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.


Monday, December 27, 2010

12/27/10

Well it's been a while, but here is the latest. About a month ago my therapist ( Ziad) did a progress test. I've had to do this test a couple of times since my injury in march and I've been fortunate enough to have considerable gains. The test grades you on several different exercises, all of which pertain to daily mobility and tasks. A normal person would score a maximum of 58 points. The first time I scored 17 and the second time I scored 30. Well this time I scored 41, which I'm pleased about! I understand that, the closer I get to 58, the smaller the gains will be; however, as long as I get there, that's all that really matters. Other than that, Ziad has really been pushing me and is constantly challenging me with different exercises. I've been experiencing a lot of functional gains since I've been working with him. Nicole recorded some video from therapy today, so I thought that I'd share it with you. There are two videos, one VIDEO of me walking around therapy picking things up off the floor and maneuvering cones and the other VIDEO of some balance training. I hope you enjoy the update, until next time, cheers!
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3 comments:

  1. LHartongDecember 28, 2010 at 7:29 PM

    You remain so determined and so awesome...keep it up Josh. You are definitely getting there! I am so proud of you!! Love, Mumsy

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  2. Kim Springer (Cori Thomas sisterinlaw)December 29, 2010 at 11:03 AM

    Josh!! Praised the Lord!! Watching your video brought tears to my eyes!! I am sooooooo proud of you and your determination!! Keep up the great work!!

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  3. UnknownDecember 31, 2010 at 4:46 PM

    Josh,
    We pray for you and your family every evening. We're so proud of how far you've come and look forward to how far you'll go.
    May God continue to bless you,
    Pete and Linda Wright

    ReplyDelete

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