Happy New Year!

We hope you all had a happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you all in the new year!

Mike has several scheduled appointments this week and needs to see a specialist about his bed sore which has gotten a little worse. Hopefully, they will be able to lend suggestions on how to add to the already great care dad is giving it and with Mike's custom wheel chair coming in the next 2 weeks, we will gain some ground on it.

-Kim

Mike's improving!

Mike's home healthcare assistant started yesterday and it went very well. According to Dad, Mike and Roger were talking about girls, sports, and other "guy" stuff and got along very well. We hope this continues to be the positive thing it is now, for a long time!

Mike's getting ready to go back for a re-evaluation for his therapy tomorrow, and hopes to start back up on the schedule he kept before ASAP!

This is great with the holidays coming up-we'll have the old/"new" Mike back just in time!

Happy Holidays to everyone!
-Kim

Home Healthcare for Mike

We were notified yesterday that Mike will be able to participate in the county's home healthcare services! He had applied and been interviewed a month ago or so, and will now have a personal care assistant coming to house on weekdays to help in his daily routine! We are so excited that he has been accepted so quickly as most applications take a year to process. Please join us in wishing that he receive a cute, young, single woman to provide him with assistance each morning!!

Happy Holidays to everyone and feel free to visit Mike anytime!

-Kim

Mike's 28th Birthday

Today is Mike's Birthday and he'll be celebrating this afternoon and into the evening! The plan for now is shopping at Bass Pro Shops with dad, going to Pete's around 3pm or so for a beer, and then heading home to hang out! If you would like to stop by Pete's or the house, please give him a call, or just call to wish him a great birthday!

Hope to see some of you later! and Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
-Kim

Mike is Home!

...and resting! He's happy to be back and hopes to start therapy again really soon. Thank you to all who came by the hospital and called to check on his progress. We look forward to seeing you all again soon!

-Kim

Coming Home?

Mike was told yesterday that her should be able to come home today! Hopefully this will happen. He is anxious to get back to his routine.

Unfotunately, due to the weather, the motorcycle ride was cancelled on Saturday. Please keep an eye out on the blog for the rescheduled date!

-Kim

Mike at Shady Grove

Mike will be at Shady Grove all weekend. Please stop by if you can and see him. He is in Room 402 on the 4th floor. He is still doing better, but they are keeping him there to make sure his pnuemonia clears up before he comes home.

-Thanks, Kim

Mike still at Shady Grove

Mike has been moved to another room where he can be even more closely monitored. His pnuemonia is improving, but slowly and they want to make sure his lungs are clear before he goes home. We're hoping he will be home by the weekend.

Remember the Poker Run is this Saturday and ends at the Middlebrook Inn in Germantown. There is not a set time, althught we anticipate the late afternoon is a good bet. This part of the fundraiser is NOT just for motorcucle riders and everyone is encouraged to come and eat and drink and have fun! Please call me at 240-731-4775 of red at 240-988-6573 during the afternoon if you want to come by and need to know the time to do so!

-Kim

doing better today

According to our mom, Mike seems to much more comfortable today. They have his pain managed and he ate breakfast and lunch. The doctor listened to his chest and said it sounded clearer which means the meds are working. They do a chest x-ray later to make sure it is improving. His respiratory therapy also helped him to "cough up" some of the congestion today. Mike has been great at telling the nurses just what he needs and they are happy to oblige which makes him feel better about being there. We're not sure when he'll come home yet, but PROBABLY tomorrow. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and well wishes.
-Kim

Bummer

I wanted to let you all know Mike caught a case of the flu that everyone seems to be getting. We were warned about his condition making him a likely target for pnumonia becsuae of how different is breathing is now and the fact he can't cough with the force the rest of us can to get the junk out of his lungs. Unfortunatley I had to bring him to the ER last night at 2AM and it turns out he does have it in both lungs. They admitted him and he is now at Shady Grove Adventist in Rockville. Look slike he will be there for at least a few.

Red

You can email the pictures to my new email address: mikegotz@hotmail.com

Family and Friends,

I want to thank all of those that have donated their time, money, sweat and hard work to helping me in my journey to recovery. From the money that has been brought in through fundraising events, to the amazing men and woman that dedicated their time, materials, and expertise to the house renovations. Your generosity is appreciated more then words can express.

The lift in my house is complete now and I would like to ask my family and friends for assistance in making it mine. I would like to cover the inside walls with pictures, and eventually have everyone sign the wall too. Please send pictures so that I can start covering the walls with great memories!

Love,
Gotz

P.S. single ladies, you are welcomed and encouraged to stop by any time... no call needed.

Gotz Strength Golf Tournament, Huge Success

As any of you who attended know, the Golf Tournament was a huge success!!! Thanks to the hard work of all of the people who made it happen, especially Shannon, Crystal, and the Crooks. Also a special thanks to all of the Sponsors who participated and Rattlewood Country Club. And of course all of Mike's friends who attended. The generousity of all of the people involved in this benefit as well as past ones continues to leave us, Mike's family in awe and we thank you. All of your hard work and donations produced $7128.00 for the Michael H Gotzens Foundation. Now Mike can look to adding the very important elevation option on his custom wheelchair that is being built and can start looking into hiring a PCA (Personal Care Assistant) to assist with his every day needs, neither of which insurance would pay for.

On a separate note, the foundation recieved a significant donation from SOS of Albuquerque, NM. Mike's Gandfather works there. The Office Manager, Lynn seems to have been the catalyst for several types of donations since Mikes accident and we are gratefull.

Again, we are gratefull to EVERY person who has become involved in the Foundation and it's goal to make Mike's hard road ahead as easy as possible. He has so much now that he never would have had and these things have helped make his revovery easier to manage.

A progress report.... Mike's Grandfather and I made lunch for Mike, a sandwich on a large hard roll. He managed to hold it in both his hands and eat the whole thing, with no help!!!


Bigred

New photos-

...on the slideshow page from the Harley bike show!

Please read and respond if need be...

We now need to get a count for everyone who will be participating in the food/drink portion after the tournament concludes. This includes spouses/friends of players as well as friends of Mike who aren't going to play golf but want to attend to help raise funds. We need to get a headcount of all who plan on attending so that we have enough food and beverages for everyone!!!

The golf tournament should end at approx 1:30 PM and the food will follow very shortly. You are more than welcome to come earlier and watch the tournament, have some drinks and most importantly, hang out with Mike! Just a reminder, to enjoy the festivities, it is a $25.00 cover charge (does not purtain to the players) and you can pay at the door. Please let us know as soon as possible if you will be attending the food/drink portion of the golf tournament by emailing supportmikegotz@gmail.com or directly emailing Crystal at cropko@aol.com or Shannon and shannyboo52@gmail.com ***Players: You are automatically assumed to be attending the after golf event so there is no need to respond. Please only respond if you have a friend/spouse that will be joining you after the tournament**** Thanks again, looking forward to seeing ALL of you on November 1st!


____________

The Harley Bike show was a success!

The Foundation received over $1500.00 of donations from this event! We'd like to thank Battley Cycles, Hooters, 94.7, and all of our friends for being there helping to raise money. Pictures will be posted soon on the slideshow link. It was a fun event and we had much nicer weather this time! The next Harley event is scheduled for Saturday November 15th. This is a bike-riders poker run. The event that is open to all will be held at the Middlebrook Inn on Middlebrook Rd. in Germantown. We don't have the time yet, but visit Battley.com for details soon!

-Kim

The Golf Tournament is officially on!

Thanks to all who have signed up to play and the dedication and hard work of Shannon, her mom and Crystal, we are moving forward with this event! Fun will be had by all. There ARE STILL SPOTS available!! Visit the site and register to play or pay to come as a guest!

Can't wait to see you all there!!!

-Kim

Golf Tournament

Hey everyone! Well you all probably know that Mike's Surgery was postponed. Mike still wants to go through with it when the hosptial can reschedule it and we will keep everyone posted.

WE NEED 30 MORE PEOPLE TO REGISTER TO PLAY OR THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE CANCELLED! PLEASE SIGN UP AND SEND IN YOUR $$. IT IS DUE OCTOBER 20TH!

-think of your family, co-workers, neighbors, friends, and everyone around you who would love to do this for a good cause!!!!!

Please remember to register for the golf tournament!! It is coming up very quickly-November 1st!! Please go to the website http://www.golfdigestplanner.com/8018-I_Have_GOTZ_Strength and sign up! Thanks for everyone's support!

-Kim

"Moving in"

Well, it's been a long hual, but according to dad, Mike is pretty much settled in! The elevator was placed this weekend and Mike was finally moved into his new room! A special "Thanks" goes out from Mike and dad for all the people that helped in such a huge way-it couldn't have been done without all of you!
Mike is having a procedure done on Thursday to have a colostomy bag put on. This should go fine and the details on the time of the surgery and the number of days he will stay in the hospital (if any) are still unclear. Mike has a busy week getting prepared for this, so his schedule is a little wacky!
We are looking foward to the October 18th and November 1st fundraisers with all of you!
-Kim

A few more details

Mike is building a real collection of wheels now! His Granddad and Gandmom got him a smaller power chair that was donated by an aquiantance of theirs. His company shipped it for us for free and all we needed was to get the batteries for it. It is going to be a great alternative for him when he needs power wheels, but in a scaled down version. Due to everyones generousity we were able to get Mike an ultralite titanium manual chair, which he needs to get in and out of houses with no acessability. This allows us to carry him up and down stairs in a chair and also give him the alternative to use and excersise his arms. This "Quickie" Brand Chair is one of the most popular and sought after chairs by the disabled. It is the same type that the hospital loaned him on his day visits home. He loved it and it really fit him well. He was able to get the needed bells and whistles like the head rest, special back with lateral supports to keep him upright and a special gel filled seat to protect agains skin breakdown. And best of all...... the frame comes in Mossy Oak Cammo!!!!

As kim said, the house is getting there. We should be 95% done this weekend and able to start cleaning and moving thjings back to where they go.

Mike has some appointments comming up with the PT group, his primary care Dr. and Urologist. He will be getting a good dose of getting out and around and the both of us will becom experts at the van and lift and getting everything tied down, etc. when we go out. Right now it's a little awkward but we will get a routine down. Same for the house. We are getting used to a schedule and things are coming along well.

Well enough for now. I join Kim in thanking all the hard workers who have been renovating the house.

Red

Progress

Mike is settling in a little more everyday at home. He has is hospital bed set up in a temporary space, but is more comfortable sleeping. The major construction has been completeed and now the pianting, tiling, and new floor are being finished. The lift should be in by week's end and then Mike will really be able to be mobile. He has an interview to establish his therapy schedule on Monday and is looking forward to getting into this routine. Thanks to all who have been over helping with the house or just visiting with Mike. Make sure you register for the golf tournament ASAP (I still need to !!)!

-Kim

Mike's Coming Home!!

Also, Mike has been accepted into the NRH SCI Transition outpatient program! They only take 8 people at a time and it is the best around! We are working diligently between all parties to get him approved and signed up! He'll work with his current team of therapists and take trips provided by the program. Metro Access will provide transportation to and from appointments as well! Mike is thrilled!

We're so excited to have Mike back home beginning tomorrow as we're sure all of you are as well! We wanted to let everyone know that Mike is so excited to have everyone visit, but there's a huge adjustment period coming up for us and him while we get acclimated to his routine. Also, the construction to the house is progressing well, but still going on. My dad has reserved a hotel room for Mike to be as comfortable as possible until his area is completed! That being said, he doesn't feel having 30 great people visit the hotel is such a great idea-at least at first! Please give dad- 240-988-6573, me-240-731-4775, mom-240-498-2396, or Erin-301-366-4704 a call around Friday and we'll have a better idea of how to get everyone together!

As always, we thank you all for your tremendous support and help through all of this.

-Kim

Mike's second home visit

This Sunday Mike will be home again. Mike will primarily be at our mom's house, but definitely stopping by dad's for a while to visit. I'm sure she won't mind the get-together being moved to her house!

The Greene Turtle's proceeds were $1,017 making the grand total $5,780!!!! We had a great time and couldn't have done any of it without you!!

-Kim

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

From the bottom of our hearts, our mom, dad, Erin and I would like to say how much we appreciate everyone's amazing generosity at last night's fundraiser at the Greene Turtle. Your support of the Michael Gotzens Foundation, Inc. helped bring in $4,763 (NOW official amount!) for Mike's needs. This amount doesn't include your hard work eating, drinking, and being merry, we still have yet to see the amount being given from the Greene Turtle!

We hope to see everyone at the golf tournament on November 1st as well!

A HUGE THANK YOU to Crystal, Randy, DJ, Shannon, Lish, their families, and the "anonymous" donor who matched the 50/50 raffle amount won!

Love,
Kim, Erin, Jeff, and Jean

Mike's Visit

Mike had a great visit yesterday and was so happy to see everyone! Thanks so much for showing up to visit, take pics, and have a beer with Mike! It was nice to see everyone and he'll be home same time next Sunday as well! I uploaded some pictures from his "visit" to the slide.com link so please take a look and add any you all may have taken. I also changed his profile picture.

See everyone at the Greene Turtle tomorrow!

-Kim

Visiting Home!!!

Mike will be coming Home Sunday for the day. He will be able to supervise the bathroom renovations. I will be getting all my instructions Saturday on medications, etc. and picking him up Sunday at 7AM. The Van is having the lift installed as i write this and shoiuld be ready by tomorrow afternoon so he can be picked up in style. On Sunday, 9/14 there is a second visit planed. We'll set this up so Jean and Kent can pick him up and bring him here for to my house for the day. I will take off to OC with the Skipper to the Bike Ralley and they can use the van. This way we both can get the instructions from the DR's on how to administer the meds, transfering him and the experience of caring for him for a whole day, on our own. Whewww. I am tired of typing. The bathroom renovations are underway and the lift renovations will begin Tuesday. It's goinng to be tight for finishing, but we'll do it!!!!!!!!!!!

Red

New invention perfect for Mike-the off-road wheel chair!

Developed by a student whose father suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease, the off-road wheelchair kit will sell for $4,495. Among the other devices the students have created are an aluminum crutch that folds up to fit into a purse and a mechanical retriever that can grab a backpack from behind a wheelchair.

There's also a great story about a new walking device. You can read about it at http://www.argomedtec.com/video-a-life-regained.asp



Also, Mike did well on his minor exploratory procedure on Friday. We awaiting the results, but expect that things will be status quo. He had a great weekend and got to spend time outside since the weather was so nice.

Please remember the Harley fundraiser this Saturday, Sept 6th and the Greene Turtle Fundraiser next Tuesday, Sept. 9th.

Also, register EARLY for the golf tournament on Nov. 1st and contact Shannon at shannyboo52@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.

Thanks!
-Kim

Latest

Many of you know this, but Mike has been making great progress. He can now pick up and feed himself peanut butter crackers with his left hand! His right had is behind, but catching up. He also has been praticing in a manual wheelchair and can manage that pretty well too. He still requires an electric, but will be able to use the manual for short distances which will be a good change of pace for him and keep him strong.

His C-DIFF is improving and hopfully he will be in the gym again regularly really soon. He is still scheduled to be home on the 17th, if everything is done here at the house and Van. The lift is scheduled to be put in next week for the van. The construction will begin soon on the house too. The two builders were here today going over the plans and will be getting started soon. The wheelchair lift for the house is the problem. It may not show up until a week after he is schecduled home. We'll take it one day at a time.

The Michael H. Gotznes Foundation, Inc should be official next week, at least with a Non Profit Tax ID so we can give it out to the generous establishements who are donating $$ like the Green Turtle and Rockville Harley Davidson.

Red

Surgery Update

Mikes surgery went fine today. It turned into an 8 hour proceedure, but it ended up fine. We got over to the OR floor at 10:00, waited until 1:15. The operation itself took 1 1/2 hours but he was in recovery for 4 hours.

Mike was a little ticked off because they told him he had to have a spinal rather than general anesthesia which made him really nervous and mad because the night before they said he would be asleep. The change was because of the potential for Autonomic Disreflexia which is a condition with Spinal Cord Injuries. Basically when your body has an injury below the level of the spinal cord injury it increases your heart rate, but the signals can't get to the brain to calm it down, so your blood pressure can go very high and out of control which could be very dangerous. He understood, but was still ticked, (you know Mike). Anyway, he had to stay in recovery twice as long as normal to be safe. He did fine.

He was back in his room, alert and hungry at 6:30. Kim and Dana came to visit so I left to get some food and rest. He should be back at rehab very quickley, but will need to wait at least until the stitches heal.

On the Foundation front, I should have the Tax Exempt ID early next week. The IRS has their own schedule. I will post when it comes in. In the meantime any donations offered should simply be made ot to Michael Gotzens Foundation, Inc. For previous checks that don't match, it will be fine with just his name and "Charitable Donation" Written on it. I am keeping track of everyone who donated to get them reciepts for tax deductions.

The Gotz Strength? Harley ride is being planned too. Bingo, the Manager of the Used Bike section of the Rockville Store has agreed to help pull it together. I'm sure we will have a very good turn out. The Biker Culture is a huge and very generous one when it comes to brother riders in need or trouble. The Rockville HD Dealership is well known for sponsoring benefit events and I am sure something really nice will be put together. More to follow on that.

I also received the architectural drawings from Mike'sUncle Tommy and have a meeting with the contractors who are donating all the work to renovate the house next Tuesday.

Thanks to Mike's other Aunt and Uncle, Nancy and Ray and Mike's Mom, along with the other generous donations we were able to order Mike's lift for the house to get him from floor to floor.

His Uncle Ray also hooked him up on MLB.COM so he can see the RedSox on the laptop all the time!!!

As they say, Onward and Upwards!! Thanks again for all the continued support.

I want to close out with something a little philosophical, which for all of you who know me well will find out of character, but......Mike and I saw a special on ESPN about a young boy fighting cancer and he coined the phrase "Courage + Belief = Life" It reminds me so much of him. After his catastrophic injury and 3 surgeries later he is still so mentally strong. His injury isn't life threatening but is permanently life altering and his strength, his courage and belief in recovery and a fullfilled life for his future has me in awe of him every second. I have learned so much from him these past seven weeks. Many of the boys freinds both adult and young cary the slogan with them, C+B=L and I do too now in my wallet. Evertime I get ovewhelmed I am going to look at that as an atitude adjustment.

Thanks again for being there for Mike.

Red

Mike's Surgery

Mike is scheduled to have his surgery today around noon and is happy to be getting this taken care of as he sees it to be a step closer to home! The doctors say this is pretty standard for people with his injury and should be a minor procedure with him back to his routine by today's end. This will make self care at home easier for Mike and will prevent any infection or injury where the current catheter is. Hope to see everyone on September 9th!

-Kim

Latest News

Mike has been doing well over thepast week and his spirits have been high for the most part. He finally got back into the regular gym yesterday and had a good workout. We hope he continues to be able to go there everday now so he can catch up on some of his workouts. He still has some issues with pain where his injury is , and they are trying to manage that but it's a roller coaster because they are also concerned that changing up on meds may effect his progress with the C-Diff. All in all though, things are progressing well. He has been outside more lately and is really getting too good at his chair. He has moved from the turtle setting to the rabbit one and left us all in the dust in the lobby this past weekend!! He makles me nervouse on that thing.. I am really going to be in for it when he can drive!!

I am going to schedule an overnight to stay in the hospital so I can get a taste of what 24 hours care is. The hospital offers this and I think it's a great idea.

They are talking about doing Mike's surgery for his catheter again this week, maybe Thursday. I'll keep people posted on that.

Thanks to all who have helped sell the wristbands and have given donation.. I have collected $1835 total. There are still funds comming in and we cetainly will need to order a new batch for the Green Turtle day, Golf Tourny and the GotzStrength! Harley Ride.

I'll post again at the end of the week.

Mike Has Wheels!

Well, one major task out of the way. I picked up a new van yesterday to accomdate Mike. It Is already built for his current and future capabilities. For instance, I feel certain Mike will be able to drive at some point in the future. In order for him to be able to do that from his wheelchair, the van must have a lowered floor. This Van has a lowered floor. There is already space for the lift and him and his chair. The lif will be installed in aboiut 10 days. He will be able to sit in the middle of the van or where the passenger seat is. It is removable as is the drivers seat for when he can drive. There are two captains chairs in the back and a bench seat as well so lots of freinds can cruise with him. The bech seat turns into a bed by pushing a button, so if he gets tired he can lay down. He has a wireless stereo system back there so he can listen to tunes or watch a dvd on the 17 inch screen without bothering other people.

Mike is really excited ab0ut it! I am going to drive it down tomorrow so he can come out and see it.

He is already setting goals for driving and will be working hard to get to that point.

Red

All Spiffed Up!

I had a great visit with Mike tonight. Shawn Erin and Michelle visited and the Slaght family came down for a visit a a little something extra. We all went out into the "Garden" with Mike tooling along side in his chair. We found some electrcity and Mike proceeded to get a haircut out on the grass in the fresh air and sun. He looks great and was in great spirits. He got just a little tired, but was out for a long time. I got him back to bed when everybody left and had a nice visit with him the last hour. He is very humbled by all the things people are doing for him and he wanted to be sure I thanked you all. I allmost have a van purchased that is customized so that it will accomodate him now as a passenger in his chair in two places and is specially outfittred with a lowered floor so when he is able to drive himself it will accomodate that as well, with just the proper hand controls to be added. He is very excited about that and determined to be behind the wheel eventually.

Thanks again from the family for everyones generousity. I have never seen or heard of a group of people so dedicated to a freind in need. It leaves me speechless.

Red

"Gotz Strength Day"

Mark your calendars!!! Thanks to Crystal and Shannon, we have the Greene Turtle in Germantown honoring Mike and the Mike Gotzens Foundation with a 10% donation of all sales on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008! Please join us and spread the word!! I know Shannon and Crystal are working on another event tentatively scheduled for Novmber 1st-a golf tournament, so save the date and there will be more details to come!!

THANKS CRYSTAL AND SHANNON!!!

-Kim

Mike and Gotz Strength!

Erin and I visited Mike last night and things are the same. He's hoping his condition will be under control this week so he can resume his normal physical therapy schedule. He is enjoying the extra space in his hospital room though which means there is plenty of room for visitors! He's missing his buddies as they are a main source of him remaining positive. PLease continue to coordinate visits amongst the group because he needs it! Our mom is back to work this week, and dad has been weening into more of a normal schedule as well, on top of needing to begin work on the house.

The Gotz Strength bracelets are here! I'll be emailing everyone who placed orders with me this evening arranging for you to get them! I also left a few in the closet at the hospital room at the request of some friends. PLease just exchanges the bracelets for the $5 cost. The $$ can be picked up daily as someone from the family will proabably be there at some point each day.

Thansk again for all your support!

-Kim

Surgery Cancelled

Mikes surgery was cancelled due to his infection. They will do it once it clears up. Regarding the infection, there was some missinformation. People do not need to wear gowns, etc. People should feel free to visit as they have been.

Red

Update

Mike has been making good progress with rehab. He was told his left wrist went from a 1 to a 3 out of 10 in the past week. He continues to improve in other areas too. He has been in really good spirits the last 2 days.

On another front he found out today he has CDIFF. A bowel infection that they supected he may have had from the start. It explains the diareha problem and the high white blood cell count. He is on antibiotics and it should run it's course, however it can be contageous and until it is gone visitors have to wear a gown when they go in the room and I wouldn't bring little ones around. But don't let that stop you adults from visiting please.

Mike is also having surgery tomorrow morning to put a catheter through his stomach wall to his bladder. This was an option he chose to take rather than the constant catheter. This way he can manage things better and have the bag on his leg rather than dragging it around. This is much better for his bladder health in the long run too, and is reversable if and when he gets more feeling.

We are all ramping up to get Mike home on the 17th of Sept. Renovation plans are in the works for the house and I am hunting for a van. We are anxious to get fundraising activities in the works to help offset some of the costs, which are very significant. The non profit Company, Michael H. Gotzens, Inc. is in the works but takes a few weeks to get set up. Then the account will be open for non profit and we can start putting in proceeds from the wristbands and other activities as they happen.

Thanks again to all for your support of Mike by visiting and keeping his spirits up and for the efforts you have started to make in fundraising. We couldn't do it without all of you.

Red

First Family Meeting

Mike had his first family meeting today at 11am. We were there and asked a lot of questions. Mike's PT, OT, doctor, Nurse coordinator, and social worker were all present. They each took time to explain their role in making Mike "the best he can be". Here's the low-down:

Physical Therapist: working with Mike on his arms and legs and chest. He explained the range of motion he currently has, and what he could expect to gain which basically he can't say for sure, but does know his arms should be very strong. He needs to continue to strech and work his shoulders.

Occupational Therapist: She is working with Mike on controlling his dizzy spells and finding ways to overcome them when he gets them. She works with him on his positioning as well so as to reduce the sores he could receive from lying still. He has one small sore and it is getting better.

Doctor: Dr. Lea talked about weening him off of some of the medications he has been taking. One that he will stop as of today is the antbiotics. The doctor does not believe that there is an infection still. Mike's breathing is much better by his assessment as well. He is now watching him for the low blood pressure issues he has been facing. This, according to Dr. Lea, is common with SPI. He said the rods and plates surgically implanted are working well. He also recommended Mike's NRH Urologist discuss kidney function as it pertains to his injury with his existing urologist. He will start a steroid to help him gain weight. Unfortunately, he may need to wear the neck brace a litte longer than we thought, but the doc couldn't say for sure.

Social Worker: She informed us of all the necessary items needed at home for Mike to be comfortable. As a result, we have quite an extensive "Gotzens Family To Do List"! which includes bathroom modifications, some sort of lifting device for the stairs, dad's new van with wheelchair lift, and attending home care classes. Thank you to all who have been a part of some of these items so far...

Mike's roommate leaves on Thursday and the team wants for one of the family members to spend the night with him sometime after this happens and take complete charge of his care to get used to his schedule and needs. Also, Mike will come home probably the last 2 Sundays he is slated to be at NRH for the day to re-acclimate himself to the house.

Sorry so long-I'm probably leaving ot a few things, but all and all we got a lot of questions answered and have a clearer picture of Mike's future, at least for the short term.

-Kim

Finally A Shower

Mike finally had his first shower since July 4th (yuck). It was a little bit of a let down though because he got dizzy a lot and his blood pressure got low. A common thing according to his Dr. He also was hoping Kendra the PT girl who gave him the shower would have some kind of skimpy outfit on, but no such luck.

I had a long talk with his Dr and he said Mike is progressing as expected. He is still in the early stages of his injury. At least 3-4 more weeks of spinal shock is expected. Once that dissipates things could start to progress faster on his arm and hand capabilities and maybe more progress belpow is level of injury. They are givng him some protein drinks and are going to start him on steroids soon to help him gain some weight and muscle back.

His respritory problems are getting better everyday and he is coughing up that stuff that has been giving him problems. We have been doing compression coughs everytime I have been there the last few days with good success. He will be less tierd and have more stamina for PT and OT everyday.

Mike is in a place where he goes between being frustrated and optimistic at the same time. PT is hard work and he is up for it but at the same time it reminds him what he can't do. His freinds and family are what truely keeps his spirits high. You are all amazing and I don't think you have a real sense of how big a part of his recovery that is.

Now that we have a tentative discharge date I am concentrating on the house and a van. 6 weeks is going to go by really fast. Joe is going to help me get some measurements and get a materials list going as a start. I got a lot of information on required space and door widths etc. and lifts. We will need 2 to give Mike accessability to the whole house. All of your great ideas on fundraisers will be a help with this. Mike and the family are very gratefull.

Red

Mike today

I saw Mike today during his lunchtime and was pleased to see him eat on his own. The nurse places a brace-like fork holder on his arm and he can scoop the food up and eat on his own! He is getting pretty mobile in his chair and he said it was nice to fell that this offered him a little independance. He is pretty wiped out during the day which his PT says means he is getting a good work out. The PT, Jon, told our dad that Mike has a pretty strong upper body. MIke is looking foward to seeing all of his family this weekend, as he has grandparents, aunts, and cousins in town and of course, any friends who can make it! I put a new picture up of him in his chair.

I've received a few emails already about the calendar on his blog. This is just something for Mike's friends to help them spread their visits out. This does not need to be filled out in order to visit. Sorry for any confusion, but thanks to Shannon for establishing this so that Mike will have his visits a little more planned so he can spend some individual time with all of you! Visiting hours are from 11am-9pm daily, so feel free to stop by anytime.

Please note that this weekend the usual parking garage will be closed and we believe the one on the left as you turn toward the NRH will be available.

Thanks!
Kim

Visit Schedule

Hi,

Shannon set up this schedule. If you want, put your name in when you plan to visit so Mike knows what to expect. Of course it isn't cast in stone so if plans change no big deal. This way all will be able to see how many people plan to be there and when so everyone can try to plan a time when they can get the best visit. THANKS SHANNON!



http://www.localendar.com/elsie

Sign in: Gotz1128

Password: RedSox37



Red

Schedule

I noticed something about a schedule and a link to it. I didn't see it on the Blog, so if someone can send it to me I will. Maybe it will make it easier for all and that way Mike can know what's potentially ahead of him each day.

I'll post another update with Mikes progress yesterday a little later.

Red

Update

Mike had a tireing day. His schedule fo rehab keeps him working from 8 - 3:30 every day. This is a good thing, but hew was really tired cause he didn't get any sleep the night before due to his respritory treatments. It really takes a toll on him. But his spirits are strong as usual and he is looking forward to improving. They fitted him with some implements that he can use to feed himself with once he masters them. He is determined to leave this place without needing them, though. It seems to me his arms from elbows down have improved so much. He moves them more freely and with more control, it seems. And his wrists seem to be a lot better to where he can make circular motions with his hands.

Thanks to Jay, Amanda and JJ for stopping in last night. Mike really enjoyed seeing you guys!

I told Mike about GotzStrength and he was smiling from ear to ear and can't wait to get one. When I told him who's idea it was he just smiled, like that sounds like Robin!

More to follow.

GOTZ STRENGTH? Wristband Fundraiser

GOTZ STRENGTH?

We have ordered GOTZ STRENGTH? wristbands to sell as a fundraiser for Mike.  The above image is a sample of the wristband (sorry the quality is not very good).  We decided to go with all black bands, since Mike said black is his favorite color.  We will be selling the wristbands for $5.00 each and they should be available within the next two weeks.  All proceeds will go directly to a fund for Michael.  

I will be sending half (500) of the original order to Kim so she can sell them in the Maryland area.  We will keep the other half here in Massachusetts to sell.  Kim will have 250 Adult and 250 Youth available, and the same amount/size will be available in Massachusetts.

The response has already been huge and people are anxious to get their own wristband.  Please be sure to let friends and family know!  

Thank you for your support!!

Please contact either Kim or Robin to order:

Kim - showgotz@verizon.net

Robin - robinscott215@hotmail.com

If you will be paying by check, please make out to: Michael Gotzens

-Robin

Thanks!

We just wanted to thank everyone who came by to see Mike this weekend. It was a tiring transfer, but as our Dad's emails indicated, he is settling in and anxious to continue therapy and learn the machines that will help him become more independant. The continuing support and presence of his friends and family is so important to keep him positive, although he is usually upbeat and comical on his own!

Since getting to NRH, Mike is moving his left wrist, and has been issued a custom electronic wheel chair, which our sister, Erin, saw him cruise around in on Saturday morning! He is wearing his regular clothes, and does not have to keep the oxygen mask on for now! The doctors are still working on the fluid in his lungs.

Stay tuned to the blog for some new updates about possible fundraising events for Mike and some pictures of his newest temporary home!

-KIm

Phone Gizzmo

Al lot of people have been asking about Mike's machine that lets him receive and make calls. As of this morning it is not set up yet because a few times he was being shown the way to use it he was too tired. And he had a full day of visits yesterday and wanted to watch the Sox game. We are going to work on it today and will let people know when he is ready to use it. He is anxious to get his independance with these things and really wants to talk to all of you, but also has is priorities and he would rather visit with people that take time to learn the system, at least up till today. You all know Mike, computers have never been a priority with him ;-)

As soon as we are up and running he wants people to call whenever they want during the visiting hours, 11AM - 9PM. Please keep in mind, like all of us, sometimes we are just not in the mood to talk, so if you don't get an answer, give it some time before you call back in case he is sleeping or just needs time with his thoughts or visitors.

Red

Update

Mike is doing well and sdettling in to is new temporary home. He has had a lot of Drs, PT, OT and nutritional people around him getting him on board. He has been in a regular wheelchair to get a touir of the place and now has a power chair to use that they will continue to adjust to him as he progresses over the next weeks. His pnuemonia seems to be improving and his spirits are good. He is anxious to get rehab going and as usual has the greatest of attitudes. His biggest battle now is emotional. He misses his freinds and hopes to see the come streaming through soon.

Red

Safe and Sound

Mike is in National Rehabilitation Hosptal now safe and sound. Room 224 West.

Was was pretty tired today but will be happy to see people tomorrow. Visiting hours are 11 - 9.

The place is amazing. He wasn't there 2 hours when they came in and set up this gizmo on the bed where he can call the nurse, change channels and volume on the TV and make and answer calls and even store numbers all by blowing or sucking through a straw to make selections on this little monitor. He was too tired to learn it all so the guys are coming back tomorrow.

He is really anxious to see his freinds so come ahead tomorrow and over the weekend.

Bigred

Mike is on his way

Mike left Richmond about 10:30 this morning. He should be in DC by 1:30 or so allowing for loading and unloading etc..

I think he will be up for visitors tomorrow. I let everyone know for sure tonight.

Bigred

Mike's Moving!

Mike is scheduled to leave the hospital tomorrow at 10am! He is going to the National Rehabilitation Center in Washington, DC. I do not know the exact address, but will post this as soon as he is settled in sometime tomorrow. We ask that he have no visitors until Friday and so on please! The visiting hours go until 9pm, and the daily part of the schedule is unclear as of right now as well. This is a great step in the right direction and Mike is very happy to get this news!

-Kim

Yesterday

Mike did well again yesterday both with his lungs and his PT. He has the 2 girls wrapped around his finger ( or so he says) They worked him an hour and a half, but obviously for the good, and he really did well, but slept for two hours after.

We are still trying to break him out of here. He seems more than ready physically and it's only a 2 hour ambulance ride to NRH where they have the exact same care available for any non-rehab issues. We will be talking with the Drs today to see what the timeline is. Everyone keep there fingers crossed for today.

You will notice a new picture of Mike to the right. Go to the slide show link and open the Images tab and click on the picture to see a bigger version.

Bigred

More Great News!

According to our mom, Mike has been cleared to attend the National Rehabilitation Center in Washington, DC and they have a spot for him starting tomorrow! The hospital social worker is working with the doctors to find out if they will clear him to be moved that soon! The HRC is a facility which could treat his pnuemonia and oxygen problems as well. Mom and dad are waiting to hear the news and someone will post this as soon as we can after that.

I know that some of Mike's friends were prepared to come down during the week, but in lue of this news, it may be better to hold off until we receive word about the timing of his move!

We have NOT told Mike yet of this development because we are not sure when and don't want to get his hopes up in case we still need to wait a day or two.

We will keep you all posted....

-Kim

Great Day

Mike started out not doing too well. He was tired of having the BiPap mask on and kind of fed up. He really was bummed about the fluid in his lung too. Jean and I spoke to the nurse and asked for some answers on what goals he needed to get the mask off. She explained that until the fluid was under control, he had to keep it on, and that was pretty much what was keeping him back. The Dr. came and had a long talk with the three of us and explained a lot of things in terms we understood. Mike seemed to feel better and at least knew why he was getting the treatment and where he had to get to get out of here.

Now the good news... two therapists, one OC and one PT came in and worked on Mike for about 45 minutes. They had him tipped up with his head almost on the floor, then on his side, all kinds of positions while pounding on his back in all these positions. This was to help get the goop out of his lung. They suctioned a lot while doing this with him coughing. We could hear it out in the hallway.

The Dr. also changed his pain meds to a patch. Within a few hours Mike was alert, bright eyed and talking normal (for a change) he didn't mind the beating he took because the therapists were young pretty girls who he flirted with the whole time. He was laughing at Sinefeld on the TV too.

If you think that's good news.... earlier in the day we were with him and Jean was lotioning his legs again and we did the touch test and he felt just about everything on both legs. He even got miffed when his mom did the test on his butt. The Dr.'s know about this and are now saying his injury is "incomplete" which is outstanding news. At this point it is the sensation of touch, no movement yet, but this is a great start.

All the paperwork is done to get him to NRH when he is ready.

Sorry we haven't called the family today, we were pretty busy and my cell phones were dead.

Jeff & Jean

Courage...

I loved this quote for Mike. He'll get stronger every day with his positive attitude and sense of humor.

-Kim

“Courage takes many forms. There is physical courage, there is moral courage. Then there is a still higher type of courage–the courage to brave pain, to live with it, to never let others know of it and to still find joy in life; to wake up in the morning with an enthusiasm for the day ahead.”

Howard Cosell, sports announcer

Sunday Afternoon

Mike's CT came back and did show more fluid in his left lung. One of the nurses said they were going to give him a tube to clear out his left lung. Mike was pretty upset about that, but when respritory therapy got there it turned out he only needed the nebulizer. A mask that has some medicine in it that goes into his lungs and help break things up. After that we did some compression coughing and he got some out. They are tesing things because he does have an infection somehwere, most likely the stuff in his lungs. His temp is good and he needs the mask still, but I think he has turned thr corner some. They have him on 3 diferent kinds of anibiotics to cover everything.

He was resting when I left at 1. I'll be back with him at 4 and let everyone know how he is doing at the end of the day.

bigred

Update

I spoke to Mike's nurse this moring and he had a good night. His O2 level stayed in the 90's which is good. We didn't hear back yet on the CT scan he had yesterday but the Dr. did tell me that if we didn't that was good news.

Mike's pain level seems to be the same, but he is more coherant as some of the additional meds they gave him get out of his system. I think they have found the right combination to give him relief without making him "loopy".

He still has his BiPap mask on that helps him get more O2 in his system and he will keep that on until the levels in his blood are right, and he can keep them there. Mikie is also holoding his temp better too. Although not normal, he is averaging arounf 99 - 100 rather than 102-103. That is really good news too.

The good news in all of this is that everyone still says Mike is miles ahead of the average state of pateints with his injury. Most aren't even breathing on their own and need to be ventilated for several weeks so we have a lot to be greatfull for still.

Me, Kim and Zack will be with him all day and he has a few more freinds scheduled to stop by too so he will continue his streak of not having even one day pass without freinds or family being by his side. We can't thank all of you enough for being so supportive and generous. It feels like we have a family of 100 people.

bigred

Mike today....

Today Mike had several friends visit him which, as always, cheered him up. He has been a little "out of it" due to the pain medication that the doctors will slowly try to reduce. His fever has been under control, but they have him on the breathing machine to help keep his oxygen level up. He had another CT Scan this evening so that the doctors can make sure he has no fluid in his lungs. We are not sure when his expected date of transfer to Maryland or DC will be, but hopefully he is still on track to be moved in a week or so. If there is fluid in his lungs, the doctors may move him back to ICU just as a precaution, but we have not heard for sure.

Thank you to all friends and family for you your support and love!

-Kim

Local Rehab Centers

I came home to do on site tours of the Rehabilitation Hospitals hear today. The recommended ones were Adventist Rehab at Shady Grove, National Rehabilitation Hospital in DC and Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore. I thought NRC was by far the best of the bunch but we will give all the information to Mike and let him make the decsion, with our advice. NRH and God Sam are the top 2 in this region, and NRH runs one of only 14 Spinal Cord Injury Model programs in the nation.

If anyone wants to take a look a these places;
www.nrhrehab.org
www.adventisthealthcare.com/ARHM/services/index.aspx
www.goodsam-md.org

Jeff

UPDATE!!!

I just spoke with my mom who had some very good news with regard to Mike's progress. She was applying lotion to his legs and feet and he could feel every touch! Before, he had some feeling in his right leg, but now, she said she would poke his foot and he would know she was poking it, she would wrap her hands around his foot and he would know she was specifically wrapping her hands around his foot and he could tell this on both legs! He was lying flat during this entire time!

His nutritionist was coming to meet them as well and his pain is a little better today and of, course, his spirits are high!

-KIM

"Anything is still possible if you put your mind and heart into it!" This is a quote from Andy Crowe and I think it best depicts the attitude that Mike and all of us have towards his injury.

Here is Andy's website for more details on his amazing story:
http://www.andycrowe.co.uk/


Thank again to Amanda for providing this info!

-Kim

Great Link...Tons of Information and Resources!

I found this site (I'm sure someone else has also come across it) and thought it was great!  It provides tons of resources, information and detail. Definitely check it out: www.sci-info-pages.com

Love you Mikey,

Robin

Slow Progress Today, Good news for the near Future

Mike had a rough night last night with pain from his second surgury. The Neurosurgion (I wish this blog had spell checker) spoke to me and and said it was common because he had a lot more work done the second time. Things should improve regarding that over the next few days. They expect he will have some chronic pain going forward, but managable.

She also said that if all goes to plan she would expect him to be ready for transport back home to in patient rehab around the end of next week. I am home today and tomorrow morning to do in person visits to 2 facilities so Mike will have the best information to make his choice of where to go by.

He was ready to get in bed therapy when I left this morning and wasn't looking forward to it because he was hurting, but was going for it anyway because that represents the stage he was at before the seconf surgury. Now there are no steps backwards anymore!!!

I added some photos to a slide show that show the hospital, his floor and where his room is to give all of you a feeling for his surroundings. A picture of him getting his hair washed this morning is there too. He was in some pain, but not about to give up this oportunity. What a Ham!!!

I will be looking at Kessler Rehabilitation Institute in Rockville, and National Capitol Rehabilitation Center in DC before going back tomorrow about noon.

I'll have another update and pictures of Mike tomorrow.

website with spinal injury stories....

"I acquired a spinal cord injury four years ago when I fell down a staircase. It was a C5 injury that left me paralyzed and in a wheelchair for almost a year. I am now a walking quad and use a cane to get around. " Lei Chang, C5 spinal Injury, now walking!!!

http://www.paralysis.org/site/c.9dJzHJNmGkF/b.2262987/k.E9D1/Lei_Chang.htm

Mike's new address

Medical Center of Virginia Hospital
Department of Neuro Science, 11th Floor
Mike Gotzens (TRDCAKE) Room # 408
401 12th Street
Richmond , VA 23298

Please note that according to Pops (Big Red, Red, Dad, Jeff) there is not a lot of room for items, but please send along whatever you would like. They may need to show Mike, and then keep in the Hospitality House after that until he is moved. So when you visit, if you don't see what you sent, that's why!

-Kim

Better Every Day

Mike is doing a little better today. His pain is being managed and starting to be controlled. He has already started adding to his "Harem" with the new nurses on 11 West and trying to negotiate more frequest sponge baths. All his doctors said he was doing well and we are hoping to get him out of here in 10 days or less. We are working with the Social Workers here to get all the benefits and paper work in place. As soon as he is able they will let him go. He should be starting some basic rehab stuff here in the hospital this week.

Dr Lin, (Mike calls him Dr Dread and hates his guts) actually delivered good news to him and said he is definately done with surguries.

Mike's Uncle Tommy from Boston and his family came down and spent time with him this morning and that really picked him up. Michelle and her Mom and Brother also stopped by.

It looks like another busy weekend with family and friends too. I will add some pictures of the Hospital, Mike and his room later so everyone can get a better feel for his surroundings.

-----Bigred

Great link for information and encouragement

Amanda passed along a few great websites. One of them is http://www.determined2heal.org/C5.htm

Which allows you to focus in on the specific part of the spine injured and then gives the level of activity, range of motion, and mobility expected, and we all know Mike will move way past what is "expected"!

-Kim

Mike's out of surgery!!

I just got off the phone with my dad and Mike is out of surgery. He did really well and has been transferred to the "step down" bed we've been waiting for on the 11th Floor. He also does not have to wear the huge shoulder, neck, back, chest brace-he will only need the neck brace he had on originally. I'm not sure for how long yet. He is in recovery for the next couple of hours and our mom and dad are going to collect all of his wonderful items from friends and family. Thank you to everyone for all of your thoughts today as we completed another step in this journey! Mike could not have done it without all of you and especially the constant love, support, and bedside care of our wonderful parents!

Love, Kim

Surgery update

Mike went into surgery around 12noon and is expected to come out around 2:30-3pm. Our mom and dad are waiting for him to come out. The doctors believe this will only prolong his being transferred closer to home by a few days. Let's keep our fingers crossed for that!

-Kim

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

We were told late last night that Mike would need another surgery today. This is being done as an extra precautionary measure to help ensure the stability of his neck throughout his recovery. The surgeons will implant another matel plate in the back of his neck to "sure up" some remaining cracks. He is expected to go into the 2 hour surgery around 11am. Mike was surprised by the news, but was accepting of it. Our parents will keep us posted on his status as the day progresses. Thank you for your for your thoughts and support throughout this next step in Mike's long road to recovery.

-Kim

Information and support

Thanks to my wonderful family, Aunt Nancy, Aunt Susan, Kristen, and Robin, who came down last weekend and communicated some wonderful research on my condition, I will try each day to post a new statistic on research and foundations. Please feel free to email me with any others you come across in our journey together to help Mike!

This is from the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation website at www.christopherreeve.org

"...if the patient had at least som movement in at least one of their legs at the time of injury, there was a 3 out of 4 chance they walked again..." and as we've heard, he was moving his leg right after the injury so we're very hopeful.

-Kim

July 14, 2008

Mike had an easier night as our dad held virgil at his bedside! As some of you saw, Mike was sitting in his chair yesterday with his beloved niece, Savannah, on his lap! This was received by him with a huge smile we all know and love. He was able to slightly grip a Sharpie pen, but unable to write with it quite yet. HIs room was decorated with gifts from his friends Crystal, Randy, Shannon, Kyle, Jay, Amanda, Sean, Joe and his girlfirend (I'm sorry I forgot her name!) including new knives, a Rebel Flag, pictures of him with all of his wonderful friends, and especially a separately framed picture of him and his "better half", Sean Hungerford!

Thank you all for the warm thoughts, gifts, words of encouragement, meat-filled breakfasts, and just being there for Mike. It means the word to everyone in his family, and especially to him.

-Kim

Friends and Family:

Thank you for all of your continued support and kind words over the past week. Updates will be posted shortly to ensure that everyone close to Mike stays informed about his progress.