November 30, 2011

Today marks the end of our first month in San Diego, Balboa Naval Hospital. When we arrived we thought we would be here through November, and into December only we didn't know for how much of December. Now, it looks like there is no solid end in sight, and it might carry on through the rest of the year. Having said that we might have a change coming up. The biggest obstacle right now is simply finding a house that Jason can live in, at least for a few months, and possibly for the entire time he is here. I have searched through about 100 listings, and we even have gone out and looked at a couple of possible places, and they did not pan out. Today I was able to identify a property that isn't ADA compliant, but otherwise a very good fit for what Jason and his family would need - and like. We will be headed out there for a visual inspection and then if it still looks good, we will see if there is money to make modifications to the house, so that it can accommodate Jason's wheelchair, and a few other needs. I have already spoken with the owner and she was agreeable to my ideas, and is even willing to let Jason have his pets there. I have also spoken to a few of the people with the different support organizations and right now it is being investigated. Truly this could be a win-win situation all. This is something new to pray for, for Jason and his family.

The only "different" visitor today was from the Hospital Chaplin, a Navy Captain. It was a very good visit for Jason, and they talked for nearly 30 minutes. Actually I was very impressed with him, as he really knew how to relate to Jason, and didn't seem to have any barriers or walls, while maintaining a solid level of professionalism (that's hard to do sometimes). He said he would be coming around again and looked forward to talking more with us.

Jason had his OT and PT today, and both were good workouts. Jason's phantom-pain is still causing him some trouble, though not nearly as much as a few days ago. For those that don't know, phantom-pain is where the patient feels pain where there is no longer a limb or appendage. For example, Jason was having some pain in his left foot and ankle. There are a number of visual treatments for this, and Jason does try them all, though nothing has helped much yet. Strange part of this is that most of the guys experience this only a couple of months after loosing a limb then it goes away over the next few months. I just hope it doesn't hinder his progress.

Not much else going on today. We are expecting some visitors though the rest of the week and weekend, so we're looking forward to being around more friends and family. Thank you, for all your prayers and continued support.