Brett Cole update as of Saturday 4/7/07

Brett Cole update as of Saturday 4/7/07

Dear friends and family:

Today represents the two month mark since Brett’s accident. It is hard to share our struggle even with friends and family but I thank you for allowing me to tell our story.

We are thankful to God that Brett has experienced a reduction in the frequency and severity of the phantom pain episodes. He has been getting better sleep at night and this is good for all of us. His pain is still very real and extremely devastating when he is having an attack. Brett remains resolute in his determination to fight the pain but he is frustrated that relief has not come quicker. We have grown weary as it seems our prayers don’t seem to be answered sometimes but we trust that God is in complete control of this situation.

Last Saturday, Brett and I attended another motorcycle track day in Talladega where we met George Niedobo. George suffered a similar brachial plexus injury in 2000. His right arm is partially paralyzed and fully paralyzed from the elbow to the hand. George was very nice and encouraged Brett to ride again. George showed us the motorcycle that he had equipped for left handed controls. Brett plans to equip one of his bikes with a similar setup and plans to ride on the track again. This hope seems to keep Brett pressing forward.

On Monday, Brett had the medical procedure known as a Stellate Ganglion Block. This is a nerve block of the sympathetic nerve. After the procedure Brett said he felt great. No pain and just a little tingle. We were ecstatic! Brett then got his hair cut and we decided to go out to eat to celebrate. Stacey met us for an early dinner at Shogun. Everything was great until toward the end of dinner when the phantom pain abruptly returned. We were all deflated and saddened. Brett will have several more blocks over the next few months. The next injection will be on the 16th. Apparently these blocks require several injections to be effective. We are encouraged that the first block appeared to have some impact, albeit short lived. This would indicate that phantom pain is a direct result of damaged nerves that can be treated by blocking the neural pathways. We pray that the next injection lasts longer.

Brett also returned to see the orthopedic surgeon Dr. Alonzo. We reviewed the before and after x-rays of Brett’s chest and shoulder. It was amazing to see the difference from the x-ray taken the day of the accident. Dr. Alonzo showed us where Brett’s clavicle had been dislocated 9.3 cm (almost 4 inches) from his sternum. The swelling from the internal tissue damage was amazing. His current x-ray looks clear and most of the swelling has gone. Brett’s scars are healing and all the scabs are now gone. Dr. Alonzo told Brett to resume normal activities and come back in two months. He gave a referral to Lakeshore for some rehabilitation and physical therapy. We have had two sessions with the therapists at Lakeshore and Brett is responding well. His grip strength in his left hand was measured at 112 pounds. He has been squeezing a stress ball for 6 weeks now and has developed a very muscular forearm. Be careful if you shake his left hand!
My work schedule continues to be sporadic. I have been able to get back into some things and make a contribution but I remain ever close to home. I tell people that if they see me at work then they know Brett probably had a good day. I am thankful for a good place to work and good people to work with.

Coleen carries a heavy load. She is a great mother but sometimes fails to take care of herself. She is having lunch today with a good friend and she spent much of Wednesday away from the house while I spent time with Brett. I ask you to pray for Coleen and encourage her to take time for herself or at least take a break. (Coleen will be reading this also… I love you Coleen. : )

So many people have asked “what can we do to help”? Stacey reminded me last night of something practical. She gave blood for the first time in her life. She felt compelled to do this in light of the fact that Brett required 90+ units of blood product during his hospitalization. I encourage everyone that is able to donate blood. Tomorrow is Easter and it reminds me that Jesus’s blood was shed for our sins. Through this sacrifice and his resurrection we know that we are not alone in our struggle.

Thank you all for the prayers, cards, calls and words of encouragement. Feel free to stop by the house. Brett does good with visitors.

Our prayer requests are:

Elimination of the phantom pain.
Pray that the next nerve block lasts longer
Continued peaceful sleep
Emotional, physical and spiritual stamina

PS: I have posted a few pictures and added all of my updates to a blog site for those that are interested.