Closing in on the final stretch

We're heading for the finish line of October 16. That's the day I'm scheduled for discharge.
It looks like all of the house changes that will be needed are falling into place. This is a result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people and I don't know where to begin to thank everyone who helped make this happen.
It also looks like the issues that Connor was facing are working out in a positive way. This was obviously a very stressful situation for Robin and Connor in the middle of everything else that is going on.
As for me, yesterday we submitted the specifications for my electric wheelchair. It will be will over the next month or so and I will be picking it up and having it fitted to me at that time. In the meantime I will be going home with the prototype that I have been using here in the hospital. I've been here since July 1 and I'm finding it hard to believe that I will actually be coming home in less than two weeks. I look forward to be able to thank all the people face-to-face who worked so hard at home to make it possible for me to come home.
Rick with Robin

We're getting close to coming home

It's been a very busy week on a number of fronts. Here at Harborview I have been testing different wheelchairs, each with its own peculiar ways of working. So I have to learn a different set of controls for each-to say the least, it's been challenging if not interesting. On the homefront, Robin and all the others involved in the construction activities have been very busy. We've picked rug, room colors, linoleum samples and stuff like that. We've also begun to schedule work where special contractors are needed-like in the new bathroom, where tile and things like that are involved. There's also been work parties-in fact, the fence is now done. What an accomplishment! Once again, Robin and I can't begin to express our gratitude to those involved. A simple thank you can never go far enough. Bless all of you for your generosity and support. October 16 is coming fast. That's the day I'm scheduled to come home. It is hard to believe-I've been in the hospital since July 1, so you can understand this just seems unbelievable to me. It will be so good to be back home. To everyone who has helped make this possible, know how happy you are making me. Thank you so much.
-Rick with Robin

A tale of two cities

Here at Harborview, I have been working with different electric wheelchairs to try to find a model that will fit me best. Some of them work by joystick and some of them work by a sip and puff device that I work with my mouth. So far I haven't killed anyone with my driving and I haven't done too much damage to the walls and furniture. Hopefully we will get this all figured out by the time I leave. My discharge date has been moved out to October 16. We are also working on getting my medications figured out. We need to get the right combination of medications that will control my spasms without overly sedating me. It's tedious process and hopefully we'll get it figured out.
At home, Robin has been working with all of our friends who are helping us get our home figured out and constructed so that I can come home. There's a lot to do and everyone is scrambling to make it happen. Our younger son Connor has made things interesting because he had a bit of a problem a couple of nights ago and did some damage to the home which must be cleaned up and fixed before we can go on.
We can't begin to express our gratitude to all those who are making this happen. It's truly amazing what's been done. Bless all of you for your hard work. For those of you who have posted to this blog or have sent cards and gifts, we send our thanks. You can't believe how much these mean to Robin and I and how much they bolster us because things are really becoming stressful right now. Thanks again to all of you.
Rick with Robin

To everyone in Sunday's work party a huge thank you. The food and the fence and the garage and the downstairs of our house - just an incredible amount of work got done and we are very greatful. The goal of having me home really seems attainable now and it is hard to imagine that would have been possible without your help.
On the rehab front, my electric wheelchair arrived on Friday and I am learning how to operate it. We were hoping to be able to use the joystick control with my left hand, but I am having spasticity problems and that is not going well. As an alternative I'm using a "sip and puff" control which is difficult to master. We haven't given up on the joystick but it is good to have a back up. The spasms and spasticity have been increasing over the last couple of weeks and the doctors are trying to find the right combination of medicines to control them. We had a pretty good day today and are hopeful that it is a trend that will continue. We'll see. Rick

After two months it is hard to believe that I am actually here. Am now busy with a variety of programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and am learning to use adaptive tools like Dragon Software which would give me the ability to use the computer by voice activation. I am also learning alot about my injury and Robin and I are getting alot of training in how to manage me going forward. Our overriding goal right now is to be able to have me go home at the end of my rehab. There are things that need to happen around the house to be able to do that. So, we (especially Robin) are trying to work through the options - needless to say it is overwhelming. I appreciate the support you all have given through your cards, gifts, and posts to this blog. Just yesterday I was able to use the computer to view the posts. I can never express how much they have lifted my spirits. Thank you and we will keep you posted on my progress.
P.S. My trach has been removed, only a bandage on my throat remains.

Rick has made it to Room 468 at Harborview Trauma Rehab. He is recovering from the pacemaker implant which will slow down physical therapy on his left arm a bit. Unfortunately, the left arm has the most mobility. They have capped his trach and are talking about the possibility of removing it in a couple of weeks. He starts rehab today and will for the first time since the accident be putting on a pair of tennis shoes. He has a daily schedule and we are told that even though he can have visitors in the evening during the week, he will be so tired that he will most likely be sleeping. There is no therapy on Sunday and so that would be a good time for visits. Thank you all for your support R&R.

Rick was moved to UW Hospital on Tuesday to revisit possibility of pacemaker.

We are still waiting patiently for rehab room.

Rick has been moved to Kindred Hospital near Northgate. This was an insurance decision, to have him leave Harborview to be weened off their ventilator before going to rehab.

We will keep you posted on his progress.

We are still waiting patiently for a room in rehab to open either at Harborview or UW Hospital.

Rick is now eating and when the nurse told him that he no longer requires insulin he told her that his fingers and belly thank her. His neck collar is off and he is very glad - he says that it made sleeping last night much easier.

Today he was breathing on his own for twelve hours!

We are still waiting patiently for a room in rehab.

First, a huge thankyou for all of the well wishes and help with making it possible for Rick to view our kids wedding. They leave tomorrow for their honeymoon.

Rick is still on antibiotics and has not had a fever for several days. The cardiologists continue to monitor his heart but as yet have not made a decision regarding a permanent pacemaker. He continues to increase time without the ventilator and logged over four hours today. Going to Rehab is back in the conversations with the doctors but there are no beds available for patients breathing with a ventilator. The pacemaker issue might also deter progressing to Rehab. We are patiently waiting.

Rick has had a high fever for over a week. Just this morning we were told that he has a bacterial infection. They have started antibiotics today.
The temporary pacemaker has been removed. However, the cardiac doctors warn that once his fever breaks he may have more cardiac episodes. If this does happen Rick will get a permanent pacemaker. We just need to wait and see.
Through all of this Rick has been increasing his breathing time off the ventilator by fifteen minutes each day and he was up to an hour and fifteen minutes today.

Rick's heart has been compromised and he has had several cardiac episodes.

So late this afternoon it was decided that Rick needed a temporary pacemaker to help him progress with his recovery. The surgery went well.

Some of Rick's friends have suggested that those who wish to could have a set time each day to send Rick their best. The suggested time is 8:00PM. It is hoped that at that time the atmosphere will be filled with prayers, positive thoughts, good vibrations all sent for Rick.

On Monday Rick had a trach put it. It is to help him breathe and he seems to be responding to it well. We are all heartened by every bit of good news.

A little something from Rick's co-workers

Because his career has stretched over a few decades, and because he is incapable of producing anything but the highest quality of work, Rick Teal has a giant fan club here at Symetra. Known for his quiet and gentle disposition, high-level of intelligence, and consummate professionalism, Rick has earned a reputation that all aspire to have. We in the Group department consider him to be one of our greatest assets and we know he occupies that same role in every other realm of his personal life.

We refer to his brain as “The Vault,” because it contains the answers to every dilemma we bring to him. We call him a magician because he saves the day everyday with his problem solving abilities. And those of us who work for him, simply call him “The Best” because it’s a pleasure to work for someone so appreciative, caring, and loyal to his own team. Knowing that Rick – with his amazing quality of character – believes in your abilities, is inspiring beyond words.

One of the only reasonable explanations for why someone like Rick can put up with the rest of us for as long as he has, is his sense of humor. Lucky for us, he sees the ridiculous and the mundane as rich material for his creative voice. We, on his team, are probably the only people in Symetra who look forward to (and save) our timecard reminders, which could draw from celebrity shenanangans or Ancient philosophers for comedic elements. It’s always fun to see someone’s face when they realize how hilarious Rick is.

His empty desk is a tremendous void for so many reasons, with the biggest being that he’s one of those rare people you meet in life who can inspire you to be a better version of yourself. We know that Rick, being the brilliant guy he is, married an equally wonderful woman, raised equally caring sons, and cultivated amazing friendships – all of whom are helping him through this transition.

Rick, we are confident that you will use all the info and wit in “The Vault” to get through this life-changing event. We all keep saying, “If anyone can do it, Rick can.” You have earned many “IOUs” while here at Symetra; please know your giant Symetra fan club wants to pay these back however you see fit. Thank you for being you.

Week Three

Robin remains at Ricks side. This week they are learning that recovery means one step ahead and one step back. This dance is bringing both joy and frustration. Rick successfully had his tracheostomy placed on Monday so breathing is a little easier. He sat up in a wheelchair for more than two hours today and spent 30 minutes off the ventilator, breathing on his own. The rough side is that he has been battling fevers that go quite high at night and so far the source of those fevers is baffling the doctors. Transfer to rehabilitation is on hold right now.
Robin thanks friends that continue to bring snacks for the hard working nursing staff. She also wonders if someone is "techy" smart to set up a live feed of the wedding if Rick is unable to attend. If you can, respond as a post please.

Robin sends her heartfelt thanks to friends who have brought treats to the hospital for the nurses. She has found meaningful support from the nurses. When her friends bring treats to them she especially appreciates it because it is not something she has time to do herself.

Rick may have surgery on Monday to get a trach. Robin is hopeful this will happen and sees it as a positive step at this time.

Robin says the feeding tube was a success and they're holding off on the trach so Rick can build up some strength, he may not need it at all as he gets stronger.

No steps back... but plans for the future are being made

Rick has not lost any ground today, but as the 14 day mark approaches the doctors want to make some changes. The small nasal feeding tube with high calorie goodies will be changed tomorrow to a stomach tube in surgery. It is important that our bodies have calories to heal itself, so this is the usual method of feeding until oral nutrition volumes can be resumed.

Rick's lungs cleared a little bit, but one side is still not back to baseline. So they plan at least another day on the ventilator. Once the lungs are clear, the doctors would like to place a tracheotomy to assist with suctioning, while Rick does the breathing on his own. As he gains strength again in his chest muscles, he will be able to breath more effectively, cough and clear secretions on his own (things our bodies do on its own). Right now he needs assistance with those tasks.

Robin had a wonderful night with her sons enjoying some private time to reconnect and rest. Thanks for all our wonderful comments of support. We are getting them to Robin and Rick to read. So continue to leave comments and email us if you can help in the future. Robin also would like to thank you for not calling or visiting at this time.
The positive side is Rick is battling this the best he can, and sometimes he needs to take a break, but he is in the battle... and that is a good thing.

Rick's not having a good day

As Monday's go, Rick had a bad day. His breathing has become more difficult as the secretions build up, and the suctioning causes all kinds of havoc with his breathing sensation, so he was put back on the ventilator this afternoon. DARN.... but this will help keep his lungs clear and give him time to get some strength back while the machine does more of the hard work and he "helps" with a few breaths. They may look at some other procedures to help his breathing tomorrow. Due to constant nursing care on the ventilator, Robin has come home tonight to get a goods night sleep and regroup.
Robin thanks everyone for their calls and texts, but just can't get back to you at this time. The easiest way to let Rick and Robin know your are thinking about them is to leave a comment after any blog entry.
Send Rick all the positive energy to get past this setback you can and lets hope the week gets a little brighter.

Day 9 in ICU

Rick had a CT scan of his lungs on Saturday. With his breathing problems, the doctors wanted to see if there was a blood clot causing some blockage. The good news is, there was none, but it did show lots of fluid building up in his lungs. He was given a diuretic to help move the fluid out of his lungs and will be working with the respiratory therapist on some breathing treatments.
(directly from Robin)

Sometimes set backs are a good thing

Rick had a set back yesterday and was moved back to the ICU. It was hard for him to breath and he became more anxious and that combination doesn't work very well. He is feeling a bit more pain... which is no fun... but feeling anything is a good thing. Rick is also feeling a bit pressure in certain area of his arms.... so your prayers are working. Hopefully Robin will rest easier tonight knowing he has his own nurse in the ICU.

Day 8 - Rick was moved to Rehab

A bed space opened up in Rehab and Rick was moved this morning. Unfortunately, therapy services won't start until Monday. Robin is still at Rick's bedside making sure he is being able to have all his needs met. This transfer will take a little while to get use with the new care regime and surroundings. Let's send all our love to Rick and Robin to get through this new hurdle.

Day Seven - a Quiet Day

Rick has had a quiet day today. The doctors are pleased with his breathing. He was deep suctioned yesterday and that really helped with the congestion in his lungs... though Rick will tell you it wasn't fun. His movement and sensation is still limited to his face and shoulders, but time will hopefully bring new sensation.
The plans are to move to the Rehab floor either Friday or Monday. Robin would prefer it be Monday, so Rick has time to digest what a week he has had. At this time, Robin asks that you not visit (unless your bringing her food!) Rick doesn't really have a schedule so the day is very spontenous. The Rehab floor will offer intensive therapy and support of a variety of services.
We will update you about that next week.
From the organizational side, we are selecting point people to chair a variety of tasks the Teal's will be needing in the future,. We will be posting contact information on the side bar for you to email. Look for this feature over the weekend.
Keep the Teal's in your prayers.

It is the little things that mean the most.

Day 6 Update
Rick has been transfered out of Neuro ICU!! All he has now is his feeding tube left, for tubes and wires (he had alot!). He tolerated sitting up in a chair for two hours. He will spend a few days here and then be transfered to the Rehab Unit by the end of the week. The usual Rehab stay is about two months with lots of therapy and learning how to work around the obstacles of this injury. Your prayers are making a difference.
Friends of Rick and Robin

Welcome to Rick's Recovery Blog

You have probably been directed here because you heard about Rick's accident. On Thursday, July 1 Rick was playing catcher on his Thursday night Baseball League when he was injured in a impact at home plate. He was immediately stabilized and transported to Harborview, where he was diagnosed with a fracture of his spinal cord at cervical vertebra (C6). He had surgery on Friday and his spine was fused from C1-T1. He was on a ventilator for a few days and now is breathing on his own. We are all hoping that once the swelling disappears, Rick will regain feeling in his arms and legs... but it is a day by day advancement. Rick spent the last seven days in the Neuro ICU at Harborview. What a fabulous resource in our community. We are all so lucky to have this facility in our home town. Robin has been very happy with the great care Rick is receiving. The constant has been his wife, Robin by his side and his sons ready to fill in as needed.
So the goal of this blog is to keep you updated and let you know how you can support this family. Robin will post as she can, and friends will fill in with updates on how you can support Rick's recovery and keep life's activities functioning.
We send Rick and Robin all our prayers of strength and determination to get through this experience with the support of all their family and friends by their side. Together we can make MIRACLES happen!