Hi everybody Hanksterr here,
This will be the last post from us on the blog.
I'm not sure where to start other than to express my sincere thanks to everyone that had Pam and I in your thoughts and prayers over the last seven plus weeks. I had no idea of the effect on my desire to heal knowing the number of people out there supporting and caring. I will never be able to repay the kindness you all have shared with Pam and I.
The Pamaroo - People have commented on the fact that I am a lucky man and that Pam is an amazing women. You really don't have any idea, she has been stuck by my side through all of this like glue, she truly is my strength and as I reflect on our 35 together its been that way from day one.
Last Thursday was seven weeks since the crash and the healing is going really well. All my internals are working normally and all the blood counts are at normal levels. The ribs are doing well and the discomfort is manageable. The scapula is still a challenge but physical therapy helps a bunch keeping it loose still going three times a week. We hope to get into the Orthopedic Doc next week and get the neck brace into garbage can and off my neck. The casts on my hands came off Thursday with no restrictions on the right but a splint on the left for a while yet but at least I can take it off for hygiene etc, Pam is really liking this new found do it yourself gig.
Energy levels are coming around just in time for the 102 heat we are having but I am not complaining life is good.
I have been able to spend a lot of time with our grandson and new granddaughter which has been wonderful and now that the casts are off the little man and I can get back to doing guy stuff together.
I have learned during this healing process that the body is truly amazing how it naturally focuses itself with all its energy where it is most needed. I am coming through this with no major scaring other than what was left behind after the spleen removal. The road rash on my knees is almost gone on the left knee and the right is almost healed as well. My face is unmarked, I have no limp or any problems walking and have not needed any form of crutch or cane during any part of the healing process. My body and I were a bit unsure when they first got me out of bed but by the time I left the hospital I was getting around pretty well and now with energy levels coming back on line I'm good to go.
Some have been a bit apprehensive to come visit because they didn't know what they would see and have been amazed to see me answer the door and find the same old Hanksterr standing there.
Thank you all again for your support through your thoughts and prayers, cards, phone calls and visits both here at home and in Salt Lake, you have been wonderful.
Hank
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday June 21, 2010
Good Morning Everyone,
Thought I'd give a little update to let you know how our week has been. We started out with a doctors appointment last Wednesday to set up other appointments with physical therapy, a wound care doctor for Hank's knee and this week we should get into an orthopedic in Tri-Cities to check the neck and thumbs. We're not real sure he needs the neck brace because the doctors in UT didn't see much in their x-rays as far as the #5 & 6 vertebra's. The hospital in Penguich (the 1st hospital Hank was at) are the ones who thought they saw some fractures. So hopefully we can get the brace off! Our doctor said the knee looks great so maybe we can take that bandage off and just let it heal. We have had some nice visits with family, friends, and business associates! Our bonding agent Mark R. came all the way from Lewiston to spend a couple of hours with Hank last Thursday, so nice. I took Hank to our office last Wednesday after his Dr. appointment and everyone was glad to see him! He'll be staying home for the most part and meetings will take place here at home so that will be nice, Hank still tends to get tired out easily so resting is important. He will be going to physical therapy at least 3 times a week to keep the left shoulder loose and moving. We had a nice visit to Angie and Deltons on Saturday to visit with his parents and Brother Jason & Danielle then we stayed home yesterday and the kids all came for dinner. As soon as we have more progress to report I'll let you know but just wanted to say hello and we've missed you. I know Hank would like to visit with you a little at a time so please feel free to call when time allows and we'll let you know if it works. Please take care and have a great week!
Also, we are thankful for all your prayers and good wishes. Please help us by saying some extra prayers for our friend Glenna who is battling 'C', she's going through chemo and let's help her get rid of those tumors! She prayed real hard for us and now it's our turn to help her.
Love and God Bless Everyone of You!
Pam & Hank
Thought I'd give a little update to let you know how our week has been. We started out with a doctors appointment last Wednesday to set up other appointments with physical therapy, a wound care doctor for Hank's knee and this week we should get into an orthopedic in Tri-Cities to check the neck and thumbs. We're not real sure he needs the neck brace because the doctors in UT didn't see much in their x-rays as far as the #5 & 6 vertebra's. The hospital in Penguich (the 1st hospital Hank was at) are the ones who thought they saw some fractures. So hopefully we can get the brace off! Our doctor said the knee looks great so maybe we can take that bandage off and just let it heal. We have had some nice visits with family, friends, and business associates! Our bonding agent Mark R. came all the way from Lewiston to spend a couple of hours with Hank last Thursday, so nice. I took Hank to our office last Wednesday after his Dr. appointment and everyone was glad to see him! He'll be staying home for the most part and meetings will take place here at home so that will be nice, Hank still tends to get tired out easily so resting is important. He will be going to physical therapy at least 3 times a week to keep the left shoulder loose and moving. We had a nice visit to Angie and Deltons on Saturday to visit with his parents and Brother Jason & Danielle then we stayed home yesterday and the kids all came for dinner. As soon as we have more progress to report I'll let you know but just wanted to say hello and we've missed you. I know Hank would like to visit with you a little at a time so please feel free to call when time allows and we'll let you know if it works. Please take care and have a great week!
Also, we are thankful for all your prayers and good wishes. Please help us by saying some extra prayers for our friend Glenna who is battling 'C', she's going through chemo and let's help her get rid of those tumors! She prayed real hard for us and now it's our turn to help her.
Love and God Bless Everyone of You!
Pam & Hank
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday June 15,2010
Good Morning All,
Let's start with a little from yesterday. They knew they had Hank for one last day and they had him busy! He did a long walk outside then up to exercise room for 30 minutes on an exercise bike. Then he got some therapy on moving the shoulder around to keep it lose. They are sending us home with instructions as well. Then in the afternoon they had him get down on a mat and get back up. It went well with just a little bit of vertigo and when we get home his therapist will work on that. It will involve some specific moves to clear it up and maybe when the neck brace comes off it will help as well. The day ended with a back, shoulder massage and then his wife gave him a nice shower and put him to bed! We had NO interuptions last night and I didn't wake up until about 6 this morning, nice!
This morning they took out the pick line (one they draw blood from) so as of 9:40 he was totally tubeless!!! The physical theapist came in and took him in for some shoulder exercises and heat, then the wound care came in and cleaned out his knee which they said is healing great and we don't have to worry about covering it in the shower anymore. So we are packed up just killing a few minutes before we head to the airport! The wonderful friends Doug, Mike and Henry are in the air on their way and we can't wait to get home. Wha-hoo! Tomorrow Hank has his doctor appointment and off we go to getting our lives back to normal. I've got to get home because the little man wants to get those pumkin seeds planted!
Have a great day everyone! We send our love and prayers to you all!
God Bless,
Hank & Pam
Let's start with a little from yesterday. They knew they had Hank for one last day and they had him busy! He did a long walk outside then up to exercise room for 30 minutes on an exercise bike. Then he got some therapy on moving the shoulder around to keep it lose. They are sending us home with instructions as well. Then in the afternoon they had him get down on a mat and get back up. It went well with just a little bit of vertigo and when we get home his therapist will work on that. It will involve some specific moves to clear it up and maybe when the neck brace comes off it will help as well. The day ended with a back, shoulder massage and then his wife gave him a nice shower and put him to bed! We had NO interuptions last night and I didn't wake up until about 6 this morning, nice!
This morning they took out the pick line (one they draw blood from) so as of 9:40 he was totally tubeless!!! The physical theapist came in and took him in for some shoulder exercises and heat, then the wound care came in and cleaned out his knee which they said is healing great and we don't have to worry about covering it in the shower anymore. So we are packed up just killing a few minutes before we head to the airport! The wonderful friends Doug, Mike and Henry are in the air on their way and we can't wait to get home. Wha-hoo! Tomorrow Hank has his doctor appointment and off we go to getting our lives back to normal. I've got to get home because the little man wants to get those pumkin seeds planted!
Have a great day everyone! We send our love and prayers to you all!
God Bless,
Hank & Pam
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday June 13, 2010
Helo from cool and rainy Salt Lake! I have to say yesterday afternoon and this afternoon it was nice to have a good book to read (thank you Rick & Sylvia) and curl up on the couch in Hanks room. We both have been spending time just relaxing on the couch, napping and watching the NVBA Finals as well as the St. Jude golf tournament. Oh, I should mention Hank did have his physical therapy yesterday that involved going down to the 1st floor and walking the full length of it. That tired him out! Then today he did some stretching and massaging of the left shoulder and sat on an exercise bike for 1/2 hour. He's pretty sore and wants me to watch tomorrow so maybe I can help him with it when we get home and before we get him set up for therapy there. We don't know what tomorrow will bring but I'm assuming more physical therapy mostly. There's not much left for them to help us with. They have one more blood draw in the morning and the pick line will be gone!
I'll head out to the hotel in the morning to do my shower gig, pack up and check out of there! Then I'll have our little carry on to bring up to the room and come Tuesday morning about 10:30 we'll head to the airport for our ride. Our friends Doug & Mike along with Henry will come to take us home. Can I tell you how excited we are!
So it may be a day or two before you hear from me but once we see our Dr. in Sunnyside and get a plan for Hank's follow up with spinal (for his neck), orthopedic for his thumbs, and wound care for his knee I will let you all know!
I can't say this enough but you all are awesome! We are so blessed to have our families and friends helping us get through this hiccup in our lives and without you and the good Lord above it would have been impossible. We thank you always and we love you all very much!
Love and God Bless you all,
Pam & Hank
I'll head out to the hotel in the morning to do my shower gig, pack up and check out of there! Then I'll have our little carry on to bring up to the room and come Tuesday morning about 10:30 we'll head to the airport for our ride. Our friends Doug & Mike along with Henry will come to take us home. Can I tell you how excited we are!
So it may be a day or two before you hear from me but once we see our Dr. in Sunnyside and get a plan for Hank's follow up with spinal (for his neck), orthopedic for his thumbs, and wound care for his knee I will let you all know!
I can't say this enough but you all are awesome! We are so blessed to have our families and friends helping us get through this hiccup in our lives and without you and the good Lord above it would have been impossible. We thank you always and we love you all very much!
Love and God Bless you all,
Pam & Hank
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday June 11, 2010
Great news this morning! Dr. Dodds came in and says Hank can come home on Tuesday! He said Hanks kidneys and lungs are great. With my help dressing and grooming we can make it work until the gloves come off. We are doing fine here as a team and with just being at home is going to be great. We just have to be patient with his thumbs healing and the casts come off! His right knee still has quite a bit of healing to do but we can follow up with our doc at home so here we come! Our day will be pretty much like yesterday, actually we will get Sunday to rest but I just had to share before the kids get here. So if any new events get me going I'll let you know and also when we get home I'll do my best to keep you all up to date until like I said, until the gloves come off!
Thanks to God and all our wonderful families and friends!
Our Love, Hank and Pam
p.s. We had such a wonderful busy day. Delton and Kirk arrived and we all were busy visiting and keeping up with little Delton. He loves going to the exercise room and participating and watching people doing their exercises. He is mostly excited for Papa to get home to get the cranes out! He didn't want to leave which melted Nana's heart. Papa was pleased Delton actually got in bed with him and then he sat in Papa's lap in the wheel chair when we went down to the cafeteria for dinner. Made his day! So all in all we are a very happy family and we all are so thankful for people like you! Love and good night!
Thanks to God and all our wonderful families and friends!
Our Love, Hank and Pam
p.s. We had such a wonderful busy day. Delton and Kirk arrived and we all were busy visiting and keeping up with little Delton. He loves going to the exercise room and participating and watching people doing their exercises. He is mostly excited for Papa to get home to get the cranes out! He didn't want to leave which melted Nana's heart. Papa was pleased Delton actually got in bed with him and then he sat in Papa's lap in the wheel chair when we went down to the cafeteria for dinner. Made his day! So all in all we are a very happy family and we all are so thankful for people like you! Love and good night!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thursday June 10, 2010
Good Morning,
Once again I apologize for no blog yesterday but we did have an amazing day! The kidney doctor came to give us a great report on his kidneys so that means no dialysis anymore! Then the doctor from the 12th came and did an evaluation on Hank and of course he passed as far as being able to start rehab. So off we went! Mostly the afternoon was filled with meeting the team of nurses and therapists but they did get him to the exercise room and had him walk up stairs about 3 times. He still gets tired quite easily but that is one thing they will be helping him with is managing his time so he in turn is managing his energy. I think I need some help with that as well!
So here we are on Friday and it's been a busy one as well. They actually didn't come in to draw blood until 5:00 a.m. and then at about 8:15 in came the nurses to get the day started. You know how it goes in hospitals...they bring in your hot breakfast and then want to do vitals, give meds and in the meantime everything gets cold! Oh well, nothing really tastes that great to Hank right now anyway, he has this salty taste in his mouth and even water tastes like salt. The kidney doc again gave Hank thumbs up as far as his kidneys go and he says his taste buds are starting to come alive and eventually the salty taste will go away.
So here is somewhat his days will be like until we come home which by the way we are hoping by next weekend, what a great Fathers Day gift that would be! So at 9 ADL (activities daily living, like learning how to pull a tee over his head with his broken scapula & ribs). Then around 9:30 will be massage therapy. Hasn't had that yet just discussing limitations. 11:00 OT, occupational therapy entails showering, using his blackberry with two casts that sort of thing. Then around 2 he'll have physical therapy to get his strength and balance back. At around 4:30 come speech therapy to test his swallowing skills and little exercises to strengthen his vocals. So all in all it sounds pretty easy but watching him afterwards he is exhausted! He's been awake today for most of the day so that will hopefully help him sleep longer tonight! That and I learned how to give him a shower and change out the pads in his neck brace. I couldn't imagine not having a real shower in 3 weeks. He's fresh as a daisy now though!
It's been so good for Papa (and Nana) to have little Delton and Alivia here these last few days. They bring such joy not only to us but everyone around us. Angie has been such a great help to helping Dad get rid of over 200 emails on his phone and Emily...what would we do without Emily. She is so wonderful for Delton and Angie and keeps us all organized and going when we need her. Thank you Emily! Papa got to hold little Alivia quite a bit, she's either wide awake just listening to him and checking him out or snuggled into one of his pillows. What a little angel. At first I think little Delton was a little aprehensive around Papa because he wasn't up and walking around but he warmed up and tonight he was driving his trucks and cars around on his bed and over his legs, he especially enjoyed hiding in the and as he said, "Stinking it up in there!". Tomorrow Daddy Delton will come spend the day with us along with our friend Kirk, he's also our accountant so I hope he tells us we won the lottery because I think by the time we leave here I'm going to have myself a million dollar man? No, just kidding, or am I?
So I will sign off now and get myself settled in to sleep on my little couch. It's a good thing I"m not any longer than 5'1"! It's not bad and I'm not complaining! I have my husband with me and that's all I can ask for!
We continue to thank you all and send our love and prayers! Can't wait to see you all back in Washington again soon!
Once again I apologize for no blog yesterday but we did have an amazing day! The kidney doctor came to give us a great report on his kidneys so that means no dialysis anymore! Then the doctor from the 12th came and did an evaluation on Hank and of course he passed as far as being able to start rehab. So off we went! Mostly the afternoon was filled with meeting the team of nurses and therapists but they did get him to the exercise room and had him walk up stairs about 3 times. He still gets tired quite easily but that is one thing they will be helping him with is managing his time so he in turn is managing his energy. I think I need some help with that as well!
So here we are on Friday and it's been a busy one as well. They actually didn't come in to draw blood until 5:00 a.m. and then at about 8:15 in came the nurses to get the day started. You know how it goes in hospitals...they bring in your hot breakfast and then want to do vitals, give meds and in the meantime everything gets cold! Oh well, nothing really tastes that great to Hank right now anyway, he has this salty taste in his mouth and even water tastes like salt. The kidney doc again gave Hank thumbs up as far as his kidneys go and he says his taste buds are starting to come alive and eventually the salty taste will go away.
So here is somewhat his days will be like until we come home which by the way we are hoping by next weekend, what a great Fathers Day gift that would be! So at 9 ADL (activities daily living, like learning how to pull a tee over his head with his broken scapula & ribs). Then around 9:30 will be massage therapy. Hasn't had that yet just discussing limitations. 11:00 OT, occupational therapy entails showering, using his blackberry with two casts that sort of thing. Then around 2 he'll have physical therapy to get his strength and balance back. At around 4:30 come speech therapy to test his swallowing skills and little exercises to strengthen his vocals. So all in all it sounds pretty easy but watching him afterwards he is exhausted! He's been awake today for most of the day so that will hopefully help him sleep longer tonight! That and I learned how to give him a shower and change out the pads in his neck brace. I couldn't imagine not having a real shower in 3 weeks. He's fresh as a daisy now though!
It's been so good for Papa (and Nana) to have little Delton and Alivia here these last few days. They bring such joy not only to us but everyone around us. Angie has been such a great help to helping Dad get rid of over 200 emails on his phone and Emily...what would we do without Emily. She is so wonderful for Delton and Angie and keeps us all organized and going when we need her. Thank you Emily! Papa got to hold little Alivia quite a bit, she's either wide awake just listening to him and checking him out or snuggled into one of his pillows. What a little angel. At first I think little Delton was a little aprehensive around Papa because he wasn't up and walking around but he warmed up and tonight he was driving his trucks and cars around on his bed and over his legs, he especially enjoyed hiding in the and as he said, "Stinking it up in there!". Tomorrow Daddy Delton will come spend the day with us along with our friend Kirk, he's also our accountant so I hope he tells us we won the lottery because I think by the time we leave here I'm going to have myself a million dollar man? No, just kidding, or am I?
So I will sign off now and get myself settled in to sleep on my little couch. It's a good thing I"m not any longer than 5'1"! It's not bad and I'm not complaining! I have my husband with me and that's all I can ask for!
We continue to thank you all and send our love and prayers! Can't wait to see you all back in Washington again soon!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday June 8, 2010
Hello! Sorry about no posting yesterday, Angie & Co. came to town in the afternoon and morning was busy! Yesterday the knee doctor came in and cleaned his knee and just put a bandage on it for now, so no more air vac which means one less tube dangling! The speech lady came in did some swallowing testing and he has made major improvements. She said today possible he could start the jello, applesauce, water diet and she just left with a good report! They will leave the feeding tube intact for a few days just to make sure he's getting all his nutrients and then remove it. This afternoon he ate some fresh pineapple, watermelon and fruit smoothie. He didn't eat a lot but he did eat. He made the remark that he was a little nervous so maybe tomorrow he be more confident.
I spent the night at the hotel with the kids and Hank didn't have a very good night. I guess when he was in the bathroom the nurse was on the out side of the door and almost pulled the feeding tube out again, they had to shove about 10 inches back in. I'm not sure what all went on but he was not a happy camper when I got here this morning! It's taking him a while to calm down and his blood pressure as well. It's been a little high again but he's pretty irritated and anxious to get started on rehabilitation. Speaking of that we are moving again tomorrow to the 12th floor! He will get about 3 hours a day but we're not sure what that entails, Hank is very anxious to get going! I will let you know the room number as soon as we know!
Today he got another tube removed (catheter) so that means no more dangling from the lower extremities! We're getting there! He getting better and better with getting out of bed. He can roll onto right side swing legs over and sit up. Still needs a little pull to stand but that's because he has no use with his casted right arm so he can't grip much and his left arm is to painful yet for use. So he's getting more and more mobile and it's so exciting to see. His trauma doctors were all in again today and they are so pleased (Hank says they just can't believe he's here!). Dr. White has always been so emotional actually had tears in his eyes before they left, such an amazing place! And they continue to follow him when we move up to the 12th floor and until we leave so that's wonderful.
So once again we want to thank all our wonderful circle of family and friends for all their love, prayers, cards of encouragement, flowers and oh that wonderful box of cookies from Taste of Heaven! Thank you Dragoo's and Hogue's! We are sending up our prayers of thankfulness for Hank's recovery and for all of you! Much Love, Hank & Pam.
I spent the night at the hotel with the kids and Hank didn't have a very good night. I guess when he was in the bathroom the nurse was on the out side of the door and almost pulled the feeding tube out again, they had to shove about 10 inches back in. I'm not sure what all went on but he was not a happy camper when I got here this morning! It's taking him a while to calm down and his blood pressure as well. It's been a little high again but he's pretty irritated and anxious to get started on rehabilitation. Speaking of that we are moving again tomorrow to the 12th floor! He will get about 3 hours a day but we're not sure what that entails, Hank is very anxious to get going! I will let you know the room number as soon as we know!
Today he got another tube removed (catheter) so that means no more dangling from the lower extremities! We're getting there! He getting better and better with getting out of bed. He can roll onto right side swing legs over and sit up. Still needs a little pull to stand but that's because he has no use with his casted right arm so he can't grip much and his left arm is to painful yet for use. So he's getting more and more mobile and it's so exciting to see. His trauma doctors were all in again today and they are so pleased (Hank says they just can't believe he's here!). Dr. White has always been so emotional actually had tears in his eyes before they left, such an amazing place! And they continue to follow him when we move up to the 12th floor and until we leave so that's wonderful.
So once again we want to thank all our wonderful circle of family and friends for all their love, prayers, cards of encouragement, flowers and oh that wonderful box of cookies from Taste of Heaven! Thank you Dragoo's and Hogue's! We are sending up our prayers of thankfulness for Hank's recovery and for all of you! Much Love, Hank & Pam.
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