Daily Log 01/30/2009

Pain has been much better yesterday and today. Still can't drive or lift anything heavy but, I am getting better finally. I'm down to 1 or two pain pills a day.

Still stressed out and working hard to take care of my mom. We have until 2/6/2009 to get everything figured out and in place.

Daily Log 01/28/2009

Pain was about the same today as yesterday. No real change.

More bad news. We found out today that if mom moves in with me or to Pinal County in general, then she loses her medical coverage through Mercy Care. This means no wound care, hospital bed, nurse, or care giver. The can request that Pinal County take her on but, it could take a month to month and a half which, means no coverage until then. There are two alternatives. One is to move her in and try our hardest to take good care of her without any medical services in which case, Pinal County would be forced to take her. We still have to go without services for a while. Two would be to put her in a nursing home temporarily and request that Pinal County take her. Two problems with this option. 1. My mom would rather die than be put in a home even temporarily. 2. Pinal County could say that they won't take her at all.

It's going to be insanely hard but, we chose option 1. Kat has an old Full Pillow top mattress set that we are going to use temporarily and we are just going to do the best we can to take care of her without medical services. If anyone has a bed frame for a full size mattress that we can borrow, I would be very appreciative.

God willing, mom will be okay until we can get new medical services started up.

Daily Log 01/27/2009

I worked again for a few hours today and it wasn't as bad. I just need to move around allot and take breaks. Pain was a little better today. Most of the major pain is still located in the bottom right of my pectoral region. My PCP called me today and confirmed that the CT showed no fractures. He said that there is allot of cartilage in the area of my chest that's bothering me and that with my brittle bone disease, that it's going to take a long time to fully heal. He's decreasing the strength of my pain medication which is also good. I hate being on pain medication.

Chris gave his stamp of approval on the Sienna mini-van so Kat is the proud new owner of a bouncing baby mini-van. She absolutely loves it.

Daily Log 01/26/2009

I attempted to do the laundry today and failed miserably. The weight of the wet sheets was just too painful to lift. I left a message for my PCP to check on the CT results and express my concern regarding the severe pain that I'm still feeling in my sternum and the right side of my chest. No callback yet.

Edgar painted the weight room today so it's almost ready for my mom. I worked for a few hours today. It's getting easier to sit at the desk but I still get sore in my chest and back after a few hours.

Kat got the Toyota Sienna today and pending Chris's checkup tomorrow, it's her new baby and she absolutely loves it.

Daily Log 01/25/2009

Slept in to catch up on sleep. Because I'm still useless, Kat took care of some yard work. We went to my mom's house to do some more packing and I ended up getting hurt again. Buffy tried to give me a hug and put her paw against my sternum which, almost killed me. Kat had to go to her mom's house to get me a heating pad so that I could stay and help. 25 days after the accident and I'm still in just as much pain. The only difference is that the pain isn't chronic, it's movement based.

Daily Log 01/24/2009

Pain is about the same today as yesterday. It's no longer chronic pain, just when I move or do anything that requires using my chest. I'm still concerned about my right clavicle. I don't think it used to be so far out of alignment. I'm wondering if the entire right side of my chest was slightly dislocated, if that's even possible. That's sort of what it feels like when I move anyway and maybe that would explain why my right clavicle is misaligned. Makes sense too since the seatbelt crossed my chest from my top right to bottom left. I'm going to call my PCP tomorrow and see if he has the latest CT results. If they don't show anything, I wonder if a full standing chest X-ray would should any dislocations. I'm worried that there may be permanent damage but, my hopes are high.

We are finalizing the details on Kat's new used car. It's a 2001 Toyota Sienna Min-Van. It's the 7 seat version with 80K miles. It's in very nice condition. We need to replace a few plastic fasteners but, they only cost a couple dollars a piece. It's getting dropped off on Monday.

Tonight, we are finally getting to go over and help start packing my mom. Monday my painter Edgar is coming over to paint my mom's new room.

Daily Log 01/23/2009

Haven't been sleeping well and I had to get up early for PT. We only did range of motion and the heating pad because of how much pressure hurts. My movement has improved quite a bit but, the pain around my sternum and pecks persists primarily when moving. The chronic pain is getting better finally. Still haven't hear anything regarding my latest CT.

Kat was out all day today so once again I was stuck at home alone. We were supposed to go help start packing my mom's belongings but, Kat didn't get home until almost 10PM.

Bruise

After 23 days, I'm still bruised.

Daily Log 01/22/2009

Pain is a little better today. I made the mistake of trying to roll through my grass to pull some weeds. Apparently, I still can't pull my weeds or do any yard work. Live and learn.

Kat was out all day looking for a replacement car without success so I was trapped at home all day. She has until Monday to purchase a car before they take back the rental.

Turns out DES won't approve cash assistance for mom so I'm not going to be able to afford to pay for her apartment. For now, Kat and I decided it would be best to move her in here. We're going to get my weight room painted and setup with a hospital air bed and move her in sometime before the 7th of February if everything goes according to plan.

Daily Log 01/21/2009

Woke up late this morning due to pain and a little depression. I feel a little better. Depending on my movements, pain is better or worse which, is an improvement. At least it's not all pain all the time anymore. I had my CT today and my doctor should have the results in 72 hours. Until I get my CT results, I have to postpone PT. I just can't risk doing any serious injury.

It's pretty depressing to think that my sex life is based on when I can drive again. Sad isn't it. Until my chest is healed, I can't lift my wheelchair into my truck or safely turn the steering wheel and you can use your imagination for the rest.

Daily Log 01/20/2009

Woke early but had to stay in bed for an extra 3 hours. I'm not sure why but, I was very dizzy. It lasted for several hours. Pain has been very bad in my ribs and sternum but, my lower back hasn't been spasming today which, has been a blessing. I'm scheduled for a more detailed chest CT tomorrow evening.

Still haven't been able to get over to my mom's to help pack her stuff. We're running out of time so I'm going to have to just deal with the pain and get over there in the evenings.

Daily Log 01/19/2009 Part 2

I'm really freaked out. Since PT my sternum and ribs have started hurting allot more. Not just muscle, it's starting to feel like if I move wrong, I'm going to break my ribs or sternum. It's definitely bone and cartilage pain. Most of the major pain is located on the right side of my chest. I'm really hurting and a little scared. I'm definitely going to get that detailed CT tomorrow and I'm also going to call my PCP for a same day appointment.

Daily Log 01/19/2009

I woke up in allot of pain but, it is actually a little better than yesterday so I'm pretty happy about that. My lower back is spasming allot though which, is making it hard to stay sitting in my wheelchair too long. I think now that my chest pain is easing up a little that I'm starting to notice all the other pains generated from the accident. PT went well today. My range of motion is still improving.

Poor Kat is back at WalMart trying to get them to fix some defective Visa gift cards. This will be the second day in a row that we tried to buy totes and packaging material from WalMart with these stupid cards. She is so frustrated at having to waste two days with WalMart's B.S. Not to mention the gas money. I'm beyond frustrated because I can't drive or help her deal with any of this. I feel so useless.

Sadly, I'm noticing allot more pain since today's PT session. It feels like I have some major skeletal pain, not muscle. It feels like the cartilage holding my ribs together and to my sternum is loose or weekend. It's really worrying me. I think I'm going to take my PCP up on the script to get a detailed CT of my sternum and cartilage joints.

Daily Log 01/18/2009

Still having trouble waking up early because I know how much it's going to hurt. My movement is still improving but, the pain in my chest is only decreasing a very slight amount. The pain medication that I'm on just barely takes the edge off. I couldn't even lift a small plastic tote at WalMart today. It's so frustrating.

A side note. My lower back has been spasming allot these last couple days.

Daily Log 01/17/2009

Woke up in extreme pain again. Kat and I went to look at possible replacement cars for her but, I could only make it through one test drive before the pain in my chest was too much. My lower back started to spasm as well. Me not being able to drive is really making things difficult.

We looked at a Subaru Outback which, we really liked. The only thing she didn't like was that the seat didn't sit straight enough for her to be comfortable.

I co-signed and got mom approved for the apartment. Kat and I are going to have to go over every evening starting Monday in order to get her packed up in time to move her on February 2nd.

I'm really concerned about all of this impacting my healing. I know it's causing me excruciating pain but, what is it doing to the overall time it's going to take me to heal. Krishna is the only one left in our family trying to help and it just makes me so sad.

Daily Log 01/16/2009

Woke up in severe pain again. I must have rolled onto my side while asleep. We went to Shawn's birthday party at Native New Yorker but could only stay for an hour before the pain got too much for me. Kat had to drive because I still can't. I still need help to get in and out of the shower but at least I can shower. Household chores are still difficult for me. I tried sitting at my desk to do a little reading to try and catch up on some work related items but, after an hour my chest and back hurt so much, I had to go lay down with the heating pad.

I'm getting so frustrated. Everything is snowballing and because of this accident, I can't do much to help mom. I feel so totally useless. We have about 2 weeks left to get her precious items packed and ready to be moved. I'm going to have to rent a moving truck with a lift because some of her antiques are just to big and heavy. Then I have to figure out how to get her car which is inoperable moved and stored somewhere. At this point, I don't even know if I'm ever going to be able to get it restored to working order. It just means so much to her that I don't want to abandon it. She has so little left in this world.

Daily Log 01/15/2009

Nothing to really report other than normal pain and frustration. My range of movement is improving but, the pain is only mildly better. I still can't drive or lift anything more than a few pounds.

Daily Log 01/14/2009

Had PT again this morning. Things went a bit better. Range of motion is improving and pain is a little better thanks to the new stronger pain medication. Unfortunately, I tried to do to much. Kat, Buffy, and I went to the Broad Stone Apartments at Rittenhouse and Ocotillo to check out a one bedroom apartment for my mom. Their 1 bedroom is absolutely perfect. All wood floors which will make moving in the wheelchair easier as well as cleanup. Very wide doorways and a spacious patio. Huge bathroom that she'll be able to do donuts in if she wanted to. The idea is to set her up in a special hospital bed in the living room that way she won't be hidden away. It should be perfect for her. Take a look at the amenities below. She won't be able to use most of them until she starts getting stronger and heals a bit but, they're there for the future. The caregiver will get extended hours since she won't have anyone living there with her so she should be safe. I'm going to have to co-sign for her and help her with the rent. Sadly, it will only be my mom. She will be close to Krish and I so when we are better, we can help her and spend more time with her which, I hope will lift her spirits. My hope is that if she's surrounding by love instead of what she is currently surrounded by, that she will finally start to heal. It's so very frustrating not being able to do more for my mom. This accident just plain sucks. It's not going to be easy with all of the challenges in Kat and my life and hopefully the upcoming blessing but, she's my mom and I have to do everything possible to help take care of her.

The constant rolling around sent my chest into spasms which, made it very painful and hard to breath. Once we got home, I got things under control with pain medication and a heating pad. Mom may not be able to keep all of her antiques so if anyone is interested, I can take pictures of what she has. The important thing to her is that they go to someone that will love them. I'm going to take some of the antiques but, if anyone is interested let me know. She has antiques sowing machines, pianos, desks, radios, etc...

I know gods got a plan and maybe this is part of it. Just have to keep telling myself that.

Daily Log 01/13/2008

Today was my doctors appointment. I met with my PCP Dr. Swanson. He changed my pain medicine and doubled the dosage to try and get my pain under control. He also put me on a really strong anti inflammatory that works better on cartilage damage as well as a muscle relaxer. If I'm not showing any improvements in pain in 7 days, he wants me to get a more detailed CT of my sternum and the rib connection points. Before we left, I sneezed again which caused my sternum to pop and crack again. The pain floored me. I really need to do everything possible to not sneeze or cough. Crystal brought over tater tot casserole for dinner which Kat and I love.

Mom's definitely loosing the house. They have until the 11th of February to get everything out. Thanks to this accident, I can't do anything to help with moving or packing mom's memorabilia. She has a bunch of antiques and I'm going to try and take a few of them for my house that way she doesn't have to just leave them. Some are very very large so I would probably need to rent a truck with a lift to move them. One thing after another. Krishna's laid up in bed because of her back and our sister Aimee refuses to do anything to help mom or us. Not allot of options or time. I can only pray that these tests are for some greater purpose.

Daily Log 01/12/2008

Woke up at 10AM for in home physical therapy. We worked on range of motion. Things went okay. I'm starting to get concerned though. My range of motion is improving but, the pain is still severe with no improvement. Waking up is the most painful part of the day. After sleeping stretched out, my chest hurts so much that I almost cry. I'm really starting to get frustrated. I can't stand being helpless. Trying to lift anything hurts so much. Kat has been amazing. I walked with Kat and Buffy to the mailbox for the first time since the accident and it went okay. We stayed at a very slow pace. I tried dusting and got most of it done but, it was extremely painful. Not only on my chest but, my lower back, shoulders, and ribs were all painful. Probably due to whiplash. I had to have Kat move the fish tank because of the pain it caused when I tried to lift it. It only ways 5 pounds or so. Once again, I couldn't do the dishes. I tried to stand at the bathroom sink to shave and my lower back tightened up to the point of severe pain.

Daily Log 01/11/2008

Woke up at 2PM again. Tried sleeping on my side without any success. The pain was just too much. Crystal brought over a wonderful dinner for Kat and I for which we are very grateful. Kat drove us to WalMart today to pick up some groceries. The trip including getting in and out of the car was still remarkably painful. Apparently we were both impacted by the accident more than we thought. On the way to WalMart, we were headed North on Rittenhouse and a truck made a left into the suicide lane but, it nearly gave me a heart attack. Instinctively, I yelled "Oh my god" because I thought he was going to do the same thing the car that caused our accident did. Obviously he didn't but, it still scared the crap out of me. Kat had to clean the fish tank because I couldn't. I can't even pour my coffee carafe into my coffee maker.

Daily Log 01/10/2008

Nothing too eventful today. I sneezed twice in a row and it hurt so much that I cried. It also made my chest start cracking and popping again. Still can't do dishes or clean. I was able to shower for the first time today. It requires Kat's help but, at least I can shower. I finally feel human again. I couldn't go see mom today because I can't drive and being driven around still hurts too much. I'm going to try a short trip out tomorrow to go to WalMart to get some groceries. Obviously Kat will be driving as it's going to be a while before I can drive myself again. Because of how I get my wheelchair into the truck, my chest will have to be fully healed before I can drive.

Spencer dropped off some amazing cookies today. They didn't last long.

Because I can't lift anything more than a few pounds, Kat took on putting our new media cabinet together herself and she did an amazing job.

Daily Log 01/09/2008

Another eventful day. I woke at 10AM to meet with the Physical Therapist. I then went back to bed until 2PM. No real motivation to get up when you can't do anything or go anywhere. Kat left early to go to her Doctors appointment so I'm trapped at home. I was able to put my own shoes on though so that is a step in the right direction.

I still can't do dishes or dust so I'm going a little crazy. I had to get Buffy bathed today so when Kat got back from the doctors, we took Buffy to Petsmart to get her a bath. I made a big mistake. I wasn't ready to be driven around or to get in and out of a vehicle multiple times. I'm in so much pain. I sneezed a few minutes ago and I almost cried it hurt so bad. I tried to sit at my desk for a few minutes but, I couldn't. My right shoulder and tricep seized up. This just sucks.

Some photos from the accident and the hospital

Daily Log 01/08/2008

I ended up sleeping until 2PM today because I didn't relish dealing with the pain. I woke and and Kat helped me out of bed. Because of my limited mobility, Kat had to help me get my shoes on. I started my day at a slow pace. Made several calls to my lawyer and scheduled in home Physical Therapy for tomorrow. Because of my injuries, I couldn't clean or do much of anything
around the house. I couldn't spray the weeds or clean the dishes. It's going to get frustrating quick. I don't like having my independence taken away. We ordered a Media Shelf and it arrived today but, I can't put it together because I can't lift anything without severe pain.

Thankfully, my wonderful neighbors and friends Spencer and Crystal helped us out so much. They made us a homecoming dinner so that we wouldn't have to worry about trying to cook. They also brought my Christmas decorations in and took down my tree and to top it off, they cleaned up the pine needles. It was such a load off my mind as I hadn't quite figured out how I was going to tackle the Christmas decorations. Appreciation doesn't cover how grateful Kat and I are.

Car Accident

Kat, Bufffy, and I were in a car accident new years eve. I'm still in the hospital and I'm not sure when I'll be released. Kat is bruised from the air bags and has whiplash but is okay otherwise. I unfortunately compressessed my chest in addition to whiplash. Thankfully, no broken bones and no injures to my legs. It could have been so much worse. The other driver just decided he would turn left in front of us and when he realized he screwed up, he panicked and stoped before accellerating. We weren't speeding but, he was so close that we couldn't stop in time and T-Boned him. Other than me,no oher major injuries. We lucked out and an off duty officer witnessed the whole thing so the other guy was cited

The more i move, the more places I find that hurt..