Rob’s injuries include broken vertebrae (C4, C5 C6), damaged ligaments in his cervical spine, a ruptured disc (between C4 and C5), and compression/swelling of the spinal cord. The swelling may or may not be masking damage to the cord itself.
Rob had surgery yesterday (8/22) afternoon and his surgeon told us this about the procedure:
1...the broken bones were repaired with titanium plates
2...during the “monitoring” phase of the surgery Rob’s limbs were stimulated and there was corresponding electrical activity in his brain.
What this means for Rob is:
1...he may set off metal detectors the next time he’s in an airport
2...his spinal cord is NOT severed
What this means for all of us is that we have to wait - for an indefinite length of time - for the swelling of the cord to resolve to know if there is lasting damage and what the damage will mean for his recovery.
Rob started both physical and occupational therapy today. He has sensation EVERYWHERE - he describes it as “pins and needles.” He can differentiate between pain and pressure in some places but not in others. He can shrug his shoulders. He can flex and extend his arms at the elbows in some positions but not in others. Though he can’t use his hands by themselves he has enough range of motion, strength in and control of his shoulders and elbows that his occupational therapist has ordered mittens that will provide grip enough for him to feed himself.
That bring us to food… Rob is able to eat anything he wants to! He’s playing it safe sticking to the hospital food, but there’s probably a taco bell run coming in the near future.
Rob’s spirits are high. He’s positive and motivated and ready to work as hard as he has to. He understands his injury and knows that it’s going to be a long haul so keep calling and writing with your love and support.