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, July 1, 2010

July 1

Hello everyone, everything is going good. My pressure sores have fully healed, which has allowed me to get back to all of my normal routines. I have been using the FES bike again and enjoying it. I feel that it really helps to improve the strength in my legs. I usually get to therapy early everyday and practice my walking. It isn't anything to celebrate but I have been improving. I thought that I would provide you all with some videos so you could see where I'm at. I also have an old video which shows me walking in the parallel bars with one hand. I practice walking without using my hands and here are the two videos. Video 1 and Video 2. Well I hope you enjoy them and have a great 4th! Talk to you soon, Josh.
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2 comments:

  1. TOMMYJuly 2, 2010 at 9:43 PM

    Checking your blog to hear and see your progress always makes my day better. Keep up the good work Josh.

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  2. LHartongJuly 8, 2010 at 8:39 AM

    Wow, watching the old and new videos reaallly show your progress Josh! Your balance is getting better...you have come soo far. Keep up the hard work, I am banking on our miracle "you" !!!Love you, Mums

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