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