April 2023 I underwent spinal surgery and fusion for a weakened quadriceps muscle in my left leg.
I was sent home from the hospital with arrangements for home health care to include physical therapy. First couple of weeks was making progress with standing and using a walker to move around my home. In about the third week my physical therapist noticed that my right foot started to drag.
I returned to the hospital to consult with the orthopedic surgeon about what was causing the drop foot. At the same time I developed extreme hypersensitivity in my left leg. I mean if you touched my left leg with your finger the pain would be unbearable. I was given an IVIG for 3days which actually helped reduce the hypersensitivity.
After a battery of tests including MRIs,CAT scans and spinal tap no one could tell me what was causing my condition. Orthopedic and neurological examinations couldn’t diagnose what had happened to me.
I was then transferred to a local nursing home for treatment and physical therapy.
All the time I was feeling like my condition was deteriorating. Which was confirmed on June 9,2023 when my left foot developed foot drop and my right leg started exhibiting weakness. Called 911 to get EMS to take me back to the hospital.
Nobody could again tell me what was happening to me. The doctors decided that acute physical therapy would benefit me. After one month of laying in a hospital bed with little to no physical therapy an effort was made to finally get me to a hospital that concentrated on acute physical therapy.
Spent 21 days at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains New York. Had PT 5 days a week 4 hours a day Monday through Friday and 2 hours on Saturday. The regimen basically was focusing on Occupational Therapy where I was taught how to transfer from the wheelchair to bed, commode, shower chair and vehicles. Also how to get myself dressed using a grabber and dressing stick. They did start some actual PT where they helped me to stand from the wheelchair to parallel bars. Somewhat successful but I could only stand by using my upper body. I was discharged with a wheelchair and arrangements for a hospital bed to be delivered to my home. That was in July 2023 and had home health care for a couple of weeks but the therapy at home wasn’t giving me any benefit. The OT therapist suggested that I would be a good candidate for a power wheelchair. I made arrangements for a representative from a national mobility service come to my home with a sample of the wheelchair recommended. I had no problem operating it. Had no problem with the orthopedic surgeon signing the paperwork and prescription. Now waiting for my medical insurance to approve it.
So now it’s October and I am in accelerated outpatient facility Gaylord Rehab in Wallingford CT with PT in a gym and also aquatic therapy. I find it difficult to get my legs and feet to cooperate as I have no feeling in either leg. I have to observe my steps in
The problem that arises now is I am in need of some sort of vehicle that can accommodate my wheelchair needs.
Financially having to pay out of pocket would be a burden seeing my mounting medical costs but getting funds donated or a good used vehicle donated to accommodate my needs would be greatly appreciated.
My name is Andrew. A good husband, father and grandfather. Never asked or thought of asking for charity until I have had this devastating experience.
Thank you for your listening to my story.
I love to compose short stories and poetry this is about my current Journey
My life’s lessons
have been filled with both joy and sadness
The things I focus on now leave me with a profound collective experience of all my lifetime
All wrapped up in a world that is confounding and comforting
The devastation of a youth injured and alone with emotions balancing on the cusp of why
Why me?
The teenager who’s fantasizing gave comfort to my reality
The young man who was robbed of his innocence by the real experience of death and war
Loves lost broken heart
The descending into a unreal world of chaos and despair disguised as acceptance
Waking one day to find an angel’s love of who I am exposed
Finding a partner to grow and nurture a new horizon
Experiencing the joyful journey into parenthood
The loss of loved one’s who left to continue their journey
Now having to share life’s sometimes painful misery with those who now rush to my side
I am so grateful even though it is so hard as my pride and despair are at odds
No explanation it is what it is
From the injured youth to the warriors lament
To the deliverance of a angel
Life’s journey and joys through parenthood
Dealing with everything that is put on the plate presented to me, good and disruptive
I now find respite in those who rally to my side
With out it my heart would turn cold and my words meaningless
