Chris Ebling

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On Friday 3/25/2022 Chris was in an accident while training for several spring bicycle rally events, most important to him being his beloved Bike MS event in May where he fundraises annually for this cause he is so passionate about. The result is a spinal cord compression Injury which is classified as “incomplete”. This means he has some nerve response and limited motor movement from his neck down, with hope for recovery at some level. His helmet saved him from a head injury which would be a very different outcome. He has been in Trauma ICU prior to now and is making daily progress. We have a long healing path ahead.
Chris was transferred to Baylor Institute of Rehab (BIR) in Dallas on Sunday 4/3/2022. They have an exceptional program for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients. Now we have had a couple days getting him evaluated, tested, made comfortable, and outfitted in his own wheelchair. It is one amazing high-tech machine. Medically, he is doing very well. All his systems are functioning and healthy. We had a number of days in the hospital with concerns over stabilizing blood pressure and other typical issues after SCI. He is past the acute trauma stage and now ready to start the rehab road. The docs and therapists say he has a good outlook for recovery of motor function due to the specific type of injury and diagnosis, but can’t predict whether it will be 20-50-90%. The human body and especially the nerves have ways of relearning and reconnecting, but there is no magic pill. They have machines and tools and know-how to be enablers, but every nerve in the body has to do its own work. They are most optimistic he will regain some leg mobility, and are less certain about arms and hands. Each day we see another muscle fire with a movement, so those are the daily victories we seek. Yesterday a thumb moved just a bit. The Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists are the real miracle of workers as they know how to coach him to win. Chris has such an exceptional outlook on life that he is already being reflective about where he can use his situation for good. His spirits are up, and he is ready to roll. The doctors say his length of time with inpatient rehab will be determined week by week based on his progress, and insurance approval, of course. For now we have up to 8 weeks submitted for approval. Then he will transition home and start out-patient rehab. I’m starting the transition from being at his side every moment to stepping away and letting the massive team of professionals at BIR do their work. After about 15 minutes watching them do their thing, I came to understand that his every need will be attended to and I’m just an observer during this process. I am transitioning back to a new routine for me that includes visiting him a couple of hours each afternoon. Meanwhile, I take care of all the life stuff behind the scenes. We ask your prayers for daily progress, for our continued strength of spirit, and for that miracle Chris has focused on since Day 1.
Love and gratitude to all -Karen



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