The Story

This is a blog designed to keep my family and friends up to date with my recovery in therapy and life. For those that don't know, I was is a terrible snowboarding accident on March 4, 2010. I was traveling down a trail with my brother-in-law Casey. We were going fast, but weren't out of control. Due to the time of the day, there was what they call " a white out effect", that's when a person has a hard time noticing some elevation changes in the snow. Unfortunately for me, when I reached the point in the trail where it merged with another trail, there was a bad drop off. By the time I realized this it was too late. I sailed off of the drop and was about 15-20ft. in the air before I landed on my tailbone in the hard packed snow. My legs instantly went numb and I was having a very hard time breathing. Casey rushed to me and all I could say was " I just paralyzed myself, go get help!". I was air lifted to Loma Linda Hospital and after hours of test they found that I had shattered my T12 vertebrate. I was put into surgery for 4 hours and received a titanium cage, rods, screws and other materials to rebuild my spine. During the injury my spinal cord was compressed and the broken pieces from the vertebrate actually punctured my spinal cord. After a few days in the ICU, I started to get feeling on the top of my thighs, knees and front of my shins. This was amazing because initially the doctors didn't expect me to regain much, if any , feeling or movement in my legs. I spent 8 days recovering in the ICU before I was transferred to Long Beach Memorial Rehab Center. I spent 2 weeks recovering there, as well as receiving great therapy. I progressed so well that I was actually discharged a week early. Next, I researched outpatient therapy centers and found Precision Rehabilitation in Long Beach. Lucky for me their gym is close and has some of the most qualified therapist in the country. That's the story and the rest will be posted here for you all to enjoy.

As you all can imagine, this has been a terrorizing experience. If it wasn't for the strong support of my family and friends, I know without a doubt, I wouldn't be able to get through this. I strongly look forward to getting back on my feet, so that I can enjoy everyday with my beautiful wife and wonderful boys.


Friday, April 23, 2010

End Of The Week

Yesterday was a nice day, my cousin Jason took me out to lunch to get sushi. It was nice to get out and stay current on work related stuff, Thanks Man! Today was a really good day of therapy. My therapist taught me how to manage curbs in my wheelchair to help keep myself safe. We also worked on a special exercise bike that uses electrodes to stimulate my muscles, the machine is pretty high tech. It knows exactly when my various muscles need to work. It can tell if I'm using my muscles and how strong they are. If they aren't strong enough, the electrodes will make my muscles work. It has a motor for people who can't peddle it, but I can do it on my own. There are very few of these in the country and people come from all over southern California to use it. I've been told that this machine has created some real miracles and I'm very excited to be using it. I added a few more videos to the site. One is from Wednesday, it shows me walking in therapy with a walker. The other two are from today, which show me practicing the curbs and working on the bike.I also added some more photos, so check them out. I hope you all enjoy and I wish everyone a great weekend!
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4 comments:

  1. sagschmitzApril 23, 2010 at 10:57 PM

    Hi Josh! WOW! You are a stud! I am so impressed by your strength and determination. Not a day goes by that we don't think about you guys.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SueApril 24, 2010 at 11:53 AM

    Hi Josh.. wow again.. you are doing great. You were moving right along on that walker..looked sooo good.. I am so happy for you.. keep up the great work.
    Love, Aunt Sue

    ReplyDelete
  3. SueApril 24, 2010 at 4:24 PM

    PS, just talked to Grandma Mary and told her about you newest news and photos.. I have been excited all day after reading and seeing your video this morning. You made my day.. love again..

    ReplyDelete
  4. caseyApril 27, 2010 at 9:45 PM

    Awesome videos. Love ya man.

    ReplyDelete

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