Message from Dave

Hi

Figured we'd do a quick update, might be one of the last ones. Dave wanted me to tell everyone he's doing "great", at least as good as can be expected. A few weeks ago, he started neurofeedback, which has made a huge difference.....Way less tired and more himself. Weeks are taken up by multiple therapies still, but we've been getting out and hiking (and maybe even a few cruiser bike rides on the bike path, but don't tell any moms or doctors:)

So there's a quick update, hard to believe it's been over three months. BUT it has been impressive to watch how quickly a person can come back from a potentially devastating accident.

Thanks again to all our friends and family for their love and support.

Looking towards winter....

Another random update.....Watching the snow fall outside and thought I'd give a quick update. Things are still progressing, slowly but surely. Dave is seeming to be more himself everyday, still extremely tired and forgetting small things (nothing new here though :)!). But his sense of humor is coming back and he's not as overwhelmingly frustrated as he was a few weeks ago. He's putting all in his energy in to therapies and rehabs with the hopes of being on his snowboard sometime this winter. In between therapies, we've going on walks and Dave's been building bikes at Fitzgeralds. We're heading down to Moab for a little at the end of the month (don't panic, Dave won't be on his bike) and then will be around all off-season. So come visit, probably be doing alot of chilling!

Hope all is well out there and thanks again for all your friendship and support !!!!

As fall approaches....

Hi,

Not sure if anyone is checking this blog anymore, but thought I'd give a quick update. After being in JH for almost 3 weeks, things have settled into more of a routine. The weeks having been flying by with Dave busy with all kinds of therapy and at-home exercises. We've been swimming a bunch and he's kept himself busy organizing the van and the garage. The latest project is to replace the starter in the van....so if any of you local boys are around that want to help that would be great (Since I have no idea what I'm doing). He's also been coaching me on the dirt jumps in Victor and will be starting to build bikes up at Fitzgeralds this week. So all in all things have been progressing slowly but surely......

And just to emphasize again, thanks to everyone for their support and friendship!

Back Home

hi

well we've been back home now for 5 days and both of us are so excited to be home with our friends. Dave has been busy with lots of therapy appointments, but seems to have done well with the transition out of the hospital. Things continue to progress everyday, he even made me breakfast this morning...always a good sign. Visitors are always welcome, maybe call ahead to make sure he's not napping or out doing something cool :)

Also wanted to say thanks again to everyone for their support during the last 5 weeks.....we really wouldn't be where we are today without you guys.

We're coming Home!!!!!!

So big news here in IF today. Although we are sad to leave the beautiful city of IF, we are super stoked to come home tomorrow!!!! The rehab team decided today during their weekly meeting that Dave is ready for the outside world where he will continue outpatient therapies. 24-hour supervision at home is also a condition, so whoever wants to come hang out so I can do stuff, let me know :)

Still a ways to go before BTD will be ripping around on his snowboard and bike, but at least he'll back in the Tetons. Thanks again for everyone's support and visits. We're planning to have a thank-you Bike Polo party in a couple of weeks for everyone, so I'll keep you posted on that.

See you back in the valley!!!!!

A HUGE Thank You and More Details about BBQ

Hi

Last night was SO much fun and I wanted to say thanks to everyone who helped put it together and to all those who came out to drink PBR, rock out and show their support for Dave. We both feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing community. I can't thank you guys enough for all the love and support everyone has shown. Words can't express.....

So as far as the BBQ....Dave is super stoked to break out of the hospital and see everyone. Just a heads up, he's still working on his short-term memory so asking specific questions about what his therapy is like may not be the best idea. Also it seems that he's more interested in the world out there rather than hospital stuff...of course ask him how he's doing if you'd like, but he also loves hearing about what everyone is doing and talking about the things he loves like snowboarding and biking etc.

here is somewhat revised directions:

From hospital, take a right on Channing then a right at the first light onto Sunnyside Rd.
From Sunnyside Rd, take a left onto Summit Run into The Meadows. Then take immediate right onto Shadow Mt. Trail. We'll have basic hamburger and brats, so bring other things to grill if you want. 4 pm is what we're thinking, but feel free to stop by earlier if you want.

And also feel free to call me or Scott with any questions or if you get lost.

Can't wait to see everyone, it's always the highlight of my day when our friends come visit!!! And THANKS AGAIN for last night, it was awesome.

BTD Support Fund Up & Running

Thanks again to all the BTD fans that have been giving so much of their time and energy toward supporting Sarah and Dave. There have also been a lot of inquiries by those that would like to help these two out financially. So, a support fund has been set up at Wells Fargo to help the Houlton's with all the stuff they don't want to even worry about right now... Please pass this information on to anyone that's interested in donating.

The account is the Dave Houlton Fund, account #2553365137 at Wells Fargo. Checks may be written to "Dave Houlton Fund" and brought to any Wells Fargo branch, dropped of at Fitzgerald's Bicycles, brought to me at the benefit Friday night or mailed to P.O. Box 7330, Jackson, WY. 83002. Deposits may be made at any branch of Wells Fargo using the above account#. Wire transfers can be made using the account # and the routing #102301092. And, current Wells Fargo customers can make online transfers directly into this account.

Please get ahold of me with any other questions about making a donation or find me Friday night at the benefit. Let's help these guys out with not only medical bills, but the day-to-day things that are adding up as they're in IF focusing on the most important thing, Dave's recovery!

Dave's Video Greeting and BBQ Info

4PM Sunday BBQ at Idaho Falls Rental House w/ Dave himself!
Directions
Travel West on Sunyside BLVD past the turn for ERMAIC Hospital
Go through next traffic light
Turn Left into the "Meadows" subdivision
Take first right, and look for all the "22" license plates

See you there!

Oh, and a quick update on Dave's PT. The day started out with Dave installing a tube/tire on a rim, adjusting the hub, and truing up the wheel. His Occupational Therapist Jim loved it! Then we walked down 6 floors, walked around the hospital, and back up the 6 floors! Then he spent 10 minutes on the treadmill! Awesome!

Real Quick

So even though I'm in Seattle, thought I'd update from here real quick.  Rehab is still progressing in the right direction.  His treatment team is estimating 10-14 more days on the Rehab floor and then home to Jackson.  Here he'll be continuing outpatient therapies, as well as will require 24-hour supervision so he dosn't do anything crazy like drive his van to Big Sky and try to ride his bike.  All in all things are going well, he's continuing to work on balance and walking, as well as memory retrieving and his double vision.

Hope to see everyone on Friday :)

Three Weeks Ago.....

Just sitting here watching Dave sleep, reflecting on the past three weeks. Three weeks ago to the day I was flying into Idaho Falls scared out of my mind, feeling like my world had completely crumbled. Those first days in the ICU were a haze, but I do remember knowing deep down that Dave was still there and would eventually make it back to us. After being in rehab for almost a week, it seems that he is exceeding all initial expectations. Although it will be a journey and he probably won't be on his bike until next summer, it has been amazing to witness Dave's resilience, motivation, and strength. And although the doctors and therapists are hesitant to make any guarantees, they do seem truly impressed with the Dave's recovery process so far.

I want to say once again, that we would not be where we are today without our friends and family, their support, thoughts and visits, their strength and positive energy.

Thank you again from my heart and We love you guys :)!!!!

Continued progress... and a request for Sarah's carrot cake

This afternoon, all of Dave's therapists (speech, physical, and occupational), specifically mentioned the progress he has made - even since yesterday. This includes recalling new information for more than 10 seconds, using the stair-master and walking unsupported (with only some "spotting" on his hips), and putting together a 3D puzzle (6 out of 8 pieces). He had a hard time finding his way back to his room after the therapy sessions... but then again so do some of his visitors!

Dave's humor and personality continue to shine through. He made a request for Sarah's "world famous carrot cake"... so plan your visits accordingly and you might also get in on the deliciousness!

Dave needs 24 hour supervision so that he does not fall down (see his "Fall Risk" bracelet) and re-injure himself. Sarah is heading back to Seattle this coming week (Tues-Thurs) to pack up and Scott Wood and Sarah's mom will be here in IF but they and Dave could use some additional company and help with the overnight shift (this only requires sleeping in another bed near Dave's sweet tent bed). Get in touch if you can hang with Dave at any point during those Sarah-less days.

Scott Wood is making some sweet posters for the upcoming fundraiser for BTD. Plan on attending the party on Friday, August 21 starting at 9 at the Coach featuring $2 PBRs, some metal band named Yeti, tons of raffles, and perhaps an appearance by Sarah Long-Houlton herself!

Blog links and Medical update (sort of)

Hi

So wanted to forward these links to Frequency and Mountain Culture blogs that our friend Dan K wrote....Thank Dan!!

http://www.frqncy.com/news/2009/08/11/thoughts-and-prayers-to-dave-houlton

http://www.themountainculture.com/

We'll write more tomorrow, it's been another long day at the hospital, but things are still moving in the right direction. After a long day of therapy for Dave, I'm exhausted. Can't imagine how tired he must be. He's is working really hard to come home to Jackson. After talking with several doctors this past week, there are several updates (sort of). Some of you might know about the eye surgery controversy...the final word is no eye surgery for at least a month since most of the specialists agree Dave's double vision is neurologically-related, not a result from the orbital fracture. His lead doctor also told my sister that his progress is ahead of schedule considering his initial prognosis and are predicting 3 more weeks on the rehab floor, but could be sooner.

That's all the medical news for now, I'll keep you posted if there is more......

Thanks again for all the support and visits. I know I keep saying this but without you guys I don't know where we would be right now as far as recovery.

S

Coffee and Flying Bicycles

Hey everyone. Just got back from a great visit with BTD. Scott and I spent the night with Dave last night just to make sure he does not go on walk about at night. They set him up with this cool tent like apparatus that keeps him in the bed. He thought the "camping" set up was cool and was even scheming on how to trailer up the "tent bed" to the van to get it home. Crackup!
I feel very fortunate to have experienced Dave's first cup of coffee with him this morning. Dave and I spent about an hour checking out rolling stone magazine and sipping coffee....Dave was actually chugging it. Dave appreciates a good addiction to coffee so this was a special moment.

He had a great morning in therapy as well. He crushed it on the occupational therapy exercises. After that it was off to speech therapy. One of the exercises required him to say Yes or No to particular situations. Mike D and I almost choked laughing when the therapist asked Dave "If bicycles could fly?" Dave answered the "therapist answer" of NO correctly....but Mike and I thought YES would have been acceptable as well in this situation. Dave's bike certainly does fly!
After a way too short rest he was off to Physical therapy. He then had lunch and then had to do it all again for an afternoon session. He is definitely tired but is doing amazing. Just give Sarah or Scott Wood a call when you are planning to head over to see him so they can give you an update on when he will be napping and such.

Sarah made it home to Jackson today for the afternoon. She was able to get a quick bike ride in with Allison!!! She is holding up and appreciates all the energy you are all sending. We are happy she got out of IF for the day. We all know the Tetons are good for the soul.

Important thing is Dave's awesome personality is shining strong!! He is the same Dave...he is just fighting hard to come to the top.

"Which one is the patient?"

In Dave's world, everyday brings more progress. Today was a good day hanging out with the big man. At one point today, Dave made a call and talked to his brother. Shortly after, there were about 6 people in the room when two nurses came in, looked around and asked "Which one is the patient?". I should be careful to start with a disclaimer, although there's a lot of progress, the steps are small in the big picture, but a giant leap from last week.

Dave's been talking a bit more and has been working on walking. Today was his first full day of rehab which was four hours of mental/motor skills/occupational exercises. It's was obviously tiring, but he made good progress and was obviously putting a lot of effort into the rehab.

To everyone's delight, Dave is still Dave and let's you know with his trademark sense of humor. He keeps asking friends to bring him a half rack of PBR, but it's imperative that we keep any alcohol away from him as it can severely harm his recovery.

It seems that each day he stays aware for a longer period of time than the day before. Going on a cycle from sleeping, to a groggy wake-up, then being alert and interactive to his surroundings. After a short time, he visibly tires and becomes less accurate and aware, eventually falling back to sleep. He's really been enjoying seeing friends stopping by and loves the photos that people have brought in. Anyone that wants to come and visit should definitely try to make it by. Best time is after 4pm when he's finished with his PT for the day. We're trying to keep small groups that go in to avoid over stimulation which tends to wear him out quicker.

Sarah once again thanks everyone for the enormous amount of support from everyone!

The Big Move Upstairs

Hi

So today we finally got to move out of 3rd floor limbo and onto the rehab floor. It's way better with a great staff and plenty of rehab, not to mention a bigger room and an extra bed for visitors. The visiting schedule is a little different, but there are plenty of times throughout the day where you can come hang out, just give me or Scott Wood a call and we can tell you whats up. It might be a fun time to visit since he's interacting way more now and able to converse in spurts.

I also wanted to say thanks again for everyone's energy and for telling me it's going to be ok. Although I've always known deep down that Dave will make a full recovery eventually, its been scary and overwhelming trying to imagine what this journey will be. Without our friends and family, I would've fallen apart 2 weeks ago. So thank you to everyone for keeping me sane !!!!

After thinking back to 16 days ago, I realized today how far Dave has come in a relatively short amount of time. It's hard to keep perspective when you're here in IF every day, but the reality is that he is improving every day, maybe every hour. And I truly believe it's a combination of Dave's spirit and will, as well as all of the love and support from everyone.

So once again thank you so much!!!

Tall Dave's field trip

Hi everyone,

Another excitement-filled day in IF. We had another wave of friends today and yesterday, which is always something Dave and I both get super stoked for. We're still waiting to go up to the rehab floor, but the day still seemed to go by quickly. A highlight was an excursion outside. Erik and JK came up with the genius idea to take Dave in a wheelchair out to see Laura's van and the heli. He was so ready to get out there, he almost fell out of bed trying to get up. After trying to trick Josh Pope into giving him a PBR, he chilled out with the rest of the parking lot crew.

As far as a medical update, it seems like he is progressing but is still confused as to what happened. He is continuing to work on regaining strength and motor control. There is some discussion related to the broken orbital and eyesight problems, surgery may be in the future, but I'll keep everyone posted.

The past two weeks have been crazy and overwhelming. I want to say thanks again to all of our friends and family and their love and support. I keep hearing from doctors and friends that things are progressing, but keep sending those positive vibes our way. I truly believe everyone's support, thoughts and prayers are contributing to the healing we have already seen.

Thanks again and we love you!!!

Sarah

another big day for BTD

Dave took his first steps today with a walker (minimal assist), is out of his hospital gown and wearing an ACDC tee and shorts, and talking up a storm. Dave's sense of humor is SO there, amazing the guy can be so funny with everything that's happened. Sometimes he is right on, like recognizing Harlen and Liz, other times he is a bit off thinking he is flying around in helicopters. He is outta ICU and hanging out on the surgical floor till Monday, when he goes up to the sixth floor for inpatient rehab. Visitors coming over for a visit should call sarah or scott.
sooo great to see dave coming out of the fog!

Logistical update and Thanks again

Hi

So just a quick update....like Kirstin said Dave's been moved out of ICU, but is not quite ready for the rehab floor yet. Sounds like he'll start that Monday and be there for 3 weeks or so. Once that move happens, the visiting schedule might be a little different, so just give me or Scott Wood a call and we can tell you when is a good time. Definitely still come and visit, Dave mentioned yesterday it was great to see so many friends and smiling faces (wasn't as coherent as that, but that was his general message). And as long as it dosn't interfere with therapy and he has enough rest, the rehab people are totally cool with it. Until Monday, he'll be on the 3rd floor and you can visit whenever, just give me a call.

Thanks again for all your visits, support, messages, calls, food (thanks Allie for the rad salad) etc. It means so much to both of us and his mom. Things are moving slowly in the right direction, although they keep stressing it's going to be a long process. Thanks again, we love you guys !!!!! :)

Sarah

Out of ICU

Dave definitely enjoyed his peaches and pears today, although he declared his chicken salad sandwich to be "medium". Had a great afternoon and evening with Dave and his classic humor. It's so great to talk to him and have him recognize us. I just wanted to let everyone know that he has moved out of ICU!!! He's just moved up to the 3rd floor this evening, which is general medicine, and will be moving to the rehab floor in the next few days. He's progressing so well, but keep him & Sarah in your thoughts as the road ahead is still long.

I want more pears.

Dave made some great progress today! Today I had a short conversation with Dave for the first time. He opened his and left eye and saw me and asked "What the shit you been up to?" and gave me the hand shake. He's drinking water like there's no tomorrow and really likes pears. He's been eating and he really "loves water".

He counted from one to ten. He remembered being in Guatemala from a photo. Dave was talking to Sarah quite a bit today and was much calmer when she was around. When she wasn't there he asked for her.

It's good progress, he responds well for a short time then wears out quickly. It's obvious he's trying really hard.

If anyone has any photos of Dave, we have a huge poster board in his room with tons of photos. He was really liking the photos and it helped. Anyone who is familiar with the mullet party, I showed him a photo from that and he replied "Classic".

If you do have photos, you can upload images to this site and I'll print them out for him (if you have multiple photos, please archive or zip the files): http://drop.io/wooddesign

Thanks to everyone for all your support.

The Big Man Speaks!!!!!

Dave just started talking about 30 minutes ago! He said his head hurts and his right arms hurts. It's difficult to understand most of what he's saying but it's obvious he's trying pretty hard. We told him he was in the hospital and he replied "figured as much". Small steps in the big picture, but a great relief to see!

Dave was also able get his left eye partially open for a short time, and he drank water from a straw (much to his delight!). Big steps for the big man today! I think they're going to keep him in the ICU for a couple more days. Still going to be a long road ahead, but things are looking better!

Sunday Night BBQ

Had a great time hanging and BBQ'ing with everyone at the new house in IF. Went to the hospital and spent an hour or so with Dave. He's moving right along, but not opening the eyes totally yet... soon though!

Waiting.....

Hey everyone

Just a quick update before I go back into ICU..... Not too much change, he's still responding and definitely seems to know his friends and family are in the room. We finally got some music in there for him and I swear he was moving his foot to some Michael Franti this morning. Still hasn't opened his eyes, but he is trying hard to. He's even been trying to open them with his hand.

So that's sort of a quick update, maybe Scott will elaborate later :) !!!

Come visit!!!

Hi everyone,

Just want to start of saying....THANKS AGAIN to everyone who has been sending messages and love this way. I wouldn't be functioning at all without you guys........So sort of more of the same today. Dave's still refusing to open his eyes, but he is responding to other commands like 'raise your right leg' and 'lift 2 fingers'. It also seems like he is completely aware when his friends are in the room and are talking to him. The PT and MD said today it was good for him to hear familiar voices talking to him and around him, so come on down to IF if you want to say hi. (It also gives me something to look forward too, cuz this town is kinda weird:)!!!) His main doctor seems to be hopeful, but is quick to remind us this process will take awhile. We also rented a 4 bedroom house with a backyward if people want to set up a tent or crash in an empty room. Just give me a text or a call if you're headed this way.

xoxox and thanks again, we love you!!!!!!!

Sarah

Really psyched to see BTD sitting up, yawning, moving....the PT and speech therapists have come by today. It is great to see the hospital staff so incredibly positive and very encouraging about his progress. And actually, Idaho Falls is somewhat pleasant (can't believe I just said that). If anyone is wondering if they should come visit, come!! We love seeing your faces and keep up with the great support!!!!

BTD Making Moves

It was a pretty heartening morning, today, seeing Dave respond to everyone's request. He's squeezing our hands and moving his legs when we ask. You can tell he's really trying. It was a super special morning for me when I went to say good-bye to Dave. I told him I had to leave for a few days, that I would be back on Tuesday, to keep working hard, etc... and when I said "bye" on my way out of the room he sat up in bed, raised his left hand and tried to wave good-bye!!!! It was pretty amazing, I think, because it was voluntary (no one told him to do it) and it was a totally appropriate response (it's what we do when someone says good-bye)! I wanted to share this amazing moment with you guys, especially as we are heading into a really tough part of Dave and Sarah's journey. By the way, the "partying through the crying" last night was awesome, guys!

Amazing People And A Shout Out To The Long's!!

I thought I would take a moment to thank all the wonderful people who have been there for Dave, Sarah, their friends and their family. The constant support of everyone has been incredible. From those who have been in IF from day 1 to all of those who are constantly traveling back and forth your energy is totally appreciated. I would like to take this time to give an extra special thanks to Pat and Brian, Sarah's parents, for taking care of all of us as well when we are there. They have provided food and accommodations for the Jackson crew who are coming and going. We appreciate your generosity and thank you for making it easier to spend as much time as possible with Dave and Sarah. GO get it BTD!

Send Pics

So that slideshow on the sidebar kicks ass right?! If you want to send me a link to pictures (picasa, flickr, etc.) I can put up another one and another one and another one...

Party through the Cryin'

Sounds like Scott gave everyone a pretty accurate update. things are progressing, but not as quickly as we all would like. he's hanging in there, still struggling to wake up. Just want to say again THANK YOU so much to everyone that is here, as well as far away, for all your support and love. I can't imagine surviving this without you guys. Tonight we're drinking beers and planning for the future....as Dave always says...you gotta keep partying through the crying :) !!!!

Afternoon Update

Dave is out of the MRI and breathing without the ventilator! He is pretty much completely off sedation and assisted breathing now. Great news. They also found no significant ligament damage so they took off the neck brace. Again, positive results.

He still hasn't decided to open his eyes, but we know that will come. The doctors are quick to remind everyone that this can be a very, very slow process. We have to keep measuring results in weeks, not days. Maybe he'll open up tomorrow, maybe in a few weeks. The important thing is that Dave is obviously trying his hardest to come back to us. When he does wake up, there is a strong chance he will need a while to remember all the things that make him BTD and that's normal in these situations. It might be a little scary, but a little patience on our part will go along way for Dave. We should all keep celebrating the little accomplishments while getting ready for the challenges ahead.

If you have been wondering if a visit is appropriate, Sarah assures us that the more loved ones around the better. I can personally say that being around Dave and Sarah has lifted my spirits big time. No here's the "but". But, the next phase of recovery for Dave has the potential of being really difficult. There is a chance that if you go to Idaho Falls, you might not be able to spend time with Dave. Doesn't matter. Seeing Sarah and giving her a hug will be worth your trip regardless.

Morning Visit

We had an early visit with Dave today and he was doing well. The doctor had the cranium pressure monitor removed which made Dave look way more like himself. He was flexing and moving every muscle in his body but still not ready to open his eyes. Man, he has a strong grip! He was scheduled for a 10am MRI which will hopefully show no ligament damage in his neck as well as more insight into the bruising on his brain. With any luck they will try to remove the breathing tubes tonight and see how that goes. He is breathing on his own already, they are just keeping them in for precautionary measures. Come on back BTD!

THANK YOU SO MUCH

We just wanted to thank everyone for their amazing support, thoughts, prayers, goody baskets, calls. It means so much to have such a supportive and loving community around us. We'll try to keep everyone updated as things progress. THANKS AGAIN. Love Sarah and Dave

Latest Update

Just got back from the hospital. Dave was on Fire! The nurse took him off the sedation when we arrived and it wasn't long before the big man was moving all around. He was clenching his fists, flexing his quads and turning his head from side to side. The nurse came back in and tried to get Dave to do things, "Dave, squeeze my hand." No luck. After a while we decided to give it a shot ourselves. Huge Success! Upon command Dave squeezed each hand (left and right specifically), raised each leg, stuck out his tongue, and pretty much gave us the finger (almost!). It was the BTD show for sure! We had a room full of people cheering, but Dave wasn't quite ready to open his eyes. But, the doctor walked in and said, "Dave, you just made my night". The doc also told us that he ordered the head pressure monitor removed in the morning. After that he'll take an MRI and see how Dave is looking on the inside. Sounds like tomorrow could be a big day!