Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008 News

Snorkeling

Over the past months I've been blessed by angels in many forms and places. Today, Pam and I went snorkeling (neck brace and all), and yes we saw angels (fish). We've walked 5 or more miles a day, enjoyed the company of Pam's dad, Ralph and his friend Mary and eaten some great Asian food. -rws

Waikiki Santa & helpers

Aloha

On the beach at Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii... sitting very still... neck brace off briefly... life is good!!

Walking with Pam... 3 miles along the beach... fantastic...

touring with Ralph (father-in-law) and Mary... fun!

Sand/water/light touch ->painful

?? reflex sypathetic dystrophy?? time will tell...

Mahalo and Merry Christmas- rws

Dallas two step...

Travel to Dallas..first time outside of Ohio since... overhead bin in aircraft... tough to reach... luggage... pack less next time...

Bride (niece) Kristen... luminous... Groom Wil... perfect... {thats "old man" Tim (dad) in the picture}

Pam line dancing (chicken dance)... worth the trip...

Texas family and friends... it's been too long...

..cycle of life... wonderful- rws

Routine

Thanksgiving was a blast with parents, sister's family, cousins and friends visiting over the long weekend. My brother-in-law (Dan the marathon man) and dad got me out on the trail and I clocked two miles in a blistering 35 minutes;-} Dan also planted a seed of an idea... committing to completing a race ..

Funny as it sounds life is becoming routine. I'm working about 6 hours a day, off on Tuesdays for rehab, etc... lose of muscle/fat in the buttocks makes long meetings even more of a "pain in the _ _ _" I notice that if I sit too long or interestingly get "excited", I stiffen up ...Function improves slowly but steadily...

Seasoned Greetings
rws

Thanksgiving Therapeutics

Sunday, I walked 3 miles... slowly... it took 66 minutes... Today, for the first time, I hopped and ran... in the MVH PT pool. It was "fun" and I had only minimal clonus.

Leading into Thanksgiving I remain weak, flabby and tired; but am grateful for any and all physical progress, a Higher Power, family, friends and the opportunity of tomorrow.

Gratefully-rws

work... work... work... work... work...

All work and no play might have a downside, but I can tell you after a 10 week "sabbatical," it was great to be back at P&G! Lola (my adminastrative assistant) put together a "welcome back" celebration that was a perfect ending to the week. Thx to Lola, friends and managers for making our little piece of P&G a great place to come back too.

rws

Acrofest at Union College in Nebraska

Its been awhile...

Nov. 20, it's been too long since I've had a chance to write an update. I just read Ron's postings for the last month.... we have come so far. He thinks it is not going fast enough, but to me it seems like he is doing incredibly well. He is totally independent. He does all his own am care, showers, dresses, cooks and picks up the house when I am at work. He is starting to drive himself into work now and even got the groceries yesterday. What more can anyone ask for. The Lord is so good. As Ron mentioned, I went with Elle to Acrofest last week. It was great hanging out with the kids again for a change and back to knitting hats for them. Their performance Sat night went smoothly. There were 30 other gymnastic teams from USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Over 900 people. A big highlight was Elle and Kirk (Adam & Treon) winning the Butterfly contest. They stayed up the longest over all the high school teams. (see picture) Elle always would say, "we Stout girls are strong" when everything was happening in September. She really showed she is truly strong.

Ron's family is coming for thanksgiving. John and Jonathan are coming home too. Will be wonderful having the house full of noise and action again. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I have an incredible amount of thanking to do! Pam

reality bytes!

"Ron your always so positive, things must be going really well?" Yes... and I look like a fish out of water when I try to get up off the floor. Something hurts, tingles or is numb all the time. Make me laugh and I can't walk. I cough and my left leg flails about like Mr Ed (the horse), counting to two. When tired, tense or not concentrating, Frankenstein emerges and I lurch for the nearest support.

"Your progress is amazing, most people don't make this kind of progress," says my neurosurgeon (corpectomy scheduled for Feb) yesterday. Hmmm... I'm working so hard, things are improving so slowly and he's amazed?

"Ron you look good, you've lost weight?" Yup, I've lost lots of muscle and gained fat, fabulous!

Thought you'd like to know;-}

rws

you can go home again...

I spent the last week at "home". While Pam was off to Nebraska with Elle and the gymnastics team, I stayed with my folks in Berrien Springs, Michigan. What a delight, my parents (John & Helena) and sister (Lynn), treated me like royalty. I was also able to connect with friends and former teachers at Andrews University. A highlight of the week, was meeting Ann-Marie Reichert's 3rd grade class at Village Elementary. These great kids sent me notes, snacks and encouragement during my 30 day incarceration at the hospital. Thanks kids!

I also began working 4 hours a day (telecommuting) last week, it was great to reconnect with a number of global P&Gers.

rws

Biblical...

Some have compared the last 10 weeks at the Stout household with the Biblical book of Job... while I've personally thought this comparison to be presumptuous (if not blasphemous)... a brief update... remember last week I tried to help Pam with the flower beds... well... those of you whom like the "Job" angle... I've got boils (ok... poison ivy) .. Saving grace...Having decreased senstation in your extremities is at times (like these) a plus!

rws

Notes...

Milestones: Crossed the two mile mark... walking... sort of ;-}
Chores: We cleaned the flower beds (thx george and barb)
Wyeth: Nice dinner! They're keeping our ThermaCare baby warm...
Next week: Michigan with folks! Pam & Elle to Nebraska for Acrofest
17th November: Return to work... limited hours...
Ring!: Left hand swelling down ->wedding ring on!

Indian summer ending... to everything a season...
rws

BIKING!

Pam and I went to a section of the trail thats open and found a three wheel bike for rent! I was able to complete 5 miles, before fatigue and clonus said "enough already." If you happen to have seen us, the liquid coming out of my eyes was due to the wind (scouts honor).

What fun! rws

2 months ago

My first time out of bed was with the assistance of a Hoyer lift almost exactly 2 months ago. I vaguely (thank you pain meds) remember watching my arms and legs move in and out of my field of vision, the movement controled by the ICU PT (her hands can be seen around my right knee).

rws

...now they close the trail...

We made a pilgrimage to "THE TRAIL"... interestingly it's now closed for "maintenance"... a day late and a $ short... none the less, my personal therapist (Pam) had me walk a mile! At the end my legs were spasming etc.. etc... but it was a fun "milestone" to cross!

rws

... more walking...

Nothing too exciting on the medical front this week...

incremental progress...

great to visit with local & global friends, virtual and in person!(Shiva. CS and Steffen, thx for bringing the P&G world to my doorstep and congrats on your IHPM success)

rws

Clear the roads, i drove short distances this week;-{)

Warrior of Light

A number of you have asked "what are you reading" and/or "what's inspiring you"? Earlier this year I discovered the Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. He writes eloquently about life's journey (becoming a "Warrior of Light") and our "intentionality."

In his most popular book the Alchemist, Paulo writes: "Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself, and that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a seconds encounter with God and with eternity."

Checkout Paulo's blog at http://www.paulocoelhoblog.com

rws

Just Kidding?

Yesterday I was at my local Wal-Mart buying a large bag of Iams dog chow for my loyal pet, Buddy, the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. What did she think I had, an elephant?

So since I'm crippled and have little else to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Iams Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Iams kibbles and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionallycomplete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in the checkout line was now enthralled with my story.)

Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dogfood poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's behind and a car hit us both. I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.

Wal-Mart won't let me shop there anymore.

Better watch what you ask crippled people. They have all the time in the world to think of crazy things to say.

Richard's Slick Bridge Dance

Oct...It is Sabbath morning and I got up early to add a quick post. Life is very busy here since Ron has come home. We have established a morning routine of all the ADL's. He is doing so much more on his own. I am just there for the neck brace etc. I will also be taking the shower chair out of the shower. More progress Yah!! At physical therapy, they are working on his gait technique to walk more smooth and on his left hand and arm. He is moving a little more all the time but it is baby steps and those of you who know Ron, they need to be bigger steps..... I am back to working about 12 hours a week, a few days of a few hours at a time. Is working out ok. The kids finished their first quarter of school on Friday and both ended up doing well. We are lucky to have such great kids. This all has been tough on them in their own ways. Well, once again thank you all for the cards and food that keeps coming our way. Wow, your kindness has been so great. Have a great Sabbath. Pam

ELECTRIC!

Now walk... like this...

Ortho & "schemes"

Ortho: Got my shoulder injected and the initial pain relief from the lidocaine, lets me know the steroids are in the right place. Surgery "Febuaryish" (post cervical surgery). The surgeon is an old friend (we did sports medicine together a decade ago at Kettering), but had the same disbelief that I've seen from most medical acquaintances... "this can't happen to one of us". Ah... the thin veneer of invincibility we all happily (and perhaps necessarily) live with.

Scheme: I'm going to try and get the doctors and P&G to let me work a couple of hours a day from home, with an occasional site visit to the office. I hope to begin this in "early November". Hopefully, this will not only be helpful to P&G, give me some mental "stimulation" and still leave enough time and energy for therapy.

Cheers!

rws

Etc...

We had a terrific weekend with visits from our great Chicago friends the Livelys and Papa Stout from Andrews. Classic fall weather, a quick visit with John at Miami wonderful...

On the medical front, the left thumb doesn't work so well because... it's broke... add that to the broken ribs, separated shoulder, rotator cuff tear... luckily I've got a pretty good warranty (thanks P&G)...

Oh... and the spinal injury thing, I had my second opinion... looks like I can't avoid surgery... at least three levels will need repair and fusion. Perhaps worse news, they don't think I'll be ready for surgery until "Januaryish"...

Ortho (rotator cuff thing) consult Thursday...

Positives: Legs continue to get stronger, arms improve on a pace all their own (slower).... spasticity a problem but manageable with current activity... Therapy is WORK

Ya'll continue to be terrific... the continued notes, flowers, food and affection exceed expectations and what I deserve... Thank you

rws

Scary...

No Halloween mask, but scary none the less! I took a drive (down the drive way and across the pasture) in two of our SUVs yesterday. The GMC is much easier to turn than the BMW, but neither is ready for me to pilot them in the real world. (We'll keep doing the upper body exercise and try again in a couple of weeks.)

A shout out to Ashley (my neice, who is attending Andrews Academy, my alma mater) and her freshman highschool class, who blessed me with a large packet of cards!

Best-
rws

Oct. 7. It is so wonderful having Ron home. Things are so much easier and faster than having to drive that 45 min drive one way 2 and 3 times a day. He is walking with trying to help me get things around the house ready for winter. I use dressing, eating, writing, taking the trash out, etc all as physical therapy :) I am proud of how far he is coming. We drive to MVH every Tue and Thurs for Therapy for 3 hours each day. They are really working on his Lt hand, it has a long way to go. (see picture). Again thanks to you all for your continual prayers, cards, blue cards, meals etc. I can not say thank you enough. How lucky we are!

"Firsts"

Another "first"... steriods blew me up to Michelan man proportions, Ted hose and compression devices irritated my skin for the month in the hospital... so I got a Pedicure... ahhh... watch out P&G team, we'll do it as a team building exercise!0

rws

One Flight Up...

We moved upstairs and I slept in my "own" bed for the first time since 1 Sept. Great, except that all that "down" bedding sort of "grabs" me and says "you ain't moving... gimp." Ahh well, another decade of Pilates (yes, they have me attempting Pilates) and I'll have enough core strength to move around in bed!

I enjoyed several "excursions" this weekend, (brief visit to church, WalMart, etc...) everything is "therapy." While out and about, I look at the cars steering wheel and wonder when I'll get to try and drive again (apparently the left hand needs to be able to hold onto the steering wheel, before they begin the training and testing.)

Enjoy the day!

rws

WORLD...WEAK

It's terrific to be out of the hospital...AND the "real world" emphasizes my areas of "weakness" in ways the hospital didn't. None the less, progress continues!

Little milestones entertain and frustrate... I'm typing this with both hands (slowly and mistake ridden), buttoned my shirt this morning, but struggled with the snap on the jeans.

In public, I'm often wheelchair bound and find it interesting how the appearance of disability brings out the best in some and avoidance in others. (This middle age, white male has finally added an area of diveristy... fascinating perspective from which to view the world.)

Kind regards-
rws

Homestyle

Foods great, beds comfortable, family is fantastic (dog still stincks and slobers), what's not to like.

Here at home the difference between "can and can't" is more obvious... it's obvious that theres lot's of work to do to get back in shape! I walked more yesterday than in the previous week (Walmart excursion was "fun" secondary to electric wheelchair) and was happy to crawl in bed last night.

On the day prior to discharge, after complaining about my shoulder for the past month, I looked at myself in the mirror and noted an obvious AC difformity in my right shoulder. The grinding and clicking coupled with deformity led to my 'insisting" on an MRI. Results: 3 degree AC seperation, rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus) with some impingment. (At least I know why it hurts).

Spirits are excellent (except that Elle passed her driving test and got her license, watch out Warren County)!

rws

Shower, shave and a piece of fresh apple pie; it's good to be home!
rws

Sept 30. What a great day...Elle's 16th birthday and Ron came home :) He wanted a hair cut as soon as he walked in the door. He walked all the way down the driveway. (I pushed the trash can and he pushed his wheel chair...was nice having him beside me. When Elle came home from her volleyball game and saw Ron sitting at the table eating warm apple pie (thanks Ms. Khilstrom), she said, "My life is finally getting back to normal!".

The ladies from work came to visit and gave him his new bicycle hat and BlackBerry. You guys are too funny. No wonder Ron misses work so much :) Thanks for your support!

Sept. 28..just got home from the new school open-house. Wow they have worked so hard and the classrooms look great. Elle is excited about now having to carry all her books on her back from class to class now. (I bet her backpack weighed around 100 lbs...ha) Thank you all for your encouraging words tonight. The lLrd is good and you all are too!

The big going home date is Tue, the 30th. Elle reminded me last night at her 16th birthday party, that dad coming home will be the best present ever. I brought him some of her cake today. (see picture) Elle had fun doing therapy with him this morning by playing catch with nurf balls (thanks Debbie), (see picture). I walked with him outside without the wheelchair or walker. He even surprised me and went up two flights of steps, just him and I. We can truely make it now in our house. He is such a hard worker. We are so proud of him. The boys came home this weekend and moved furniture around in Johnny's room so we can live down here for a while. They even tightened up the banister, "cuz Dad will need that support alot and it has to be fixed!" Great to have men around the house again.

Home next TUESDAY! A month in the hospital, I haven't spent this much time in a hospital since my FP residency at Hinsdale in '86. While here, I've learned much about teamwork, patience and the power of positive influence (I'll do my best to retain and reapply learnings).

I've also relearned to climb stairs (18 steps is max so far), walk short distances without assitance, feed myself etc... I still haven't figured out how to get up off the floor, if/when I go down. (Upper extremeties are weaker than lower, distal weaker than proximal). Arms are gaining strength (left weaker than right), I'm not strong enough (yet) to wheel myself in a wheel chair for more than 20-30 feet. Plumbing works on demand;-)

Dayton Daily News interviewed me today, article tommorrow? (Never know about how an article turns out).

Support remains awesome, THANKYOU. Pam is my candidate for sainthood.

Second chances, such a gift.

rws

my sister Lynn

Sept. 22 We have power! Yah..finally after a week with no power. It feels like heaven taking a hot shower. It makes you really appreciate the little things like Ron said earlier. Ron is continuing to progress daily. He actially said today that he cant wait to get home. That means he's really starting to feel good. He walked in the hall without a walker and went up and down 8 steps. He's getting around in his wheel chair like a champ, going anywhere he wants in his room now. Yesterday when I came in his room he was sitting infront of his computer. He said proudly, "I got it out, set it up and turned it on all by myself." He's ready for work now...watch out...Ha.
Things are really looking up...Elle gets her car back tomorrow looking like new again, the insurance people are coming to assess the tree damage to the barn, and as of today, the pool is crystal clear (thanks for the electricity). We now have more wood for this winter than we may need. A big thanks to our neighbors Bill and Dave and Papa George.
Again, the Lord is so wonderful...thank you all for your continued love, support, cards, visits and food. We owe you all lots. Pam

I'm climbing stairs (3 steps), feeding myself all meals with a "real" fork (it aint pretty), empting the plumbing on a genuine porcelain throne (with 6 inch extension)... mm, mm life is grand.

Enjoy the simple things in life, I am (its currently about all i can handle).

A big shout out and thx to Dean Morris, who concieved, created and coaches this blog.

rws

Ron and Richard were looking forward to their annual fifty mile bike ride and breakfast in  Cedearville, Ohio on September 6. Ron, knowing that he has a tough time keeping up with Richard decided in secret to sneek in an extra 20 mile ride on Labor Day. Unfortunately, Ron met his match, a two inch ledge on the approach to a slippery bridge. Instead of cancelling the planned 50 mile ride Richard decided to take Ron on the ride in spirit. Hence the Ron Stout Tribute Ride. If you enjoy the pictures of this years ride plan on joining Ron and Richard on next years 50 mile ride!     

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I hope you enjoy the pictures "Richards Ride" as much as i do. Richard is a great friend and my most frequent riding partner over the past 10 years. My injury prevented me from personally joining Richard on our traditional "breakfast ride" (crosses the bridge I got "close and personal with). As you can see, he found a way for me "go along". Thx Richard!! rws

I want to thank all of you for the prayers and kindness, it really helps my recovery and frame of mind, to see how wonderfully your supporting Pam and the kids. My P&G friends, your card writing fools, THANKS, I appreciate each note, visit, gift etc...

I understand a little better now, the phrase "each journey begins with but a single step." As i prepared to take my first step, iwas somewhat fearfull. Looking at the other end of the parallel bars, I saw a young man with one leg, sweating profusely, take first one hop forward, then another. YES, I can. This is not a journey I would have chosen, but i embrace it and am fascinated by what I'm learning.

Best, rws

Wed, Sept. 17. We have been out of electricity for almost 3 days now so I have not been able to update this. I am here at work today, took a hot shower :) and trying to update this quickly.
Ron is continuing to improve daily. Thank you for all your continued prayers.
Yesterday when I went up to see him, he was sitting in the wheelchair and said, "Watch this." He transfered himself to the bed without and help. We all were so excited. He is feeding himself all meals now with this little contraption they strap to his hand. And...as you already read, the plumming is working. No more stright caths...Yah. He took his first shower in the shower chair yeaterday too.
Again, the Lord is so good. We are happy for all the improvements. The doctors say he will get to go home in 3 more weeks if all goes as planned. Will continue with PT and OT once home.
I wanted to thank my mother-in-love,Helena Stout, for all her dedication and time she has spent here with us helping. Ron's sister was here the first 23 hours wit him and his mom and dad came that whole first week, and mom has stayed here going on 3 weeks now. What a trooper she is. Love you lots mom!
And thank you all for your continued cards, visits, food, and pick-up (Dave Jiminez). He lent us that to clean up all the fallen trees on our property. Until later......Pam

the ''plumbing" is starting to work and i am typing with one finger;-) alls well! rws

Sept 13. It is sabbath, what a great evening. Was so special haveing all the kids in Elle's class over for vespers. The most incredible thing happened, my cell phone rang and it was Ron. He made his first call on his blackberry all by himself and it was to me :) He said his family all made it in from Michigan and they watched him in PT. He actually went up and down 5 steps. That is awsome because we have 2 steps in our house from the bedroom, familyroom to the kitchen. As he says, "nothing looks pretty yet, but he did it". We are truely on our way!
Lynn (Ron's sister) and I came up here early this morning and brought breakfast, McDonald's egg mcmuffin. He had a big scrubbing and actually got up on the bedside commode...everything works better sitting up vrs in bed, you get the picture... I learned yesterday how to transfer him all by myself. He is getting so strong. Progress, keeps me smiling!
Have a great Sabbath, and remember God is an awsome God. Thank you, Thank you!

Sept. 10. Hay bro, you are 50 today...how does it feel? I dont want to hear anything negative....you are in great health..Ha. Was good talking to you.
Ron had a good day. Actually fed himself Becky's delecious enchaladas with this neet gadget. As he says, "wasn't too pretty or anything, but he got the job done". He walked his usual 3 laps down the runway. Getting stronger every day. Praise God. Got more encouraging cards today. Thank you for your love and support. It keeps us going.

Just an FYI...Monday night 7ish, Elle's (our daughter) school caught on fire, so they have no school this week. She is enjoying more time with Ron at the hospital and just doing nothing. Will have a temporary location by Monday. Then later that evening on my way home from the hospital, waiting for the light to change infront of Graders Ice Cream shop, a drunk Harley Davidson driver decided to smash into the back of Elle's new Jeep Liberty. He went flying and smashed himself bad. I just sat there looking in the back mirror at this guy with blood running down his face...Lord, I really did not need this. He decided to run from the scene, knowing he was in deep doodo. They found him with sniffer dogs and put him in jail. The only good thing about it all is that he does have insurance. Ha.

Thanks for your prayers...will continue to keep you in touch. Love you all

Sept. 9, 2008 Ron had a great day. During his PT session this morning, he actually walked the length of the runway (13 steps) 3 times with rests inbetween. He is working so hard. His mom had goose bumps just watching him work. We are working on bowel and bladder control. Not that you wanted to know that. He put his right index finger and thumb together today for the first time. Only having slight movements with the Lt hand.
Again, thank all of you for your cards and calls. Every night I sit with him in his bed and read all the new cards that have arrived. It is so encouraging. What would we do with all of you. :)

Sept. 8, 2008 Wow, what a difference a few days make. Thank you all for your prayers, support, cards, food, the list goes on and on. We feel so loved.

He is now on the rehab floor with 3 hours a day therapy, OT, PT, and get this, recreational therapy. Yesterday, they got him up in a wheel chair for the first time and actually took some steps in the gym. He was jazzed. An old medical buddy, Randy Schell, came to visit and Ron was showing off for him. Was great to see him work and see progress. We are still working on the hands. The OT lady brought him a device to hook to his hands so he can start today plucking on his computer. Yah.

Thanks again for all your support. I truely know the meaning of the word angel now, (Bonnie). Pam

Rehab

add pictures

Sept. 5, 2008. Wow, what a journey. First, thank you all for your prayers and support. The Lord is good.

What Happened? Monday morning, the first, Ron went for a bike ride on the bike trail by Waynesville, and hit something on one of those old bridges and flipped over his handle bars and landed on the right side of his head, neck and shoulders. He was knocked out for a few minutes and when he came to, could not move from the neck down. His bike was still clipped in and on top of him. He told me yesterday that the sky on Monday was so beautiful. That was all he could do was lay there and look at the sky. A lady coming the other way found him and called 911 and me. The kids, friends and I met him in the ER at Greene Mem. Hosp. in Xenia. They did the x-rays, cat scans etc and were wonderful. (Thank you Bev, Kirk and Kyle for everything that day) They ended up transferring him to the Trauma center at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. His MRI confirmed a spinal cord injury with contusions (bruising) in 2 places. No severed cord, but pretty much no movement below the shoulders. He has spent the past 3 days in their ICU with every monitor you can imagine hooked to him. Yesterday they transfered him to the Neuro Trauma unit where they have continued working him over with PT, OT, Rehab plans, etc.

Today, Sept. 5, the only thing attached to him is his neck brace and the foley catheter. He's moving all extremities a little except his wrists and fingers but has sensation from head to toe :) He sat on the side of the bed but no walking. He is as ornery as ever and I love it...when that stops, I will truly get nervous. Thanks again 4 everything, prayers, cards, flowers, food, house cleaning etc. We love you all and will keep you informed. Keep the prayers coming....I see them working everyday!

Ron's recovery updates

Ron Stout