Day 104-110

This week has been filled with a lot of testing and evaluations by therapists. Joe has also had an EEG, MRI, and CT scan. Tomorrow we will be in conference with all the medical staff and therapists for their final evaluation before we travel home Thursday.

We had a conference last week with Dr. Weintraub and Victor Towle. We were shown Joseph’s MRI. Dr. Weintraub explained that the trauma to the brain was the right frontal lobe which was evident when we viewed the MRI. This area of the brain controls judgment, problem solving, and reasoning. Without professional help, Dr. Weintraub feels that Joseph could get stuck in this phase. Mr. Towle and Dr. Weintraub are recommending that we take Joe to a center that can assist greatly in getting cognitive skills to an adult level. We will be meeting with a representative from a center in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area, and a rep from Bakersfield, California, Wednesday and Thursday here in Denver.

One of our favorite memories that we will be able to take home with us, is getting to be with some of our family while we are so far from home. It has been great getting to visit with our cousin Adam and his lovely wife Erin. It has also been a joy to worship at their church, Landmark Tabernacle. Joseph felt that the Lord gave him a special touch of faith and strength last Sunday morning. We are so grateful for the hope that God continues to give us every step of the journey.

David, Mona, & Jennifer

Day 97-103

We arrived Tuesday in Denver and took a tour of Craig Hospital’s facilities. On Wednesday, Joseph was admitted, and we met with his case manager, Victor Towle. We also spoke with Joe’s rehab doctor, Alan Weintraub. Dr. Weintraub explained that their first priority was to get an assessment by speech, physical, and occupational therapists. He also wanted to do a medical evaluation with CT, MRI, EEG, etc.

This year marks the one-hundredth year for Craig Hospital, and our arrival was right in the middle of their week-long Century celebration. All the rehab doctors had their own team of patients and medical staff who competed against each other for points. There were lots of activities in which to participate. Scavenger hunts, karaoke, trivia questions, etc. all earned points for your team. Joseph was right in the middle of all the festivities, and was the life of the party. He was awarded a blue ribbon on his team for having the most team spirit.

Joseph loves all the nurses and techs who work on his floor. He likes to go to the nurses station to chat. Several times I could hear laughter at the station and found that Joe was right in the middle of the party.

Joseph is really responding to his therapy, and he has met a lot of the staff and patients here. He has a special compassion for the people he has met, and has spent time praying with and for many who are in a much more difficult place than he is now.

We send our love to all of you, our friends and family. Some have requested Joe’s address in Denver. Send correspondence to:

Craig Hospital, Attn:Joseph Trantanella, 3425 S. Clarkson Str., Englewood, CO 80113

David, Mona, & Jennifer

Day 90-96

This week has been a very exciting and busy week. Last Wednesday afternoon we were informed that Joseph had been accepted at Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Craig Hospital is one of the top head trauma and spinal chord injury therapy centers in the world. We were further informed that they wanted to admit him the following Wednesday to conduct tests, evaluations and start intensive therapy.

Joseph has spent the past week spending special time with friends and family before our flight to Denver. Mom and dad are tagging along, and Jennifer hopes to join us soon.

We are unsure at this point how long we will be in Denver. Once Joe is admitted, they will run tests and assess where he is, and what Craig Hospital can do to get him to the next level.

We thank God for this opportunity for further improvement.

David, Mona, & Jennifer

As we stated in our update last week, we have been looking into a specialized rehab center for head trauma patients. We are still in the process of working all the details out, but Joseph may be headed to Denver, Colorado soon.

A lot of our friends and family that do not see Joseph every day as we do, have expressed that every time they see him, he seems stronger and better.

We were able to experience this for ourselves in a very real way this past week. Two weeks ago, David took Joe into our bonus room to do some bench presses. Joseph was only able to bench press forty-five pounds with a little help from his dad. This week David added ten pounds without telling Joseph, and he did six reps with ease. David then added ten pounds to which Joe did another six reps with ease. Joseph’s last set was six reps of seventy-five pounds! Wow, what an amazing difference in just two weeks. We are blessed beyond measure!

David, Mona & Jennifer

Day 76-82

(Tuesday)  We met with a representative of a rehab center that works specifically with head trauma patients.  They do intensive therapy which would be very beneficial in helping Joseph to get stronger and more integrated into adult life.  We talked it over with Joe, and he is excited about how much this could aid him in the healing process.  If we decide to do this, we may be leaving the state for a month or two.

(Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) Joseph was able to participate in our annual Easter drama, Now Behold the Lamb, presented by our church.  Wednesday evening was the final dress rehearsal.  Thursday and Friday nights were the actual performances.  When we first discussed the possibility of Joseph acting in one of the scenes, he was expected to be appearing in a wheelchair.  But through the miraculous power of God, Joseph has been walking for several weeks, and walked into the auditorium completely on his own.  One of our dear friends at church said she just wanted to get up and wave palm branches and march with Joseph.  Some of the youth that Joe went to Apostolic Christian School (Knoxville) with, said they came specifically to see Joe’s performance in the drama.  The drama was very compelling and powerful,and beautifully presented.

(Sunday)  Easter Sunday was a great day to celebrate.  Because of our precious Savior’s sacrifice, we can receive salvation and healing for our bodies.  Joseph told me that he felt such a strong presence of the Lord ministering in the services.  We are so abundantly blessed.

David, Mona & Jennifer

(Tuesday)  Today was Joseph’s first day of out-patient therapy.  He was given a comprehension test.  His therapist said that Joe scored the highest she had seen so soon after the head trauma he had suffered.  She said he was already at a college level. What a great birthday gift.  God is so good!

This evening family gathered to celebrate Joseph’s twenty-third birtday.  It was beautiful being able to celebrate Joseph’s life with our loving family gathered around.

(Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)  One of the many blessings that we can be thankful for this week is the fact that Joseph has needed very little pain medicine.

Friday, we started extending our walks to seven-tenths of a mile, twice a day for a total of 1.4 miles per day.

(Sunday)  Today was Joseph’s first Sunday to be back in church since the accident, and what a wonderful day it was!  Everyone greeted him with hugs and lots of excitement.  There was even a special time in the service for our church family to give a testimony about what his healing has meant in their life.  Joseph said that he felt so blessed from the very first song that was sung.

Our church family has been amazing throughout this whole experience.  Their prayers, love, support, visits to the hospital, food, etc. has been more than we could ever have imagined.  We love you Eagle Bend Apostolic Church.

David, Mona & Jennifer

(Tuesday)  This morning Joseph woke up in a lot of pain.  It was difficult trying to get the pain under control.  Dr. Abel did warn us that it would take Joe a couple of weeks to get back to where he was last Monday before he had the surgery.  Overall he is doing far better than we expected.  He was not even walking on his own last Monday.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen.”  Ephesians 3:20-21

(Wednesday)  Another good day of physical therapy at home for Joe.  He walked about eight tenths of a mile and did some core exercises.  Aunt Mimi (Maria) finished up the day with a soothing foot massage.  We are truly blessed!

(Saturday) Joseph came home around noon. Amy Mason was kind enough to meet us at her shop, and finish the haircut the pre-surgery “hairstylist” had started. Joe also attended Hannah Gillette’s birthday party. He had a great time but tired quickly.

(Sunday) Joseph walked for the first time by himself! (He was always shadowed by dad.) He had a really good day. He had lots of visitors, and that really lifted his spirits.

(Monday) Today was unbelievable! Joe walked about 3/8 of a mile without any help. He is still supposed to be using a wheel chair. He followed that up with several exercises. Joseph also got cleaned up and dressed without any assistance. He ended the evening with a rewarding trip to Outback, where he ate shrimp and prime rib. It was a very exhausting day, but he did great.

David, Mona & Jennifer

Wednesday afternoon surgery started at 4:13PM, and was over before 5:00PM. After the surgery, Dr. Abel informed us that the fluid could either be spinal fluid or just some fluid caused by excess scar tissue. If there was a lot of fluid in the next few days, another procedure might be necessary.

(Thursday) One of the many miracles in this whole experience has been Joseph’s upbeat attitude. But in a rare moment, yesterday morning, Joe’s spirit was sagging. With a tear on his cheek, he told his Grandmother he needed a friend. It had been a tough week. Within a couple of hours, he was back to his old cheerful self, in spite of some lingering pain from surgery.

Today, Dr. Abel removed the drain and informed us that the fluid on his brain was not spinal fluid. This is great news. He also stated how pleased he was with Joseph’s progress, considering that he was minutes away from dying the night of the accident. He plans to let Joseph go home tomorrow. We are so blessed that all is well once again. Thanks to our church family and all our friends for your prayers this week. It cannot be overstated that prayer changes things! Thank you Lord. You are truly our strength and our healer.

David, Mona & Jennifer

Day 55 & 56

9:15am
Yesterday, Joseph’s CAT scan showed that there is some excess blood and fluid on his brain. Dr. Abel said that he wanted to keep a close eye on it because, if it didn’t get better, Joe would have to go in for surgery again. They took him down for another CAT scan this morning. Afterwards, we were informed that it didn’t show any improvements, so he will have to have a second operation. They will take him around 1:00pm to prepare him for his 2:00pm surgery. Dr. Abel will drill a hole through Joseph’s skull to drain the blood and fluid and relieve the pressure. Joe is still in a lot of pain and his head is very swollen from his surgery two days ago. We were expecting that he would get to go home today but now, because of the complications, it will probably be more like Monday before he is released. Please keep him in your prayers as he goes through another procedure today.

David, Mona & Jennifer

Day 54

Today was the day that Joseph had been anticipating, in hopes that his surgery would bring an end to the excruciating headaches. Joe sang as they wheeled him to surgery. God has kept him strong, and he has maintained a positive attitude. Dr. Abel spoke with us after the surgery (around 12:45 PM), and informed us that Joe was doing well.

Joseph woke up right after surgery and stayed awake until around 7:30 PM. It took most of the day to get his pain under control. It was a very difficult time seeing him in so much pain, but we are thankful he made it through. He is resting now and doing well. The Lord has brought Joe through another big hurdle today, and we praise God for keeping His hand upon Joseph once again.

David, Mona & Jennifer

Day 52 & 53

Joseph spent the day at home yesterday and enjoyed visiting with the different people that came to see him.  He wanted to go to church today, but because he is still having bad headaches and is in such a fragile condition, we told him that it would be better to wait.  He will go in to UT Medical Center for his surgery tomorrow morning at 8:30.  If things go as planned, he will spend the first night in the Surgical Critical Care Unit and the second night in a regular room.  Dr. Abel said that the operation should help tremendously with his headaches.  Please pray that Joe’s surgery goes well and there are no complications.

David, Mona & Jennifer

9:00pm
Joseph was released from Fort Sander’s today at 6:00pm! When we arrived, he was surprised to see many family members waiting in the yard to welcome him home. He stayed up for a while to talk to everyone and to eat dinner. He is very tired from all of the excitement and has already gone to bed. He is sleeping at home in his own bed for the first time since January 17th. He will go back in for out-patient rehab 3 days a week for right now. This Monday he will be taken to UT Medical Center where Dr. Abel will put the piece of his skull back in place. He will probably be there for a couple of days and then be released to go back home.

Joseph said that he would still love for people to come see him, since he won’t be able to leave the house much besides to go to his therapy. Just give us a call if you would like to come by! Here are our numbers: Home 938-3180, David 599-8169, Mona 599-8174, Joseph 599-8178 and Jennifer 599-8179.

Love,
David, Mona & Jennifer

Today was another rewarding day in rehab. In spite of the headaches, Joseph usually chooses to work through the pain. We also met with one of Joe’s rehab doctors, and she said she saw no reason for him to stay at Patricia Neal any longer. They plan to release him tomorrow evening. JOSEPH IS COMING HOME!

“I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.” Psalm 9:1-2

Tuesday, Joseph was given a different type of wheelchair and his therapist requested that he begin wheeling himself from place to place. Jennifer took videos today of Joe walking with even less assistance than yesterday.  We continue to be amazed and thankful for the Lord’s healing power.  We are also grateful for the great care Joe has received at the Patricia Neal Rehab Center.  From the doctors, nurses and techs, to all the wonderful therapists, the folks who work here really care, and are passionate about rehabilitating their patients.

Today, it was a true joy to see Mary Kiser (14 years old) entering the rehab area.  About six weeks ago, we met Mary’s parents waiting outside UT’s Surgical Critical Care Unit.  Her mother informed us that Mary was not supposed to live through the night.  We put Mary’s name on our website, and began to agree together with her parents for a miracle.  Thanks to all who have been sending up prayer for Mary.  We thank God for sparing her life, and bringing her this far.  We know that the Lord is going to continue to heal her.

David, Mona & Jennifer

If you would like to see Joseph, he is in the Patricia Neal Rehabilitaion Center in Fort Sanders Regional Hospital in downtown Knoxville.  He is on the fourth floor in room 460.  It is best to come in the afternoon and evening because he is in rehab until around 2:30-3:30 Monday-Friday.  He doesn’t go to rehab on Saturday and Sunday.  The hospital doors are locked every night at 9:00pm.  Besides being somewhat hindered by headaches he has been having, he is usually in good spirits and really enjoys visitors.

Much progress has been made over the weekend.  Joseph’s calorie count has gone up dramatically.  The rehab doctor was so pleased that they ended up removing his feeding tube this morning.  Another marked improvement is in physical strength.  Each day, Joe is stronger and walking a little bit better.

Sunday was a blessed day.  Like last Sunday, Joseph attended the service held in the rehab recreation room.  He testified that he had been in a head-on collision, and that he should be dead, but God had prepared the way for him that day.  The surgery room was prepared and the neurosurgeon was in the ER when he arrived.  As Joseph worshipped and praised God, there was not a dry eye in the service.  To God be all the glory, honor, and praise!

Thanks for the continued support and prayers.  It’s working!  Also, thank you for checking in on Joe’s progress.  We will be posting updates on Monday’s, Wednesday’s, and Saturday’s for the time being.  God bless you all.

“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.”  Psalms 3:3-4

David, Mona & Jennifer

Day 44

Joseph has not had much of an appetite, so we have been searching for any food that would entice him to eat.  So far Mamaw’s mashed potatoes and Patty Deason’s applesauce have been a big hit with Joe.  He will continue to be fed through a feeding tube until he is able to eat more calories on his own.

At lunch time Joseph was having another horrible headache.  It looked like he might miss another afternoon session of therapy, but he rested through speech therapy, and was able to attend therapy the rest of the afternoon.  Joe had the therapists in stitches with his dancing pig (a gift from Jennifer for Valentine’s Day).  He ended up having a great day of therapy.

Day 43

Today may have been the most physically active day for Joseph yet.  It started with Joe’s first ride in a car since the day of the accident.  A visit to Dr. Smith’s office confirmed that it was time to start putting weight on his right leg.

During his visit with Dr. Smith, Joseph developed another severe headache, so we decided to see Dr. Abel, the neurosurgeon, while we were out.  Dr. Abel explained that Joseph is having low pressure headaches which are somewhat rare, but can occur with head trauma.  A low pressure headache is the same pain intensity as a migraine.  Because the headaches are interfering with his therapy progress, Dr. Abel has decided to do surgery to put Joe’s skull back on Monday, March 12.

After such an active morning and a rip-roaring headache, Joe was allowed to rest for the afternoon.  It has been six weeks since Joseph’s accident and today he took his first steps across his hospital room with a lot of help from David and I!  We are grateful for each new victory that God has given to us.