Updates and encouragement

Yesterday was my two week follow up appointment with the doctor. He removed the staples, took a look at the incision, and took alot of time to discuss my questions, progress, etc. The physical healing appears to be going very well; the surgical site is closing cleanly and without infection. The real problems has been, and to an extent continues to be, the muscle spasms in my back. The neurosurgeon was very clear prior to the surgery that this would be the case, but I guess it's easy to underestimate how it would feel. At any rate, I have been trying to go about my routine statue-still to prevent any further damage, and at the appointment yesterday, the doctor gave me a green light to start moving around and involving my muscles substantially more. Of course I have to avoid over-doing it, and I have to isolate my back from any exercise, but the mere fact that I can begin being more active in my recovery is incredibly encouraging.

I have been hitching rides to work with Eric Brown, who lives and works within several blocks of where I live and work, which has been great both because it allows me to begin feeling productive again (getting into the office), and gives me good time of fellowship. As many of you know, Eric is my great friend, long time training partner and, along with Tom Norris, was with me at the time of my accident. Rebekah diligently comes and gets me from work after a few hours before I spend too much time at the office, as I always have difficulty feeling like I have tied up enough loose ends to leave, and probably wouldn't be smart enough to go without prompting. It does feel like the psychological portion of my healing is well under way as I begin to slip back into the routine at the office, even on a minimal level.

Continuing the mend...

I am healing physically, but it sometimes seems so slow. I have to remember that it's been only two weeks since the accident and just a week out of the hospital. The pain associated with the rib and vertebral fractures has been mostly manageable, and is actually beginning to decrease. The spasms in my back muscles have been the cause of the majority of the recent pain, and hopefully that also will subside as they recover from the surgical trauma.

The greatest difficulty has been the incompatibility of my physical condition with my desire for activity, I guess a pretty bad case of cabin fever. In spite of feeling well enough to do many things I would like, I know that to allow my body to heal I must take it easier than I want. It can be pretty frustrating to wake from a nap and get out of bed simply to go sit in my wheelchair so that my back can tire enough to lie down for another nap. I realize that in the grand scale of life this recovery will be relatively short, but at times the hours of inactivity and being cooped up in the house do drag by. I will have a visit with the doctor this Wednesday and hope to be released to some minimal activity, perhaps knitting or macrame. In the meantime, my nurse continues to care for me with her tireless patience and kindness, whether it's managing my medications or my spirits. Thanks, Rebekah.

I continue to be encouraged by the outpouring of support from friends, family, and our church. Hardly an hour goes by without an encouraging note, phone call, or visit. Again, I thank you all for that, and I will continue to keep you posted as news and status progress.

My second night home

Jon helping with some tasks in the house, and Justin rockin' out with the weedeater.










Last night was my second night at home. What had been mostly sleepless nights are becoming more restful thanks to better pain management and the security of my own bed. I continue to rise quite a few times in the night, but Rebekah's servant's heart is just as keen in the night as in the day, and she is cheerful and willing helping me put on the brace, helping me remember which medications to take and stuffing more pillows behind me to create a more comfortable position.

I got to take Elizabeth to school yesterday and one of the moms there asked "Are you Rebekah Goodman's husband?" (My backbrace and turtle's gait must have given me away.) After I responded in the affirmative, she told me that she had met Rebekah at the neighborhood swimming pool earlier in the summer and continued to tell me what a warm, caring, kind and thoughtful wife I have. Not knowing what to say, I simply told her with a smile that "I guess I shouldn't have to break my back to figure that out."

I realize I have only been out of the hospital two days now, and that I did break my back and ribs and bruised my lung. Being a very task oriented and accomplishment driven individual, the past few days have been very difficult for me. I have felt very helpless, not even being able to dress myself, and hopeless, feeling dismayed at the complete loss of energy after only moments of standing or moving. For better or worse, I have always been a relatively capable individual who rarely needed to ask for help. My current inabilities and the associated feelings of worthlessness have been nearly as painful as the broken vertebrae and ribs.

Perhaps one of the lessons God has for me in all of this is the humility to ask for - or even just accept - help from others. Since I got out of the hospital my mother and brothers have been at the house helping with some of the menial (and long overdue) maintenance projects that need to be done. Many of you have brought meals, made visits to the hospital or our home, offered use of chairs, vehicles, time, or just been there with kind words. These have ovewhelmed me, and I thank each of you.



I think the other lesson I am learning is that our worth is not measured simply by what we can do or accomplish. Having always been capable, that's always been a convenient (and flattering)measurement of myself. But hearing at my daughter's school from some random soccer-mom why my wife was so remarkable to her, coupled with the way she and so many of you have served me in these last days, has reminded me that at my funeral, my eulogy won't include anything about the condition of my lawn. It's about how we can serve others, and about how we can serve one another in the short time that we have.

Sometime today, take a minute to show someone how much you love them by serving them in a tangible way. And when someone offers to serve you in something you could just as easily do for yourself, allow them. It's a challenge I'm making to myself, but one on which you're welcome to join me if you feel so called.

HOME AT LAST!!!

Jason was discharged from the hospital today at about 2:00pm! He is very happy to be home with his family. Jason's Mom and his brother and sister-in-law will also be in town for a couple more days and have been such a wonderful help to Rebekah. Jason will be able to sleep without his back brace, but has to wear it for everything else.

Thanks to everyone for all the help and prayers throughout the week. Please continue to pray for quick and complete healing.

Racin' for Jason

Despite a week full of trial and physical exhaustion, Rebekah and Deb were able to push through and complete their long-prepared-for triathlon. Each of us took the opportunity to share Jason's story with other participants and spectators and we were all reminded again of God's guiding hand through this difficult week.

Thanks to the girls for "sticking to it" and finishing what they had started many months ago.

Eric Brown

The included photo and many more can be viewed at: http://picasaweb.google.com/debbie.sue.brown/CrescentMoonDebAndRebekah

One more night??

In spite of the amazing experience this time at Swedish has been:) we are feeling like it is just about time to begin the next phase of rehabilitation at home. Although the pain remains fairly persistent, it seems that the muscle spasms are beginning to come under control and the rest is largely managable.

In today's therapy, I was able to negotiate up and down two flights of stairs as well as the hallways getting there and back. Hopefully tonight will be comprised of some very good rest allowing me to leave the hospital fresh and energized to begin to acclimate to the at home routine.

Words cannot begin to express the love and thankfulness I have for my wife, for her unconditional love and support of me during this past week. Wow, this experience was miserable to endure with her at my side. It would have been intolerable, no, impossible without her. I thank you Rebekah, the love of my life, for the love you have shown me this week. And when it comes down to it, you love me like this every single week whether I realize it or not.

Tomorrow it will be back home. Thanks also to all at Swedish who have helped make this such a manageable recovery.

More than Baby Steps

Today has been a huge leap towards recovery. Jason was visited by the physical therapist this afternoon and they took him for a walk down the hallway and back. He did great and although the pain is still there, it is becoming more and more bearable.

Also, the results came back from the x-ray on his neck and they found that there is no abnormal movement in the cervical spine and so he gets to take the c-spine collar (neck brace) off. His neck is a bit stiff, but he is glad not to have this restriction any longer. Jason got to pose for his first picture with his sweet family since the accident. If this doesn't make you cry, I don't know what will. God's blessings are overwhelming, and to see Jason standing and looking like "Good Ol' Jason" is wonderful.

New info about Lian Jia Bao (David Lian)

The Goodman's received the following information on 9/12 regarding their new adopted boy Lian Jia Bao (David Lian):

Medical/Development:

• His current health is good.


• He sleeps soundly.


• He has a bath once per day and it is in a tub.


• He can not take any steps on his own and now he can stand with support.


• He likes to be held and hugged.


• He eats congee, bread, noodle, meat, eggs and cake.


• He is babbling, but can not say any words.
  

Personality:

• He does not move to music.


• He does laugh and giggle easily.


• He has not obvious response to strangers and is not shy or afraid.

Fresh and Clean and full of Hope

This morning Jason was visited by his surgeon (Dr. McVicker), who fitted him with a completely different back brace. It seems to fit better, and support better. Dr. McVicker will be going on an international vacation and gave Jason some helpful orders for the next couple of weeks. He also left with words of blessings for Jason. What a myriad of wonderful connections God has brought about throughout this ordeal! They have decided to try the "shower chair" this morning and give Jason a fresh new outlook (as it always feels when you haven't showered for days). The other thing that is supposed to happen today, is an x-ray of his neck. This is exciting because they had originally said that this would have to wait until the 6 week check up. They will be able to see if

how the swelling is and whether the neck brace is still needed.

An update from Jason

Better sleep last night worked wonders physically and emotionally. The exhaustion and confusion that I had been feeling really had me down. Last night's rest and visits from so many friends who have gone out of their way to show their love for us caused a real rebound in my heart. Thanks to all of you who have been and continue to reach out to us through gifts of time, love, humor, and generosity.

Updates from the Surgeon

After reviewing post-op x-rays and CAT scan results, Dr. McVickers was very positive about the results of the surgery. In addition, he provided some explanation for some of Jason's acute pain suggesting that, although secure, the compressed T5 vertebrae would continue to cause him discomfort. Overall, the objective of securing the damaged T6 vertebrae was accomplished.

Orders have been written for proceeding with a physical therapy regiment and evaluations will begin tomorrow. It is still uncertain whether Jason's initial therapy will be in-patient or out-patient and his final release from the hostpital is still unknown.

Pain management continues to be a point of frustration but, regular adjustments offer hope for improvement.

Progress

An occupational therapist came in and worked with Jason on skills like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and walking. Every time up Jason seems a bit stronger. Progress has been made today.

Jason was just moved to 4th floor multi-trama unit where he will be cared for by nurses that specialize in spinal care. He stood to transfer beds! Please pray for relief from the pain and that he can find a comfortable position to rest! He is hanging in there!

A step in the right direction

Physical therapy came in this morning and helped get Jason up to a chair and even helped him walk with a walker about 20 feet. Praise God for Jason being able to walk! The restrictions for the next 6 weeks include: brace 24/7 , no lifting more than 10 pounds, no twisting, and limited stairs. He CAN take walks and the kids can sit on his lap.

Right now we are getting packed up to move to the 4th floor of Swedish to the multi-trauma unit. Pain management is getting much better. Hooray!

One day at a time

Jason just returned from radiology following an anterior / posterior x-ray. This as well as the CT scan this morning are to confirm the placement of the "hardware" in his back. Just waiting to hear results of those tests.
Pain control continues to be the biggest challenge and can be frustrating at times. We are looking forward to a possible transfer tomorrow to the MTU (multi trauma unit). We have been told that the nurses are excellent in the area of spinal injuries. Physical therapy and occupational therapy were not able to come today. We are looking for them to be in tomorrow.
Jason and I continue to feel very blessed by all of your support.

More improvements

The pain management seems to be under control and Jason is sleeping well. They have also custom fit his brace and he notices a considerable difference in the comfort of it. As of last evening, he is allowed to eat food again and has had a great appetite, free of nausea.

There will be a physical therapy consultation today and they are looking towards transferring him to a multi-trauma unit. He has been told that he will need to limit the climbing of stairs, no lifting more than 10 pounds, no pulling, twisting, or reaching too far. So, unfortunately, he won't be participating in any dancing for a while. Rebekah and Jason continue to be blessed overwhelmingly by the support of the community of people that have rallied around them.

For Prayer:
Jason had a very good night's sleep (PRAISE) which is important for recovery. Because of this he woke to a great deal of pain. Please pray for his pain management during this healing process. He remains in good spirits! He and the family really appreciate your words of encouragement on this blog, so feel free to post a comment.

Thanks from Jason

I am out of surgery and wearing a brace that covers my torso and neck. The staff and physicians here at Swedish have been wonderful to me. They are working very hard at pain management, but we still have some progess to make on that front.


My heart has been overjoyed by the number of you who have taken the time to support my family and I`with your phone calls, e-mails and visits. Thank you so much for that.

Being exhausted now, I hope to write more later.

Post-surgery update

Jason is out of surgery!!! He went into recovery at about 4:00pm and is slowly waking up. He is in quite a bit of pain, but everything is normal and he is looking good. He will be coming out of recovery between 5-6pm and will probably be drowsy for a while. Rebekah is still waiting to hear about all that Jason's rehabilitation will entail, but does know that he will be in a back brace for the next 6 weeks. As far as we know now, he will be at the hospital for another 3-4 days.

Our church (Castle Pines Community Church) has set up a meal plan schedule for the next couple of weeks for the Goodman's. If you would like to contribute a meal to them, contact Kerri Norris at (720) 733-0330.

Picture of Jason in Neuro CCU at Swedish Hospital (pre-surgery)

Surgery Update

Jason went into surgery around 12:00 noon and Rebekah has been receiving hourly updates. As of 3:00pm the surgery has gone very well without any surprises. We will continue to provide regular updates as information becomes available.

At Jason's request, we will provide a picture of him in the CCU at Swedish Hospital.

The battle is not ours!

My dad Gary came in this morning with some words of inspiration for the day from 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17, 20a, 21b .

" Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, (surgical situation), for the battle is not yours but God's. You need not fight in this battle; stations yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem (Rebekah and Jason), do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them (surgery), for the Lord is with you. .........put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will be established. Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting."

Surgery Posponed until Tuesday

Jason's surgery has been postponed until ~11:30 AM tomorrow, Sept. 11th.

While on a mountain bike ride on Sunday, Sept. 9th, Jason was thrown from his bike and had to be flown out from the trail by helicopter to Swedish Hospital and is in the Neuro CCU. After a CT scan, they found that he had broken 2 ribs, had a bruised lung, some swelling in the cervical spine, and the 5th vertebrate in the Thorasic region of his back was broken. He is able to move his arms and legs and is in considerable pain. They are trying to make him more comfortable and he is in good spirits, able to talk and even smile.

He is going to be having back surgery today Monday, Sept. 10th around 4:00 pm. They will be placing some rods on either side of his spine near the break. The surgery will last 4 to 5 hours and then Jason will be in ICU for 24 hours with 4 to 5 days in the hospital after that. Please pray over this surgery, the surgeon and staff, Jason and the family during this time.

God was watching over Jason throughout the whole incident. He was accompanied on the ride by two friends, Eric Brown and Tom Norris. As they were trying to figure out what to do about getting help, they decided to stop and pray for a moment for guidance and God sent His answer immediately when a biker passed by on his way down the trail. Eric and Tom were able to give him the information to get help and the search and rescue teams were on their way within a short period of time. After about 3 hours of waiting, the helicopter showed up and they had to carry him about a mile to a place where the helicopter was able to land.

While this was all going on, the wives of the three men were starting to get worried when they missed their 5:00 return time. Kerri Norris decided to drive down to the trail site as it had started to get dark. She found Jason's car at the trailhead and knew that she needed to send the search and rescue team up the trail. Kerri found the rescue team right away. They asked how she knew where to find them and she said that God led her to them. While Kerri was waiting for news, she started to talk to anybody who was coming down the trail, and she met two men who after only a few words from Kerri, sat with her and prayed with her. God had all the details set up even before anything had happened to Jason. What a wonderful God!!!

Debbie