Saturday, June 21, 2008

Yeay!

Well, its official, Mlke is shelless!!! We couldn't believe it...we went in there to the doctor's office and began descussing various things regarding Mike's back! He looked at his ex-rays with us...which he said things were healing really great! He also was extremely impressed at "whoever" put the titanium cage in...he said they did a really good job! Yeah..he put the cage in...but we laughed! Then Mike was explaining about some stuff on his back that he was concerened about...the doctor looked at Mike and said..."well, let's see!" Mike said..."well we have to take my shell off in order for you to see"...and he pointed to the examining table and said "here I'll lay down so we can take the shell off" (we have been extrememly careful up until this point in having Mike lay down everytime he had the shell off...we made sure he wasn't sitting up more then 30 degrees...and even counting outloud together when I helped roll him so his entire body, knees and chest, would all roll at the same time so as not to twist something wrong). The doctor said..."no, just take it off." "Sitting Up?" we said in almost disbelief. "Sure" said the doctor. WHAAAAT....so right there in the office...while Mike was sitting up we unstrapped that thing...it was crazy! "You might fall over" said the doctor...and so Mike braced himself as we took it off. He definately felt incredibly weak. There are muscles in there that he has hardly been able to use, if at all for over three months. So it's going to be quite a process build them back up. I can really tell his chest and actually everywhere on his upper body has gotten alot stronger...gosh, he's so manly! But we thought we were done with that thing once and for all...but actually it's kind of a "weaning" process. The doctor said he'd want the shell back on before we got home...because his trunk would be so tired and sore. And today...he is incredibly tired and sore...just from sitting up without it...but not enough to put the shell back on! I think the first thing Mike comented on doing after the shell came off was "I get to shower without this thing, YES!" Mike's been a little nervous with it off...and hasn't wanted to do anything real big yet...but the doctor said he can twist and bend now...just not real fast and hard...he can't be on his belly yet...it'll take a few months still before that happens! But he can start rehab! YES! We're still waiting on our insurance for the go ahead...but he's one HUGE step closer!

Thank you everyone who has been cheering and praying for us! This was such an exciting step! Now on to the next...

10 comments:

Wilson Family said...

Wahoooo! This is such great news, and yes a big huge step. Way to go make. Keep up the great courage and strength.

Jessica Evans said...

Congrats! I hope you are doing well. Don't give up! That was a big improvment!
-Jessica

Jen said...

So glad for you guys, it is amazing the ammount of progress you all have been able to make. Keep up the good work. Hey Mike I will race you on the stomach muscle rehab. Ready, set go! Take Care Jen

The Ludwig Family said...

Awesome! Way to go Mike! We're excited to hear all the details of rehab! Love you guys, come over for burgers whenever you want!!

The Gomes Family said...

Yahoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Awesome news, I knew this would happen. This is fantastic. Before you know it, he will be able to do so many things without the worry. Here comes our superman! Rock On!!!!!

Traci said...

That is so great! Congrats! Thanks for sharing your story with us all!

Jodi and Josh said...

YEAH BABY!!
Mike's not a turtle anymore!!
(I was getting tired of having a turtle for a bro-in-law...)

Elodie Petelo said...

So great! We have been waiting to here about how everything went at the doctor and this is just wonderful news! We think of your family often!
The Petelos

Elodie Petelo said...

I meant to HEAR of course!

robana said...

This is so great! Keep those miracles coming. Prayers are being heard and answered. Sounds like things are going good for you. Your "ICU buddies" the Werry's