conference call

Today the entire Baldwin clan and everyone involved in Jimmy's care were able to connect through a conference call and hear the medical staff discuss his current health and prognosis. Janelle listened from Fowler, Clayton from Sidney and Joy and Jeff from up north. Luke was there at Craig with Jimmy along with Soda and Jim Sr. Every doctor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, nurse and psychologist were present to fill them in (except for his neurosurgeon in Boulder, who does not have privileges at Craig).

Medically, Jim is in great shape. His vitals are excellent. The blood clots are a concern, but they will take at least a couple of weeks to dissolve. The staff is aware and is on top of those.

The psychologist reports that Jimmy is in sound mental shape. He's not depressed and has an optimistic attitude. The entire staff has witnessed his desire for independence and his willingness to set goals and attain them. They would like him to move to the East Wing of the hospital as soon as possible, where patients have more room and can take bigger steps towards independence. And, of course, there will be more room for "activities" (Step Brothers, anyone?) as the doc commented on the frequent concerts that Jimmy and Luke put on and how the East Wing will provide them more space.

Jimmy will be having another MRI soon - one of his LEAST favorite parts of this entire journey. Thank God for sedatives! He also will visit his neurosurgeon this week.

The current prognosis is still listed as "unknown". In my own opinion, I suppose that is better than being told there is no room for improvement. Just leaves more room for God to work and for Him to heal Jim as He sees fit. The doctor also noticed Jimmy's immense web of family and friends that he has seen visiting and caring for him. This support is a definite plus that will ensure health and optimum well-being. Thank you for reading, for calling, for visiting, for sending cards and posting kind words - mostly for your prayers!

four-legged surprise

Janelle made a disappointing couple of days feel a lot better last night (along with help from friends Bobby and Shyla - supreme doggy daycare friends!) They arranged to bring Jeb, Kate, Mick and Pete to see Jimmy yesterday! Considering all the factors that went into planning this, it was fairly miraculous that they got to see their favorite dude - the dogs had to make the trip with Bobby and Shyla from Colorado Springs; Jimmy had to convince the nurses to let him out of bed, in spite of his blood clots; Janelle had to play along, knowing that the dogs were on their way yet not knowing if the nurses would give Jim his freedom. Jimmy loved the surprise and told me that Kate spent the whole time on his lap.

He was pretty wiped out last night, but it does look like the swelling in the leg from the blood clots is going down. The good news is that the clot is in the lower portion of the leg and they are hoping through medication and bedrest to dissolve it before it goes anywhere. Jim is anxious to get back to therapy so that he can make the most of his time and continue getting stronger.

small setback

Today like most is a different day! This morning therapy was hard but Jimmy did as always, Tuff Tuff and very determined. I learned as well things I need to improve daily. They gave me permission to do transfers with him so not as many techs to deal with. The not so good news is he has blood clots in one leg which put in back on his back for 24 hours. I will be here to watch some movies to help with the time as he will be very ready to get in his chair so he can go outside. Thanks to all for your continued prayers.

thank you

Thank you friends and family especially Spicer gang for all you know that you have done i will never be able to show you what it truly means to me and my family. Also, thanks for the daily visits from Soda, Rory, Torrey, Manchego Boys, TW Stites, VanHees, and anyone else I may have forgotten in my drugged state. The other thing I would like to thank everyone for are all of the many prayers, and generous gifts you've given. I really, really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules to let me know just how much you care! I'll do my best to see you soon ON MY FEET!

Thank You,
Love Jimmy

to give thanks

As I write this, Jimmy is probably on his way north to the Spicer house in Erie to celebrate Thanksgiving! It has been amazing to watch how motivated he is to get "signed off" from the staff at Craig to do the things that fuel his soul. The first episode came last week when he got signed off to go outside. He showed that with help from family, he can transfer from bed to a chair, from the chair to the couch, etc. This was huge, since we all know how much he prefers to be outside rather than in. He was able to spend the weekend with the friends and family that came to visit, even grilling some kabobs and hanging out in the apartment they've provided for Janelle and the rest of the bunch. It felt familiar and good.

Today is another milestone - transferring to a car. Janelle, Luke, Joy and Jimmy's dad will be bringing him up in Jeff's car and he gets to spend the ENTIRE day away from Craig! And how awesome that it is a glorious, blue-sky Colorado day here!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Thanks for the prayers, the cards, the visits, the phone calls, the posts.....keep 'em coming!!!!

the hospital journey

Jimmy spent 8 days in the ICU at Good Samaritan Exempla Hospital in Lafayette, CO, while they monitored his progress following the surgery. Each day brought new challenges and new realizations about the severity of his condition. Typical for hospital stays, many medications were administered to control pain and to elevate blood pressure to promote spinal healing. A decision was made one week following surgery to go back in and replace the screws used in fusing T5 and T6. Normally, large screws are used for a large guy, but they were concerned because of his intense upper back pain and because of the location in the thoracic area. That surgery went well and the next morning, he was transported to Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Englewood, CO. This was a huge blessing, as Craig has a reputation for the being the leader for spinal cord and brain injury patients in the U.S. The fact that they accepted him with their extremely rigid criteria and that they accepted his insurance is a huge blessing.

Within the first two days of evaluating his condition at Craig, Jimmy was presented with a goal of staying there until January. While this is not the news any of us wanted or had considered, it is what it is. During his time there, he will be working with physical therapists and occupational therapists. This is grueling, exhausting work. But if there's anyone that can persevere, it's Jimmy Baldwin. We continue to pray for his strength and disposition during these coming weeks.

how it began

Jimmy underwent back surgery on November 9, 2009 to alleviate neurological problems due to a herniated disc in his thoracic spine. He is now recovering from a spinal contusion, which has caused limited mobility in his right leg and no mobility in his left leg. While he continues to feel sensation in both legs, it is our prayer that the ability to move his left side will return. He is working hard in rehab to become as strong as possible to return to the life he loves - his family, friends, and the outdoors. Please join us in praying for his recovery!