Video Update

And for the "too long; didn't watch" (TL;DW) crowd:

• I had my cast removed
• My orthopedic surgeon gave the go-ahead to start working on prosthetics
• He also gave me full weight bearing status on all my limbs
• We went to Nashville Prosthetics, and I'm now officially in their system. I learned quite a bit while there and I'm very excited to work with them.
• This was the biggest day I've had since leaving the hospital. It has left me exhausted. Next week will be even longer, but it is all leading to progress in the end.

GT500 Friends

I've received tons of letters from people wishing me a quick and successful recovery.  A huge percentage of the letters are from people I've never met and who don't know me.  These people were told my story by a man from my girlfriend Rachel's church (I'll leave his name out since I'm not sure if he would want it here).  This man and I have something in common, we both drive Shelby GT500s.  From what I've been told, he posted my story on an online forum and the response has been phenomenal.

I've appreciated every letter and message I've received, and these letters from complete strangers are no different.  While the only thing we might have in common is driving the same car, these people took the time out of their day to write me and give me encouragement and this means so much to me.

Thanks to everyone for the support, and happy birthday to my GT500 friend that got my story out there.

Beaten Up But Not Giving Up

So, it's that time again where I try to make a return to blogging.  I plan on writing more about day to day activities now and throw in videos and other things I work on.

That said, here's some big updates on what's been happening in my life.

Last year I bought my first motorcycle, and I fell in love with motorcycles.  Unfortunately, on November 30th I was out for a pleasure ride and was hit by a pickup truck.  My left leg was severed below the knee during the accident, and I sustained many other breaks and injuries.  Luckily someone stopped and put a tourniquet around my leg and kept me awake until medical personnel arrived.  They flew me to Vanderbilt Hospital in a helicopter (I don't remember much of this, blood loss caused me to lose consciousness).  I spent around thirty hours in various surgeries while they worked to get me put back together.

The hospital was home until Christmas Eve, when I moved to Stallworth Rehabilitation Center.  I had a great Christmas with my family and girlfriend there in the rehab hospital.  While there, I had some great therapists that worked to help me regain strength and mobility.  We left Stallworth on the 9th and returned home.

Since being home, my strength and mobility have improved greatly.  I have therapists that come to the house to work with me, and I'm currently undergoing treatment in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber at Jennie Stuart Medical Center.  This treatment has greatly sped up the healing process of the flesh wounds on my left leg.

I have many challenges to face in the future, and I feel well equipped to face them.  The doctors told me that my strongman training saved my life, and I know that it will help with regaining my strength in the coming months.  In addition, I have an amazingly supportive family, without whom I would not be as far as I am today.  Lastly, the outpouring of support from around the country and world has been huge and immensely appreciated.  Thanks to everyone for everything.  I'm getting stronger everyday, and with your support I will continue to do so.

I'll end this post with a video I made of a trip to the Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment.