she would no longer need to wear a cervical collar neck brace.
A collar was applied by the Mexican paramedics a half hour after her accident and she has worn one for almost three weeks. When she was admitted to the St. Joseph's trauma center, they thought they detected a hairline fracture at the base of her skull. So the collar was necessary to prevent potential further injury.
But, after further examination, it did not appear to be a problem, so she was able to take it off. Other than a little weakness in her neck, and a little nausea when she moves her head around, she is now free to look sideways, up and down.
The collar had added greatly to her discomfort, and impeded a lot of movement during her PT sessions. Once her neck is strong again, she will be much better able to handle the movements they are teaching her.
So, one small step at a time towards mobility and a normal life ...
A collar was applied by the Mexican paramedics a half hour after her accident and she has worn one for almost three weeks. When she was admitted to the St. Joseph's trauma center, they thought they detected a hairline fracture at the base of her skull. So the collar was necessary to prevent potential further injury.
But, after further examination, it did not appear to be a problem, so she was able to take it off. Other than a little weakness in her neck, and a little nausea when she moves her head around, she is now free to look sideways, up and down.
The collar had added greatly to her discomfort, and impeded a lot of movement during her PT sessions. Once her neck is strong again, she will be much better able to handle the movements they are teaching her.
So, one small step at a time towards mobility and a normal life ...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Trish Continues Rehab
Each day brings a new challenge as Trish continues her rehabilitation. The PT & OT staff introduce something new almost every day to push her to new heights of independence. I had the privildge of helping with her therapy on Tuesday, and very much enjoyed the experience.
Early this week she was introduced to the new ways she will need to approach her work in the kitchen preparing meals for Scott & the boys. After a few small adjustments in her new home's kitchen, she will be able to handle this just like before the accident.
Later this week she will also begin to learn car transfers and take on the challenge of getting from her chair into the passenger seat of her Honda Pilot and back again. Once this is accomplished, Trish will be eligible for a field trip where she can leave the hospital for a visit home with Scott, Parker, Hunter and her pets.
During the past week or so Trish has endured some really tough times, but continues to have a positive attitude as she still manages to flash that beautiful smile. She really is an amazing woman.
Her very proud father ...
Early this week she was introduced to the new ways she will need to approach her work in the kitchen preparing meals for Scott & the boys. After a few small adjustments in her new home's kitchen, she will be able to handle this just like before the accident.
Later this week she will also begin to learn car transfers and take on the challenge of getting from her chair into the passenger seat of her Honda Pilot and back again. Once this is accomplished, Trish will be eligible for a field trip where she can leave the hospital for a visit home with Scott, Parker, Hunter and her pets.
During the past week or so Trish has endured some really tough times, but continues to have a positive attitude as she still manages to flash that beautiful smile. She really is an amazing woman.
Her very proud father ...
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Trish Says Thank You
Trish wants you to understand that she loves getting your messages, comments, emails, cards, etc. But, due to her very busy rehab schedule and her need for required rest, she does not have time to respond. Please know that she very much appreciates all you do, and worries that she has not had time to answer.
Please take this as a huge "Thank You" for everything you have done. Every time we see Trish read these cards/messages and receive gifts, flowers, etc. we see a great big smile and we know how much they mean to her. Most of all, she feels very blessed with all the people that are thinking of her and praying for her.
Please take this as a huge "Thank You" for everything you have done. Every time we see Trish read these cards/messages and receive gifts, flowers, etc. we see a great big smile and we know how much they mean to her. Most of all, she feels very blessed with all the people that are thinking of her and praying for her.
Hospital Mailing Address
Hello all ...
Several people have asked for Trish's mailing address so they could send cards ... here it is:
Mrs. Trish Stressman
Neuro Rehab - Room 2R31W
St. Joseph's Hospital
350 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
Trish certainly enjoys hearing from everyone, and very much appreciates all the wonderful words of encouragement.
More soon ...
Several people have asked for Trish's mailing address so they could send cards ... here it is:
Mrs. Trish Stressman
Neuro Rehab - Room 2R31W
St. Joseph's Hospital
350 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
Trish certainly enjoys hearing from everyone, and very much appreciates all the wonderful words of encouragement.
More soon ...
Monday, June 11, 2007
A Quiet Weekend
Trish & Scott had a fairly quiet weekend in St. Joseph's Neuro Rehabilitiation Center.
On Saturday only one PT session was scheduled and Sunday was a day of rest. So they had a chance to get caught up on some visits with family & friends, as well as spend a little more time together.
Today, Trish starts her routine all over again with a full week of rehab exercises. She told me that she was going to have a field trip this week where the rehab staff takes a group of patients out of the hospital for a visit to a local attraction. This will be Trish's first time out of St. Jospeh's since the accident over two weeks ago.
More later ...
On Saturday only one PT session was scheduled and Sunday was a day of rest. So they had a chance to get caught up on some visits with family & friends, as well as spend a little more time together.
Today, Trish starts her routine all over again with a full week of rehab exercises. She told me that she was going to have a field trip this week where the rehab staff takes a group of patients out of the hospital for a visit to a local attraction. This will be Trish's first time out of St. Jospeh's since the accident over two weeks ago.
More later ...
Saturday, June 9, 2007
A Day of Mixed Blessings
Well, yesterday was certainly a mixed bag of events for Trish. Every day is different, and presents its own set of challenges.
During her morning rehabilitation session she was working with the therapist when the muscles in her upper back seized and knotted. This was very, very painful and forced Trish to stop the therapy. The staff applied heat, and massaged her back until the muscles began to relax. By noon she had relief on one side, but the other side was still in spasm. Within another hour, both sides had relaxed and she had some relief from the pain.
Trish was determined, however, to return to her afternoon therapy. Once she got into the routine again, she started to make some terrific progress. By the end of the session she was playing volleyball while sitting up, bumping and setting the ball as it was thrown to her.
This was such a natural athletic activity for Trish that she was able to balance herself without really thinking about how to do it. This experience was a glimmer of the good things to come as she showed herself that she will recover her abilities, even if she has to do them sitting down.
More soon ... Trish's proud father.
During her morning rehabilitation session she was working with the therapist when the muscles in her upper back seized and knotted. This was very, very painful and forced Trish to stop the therapy. The staff applied heat, and massaged her back until the muscles began to relax. By noon she had relief on one side, but the other side was still in spasm. Within another hour, both sides had relaxed and she had some relief from the pain.
Trish was determined, however, to return to her afternoon therapy. Once she got into the routine again, she started to make some terrific progress. By the end of the session she was playing volleyball while sitting up, bumping and setting the ball as it was thrown to her.
This was such a natural athletic activity for Trish that she was able to balance herself without really thinking about how to do it. This experience was a glimmer of the good things to come as she showed herself that she will recover her abilities, even if she has to do them sitting down.
More soon ... Trish's proud father.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Visitation Rules
Trish & Scott have asked me to post some rules for visitation while she is in the rehab center.
Her schedule each day is very full with both physical and occupational therapy sessions, and each of these sessions really takes a lot out of her. So there are definately periods of time during the day when she needs to rest.
Here are the rules ...
Her schedule each day is very full with both physical and occupational therapy sessions, and each of these sessions really takes a lot out of her. So there are definately periods of time during the day when she needs to rest.
Here are the rules ...
- No visits before 4:00pm each day
- Before you visit, please call ahead to make sure Trish is having a good day and is up to seeing you. Please call 480-242-2590
- Please keep your visits short ... approximately 15 minutes
- Please consider sending a card or an email rather than visiting
Trish very much appreciates all the wonderful support she has received, and feels bad she has not had time to write thank you notes to all those who have sent flowers, etc.
Trish's Therapy Progresses
Now that Trish is into her first full week of physical & occupational therapy, the staff at the Barrows Neuro Rehabilitation Center has been able to fully evaluate her condition and her progress.
They have told Trish that she should expect approximately six weeks in the center before she can go home, and then to continue therapy sessions as an out patient. This is really good news and shows how hard she is working at each session. Trish remains determined to recover her full independence.
She still has a way to go, but the outlook continues to be bright with small amounts of progress each day. Scott is there with her every single minute, and has been a rock of support. With his help, there is nothing that Trish will not be able to accomplish.
They have told Trish that she should expect approximately six weeks in the center before she can go home, and then to continue therapy sessions as an out patient. This is really good news and shows how hard she is working at each session. Trish remains determined to recover her full independence.
She still has a way to go, but the outlook continues to be bright with small amounts of progress each day. Scott is there with her every single minute, and has been a rock of support. With his help, there is nothing that Trish will not be able to accomplish.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Trish's Rehabilitation Schedule
On Friday the 1st Trish completed her first full day in the rehabilitation center. Most of the activities were focued on evaluating her physical and mental condition.
The staff told her that she was only the second person they had admitted so soon after surgery. They felt that this was due to her excellent physical condition, her physical & mental strength, and the relative ease with which her body handled the spinal surgery.
Her daily schedule is fairly well packed with OT & PT sessions. She starts the day at 8:00am getting dressed and moving from the bed to a wheelchair. She then is responsible to move herself to the spinal cord gym for her sessions. The staff really does believe in helping her become indepentent very quickly. In fact there is a rule ... no spouse or family member is allowed to push her in the wheelchair.
Due to this busy schedule Trish & Scott have asked that her friends limit their visits to the late afternoon after 4:00pm. This will enable her to concentrate on her therapy as well as get the needed rest periods after each session. Trish really does enjoy your visits and wonderful support.
Her room is now filled to the brim with the many beautiful flower arrangements that have been sent. In fact, Trish & Scott would ask that no more flowers be sent. If you wish to show further support, please consider a donation to the account at National Bank of Arizona (see details in an earlier post or contact Kristi Sheahan).
I will attempt to update this site every few days with news on Trish's progress. Thanks again for all the love, prayers and support everyone has given.
The staff told her that she was only the second person they had admitted so soon after surgery. They felt that this was due to her excellent physical condition, her physical & mental strength, and the relative ease with which her body handled the spinal surgery.
Her daily schedule is fairly well packed with OT & PT sessions. She starts the day at 8:00am getting dressed and moving from the bed to a wheelchair. She then is responsible to move herself to the spinal cord gym for her sessions. The staff really does believe in helping her become indepentent very quickly. In fact there is a rule ... no spouse or family member is allowed to push her in the wheelchair.
Due to this busy schedule Trish & Scott have asked that her friends limit their visits to the late afternoon after 4:00pm. This will enable her to concentrate on her therapy as well as get the needed rest periods after each session. Trish really does enjoy your visits and wonderful support.
Her room is now filled to the brim with the many beautiful flower arrangements that have been sent. In fact, Trish & Scott would ask that no more flowers be sent. If you wish to show further support, please consider a donation to the account at National Bank of Arizona (see details in an earlier post or contact Kristi Sheahan).
I will attempt to update this site every few days with news on Trish's progress. Thanks again for all the love, prayers and support everyone has given.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Trish moves into Rehabilitation Center
Late Thursday afternoon the 31st Trish was moved into her new room in the Barrows Neuro Rehabilitation Center. This facility is directly connected to St. Joseph's hospital and is located just south of the 3rd Avenue parking garage. The facility is on the 2nd floor of the 240 building and allows regular visiting hours.
Trish is sharing a room with another spinal cord injury (SCI) patient. Her roommate also suffered a spine injury in an accident and is currently 6 months pregnant. All the patient rooms in this facility are doubles. The Neuro Rehab Center is less than six months old and is a world class facility.
Trish's schedule in rehab will be quite busy. She will be in various physical therapy sessions from 3-4 hours each day (Monday through Saturday) and will be working on her recovery in both the morning and afternoon. I will share more details regarding the specific times as we become more familiar with the program so you can plan your visits.
Trish remains positive and is 100% committed to do whatever it takes to regain the function of her legs. While she is experiencing quite a bit of pain, she has tackled her early PT sessions with excellent effort. There is nothing they have asked of her that she has been unable to accomplish.
Once again, thank you for all the love, support, and prayer ... keep it all coming.
Trish is sharing a room with another spinal cord injury (SCI) patient. Her roommate also suffered a spine injury in an accident and is currently 6 months pregnant. All the patient rooms in this facility are doubles. The Neuro Rehab Center is less than six months old and is a world class facility.
Trish's schedule in rehab will be quite busy. She will be in various physical therapy sessions from 3-4 hours each day (Monday through Saturday) and will be working on her recovery in both the morning and afternoon. I will share more details regarding the specific times as we become more familiar with the program so you can plan your visits.
Trish remains positive and is 100% committed to do whatever it takes to regain the function of her legs. While she is experiencing quite a bit of pain, she has tackled her early PT sessions with excellent effort. There is nothing they have asked of her that she has been unable to accomplish.
Once again, thank you for all the love, support, and prayer ... keep it all coming.
Scott's Arm is OK
On Tuesday, May 29th Scott was able to see an orthopedic surgeon to evaluate the injury to his left elbow. We took the X-Ray films that were taken in the emergency room at St. Joseph's Hospital the night they arrived.
After a detailed inspection of both the films and Scott's arm, Dr. Alan Rothbart told us there were no fractures, and no apparent ligament or tendon damage.
After he provided Scott with a prescription for an anti-inflammatory medication and showed him some exercises to help in the healing we returned to Trish's hospital. Scott will have a return visit in two weeks to evaluate his progress.
We are all pleased that Scott's injury will heal quickly, as he will need all his strength for the challenges ahead.
After a detailed inspection of both the films and Scott's arm, Dr. Alan Rothbart told us there were no fractures, and no apparent ligament or tendon damage.
After he provided Scott with a prescription for an anti-inflammatory medication and showed him some exercises to help in the healing we returned to Trish's hospital. Scott will have a return visit in two weeks to evaluate his progress.
We are all pleased that Scott's injury will heal quickly, as he will need all his strength for the challenges ahead.
Account Created for Donations
Our families would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone for all of your prayers and support this week. Trish was moved out of ICU into a recovery room yesterday, and will hopefully be moved to the Rehabilitation Center at St. Joseph's Hospital tomorrow.
She has had two therapy sessions so far and was able to sit in a chair for about 3 hours today. She gained about 2 -3 inches of feeling in her chest yesterday, which was a positive sign. They are still telling us that everything is day to day so we continue to pray for every milestone that is reached.
We thank everyone for their offers of help and support. We are trying to organize everything and will hopefully be utilizing you all soon.
There has been an account set up to assist Scott and Trish with the medical bills and expenses that are to come. Donations can be made at a National Bank of Arizona to Acct. #0568005203. Please contact Kristi Sheahan if you have any questions.
We ask that you continue to keep the family in your prayers for all the obstacles ahead.
She has had two therapy sessions so far and was able to sit in a chair for about 3 hours today. She gained about 2 -3 inches of feeling in her chest yesterday, which was a positive sign. They are still telling us that everything is day to day so we continue to pray for every milestone that is reached.
We thank everyone for their offers of help and support. We are trying to organize everything and will hopefully be utilizing you all soon.
There has been an account set up to assist Scott and Trish with the medical bills and expenses that are to come. Donations can be made at a National Bank of Arizona to Acct. #0568005203. Please contact Kristi Sheahan if you have any questions.
We ask that you continue to keep the family in your prayers for all the obstacles ahead.
Trish & Scott have ATV accident
This memorial day weekend Trish & Scott traveled into Mexico with several friends. They planned a long weekend an hour south of Yuma on the Baja bay. Their friends have a home very near the beach and they planned a weekend of fun including some ATV riding, sun bathing and swimming in the ocean.
On Saturday afternoon, Trish and Scott we riding double on his ATV (which they have done many times before) along the beach. As they were riding along, they approached an unexpected steep berm, and despite Scott's best efforts to slow down, they hit the berm and were launched into the air. The ATV came down on its nose and they were both thrown over the handle bars. Trish apparently landed on her head and seriously injured her back. She was unconscious between 1-5 minutes and when she awoke she had no sensation in her legs and could not move.
An ambulance was called and arrived 20-30 minutes later. The Mexican paramedics stabilized her on a back board, applied a cervical collar and started an IV. They then transported her into town to a clinic. After a lengthy delay, which included Scott's arrest for being involved in a vehicle accident, the authorities agreed to transfer Trish across the border to the hospital in Yuma, Arizona.
After further treatment in Yuma, Trish & Scott were transported via helicopter to St. Joseph's hospital and the Barrow's Neurological Unit in Phoenix. They were met in the trauma room by all Trish & Scott's parents and Scott's sister. Once at Barrows the neurologists were able to evaluate her injury more completely.
We were then told that Trish had suffered a fracture of her spine between the T5 & T6 vertebrae. She had also suffered a spinal cord injury that was causing the paralysis. The entire spinal cord team at Barrows was consulted in the middle of the night and surgery was scheduled for Sunday morning to fuse the fracture in her spine.
Scott had suffered a potential broken elbow on his left arm, and while the x-rays were not conclusive the doctors splinted his arm and put it in a sling. He will need to consult an orthopedic surgeon next week for further evaluation.
On Sunday morning we waited in the ICU for Trish's surgery to begin. At one point I counted 14 people in the waiting room ... all there for Trish. The minister from her church showed up late in the morning with a prayer shawl that had been blessed by the entire congregation at that morning's service. Several friends and every single member of her extended family have been visiting and praying.
About 10:00am Trish was taken into pre-op and made ready for the surgery. We waited almost 2 1/2 hours until the surgeon came out to tell us how everything went. He said that he had installed several screws and rods to stabilize her broken spine. He then told us that while there was a severe bruise to the spinal cord, it had not been severed in the accident. Without giving us any unrealistic hopes, he said that there was a chance Trish would begin to recover some feeling and movement in her legs. At the moment she is paralyzed from the chest down.
As she came out of surgery (and they wheeled her past the waiting room) she wanted to stop and say "hi" to every single one of her family and friends. She said that she is ready to start therapy and will do whatever it takes to recover. She has a terrific spirit and is a real fighter.I am going to wrap this post up for now, even though I know I have left out some critical points. I will use this writing as therapy for myself and also to help fill the time in the waiting room.
More soon ... keep the prayers coming.
On Saturday afternoon, Trish and Scott we riding double on his ATV (which they have done many times before) along the beach. As they were riding along, they approached an unexpected steep berm, and despite Scott's best efforts to slow down, they hit the berm and were launched into the air. The ATV came down on its nose and they were both thrown over the handle bars. Trish apparently landed on her head and seriously injured her back. She was unconscious between 1-5 minutes and when she awoke she had no sensation in her legs and could not move.
An ambulance was called and arrived 20-30 minutes later. The Mexican paramedics stabilized her on a back board, applied a cervical collar and started an IV. They then transported her into town to a clinic. After a lengthy delay, which included Scott's arrest for being involved in a vehicle accident, the authorities agreed to transfer Trish across the border to the hospital in Yuma, Arizona.
After further treatment in Yuma, Trish & Scott were transported via helicopter to St. Joseph's hospital and the Barrow's Neurological Unit in Phoenix. They were met in the trauma room by all Trish & Scott's parents and Scott's sister. Once at Barrows the neurologists were able to evaluate her injury more completely.
We were then told that Trish had suffered a fracture of her spine between the T5 & T6 vertebrae. She had also suffered a spinal cord injury that was causing the paralysis. The entire spinal cord team at Barrows was consulted in the middle of the night and surgery was scheduled for Sunday morning to fuse the fracture in her spine.
Scott had suffered a potential broken elbow on his left arm, and while the x-rays were not conclusive the doctors splinted his arm and put it in a sling. He will need to consult an orthopedic surgeon next week for further evaluation.
On Sunday morning we waited in the ICU for Trish's surgery to begin. At one point I counted 14 people in the waiting room ... all there for Trish. The minister from her church showed up late in the morning with a prayer shawl that had been blessed by the entire congregation at that morning's service. Several friends and every single member of her extended family have been visiting and praying.
About 10:00am Trish was taken into pre-op and made ready for the surgery. We waited almost 2 1/2 hours until the surgeon came out to tell us how everything went. He said that he had installed several screws and rods to stabilize her broken spine. He then told us that while there was a severe bruise to the spinal cord, it had not been severed in the accident. Without giving us any unrealistic hopes, he said that there was a chance Trish would begin to recover some feeling and movement in her legs. At the moment she is paralyzed from the chest down.
As she came out of surgery (and they wheeled her past the waiting room) she wanted to stop and say "hi" to every single one of her family and friends. She said that she is ready to start therapy and will do whatever it takes to recover. She has a terrific spirit and is a real fighter.I am going to wrap this post up for now, even though I know I have left out some critical points. I will use this writing as therapy for myself and also to help fill the time in the waiting room.
More soon ... keep the prayers coming.
Welcome to Trish's Place
Hello all ... welcome to the new blog space created for Trish Stressman.
Please come back often to keep up to date with new posts, and don't forget to leave a comment or two for Trish. I will make sure she gets to read every message.
And again, thanks for all the love, prayers and support she has been given.
Richard Sauerbrun ... Trish's proud father.
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