“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
One of the crazy things about a spinal cord injury is the way that it plays tricks with your internal temperature controls. By that I mean my normal body temperature hovers around 96°. So when it begins getting cold outside, I can definitely feel it. Earlier in the week it was 60° outside as I sat in the sun with a short sleeve T-shirt and stocking cap on. As long as I can feel the sun’s warmth on my face I can usually handle the change in temperature, except when there’s a lot of wind. Anyway, I came inside my apartment where it registered 70° and immediately had to turn the heat on! As I write this journal, I am sitting outside where it’s a balmy 63°. I’m in sweats with a skull cap on my head feeling warm. However, I am longing for a Browns victory today to keep the warmth flowing!
Last Sunday I headed down to the stadium to watch the Browns open their season against the Cincinnati Bengals. My father, Kevin and I were able to exchange my dad’s usual tickets for some rockstar seats in the accessible section. The weather was beautiful, despite threats of rain, for the 10 year anniversary of September 11. The Browns were very accommodating to me and allowed me to enter through one of the offices where we could catch the elevator up to our Club seats. We rode the elevator up with, Mike Holmgren, the Browns president, who to my surprise was much taller and tanner than I expected. Mike was very congeal, although I’m sure his demeanor changed as the game drew to an end with the Browns looking very flat and giving away a victory. Nonetheless, we had a great time and I am hoping to take in one more game before the weather changes for the worse.
In addition to the weather toying with my body temperature, it accentuates the slightest nuances my body may be experiencing by amping up the level of discomfort. The broken rod in my neck has been very bothersome over the past several days. Despite numerous massages and a steady dose of muscle relaxants, I have found little relief from the constant soreness that pervades my neck muscles. I spoke with two different doctors earlier in the week regarding appropriate future action to take. I must say that having a broken piece of metal constantly cutting away at your muscle causes doctors to be very conservative in their diagnosis. At one point I thought it might be possible to remove the broken metal entirely without adding any new hardware. Now it is starting to look more and more like some additional fusing might be necessary – which I am not in favor of. I need to really take some time to figure out appropriate next steps. I have one more consultation with a neurosurgeon in early November. After that appointment I hope to have enough information to make a sensible and informed decision.
In spite of the pain, I still managed to pack in a full week full of Board meetings, business meetings, FES follow-up appointments, football and an awesome Saturday outing with a friend. Not to mention I have been able to use the FES exercise bike (on loan to me) a few times as well. I am very fortunate that I have the tools and wherewithal to keep myself busy and involved with personal endeavors that are close to my heart. I realize that not everyone living with an SCI is as fortunate, and I try not to take anything for granted.
Today was like a revolving door of my apartment with friends coming and going. Between Communion and chili dogs I managed to squeeze in a Browns game and afterwards a movie. This week will be very busy for me, with several meetings and appointments, culminating with my speaking appearance at St. Ignatius High School on Friday.
Finally, please keep my extended family in your prayers. One of my relatives passed away after a long and brave battle with lung cancer. Rest in peace, Richard.
As always, thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and support! Don’t forget that September is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness month! Stand strong.
Scott