About the Injury
Thomas Peters was injured in a swimming accident on July 16th. He has a fracture in his 5th cervical vertebra. Since his neck has been healed, and he has regained some movement and mobility, his injury has been classified as a C6-7 Injury.
REPAIRING HIS NECK
On the Friday, July 19th, he had a HALO installed, to help stabilize the neck, and allow the vertebra to fuse on it's own. On Sunday, July 28, an MRI revealed that the HALO was not stabilizing his neck, and surgery would be necessary. His two-day surgery was successful. And after only one month in a neck brace, his doctors removed it entirely at the end of September, stating that his neck was healed. He continues to strengthen his neck, and gain mobility with the help of his physical therapy.
REPAIRING HIS LUNGS
Due to the nature of his accident, Thomas sustained lung damage more severe than what is usual for spinal cord patients. He had a breathing tube for several weeks, and then a trach, and was gradually weaned off the ventilator. When released to rehab, he was entirely off the ventilator. His trach was removed after the first week of rehab, and he no longer has breathing problems.
IN-PATIENT REHAB
Thomas was released from the Shock Trauma Ward to a rehab facility in Washington, DC, where he had 8 hour days of therapy. Combining occupational therapy and physical therapy, Thomas worked hard to strengthen his upper body, regain mobility in his fingers, stimulate his dormant muscles. During his time in rehab, Thomas learned to operate a power wheelchair, and began working on a manual wheelchair as well, and learned to feed himself, worked on "transfers" -- moving, without assistance, from a bed to his chair, etc.
OUT-PATIENT REHAB
After 6 weeks in rehab, Thomas was allowed to go home -- a new, handicap accessible home. These next few months are crucial for his development, so he will be going to the same rehab facility for outpatient therapy. Meanwhile, Thomas and Natalie are making their home accessible for Thomas in every way.
REPAIRING HIS NECK
On the Friday, July 19th, he had a HALO installed, to help stabilize the neck, and allow the vertebra to fuse on it's own. On Sunday, July 28, an MRI revealed that the HALO was not stabilizing his neck, and surgery would be necessary. His two-day surgery was successful. And after only one month in a neck brace, his doctors removed it entirely at the end of September, stating that his neck was healed. He continues to strengthen his neck, and gain mobility with the help of his physical therapy.
REPAIRING HIS LUNGS
Due to the nature of his accident, Thomas sustained lung damage more severe than what is usual for spinal cord patients. He had a breathing tube for several weeks, and then a trach, and was gradually weaned off the ventilator. When released to rehab, he was entirely off the ventilator. His trach was removed after the first week of rehab, and he no longer has breathing problems.
IN-PATIENT REHAB
Thomas was released from the Shock Trauma Ward to a rehab facility in Washington, DC, where he had 8 hour days of therapy. Combining occupational therapy and physical therapy, Thomas worked hard to strengthen his upper body, regain mobility in his fingers, stimulate his dormant muscles. During his time in rehab, Thomas learned to operate a power wheelchair, and began working on a manual wheelchair as well, and learned to feed himself, worked on "transfers" -- moving, without assistance, from a bed to his chair, etc.
OUT-PATIENT REHAB
After 6 weeks in rehab, Thomas was allowed to go home -- a new, handicap accessible home. These next few months are crucial for his development, so he will be going to the same rehab facility for outpatient therapy. Meanwhile, Thomas and Natalie are making their home accessible for Thomas in every way.
Prayers continue for Thom and your family. I used to work at the University of Maryland Med School, and passed through Shock Trauma often--he's in very good hands.
ReplyDeleteMy family and I will keep you and yours in our prayers! My husband had a liver transplant five months ago and prior to that was near death for several weeks. God came through for us at every turn and still does to this day during a long and challenging recovery. God will do the same for you! As a note, I am an occupational therapist that has worked with people in situations similar to yours--you will do so well, and life will again be amazing. The best advice I can give is stay positive, no matter the circumstance or prognosis--things can and will get better! AMEN.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to Thomas in his recovery. You may be familiar with the resources offered by the Christopher Reeve Foundation. If you re not, they can be located at www.christopherreeve.org. This group has many resources for people with spinal chord injuries.
ReplyDeletePrayers continue for Thomas. God is taking care of you and there are tons of people praying for you. Hang in there and trust God. God bless you and your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteYours in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,
Donna-Marie
Continued, constant prayers!
ReplyDeleteI'll keep him in prayer, and ask others to do so as well. I'm so sorry to hear of this.
ReplyDeleteI may not agree with Mr. Peters on matters of policy but my prayers are definitely with him at this time. May he continue to get better.
ReplyDeleteWe are a group of gay Christians who are praying for him
ReplyDeleteMy wife Gina and I and our 4 children (7-20) are praying for Tom and his wife and family every night after dinner. Fri-Sat night, I awoke at 3.45 am...with Tom on my mind...and said the rosary for him...per Fr. Vincent Cappadano: "God is with all of us here today."
ReplyDeleteI want to say as an Obama voting liberal Democrat Catholic activist and labor union member, none of that has any meaning at this time. Thomas, you have my prayers for a full recovery. May our Blessed Mother implore her Son to restore you to good health so we can have a lively and high energy debate on the great issues of the day.
ReplyDeleteYou should consider having him transferred to Johns Hopkins.
ReplyDeleteMy prayer are with you and Peter. I am a Paramedic for years. You are in the best place in the world for trauma care. The hospital your in is the pioneer of trauma care and shock care. I been there to transfer people into and from I seem they have their act together. People from military and around the world have trained at the institute. I hope Peter recovers well and full. My prayers to Saint John Neumann are with him as well as BJPII and all the saints.
ReplyDeleteI am a Twitter follower and a gay Catholic. I don't always agree with Thomas, but I'm challenged by his writings and I appreciate his point of view. Thomas, I am praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMay Thomas, truly one of God's warriors, be returned to full health and vigor to continue the good fight.
ReplyDeleteI just read an email that told me of your plight. God is very able to heal you and you are in good hands. May your faith deepen and mature as you endure this challenging time of your life.I am often reminded that life is what happens to us while we are making other plans. We are often surprised, but God is not. Keep looking up!
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly happened in this "swimming accident." There seem to be no details about the accident itself. Not that it's anyone's business, but there are daily posts on the intimate details of recovery-related occurrences.
ReplyDelete(s Thomas related to Ed Peters ?
ReplyDeleteson - http://canonlawblog.wordpress.com
Deletepraying for you Thomas! Trust in God always!
ReplyDeleteI believe in miracles. I had a very bad neck injury and I continued to pray and I am much, much better now. I know God will use Thomas. Never give up. Ps 27: 13 - 14. I will continue to pray for you and also ask my best friend, Padre Pio to intercede for Thomas.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you are in my daily prayers.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you! .You are in my prayers... count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you maybe perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
ReplyDelete