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, February 21, 2011

Fwbruary 21

Hello everyone! Nicole was able to come to therapy with me today, so I was able to get some videos of the day. The first video shows me walking and performing some tasks. The second video shows some new stuff we're working on. Everything's going really good for us, I hope you all are well, cheers!
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5 comments:

  1. LHartongFebruary 22, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    So great Josh...like a super effective scavenger hunt of things you can do now. Your walking is getting so much smoother! I love you Mums xo

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Josh- your progress is incredible. I admire your determination. Keep up the great work and keep sharing your achievements!

    -Jenna

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 22, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    Josh, I'm sitting here trying to find the words and this one pretty much sums it up....AMAZING! This battle, obviously, will shape the rest of your life and the lives of others. Thanks for letting us all in and sharing it.

    Scott Worthington

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  4. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    Excellent progress Josh. Although the road ahead is still a long one it appears to be shorter now than the road you have traveled so far.

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  5. AnonymousApril 15, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    Josh we love how you keep us all updated,,, your doing great and we love you soooo much
    love,Jason,Christy,Amber and Seth

    ReplyDelete

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