Dear Friends and Family:
Brett continues to make good progress. His phantom pain episodes have become less intense and infrequent. He has become very adept at doing things with only one hand.
His overall health is improving and he is on a regular workout schedule at a local gym. Brett’s attitude and outlook remain positive.
We enjoyed our family trip to California and spent eight days sightseeing and visiting San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sausalito, Miur woods, Sacramento, Monterey, Pebble beach, Carmel and Big Sur. The cold weather caused Brett some pain and we have concluded that he is very sensitive to cold and moisture.
One of the highlights of our trip was a visit with Dug Smith of Roseville, CA (near Sacramento). Dug paralyzed his right arm in a motorcycle accident in England when he was 17 years old. He is in his 30’s now. He had reached out to Brett as an encourager. Dug is a software specialist and types 60 + wpm with one hand. He also rides a motorcycle with only his left hand. Over the years Dug has won several age and division motorcycle races (riding with only one functional hand!) Brett was obviously fascinated and encouraged by Dug’s success and accomplishments.
We also visited the Shriner’s hospital in Greenville SC in hopes of a prosthetic arm for Brett. Unfortunately they were not able to help because of the complexity and expense of a myoelectric arm.
However, we are very pleased with the prosthetic work of Brian Mueller at UAB Spain Rehabilitation. He created a first version of a cosmetic arm for Brett to begin testing. Brett has already ridden a bicycle with the new arm and feels that it helps provide additional stability (See pictures).
Brett was also released to drive by Dr. Alonzo and he has had several solo trips in his truck. Brett is a cautious driver and always checks in with Coleen whenever he reaches his destination. I consider this a major step toward his independence.
Our attorney (Leon Ashford) has done a great job representing us. I would highly recommend him. We received good news that the insurance company of the driver of the SUV has agreed to pay the policy limit for personal medical expense liability. Although it is not much money, it helps salve some of the wounds. It is also somewhat of an admission of their fault.
Brett elected to skip a fifth nerve block in hopes of managing the pain with minimal medication. He continues to take the Lyrica nerve pills and an occasional muscle relaxer and pain pill (loritab 5 mg) and is managing through his pain.
Thanks to everyone that has asked about Brett and continues to pray for him. Prayer works!
Here is a word from Brett; “Hello and thanks for the continued prayers and support.”
Here is Brett’s new arm: 
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