Salt water is not one of the worst things to aspirate. Pulmonary medicine has come a long way in recent years and from what you write he has really good docs and even better advocate's that care a great deal about his well being. Keep the Faith, Lou, and stay strong, for his family has a roller coaster of emotions they must ride before all is done.
Praying for him and the whole family. What a scary experience!
Ditto about travel insurance. My sister's MIL had a heart attack in Mexico. It was $13,000 for the medivac flight to get her back to the states.
I am glad that you have had some good news since the accident. I will keep Joe and the family in my prayers.
Thanks everyone. No changes as of yet today. They're doing IV antibiotics for the lungs. He is glad to be able to talk now, but not being able to move is very hard for him.....
I know the prayers from everyone mean a lot to the family - thank you, and please keep them coming.
Thanks everyone. No changes as of yet today. They're doing IV antibiotics for the lungs. He is glad to be able to talk now, but not being able to move is very hard for him.....
I know the prayers from everyone mean a lot to the family - thank you, and please keep them coming.
May I ask what they think is keeping him from moving? Is it swelling?
There was the trauma from getting hit by the mast - lots of swelling and bruising....and then the bone chip that lodged in his spine - which they did the surgery to remove. They are hoping that once that swelling goes down and the bruising dissipates that the feeling and movement will return. The Dr's have said he may not ever walk "normally" again, but they think he will be able to walk, possbily with a cane. We check in a couple of times every day to see if there has been any changes. Our son in law is going down this week to see him.
Can I ask if he is a veteran? If so, a VA hospital is THE best place to receive his type of physical therapy, when he is ready. (and I have faith he WILL be ready, all in due time, of course, not trying to tell Him His job,lolol)
Mini - thank you for asking, but no, he isn't a vet. Dodd Hall at OSU is a great place though - my SIL (Mitch) actually was there about 15 years ago after a motorcycle wreck (no helmet) It is odd that both brothers will have had to go there for rehab. They never thought Mitch would ever walk/talk - and he does, he is fine. It took a lot of time for him to get to where he is though, and it wasn't easy. He still has risidual (??) effects (seizures from the head trauma) but that is regulated with meds. He spent a year at Dodd after his motorcycle accident. These are the only 2 sons in this family, and it is just odd that both of them now have had such traumatic injuries. I know it is hard for Mitch to see his big brother hurting and not being able to do anything to help him. 
Please keep the prayers coming for Joe.
Loucinda wrote:-
The Dr's have said he may not ever walk "normally" again, but they think he will be able to walk, possibly with a cane.
This is what my brother has been told after an accident (at the end of January) at work on a building site. His back was broken in three places, broken ribs collapsed lung. He was operated on immediately to relieve pressure off his spinal cord. His spine has been pinned and plated and he is now getting around the ward in a wheelchair. But he has done marvelous in such a short space of time. He was told last week that they might discharge him in 6 weeks if he continues making this progress.
Its amazing what your body can cope with and what extent it can repair itself. I will keep Joe in my prayers right next to my brother.
Kez
Lucinda - Just checking in to see how Joe is doing. Still thinking and praying for you all.
Joe is still paralyzed. Kizrash - that is really good news, I hope he continues to progress!! I only hope this is the same for Joe. They are sending him to a rehab facility in Chicago instead of OSU. They say the place in Chicago is better for what he is going to need.
Please keep him in your prayers.....
Loucinda,
Keeping Joe in my prayers also....It has been a tough few weeks for everyone!!
Thinking of him, and praying for a full recovery!
Joe is still in Miami. He is slowly getting feeling back. He says it is like when your foot falls asleep (the prickly feeling you get) - his entire body feels like this all the time now. It is a GOOD thing, but extremely uncomfortable for him. He still cannot move, but the prickly feeling is everywhere - from just below his neck and down to his toes.
Please continue to pray for him - thank you!!
Me too..It's a good start...Hoping it won't be too long...
Joe moved two fingers today!! His index finger and his thumb on his right hand!! 
He will be making the move to the rehab facility in Chicago on Monday. Please keep him in your prayers! Things are looking better each week. Thank you to those who are offering prayers or good thoughts for him, they are very much appreciated.
How wonderful!! God is good. Will be keeping him in my prayers.
So happy to hear there is improvement! Will keep the prayers going!
So glad to hear there is at least movement.That is an excellent sign!!
Update on Joe....he is at the Rehabilitation Institute in Chicago, intense rehab. He is able to move his arms and legs - not enough to "control" the movement, but they are moving. His left leg moves uncontrollably quite a bit (all good signs!) He doesn't have enough strength to do anything, like turn over, but each week there is improvement. He is in great spirits.....his outlook on the situation is that what he is going through sure beats the alternative that could have happened.
Thank you again for keeping him in your prayers.
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