Week 3

As I wrote last time, we took last week for a relaxing vacation...and it turned out to be just what the doctor ordered.

But right before we left we got the results of Eric's CT scan back - and everything is perfect clear. They say there isn't any permanent damage to his hip area, and that it's just a matter of time for it to heal. So, knowing that we were going on vacation, his doctor prescribed him some vicadin and a prescription Tylenol to help him sleep at night and we headed to Ship Bottom, NJ. The weather was beautiful, water was freezing, and family time was treasured. We spent the whole week being lazy, reading, playing games, laying at the beach, eating good food...and yes Eric even got a round of golf and some fishing in.

He commented that he could tell a huge difference this week in how he felt, and he notices a drastic difference between now and when he left the hospital so we are headed in the right direction! He even started feeling so good that he stopped taking the pain medication all together and slept through the night on several occasions! So he is completely off all medication (minus vitamins) and both yesterday and today worked full days.

It's just amazing how far we've come, and where God has brought us from just a month ago. For those of you who haven't heard, the city of Sarasota is giving Andy Cratty an award for his efforts in saving Eric's life...but there isn't an award in the world that can thank him enough!!!!

Week 2

Eric is making great progress, but he seems to have good days and bad days. His good days are very managable, but his bad days are really bad with the pain in his hip/stomach area. So we went back to the doctor on Wednesday to discuss his symptoms including:

-He has numbness in his legs and toes; he said it feels like his feet are asleep all the time. The doctor said this is from nerve damage and could take 6+ months to heal.
-He is taking a large dose of Tylenol/Advil regularly and was concerned with how long before it could be harmful. The doctor said 2 weeks...and since we're at that point, he wants Eric to stop taking them.
-He continues to have severe pain in his hip/stomach area. The doctor ordered a CT scan (which we had today) so that he can determine the extent of the injuries and which pain medication to prescribe in lieu of the large doses of Tylenol and Advil.

As many of you know, we're leaving for a much needed week long vacation this Friday. We're headed to the Jersey shore with my family for a time of relaxation. We continue to appreciate all your prayers and words of encouragement!

Jana

Week at Home

Eric's first week at home has been a good one. He continues to be in a lot of pain, especially in his hip area where they found 2nd and 3rd degree burns internally. This pain is making it difficult to sleep or find a comfortable position to rest. We went to the doctor on Wednesday to try and find a solution. They gave him some sleeping medication, but it didn't seem to help much at all. So now we're back to good old Tylenol and Advil - just taking it more regularly and alternating between the two. All the doctors we've seen are just amazed at his progress and his story. I even heard one say that "he's making medical history" so we feel blessed every day!

Although Eric has been home from work all week, we tried to keep some normal social activities. He mentioned that it helps to get out of the house and get his mind of things. So we spent several evenings over at his parents house with his sisters and their children. We also went to see the fireworks on 4th of July, and to a birthday party last night. So he's getting out of the house and moving around which is good. Eric is planning on returning to work tomorrow (Monday) possibly beginning with half days to see how things go. He has no memory of both Monday and Tuesday (the day of the accident) so it will be strange returning to projects and clients he doesn't remember working on or talking to. He's already read some emails that he doesn't remember writing...which I'm sure feels strange.

So please continue to pray for us. Mostly that the pain would subside to a manageable level so he can sleep at night and get rest. Also for his first few days back at work that they'll be a smooth transition.

And for all you Rambling Randy fans, I'll see if I can get him to write another entry soon. :)

Jana

First Day Home

Jana here, reporting on our first day home. :)

But first of all, a special thanks to Jenn & Randy for creating and updating this blog with each bit of news. It was such a blessing to know that they were spreading the word when I wasn't able to do it myself.

Our first day home was wonderful. Eric and I commented that it would be nice to always have off work and spend our days lazying around. He's still in a bit of pain, but it's become manageable. He has trouble sleeping at night because of the pain, yet each day he seems to grow stronger. Last night we went on our first walk around the block (pictured below is Eric & my dad). Watch out all you basketball boys...we came upon a low b-ball hoop and Eric jumped up to touch the rim - so he'll be back in no time!

Today we had many visitors, which Eric enjoyed because he doesn't always remember those that came in the hospital. I'm just amazed how each day he grows stronger! Only the awesome God we serve could have made it happen that six days later he would be sitting at home being his good old self. I was going to take our house key off his motorcycle ring and give it to his mom so she could stop by while I go back to work this week. He made the comment, "But then how would I ride my motorcycle?". What am I going to do with him!

I'll try to keep putting updates as he makes even more progress. I might even get the man himself to write a few words, if he's feeling up to it. :)

I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers, words of encouragment, and support over the past few days. It made us realize what a strong community family we're a part of. And although we recognize this could be a long journey of healing for the both of us...at least we're doing it together.

HOME!

Need I say more? Eric and Jana came home today shortly after 2:00 I believe. Eric was ready to get out of there and go home. So much so that he didn't even wait for his mom to bring clothes for him...he went home in his hospital clothing. On top of that, he didn't wait for a hospital escort, He just asked for their own wheelchair and Jana pushed him out of there. "We're Leaving" I believe were the words that Eric said.

Eric is feeling much better, even better then yesterday. He will be taking the next week off for sure it sounds like, and then checking things out the following week. If I know Eric at all, he's gonna get bored...maybe I will sneak him out of the house for a round of golf or something haha :)

Keep Rejoicing

Cleared to Go HOME! June 29

Well I just got a message from Jana saying that the doctor sees no reason why Eric can't go home today. Can you believe that? The guy got struck by lightning, and now he gets to come home 5 days later! If it's not clear to everyone out there, let me clear this up. MIRACLE! Plain and simple, it has been abundantly clear that Eric was in God's hands the whole time.

Jana did not know exactly when today, just that it would be later this afternoon! It will be another adjustment for them to be home, but a good one. The hospital has been home for the past few days, so it will be nice for them to be back in the comforts of their own home. Continue to pray for healing and rest for Eric and Jana.

WOW!

Eric in his new Room!

Jenn and I went to see Eric.....AND Jana tonight! This picture seems to paint the picture of how everyone seems to be feeling. The past two days have been so great. We have had the pleasure of hanging out with Eric and Jana's families, and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course the reason we all met together was not good in the beginning, but it has turned into rejoicing.

It was so much fun to see the smiles today on everyones faces!

Look at ERIC, doesn't he look Great...

I know it might sound a little funny coming from another guy,

but I can say it....

HE's HANDSOME :)

Now that Eric is feeling a little better, and possibly will be coming home tomorrow, we can't help but be super excited. We are looking forward to sitting down At HOME with Eric and talking with him about this whole experience, and about the discussions we had with him in the hospital.

This truly has been a wild ride of emotions. It will continue to be an adjustment for Eric and Jana for the next while, so keep them in your prayers. Thank the Lord, and tell your friends and family that you Love them...even if they may get a chuckle out of it :) ( We told Eric tonight we loved him....it was fun haha :)

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE

PTL!

"The Rambler"