Wednesday, August 3, 2011

JUNE 2010



  • Wednesday, June 30, 2010 9:16 PM, EDT

What a day! Rachelle was in her manual wheelchair from 9AM-6PM today. Rach pushed herself on the manual chair from her room all the way to the cafeteria (if you haven't visited the hospital, that is a long distance). She and Chris practiced moving with the sliding board from the wheelchair to Chris's car. Unfortunately, that was very difficult to do, but they will continue to practice. Rach also helped with a session of PT by pushing with her wrists. Her therapists were thrilled because they did not expect her to be able to do that (what else would you expect from her?)

On a more fun note, Rach got to see and pet her dog, PeeDee today. She also did her own makeup and put on her shirt by herself. Rachelle also got the opportunity to see how Frances drives her vehicle. Frances opens the rear end of her car and with the push of a button, a ramp slides down. She then wheels herself up the vehicle and locks her wheelchair in the driver's seat (the car doesn't have a driver's seat). Rachelle is gaining a lot of knowledge from Frances.

Keep it up Rach!! You are doing so well.



  • Tuesday, June 29, 2010 9:44 PM, EDT

Today Rach tried multiple manual wheelchairs to see which ones she liked best. However, she found out that the first one she used from the beginning was her favorite one (go figure). Chris and Rach also practiced many slide board transfers today as well, going from the wheelchair to a regular chair and bed. On Monday, Chris and Rach might leave the hospital to go visit their old stomping ground (ECU) on Chris's car, if they are they ready.

After all the PT today, Rach went back to the gym for more exercise and pumped some more iron. She did additional weight training, even though she was finished for the day.

You guys rock!



  • Monday, June 28, 2010 4:00 PM, EDT

hey everyone!

this is rachelle again. last night after all of the festivities my friend kasie and i had a wheelchair race through the hospital. the nurses thought it was hilarious. i had an awesome weekend but it is back to work today! today i sat on the mat and supported myself sitting up. the therapists were super impressed and are starting to think i have some triceps! i am not supposed to have them with my level of injury, but i think they are there! i also practiced getting in and out of a car using a sliding board. it is basically a board that goes under me while sitting in my chair and the other end sits on the place i want to go to such as a bed or car seat. for now someone else slides me across it but hopefully i will be able to do it alone eventually.

i hope all of you know i read this site everyday and it makes me so happy! thanks so much!



  • Sunday, June 27, 2010 9:09 PM, EDT

On Saturday night, Chris and Rachelle were treated to a special night. They received a gift from all the therapists, which included dinner from Hibachi. They also spend the night in an independent living room (similar to a hospital suite) and they did everything themselves. Chris and Rachelle had a good night and they spend some time alone.

As all of you know, today was supposed to be Chris and Rachelle's wedding day. Rachelle had many family and friends come visit her today. They hung out and laughed a lot. Chris and Rach were extra cute today as well, they kissed and hugged all day long.

The senior cheerleaders from Rach's work came to visit her and they also did a cheer. Also, Rachelle was in both her electrical and manual wheelchairs. Finally, everyone received nice manicures today.

If you haven't already planted your wedding invitations, please do so in honor of Chris and Rachelle's ever growing love.



  • Friday, June 25, 2010 11:47 PM, EDT

This morning started out a bit rough for Rachelle. Her and Chris were supposed to go to IHOP for breakfast and Target to do some shopping. Unfortunately, the bus broke down and they did not get to go on their trip. Rachelle was very disappointed because today was going to be her first time leaving the hospital since the accident. The trip has been rescheduled for next Friday.

After breakfast, Rachelle's day turned around. In PT she received a brand new standing chair (straight out of the box brand new). The standing chair is similar to a regular power chair but it lays Rachelle down and then slowly stands her up almost all the way. The standing chair is a very positive thing because it allows Rachelle to reach high things, do grocery shopping and there are medical benefits, such as it prevents blood clots and sustains/ improves bone density.

Rachelle then moved from the standing chair to a manual chair for the very first time. She used special gripping gloves and pushed herself from the gym, all the way down the hallway, to her room (to say hello to her roommate) and then back to the gym. The manual chair is important because it allows Rachelle to have more freedom and versatility for transportation, as well as for going out. By using the manual chair, going out is made easier because it allows for a board to slide Rachelle from the chair to the car.

This is such great progress for Rachelle. Keep it up Rach.



  • Thursday, June 24, 2010 10:19 PM, EDT

Rachelle got to see her dad again today and he also got the opportunity to watch Rachelle during PT. Rachelle swam laps again and she did a lot of stretching in the pool. During PT, she also got shock therapy on her forearms and her nerves were stimulated with electrodes, Rachelle also participated in slide board transfers from the wheelchair to a regular bed. Good job Rachelle!



  • Wednesday, June 23, 2010 11:33 PM, EDT

wow, Who can believe that it was four weeks ago today that Rachelle ahd her accident. It's amazing how time can go so fast and stills stand still at the same time

It amazes us looking at Rachelle today and how she was just 4 weeks ago. She has taken so many baby steps to get to where she is. I would have never of thought 4 weeks ago that she would be up in a wheel chair much less going to the pool and being able to rub her hands against her face to scratch ,

When she was in ICU she of course had a breathing tube to help her breathing. Rachelle being who she is still tried to continue to talk. Kasie, a friend of hers, made her a chart so she could move her head or eyes to the right letter so we could figure out what she was saying. She wouldn't try just the main word she would try entire sentences . Trust me Vanna White didn't need to worry about her job. when she would get frustrated with us Chris would just tell her " Baby, it's all right we have all day"
We all thought of how much trouble we would be in for not getting it as much as she would have liked, however, I think the pain meds made her forget and we were saved.

The first week and a half were major roller coasters she would suffer from her left lung collapsing twice and she went into cardiac arrest on the elevator when she was going to have the umbrella put in incase a blod clot formed.

Rachelle has use of her arms ( but not her triceps) and she doesnt have use of her hands. She says the weirdest feeling is touching herself and part of your body not feeling it , as well as, when she is in the water she cant feel the water from the chest down. Her body is having a hard time regulating it's temperature so sometimes she is outside with a blanket on her trying to warm up, Who knows maybe when she is older she will actually appreciate hot flashes ( probably not) Since she will eventually feel the heat more than we do and the cold more than we do.

We like you are so proud of Rachelles accomplishments.

But as they say with every bad moment there is a silver lining and I think both Rachelle, her family, Chris and his family realizes how big our silver lining is. We have had incredible support from family, friends and we made tons of new friends along the way and for that we are grateful. I have spent a lot of time with Susan and Bob( Chris' parents) they have been the best "parents" to her , but then again they always have.

Rachelle has always had a great medical team from the begining the E.M.T's that came to the call, the staff at Virginia Beach General as well as Pitt Memorial in N. C. You guys are awesome

Chris has been with Rachelle every step of the way he has learned so much about her care and is wonderful with our little girl.

We just wanted to thank everyone for loving our Rachelle

Love,
Mom and Dad



  • Wednesday, June 23, 2010 9:41 PM, EDT

Rachelle went in the pool again today and she swam three laps on her back. After being in the pool for a long period of time, she practiced to dress herself a bit. She then played Wii boxing with Jeremiah, her three year old nephew. Unfortunately, Jeremiah kicked Rach's butt, but only because he plays the game on a daily basis (unfair). The game system is reading Rachelle's movements a lot better. Finally, she continued to work her arms by doing bicep curls with her wrists. What a day for Rach! She worked so hard.

Rachelle's employer also came to visit her today. Her employer brought posters of pictures of all the employees from Rach's work wearing ECU clothing, to support Rach. Thank you very much for doing that everyone.

Today was also a special day because it was Chris and Rachelle's five year anniversary of dating. They celebrated by having takeout Chinese food.



  • Tuesday, June 22, 2010 8:33 PM, EDT

Rachelle went in the pool for the first time today. She floated on her back and she moved her arms around the entire time. Rachelle worked out her arms so much in the pool that when she got out, her arms felt like jello. She will be exercising in the pool for the duration of the week. Rach also watched a video of Frances being in her home and doing her daily activities of life, including gardening and cleaning her own pool. Keep up the hard work Rachelle!



  • Monday, June 21, 2010 4:44 PM, EDT

Hi, everybody:

As you all know, Rachelle typed all by herself yesterday using an adaptive device. Today in PT she worked on more resistance training and she also sat on a mat. She's also getting better at feeding herself and the shoulder pain is slowly diminishing. Rach's continuing to work hard!! We love you Rach.



  • Sunday, June 20, 2010 2:07 PM, EDT

heres me and my dad today....happy fathers day!!!!



  • Sunday, June 20, 2010 1:34 PM, EDT

hey everybody! it is yours truly....RACHELLE! I am typing for the first time on nmy very own and so now i can send you some personal updates. i am celebrating fathers day with my dad and i am having an awesome day...no pain either!! i read this everyday and i get sooooo excited reading new messages. you have no idea how grateful i am for all of the support. keep it coming cuz it keeps me going!

whoo that was a workout



  • Saturday, June 19, 2010 10:07 PM, EDT

Today was Rachelle's day to relax. She and her mom watched movies and ate popcorn. Rachelle even picked up the popcorn by herself. Rach and her mom also sneaked out of Rach's room to watch Cars on a big screen TV. She also received a T-shirt from a family friend. The T-shirt consists of a pirate in a wheelchair. ARRGGG!! Rachelle loved the T-shirt. Thank you for sending it.



  • Friday, June 18, 2010 6:42 PM, EDT

Rachelle had a great day today!!! She woke up without any shoulder pain and she sat in a special shower chair and had a full body shower. Rach also worked on feeding herself and she now places her own food orders (so she can finally have her fruit loops for breakfast). Even though she completed all of her PT for the day, she worked ever harder and did an extra session of PT. You go girl!!!



  • Thursday, June 17, 2010 10:06 PM, EDT

For the first time today, Rachelle leaned forward from her wheelchair and placed her elbows on the table. While she leaned forward, one of her visitors (Kasie) braided her hair and put a flower in it.

Rachelle also met with the recreational therapist and she was given many resources about traveling around North Carolina. The information explained how to access the mountains, the beach and many more outdoor places. She was also given a book that contains the contact information of any sport she wants to play. Rachelle already has several sports in mind that she wants to play.



  • Wednesday, June 16, 2010 8:41 PM, EDT

Rachelle had a bit of a rough morning today. She woke up in pain but she pulled through and worked hard in PT. Rachelle also got a new wheelchair today but she doesn't like it as much, but only because it doesn't have ECU colors. She also met with Frances again and had the opportunity to spend some one-on- one time with her. Rach is planning to stay up with Chris tomorrow night to watch the NBA finals.

Also, Chris and the rehab staff placed a sliding board underneath Rachelle's back. She can now slide across the board to transfer to chairs.

Rachelle enjoys reading all your messages. Please continue to show your love.



  • Tuesday, June 15, 2010 9:27 PM, EDT

Hello, everyone:

Last night the nurses removed Rachelle's PICC line (the peripheral inserted central catheter), so she is now completely IV free.

This morning Rachelle picked up sweet-tarts and placed them in her mouth by herself. She also went on a long trip around the hospital with her electrical wheelchair. Rachelle was also moved into a new room and now has a roommate that she gets along with.

Good job Rachelle!!



  • Monday, June 14, 2010 4:26 PM, EDT

Today was a good day for Rach and Chris. Rachelle woke up tired and did not feel like doing much. However, she pushed herself and worked extremely hard. During PT, Rach held herself up with her arms and worked on the arm bike for 10 minutes. She then continued to build her arm strength by boxing with pillows. Rachelle also typed on the computer today with an adaptive device. Chris is expecting Rach to type five page papers shortly (he's kidding).

Rachelle was very excited to meet a lady by the name of Frances today also. Frances experienced the same exact type of injury as Rachelle in her early twenties. Rachelle is excited to speak with Frances because she is getting first hand knowledge on her injury and Frances is also positive and optimistic.

Even though Chris and Rachelle's wedding is on hold, their love continues to grow. Rachelle requests that you please plant the wedding invitations in honor of their love and the love of their family and friends-old and new.


  • Sunday, June 13, 2010 1:55 PM, EDT

Rachelle had a full day yesterday. She sat in her wheelchair for over six hours and went outside several times. Rachelle had plenty of visitors and everyone got the opportunity to see her. She had a tropical smoothie outside in the hot weather.
Rachelle told a few of her famous stories and made everyone laugh histerically. She joked Chris while he watched the England vs. USA World Cup game because she doesn't like soccer. She was glad when the same was over, Chris on the other hand, not so much.



  • Friday, June 11, 2010 6:53 PM, EDT

Chris and Rachelle went on a field trip today. Rachelle was in her wheelchair and rode the bus across the street to the adaptive equipment store. She rented a device to help her dial telephone numbers and a device to help her use the computer mouse.



  • Thursday, June 10, 2010 8:49 PM, EDT

Hello, everyone:

Many of you have been asking whether Rachelle may have guests. She surely can have guests and she welcomes anyone that would like to come see her. The visitation hours at the hospital are:

4:00PM-9:00PM on Weekdays
12:00PM-9PM on Weekends

Today Rach played the Wii boxing video game with her best friend, Kasie. As they were playing the game, Rachelle punched Kasie in the face (in the game of course).

Aaron (Rach's brother) also visited Rachelle today. Aaron helped Rach eat the most food she had eaten at the hospital yet. Good job! Both visitors wore purple and gold to show their ECU spirit.

Rachelle is also traveling everywhere with her wheelchair. She's amazed many people with her awesome driving skills. Rach's a good driver!!

Chris and Rachelle would like to thank you again for all the love and support everyone is showing. Rachelle would love to have visitors, so feel free to visit her.



  • Wednesday, June 9, 2010 11:11 PM, EDT

Rach found out today that she will be in rehab for approximately eight weeks. She is also slowly feeding herself with some assistance. Please continue to shower her with love.

We love you beautiful!



  • Tuesday, June 8, 2010 11:05 PM, EDT

Rach's blood pressure went down today and due to the pain medications, she did a lot of sleeping. She is keeping strong though.

Thank you all for the love and support you are showing for Rachelle.



  • Monday, June 7, 2010 9:22 PM, EDT

Today Rachelle's therapists focused on her fine motor skills. The therapists placed a band on Rach's hand and she was able to brush her own teeth. This morning was filled with stretches.
She also sat in her wheelchair again for a longer period of time. Her new wheelchair is purple and gold, GO PIRATES. Rachelle also went outside in the sun again today.

We love you Rach!!



  • Sunday, June 6, 2010 10:40 PM, EDT

If you would like to send Rachelle a get well card, please send them to the following address:

Pitt County Memorial Hospital
2100 Stantonsburg Road
PO Box 6028
Greenville, NC 27835
Attention: Rachelle Friedman
Rehab 442

Today, (with the help of the nurses) Chris was able to make his first ponytail for Rachelle.

Rachelle and Chris want to thank you for the support you have shown and are continuing to show. Your thoughts and warm wishes are helping them stay strong through these difficult times.

Thank you again for all the support! Let's continue to cheer them on!!



  • Saturday, June 5, 2010 12:40 PM, EDT

Good news. Rachelle is sitting up in a wheelchair today and she is wearing yoga pants with the t-shirt she received from the Optimist Pool (she likes the t-shirt very much, thank you). Today has been a busy day, as she attended recreational therapy. She also found out that she used to work with one of her therapists when she attended ECU.

Her positive energy continues to inspire everyone around her. She was asked by the rehab facility to be the speaker of the therapy class about having a positive attitude.

Finally, Rach and Chris can't stop kissing. Rach has such a good guy by her side and Chris has a very strong and optimistic young lady that loves him.

We are rooting for you Chris and Rach!!!!




  • Friday, June 4, 2010 6:42 PM, EDT

Rachelle has arrived in Greenville safely. She's excited to use all the programs at the facility. She also had meatballs for dinner and she loved them. We love you Rach!



  • Friday, June 4, 2010 1:54 PM, EDT

Rachelle has left Virginia Beach and is now on her way to Greenville, NC. She's excited!



  • Friday, June 4, 2010 9:52 AM, EDT

Rachelle is getting ready to head out to Greenville. She will be leaving Virginia Beach at noon. Last night she got her hair done and her family put make-up on her. She is looking forward to going back to Greenville. Let's continue to cheer her on!!



  • Thursday, June 3, 2010 9:42 PM, EDT

Hi, everybody:

Tomorrow morning Rachelle will be moving to The Regional Rehabilitation Center-Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC. Rachelle is very excited about this because she will be surrounded by fellow Pirates. She continues to work hard on her physical therapy. The muscles on her hands have shown some movement and yesterday she was even able to hold her own suction tube. Yay, Rachelle!! Keep up the hard work, we are all so proud of you.



  • Wednesday, June 2, 2010 9:03 AM, EDT

As many of you already know, Rachelle is now out of the ICU and has moved to a less monitored room with Internet access. She is very excited about that. She has also been working on PT several times a day and is showing progress. Go Rach!!!



  • Tuesday, June 1, 2010 8:41 AM, EDT

Hi, everyone:

Rachelle and her family would like to thank you again for the ongoing support and for the caring wishes. Rachelle had an eventful Memorial Day Weekend. She had respiratory
complications the last two days and the physicians used a bronchial scope twice, to remove mucus and excess fluids from her lungs.

However, she participated in physical therapy twice over the weekend and she was able to sit up in bed with full assistance. Her spirits remain high and she was very excited to see all of her friends and family who came to visit. She personally wants to thank all of her friends that drove up to Virginia Beach to see her. She is very thankful for all of her family and friends.

Rachelle also received a signed football and basketball from the head coaches of both of the ECU teams. She would like to thank everyone who assisted with the signing of the
football/basketball and everyone who was able to obtain the balls.

As a tribute to Rach, we created purple and gold ribbons and wore them everywhere. Purple and gold represent the colors of East Carolina University, the school Rachelle attended. We also painted our nails purple to show our support. Several of Rachelle's guy friends, including Chris and her dad, painted their thumbs purple. One of her guy friends even went the extra step and painted his toes purple :)

Rachelle is so grateful to have such wonderful family and friends. She wants everyone to know that she had a great time seeing everyone this weekend. Again, thank you to all the people who drove up to see Rach this past weekend.

Thank you for the support; let's continue to cheer Rach on!!

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