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Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

This blog is a record of events in the life of Joseph Taggart and his family since his spinal cord injury while body surfing in Guatemala in January 2006.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

ICU in Respitory ICU-- Wednesday 1/25/06 7:30 PM

Charming the nurses and trying to stay cool enough (or warm enough) is a full time job. Between rehab workouts here in Respiratory ICU, Joseph is helping train all the staff in the new speaking valve for the respirator. It works really well and Joseph enjoys being able to talk while it's on. . . but it does take some work. They did a bronchioscopic proceedure today that let them look into the bottom of his lungs. They found a giant glob (blog backwards? :) of junk in the left lung that is good to have out. They also did a first attempt at sitting upright in a chair (of sorts). That was really a pain! But he did it, even if he did end up with a collapsed lung for a few minutes. . .

Mom & Dad have so many people helping, supporting, working and praying to help, it is really inspirational. We are trying to figure out how to fix up the house for when Joseph comes home (average 4-6 weeks after entry into rehab). We have neither bedroom or bathroom on the main level . . . hummmmm.

Dad had a good visit with Dale Hull, a local OB/GYN who broke his C-5 vertebrae (like Joseph) jumping on the trampoline. It took months and several surgeries but he has use of arms and legs and now specializes in helping spinal injury patients.

This is a long term process of endurance, education, and hard work with all things dependant on the Lord's blessings. We are so grateful for Joseph's fantastic attitude, the love, support and prayers of so many, and the Lord's goodness to us. Please know our family and Joseph are praying for you as well.

5 Comments:

Blogger Gym Rat said...

Wow, this is so much work. I admire your attitude and perserverance. Glad you are doing well (all things considered), and pray for your continued improvement. Hugs,

Jan 25, 2006, 8:51:00 PM  
Blogger Gym Rat said...

Hey, I'm glad I came back--photos were added! You are looking great, kiddo!

Jan 26, 2006, 5:26:00 AM  
Blogger Stephanie (Record) Davis said...

Joe it is so hard to see you with all those machines hooked up to you. But you look good, I miss you and all the fun times we all had together.
Stephanie

Jan 27, 2006, 8:18:00 AM  
Blogger rcoachman said...

Looks like things are progressing! Keep up the good work. I tried several times to get in to see you but was barred by the white coats. Maybe next time I'm at the hospital. I have a hammer to help with the home remodel.

Jan 27, 2006, 4:39:00 PM  
Blogger Kevin & Sheri Schmidt said...

Hi Joe-
You look so good! You still have the same bright smile I remember as a kid, even if that smile was a bit mischievious at times! Keep up the faith, you're an amazing example! We're praying for you and your family here in Arizona!

Jan 27, 2006, 10:01:00 PM  

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