Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Great Progress, A Little Bump in the Road

First, to report-Brett's bicep and shoulder muscles are getting stronger by the day.  Since the accident, his left arm is dominant, and that is currently the hand he uses to the drive the wheelchair.  The metal bar at a 90 degree angle with the tennis ball is long gone. He was able to dump the deltoid assist slings and bar after the Rockies/Mariners game.  Today he was able to lift a (modified) fork to his mouth.  Brett has feeling in his pointer finger and thumb on each had, but no movement yet.  All good signs, as he works hard all day, even hit the pool for some therapy this week.  By the time dinner rolls around, he is exhausted.  

As many of you know Brett loves gadgets.  He is continually researching and experimenting with the latest and greatest tricks and toys.  He has been working (borderline stalking) the assisted technology team at Craig Hospital.  This week, he began to try out voice recognition software for the computer.  He is using voice activated dialing on his cell phone.  Yes, he has the phone and bluetooth back, expect a call from him sometime soon.  Brett and Caroline had about an hour together on Saturday while Cole and I were doing some last minute Father's Day errands.  Brett taught Caroline how to put the bluetooth in his ear, and turn it on.  She was operating the tv remote, calling for the nurse if Brett needed anything.  She enjoyed the opportunity to really help, and have some quiet time "just chillin" with Daddy.

Father's Day weekend was fun fun.  Brett's Brother Wayne was in town for a quick visit, followed Thursday by his Uncle Mic from California, and his cousin Mac flew in from Seattle.  I will add a couple of pictures from our brunch in Lodo.  

And a little bump in the road to share...Pretty soon after Brett was admitted to Craig Hospital, he was informed of the possibility for a follow up surgery to provide additional stabilization to his spine, specifically at and around the C5-C6 area.  That surgery is scheduled for Thursday this week.  Early tomorrow, Brett will be transferred to St. Anthony's Hospital (still in Denver Metro area) for the actual surgery and a couple of days to recover.  Then back to Craig early next week.  

Keep Brett in your prayers this weekend, I will post an update as needed, or early next week when we are back at Craig.

All my love~Kelly



8 comments:

  1. Anonymous24.6.09

    Purdom Family,

    Praying today for successful surgery on Thu and for a speedy recovery from it. As Kelly states it's a little bump in the road and in the long run will provide you with more stability to continue with the recovery process. You have amazed us all and your strength and will continues to inspires us all.

    God Bless, Tracy

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  2. Anonymous24.6.09

    Hi Brett, Kelly & kids!

    We check your blog daily to keep up on your progress - your entire family is truly amazing - and especially you, Brett. Every day we thank God for your progress and continued recovery. Bob is dying to come see you but we totally understand the importance of what little rest it appears you're getting during your recovery. We'll keep checking in with Jerry but don't be surprised if Bob shows up just to give you a quick wave from the doorway someday soon.

    Thanks again to Kelly and all of your wonderful friends and family for the updates. You and your entire family are constantly in our thoughts and prayers and we'll throw all of our positive mojo your way tomorrow. We know the surgery will go well and are looking forward to your next milestone.

    Keep up the good fight and we hope to see you soon!

    Karol Kopetzky

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  3. Anonymous24.6.09

    Purd, Purd, Purd... Purd is the word. I love the thought of Caroline being your little assistant! It sounds like between voice activated software and cell phone you are on the verge... watch out world!

    My well wishes and prayers will be surrounding you, Kelly, and the kiddos during the next few days. Hang strong, stubborn, and determined. As a determined Purd is a force to be reckoned with! Love ya! Marcy

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  4. Anonymous25.6.09

    So glad all went well today! See ya upon your return to Craig. Love, kisses, and hugs. Marcy

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  5. Anonymous25.6.09

    Nice work, Brett! We can't wait to come see you in the flesh...hopefully sooner than later. Sounds like you are doing so awesome. We are praying and so thankful surgery went well today. Hi Kelly!! Let's talk soon and find a time we can come help and visit!
    Janelle and Doug

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  6. Anonymous25.6.09

    Thanks for all the great updates!! C5 strength coming along... Soon will be hearing about bed mobility and transfers!! Those neuro PTs blowing you away with their skills?? Hope surgery went well.
    lippy

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  7. Anonymous28.6.09

    I hear you have a pain in the neck. It is so much more fun when you are a pain in the neck... so heal fast so you can get back to being the pain in the neck that we all know and love!! See ya soon! Marcy

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  8. Anonymous30.6.09

    Hi Purdom Family,

    I too am an addict to your web site and really really appreciate all of the updates, photos, etc. Just wanted you to know Brett that you have made Holly's (age 7) "permanent" evening prayer list along side the Troops in Iraq and her Great Uncle Bill. They stand in good company:-) Faith, Hope, and Love my friend.

    Julie Heckerman

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