Michael Gotzens Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury: Update

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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.

8 comments:

The Connelly's said...: We're so glad to hear that his spirits are still high. I can only imagine how draining it all must be for him. I have to agree that when we saw him this weekend, his use of his arms and even his wrists had improved SO much. He has much more control of them. Good for him for setting his goals high and being determined to use his hands before he leaves rehab. That's the attitude that will take him places!
Lots of love,
Crystal and Randy; July 29, 2008 at 8:24 AM
Anonymous said...: Happy to hear that Mike's movement of his arms seems to be improving and that he's determined to get the use of his hands. HE WILL! We are coming down weekend after this and cannot wait to see Mike and everybody. Hope his respiratory problems ease up since it is so exhausting for him. Love you all.
Aunt Susan, Uncle Tommy and Kevin; July 29, 2008 at 8:37 AM
Shannon said...: Mike has had one hell of a month, it amazes and inspires me that he is still so strong and determined.

I'm sure Mike realizes the love and support that he has around him, and that keeps him motivated. We all love him with all of our hearts.

Shannon; July 29, 2008 at 8:40 AM
Anonymous said...: I am so happy to hear that Mike is gaining more and more mobility in his arms day by day. I can't wait to see his progress with my own eyes. I know by the time he leaves NRH he will be amazing us all.

I am happy to hear Mike liked the GotzStrength wristband idea. His should be arriving today at Kim's house, so he'll be the first person wearing one...with MANY others to soon follow.

If I don't make it down this weekend, which I am shooting for, then I will definitely be there with my parents and Kevin. I can't wait to see you Mike and am so proud of you!

Love to all and keep the good updates coming!
~Robin; July 29, 2008 at 9:29 AM
Anonymous said...: Mike has been working so hard and come so far in a short time. What very happy news to hear that his arms and wrists are improving greatly; as always, Mike has set the goal of using his hands before he leaves NRH. We know that he will. It is tough to hear that his respiratory problems persist - and exhaust him so much. Lots of visits planned (Ray and I looking at the weekend of Aug. 15). And by then, the Gotz Strength? wristbands will be everywhere!

We'll be talking to you later in the day today, Mike - if you are up for it. Stay strong and keep working hard. We love you, Aunt Nancy and Uncle Ray; July 29, 2008 at 11:07 AM
JJ's Mommy said...: I had so much fun talking to Mike yesterday, and was in total shock in the progress that's been made just in how he talks to you with his hands and his movement. I love his excitement for getting back to himself, it's so nice to see someone who has been given a hard situation, take it for what it is and fight through it. He's got some serious fight in him!; July 29, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Anonymous said...: More great news each day! So happy to be able to tap into this blog and share in Mike's progress. Shandre, aka "Snoop", will visit Mike August 9&10 and is on the Visitor's Schedule (thanks Crystal for the link). Also, can someone tell us if Mike has a favorite Red Sox player??? Many thanks, The Carson's - Snoop, Linda & Vanessa
Meriden, CT; July 29, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Anonymous said...: Mike Lowell is his favorite Red Sox player!; July 29, 2008 at 4:33 PM