November 11-14 New Experiences

Although it was a short week of therapy, it was a good week!

AJ continues to work on transferring, building strength and learning adaptive techniques in order to increase his independence. He tried a couple of new things this week - the standing frame and a driving simulation.

Standing Frame:  It was exciting for AJ to be in a standing position again.  He said it felt weird to be so tall! After 2 1/2 months of sitting, he's getting a new perspective of just how tall his 6'3" body really is :)  

Here are some benefits of standing:

  Increases bone density and reduces the risk of fractures

  Stretches muscles, preventing the onset of contractures

  Improves respiration and voice control

  Enhances circulation and blood pressure

  Aids digestion, bowel function and bladder drainage

  Improves skin integrity by relieving pressure developed by sitting

  Improves wellbeing, alertness and sleep patterns

This is the 2nd time AJ has tried the standing frame. The first time his blood pressure dropped so low while he sat in the upright chair that they couldn't take him to standing. This time he took some blood pressure medicine that helped him remain stable. He went up 5 times and stayed stood for a maximum of 5 1/2 minutes. He will keep working on this until he can tolerate standing without the medication. 

Driving Simulation:  One thing AJ looks forward to doing again when he is able is driving. This week he tried a driving simulation in order to evaluate his abilities.  We were able to identify his strengths and set goals on what will help him progress to a level of being able to drive.  Here's a video of him doing some simulated driving for the first time. He'll need a little more practice, but pretty good!*

*Note - The computer was not calibrated correctly so the brakes don't work.  

That is why his speed is so high while he is pushing on the hand brake!

November 9 - Concussion....what?!

We knew the day would come... After meeting a few spinal cord injured people who told us about when they have fallen out of their wheelchair or had other accidents, we knew it would happen sooner or later.  We were hoping for later and not so severe!

This morning AJ was trying to bump over the edge of an area rug; but today we forgot to set the wheelchair tippers in place. So, he fell straight backward!  He hit his head hard on the wood floor, then his body and the chair fell to the side.  He seemed to have a split second of blacking out, but he was alert in the next moment.  It was especially scary because he went numb for a moment from his injury down and couldn't move his arms. But within moments his limited movement was back.

He went through shock for some time after the fall so we called the U of U rehab spinal doctor who told us to watch him and bring him to the hospital if there were any neurological changes. John and his dad administered a blessing before we lifted him to his bed and then we kept an eye on him for a couple of hours.  Although he seemed to be doing well, the pain in his neck continued and the skin on the parts of his body that have normal feeling were hypersensitive. So, we packed up and went to the ER.  By the time we got there, he was nauseated and his head was pounding.


Over the next 10 hours they monitored him and took a CAT scan and an MRI.  The CAT scan showed that his head and neck were okay, but the last screw in the fuzed vertebrea looked crooked. The doctors could not determine if it had been damaged or if the CAT scan was just at a strange angle.  So, they took an MRI also.  Thankfully, the MRI came back normal -- there was no damage to his surgery site.  So, were released and went home with the diagnosis of a concussion.

Sunday came and AJ felt terrible!  Throughout the day his head would start pounding and he would throw up repeatedly. Later in the evening though, he started to feel better and was able to keep dinner down. By Monday he had a little headache but felt much better.  He didn't go to therapy on Monday, but was ready to roll by Tuesday.  Concussions are terrible!

Moral of this story.....REMEMBER TO PUT THE TIPPERS ON!!!

November 7 - New Therapy

This week has been such an adjustment!  John and I are sharing the responsibilities of assisting AJ now that we are at home. It's great that we could spend so much time with him at the hospital because we are using all that training now.

AJ's has therapy each day at the U of U Sugar House clinic.  On the first day, the new OT (Nicky) felt some firing in his triceps! It is super exciting that his part could be healing and receiving some signal. In the order of healing in the spine, this muscle group would be the next to come back.  It most likely will be a slow process, but she has big plans and high hopes for him. She was also impressed with the amount of movement he has because she thought with his injury he would not be this far.

His new PT (Kristen) was quick to get him to the gym to start working on strengthening and hook him up to the FES machines.  She evaluated him as being strong with good flexibility. AJ's looking forward to learning how to transfer (move from one location to another) without help and start using the standing/walking machine.  Basically, he's ready to work hard!

November 1 - He's Out!

We're out of here!  

After 9 1/2 weeks of being at the University of Utah Hospital & Rehabilitation Unit, we are heading for home.  The transition is a little overwhelming, but it's all going to work out! Here are some pics from his last day...

Pic #1: A nice note from one of our favorite nurses. We became close to many staff members.  

Pic #2: AJ's OT (Dan) gave him an official U of U therapist shirt. AJ was stoked!

Pic #1 - The balloon Leisha & Matt sent has survived all 9 1/2 weeks :)

Pic #2 - AJ last time in his hospital room

Pic #3 - Our final nurse (Craig) poses for a quick beard-bros pic. He was great!

Pic #1 - John getting the scoop on medications and check out instructions -- complicated.

Pic #2 - AJ getting into the "new" van and ready to head home (which is Grandma's house)

AJ's new room and bed. Yep, it's too short again - haha!  What are ya gonna do?

October 31 - Reverse Trick or Treating

AJ got a little restless on Halloween night.  October 31 was our original check out day, but instead we would leave the following day (Nov. 1).  His friend Richie visited and brought pizza (like they had in California) which was a boost, but still AJ was looking for something more...

Then he came up with the idea of visiting the other patients and giving THEM Halloween candy -- essentially, Reverse Trick or Treating!!!

We visited many patients, family members and friends. As we lightly knocked on doors, I imagined what AJ must have been like on the streets of Nicaragua less than a year ago, introducing himself to strangers and sharing a gift to lift their spirits. He was caring about others and serving in whatever way he was able; and it was exactly what he needed!  I was grateful to be his 'companion' during this thoughtful-fun activity.

October 22 thru 30 - Ode to Dad

This week John stayed here with AJ while I went home for a week with Brad and Caleb. It was a great opportunity for AJ because there are some things (in our family at least) that you really need Dad for.  Like.......Speaking Spanish with you when you feel like it; Getting excited and crazy as you watch football and basketball games together; or, Teasing and joking with you even when you're partially paralyzed!

In all honesty, there are certain things my boys would rather talk about with their Dad. While John has been here AJ has had that talk time as John has served him and happily participated in all his needs and daily care. What a guy!

We feel so fortunate that John is able to come and stay for this extended period of time and that he will be here as we transition out of the hospital.  It's impossible to replace a great dad!

October 19 - Church Talks

Today was church-talk day for the Hunt family.  AJ and I got to give talks in the hospital branch while Caleb delivered a talk in our home ward! AJ and I were happy to share our testimonies and thoughts especially because the Branch President told us we should only take up to 5 minutes each. :) I don't think Caleb felt the same as us, but we heard that he did awesome on his talk about developing Christ-like Attributes!

I spoke first, sharing my testimony of the power of our thoughts and how important it is to keep our thoughts positive and thankful.  I know this choice enables us to keep the Spirit close and to feel the Savior's peace. For many years I have been inspired by a talk called 'Mastering Our Thoughts' by Kevin Whitehead.  The principles taught in it have really helped me during our time here.

AJ spoke on the importance of maintaining hope. He started by citing a plaque that has been in his hospital room (given to him by a good friend) that says:

"Hope reflects belief. Hope believes in the better, in the higher, in the possibilities. Hope rejects cynicism. People with a higher level of hope believe that though events may not work out they will not be defeated. Hope is the dream of a soul awake."

He then spoke briefly about the Plan of Salvation and how we can have hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  His words were simple, honest and powerful. It's clear he strives to live his beliefs!

October 29 & November 5 - Jazz Fever (Reintegration #6)

Brother Schneider, a member of the hospital Branch, gave AJ two tickets to the Jazz season opener against the Houston Rockets.  AJ and John were psyched to go, but we are required to take a therapist with us. So, Brother Schneider "found" a 3rd ticket and our OT, Mckenzie, kindly went along. During the game, Thurl Bailey (a retired Utah Jazz star) sought AJ out to introduce himself and encourage AJ in his recovery.  AJ didn't recognize him at first but after John said his name AJ was amazed to meet him.  Although the Jazz lost, it was among one of the best outings yet!

A week later, the next game came by way of Uncle Dave, who was given a couple of tickets to the Jazz game vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers (LeBron James, baby!). All 3 of them sat together in the wheelchair section for one of the best Jazz games yet! (They beat the Cavaliers on a last second shot. Woot-woot!)

It's so nice that AJ has the chance to do some activities he enjoys.  It lifts his spirit and allows him a way to step away from the seriousness of his situation for at least a short time.

October 17 & 18 - Re-integration #4 and Role Reversal

On Friday, we took a delicious trip to IHOP for AJ's 4th outing. I found a new appreciation for the difficulties individuals in wheelchairs have as we navigated through tight seating areas and wrestled with a heavy bathroom door!  As we face this next stage of life in a chair, there will be many adjustments to make. I was grateful for the kindness and patience of people around us! Life is better with nice people around!

Alexis arrived later that night, which means more fun is on the way! Sometimes AJ combats the difficulties of this situation by making jokes.  So, we really shouldn't have been surprised to walk into his hospital room to find this:

Too far? Maybe...but, they got a good laugh out of it! Thankfully, Alexis only needed the collar for a few pictures. You gotta admit, these kids have fun wherever they are with their great attitudes!

October 16 - No Touchy

At this point AJ must have assistance in all of his activities, but as he gains strength he also gains a desire to do things on his own!  These are awesome desires for him to have because it will move him towards independence.  Yet, this also creates a challenge for his dotting mom! :)  Instead of getting frustrated with all of my loving "help" we have incorporated the simple phrase -- "No touchy" (You might recognize it from "The Emperor's New Grove") This funny saying helps us get on the same track with each other through humor and understanding.

Putting on his pants is crazy hard! Sometimes these tasks seem impossible! But, with practice and continued blessings, it's something we look forward to in the future.

Dr. R came by AJ's room quite late tonight to share some information from a conference that had just ended.  The presentations included cutting edge technology that is just starting to become available in the US for spinal cord injury (SCI) victims. Who knows....maybe this is part of how AJ's miracles will come :)

October 15 - Slowly, but Surely

We are slowly but surely learning to be patient in AJ's healing. The experts assure us that although it is slow, his progress is impressive for this injury. It makes me realize just how severe his spinal cord injury is.  Here are some new skills he has acquired:

*Put shirt over his head and pull it down in front, with assistance pulling it down in the back.  (We are still mystified at how he will take a shirt off!)

*Leaned over the sink by using his shoulder and head momentum (no core strength) and then braced himself on the sink with his arms.  Then turned the water on and off (the handles on the sink are shaped like levers so that eliminates the need for twisting with the wrist or using hand).

I got very excited tonight when AJ was able to control the rate at which his left index finger relaxed after an episode of spasticity. I realize that this is not the same thing as lifting his finger from a relaxed position, but I figure his mind is commanding his finger to interrupt the

Spasticity is a side effect of paralysis that varies from mild muscle stiffness to severe, uncontrollable leg movements.  Generally, doctors now call conditions of extreme muscle tension Spastic Hypertonia (SH).  

For AJ the SH rarely interferes with his daily tasks, which means he will not have to be on medication for it. When he is getting ready for bed we can count on a spasm shooting through his body when we touch and move his feet.  They start from the foot and radiate up through the hands. Some people can use these spasms to their advantage, so we'll shoot for that!