Today the OTs (occupational therapists) worked with me on self care. I actually shaved myself with minimal bleeding, and also brushed my own teeth. These tasks are accomplished with a device known as a "universal cuff" which is basically a velcro strap that goes around my hand and has loops and pockets to secure razor handle, toothbrush handle, etc. OT's main goal is to teach me skills to enable me to be more independent in caring for myself as everyday tasks that I had always taken for granted are far more challenging in my new situation.
I am currently dictating this post, while getting a manicure from Molly (sister).
I can't express my gratitude enough for Charlie, Molly and Dan Foley and all that they do for me. I don't know how I would get through this without them.
I appreciate everyone's well wishes and positive vibes. I know it all adds up and I need all the help that I can get.
Thank you all!!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday update
Thanks again for every one's continued support. I can feel all the good mojo coming in. Basically, therapy is focusing on building strength in my arms since that's the key to me becoming independent again. So there's lots of weight training, practicing balancing myself in a seated position, stretching and maintaining flexibility. Probably be here for another 7 weeks or so and then I'll be moving back into a private residence, though we don't know where yet. My team of doctors and therapists say I'm doing well considering how recent my injury was which is encouraging. The day to day routine doesn't change a whole lot, just a matter of working hard at my therapy and trying to get back what I can.
As I get settled into my routine here, I'll be able to see more visitors. Weekends will be a good time, since we don't do much in the way of therapy on the weekends. People who do wish to come visit, please contact my sister Molly to arrange a time @ berkeygirl@gmail.com. thanks again for all the support, I really appreciate your kind thoughts, they keep me going through the tough times.
As I get settled into my routine here, I'll be able to see more visitors. Weekends will be a good time, since we don't do much in the way of therapy on the weekends. People who do wish to come visit, please contact my sister Molly to arrange a time @ berkeygirl@gmail.com. thanks again for all the support, I really appreciate your kind thoughts, they keep me going through the tough times.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Sat. Feb 12
Today I worked more with he physical therapist on arm movement and hand control. Still don't really have "hands" so to speak, basically my hands fell like clubs of wood on the ends of my arms.But the therapists say they are really impressed with how much my arm strength and movement is returning and maintaining. Everyday is about making little steps ahead, since that's the only direction I can go in.
I know a lot of people would like to come to visit. As the dust settles and I get into a routine, we'll set up times that people can come and visit. Thanks again to everyone for all your support. Please don't feel slighted if I don't contact anyone right away, I'm still making a big adjustment to my new reality.
I know a lot of people would like to come to visit. As the dust settles and I get into a routine, we'll set up times that people can come and visit. Thanks again to everyone for all your support. Please don't feel slighted if I don't contact anyone right away, I'm still making a big adjustment to my new reality.
Friday, February 11, 2011
first time typing!
The occupational therapists made special splints for my fingers and i'm actually typing this myself! Another step in the right direction!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
At Sharp Rehab
So I was transferred to Sharp Memorial Rehabiliation Center on Tuesday the 8th of Feb. It was fairly uneventful...except we had to make the trip twice because the ambulance drivers forgot to bring paperwork. Thankfully, I have been cleared to remove my neck brace while in bed and only need to wear it during therapy sessions or when I'm out and about. I'm looking forward to settling in here for the next couple of months and working hard on the road to recovery. Therapy right now is focusing on gaining more dexterity in my hands and strengthening my arms and core so that I will be more mobile. I appreciate everone's kind thoughts, but right now I can't answer my own phone nor type (Molly's dictating right now). I think after a week or so of settling in here and getting into a routine I should be able to start receiving visitors. Please continue to send your prayers and best wishes my way, as space is very limited in my small room and there is no room for flowers.
Thanks again to everyone for your support!
Thanks again to everyone for your support!
Background Info
Hi Everyone!
Eric signing in from Sharp Rehab (as dictated to Molly). For a little background, here are the 2 emails that were sent on Feb. 1 and 4:
Feb. 1:
First off, thank you so much for all of your kind words and support for Eric. It is helping all of us cope with this experience. We are relaying all of your thoughts and messages to Eric. As you all know, Eric has a vast number of friends and family across the globe and in an effort to keep everyone informed about Eric’s progress efficiently, this will be the first of many updates.
As a brief summary, Eric slipped and fell off the back of our boat while it was on the trailer on the evening of Thursday, January 27, 2011. Eric was alone when the accident occurred, so we are not exactly sure how it happened, but we know that he fell about 8 or 9 feet and broke 3 vertebrae in his neck (C-1, C-6 and C-7). Eric spent a cold night on the ground and was found on Friday morning by the commodore of the boat club who immediately contacted EMS.
Eric was admitted into Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California where he has received excellent medical care from the amazing staff. Eric has been through two surgeries with Dr. Scott Leary (www.sentaclinic.com) and his trauma team. Eric’s spinal cord has suffered a major trauma and as far as the extent of the damage and future prognosis, only time and prayer will tell at this point.
We were all extremely thankful to learn that there is no evidence of any brain injury and Eric is able to breathe, cough, and swallow on his own. Eric’s breathing tube was removed for a few hours this morning and we were able to share a few words with him and he with us. He has been re-intubated for the night to allow him to rest easy and allow the swelling in his neck to subside. We have been by his side as much as possible and with each small victory his mental state improves.
Once Eric’s stability is more certain, he will be moved from the ICU to a step-down unit for further progress, and then on to a rehabilitation facility.
We were able to joke a little with him yesterday and he even “raised the roof” for us with both arms when he heard the breathing tube was coming out. Not only that, but he also gave us the “OK” sign that SCUBA divers use, by putting a fist onto the top of his head. He is growingly aware of the love and support he has and will receive from all who have ever known our brother. We as a family can only thank all for your concern and care but do ask your communications recognize he is still critical and unfortunately will not be able to express his personal responses for a bit more time.
Due to ICU protocols and limitations, Eric cannot receive flowers/balloons/dancing girls…however a letter or card would be appreciated and passed along to Eric. Please send correspondence to:
Molly and Charlie Colvin (sister and brother-in-law)
1118 Fresno Street, Unit 5
San Diego, CA 92110
Feb. 4:
It’s been a tough couple of days, but we have had good triumphs each day. Eric was extubated (for the 2nd time) on Wednesday morning and is continuing to do excellent with his lungs and breathing treatments. He passed his swallow test yesterday with flying colors and is eating solids/soft foods…In N’ Out Burgers soon!
Eric can move his arms and shoulders and has started physical and occupational therapy. Eric is also gaining more and more sensation in his trunk through the middle of his stomach and back. He is working on his hand and arm coordination. Eric is having “pulsing energy” sensations that start in his hands, and go down to his toes. Recently, they are corresponding to twitches in his legs and feet, which we are taking as a great sign that his nervous system is trying to heal itself.
He will be moved to a rehab facility next week and soon can see friends, but please respect his dignity and let’s not overwhelm him until he’s ready to see people. The goal is to move him to Sharp Rehab off the 163, near Balboa, because it has been highly recommended by doctors and friends…plus it is close to home so more family and friends can lend support. His mood is not upbeat and so seeing friends now would be difficult, as you can imagine no one wants to be seen laying in a hospital bed, and you can only answer the “how are you feeling/doing” question so many times. We have been reading emails and texts from you, and letting him know that he has many people pulling for him and waiting to lend support when you can.
Everyone has been asking if/where they can send flowers and gifts. Currently, while he is in ICU, no balloons or flowers are allowed, however he does like cards….especially the ones from the wee little ones (nothing spells out love like finger paintings or crayons). We are currently looking into the road ahead, and we know that he will need support from all of us. We are looking into ways to set-up a non-profit, or trust for Eric and other SCI (spinal cord injury) patients, and hope to get that together soon so that anyone who wants to help him out, can. Thank you all too, for the stories and support from all of you who have and do deal with SCI…..every positive story gives him hope and real goals for his future.
***************
One of his best friends Summer wrote:
“When we were alone, I asked him if he was scared. he said super scared. I told him don't be. I said don't feel guilty, anyone can fall off a boat in the middle of the night. It’s an accident and we will get through it. We will take this on like any other physical challenge, climbing, extreme skiing etc.. There are challenges and the triumph is there. It will be an amazing journey for his spirit and all of ours.”
“I told him if it were me in that hospital bed, he would rally the hell out of me. I made him laugh a bit and I will see him tomorrow. He is now watching movies and trying to be comfortable.”
“I can tell he is heartbroken so I know that the rehab time will be tough. But we know if anyone can get back on their feet, its Berkey.”
***************
We had music therapy on Thursday and two very kind (and cute) women sang Buffalo Soldier to us, accompanied by a little folk guitar. Then as a family, we composed our own song! Which we then sang together…some of us just spoke the words cause I know I can’t hold a tune! Here’s what we came up with; imagine a reggae tune…kinda…the woman was from North Dakota trying to sing reggae…
“Sail Together, Stay Together”
Warm and calm at sea;
Listening to whale song;
Lights on the water;
Colors of the sunset.
Hey Mon, Hey Mon
Don’t cha’ know, don’t cha’ know
Life at sea, is how we go
Sunsets in Baja;
Sound of the waves;
Smell of dead fish;
Glowing plankton.
Hey Mon, Hey Mon
Don’t cha’ know, don’t cha’ know
Life at sea, is how we go
Sailing with the family;
Setting a spinnaker;
Hanging with friends;
Playing down island.
Hey Mon, Hey Mon
Don’t cha’ know, don’t cha’ know
Life at sea, is how we go
Eric signing in from Sharp Rehab (as dictated to Molly). For a little background, here are the 2 emails that were sent on Feb. 1 and 4:
Feb. 1:
First off, thank you so much for all of your kind words and support for Eric. It is helping all of us cope with this experience. We are relaying all of your thoughts and messages to Eric. As you all know, Eric has a vast number of friends and family across the globe and in an effort to keep everyone informed about Eric’s progress efficiently, this will be the first of many updates.
As a brief summary, Eric slipped and fell off the back of our boat while it was on the trailer on the evening of Thursday, January 27, 2011. Eric was alone when the accident occurred, so we are not exactly sure how it happened, but we know that he fell about 8 or 9 feet and broke 3 vertebrae in his neck (C-1, C-6 and C-7). Eric spent a cold night on the ground and was found on Friday morning by the commodore of the boat club who immediately contacted EMS.
Eric was admitted into Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California where he has received excellent medical care from the amazing staff. Eric has been through two surgeries with Dr. Scott Leary (www.sentaclinic.com) and his trauma team. Eric’s spinal cord has suffered a major trauma and as far as the extent of the damage and future prognosis, only time and prayer will tell at this point.
We were all extremely thankful to learn that there is no evidence of any brain injury and Eric is able to breathe, cough, and swallow on his own. Eric’s breathing tube was removed for a few hours this morning and we were able to share a few words with him and he with us. He has been re-intubated for the night to allow him to rest easy and allow the swelling in his neck to subside. We have been by his side as much as possible and with each small victory his mental state improves.
Once Eric’s stability is more certain, he will be moved from the ICU to a step-down unit for further progress, and then on to a rehabilitation facility.
We were able to joke a little with him yesterday and he even “raised the roof” for us with both arms when he heard the breathing tube was coming out. Not only that, but he also gave us the “OK” sign that SCUBA divers use, by putting a fist onto the top of his head. He is growingly aware of the love and support he has and will receive from all who have ever known our brother. We as a family can only thank all for your concern and care but do ask your communications recognize he is still critical and unfortunately will not be able to express his personal responses for a bit more time.
Due to ICU protocols and limitations, Eric cannot receive flowers/balloons/dancing girls…however a letter or card would be appreciated and passed along to Eric. Please send correspondence to:
Molly and Charlie Colvin (sister and brother-in-law)
1118 Fresno Street, Unit 5
San Diego, CA 92110
Feb. 4:
It’s been a tough couple of days, but we have had good triumphs each day. Eric was extubated (for the 2nd time) on Wednesday morning and is continuing to do excellent with his lungs and breathing treatments. He passed his swallow test yesterday with flying colors and is eating solids/soft foods…In N’ Out Burgers soon!
Eric can move his arms and shoulders and has started physical and occupational therapy. Eric is also gaining more and more sensation in his trunk through the middle of his stomach and back. He is working on his hand and arm coordination. Eric is having “pulsing energy” sensations that start in his hands, and go down to his toes. Recently, they are corresponding to twitches in his legs and feet, which we are taking as a great sign that his nervous system is trying to heal itself.
He will be moved to a rehab facility next week and soon can see friends, but please respect his dignity and let’s not overwhelm him until he’s ready to see people. The goal is to move him to Sharp Rehab off the 163, near Balboa, because it has been highly recommended by doctors and friends…plus it is close to home so more family and friends can lend support. His mood is not upbeat and so seeing friends now would be difficult, as you can imagine no one wants to be seen laying in a hospital bed, and you can only answer the “how are you feeling/doing” question so many times. We have been reading emails and texts from you, and letting him know that he has many people pulling for him and waiting to lend support when you can.
Everyone has been asking if/where they can send flowers and gifts. Currently, while he is in ICU, no balloons or flowers are allowed, however he does like cards….especially the ones from the wee little ones (nothing spells out love like finger paintings or crayons). We are currently looking into the road ahead, and we know that he will need support from all of us. We are looking into ways to set-up a non-profit, or trust for Eric and other SCI (spinal cord injury) patients, and hope to get that together soon so that anyone who wants to help him out, can. Thank you all too, for the stories and support from all of you who have and do deal with SCI…..every positive story gives him hope and real goals for his future.
***************
One of his best friends Summer wrote:
“When we were alone, I asked him if he was scared. he said super scared. I told him don't be. I said don't feel guilty, anyone can fall off a boat in the middle of the night. It’s an accident and we will get through it. We will take this on like any other physical challenge, climbing, extreme skiing etc.. There are challenges and the triumph is there. It will be an amazing journey for his spirit and all of ours.”
“I told him if it were me in that hospital bed, he would rally the hell out of me. I made him laugh a bit and I will see him tomorrow. He is now watching movies and trying to be comfortable.”
“I can tell he is heartbroken so I know that the rehab time will be tough. But we know if anyone can get back on their feet, its Berkey.”
***************
We had music therapy on Thursday and two very kind (and cute) women sang Buffalo Soldier to us, accompanied by a little folk guitar. Then as a family, we composed our own song! Which we then sang together…some of us just spoke the words cause I know I can’t hold a tune! Here’s what we came up with; imagine a reggae tune…kinda…the woman was from North Dakota trying to sing reggae…
“Sail Together, Stay Together”
Warm and calm at sea;
Listening to whale song;
Lights on the water;
Colors of the sunset.
Hey Mon, Hey Mon
Don’t cha’ know, don’t cha’ know
Life at sea, is how we go
Sunsets in Baja;
Sound of the waves;
Smell of dead fish;
Glowing plankton.
Hey Mon, Hey Mon
Don’t cha’ know, don’t cha’ know
Life at sea, is how we go
Sailing with the family;
Setting a spinnaker;
Hanging with friends;
Playing down island.
Hey Mon, Hey Mon
Don’t cha’ know, don’t cha’ know
Life at sea, is how we go
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