ZRFC Rugby
Latest Vern Update
From Vern's CaringBridge site (www.caringbridge.org/visit/vernfrancis):
C/O Jack McGonagle
Just thought I’d pass
the below update on Vern Francis:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2010 2:30 PM, PDT
Greetings from Vern and Laura in sweltering Texas!
We are staying out of the 103 degree climate as much as possible! From
the looks of things, we are not the only ones having this heat. For the
most part, Vern has spent alot of time indoors this summer. He will
look forward to getting out on a beautiful fall day soon.
Heres an update regarding his progress:
We had a visit with the neurosurgeon about two weeks ago and the good
news is that Vern's initial C4 injury site is completely healed and he
will not require any further surgeries. The surgeon asked how therapy
was going and we had to discuss with him why Vern was released from
therapy-simply that no "functional" improvements were made.
We showed him all the movements Vern can make-he can raise his right
arm from his side to just shy of his face, his thumb and two figures on
his left hand with some forearm movement (recent), movement in left
toes with slight ankle movement, and slight right toes. Very
encouraging and clear signs of regeneration and neuron cell growth. He
ordered Vern to be evaluated by Baylor Institute of Rehab and yesterday
they declined his admitance based off "no significant functional
movement". Too bad for them-they could have shined from his
upcoming miracles. We are realistic regarding his injury, but we cannot
give up yet!
We will let you know when we regroup again. The concern is insurance
agreeing to support our efforts with reports of declination in his
file.
In the meantime, the VA has been very supportive providing an excellent
home health care nurse who has been here monthly and is always
available. We asked for help with a new air mattress with a turn assist
mode for caregiving purposes and wound prevention and we received a
call this AM that the prescription was ordered! Vern has had
considerable nerve pain lately and has had his meds increased, etc. The
pain management doctor at the VA has scheduled an appt next week to
discuss the tight muscle tone in Vern's right arm and possible OT and
PT. We both think Vern needs a specialized rehab center for SCI after
our little experience with two rehab go arounds.
Other than that, Vern has gotten some assistive devices installed by
the VA in the house such as moving his head up and down in bed, turning
on the TV, calling for an attendant, and exiting the garage and home in
an emergency. Her name is Gertrude and she is taking over our home!
Never thought another woman would ever come between us!
Laura took a three day visit to California to see her mother. Normally
I would visit with many girl friends and rush around. This trip I sat
with Mom and rested. Vern did well at home and missed his bride.
Laura had an MRI on her right shoulder which came out not so good-I
have massive rotator cuff tears with retraction of the tendons and
surgery is not an option. So mild activity is recommended.
We cannot express our gratitude to all of you who have given us such
overwhelming support, love, care, and prayers this past year. We are
almost at the year anniversary (8/19/09) and Vern's best buddy, Owen,
and wife,Zonda, will be here for Vern and I on that day next week. From
across the miles we hear your love. Thank all of you so very much!
Our love,
Vern and Laura
C/O Jack McGonagle
Just thought I’d pass
the below update on Vern Francis:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2010 2:30 PM, PDT
Greetings from Vern and Laura in sweltering Texas!
We are staying out of the 103 degree climate as much as possible! From
the looks of things, we are not the only ones having this heat. For the
most part, Vern has spent alot of time indoors this summer. He will
look forward to getting out on a beautiful fall day soon.
Heres an update regarding his progress:
We had a visit with the neurosurgeon about two weeks ago and the good
news is that Vern's initial C4 injury site is completely healed and he
will not require any further surgeries. The surgeon asked how therapy
was going and we had to discuss with him why Vern was released from
therapy-simply that no "functional" improvements were made.
We showed him all the movements Vern can make-he can raise his right
arm from his side to just shy of his face, his thumb and two figures on
his left hand with some forearm movement (recent), movement in left
toes with slight ankle movement, and slight right toes. Very
encouraging and clear signs of regeneration and neuron cell growth. He
ordered Vern to be evaluated by Baylor Institute of Rehab and yesterday
they declined his admitance based off "no significant functional
movement". Too bad for them-they could have shined from his
upcoming miracles. We are realistic regarding his injury, but we cannot
give up yet!
We will let you know when we regroup again. The concern is insurance
agreeing to support our efforts with reports of declination in his
file.
In the meantime, the VA has been very supportive providing an excellent
home health care nurse who has been here monthly and is always
available. We asked for help with a new air mattress with a turn assist
mode for caregiving purposes and wound prevention and we received a
call this AM that the prescription was ordered! Vern has had
considerable nerve pain lately and has had his meds increased, etc. The
pain management doctor at the VA has scheduled an appt next week to
discuss the tight muscle tone in Vern's right arm and possible OT and
PT. We both think Vern needs a specialized rehab center for SCI after
our little experience with two rehab go arounds.
Other than that, Vern has gotten some assistive devices installed by
the VA in the house such as moving his head up and down in bed, turning
on the TV, calling for an attendant, and exiting the garage and home in
an emergency. Her name is Gertrude and she is taking over our home!
Never thought another woman would ever come between us!
Laura took a three day visit to California to see her mother. Normally
I would visit with many girl friends and rush around. This trip I sat
with Mom and rested. Vern did well at home and missed his bride.
Laura had an MRI on her right shoulder which came out not so good-I
have massive rotator cuff tears with retraction of the tendons and
surgery is not an option. So mild activity is recommended.
We cannot express our gratitude to all of you who have given us such
overwhelming support, love, care, and prayers this past year. We are
almost at the year anniversary (8/19/09) and Vern's best buddy, Owen,
and wife,Zonda, will be here for Vern and I on that day next week. From
across the miles we hear your love. Thank all of you so very much!
Our love,
Vern and Laura
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