Long Time

 Sorry its been awhile since I posted, i don't have any excuse other than getting into my normal daily routine.  I dont think I will post very often as things get back to normal and I will be retunring to work soon.  i have been released from my physical/occupational therapy and now am under the ships surgeon direction.  He will decide when I can return to work.  I am also still taking Effexor which may prohibit me from doing some things on the ship.  My job is very regulated and they may not let me be on watch or even in the reactor plant while Im on that medication.  The ship is looking into that now. 

 

My brother was here this week and he flew out about an hour ago to return home.  i am ok by myself as I can do just about everything I did before.  My hands and legs are not as strong as they used to be yet but everyday they get stronger.  I am able to open my medications and bottles of water, two things that were kicking my ass before.  I also recieved my compression gloves today and started the 6 months to a year that I will be wearing them.  The new skin on my hands is like scar tissue so it grows in thicker, the compression gloves helps to prevent thickening of the skin which would make them harder to bend and stretch.

 

I still am planning on being home Feb 17-mar 5, and my work has been awesome with working around all that has happened to make sure I get back to 100% before I return to work. 

 

Like I said before my family has been unbelievable as well as my friends through all of this, and I couldnt have asked for more.  I will not be blogging much as its time to close this chapter.  Anyone and everyone is welcome to email me directly at my primary email of PJNAVY25@aol.

 

LOVE

 

PJ

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

Horrible picture

 Thanks heather for the horrible picture.  I guess if anything it shows how red I was before, now the skin just looks more tan in most areas.  I look much better in person trust me, and yes thank god i look the same.  My hands still look like they are badly sunburned but they are getting better and my strength is getting stronger im squeezing up to 60 pounds now from 15 pounds a few weeks ago.  I was telling heather today its amazing i couldnt even walk three weeks ago. 

 

I had therapy today and they bent the shit out of my fingers and strecthed the skin real good, its a good pain though.  They massage my hands and neck real good so im noc complaining.  the head doctor said today that it may take a year for my leg to get the feeling back in it though, i didint like the sound of that.  It doesnt bother me that its numb its just weird.

 

I have mental health appointment tomorrow and im going to ask if I can start weaning myself off of the effexor, its the last medication Im taking, beside the ambien which i took last night because of a nightmare but thats the first time in three days.  Ive been off the ATIVAN for about a week now and that was a hard one to drop, Ive never had to use the replacement for the ativan, because i didnt use it all.  The effexor is an anti anxiety medication also and i just hate being on medication so we will see what the doctor says.

 

My friends Rich and Mike from Montan get here in about an hour and Ed from San fran gets here tomorrow so i should have a whirlwind weekend, i just hope I can keep up.  My brother gets here tonight also and Heather leaves tommorow.  I really cant put into words how greta my family and friends are, thye have really rallied around me in a time of need.  I couldnt ask for better. 

 

Well ill write more tomorrow.

 

LOVE

 

PJ

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

He's BAAAAACK

Well, I am getting ready to go back home, and I can't wait to get into the HEAT! I looked forward to the time of the day to leave PJ's house and go to his therapy, not only because I get to see how much he has improved, but also because I can CRANK the heat up to warm myself. I got a good head cold while I was out here because there is no warmth in this house.

PJ is doing awesome. He is back to his normal self. Always cracking jokes, smiling, and messing with people. He has come such a long way. Last time I was out here he didn't know where he was. You can tell that all of the goofy drugs are out of his system. He is more patient, he's not repeating himself, he can sit still, and he is not taking his sleeping pill. WOW!

His burns look outstanding. He has "scarring" which consists of discoloration where they were. They are like a red color. I have a picture that I will post of him in his hat that Robert and I bought him. (He kept saying that he was cold, so we had to get a hat a scarf for him... )
It's good to have him back. I am sure Chris and he will stir up San Diego when Chris get here. They will have fun.

Now it is time to concentrate on Erin's wedding. The festivities start this Saturday. I can't believe my little sister is getting married in a few weeks.

Anthony, Lauren, Erica, and Shelly, I will see you Thursday and I can't wait to see you. Love and miss you all!


Heather

Freezing

 OK, ITS SOOO cold in my house!  I bought five space heaters when dad was out here but it hardly helps, this morning it was 53 degrees in my bathroom, do you know how that tile feels on your feet????  I know missouri is having ice storms but man its freezing in my house.  I lost like 30 pounds in the hospital so i have no meat to keep me warm anymore, im always freezing, ive never layered my clothes either but now I am long sleeve tees and all.  Coats and scarves, I cant wait for summer!!!  I think I lose so much heat from my burns the rest of me freezes.

 

Im sleeping much better everynight, hardly any dreams so im much better rested.  I found I stare at the clock in the evening worrying about what time it is and how late i am up and how long til i have to go to bed, so we covered up the clock so i cant stare at it, keeps me much calmer.  My leg is still numb, however it cramps from time to time.  But I must say my hands look wonderful.  Friday at occupational therapy I ran into Walt Templeton, who was standing next to me during the accident and he has skin grafts and man am i lucky his hands looked much worse than mine.  I hate to say that but it is how i feel.  He also has burns on his arm where his uniform was blown off and a burn on his leg.  We talked for a while and he said i had my hands in the cabinet which i didnt remember, so I continue to piece things together.  All in all it was good to see him and Im glad he is doing well.

 

Im not taking Ativan anymore, since last tueday so that is good.  It was the medicine Ive been trying to get off of since i was in Paradise Valley. However i have started the double dose of effexor, i think it makes my jittery and im wondering if i should just take one like i was the first week, but until i see the doctors i will keep up the dosage.  It is an anti-anxiety medication also.  I continue to use the ambien to sleep, but Im thinking of weening off of that also.  The last few nights ive been so alert at night though its the only thing that calms me down.

 

Well thats it for now my email address is PJNAVY25@aol.com  I know aunt elma is online now and its easier for me to email than write a letter.  Have a good week.

 

PJ

 

 

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

7:30 AM

 Well this morning I slept until 730am, i was awakened by Tori on the phone.  It was my third night without chasing dreams and I dont remember tossing and turning at all.  I feel very well rested.

 

Last night we enjoyed restaurant week here in San Diego, (once a year you can try the best restaurants for a set 3-4 course meal for 30-40 dollars)  Larry, Lynette, heather, Romel, Robert, My coworker becky, her sister and fiance and I all went to Rainwater's on Kettner.  It is one of the top ranked restaurants in the country and boy did it hold up to that reputation.  I had prime rib and man was it amazing.  From the portuguese soup, to the berry dessert, it was really a good time.

 

I am driving again, as much as my mom probably doesnt like it, I had to start again sometime.  I dont go alone and it feels good to be in control (im a control freak) again.

 

I had neurology yesterday and after getting pricked by a safety pin, which much of the time I couldnt feel, the doctor showed me right out of a book the exact nerve I have pinched.  He said it should work itself out and if not, then we would do electric shock testing in 4-6 weeks.  My hands continue to heal and my right hand looks almost normal.  There are no bad spots on my ear and my trach hole is healing like a belly button, I may have an "outy" on my neck soon.

 

Well that is all for now, just killing time, I have Occupational therapy today at 310 with a really good therapist who gives an awesome back rub. I can't wait.

 

Love

PJ

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

sleeping better

 Hello all,

 

Just a quick little post to bring everyone up to date.  I am sleeping through the night and not having crazy dreams.  I am on ambien, but ive been on it for awhile and was having nightmares up until the last few nights.  I can say I feel much better now that Im better rested.  I didnt have any appointments today so Heather , Robert and I went to coscto and the exchange, so she could get some navy stuff.  I drove today for the first time, have to start again sometime.  It felt pretty good.

 

Tomorrow I have neurology appointment to figure out why my leg is numb and then Occupational therapy wednsday and friday.  All in all im doing much better every day, still stir crazy and i dont know what I would do if I was home alone.  Thank goodness for my family.

 

PJ

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

Medications

 Well as some of you know I've been having anxiety issues in the evenings and havent been sleeping well.  Yesterday I talked to a psychologist and she said with all that has happened so fast, its no surprise I am having he anxiety and prescribed me a medication that will not effect my abbility to return to work and try to keep my mind at ease.  we will see how that goes.  My brain seems to race at night more than any other time and I am sleeping better but have some very busy dreams that keep me tossing and turning.  I am also taking ambien which helps but is not perfect as nothing is.

 

My right hand looks almost normal now, no longer looking sunburned (as much).  My left hand seems to swell more and is stiffer.  My left leg is still numb as well as my left toes, I see neurology on monday to figure that out.  My sister heather got here last night and her and Mom are passing the torch.  Mom was a big help this week getting to my appointments and helping me explain to doctors.

 

All in all everyday is another day and a better day, I cant really complain.

 

Love

 

PJ

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

THERAPY BEGINS

 Well, Happy New Year to everyone, hope you had a good celebration. I was lucky that just about all of my friends, TJ, MARIA, Arie, Steve, Jen, Romel, Larry, Lynette, Chad, Steve, robert and his family all came by through the night.  Tara was supreme hostess with her baked Ziti and vgeteable trays, she really made the party.

 

Today we start our physical and occupational therapies.  I have a nurse Russell who is the awesome Lady at Balboa appointment this morning at 9 and then an occupational terapy appointment at 1300.

 

Im bored more than anything.  I dont sit still very well and Im getting stir crazy.  I cant concentrate enough to read a book so we watch alot of TV visitors help to pass the time so please feel free to stop by.

 

LOVE

 

PJ

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

Happy New Year For Sure

Well, I can't say enough about the week I had with my Dad out here, I know I could not have made it to where I am without him here this week, Erin came and how I love my sister, now my Mom has the charge and boy is she doing great. I had forgotten that she had worked in a nursing home when i was younger, changing my bandages and cleaning out the burns on my ear is nothing she is a champ. I have appointments on Tuesday with the burn nurse, and occupational therapy that afternoon, then Wednesday morning I get the burn nurse dr. Russell again who is awesome and get fitted for compression gloves, which I think they did at UCSD already, but I keep forgetting to ask Alfreda(case worker at balboa) about it.

Well on this New Years Eve, my thoughts are hold those important to you, do whats right for you and dont forget to tell them you Love them. I am lucky in that my real family is just as strong as my second family. Big Guy makes me smile and laugh like no one else( I am crying as I write this); Romel and Ryan you guys are like my other brothers, I love you guys, Lynette is amazing as is Larry. I just say instead of a crazy party hold those important to you close. make sure they know you love them because you never know. I wish everyone a safe 2007.

Love PJ

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

nightmares prevail

 well, I am ome and that is great, however nightmares keep me up at night and make me anxious towards the end of an evening.  i am trying to beat them with an anti anxiety drug but i think its just going to take time.

 

pj

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

home

 Well we hit my goal.  I wanted to be home by friday, and I am I made some phone calls wednesday about 3 pm and stirred up the pot to put pressure on the doctors to get the Trachiotomty out and then get me released.  To say they were not Happy would be an underrstatement ; the Navy LT Hutton from Nimitz  especially was able to do in 2 hours what they couldnt do in 6 days.  Dad laughed at me cause i made one phone call and the phones were ringing off the hook.

 

so yesterday morning at 0630 i was dismissed from the rehab hospital to go to balboa hosp for Trach removal.  At the  general surgery clinic, DR. Kinsir had already set up with ENT clinic to pull it out, after much scoping through my nose with a camera.......very weird feeling they verified their was no scar tissue and pulled that LOSER out.  now i have an extra hole in my throat which is healing closed and until then all kinds of fun thins ooze out of it.  i can talk but I have to hold my hand over the bandage where the trach was. 

 

SO then we Met Alfreda Byrd my social worker and a great doctor names shelly williams who i have to go back for followups to get some compression gloves. 

 

I am home and spent the day at Target/SEARS/ lowes yesterday getting all the supplies i need and working on my endurance, nightmares still hound me but im moving forward.

 

LOVE  PJ WHO SLEPT IN HIS OWN BED LAST NIGHT

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

Making my Goal

 Well, we had the conference with the doctocrs and rehabbers and they all agreed im ready to go, however I can't leave with this trach stlll in.  i told them i was very frustrated that they couldnt find a doctor to remove a trach in 5 days.

 

well by about 3:15 they didnt have any answers yet so i made some phone calls, dad said i really stirred up  a hornets nest, but loook i want some kind of results. 

 

So I am being released this morning, where I will check into balboa walk in surgery clinic and they will remove the TRACH.

 

Ive reached all my goals this week now i just have rehab and working on my stamina

 

LOVE PJ

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

BIG DAY

 Lynette tells me I reallly need to spell check before I post, its not easy typing with grease and lotion on your fingers. JUST KIDDING!!!!!!  Ill concentrate harder and put out a good product.

 

Well activan and ambien my new best friends!!!  I am up early but i slept about 6 hours last night the most since arriving at Paradise Vallley rehab center (sounds like somewhere Nicole Ritchie or othere celebrity would go.

 

ON SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

the Trach doctor is supposed to be back today or they are going to ask for a consult.

we have a meeting witth all rehabbers and doctors at 11

doing the onsite of my apartment so i can be released.

 

Its a really big day, yesterday we did alot of physical and occupational therapy,  my legs are pretty tired today.  well wish us luck and well let you know how it goes.

 

LOVE PJ

 

 

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

PJ REPORTS

So last night i had a a battle with the medicine and lost, about 1930 I was hit with withdrawals so  badly, i never guessed withdrawals, was like yir mind going at 400 mph and not knowing wwhat you can do t appease it.    The way im looking at it now UCSD burn unit used some strong stuff to save my life, even though im against pills all together if i need some to be normal until my system is ready so be it.  I havent been sleeping well and the trach should come out tomorrow I may accept the ambien to get a goodnights sleep tonight.   I am one day at a time and things are still looking good for release by weekend.   Well enough for now.  Thanks to Everryone.

 

 LOVE PJ   

---

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.