A friend of mine sent me this...it was appreciated.

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Little update...I'm still working at it...recent evaluation has me doing test evaluations in much better time than a few weeks ago, but still need a walker to get around...still wondering if I can make it back to what I was before the fall. Neck and shoulder muscles sore, but now allowed to remove the neck collar for sleep. So, 3 1/2 months since total paralysis...a visit with my PA has her saying she thinks I'm doing remarkably well for an 81 years old fart...and that she thinks the white beard makes me look distinguished. HA! Cindy better watch out...she's a cutie in her 40's. Actually, I can't wait to be stable enough to be able to stand in front of a mirror, razor in hand.

I can highly recommend a Panasonic electric instead of a sharp razor.

Glad to hear you're making progress.

I’m very happy to hear you’re making progress and getting stronger Paul, crazy how a forum like this can reflect the love and concern between people who likely would have never met.

I too hope you continue to do better and are lifted by all of our thoughts and prayers directed your way ❤️

Thanks also for the video, it is full of truth and insight as to what we all face if we are lucky enough to be around to experience.

Lots of love to you and yours!

Or an Andis, which I use after the Korean lady who has cut my hair for over thirty years told me to get one, or else.:cool:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1752519654.jpg

Thanks guys...I'll have to think about that. Just finished another workout with a PT...still have a long way to go when it comes to balance. I can stand unaided for a time, but there is still a need for something to grab onto.

Grab bars are your friends. When Mrs. oldE broke her hip I added a solid one at the end of the shower. We had walkers on each floor and a cane hanging on the stair rail. You do what you need to do to facilitate your recovery. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Thanks. Already have the bath grab bars & walk in showers. Was able to negotiate the
2 steps to the garage floor with the help of Dan, a P.T. Was able to do so hanging on to door frames, but plan on installing a grab bar there and also at the Patio door steps.

Weird how I've lucked out with caregivers & PT guys. Keenan, all 6' 7" of him, somehow enjoys driving his Boxter (top down only). Dan? Into dirt bikes. Ethan, a caregiver, into pool and cars. He's a 20 year old Soph at Oregon State. Something in common with all of them...

Still a long way to go...but working on it. May nobody here suffer the massive spinal nerve damage I did. The pain isn't just physical, but psychological as well. Hurts a ton to still not be able to do once simple routine chores and things like oil changes.

I know you are taking the psychological with the seriousness it deserves. Without mindful healing there to support the physical recovery you are truly behind the 8 ball.
When my dad fell off the tractor, fracturing his pelvis at age 84, he thought his life was over. But tough old buggers don't get that way by giving up. Next spring he bought the smallest chain saw he could find and set to work cutting bushes on the hill. A while later he said his biggest regret was that the surgeon hadn't repaired the damage he sustained to his ankle!
Keep at it. There will be so many frustrations along the way, but that's what we do.

Hi Paul, I hope you continue to get better. A positive attitude helps. Hope you have some hobbies like reading?
Cheers, Guy

HUGE NEWS! Neighbor Troy came over. During our conversation, I wanted to get a book out of my office...without thinking about it, I just popped up out of my chair and started walking...got about 8 feet before I realized what I was doing....no walker! Troy an RN, works in the hospital I had my surgery in...fully aware, he was right there...amazed as much as I was, but insisting I have the walker...

Duh! First time! Man, it feels like I won the lottery of life...not monetary, but a huge step forward giving me a ton of hope..

Congratulations! That had to lift your spirits to new heights.

Look out pool hall...

Wow! That sounds great Paul! Gettin’ stronger every day.

Having a gratitude book of life to reflect on daily is a healing concept used in group therapy and on a singular basis.

Well, I've had lots of time to reflect on my past throughout this. To steal a phrase from a Jimmy Buffet song, some of it magic, some of it tragic. But it's been a good enough run so far I want it to continue...just in a better physical state than now.

Thank you for keeping us updated with your progress Paul ... slowly but surely... it's awesome :)!

That is great to hear Paul. Happy that your body is recovering without your brain realizing it.

Awesome to hear about this recovery. I'm not here as much as I used to be. Prayers for you Paul

Awesome to hear you are making progress.

Thanks again guys. Always some steps back, it seems. Just back home from 2 days in the hospital...gangs of fun. Lots of prodding, scans, x rays, blood draws, etc. These all looking for the infection source that caused the fluid in my lung..IV antibiotics both days. Feeling much better now...I went to the ER when I was having a rapid heart rate , couldn't take deep breaths, other symptoms that didn't fade after an hour or so.

Cindy & I both fell in love with a young RN named Natasha...her parents Ukrainian immigrants. You betcha she has been well informed on the evils of socialism. But that isn't the reason..as Cindy said: "She's a breath of fresh air"...just her totally upbeat and bubbly personality made us wish she was the grand daughter we never had. Anyway, tomorrow a run to Safeway is planned....a special small cake just for Nastasha, lots of cookies for everybody from that RN station...and a thank you card for the excellent care. My only real complaint is the universal one heard of every hospital...the food sucked.

One really fun tale...a night nurse, quickly learning I was a car guy, told of being born in the back seat of a '69 Javelin...and her mom still owns the car. Man, talk about a car that needs to stay in a family. Evidently they arrived at the hospital too late, so she was literally delivered in the car.