June 16
Gabriel continues to work out at Project Walk. He understands that recovery from his injury is a life long process, and he is dedicated and persistent. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are Project Walk workout days. Gabe puts everything into the workouts, and he needs the days of rest in between to recover his energy.
The Project Walk trainers told him that the workouts would increase his muscle spasms. Traditional rehabilitation doctors medicate to stop the spasms, because they are uncomfortable. At Project Walk, spasms are believed to be symptoms of a nervous system attempting to recover, and they are used to trigger muscles to activate. Gabe's spasms have been increasing, and he is getting stronger.
On most workout days we don't see discernable progress, but every once in a while there is a breakthrough. Last week, Gabe had such a day, and for the first time he activated his lower abdominal and back muscles.
Gabe has also learned some practical things, like how to hold a glass, so that he can drink without help. He is also able to play Texas Hold 'Em, which is a necessity!
Gabe's oldest brother Matthew has come up from
Jamie/Dad
June 2, 2007
As we were leaving the Rehab Wing at the University of Washington, an announcement went over the loud speaker: "Gabriel Twining is leaving the floor!" The doctors, nurses and therapists lined the hall on either side and threw confetti, cheered, laughed, and cried as Gabe rolled down the hallway and out of the hospital that has been our home for the past two months.
We drove Gabe to Portland and found an extended stay place which was supposedly wheelchair accessible, but didn't turn out to be. The next night we found a better place, and a few days later we landed at our summer digs at 207 Haggerty Hall on the University of Portland campus, where Gabe hopes to stay for fall semester while he continues with his rehabilitation.
After Gabe's first three sessions at Project Walk, he has already made progress. During the third session he initiated movement in his left hip flexor! This is the first movement we've seen below the waist. For us, this seemingly small thing is cause for celebration. With God's grace and Gabe's determination we expect more improvement to come.
To all of Gabe's friends at the University of Portland, Sacred Heart, Assumption, Sehome, and the Bellingham community at large: you have been nothing short of incredible. Together with your friendship, support, and prayers you are helping to bring about a new life for Gabe, filled with healing and promise. We as a family feel so blessed to receive the compassion that you have shown us.
Jamie/Dad
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Just one week left at UW Medical Center. While Gabe's time there has definitely been well-spent, focusing on his recovery, he can't wait to get out of the hospital environment....
There has been a slight change of plans for Gabe's summer- and now he is planning on attending Project Walk in Beaverton, OR. We just learned that Gabe will be working with some of the premier physical trainers in the nation who have helped to drive some amazing results for other outstanding people with Gabe's same injury. Visit www.projectwalk.org to check out some of the other clients currenly enrolled in the program.
For all you Seattlites/Bellinghamsters hoping to see Gabe before he leaves- this coming Wednesday, May 23rd, will be his official last day at UW. Also, we just want to send another HUGE thanks to everyone that has already visited (or those of you who visit EVERY WEEK-- you know who you are ;-) You just don't know how much it really means to all of us- and how much Gabe appreciates having you around. You bring variety to a monotonous environment- no small task, and we are certainly grateful.
He's really looking forward to being in Portland- it's were he went to school, and it was just starting to feel like a second home to him before his accident. A few of his friends will be around for the summer, so hopefully he'll stay busy with more than just intense rehabilitation.
He will be living in Portland with his mom, and then dad every few weeks. We'll post more specific information once the housing details have been finalized- but for now, wish Gabe luck as he embarks on this next phase of his recovery!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Happy Cinco de Mayo!!
This week we got some fantastic news....
Gabe has officially been accepted to Project Walk (http://www.projectwalk.org/). The aggressive rehab treatment center in Carlsbad, CA is specific to patients with spinal cord injuries- so Gabe will be surrounded by great people, all fighting similar battles.
Gabe is really excited to begin his treatment right away and will be heading south for the summer in early June.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
ATTENTION Bellingham-sters!
Ryan Stiles (Celebrity comedian of "The Drew Carey Show" and "Whose Line is it Anyway") will be hosting an Improv Performance for Gabe on April 23, 2007 at 7:30 PM! Details below and we hope to see you all there!
What: Improv comedy night with Ryan Stiles- all proceeds go directly into the fund for Gabe's recovery
Where: WWU Performing Arts Center Main Stage
When: Monday, April 23 at 7:30 PM
How: Tickets are $25 and you can now purchase tickets online throughTickets.com or mail check to:
WWU Box Office, Western Washington University MS 91909BX, Bellingham , WA 98225
Any questions? Email stephanie@gabrielsfaith.org
"Laughter is the best form of medicine. For when we laugh, we neither think, grieve, or feel."
- Eugene Lam
We hope you'll join us for a evening of laughter and celebration for all the joy Gabe brings.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I wanted to give everyone the web site for the Ryan Stiles benefit tickets www.tickets.wwu.edu
this takes you directly to the box office.
Nothing too exciting to tell today, at the moment they are casting him for his tenodesis splint, I can't really explain what that is or if I even spelled it correctly. It's for his left hand, since he is left handed we'd like to keep him that way, but his left wrist and arm are weeker than his right. This splint will enable him to do more with his left hand while he's building his strength.
Happy Easter! (Sunday, April 8)
Gabe is down in physical therapy (PT) with his siblings. He usually gets Sundays off, which he likes, but today they decided to work him some more. His shoulder muscles are very sore since he uses them for just about everything as his body tries to find news ways to do things. He works a couple of days a week in his manual chair, but until he gets stronger, 30 minutes a day is about all his body can handle. His left arm is gradually getting stronger, but his OT (Occupational Therapist) says it's probably a week or two behind the right arm. He is getting better at balancing and holding himself in an upright position on a bed. Small improvements every day- that's the name of the game.
Happy Easter everyone! Keep praying for a miracle!
Wednesday, April 4
The injury happened one month ago today...crazy.
Gabe has shown more progress through the weekend and even more early this week. He has really been working hard- which is tough on his body as it is still trying to recover. Yesterday, he tried out a manual wheelchair for the first time! He had to use a chest strap as his core isn't strong enough to fully support him in a sitting position- but he was able to be in the chair for almost 1/2 an hour- which is really amazing considering his injury is only a month old (although, we never expected him to be anything less than amazing.)
His tricep strength continues to grow and in PT he's learning to balance and support himself while sitting- lots of core strength being worked on.
Keep those prayers coming! Gabe is proof that God is listening to all of you!
Friday, March 30
Yesterday, Gabe got to go outside for the first time since he's been at UW. He's got his electric wheelchair moving around and hopefully- that will be a manual chair soon enough- just gotta get those fingers working!
His dad is actually taking him out to dinner right now- Mexican food sure beats hospital food.
We're looking forward to seeing everyone who's coming on Saturday.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Gabe's doing awesome this week. He's gaining strength in his arms through physical and occupational therapy and dealing well with the hospital atmosphere. Still no hand movements, but his spinal swelling still has a long way to go- so there is absolutely still hope for that.
They got him in an electric wheelchair yesterday and he will be fitted for a manual chair likely within the week.
He really appreciates all the comments on the site, as well as all the prayers, so keep 'em coming.
Friday, March 23
After the Thursday update, Gabe ate dinner by himself! It was so great to see! Because Gabe's right hand is currently stronger than his left, whenever his therapists want him to try something new (like lifting a fork)- they put the brace on his right hand to try. Well, Gabe is left handed, so trying to operate a fork with his right hand was extremely difficult. We thought we'd try using the (weaker) left hand yesterday and the difference was amazing. Gabe was able to lift and coordinate the fork great- so we won't try to force him into being right handed ;)
He's got another full house tonight- lots of people hanging out in the hospital. Because he's being doing so well with his current physical therapy regimen, the doctors have increased his daily PT by about 1/2 hour every day. Being an athlete, Gabe appreciates the challenge.
Thursday, March 22
Gabe has been sleeping a lot today- probably due to an intense physical therapy session this afternoon. He his really enjoying being more active here at the rehab center- it’s so much better than just “laying there” like he was doing back in Portland. He’s had an influx of visitors- which is also great because it helps him pass the time. Thanks so much to everyone who has been stopping by- we’ve all loved seeing you!
There is a bit more (physical) good news today. When Gabe was brought in to UW, they tested various muscles in his arms for motion, control, and strength. We knew he had good bicep strength, but we weren’t sure if he had any motion in his triceps. We were soon told that he had “trace” strength in his triceps- very minimal, but good news nonetheless. Yesterday, the physical therapist re-classified Gabe’s triceps strength as “Phase 1”. So, after only three days of rehab, Gabe has gained a bit of new strength. Triceps strength is key for mobility (think; lifting yourself into/out of a wheelchair, etc.) We knew he’d do great- so he’s just continually proving us right. We’ll say the same thing when he’s up and walking around- we won’t be surprised :)
A special thanks to all who have donated- we just can’t tell you how grateful we are for your support.
Tuesday, March 20
For everyone wondering about Gabe's specific location, he is at the University of Washington Medical Center (Rehabilitation Medicine) in the North Tower, on the 8th Floor. His room number is 824, but he spends the majority of his time with family and visitors in one of the common areas on the floor.
The address is:
1959 N.E. Pacific Ave.
Box 356071
Seattle, WA. 98195
Anyone is welcome to stop by as his visiting hours are currently flexible. There isn't a set rehab schedule yet- it's different everyday- but the general rule is that he's working hard 4-6 hours per day. He's finished his workouts for the day and is now watching basketball.
Tuesday, March 13th
Gabe has feeling in his right ring finger! And he’s able to hold his wrist steady and straight. This is great progress! The rotation of his wrist is getting easier as well. He’s up to about an 80% angle for sitting for quite an extended period of time. The goal is to have him be able to sit for 2 hours totally upright (90%) for 2 hours straight. And they think he will be ready soon. So they are planning to move him Monday to Seattle's University of Washington Hospital where he’ll be in rehab for about 10 weeks before he comes home to Bellingham.
Friday March 9thGabe had his first physical therapy appointment today. It went well. After working with him for awhile, they had him stay in a sitting position for as long as he could. They indicated that most new patients are able to handle sitting for 20 - 30 maximum before almost passing out. Gabe was able to stay in a sitting position for 45 minutes before his efforts were exhausted!
The recovery from the neck surgery is coming along well - the surgical fusion is looking good. At this point, the doctors don't think Gabe will need to go through another neck surgery
Thursday March 8thGabe passed his swallow test with flying colors and is now eating solid foods – he was asking for sushi! He has a bit of a temperature - they are keeping an eye on his pulmonary system to ensure that he's breathing deeply. He's been coughing a little (thank you God that he can cough) and the nurse said that his diaphragm is working good. All in all, they said that he is better than expected from the surgery.
Wednesday March 7thHis swelling from the operation in his throat was originally down (during yesterday’s surgery, they went in to repair his vertebrae through his neck). However, it is acting up a bit today. But the doctors are not too concerned but have taken him off liquids and are nourishing his body by IV until probably tomorrow. Tomorrow he will have his “Swallow Evaluation” to determine how soon they can take him off the IV and start starting drinking and eating. They will be moving him to the TRACU (Trauma Care Unit) tomorrow and start physical therapy.
Gabe’s mouth and throat get very dry from the operation. Although Jeanne says it’s driving him a little crazy to have such a dry mouth – he really enjoying the excellent care of three of his favorite women who are at his beck and call – He mumbles ice and Melissa (cousin) jumps up and feeds him ice (which they’ve dunked in juice to give him a little bit a flavor). He mumbles popsicles and Stephie (sister) is there to swab his lips and inside of his mouth with a damp little sponge of a tongue depressor stick.
The surgery on the damaged vertebrae was today. Access to the site was through incisions on the front of Gabe's neck and throat. Gabe will be on IV nourishment for a while following.
