Guide Dog Injury

One of the most damning things you can do to yourself is beat youself up for a guide dog you put so much faith and trust into, gets injured.

It begian with a walk up to Maverik, a 1.5 mile one way trek) on asphalt trails. The weather seemed fine, inspite the hot weather we have had. Winds were cool. It never dauwned to me that the asphalt would damage his pads. 

Wednesday moringing (Fourth of July) I looked at him and saw just how much pain he was in. What I didn't realize was that his pads were burned and blistered. My heart sank and a knot tied in my somach.  The purpose of going to Maverik was to inquire of the possibility to do a car wash fo rthe fundraiser. It turned out that they could also no longer have a donation jar up due to corporate rules (at least not without corporate approval). I felt bummed but determined to continue my efforts to raise funds.

We got home and Archer just flopped down. He was exhausted. A tired dog is a good thing. However, I didn't realize he was in pain until the next day. 

As I quickly searched the internet for some home remedies to see what I can do to help him, at least until Friday when he has his annual Well Pet Exam. I found that washing with an anti-bacterial soap and using ansomething like Betadine will help sooth things over. So I went to Walgreens in search of First Aid for a dog kit.  Got back home, got him cleaned up and wrapped up, he seemed better. He wasn't limping as much. I placed him in his crate to keep him down and prevent any walking.I also recieved a reply from one of his trainers at GEB and she indicated I was doing all the right things to take care of his injury. 

That, however, was not enough. He was hot, he was not drinking or relieving himself. All he did was flop on the floor in front of the water dish or when taking him outside. This greatly concerned me. So once again, I searched to see what type of pain medication I could help him. He was in pain, he was groaning a bit. Yet, he never complained, never made a peep and was obedient to everything I tried to do to get him comfortable. 

Finding they had OTC pain releif at pet stores, I jumped in with some friends to run to PetSmart. While we were there, I noticed that Banfield was open. I was surprised and went over to talk to them and see if I could get them to look at Archer and seek input. They had an opening, so I ran home and picke dup Archer and brought him back. 

The Vet said he was one of the most healthy dogs he's ever examined. He knew I was taking care of him. We discussed options. The best recommendation was to get the cone and Rimadyl for pain releif. Pads are difficult to treat and heal. They eventually fall off and regrow, much like blisters on our own hands and feet. But the pain med was MUCH better.  If any infection was going to show up, that can be addressed at my Well Pet Exam on Friday as it would take a couple of days for any sign s of infection to show up even with an open blister on the pad. 

They waived the exam fee, only charging me for the medication and the cone. 

Once we got home, I fed and wtered him and he finally drank! He wouldn't all day and would take a few drops of water from a trukey baster.  He also was able to releive himself too.

Today, Archer is MUCH better, much more comfortable. Heslept very well last night. He is more himself. 

I am grateful that Banfield was open on a holiday (much to my surprise I'll add).  The Rimadyl helps him, kinda knocks him out or makes him drowsy so he's very comfortable. I think that is what helped him relax a bit from all that pain so he could eat, drink and do his business.

 I don't know what I'd do without him. I worry about him like I worry about my own kids when they are sick or not feeling well. I know I can't beat myself up because of this too. I mean it was my fault for that walk and not taking the precautions I did. So ya, I blame myself for this one. He knows I took car eof him as he started to lick my face and tell me he was feeling better! Made me feel better, but it doesn't remove just how painful it was for me to watch him go through all of that.

Love you Archer! Thank you for everything you do for me!

Four Year Anniversary

Four years ago today, is the day that the car accident occured. I remember it as if it just happened.

We were going to do some shopping, just like we would normally do any given evening. But this time, we were on a detour route given that Main Street was closed due to the Parade.

We were driving Eastbound. The thing I remember next is the slamming of the breaks and watched Sharon swurve out of the way until we went BAM and I saw this big truck sitting inside our engine. I could hear the engine grinding and quickly turned the key off. I was freaked out. Looking around at Sharon seeing if she was okay. I was hurt. I was already hurting from a pulled pec muscle in the left pecs and the seatbelt didn't make it any better, especially having been in the accident and thrown forward.

By the time I got my door open there was a police car that just arrived and stopped right to my right side. I went to the back door to retreive my then 2 year old daughter and check on my 9 year old son were OK. Sharon seemed okay. Looking at the accident, I was amazed at what happened.

There was a Ford F350 Quad Pick up Trick that landed into our engine. Fluids were all over the place, several pieces of our engine were all over the road. Fortunately, the hood to the engine did not even touch our windshield, otherwise, it could have gone through. It was less than an inch away.

It was a teenager that drove that truck, speeding and running a stop sign.

They had a difficult time pulling that truck off our engine and out. When they did, amazingly, there wasn't a dent! But our car was totalled. Bolts, screwd, all fluids (oil, radiator, transmission, etc) were all lost. I had then realized had SHaron NOT try to avoid this truck, that that truck would have landed right into her lap, T-boning us. She would not have survived.

It wasn't for another 24 hours that she started showing signs of problems. She was on narcotics for the entre month of July, the same time I recieved acceptance to Guiding Eyes for the Blind to get my guide dog Archer. It was the difficult decision to leave her and my three children while getting my guide dog.

She was officially diagnosed with a concussion a week later. After trying to get into a neurologist, we finally got in and got all the special testing done that resulted in a TBI (Traumatic Brain INjury).

It has been an emotional roller coaster trying to get some help for her. I put off many of my plans and goals to focus upon her recovery.

We now know that she won't improve much. The more time elapses without any change, the more likely hood it becomes a perminant injury. This is why it is now my turn to take care of myself. Try to get my Cochlear Implant, apply to Grad School so I can pursue my dreams.

Being able to hear will open the doors to me even though I am deaf and blind. Communications barriers will be broken down and enable me to do and move forward with my goals.

Grateful and Blessed

I am most certainly feeling extremely grateful and blessed today.

I created a flyer and sent it out to some of my friends and family via email. I have had an outpouring support by everyone! And at the same time, I sent the flyer to a friend (yes I call him a friend even though I really don't hang out with him but was suggested I contact him and see how he can help.)

Anyway, his son is working on his Eagle Scout Rank and is looking for a Service Project. He was wondering if he could help organize a fundraiser to help raise funds. This would help my lovely wife and I so much! She put out so much effort to keep us afloat financially that her brain injury leaves her no room fo rhome enjoyment or work much on such a project. I am very grateful for the support and love I have gotten.

In all my years, I have always put other people first. I have a mentality that others need help more than I do.
"Somebody else needs the CI more than I do."
"Someone else needs the guide dog more than I do."

I've realized that with this mentality we really cannot help others unless we first help ourselves. That enables us to be positioned better to help others. I am very excited for this. Most certainly grateful to th edepth of my heart. I wish I could have it all done and over with now but for some reason God, the Creator had other plans, plans for people to do service.

In order for people to serve, there must be a need. Service cannot be rendered without a reciever. I guess I have a hard time playing the "reciever" end of Service. It's a pride thing, I suppose. A learning experience.

I'm having a hard time expressing my words right now.

May Postpone CI Surgery

There is a heavy feeling upon my chest today. The reality of having to postpone my Cochlear Implant Surgery.

It's very difficult to express how I feel right now. Obviously, getting the second Implant is going to do alot of good for me as my vision gets worse. I mean, I barely have useable vision as it is. I'm unable to identify faces of people. This is the scariest part.

$15,000 is alot of money to ask for help with. Surgery is at the University of Utah Hospital. They want 10% down before then which amounts to $1,511 then after billing goes through I could make payment plans.

I feel bless to have The West memorial Foundation, Inc to help me raise the funds. Right now we are working at getting a few loose strings attached. It may take a little bit longer than anticipated. Thus having to postpone surgery.

I don't want to get into a financial bind where I may not raise enough funds to cover my part. This was a perfect window of opportunity: To get the surgery done now, get my training at the Blind Center, take a Social Work Class this fall that I need required for my Graduate Studies (again Social work) and enter the Social Work program next fall.

With a wife who suffers a brain injury as a result of a car accident, three children, you know, alot of weight is on my shoulders and getting this CI was a means to remove some of this weight so I can help my wife's burden and not have to be so dependant upon her to bring all the dough home.

If I postpone, when? December? Gah! I had the first one in December and I got sick, was on antibiotics for 5 weeks! Not a good thing!

I hope Cochlear OMS would respond to me soon. I gave them somewhat a sob story, well not really, just pointing out the facts of being deaf-blind, a wife with a brain injury and three kids. Maybe they'll respond and donate a device for me? Or reduce the cost to the hospital? I dunno.

I've tried every vene I could think of.

What do I do? Maybe I'm being a bit impatient?

Have Faith. Have Hope, never give up Hope. He knows what I'm up against and He will lead the way.

Vist to the University of Uta College of Social WOrk and Lecture at Department of Special Education

This past Tuesday, I took on my annual visit to the College of Education: Department of Special Education lecture on Deafblind Communication and Technology. But first let me detail the visit at the College of Social Work with the Graduate Advisor.

I arrived a bit early so that I could ensure that I got to the right building. Sure enough, I'm glad I did because I got a bit lost! When I entered the building, I somewhat went around each wall trying to locate the elevator. To no avail, I went to get some water to drink and sat down to "cool off" as I was sweating like a dog. And Archer was panting as well. He did great work helping me navigate! 

A few minutes later, there were two students, thta appear to be in their early 20's or so, both female. They wanted to come meet Archer and talk about him (he's a magnet for conversations!). I feel so blessed to have the one Cochlear Implant because without it, I'm sure the outcome would have been totally different. At least they were standing on my right side so I could hear clearly. 

One of them fetched a box of kleenex and said "here you are sweating!" I felt ashamed but then realized they were helping me cool off so I helped myself to wiping my sweat off my face and neck. They asked if I wanted water and I told them I found the fountain. Then they asked if Archer wanted some water. I told them I did not have a bowl for him. "No worries, we have one he can use.". I felt blessed that these two caring animal lovers would bring a 2 foot long oval type bowl to let Archer drink it all up! They helped me find the elevator and I was up on my way to visit the Graduate Advisor. 

Had a great visit. We talked about th eprogram, my interests and WHY I wanted to go into the program. She reviewed my transcript and I pretty much met everything with the exception of one class so I plan to take that non-matriculated this Fall so that I can proceed with the Graduate School application. 

Finding my way to the Milton Bennion Hall was an adventure! There was so much contstruction going on that I had no sidewalk to take from Social Work to MBH. I ended up walking back to South Campus Drive to head East going up the hill and thinking I'm "beyond the construction" and cut back in (North). Oops! Construction!  Poor Archer was working hard. Fortunately, there was very cool wind and wasn't as hot as it was when I first arrived on campus late morning that day. So we walked back to South Campus Drive and head East again. I decided it would be best to just keep walking up to the Huntsman Center and then come back around and over to the MBH. 

The lecture went well. There were only three students in that class. Much smaller than normal. I was aware of this from the PRofessor contacting me earlier. I decided instead of my traditional powerpoint presentation on communication and technology, we just sat around while I discussed part of my life dealing with Usher Syndrome. How I lost my vision, my hearing, my journey to get a Cochlear Implant. How the CI has improved my life and how the blindness hinders full functionality with just one CI. 

We talked about the upcoming pilot program the FCC is doing called the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP). This is a pilot program that State PUC/PSC Equipment Administrators to distribute much needed equipment for the deaf-blind.

 

A PLEA FOR HELP

I normally do not like to draw attention to myself but I do wish to get my story out.

I need help. I think it's difficult to ask for help when I so much feel other people could use the help instead of me. 

Here's my situation:

As you know I am deaf and blind by Usher Syndrome. I have lost nearly all of my remaining vision. I have one Cochlear Implant that works very well. However, I am in need to get the left ear Implanted. This is a medical necessity rather than a mere option due to blindness.

Secondly, my wife suffers from a brain injury from a car accident four years ago. She is no longer able to support the family. By obtaining the 2nd CI would enable me to retrun to the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, recieve training, and pursue my graduate studies so I can provide for my family. 

Communication has been the big barrier for someone who is almost totally blind and profoundly deaf. Now the gift of hearing has been given back to me, I can return to pursue my dreams.

I need to raise $15,000 to pay for my out of pocket portion of the surgery. These do not come cheap. It cost $75,000 just for one implant. 

Will you help me? Does anyone know of a Private Family Foundation or other charitable group that would wing me to raise these funds? 

I am at a loss and surgery is scheduled for June 27th. 

Lost More Sight But Not Vision

For the past couple of years, I had suspected that I was losing more of my sight. It was confirmed in my recent visit to my ophthalmologist. 

Here is a run down. In 2009, I had roughly 15 degrees in each eye (normal human eye has 120 degrees of vision). That is about 13% of visual field remaining. My right eye had dropped to 5 degrees or 4%, the left eye dropped to 10 degrees or 8% remaining. 

Visual acuity measured at 20/500, by seeing fingers at 3 ft away. 

The definition of legal blindness is having no greater than 20 degrees of visual feild in the better eye or having 20/200 or better with correction in the better eye.

So what does this all mean? 

You just keep on truckin'! Being or going blind does not change my personality or who I am. Certainly I will have to adapt, make some adjustments. Does this mean I become less independant? It depends upon your perspective.

How many of you who have normal vision depend upon yoru car? Does it make you a slave or does it increase yoru independance? What happens when your car doesn't start when you are late for a very important meeting? You are now a slave and dependant upon a dead car. If your car starts, you are independant and free to do wherever the roads take you. 


There are many tools out there that will help me. Many of them are expensive, and to be frank, exploit those with disabilities by their outrageous prices! 


You see, I have a viosn. A vison of continued independance. I will be getting training at the Blind Center. I will be able to obtain the necessary skills to be employed. More importantly, get the skills I need so I can finish school and pursue my Master's degree. (Back when I graduated in 2004, it was taking me 2-3 hours just to read one chapter! Too much on the eyes to keep up with my Grad Level work so I took a leave). Now with my Cochlear Implant, it opens up so many new doors such as breaking down communication barriers and allowing me to utilize digital books, including audio books for Grad School. 


There is always hope. Hope that one day they will find a cure for retinitis pigmentosa, the very eye disease that causes my blindness.
 

Cochlear Implant a SUCCESS!

I wanted to update everyone that my December 23, 2011 surgury for my right ear to be implanted was a HUGE success! I never thought I would anticipate the success of my CI. 

Here is what is happening:

I was activating on January 10, 2012. I only heard environmental sounds and was able to pick things up quickly. I thought I was hearing a vent pushing air out but it turned out to be the fan on the laptop that my audiologist had! She asked me "Can you hear this?" and I told her it sounded like someone rubbing on top of a table. Turns out it was her rubbing her hands (remember, I'm blind so I do not always see things). I was so impressed.


The next appointment cam Feb 10th in w hich was the first time I had a hearing test to see what exactly I was hearing. Here are the results:


-20-30db range (20 or less is normal hearing!)
-I understdood 28% of single syllable words (before implantation 10%). 
-I understood 89% of sentences in a quiet environment (before nothing)
-I understood 42% of sentences in a noisy background (before nothing). 


I had a very emotional and poignant moment in Feb when I went home to visit my parents. I sat at the piano, something I have not done for nearly 20 years. I wanted to see how it sounded to me. As I started to play scales that I could remember, I realized that I did indeed hear each note distinctly. So I proceeded to start playing a hymn that I used to play quite often. I quickly found out that I was making mistakes, not hitting the right notes. The next step was to test for "playing by ear" and see if I can correct my mistakes. I was able to do this! Once I realized that I was able to quickly correct for mistaken notes, tears started flowing down my cheeks. Oh what great joy! To know that I can play by ear again, something I have not been able ot do since I was 10 or so. 


I had my 3 month follow up appointment on April 13th. Here is what I was hearing:


-Sentences in quiet environment went up to 93%. Not huge but a very good gain.
-Sentences in a noisy environment, jumpt to 90%! A HUGE improvement over 42%! 
-Single syllable words: Jumpted to 82%! 


I feel so blessed to have such great success and modern technology.