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.


Thursday, May 13, 2010

May 13

Yesterday in therapy I did some more walking with the forearm crutches. I'm really enjoying that because it makes me feel like I will be getting out of my chair, sooner than later. We shot some video of it and another one with me walking in the parallel bars. It was shot on a phone, so it isn't the best quality. To see the video with the forearm crutches click here and the parallel bars click here. I hope you enjoy and I can't thank everyone enough for all the supportive comments you all have been leaving.
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7 comments:

  1. Patty HartongMay 13, 2010 at 2:58 PM

    WOW Josh - This is amazing news. Keep it up. You have so much love backing you up! You've come a long way baby! I think you will be walking before Merrick........ patty

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  2. LHartongMay 13, 2010 at 9:03 PM

    OMG Josh...so great to see you on the forearm crutches. That is my favorite now :-) I love you, Mums xo

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  3. sagschmitzMay 13, 2010 at 9:25 PM

    Great videos Josh! I would imagine you are an inspiration to all the other people you are in physical therapy with. I bet the physical therapists LOVE working with you too! Amazing!

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  4. jason and melissaMay 14, 2010 at 8:53 PM

    So nice to see how far you have come in such a short time. Another victory! I know it sounds cliche, but you truly inspire us. Keep pushing yourself suave! Your bro Jason.

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  5. TriesteMay 14, 2010 at 10:22 PM

    You never cease to amaze me . . . I am so proud of you.

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  6. UnknownMay 15, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    Josh.... I watch these videos and feel the same excitment and joy that I had when you were a baby learning to walk. I can not wait to say those famous words again "Josh is Walking"!!!!!!!!! I love you so much and so proud of you, I am never surprised of your strength and determination, that is a wonderful quality you have ALWAYS had.

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  7. kculverMay 15, 2010 at 11:42 AM

    Look at the gun show! Ripped!! Your killin' it Josh, keep up the strength! Let's beat the girls in Pictionary Man again soon...

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