July Doctor Update and New Van

Written by Michael Hulsebus

Right Leg, from the top

A few weeks ago, Angie went back to the surgeon for a check up and x-rays.  The good news is that her incisions are healing really well...although we had to deal with a slight infection in one the past week.  The bad news is that Angie's bones are very soft - "mushy" in doctor speak.  This is due to her poor circulation, depressed nervous system, and bone density loss due to being non-weight bearing...all side effects of her paralysis.  Unfortunately, that means that the bones healing is going to be a very slow process and while she is healing there is always the possibility accidentally pulling one of the screws out of the bone.  Her right leg also has a couple bone fragments jutting out, but since her legs will not be weight-bearing the doctors have decided not to worry about them at this time and let them heal however they will.

Here are some scans of the x-ray printouts so you can admire her new hardware in each leg.  We asked to have the x-rays emailed, but instead they handed up printouts, which we then scanned...so the quality is not the best.  Sorry.  You can click to see them larger and in more detail.

These are the right leg, which was the worse of the two (it was a compound fracture).  The left leg has a similar plate and screws.  In the picture to the right, I have zoomed and highlighted the actual fracture and pointed to one of the bone fragments on the right.

A side view of the steel plate holding Angie's bone together

On a little bit of a happier note - Angie has found and purchased a new van...well new to her.  It is a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan that has already been converted with a ramp and chair restraints.  At this time, this vehicle will only be for transporting Angie, but we hope to have it converted for her to drive once all the insurance gets figured out.  We do hope to have an EZ Lock docking system installed soon so that Angie doesn't always have to have to go through having the ratchet strap Q'Straints attached and removed each time.  The Q'Straints are great, but if the person hooking it up isn't paying attention or doesn't attach to the right location on the chair, they will not work to their fullest (yes, this is user error and avoidable...but would be nice to eliminate the possibility and a dock is faster and safer).   Unfortunately, installation of a dock is not cheap (around $2000 which isn't outrageous but also not pocket change).  Is anything related to wheelchairs cheap?  I've come to determine that no, no it is not.

Angie's new van

Thanks to everyone who donated to Angie's fund...this was extremely helpful in allowing Angie to have a good sized down payment on the van, so that arranging financing was much easier.  Really, thank you everyone...otherwise we would probably have to wait until insurance is figured out (which sounds like it is heading to arbitration and could be 6 months to 2 years before finalized).  Donations are still welcome...we still have a long way to go before life is normal and Angie is living as independently as she can.

Angie Plager Recovery Fund

32541 585^th Ave

Cambridge, IA 50046-8568

 

Thank You Everyone!

Auto Accident 2012

After 9 days in a  hospital gown,
I get to wear clothes!  Giving scrubs a try.
This was a very happy moment.

My boyfriend, Michael, and I were involved in a serious auto accident on June 1^st, 2012.  It was a bad accident, involving 9 cars and highway speeds.  We both feel that we are lucky to be alive.  Michael was able to walk away with minor injuries.  Unfortunately, I broke both of my femurs, just above the knee.  I think I might take “go big or go home” a little too seriously at times. Just kidding.  I was in the Intensive Care Unit for 3 days, then had surgery to fix my legs with metal plates and screws, before heading to a  standard hospital room for a few more days.  I am now in the inpatient rehabilitation center…it could be a week, it could be all summer.  It all depends on how my healing progresses and what the doctors say.

Although this circumstance is absolutely miserable, I do feel that we are lucky to be here.  I am also very blessed to have lots of family and friends to support and help me (and my family) through this time.  I’ve had many visitors and received a lot of flowers and cards.  Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes.  It has really helped me keep my spirits up while I am stuck in a hospital room. 

Unfortunately, my adapted van and wheelchair were both destroyed in the accident.  These are custom built pieces of equipment and will not be easy to replace.  For example, a power wheelchair can cost $25,000 - $40,000 and it is a necessity for me to live a quality life.  The adapted vans are even more expensive - the special hand controls, computers, and ramps cost nearly $100,000 and that doesn’t include the cost of the van itself.  Of course, we are hoping for insurance to really help us out, but at this time we don’t know.

Many people keep offering to help and my family and I truly appreciate the offers but I think we do have most things covered at this time.  If you would still like to help, we ask that you consider donating to a fund to help me cover expenses.  We hate asking for money, but at this time it is the one thing that could be beneficial. Even with the possibility of insurance, we are still looking at some large out of pocket expenses with my extended hospital stay and treatment, possibly having to hire another care giver once I am home, replacement wheelchair and a van to transport me now (and adapt for me to drive in the future).  Please see the Paypal donation button below (this will process through Michael's Paypal account for me) or mail to:

Angie Plager Recovery Fund

32541 585^th Ave

Cambridge, IA 50046-8568

We are sincerely grateful for any assistance you are able to offer.

Thank you so much,

Angie Plager and Family




Typed and posted by Michael for Angie Plager